bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Evaluation of Cholinesterase Activity, Oxidative Stress Markers, Cyto‐ and Genotoxicity of K048 Oxime – a Promising Antidote against Organophosphate Poisoning
Authors: Žunec Suzana , Kopjar Nevenka , Želježić Davor , Kuča Kamil , Musilek Kamil , Vrdoljak Ana Lucić
Published: November 2013

K048 is a member of K‐oximes, a new oxime class that has recently been confirmed effective against poisoning by the nerve agent tabun and several pesticides. The toxicity profile of the K048 oxime has not been fully characterized and its optimal therapeutic dose has not yet been established. Earlier studies report excellent results with K048 in reactivating tabun‐phosphorylated AChE and in the therapy of tabun‐poisoned mice. It possesses a low acute toxicity and exerts an acceptable toxicity profile on isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. Intraperitoneal administration of K048 in rats resulted in an LD50 of 238.3 mg/kg. In this in vivo study, we investigated cholinesterase (ChE) activity and oxidative stress marker levels (lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity) in the plasma of exposed rats after administering the compound at 25% of its LD50. Lymphocyte viability was evaluated using an acridine orange/ethidium bromide in situ fluorescent assay. The levels of primary DNA damage in rat white blood cells were measured using the alkaline comet assay. The compound applied at 25% of its LD50 did not significantly affect ChE activity and lipid peroxidation and did not cause significant changes in the SOD activity in plasma. The cytotoxicity profile of K048 in the tested dose was also acceptable, and it did not possess significant DNA‐damaging potential. The obtained results are promising for further evaluations of the K048 oxime, which should include tests on a broader concentration range and longer incubation times.
Impaired configural body processing in anorexia nervosa: Evidence from the body inversion effect
Authors: Urgesi Cosimo , Fornasari Livia , Canalaz Francesca , Perini Laura , Cremaschi Silvana , Faleschini Laura , Thyrion Erica Zappoli , Zuliani Martina , Balestrieri Matteo , Fabbro Franco , Brambilla Paolo
Published: November 2013

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) suffer from severe disturbances of body perception. It is unclear, however, whether such disturbances are linked to specific alterations in the processing of body configurations with respect to the local processing of body part details. Here, we compared a consecutive sample of 12 AN patients with a group of 12 age‐, gender‐ and education‐matched controls using an inversion effect paradigm requiring the visual discrimination of upright and inverted pictures of whole bodies, faces and objects. The AN patients presented selective deficits in the discrimination of upright body stimuli, which requires configural processing. Conversely, patients and controls showed comparable abilities in the discrimination of inverted bodies, which involves only detail‐based processing, and in the discrimination of both upright and inverted faces and objects. Importantly, the body inversion effect negatively correlated with the persistence scores at the Temperament and Character Inventory, which evaluates increased tendency to convert a signal of punishment into a signal of reinforcement. These results suggest that the deficits of configural processing in AN patients may be associated with their obsessive worries about body appearance and to the excessive attention to details that characterizes their general perceptual style.
Mitochondrial metals as a potential therapeutic target in neurodegeneration
Authors: Grubman A , White A R , Liddell J R
Published: November 2013

Transition metals are critical for enzyme function and protein folding, but in excess can mediate neurotoxic oxidative processes. As mitochondria are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to radicals generated during ATP production, mitochondrial biometal homeostasis must therefore be tightly controlled to safely harness the redox potential of metal enzyme cofactors. Dysregulation of metal functions is evident in numerous neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Friedrich's ataxia. This review describes the mitochondrial metal defects in these disorders and highlights novel metal‐based therapeutic approaches that target mitochondrial metal homeostasis in neurological disorders.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Energy, Injury & Beyond. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐8
Small‐scale Farming and Grazing Reduce Regeneration of Polylepis tomentella (Rosaceae) in the Semiarid Andes of Bolivia
Authors: Domic Alejandra I. , Camilo Gerardo R. , Capriles José M.
Published: November 2013

In the Andean highlands, Polylepis woodlands are a rare and unique ecosystem of the treeline. Although human activities have caused the loss of extensive forested areas and decreased woodland regeneration, few systematic and quantitative assessments have been carried out in Polylepis forests. This study compares differences in habitat characteristics, population structure, and reproductive output in populations of Polylepis tomentella subject to different levels of human disturbance in the south‐central Andes of Bolivia. We selected P. tomentella because the species still covers large extensions in the form of fragmented forest patches. Results show that human activities affected all the studied populations. Moderately disturbed populations exhibited a lower percentage of farmed area (0.6%) and browsed plants (4%) than strongly disturbed populations (5% and 12%, respectively). All populations exhibited similar proportion of plants with logging scars. Potassium content and canopy closure were 1.5 and 2.5 higher, respectively, in strongly disturbed populations. The density of saplings and seedlings were 75 percent and 80 percent lower in strongly disturbed populations than in moderately disturbed population, even though reproductive individuals produced twice more flowers and fruits. Our results suggest that fruit production does not limit regeneration of P. tomentella and post‐dispersal mechanisms may decrease seed germination and increase seedling mortality. Overall, strongly disturbed populations will be less likely to regenerate, leading to population decline. Conservation programs should facilitate forest recovery by promoting seedling establishment, reducing overharvesting and over‐browsing, and protecting remaining adult plants.
Expression of CD56 is an unfavorable prognostic factor for acute promyelocytic leukemia with higher initial white blood cell counts
Authors: Ono Takaaki , Takeshita Akihiro , Kishimoto Yuji , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Okada Masaya , Yamauchi Takahiro , Emi Nobuhiko , Horikawa Kentaro , Matsuda Mitsuhiro , Shinagawa Katsuji , Monma Fumihiko , Ohtake Shigeki , Nakaseko Chiaki , Takahashi Masatomo , Kimura Yukihiko , Iwanaga Masako , Asou Norio , Naoe Tomoki ,   The Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group
Published: November 2013

Expression of CD56 has recently been introduced as one of the adverse prognostic factors in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the clinical significance of CD56 antigen in APL has not been well elucidated. We assessed the clinical significance of CD56 antigen in 239 APL patients prospectively treated with all‐trans retinoic acid and chemotherapy according to the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group APL97 protocol. All patients were prospectively treated by the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group APL97 protocol. The median follow‐up period was 8.5 years. Positive CD56 expression was found in 23 APL patients (9.6%). Expression of CD56 was significantly associated with lower platelet count (P = 0.04), severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (P = 0.04), and coexpression of CD2 (P = 0.03), CD7 (P = 0.04), CD34 (P < 0.01) and/or human leukocyte antigen‐DR (P < 0.01). Complete remission rate and overall survival were not different between the two groups. However, cumulative incidence of relapse and event‐free survival (EFS) showed an inferior trend in CD56+ APL (P = 0.08 and P = 0.08, respectively). Among patients with initial white blood cell counts of 3.0 × 109/L or more, EFS and cumulative incidence of relapse in CD56+ APL were significantly worse (30.8% vs 63.6%, P = 0.008, and 53.8% vs 28.9%, P = 0.03, respectively), and in multivariate analysis, CD56 expression was an unfavorable prognostic factor for EFS (P = 0.04). In conclusion, for APL with higher initial white blood cell counts, CD56 expression should be regarded as an unfavorable prognostic factor.
Molecular contribution to cleft palate production in cleft lip mice
Authors: Sasaki Yasunori , Taya Yuji , Saito Kan , Fujita Kazuya , Aoba Takaaki , Fujiwara Taku
Published: November 2013

Cleft palate following cleft lip may include a developmental disorder during palatogenesis. CL/Fr mice fetuses, which develop cleft lip and palate spontaneously, have less capability for in vivo cell proliferation in palatal mesenchyme compared with CL/Fr normal fetuses. In order to know the changes of signaling molecules contributing to cleft palate morphogenesis following cleft lip, the mRNA expression profiles were compared in palatal shelves oriented vertically (before elevation) in CL/Fr fetuses with or without cleft lip. The changes in mRNA profile of cleft palate morphogenesis were presented in a microarray analysis, and genes were restricted to lists contributing to cleft palate development in CL/Fr fetuses with cleft lip. Four candidate genes (Ywhab, Nek2, Tacc1 and Frk) were linked in a gene network that associates with cell proliferation (cell cycle, MAPK, Wnt and Tgf beta pathways). Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR highlighted the candidate genes that significantly changed in CL/Fr fetuses with cleft lip (Ywhab, Nek2 and Tacc1). The results of these molecular contributions will provide useful information for a better understanding of palatogenesis in cleft palate following cleft lip. Our data indicated the genetic contribution to cleft palate morphogenesis following cleft lip.
Enculturation to musical pitch structure in young children: evidence from behavioral and electrophysiological methods
Authors: Corrigall Kathleen A. , Trainor Laurel J.
Published: November 2013

Children learn the structure of the music of their culture similarly to how they learn the language to which they are exposed in their daily environment. Furthermore, as with language, children acquire this musical knowledge without formal instruction. Two critical aspects of musical pitch structure in Western tonal music are key membership (understanding which notes belong in a key and which do not) and harmony (understanding which notes combine to form chords and which notes and chords tend to follow others). The early developmental trajectory of the acquisition of this knowledge remains unclear, in part because of the difficulty of testing young children. In two experiments, we investigated 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds' enculturation to Western musical pitch using a novel age‐appropriate and engaging behavioral task (Experiment 1) and electroencephalography (EEG; Experiment 2). In Experiment 1 we found behavioral evidence that 5‐year‐olds were sensitive to key membership but not to harmony, and no evidence that 4‐year‐olds were sensitive to either. However, in Experiment 2 we found neurophysiological evidence that 4‐year‐olds were sensitive to both key membership and harmony. Our results suggest that musical enculturation has a long developmental trajectory, and that children may have some knowledge of key membership and harmony before that knowledge can be expressed through explicit behavioral judgments.
Poor responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a child with precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with SNX2‐ABL1 chimeric transcript
Authors: Masuzawa Aki , Kiyotani Chikako , Osumi Tomoo , Shioda Yoko , Iijima Kazutoshi , Tomita Osamu , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Oboki Keisuke , Yasuda Kazuki , Sakamoto Hiromi , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Hata Kenichiro , Yoshida Teruhiko , Matsumoto Kenji , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Mori Tetsuya
Published: November 2013

In addition to BCR, various rare fusion partners for the ABL1 gene have been reported in leukemia. We have identified the fusion gene SNX2‐ABL1 in a pediatric case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which has only once previously been reported in an adult patient. Cytogenetic analysis detected this fusion gene arising from a t(5;9)(q22;q34) translocation. ALL cells carrying a SNX2‐ABL1 fusion exhibited a BCR‐ABL1+ ALL‐like gene expression profile. The patient poorly responded to dasatinib but partially responded to imatinib. Treatment using tyrosine kinase inhibitors requires further investigation to optimize the genotype‐based treatment stratification for patients with SNX2‐ABL1 fusion.
Task difficulty in mental arithmetic affects microsaccadic rates and magnitudes
Authors: Siegenthaler Eva , Costela Francisco M. , McCamy Michael B. , Di Stasi Leandro L. , Otero‐Millan Jorge , Sonderegger Andreas , Groner Rudolf , Macknik Stephen , Martinez‐Conde Susana
Published: November 2013

Microsaccades are involuntary, small‐magnitude saccadic eye movements that occur during attempted visual fixation. Recent research has found that attention can modulate microsaccade dynamics, but few studies have addressed the effects of task difficulty on microsaccade parameters, and those have obtained contradictory results. Further, no study to date has investigated the influence of task difficulty on microsaccade production during the performance of non‐visual tasks. Thus, the effects of task difficulty on microsaccades, isolated from sensory modality, remain unclear. Here we investigated the effects of task difficulty on microsaccades during the performance of a non‐visual, mental arithmetic task with two levels of complexity. We found that microsaccade rates decreased and microsaccade magnitudes increased with increased task difficulty. We propose that changes in microsaccade rates and magnitudes with task difficulty are mediated by the effects of varying attentional inputs on the rostral superior colliculus activity map.
Evolution of Innovation Networks across Geographical and Organizational Boundaries: A Study of R&D Subsidiaries in the Bangalore IT Cluster
Authors: Karna Amit , Täube Florian , Sonderegger Petra
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we investigate the evolution of multinational corporation (MNC) research and development (R&D) subsidiaries through evolution of innovation networks. Their evolution within and outside MNC R&D subsidiaries has not been investigated in the context of MNCs that source innovation from emerging economies. We do so, using two dimensions: geographical and organizational boundaries. In order to identify a pattern, we chose the information technology (IT) cluster in Bangalore, India, as the context for a qualitative study; for there are MNC subsidiaries that operate and innovate within and outside organizational boundaries, and have strong links with firms within and outside of Bangalore cluster. The globalized nature of the cluster helps us infer the evolution of innovation networks by taking a knowledge flow perspective. We identify four distinct phases based on where and how knowledge flows. We find that the innovation networks of these MNC subsidiaries in emerging economies first develop as hierarchical networks and then extend to the local markets. Within the first part, the networks start with a non‐local nature (phase A) and get embedded into local networks (phase B and phase C), finally developing into non‐local (phase D) market ties that enable MNC headquarters to source innovation from the host country. In an emerging economy context, clusters can serve as a springboard by providing a local environment that can help overcome institutional voids.
Salivary biomarkers of oxidative stress and quality of life in patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Lopez‐Jornet Pia , Martinez‐Canovas Ascension , Pons‐Fuster Alvaro
Published: November 2013

Aim

Lichen planus is a T cell‐mediated chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the status of oxidative stress in saliva and the anti‐oxidant defense system in relation to quality of life parameters in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP).

Methods

The sample consisted of 70 patients (40 with OLP and 30 control patients). The average age of OLP patients was 60 years (9 males and 31 females), and of the control group 57 years (6 males and 24 females). All participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile‐49 quality of life questionnaire. Total anti‐oxidant activity and lipid peroxidation products in saliva were evaluated, using ferric reducing anti‐oxidant power and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance.

Results

Mean levels of salivary malondialdehyde were higher in the OLP group than the control group (P = 0.001), and total anti‐oxidant capacity was lower among OLP patients than control patients (P = 0.02). There was no correlation between Oral Health Impact Profile‐49 findings and the oxidative stress parameters studied.

Conclusions

The results of the present study point to the possible function of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of OLP. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 654–659.
‘Train‐the‐Trainer’: an effective and successful model to accelerate training and improve physiotherapy services for persons with haemophilia in China
Authors: Chen L. , Sun J. , Hilliard P. , Zourikian N. , Hang M. , Blanchette V. , Poon M.‐C. , Luke K.
Published: November 2013

The objective of this study was to teach a small group of Chinese physiatrists and physiotherapists to: (i) become trainers and leaders in haemophilia physiotherapy (PT) care in China and (ii) to acquire rapid proficiency in using the reliable and validated Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) for evaluating musculoskeletal health in boys with haemophilia. Two experienced Canadian physiotherapists and co‐developers of the HJHS moderated a 4‐day PT training workshop with six Chinese participants. Emphasis was placed on instruction and practice in administering the HJHS. Practical sessions with haemophilia patients were interchanged with theory (power point presentations) and interactive question and answer periods. A proficient, knowledgeable translator was an essential component of the workshop. Upon workshop completion, the six trainees demonstrated improved haemophilia‐specific PT knowledge and were fully familiar with the HJHS and its administration. The latter was assessed in a mini‐reliability study. The ‘Train‐the‐Trainer’ model is a very effective education programme designed to accelerate training in haemophilia PT to meet the rapidly increasing need for haemophilia‐specific rehabilitation services in a very large country such as China. It is anticipated that physiatrists/physiotherapists at newly established Chinese haemophilia treatment centres will receive training in haemophilia care as a result of this unique programme in the immediate future.
The Mongol Empire in World History: The State of the Field
Authors: Biran Michal
Published: November 2013

The study of the Mongol Empire has made enormous strides in the past two decades, and its most notable impact is the shift of seeing the Empire not only in national or regional terms but from a holistic perspective, in its full Eurasian context. This focus, credited mostly to the works of Thomas T. Allsen, also means that the scholarly literature now gives more space to topics that interest world historians such as the cultural, economic, religious and artistic exchanges that prevailed in Mongol Eurasia, or the legacy that the Mongol Empire left for the early modern empires. Simultaneously, the Mongols' image begins to shift from the barbarian warriors obsessed with massacres and plunder, to the Mongols as active promoters of cross‐cultural connections, who even brought about the transition from the medieval to the modern world. The paper reviews the major trends in the study of the Empire from world history perspective and argues that the nomadic civilization of the Mongols should be taken into account in world history surveys.
Indigenous People and Legal Culture in Spanish America
Authors: Yannakakis Yanna
Published: November 2013

This article reviews recent literature on indigenous people and the legal systems in colonial Mexico and the Andes, with special emphasis on legal engagement as a form of politics and the making of legal culture. Through mastery of alphabetic writing systems, literacy, and Spanish language, native peoples used colonial courts as an arena in which to resolve conflict within and among Indian municipalities, and with Spanish officials, both civil and ecclesiastical. In this way, the legal system facilitated the negotiation of colonial rule, including the growth and transformation of legal institutions and practices, and the relationship between Indian and Spanish jurisdictions. The legal system also provided an arena for cultural encounter in which Spanish and native forms of law and knowledge were circulated and constructed. Scholarship on these topics is growing fast, putting ethnohistory into an exciting dialogue with comparative studies of law and empire.
Risk of clinically significant depression in HIV‐infected patients: effect of antiretroviral drugs
Authors: Gutiérrez F , García L , Padilla S , Álvarez D , Moreno S , Navarro G , Gómez‐Sirvent JL , Vidal F , Asensi V , Masiá M ,   CoRIS
Published: November 2013

Objectives

We aimed to characterize depression in newly diagnosed HIV‐infected patients, to determine the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on its incidence, and to investigate whether efavirenz use was associated with a higher risk, compared with non‐efavirenz‐containing regimens, in the Spanish CoRIS cohort.

Methods

CoRIS is a contemporary, multicentre cohort of HIV‐infected patients, antiretroviral‐naïve at entry, launched in 2004. Poisson regression models were used to investigate demographic, clinical and treatment‐related factors associated with a higher incidence of clinically significant depression to October 2010.

Results

In total, 5185 patients (13 089 person‐years) participated in the study, of whom 3379 (65.2%) started ART during follow‐up. The incidence rates of depression before and after starting ART were 11.68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.01–15.15] and 7.06 (95% CI 5.45–9.13) cases per 1000 person‐years, respectively. After adjustment, there was an inverse association between the occurrence of depression and the initiation of ART [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.53; 95% CI 0.28–0.99], while the likelihood of depression increased in patients of age > 50 years (IRR 1.94; 95% CI 1.21–3.12). Longer exposure to ART was associated with a decreased IRR of depression in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. The IRR for patients receiving < 2, 2–4 and > 4 years of ART was 0.72 (95% CI 0.36–1.44), 0.10 (95% CI 0.04–0.25) and 0.05 (95% CI 0.01–0.17), respectively, compared with ART‐naïve patients. This protective effect was also observed when durations of exposure to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐based regimens and efavirenz‐containing regimens were analysed separately.

Conclusions

The incidence of clinically significant depression was lower among HIV‐infected patients on ART. The protective effect of ART was also observed with efavirenz‐containing regimens.
Improvement of microbial transglutaminase‐induced gelation of β‐conglycinin by conjugation with dextran
Authors: Zhang Jinbo , Wu Nana , Yang Xiaoquan , He Xiuting , Guo Jian , Zhu Jianhua
Published: November 2013

This work focused on the effect of glycosylation on the gelation ability of β‐conglycinin induced by microbial transglutaminase (MTGase). Rheological results indicated that the gels of β‐conglycinin‐dextran conjugate products exhibited higher G′ value (172.2 ± 8.6 Pa) compared with those of dry‐heated β‐conglycinin (75.2 ± 5.1 Pa), β‐conglycinin (53.3 ± 4.0 Pa) and β‐conglycinin‐dextran mixture (38.6 ± 2.6 Pa) after 4 h incubation with MTGase. The gels prepared from β‐conglycinin‐dextran conjugate products had higher hardness, fracturability, springiness and cohesiveness values determined by textural profile analysis. The turbidity of β‐conglycinin‐dextran conjugate products solution incubated with MTGase increased faster than those of the other three protein samples. The conjugated dextran in β‐conglycinin‐dextran conjugate products could inhibit extensive protein–protein interactions which might result in the formation of more ordered and stronger gel network structures during MTGase cross‐linking process. A compact and homogeneous gel networks in β‐conglycinin‐dextran conjugate products gels were also observed by scanning electron microscopy.
In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of polyphenols from different molasses (pekmez) and leather (pestil) varieties
Authors: Kamiloglu Senem , Capanoglu Esra
Published: November 2013

In this study, to evaluate the in vitro bioaccessibility of eight different pekmez and pestil samples, total phenolics, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity were determined at different phases of simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion. For the analysis of antioxidant activity, four different methods were used including 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐6‐sulfonic acid, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazil, ferric reducing antioxidant power and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity. The results revealed that the dialysed fraction (IN) represented 12–50%, 3–17% and 3–72% of the total phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, respectively. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity of IN fraction was 2–57% of the initial values obtained for pekmez and pestil samples. To identify the influence of simulated in vitro GI digestion on total anthocyanins, only black mulberry molasses (pekmez) and plum leather (pestil) were analysed and according to the results no anthocyanins were detected in the IN fraction for both samples. The present study presented a detailed insight of bioaccessibility of polyphenols in various pekmez and pestil samples.
Postharvest performance of fresh‐cut ‘Big Top’ nectarine as affected by dipping in chemical preservatives and packaging in modified atmosphere
Authors: Cefola Maria , Pace Bernardo , Sergio Lucrezia , Baruzzi Federico , Gatto Maria Antonia , Carito Antonia , Linsalata Vito , Cascarano Nicholas A. , Di Venere Donato
Published: November 2013

Fresh‐cut ‘Big Top’ nectarines were dipped in 2% (w/v) ascorbic acid–1% (w/v) calcium lactate and stored at 4 °C for up to 12 days in 10 kPa O2‐ and 10 kPa CO2‐modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The used microperforated plastic film allowed O2 and CO2 concentrations to reach steady values from the fifth day in storage onwards. Samples stored in MAP after chemical dipping showed the highest visual quality score, slight browning symptoms, increment in firmness and very low ethanol and acetaldehyde content. The chemical dipping also increased antioxidant capacity, probably due to the effect of ascorbic acid. The results suggested that the control of yeasts was mainly exerted by MAP, whereas only a slight effect was achieved by the chemical dipping. Therefore, MAP plus ascorbic acid/calcium lactate dipping was the best combination to preserve phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity and microbiological safety of fresh‐cut nectarines during storage.
Poststroke Anxiety is Prevalent at the Population Level, Especially among Socially Deprived and Younger Age Community Stroke Survivors
Authors: Broomfield Niall. M. , Scoular Anne , Welsh Peter , Walters Matthew , Evans Jonathan J.
Published: November 2013

Background

Most studies of poststroke anxiety prevalence are hospital based, so knowledge of anxiety in community stroke survivors is limited. Few studies address the association between poststroke anxiety and patient age. No study has explored the relationship between poststroke anxiety prevalence and social deprivation.

Aims

This study aims to describe population level prevalence data of poststroke anxiety and to explore association of poststroke anxiety prevalence with patient age, gender, and social deprivation.

Methods

Observational study of 3831 community stroke survivors attending general practice reviews from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 in Greater Glasgow, United Kingdom. Univariate and multivariate analyses investigated the association between poststroke anxiety prevalence (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: anxiety sub-scale [HADS-A]), age, gender, and deprivation variables.

Results

Six hundred eighteen (16·1%) of 3831 community-dwelling stroke survivors had definite abnormal mood on HADS-A (≥11), with 952 (31·5%) scoring ≥8. Sixty-five (35·5%) of stroke survivors aged under 50 years had definite abnormal mood on HADS-A compared with 59 (7·2%) of over 80 year olds. Three hundred forty (19·8%) of women had definite abnormal mood on HADS-A compared with 278 (13·1%) of men. Three hundred seventy-two (22·6%) of most deprived stroke survivors had definite abnormal mood on HADS-A compared with 49 (7·6%) of least deprived. Age, gender, and social deprivation all contributed significantly to HADS-A score variance.

Conclusion

Using a conservative HADS-A cutoff, a high prevalence of definite abnormal anxiety in community stroke survivors is observed. This prevalence increases markedly in younger and more socially deprived stroke survivors.
Potential Gains and Costs from Increasing Access to Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in New Zealand Hospitals
Authors: Ao Braden Te , Brown Paul , Fink John , Vivian Mark , Feigin Valery
Published: November 2013

Background and aim

Treatment of ischemic stroke patients with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is known to be effective and cost-effective, yet the percentage of patients treated with thrombolysis in hospitals remains low. The purpose of this study is to examine whether providing thrombolysis in New Zealand hospitals is currently cost-effective and to estimate the amount that might be spent on campaigns aimed at increasing thrombolysis receipt rates.

Methods

A decision-analytic model was developed and populated using health services data from the literature and the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Outcome Study. The cost–utilities of providing thrombolysis over one-year and patient lifetime were estimated. Using a threshold of NZ$20 000 (US$15 337) per quality-adjusted life year, the analysis identified the maximum amount that might be spent on campaigns aiming to increase rates of receipt of thrombolysis above their current levels. Monte Carlo simulations and probabilistic sensitivity analysis explored the robustness of the findings.

Results

Providing thrombolysis was cost-effective, especially when long-term costs and effects were considered (NZ$6641 or US$5093 per quality-adjusted life year). The results suggest that better management within hospitals would be more effective in increasing thrombolysis receipt rates (up to 17%) than campaigns aiming at higher awareness of stroke symptoms in the community. The amount that might be spent on a national campaign to increase rate of receipt of thrombolysis from its current level (3% of eligible patients) depended upon the effectiveness of the campaign, ranging from under NZ$6 million for New Zealand for an increase in rate to 30% to over $9 million for an increase in rate to 50%.

Conclusion

While thrombolysis is a cost-effective treatment in New Zealand, resources should be devoted to campaigns, both within hospitals and in the community, to increase coverage.
REVASCAT: A Randomized Trial of Revascularization with Solitaire FR® Device vs. Best Medical Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Stroke Due to Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Presenting within Eight-Hours of Symptom Onset
Authors: Molina Carlos A. , Chamorro Angel , Rovira Àlex , de Miquel Angeles , Serena Joaquin , Roman Luis San , Jovin Tudor G. , Davalos Antoni , Cobo Erik
Published: November 2013

REVASCAT is a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial seeking to establish whether subjects meeting following main inclusion criteria: age 18–80, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥6, evidence of intracranial internal carotid artery or proximal (M1 segment) middle cerebral artery occlusion, Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography score of >7 on non-contrast CT or >6 on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, ineligible for or with persistent occlusion after intravenous alteplase and procedure start within 8 hours from symptom onset, have higher rates of favorable outcome when treated with the SolitaireTM FR embolectomy device compared to standard medical therapy alone The primary end-point, based on intention-to-treat criteria is the distribution of modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days. Projected sample size is 690 patients. Estimated common odds ratio is 1•615. Randomization is performed under a minimization process using age, baseline NIHSS, therapeutic window, occlusion location and investigational center. The study follows a sequential analysis (triangular model) with the first approach to test efficacy at 174 patients and subsequent analyses (if necessary) at 346, 518, and 690 subjects. Secondary end-points are infarct volume evaluated on CT at 24 h, dramatic early favorable response, defined as NIHSS of 0–2 or NIHSS improvement ≥8 points at 24 h and successful recanalization in the Solitaire arm according to the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) classification defined as TICI 2b or 3. Safety variables are mortality at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage rates at 24 hours and procedure related complications.
Stroke Unit Care and Trends of In-Hospital Mortality for Stroke in Germany 2005–2010
Authors: Nimptsch Ulrike , Mansky Thomas
Published: November 2013

Background

In Germany, the financing of stroke unit care was implemented into the hospital reimbursement system in 2006. Since then, many acute care hospitals newly implemented stroke units. Simultaneous, in-hospital mortality for stroke declined.

Aims

The study aims to analyze the association of mortality trends for stroke with the increasing provision of stroke unit care in German hospitals.

Methods

Hospitalizations for acute stroke from 2005 to 2010 are identified in the nationwide German Diagnosis Related Groups statistics. Trends of risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality are studied stratified by existence of a stroke unit in the admitting hospital, as well as stratified by cohorts of hospitals defined by the respective period of stroke unit implementation.

Results

Overall, mortality in patients admitted to stroke unit hospitals is lower (crude 9·2%; adjusted 9·8%) compared to patients admitted to nonstroke unit hospitals (12·7%; 11·6%). The longitudinal analysis revealed a general secular trend of declining mortality in all cohorts of hospitals. However, while all stroke unit-providing hospital cohorts converge to a quite similar level of mortality in 2010, mortality in hospitals without stroke unit remains significantly higher. Reduction of mortality in hospitals with early provision of stroke unit care seems to be attributable to the secular trend. A reduction of mortality exceeding the secular trend was observed in hospitals with late stroke unit implementation.

Conclusions

The earlier stroke unit implementations might represent rather ‘formal’ inceptions in experienced hospitals with preexisting appropriate stroke care, whereas late implementations seem to have caused extra improvements. Overall, stroke patients are more likely to survive when admitted to an stroke unit-providing hospital. A more stringent assignment of acute stroke patients to stroke unit-providing hospitals could possibly further reduce stroke mortality in Germany.
Is Preventing Coerced Repatriation Ethical and Possible? The Case ofNGORepatriation of South Sudanese in Israel
Authors: Gerver Mollie
Published: November 2013

“Voluntary repatriation” to a country of origin may be necessary to restore refugees' rights, when only a country of origin will provide rights associated with citizenship. Yet, if refugees are returning because they do not have access to basic rights in a host country, their return is not voluntary according toUNHCRguidelines (1996). There is a tension between facilitating repatriation to restore rights, and ensuring that repatriation is voluntary. This article will first draw on arguments from moral philosophy to suggest an alternative policy to currentUNHCRguidelines. Following this normative analysis, the article hypothesizes that, on an empirical level, a repatriation policy that attempts to only facilitate repatriation that is not coerced, out of concern for voluntariness alone, may fail both to prevent coerced returns and to restore right through repatriation. This hypothesis was then tested in the case of South Sudanese repatriation from Israel between 2009‐2012.
The substantial hospitalization burden of influenza in central China: surveillance for severe, acute respiratory infection, and influenza viruses, 2010–2012
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Huang Jigui , Huai Yang , Guan Xuhua , Klena John , Liu Shali , Peng Youxing , Yang Hui , Luo Jun , Zheng Jiandong , Chen Maoyi , Peng Zhibin , Xiang Nijuan , Huo Xixiang , Xiao Lin , Jiang Hui , Chen Hui , Zhang Yuzhi , Xing Xuesen , Xu Zhen , Feng Zijian , Zhan Faxian , Yang Weizhong , Uyeki Timothy M. , Wang Yu , Varma Jay K.
Published: November 2013

Background

Published data on influenza in severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) patients are limited. We conducted SARI surveillance in central China and estimated hospitalization rates of SARI attributable to influenza by viral type/subtype.

Methods

Surveillance was conducted at four hospitals in Jingzhou, China from 2010 to 2012. We enrolled hospitalized patients who had temperature ≥37·3°C and at least one of: cough, sore throat, tachypnea, difficulty breathing, abnormal breath sounds on auscultation, sputum production, hemoptysis, chest pain, or chest radiograph consistent with pneumonia. A nasopharyngeal swab was collected from each case‐patient within 24 hours of admission for influenza testing by real‐time reverse transcription PCR.

Results

Of 17 172 SARI patients enrolled, 90% were aged <15 years. The median duration of hospitalization was 5 days. Of 16 208 (94%) SARI cases tested, 2057 (13%) had confirmed influenza, including 1427 (69%) aged <5 years. Multiple peaks of influenza occurred during summer, winter, and spring months. Influenza was associated with an estimated 115 and 142 SARI hospitalizations per 100 000 during 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 [including A(H3N2): 55 and 44 SARI hospitalizations per 100 000; pandemic A(H1N1): 33 SARI hospitalizations per 100 000 during 2010–2011; influenza B: 26 and 98 hospitalizations per 100 000], with the highest rate among children aged 6–11 months (3603 and 3805 hospitalizations per 100 000 during 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, respectively).

Conclusions

In central China, influenza A and B caused a substantial number of hospitalizations during multiple periods each year. Our findings strongly suggest that young children should be the highest priority group for annual influenza vaccination in China.
Northern Lights: From Swedish Realism to Sociology of Law
Authors: Cotterrell Roger
Published: November 2013

This article is a contribution to the occasional series dealing with major books that have influenced the authors. Previous contributors include Stewart Macaulay, John Griffith, William Twining, Carol Harlow, Geoffrey Bindman, Harry Arthurs, André‐Jean Arnaud, Alan Hunt, Michael Adler, Lawrence O. Gostin, John P. Heinz, and Roger Brownsword.
Improving provenance studies in migratory birds when using feather hydrogen stable isotopes
Authors: van Dijk Jacintha G. B. , Meissner Włodzimierz , Klaassen Marcel
Published: November 2013

Hydrogen stable isotopes (δ2H) in feathers are used to determine the origin and migration strategy of birds. To identify the geographic location of the site of feather synthesis, calibration curves for the relation between feather δ2H and amount‐weighted growing‐season δ2H in precipitation are used to generate feather δ2H isoscapes. Factors like species, age and year might generate isotopic variation in calibration curves, but the extent to which accounting for variation may improve calibration curves and hence provenance determination of birds, is unknown. We compared three European calibration curves: 1) an existing multi‐species curve, uncorrected for age and year variation, and two species‐specific calibration curves, based on mallard Anas platyrhynchos feathers, of 2) varying age and year, and 3) juvenile natal origin, corrected for year variation. Calibration curves using ordinary least square linear regression (OLS) as opposed to standard major axis regression showed least bias in estimation. As expected, we found that a single species (mallard) OLS calibration curve corrected for age and year yielded the highest coefficient of determination, but was still surprisingly similar to the other two calibration curves. Nevertheless, when using feathers of known‐origin to assess provenance accuracy, the calibration curve that accounted for species, age and year variation yielded the best prediction in as many as 59% of the cases. Our study is the first to demonstrate implications of isotopic variation on assessing the origin of individual birds, but also highlights the relatively small gain in precision that is achieved by generating species, age and year specific calibration curves rather than resorting to more general alternatives.
Thiol changes during epididymal maturation: a link to flagellar angulation in mouse spermatozoa?
Authors: Ijiri T. W. , Vadnais M. L. , Huang A. P. , Lin A. M. , Levin L. R. , Buck J. , Gerton G. L.
Published: November 2013

Caput epididymal wild‐type spermatozoa and cauda epididymal spermatozoa from mice null for the adenylyl cyclase Adcy10 gene are immotile unless stimulated by a membrane‐permeant cyclic AMP analogue. Both types of spermatozoa exhibit flagellar angulation where the head folds back under these conditions. As sperm proteins undergo oxidation of sulfhydryl groups and the flagellum becomes more stable to external forces during epididymal transit, we hypothesized that ADCY10 is involved in a mechanism regulating flagellar stabilization. Although no differences were observed in global sulfhydryl status between caput and cauda epididymal spermatozoa from wild‐type or Adcy10‐null mice, two‐dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis was performed to identify specific mouse sperm proteins containing sulfhydryl groups that became oxidized during epididymal maturation. A‐kinase anchor protein 4, fatty acid‐binding protein 9 (FABP9), glutathione S‐transferase mu 5 and voltage‐dependent anion channel 2 exhibited changes in thiol status between caput and cauda epididymal spermatozoa. The level and thiol status of each of these proteins were quantified in wild‐type and Adcy10‐null cauda epididymal spermatozoa. No differences in the abundance of any protein were observed; however, FABP9 in Adcy10‐null cauda epididymal spermatozoa contained fewer disulfide bonds than wild‐type sperm cells. In caput epididymal spermatozoa, FABP9 was detected in the cytoplasmic droplet, principal piece, midpiece, and non‐acrosomal area of the head. However, in cauda epididymal spermatozoa, this protein localized to the perforatorium, post‐acrosomal region and principal piece. Together, these results suggest that thiol changes during epididymal maturation have a role in the stabilization of the sperm flagellum.
Effectiveness of audiovisual interventions on stress responses in adolescents with ENT surgery in hospital: randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Liu Cai Yun , Xu Lei , Zang Yu Li
Published: November 2013

Aim

To investigate the circadian pattern of cortisol secretion and other stress indictors in association with audiovisual stimuli in adolescents having otorhinolaryngological surgery in hospital.

Background

Hospitalization for surgery is a major stressful life event for adolescents causing negative consequences, including anxiety. Recent studies suggest that entertaining and educational interventions might be effective at reducing such adversities, but little is known about the pattern of these responses and effects.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Adolescents with otorhinolaryngological surgery in hospital without any contraindictions for salivary cortisol enzyme immunoassays will be recruited and randomly allocated to experimental, placebo and control. Stress indicators will be collected regularly for 5 days. Standard audiovisual interventions will be displayed for experimental and placebo groups including a simultaneous video‐recording of facial and behavioural changes on the second afternoon postadmission and stress indicators will be collected pre‐ and three times with 20‐minute interval postintervention. Follow‐up will be conducted to evaluate the longer term effects at 2 weeks, 1‐month and 3 months postadmission, respectively. Descriptive and comparative analyses of stress indicators will be performed to examine group differences. Competitive funding was obtained from the Independent Innovation Foundation of Shandong University for interdisciplinary research in 2012.

Discussion

This study will help identify timeslots for interventions for integrating strength‐building into stress response reduction in adolescents hospitalized for surgery.
Cl/Br of scapolite as a fluid tracer in the earth's crust: insights into fluid sources in the Mary Kathleen Fold Belt, Mt. Isa Inlier, Australia
Authors: Hammerli J. , Spandler C. , Oliver N. H. S. , Rusk B.
Published: November 2013

A combination of analytical methods, including trace element analysis of Br in scapolite by LA‐ICP‐MS, was employed to unravel the fluid–rock interaction history of the Mary Kathleen Fold Belt of northern Australia. Halogen ratios in the metamorphic and hydrothermally derived scapolite from a range of rock‐types record interaction between the host rocks and magmatic‐hydrothermal fluids derived from granite plutons and regional metamorphism. The results show that halite‐dissolution supplied at best only minor chlorine to fluids in the Fold Belt. Chlorine/bromine ratios in metamorphic scapolite indicate that fluids were dominantly derived from basinal brines formed from sub‐aerial evaporation of seawater beyond the point of halite saturation. This bittern fluid infiltrated the underlying sedimentary sequences prior to regional metamorphism. Zoned scapolite in a major late metamorphic mineralized shear‐zone records three discrete pulses of magmatic and metamorphic fluid, and it is suggested that fluid mixing may have assisted mineralization along and around this shear‐zone. As a crucial prerequisite for halogen fluid tracer studies using scapolite, we find in our samples that Cl and Br do not fractionate when incorporated in scapolite. Furthermore, unaltered rims of heavily retrogressed scapolite show indistinguishable Cl/Br signatures compared with fresh grains from the same sample indicating retrograde metamorphism did not significantly affect Cl and Br signatures in scapolite group minerals.