bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silencing of microRNA‐122 is an early event during hepatocarcinogenesis from non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Takaki Yoko , Saito Yoshimasa , Takasugi Azusa , Toshimitsu Kohta , Yamada Shoji , Muramatsu Toshihide , Kimura Masaki , Sugiyama Kazuo , Suzuki Hiromu , Arai Eri , Ojima Hidenori , Kanai Yae , Saito Hidetsugu
Published: August 2014

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has emerged as a common cause of chronic liver disease and virus‐independent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying hepatocarcinogenesis from NASH, microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles were analyzed in STAM mice, a NASH‐HCC animal model. MicroRNA expression was also examined in 42 clinical samples of HCC tissue. Histopathological images of the liver of STAM mice at the ages of 6, 8, 12, and 18 weeks showed findings compatible with fatty liver, NASH, liver cirrhosis (LC), and HCC, respectively. Expression of miR‐122 in non‐tumor LC at the age of 18 weeks was significantly lower than that in LC at the age of 12 weeks. Expression of miR‐122 was further decreased in HCCs relative to non‐tumor LC at the age of 18 weeks. Expression of miR‐122 was also decreased in clinical samples of liver tissue showing macrovesicular steatosis and HCC, being consistent with the findings in the NASH model mice. DNA methylation analysis revealed that silencing of miR‐122 was not mediated by DNA hypermethylation of the promoter region. These results suggest that silencing of miR‐122 is an early event during hepatocarcinogenesis from NASH, and that miR‐122 could be a novel molecular marker for evaluating the risk of HCC in patients with NASH.
miR‐639 regulates transforming growth factor beta‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in human tongue cancer cells by targeting FOXC1
Authors: Lin Zhaoyu , Sun Lijuan , Chen Weiliang , Liu Bodu , Wang Youyuan , Fan Song , Li Yilin , Li Jinsong
Published: August 2014

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in embryonic development and various pathological events. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) has been reported to induce EMT in tumor cells, which is a critical step in the process of metastasis leading to cancer spreading and treatment failure. However, the involvement of microRNA during the EMT process in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remains to be determined. To address this question, TSCC cell lines SCC9 and CAL27 were treated with human recombinant TGFβ1 for 48 h. miRNA microarray illustrated that miR‐639 was significantly downregulated in TGFβ‐treated SCC9 cells. Ectopic expression of miR‐639 with miRNA mimics effectively blocked TGFβ‐induced EMT in SCC9 and CAL27 cells, but inhibition of miR‐639 in SCC9 and CAL27 cells with antisense oligonucleotides induced EMT. Computational microRNA target predictions detected a conserved sequence matching to the seed region of miR‐639 in the 3′‐UTR of FOXC1 mRNA. Luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR‐639 targets FOXC1. Ectopic expression of FOXC1 induces EMT in TSCC cells. Silencing FOXC1 expression blocked TGFβ‐induced EMT in SCC9 cells. Clinically, reduced miR‐639 expression was associated with metastasis in TSCC and poor patient survival. The data from the present study suggest that reduced expression of miR‐639 underscores the mechanism of TGFβ‐induced EMT in TSCC by targeting FOXC1 and may serve as therapeutic targets in the process of metastasis.
Phase II study of FOLFIRINOX for chemotherapy‐naïve Japanese patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Okusaka Takuji , Ikeda Masafumi , Fukutomi Akira , Ioka Tatsuya , Furuse Junji , Ohkawa Shinichi , Isayama Hiroyuki , Boku Narikazu
Published: August 2014

The FOLFIRINOX combination of chemotherapy drugs had not been fully evaluated for Japanese pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, we carried out a phase II study to examine the efficacy and safety of FOLFIRINOX in chemotherapy‐naïve Japanese patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. FOLFIRINOX (i.v. infusion of 85 mg/m2 oxaliplatin, 180 mg/m2 irinotecan, and 200 mg/m2 l‐leucovorin, followed by a bolus of 400 mg/m2 fluorouracil and a 46‐h continuous infusion of 2400 mg/m2 fluorouracil) was given every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was the response rate. The 36 enrolled patients received a median of eight (range, 1–25) treatment cycles. The response rate was 38.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.1–56.5); median overall survival, 10.7 months (95% CI, 6.9–13.2); and median progression‐free survival, 5.6 months (95% CI, 3.0–7.8). Major grade 3 or 4 toxicities included neutropenia (77.8%), febrile neutropenia (22.2%), thrombocytopenia (11.1%), anemia (11.1%), anorexia (11.1%), diarrhea (8.3%), nausea (8.3%), elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (8.3%), and peripheral sensory neuropathy (5.6%). Febrile neutropenia occurred only during the first cycle. There were no treatment‐related deaths. FOLFIRINOX can be a standard regimen showing favorable efficacy and acceptable toxicity profile in chemotherapy‐naïve Japanese patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Speech Perception and Production by Sequential Bilingual Children: A Longitudinal Study of Voice Onset Time Acquisition
Authors: McCarthy Kathleen M. , Mahon Merle , Rosen Stuart , Evans Bronwen G.
Published: August 2014

The majority of bilingual speech research has focused on simultaneous bilinguals. Yet, in immigrant communities, children are often initially exposed to their family language (L1), before becoming gradually immersed in the host country's language (L2). This is typically referred to as sequential bilingualism. Using a longitudinal design, this study explored the perception and production of the English voicing contrast in 55 children (40 Sylheti‐English sequential bilinguals and 15 English monolinguals). Children were tested twice: when they were in nursery (52‐month‐olds) and 1 year later. Sequential bilinguals' perception and production of English plosives were initially driven by their experience with their L1, but after starting school, changed to match that of their monolingual peers.
The risk of second primary malignancy is increased in differentiated thyroid cancer patients with a cumulative 131I dose over 37 GBq
Authors: Khang Ah Reum , Cho Sun Wook , Choi Hoon Sung , Ahn Hwa Young , Yoo Won Sang , Kim Kyung Won , Kang Keon Wook , Yi Ka Hee , Park Do Joon , Lee Dong Soon , Chung June‐Key , Cho Bo Youn , Park Young Joo
Published: August 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for second primary malignancy (SPM) diagnosed after differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Methods

A total of 2468 DTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy were reviewed. SPM was defined as a non‐thyroidal malignancy, diagnosed at least 1 year after the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Patients were divided into five groups according to cumulative 131I dose: very high‐activity (≥37·0 GBq), high‐activity (22·3–36·9 GBq), intermediate‐activity (5·56–22·2 GBq), low‐activity (1·1–5·55 GBq) and no RAI.

Results

Among the 2468 patients, 61 (2·5%) had SPMs during 7·0 (1·0–33·0) years of median follow‐up. Age above 40 years, male sex and very high‐activity RAI were independent risk factors for the development of SPM. SPM‐related mortality was highest in the very high‐activity group, while DTC‐related mortality was highest in the high‐activity group. The overall mortality both from SPM and DTC was highest in the high‐activity group.

Conclusion

A cumulative 131I dose <37·0 GBq did not increase the risk of SPM. A cumulative 131I dose ≥37·0 GBq increased the risk of SPM and SPM‐related mortality and decreased the DTC‐specific mortality, resulting in a similar all‐cause mortality compared with the low‐activity RAI group. Using repeated high‐dose RAI for treating RAI‐responsive but persistent DTC patients needs careful consideration of the individual benefits from RAI vs the risk of developing SPM.
Experiments in Vulnerability: Sociability and Care in Chicago's Redeveloping Public Housing
Authors: FENNELL CATHERINE
Published: August 2014

This essay examines tensions emerging around public spaces in a mixed‐income development built to replace a distressed public housing project on Chicago's West Side. It argues that the disorienting experiences of moving through these spaces prodded new and long‐term residents of the area to examine the practices of sociability they subscribed to. Specifically, it prodded them to examine what it would take to become more or less vulnerable to each other, and in the process, better able to care for themselves and those in their immediate vicinity. I show that scholarly attention to the reconfiguration of sociability in such places helps us better understand post‐Welfare social collectivities and the conditions of belonging to them.
A comparison between amylase levels from peritonsillar, dental and neck abscesses
Authors: El‐Saied S. , Kaplan D.M. , Zlotnik A. , Abu Tailakh M. , Kordeluk S. , Joshua B.‐Z.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Pus of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) contains very high amylase levels in some patients. The objective of this study was to further test this finding and to check whether high amylase levels in peritonsillar abscess originate from contamination by saliva during aspiration.

Study design

Prospective study.

Setting

Tertiary care university hospital.

Participants

The study includes 64 patients with PTA, 8 patients with a neck abscess and 12 patients with a dental abscess.

Main outcome measure

Amylase levels of pus and serum were compared between the groups. Clinical data regarding hospitalisation length, recurrence rate and previous antibiotic treatment were also collected.

Results

Mean amylase levels in the pus of the PTA group were 3045 U/L (median 59 U/L), 13 U/L in the neck abscess group (P = 0.001) and 22 U/L in the dental abscess group (P = 0.001). Mean serum amylase was higher in the PTA group; PTA – 50 U/L, neck abscess – 37 U/L (P = 0.002) and dental abscess – 26 U/L (P < 0.002). All of the patients with amylase levels above 65 U/L had a first episode of PTA. In contrast, 40% of patients with amylase lower than 65 U/L had recurrent PTA (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

A clear association is seen between minor salivary glands and peritonsillar abscess. The high amylase level in peritonsillar pus is not from contamination with saliva.
Incorporating Social and Cultural Significance of Large Old Trees in Conservation Policy
Authors: BLICHARSKA MALGORZATA , MIKUSIŃSKI GRZEGORZ
Published: August 2014

In addition to providing key ecological functions, large old trees are a part of a social realm and as such provide numerous social‐cultural benefits to people. However, their social and cultural values are often neglected when designing conservation policies and management guidelines. We believe that awareness of large old trees as a part of human identity and cultural heritage is essential when addressing the issue of their decline worldwide. Large old trees provide humans with aesthetic, symbolic, religious, and historic values, as well as concrete tangible benefits, such as leaves, branches, or nuts. In many cultures particularly large trees are treated with reverence. Also, contemporary popular culture utilizes the image of trees as sentient beings and builds on the ancient myths that attribute great powers to large trees. Although the social and cultural role of large old trees is usually not taken into account in conservation, accounting for human‐related values of these trees is an important part of conservation policy because it may strengthen conservation by highlighting the potential synergies in protecting ecological and social values.

Incorporación del Significado Social y Cultural de Árboles Añejos a Políticas de Conservación
THE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN STATE AND FEDERAL POLICY FOR NONPRESCRIPTION ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION ON YOUTH CONTRACEPTIVE USE: A DIFFERENCE‐IN‐DIFFERENCE ANALYSIS ACROSS NEW ENGLAND STATES
Authors: Atkins Danielle N. , Bradford W. David
Published: August 2014

One of the more contentious policy changes in the past decade in the United States involves the decisions by several state legislatures and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit sales of emergency contraception on a nonprescription basis. We took advantage of a set of natural experiments to estimate the impact of changes in state and federal level nonprescription emergency contraception access on the probability of high‐school students' sexual and contraceptive behaviors. We extracted data from the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey for New England states that had data about contraceptive use (Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) from 2003 to 2009. We combined this student‐level data with information on when states and the FDA began allowing nonprescription sales of emergency contraceptives. We estimated a series of difference‐in‐difference models on the impact of these policies on the probability that students were sexually active and on the probability of condom or hormonal birth control use conditional on sexual activity. We found that switching emergency contraception to a nonprescription status had no systematic effect on the probability of sexual activity or the conditional probability of hormonal birth control use, but that it significantly reduced the probability that public school students used condoms by between 5.2% and 7.2%. (JEL I18, I12, I29)
Assessment of Atrial Electromechanical Delay and Left Atrial Mechanical Functions in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Aksan Gökhan , Nar Gökay , Soylu Korhan , İnci Sinan , Yuksel Serkan , Serra Ocal Hande , Pancar Yuksel Esra , Gulel Okan
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Increased frequency of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated in psoriasis cases. Prolongation of the duration of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) is a well‐known characteristic of the atrium, which is vulnerable to AF. In the current study, our aims are to investigate AEMD durations and mechanical functions of the left atrium (LA) in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

A total of 90 patients, 45 with psoriasis vulgaris and 45 as the control group, were included in the study. Atrial electromechanical coupling (PA) and intra‐ and inter‐atrial electromechanical delay (IA‐AEMD) were measured with tissue Doppler echocardiography. P‐wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated from the 12‐lead electrocardiogram. The severity of the disease was evaluated by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index.

Results

The durations of PA lateral and PA septal were significantly high in the psoriasis group when compared with the control group (47.7 ± 9.8 vs. 57.1 ± 8.4 msec, P < 0.001 and 38.6 ± 9.9 vs. 43.6 ± 8 msec, P = 0.016, respectively). The durations of IA‐AEMD, intra‐right electromechanical delay, and intra‐left electromechanical delay in the psoriasis group were significantly prolonged compared with the control group (15.2 ± 4.1 vs. 21.7 ± 5.6 msec, P < 0.001; 6 ± 2.5 vs. 8.7 ± 2.7 msec, P < 0.001; and 9.1 ± 3.9 vs. 13.5 ± 5.2 msec, P < 0.001; respectively). PWD was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis vulgaris compared with controls (36.1 ± 7.9 vs. 40.2 ± 9.1 msec, P = 0.043).

Conclusion

In the present study, we found prolongation in the durations of AEMD and PWD in the psoriasis group compared with the control group. These results might be an early predictor of AF and other arrhythmias.
Effects of sedimentation on an endangered benthic fish, Cobitis shikokuensis: is sediment‐free habitat a requirement or a preference?
Authors: Kawanishi Ryota , Dohi Ryota , Fujii Asuka , Inoue Mikio
Published: August 2014

A negative correlation between the degree of fine sediment deposition and the abundance of stream benthic fishes has often been reported, although the causal mechanisms for this effect are not fully understood. To better understand the influence of sedimentation, it is important to clarify whether it alters the habitat required by fish, or merely preferred by them. We conducted two enclosure experiments in the field to examine (i) whether an endangered benthic fish, Cobitis shikokuensis, prefers sediment‐free substrate and (ii) whether fine sediment deposition has negative effects on the physiological condition of C. shikokuensis. The first experiment, which used three types of substrates, ‘cobble’, ‘pebble’ and ‘mixture of fine sediment and pebbles’, showed that C. shikokuensis avoided the mixture. The second experiment, which compared the physiological condition of fish reared in enclosures with either a pebble or mixture substrate, showed that the condition of the fish in the latter group declined more quickly. These results suggest that, for C. shikokuensis, sediment‐free substrate is a habitat requirement, not merely a preference, and that excessive input of fine sediment due to human activities can cause a decline in the population of this species.
Friends interventions in psychosis: a narrative review and call to action
Authors: Harrop Chris , Ellett Lyn , Brand Rachel , Lobban Fiona
Published: August 2014

Aims

To highlight the importance of friendships to young people with psychosis, and the need for clinical interventions to help maintain peer relationships during illness. To structure a research agenda for developing evidence‐based interventions with friends.

Method

An argument is developed through a narrative review of (i) the proven efficacy of family interventions, and (by comparison) a relative absence of friend‐based interventions; (ii) the particular primacy of friendships and dating for young people, and typical effects of exclusion; and (iii) reduced friendship networks and dating experiences in psychosis, in pre‐, during and post‐psychosis phases, also links between exclusion and psychosis.

Results

We put forward a model of how poor friendships can potentially be a causal and/or maintenance factor for psychotic symptoms. Given this model, our thesis is that interventions aiming to maintain social networks can be hugely beneficial clinically for young people with psychosis. We give a case study to show how such an intervention can work.

Conclusions

We call for ‘friends interventions’ for young people with psychosis to be developed, where professionals directly work with a young person's authentic social group to support key friendships and maintain social continuity. An agenda for future research is presented that will develop and test theoretically driven interventions.
Structure and mechanism of the unique C2 domain of Aida
Authors: Zheng Li‐Sha , Liu Yi‐Tong , Chen Lei , Wang Ying , Rui Yan‐Ning , Huang Hui‐Zhe , Lin Shu‐Yong , Wang Jue , Wang Zhi‐Xin , Lin Sheng‐Cai , Wu Jia‐Wei
Published: August 2014

Axin interactor, dorsalization‐associated (Aida) was identified as a regulatory factor that utilizes its C‐terminal region to interact with axis formation inhibitor (Axin). Aida abrogates the Axin‐mediated Jun N‐terminal kinase activation required for proper dorsalization during zebrafish embryonic development, and thus functions as a proventralization factor. Here, we report the structure of Aida C‐terminal fragments, which adopt a conventional C2 domain topology. We also demonstrate that Aida can specifically bind to phosphoinositides in a Ca2+‐independent manner, and is able to associate with the cell membrane via a novel positively charged surface, namely a basic loop. Mutation of the positively charged patch on the basic loop leads to destabilization of the Aida–membrane association or disruption of the Aida–Axin interaction, resulting in impaired Jun N‐terminal kinase inhibition. Together, our findings provide a molecular basis for C2 domain‐mediated Aida–membrane and Aida–Axin associations.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors of the mouse Aida C2 domain (code: 2QZ5) and the zebrafish Aida C2 domain (code: 2QZQ) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org/)

Structured digital abstract

 AIDA physically interacts with Axin by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
A short peptide from frog skin accelerates diabetic wound healing
Authors: Liu Han , Duan Zilei , Tang Jing , Lv Qiumin , Rong Mingqiang , Lai Ren
Published: August 2014

Delayed wound healing will result in the development of chronic wounds in some diseases, such as diabetes. Amphibian skins possess excellent wound‐healing ability and represent a resource for prospective wound‐healing promoting compounds. A potential wound‐healing promoting peptide (CW49; amino acid sequence APFRMGICTTN) was identified from the frog skin of Odorrana grahami. It promotes wound healing in a murine model with a full‐thickness dermal wound in both normal and diabetic animals. In addition to its strong angiogenic ability with respect to the upregulation of some angiogenic proteins, CW49 also showed a significant anti‐inflammatory effect in diabetic wounds, which was very important for healing chronic wounds. CW49 had little effect on re‐epithelialization, resulting in no significant effect on wound closure rate compared to a vehicle control. Altogether, this indicated that CW49 might accelerate diabetic wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and preventing any excessive inflammatory response. Considering its favorable traits as a small peptide that significantly promotes angiogenesis, CW49 might be an excellent candidate or template for the development of a drug for use in the treatment of diabetic wounds.
Effect of initial damage level and patch configuration on the fatigue behaviour of reinforced steel plates
Authors: Colombi P. , Fava G. , Sonzogni L.
Published: August 2014

The application of carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites externally bonded on cracked steel plates is an effective system in extending the fatigue life of these structural elements. In particular, composite patches bonded on the crack tip region reduce the stress concentration and the crack opening displacement, leading to an extension of the fatigue life. In order to additionally show the effectiveness of this kind of reinforcing technique, experimental tests were performed at the laboratories of the Politecnico di Milano. Fatigue tests were executed on single edge notched tension specimens reinforced by pultruded strips bonded to a single side (non‐symmetric reinforcement). Different patch configurations (reinforcement stiffness and patch location) and initial damage levels were considered as parameters influencing the repair effectiveness in extending the fatigue life. The results showed that the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer materials bonded around the tip region allows extending the fatigue life for different amount of initial damage level. Finally, this work provides some useful information for the more efficient repair configuration.
Compliance, concordance and adherence: what are we talking about?
Authors: Khair K.
Published: August 2014

Adherence or compliance to prescribed treatment regimens is an important and much debated area of haemophilia care. Many patients are labelled as ‘non‐adherent’ because they don't do what we say in terms of self‐ treatment and factor administration. However, do we engage patients in developing mutually acceptable treatment programmes which work for them as individuals? If we do, does this affect self‐care and treatment uptake through a supportive relationship which enhances treatment concordance? Once we have agreed treatment regimens, how do we measure the success or outcomes of them? This paper discusses these issues, and some of the tools that are available to assess adherence in a systematic way.
The influence of sodium caseinate on the physical properties of spray‐dried honey
Authors: Samborska Katarzyna , Langa Elwira , Kamińska‐Dwórznicka Anna , Witrowa‐Rajchert Dorota
Published: August 2014

The aim of this work was to spray dry honey (rape and buckwheat varieties) with Arabic gum (AG) as a carrier alone or in combination with sodium caseinate (1% and 2% w/w NaCas) as a drying aid. Powder recovery ranged from 66.2 ± 0.7% to 75.8 ± 4.9%, and the values were significantly higher for samples containing NaCas. Powders were characterised by good flowability, the addition of NaCas had positive impact on this factor. However, the hygroscopicity of protein‐containing powders was higher, especially at 2% w/w of NaCas. Powders hygroscopicity was related to particle size: AG powder of the smallest particle size was the most hygroscopic, while the particle size did not affected flowability, which was strongly related to the feed solution composition. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the addition of 1% w/w of NaCas as a drying aid during buckwheat and rape honey spray drying with Arabic gum as a carrier is favourable, while the further increase of protein content does not give additional benefits.
Effect of gums on viability and β‐galactosidase activity of Lactobacillus spp. in milk drink during refrigerated storage
Authors: Karlton‐Senaye Bernice D. , Tahergorabi Reza , Giddings Valerie L. , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: August 2014

The viability and β‐galactosidase activity of four Lactobacillus strains in milk drink containing gums during 28 days of refrigerated storage at 4 °C were assessed. The population of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GGB101 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GGB103 were maintained, whereas the population of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM20016 and Lactobacillus reuteri SD2112 significantly decreased. The recommended level of 6 log CFU g−1 was exceeded for all tested trains throughout storage. The highest viable number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GGB103 (8.76 ± 0.03 log CFU mL−1) was obtained in the product containing carrageenan–maltodextrin. The addition of guar–locust bean–carrageenan led to 20‐fold increase in the level of β‐galactosidase activity for L. rhamnosus GGB101 (1208 ± 2.12 Miller units mL−1) compared to the control (61 ± 2.83 Miller units mL−1). Our results suggested that gums could be added to milk to improve viability and enhance β‐galactosidase activity of Lactobacillus.
Part I: Frequency of Depression after Stroke: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Hackett Maree L. , Pickles Kristen
Published: August 2014

Background

Approximately 15 million people who suffer a stroke globally each year are at risk of developing depression.

Aim

To update our systematic review and meta-analysis of the frequency of depression after stroke published in 2005, including studies published before July 2004.

Methods

We included all published observational studies (to 31 May 2013) with prospective consecutive recruitment and quantification of the proportion of people with depression after stroke. We included studies of adult (>18 years) patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke, where an assessment of depression or depressive symptom burden was performed at a pre-specified time-point for all study participants.

Results

Data were available from 61 studies including 25 488 people. The proportional frequency of depression varied considerably across studies; however, the pooled frequency estimate of 31% (95% confidence interval 28% to 35%) was not significantly different from the 33% (difference of 2%, 95% confidence interval <1% to 3%) reported in the 2005 review. The proportion with depression between one and five-years (25%; 95% confidence interval 16 to 33%) and at five years after stroke (23%; 95% confidence interval 14 to 31%) was significantly lower.

Conclusion

Despite systematic review evidence describing validated depression screening tools and effective treatment and prevention strategies for depression after stroke, there has not been a significant reduction in the proportion of people experiencing depression after stroke. There is a pressing need for increased clinical uptake of evidenced-based strategies to screen for, prevent, and treat depression after stroke.
Expression patterns of sex‐determination genes in single male and female embryos of two Bactrocera fruit fly species during early development
Authors: Morrow J. L. , Riegler M. , Frommer M. , Shearman D. C. A.
Published: August 2014

In tephritids, the sex‐determination pathway follows the sex‐specific splicing of transformer (tra) mRNA, and the cooperation of tra and transformer‐2 (tra‐2) to effect the sex‐specific splicing of doublesex (dsx), the genetic double‐switch responsible for male or female somatic development. The Dominant Male Determiner (M) is the primary signal that controls this pathway. M, as yet uncharacterized, is Y‐chromosome linked, expressed in the zygote and directly or indirectly diminishes active TRA protein in male embryos. Here we first demonstrated the high conservation of tra, tra‐2 and dsx in two Australian tephritids, Bactrocera tryoni and Bactrocera jarvisi. We then used quantitative reverse transcription PCR on single, sexed embryos to examine expression of the key sex‐determination genes during early embryogenesis. Individual embryos were sexed using molecular markers located on the B. jarvisi Y‐chromosome that was also introgressed into a B. tryoni line. In B. jarvisi, sex‐specific expression of tra transcripts occurred between 3 to 6 h after egg laying, and the dsx isoform was established by 7 h. These milestones were delayed in B. tryoni lines. The results provide a time frame for transcriptomic analyses to identify M and its direct targets, plus information on genes that may be targeted for the development of male‐only lines for pest management.
Indian thermal power plant challenges and remedies via application of modified data envelopment analysis
Authors: Yadav Vinod Kumar , Kumar Niranjan , Ghosh Santosh , Singh Kanwardeep
Published: August 2014

This paper evaluates the performance of coal‐fired thermal power plants in India for the year 2008–2009 using data envelopment analysis (DEA); subdividing the power plants into three categories depending on their scale—small, medium, and large. The classical DEA model is analyzed to identify the efficient ones from the whole gamut of plants run by various organizations of the central government, state government, and private sector. Slack analysis is carried out to explore the specific areas that need to be focused on, in quantitative terms, for the overall efficiency improvement. Further efficiency evaluation is extended from a single criterion‐based conventional approach to a multiple criteria oriented approach, and the resulting DEA models are more efficient and flexible in many aspects, particularly in discriminant and weight analysis. Results of multicriteria DEA (MCDEA) are substantiated with cross‐efficiency analysis by deploying the weights obtained by the MCDEA in the cross‐efficiency analysis. On the basis of the insights provided by the outcome of the analysis, both qualitative and quantitative measures are proposed for improvement of the plant performances. The result of this analysis may assist the management of the power plants to introspect and review their systems and processes for optimal use of resources. The methodology adopted in the present work can also be employed for deeper understanding of power plants in other parts of India as well as in other countries.
Second to fourth digit ratio: a predictor of adult testicular volume
Authors: Oh J. K. , Kim K. T. , Yoon S. J. , Kim S. W. , Kim T. B.
Published: August 2014

It has been suggested that second to fourth digit ratio (digit ratio) may correlate with male reproductive system function or disorders. This hypothesis is based on finding that the Hox genes control finger development and differentiation of the genital bud during embryogenesis. Thus, we investigated the association between digit ratio and adult testicular volume. A total of 172 Korean men (aged 20–69 years) hospitalized for urological surgery were prospectively enrolled. Patients with conditions known to strongly influence testicular volume were excluded. Before determining testicular volume, the lengths of the second and fourth digits of the right hand were measured by a single investigator using a digital vernier calliper. Using orchidometry, the testes were measured by an experienced urologist who had no information about the patient's digit ratio. To identify the independent predictive factors influencing testicular volume, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression models. Age, height, serum testosterone and free testosterone level were not correlated with testicular volume. Digit ratio, along with weight, was significantly correlated with testicular volume (right testicular volume: r = −0.185, p = 0.015; left testicular volume: r = −0.193, p = 0.011; total testicular volume: r = −0.198, p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis using linear regression models showed that only digit ratio was the independent factor to predict all (right, left and total) testicular volumes (right testicular volume: β = −0.174, p = 0.023; left testicular volume: β = −0.181, p = 0.017; total testicular volume: β = −0.185, p = 0.014). Our findings demonstrated that digit ratio is negatively associated with adult testicular volume. This means that men with a higher digit ratio may be more likely to have smaller testis compared to those with a lower digit ratio.
It's Not Always about Winning: Domestic Politics and Legal Success in EU Annulment Litigation
Authors: Adam Christian , Bauer Michael W. , Hartlapp Miriam
Published: August 2014

Why do EU Member State governments have such varying degrees of success when they initiate annulment actions against the European Commission? Usually litigant success is associated with arguments about judicial constraint or litigants' capacity. This article sheds light on domestic politics as an additional factor that can affect governments' success record in court. It is argued that governmental annulment actions are often part of a two‐level game in which the value of the legal conflict for a national government can be independent of, or even negatively related to, legal success in court as governments may reap immediate benefits from communicating the initiation of annulment actions to voters. In addition, negative rulings can be used as normative levers in domestic reform processes. The statistical analysis indicates that the latter argument systematically affects governments' success records.
Atypical neural responses to vocal anger in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Chronaki Georgia , Benikos Nicholas , Fairchild Graeme , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S.
Published: August 2014

Background

Deficits in facial emotion processing, reported in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been linked to both early perceptual and later attentional components of event‐related potentials (ERPs). However, the neural underpinnings of vocal emotion processing deficits in ADHD have yet to be characterised. Here, we report the first ERP study of vocal affective prosody processing in ADHD.

Methods

Event‐related potentials of 6–11‐year‐old children with ADHD (n = 25) and typically developing controls (n = 25) were recorded as they completed a task measuring recognition of vocal prosodic stimuli (angry, happy and neutral). Audiometric assessments were conducted to screen for hearing impairments.

Results

Children with ADHD were less accurate than controls at recognising vocal anger. Relative to controls, they displayed enhanced N100 and attenuated P300 components to vocal anger. The P300 effect was reduced, but remained significant, after controlling for N100 effects by rebaselining. Only the N100 effect was significant when children with ADHD and comorbid conduct disorder (n = 10) were excluded.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence linking ADHD to atypical neural activity during the early perceptual stages of vocal anger processing. These effects may reflect preattentive hyper‐vigilance to vocal anger in ADHD.
Infection and pathology in Queensland grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus, (Bloch), caused by exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae via different routes
Authors: Delamare‐Deboutteville J , Bowater R , Condon K , Reynolds A , Fisk A , Aviles F , Barnes A C
Published: August 2014

Since 2007, 96 wild Queensland groupers, Epinephelus lanceolatus, (Bloch), have been found dead in NE Australia. In some cases, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) was isolated. At present, a GBS isolate from a wild grouper case was employed in experimental challenge trials in hatchery‐reared Queensland grouper by different routes of exposure. Injection resulted in rapid development of clinical signs including bilateral exophthalmia, hyperaemic skin or fins and abnormal swimming. Death occurred in, and GBS was re‐isolated from, 98% fish injected and was detected by PCR in brain, head kidney and spleen from all fish, regardless of challenge dose. Challenge by immersion resulted in lower morbidity with a clear dose response. Whilst infection was established via oral challenge by admixture with feed, no mortality occurred. Histology showed pathology consistent with GBS infection in organs examined from all injected fish, from fish challenged with medium and high doses by immersion, and from high‐dose oral challenge. These experimental challenges demonstrated that GBS isolated from wild Queensland grouper reproduced disease in experimentally challenged fish and resulted in pathology that was consistent with that seen in wild Queensland grouper infected with S. agalactiae.
Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Older Adults
Authors: Denizot Anne , Grino Michel , Oliver Charles
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To compare the feasibility, safety, and outcome of parathyroidectomy in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in individuals aged 75 and older with that of those younger than 50.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Department of Endocrine Surgery, Hospital Paul Desbief (Marseille, France).

Participants

Individuals who underwent surgery from June 2005 to February 2013 (N = 526) had a clinical examination and laboratory and imaging assessments to diagnose PHPT.

Measurements

The clinical and biochemical characteristics and surgery outcomes of individuals younger than 50 (n = 80) were compared with the characteristics and outcomes of those aged 75 and older (n = 89).

Results

Most of the participants did not have any specific signs of PHPT, and the diagnosis of PHPT was established in some participants during routine clinical and laboratory examination. Nephrolithiasis and osteitis fibrosa cystica were observed only in the younger group. Urinary calcium decreased with age. Nine participants aged 75 and older did not undergo surgery (four declined, five had medical contraindications). Conventional surgery through transverse cervicotomy was used in the majority of participants. Cure rate was excellent (158/160), with few and reversible minor complications. The coexistence of thyroid lesions was significantly higher in the older (47.5%) than in the younger group (32.3%). Nodules and multinodular goiters were removed in the majority of participants during the parathyroidectomy procedure.

Conclusion

With the exception of a few cases with severe associated comorbidities, parathyroidectomy is safe and curative and should be considered as first‐line choice for older adult with PHPT.
PUBLIC R&D POLICIES AND PRIVATE R&D INVESTMENT: A SURVEY OF THE EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Becker Bettina
Published: August 2014

The importance of R&D investment in explaining economic growth is well documented in the literature. Policies by modern governments increasingly recognise the benefits of supporting R&D investment. Government funding has, however, become an increasingly scarce resource in times of financial crisis and economic austerity. Hence, it is important that available funds are used and targeted effectively. This paper offers the first systematic review and critical discussion of what the R&D literature has to say currently about the effectiveness of major public R&D policies in increasing private R&D investment. Public policies are considered within three categories, R&D tax credits and direct subsidies, support of the university research system and the formation of high‐skilled human capital, and support of formal R&D cooperations across a variety of institutions. Crucially, the large body of more recent literature observes a shift away from the earlier findings that public subsidies often crowd‐out private R&D to finding that subsidies typically stimulate private R&D. Tax credits are also much more unanimously than previously found to have positive effects. University research, high‐skilled human capital, and R&D cooperation also typically increase private R&D. Recent work indicates that accounting for non‐linearities is one area of research that may refine existing results.
Time Construction in Insurance Society
Authors: Cevolini Alberto
Published: August 2014

This article deals with the social meaning of insurance contracts in the late medieval and modern society. Starting from the empirical analysis of one of the early marine insurance contracts which were stipulated in the second half of the 14th century, the hypothesis is suggested that the premium rate coincides with the estimated average frequency of sea accidents. By means of a proto‐probability calculus, rate was used by the early insurers for trading risks. Therefore the main thesis arises that insurance premium is a way of giving a certain price to the uncertainty of the future and that it indeed represents the cost of such observation. A comparison with the original function of money in primitive societies based on reciprocity is finally developed in order to explain how time construction is contingent on social structures.
Democratic Punishment and the Archive of Violence: Punishment, Publicity and Corporal Excess in Antebellum New York
Authors: Follis Luca
Published: August 2014

Nineteenth century American prisons were paradoxical institutions. Porous and impermeable, transparent and opaque, open to public view and occluded from sight; prisons clearly functioned as containers for raw coercion even as they were paraded as paragons of democratic transparency. How did New York State navigate between these countervailing positions and how did officials explicate the difference between them? In this essay I focus on the representation of institutional violence as a problematic of governance, I consider its impact on the development and transformation of public authority and track the role of state actors in navigating the scandals, crises and opportunities it engendered.
The “Ins” and “Outs” of Physical Activity Policy Implementation: Inadequate Capacity, Inappropriate Outcome Measures, and Insufficient Funds
Authors: Howie Erin K. , Stevick E. Doyle
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Despite broad public support and legislative activity, policies intended to promote physical activity in schools have not produced positive outcomes in levels of physical activity or student health. What explains the broad failure of Physical Activity Policies (PAPs)? Thus far, PAP research has used limited quantitative methods to assess PAP outcomes. New paradigms of qualitative policy implementation research can make important contributions to explaining the causes of policy failure and to the future design of more efficacious PAP legislation.

METHODS

This analysis is a case study of South Carolina's 2005 Student Health and Fitness Act (SHFA). Written documents, investigators' observation and experience, and an interview with a key stakeholder were analyzed to for themes based on theoretical frameworks from education implementation research including (1) bottom‐up and top‐down perspectives, (2) conceptualizing policy as practice, and (3) the implementer as learner.

RESULTS

“Weak policy signals” in SHFA undermined the implementation of PAP in 3 problematic areas: inadequate capacity development for implementers, inappropriate measures of implementation, and insufficient funding.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings illustrate the contributions of qualitative research and establish the need for further qualitative research into PAP implementation processes. To ensure successful future physical activity policies, policymakers, and stakeholders need to consider implementation, evaluation, and funding from the beginning phases of policy development.
Classroom Carbon Dioxide Concentration, School Attendance, and Educational Attainment
Authors: Gaihre Santosh , Semple Sean , Miller Janice , Fielding Shona , Turner Steve
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

We tested the hypothesis that classroom carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is inversely related to child school attendance and educational attainment.

METHODS

Concentrations of CO2 were measured over a 3‐5 day period in 60 naturally ventilated classrooms of primary school children in Scotland. Concentrations of CO2 were related to the class average annual attendance and proportions attaining a national standard for reading, writing, and numeracy, adjusted for socioeconomic status and class size.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range, IQR) CO2 concentration averaged over the school day was 1086 ppm (922, 1310). In the model, Time Weighted Average CO2 concentrations were inversely associated with school attendance but not academic attainments. An increase of 100 ppm CO2 was associated with a reduced annual attendance of 0.2% (0.04, 0.4) roughly equivalent to 1 half day of school per annum, assuming schools are open on 190 days per year. Indoor temperature and relative humidity were not related to attendance or academic attainment.

CONCLUSIONS

Inadequate classroom ventilation, as evidenced by CO2 concentration exceeding 1000 ppm, is not uncommon and may be associated with reduced school attendance. A relationship between inadequate classroom ventilation and adverse health outcomes in children may be present and this needs to be explored.
Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among School Employees: Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors
Authors: de Perio Marie A. , Wiegand Douglas M. , Brueck Scott E.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Influenza can spread among students, teachers, and staff in school settings. Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent influenza. We determined 2012‐2013 influenza vaccination coverage among school employees, assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding the vaccine, and determined factors associated with vaccine receipt.

METHODS

We surveyed 412 (49%) of 841 employees at 1 suburban Ohio school district in March 2013. The Web‐based survey assessed personal and work characteristics, vaccine receipt, and knowledge and attitudes regarding the vaccine.

RESULTS

Overall, 238 (58%) respondents reported getting the 2012‐2013 influenza vaccine. The most common reason for getting the vaccine was to protect oneself or one's family (87%). Beliefs that the vaccine was not needed (32%) or that it was not effective (21%) were the most common reasons for not getting it. Factors independently associated with vaccine receipt were having positive attitudes toward the vaccine, feeling external pressure to get it, and feeling personal control over whether to get it.

CONCLUSIONS

Influenza vaccine coverage among school employees should be improved. Messages encouraging school employees to get the vaccine should address misconceptions about the vaccine. Employers should use methods to maximize employee vaccination as part of a comprehensive influenza prevention program.