bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loop and drain technique for subcutaneous abscess: a safe minimally invasive procedure in an adult population
Authors: Gaszynski Rafael , Punch Gratian , Verschuer Kurt
Published: September 2016

Background

This study evaluated the safety, efficacy and compliance of an emerging technique for managing complex subcutaneous abscesses in an adult population (≥16 years).

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data between April and October 2015 at a rural hospital comparing conventional incision drainage (CID) and repetitive packing to the minimal incision, irrigation, loop and drain technique (LDT). LDT method was consistent with previous publications, being ≤5 mm incisions at abscess edges, irrigation and passage of a VessiLoop through the cavity and then secured above the skin. The loop remained in situ until resolution. Both groups had empirical oral antibiotics.

Results

Sixty‐three patients required intervention for complex subcutaneous abscess: CID group had 27 patients and LDT had 36 patients. The mean age of CID group was 43.9 years (range: 16–86 years), all required intervention in theatre with 10 patients lost to follow‐up (37%) and the remaining 17 required a mean of 11.8 (range: 1–17) care visits. The mean age of LDT group was 34.9 years (range: 16–62 years), 11 completed intervention in ED under local anaesthetic (30%) and 27 required general anaesthesia. Compliance to follow‐up clinic was 100%: 27 seen once at 10–14 days with loop removal and nine were seen a second time to complete care. There were no re‐operations.

Conclusion

This is the first LDT data in adults and proves it is safe and effective. It saves operating theatre time with 30% of LDT treated in the Emergency Department and ensures excellent follow‐up compliance as patients return for VessiLoop removal. Healthcare burden is greatly reduced using LDT; most patients require only one review at 10–14 days.
Improved survival for rectal cancer compared to colon cancer: the four cohort study
Authors: Buchwald Pamela , Hall Claire , Davidson Callum , Dixon Liane , Dobbs Bruce , Robinson Bridget , Frizelle Frank
Published: September 2016

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. This study was undertaken to evaluate survival outcomes and changes of disease outcomes of CRC patients over the last decades.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of CRC patients in Christchurch was performed in four patient cohorts at 5 yearly intervals; 1993–94, 1998–99, 2004–05 and 2009. Data on cancer location, stage, surgical and oncological treatment and survival were collected. Univariate, multivariate and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed.

Results

There were 1391 patients (355, 317, 419 and 300 per cohort), 1037 colon and 354 rectal cancers, respectively. For colon cancer, right‐sided cancers appeared more common in later cohorts (P = 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the number of permanent stomas for colon cancer patients (P = 0.001). There was an analogous trend for rectal cancers (P = 0.075). More CRC patients with stage IV disease were treated surgically (P = 0.001) and colon cancer stages I and II tended to have increased survival if operated by a colorectal surgeon (P = 0.06). Oncology referrals have increased remarkably (P = 0.001). Overall 56% of patients were alive at 5 years however rectal cancer patients had significantly better 5‐year survival than those with colon cancer (P < 0.05).

Discussion

This four cohort study shows that modern CRC survival continues to improve and is comparable to international standards. Furthermore, rectal cancer patients have a better 5‐year survival than colon cancer patients. The improved survival with early stage colon cancers operated on by specialist colorectal surgeons needs further exploration.
Review of the mechanisms and therapeutic avenues for retinal and choroidal vascular dysfunctions in retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Rivera José Carlos , Madaan Ankush , Zhou Tianwei Ellen , Chemtob Sylvain
Published: September 2016

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a multifactorial disease and the main cause of visual impairment and blindness in premature neonates. The inner retina has been considered the primary region affected in ROP, but choroidal vascular degeneration and progressive outer retinal dysfunctions have also been observed. This review focuses on observations regarding neurovascular dysfunctions in both the inner and outer immature retina, the mechanisms and the neuronal‐derived factors implicated in the development of ROP, as well potential therapeutic avenues for this disorder.

Conclusion

Alterations in the neurovascular integrity of the inner and outer retina contribute to the development of ROP.
Effects of social isolation, re‐socialization and age on cognitive and aggressive behaviors of Kunming mice and BALB/c mice
Authors: An Dong , Chen Wei , Yu De‐Qin , Wang Shi‐Wei , Yu Wei‐Zhi , Xu Hong , Wang Dong‐Mei , Zhao Dan , Sun Yi‐Ping , Wu Jun‐Cheng , Tang Yi‐Yuan , Yin Sheng‐Ming
Published: September 2016

Both Kunming (KM) mice and BALB/c mice have been widely used as rodent models to investigate stress‐associated mental diseases. However, little is known about the different behaviors of KM mice and BALB/c mice after social isolation, particularly cognitive and aggressive behaviors. In this study, the behaviors of KM and BALB/c mice isolated for 2, 4 and 8 weeks and age‐matched controls were evaluated using object recognition, object location and resident‐intruder tests. The recovery of behavioral deficits by re‐socialization was also examined for the isolated mice in adolescence. Our study showed that isolation for 2, 4 and 8 weeks led to cognitive deficits and increased aggressiveness for both KM and BALB/c mice. An important finding is that re‐socialization could completely recover spatial/non‐spatial cognitive deficits resulted from social isolation for both KM and BALB/c mice. In addition, age only impacted aggressiveness of KM mice. Moreover, isolation duration showed different impacts on cognitive and aggressive behaviors for both KM and BALB/c mice. Furthermore, BALB/c mice showed weak spatial/non‐spatial memory and low aggressiveness when they were at the same age and isolation duration, compared to KM mice. In conclusion, KM mice and BALB/c mice behaved characteristically under physiology and isolation conditions.
Thorough QT study of the effect of intravenous amisulpride on QTc interval in Caucasian and Japanese healthy subjects
Authors: Täubel Jörg , Ferber Georg , Fox Gabriel , Fernandes Sara , Lorch Ulrike , Camm A. John
Published: September 2016

Aim

The D2/D3 antagonist amisulpride has shown promising efficacy against postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) at low doses. We investigated whether intravenous amisulpride has an effect on the QTc interval in a formal Thorough QT study (TQT).

Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo and positive‐controlled, four‐way crossover study. Forty healthy Caucasian and Japanese subjects were included to receive a single administration of 5 mg and 40 mg of i.v. amisulpride or a single oral dose of moxifloxacin or placebo per period.

Results

The therapeutic dose of 5 mg amisulpride was associated with a slight, transient increase in mean ΔΔQTcF, from 2.0 ms prior to dosing to a peak of 5 ms (90% CI: 2.8, 7.1 ms) at 8 min, decreasing to 2.1 ms at 30 min after dosing. The supra‐therapeutic dose of 40 mg given at twice the infusion rate was associated with prolongation in ΔΔQTcF peaking at 23.4 ms (90% CI: 21.3, 25.5 ms) at the end of infusion (8 min), returning below 10 ms within 1.5 h. Assay sensitivity was confirmed; ΔΔQTcF had increased by 12.3 ms (90% CI 10.1, 14.6 ms) at 4 h post‐dose. The PK‐PD relationship revealed no differences between Caucasian and Japanese subjects (p‐value > 0.5).

Conclusions

Amisulpride has a plasma concentration‐dependent effect on the QTc interval. The proposed therapeutic dose for management of PONV does not lead to a prolongation of QTcF above the threshold of regulatory concern, while such effect could not be excluded for the supratherapeutic dose.
Bye‐bye mummy – Word comprehension in 9‐month‐old infants
Authors: Syrnyk Corinne , Meints Kerstin
Published: September 2016

From the little research that exists on the onset of word learning in infants under the age of 1 year, the evidence suggests an idiosyncratic comprehensive vocabulary is developing. To further this field, we tested 49 nine‐month‐old infants by pre‐assessing their vocabularies using a UK version of the MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Developmental Inventory. Intermodal preferential looking (IPL) was then used to examine word comprehension including: (a) words parents reported as understood, (b) words infants are expected to understand according to age‐related frequency data, and (c) words parents had reported infants not to understand. Assuming parents are good assessors of their infant's early word knowledge, we expected a naming effect with IPL in condition (a), but not condition (c). As language research uses standard samples of words, we expected a discernible naming effect in condition (b). Results show clear IPL evidence of word comprehension for those words that parents reported their infants to understand (condition a). This agreement between methods demonstrates the usefulness of parental communicative developmental inventory in conjunction with IPL to assess infant's individual word knowledge. No naming effects were found for condition (c) and the lack of naming effects in (b) shows that pre‐established word lists may not give a sufficiently clear picture of infant's true vocabulary – an important insight for researchers and practitioners alike.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Most word comprehension research is mainly based on older infants (12, 15, or 18 months of age to 2–3 years and older).

Some evidence of word comprehension for common and novel nouns in 6‐ to 10‐month‐olds.

Existing evidence uses either only specific word groups or nouns combined with specific training and/or repetition procedures.

What does this study add?

Nine‐month‐olds display word knowledge independent of context and without repetitions of words.

First words encompass not only nouns, but a range of other word classes.

Parents are good at indicating which words their infants do and do not understand.
Network effects, homogeneous goods and international currency choice: New evidence on oil markets from an older era
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Chiţu Livia , Mehl Arnaud
Published: September 2016

Conventional wisdom has it that network effects are strong in markets for homogenous goods, leading to the dominance of one settlement currency in such markets. The dominance of the US dollar in global oil markets is said to epitomize this phenomenon. We question this presumption with evidence for earlier periods showing that several national currencies have simultaneously played substantial roles in global oil markets. European oil import payments before and after World War II were split between the dollar and non‐dollar currencies, mainly sterling. Differences in use of the dollar across countries were associated with trade linkages with the United States and the size of the importing country. That several national currencies could simultaneously play a role in international oil settlements suggests that a shift from the current dollar‐based system toward a multipolar system in the period ahead is not impossible.
The central bank as shaper and observer of events: The case of the yield spread
Authors: Florio Anna
Published: September 2016

The yield spread has commonly been employed as a successful predictor of economic growth and recessions, although its marginal predictive power has decreased since the 1990s. Notably, the yield spread's declining power to predict US economic activity coincided with its growing power to predict US interest rate changes. In my view, these phenomena are inevitably linked and share one cause. The central bank intended to enhance both its transparency and credibility through greater information disclosure; this disclosure improved interest rate predictability but might also have crowded out useful private information formerly in the yield spread that helped predict economic activity.
Canadian monetary policy analysis using a structural VARMA model
Authors: Raghavan Mala , Athanasopoulos George , Silvapulle Param
Published: September 2016

This paper builds a structural VARMA (SVARMA) model for investigating Canadian monetary policy. Using the scalar component methodology proposed by Athanasopoulos and Vahid (2008a), we first identify a VARMA model and then construct a SVARMA for Canadian monetary policy. Relative to the responses by a structural VAR, the responses generated by the SVARMA are consistent with those supported by various theoretical models and solve economic puzzles commonly found in the empirical literature on monetary policy. The superior out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of the reduced form VARMA compared to VAR alternatives further advocates the suitability of this framework for small open economies.
The effect of temporary help jobs on employment volatility
Authors: Jahn Elke , Weber Enzo
Published: September 2016

This study investigates the impact of temporary agency employment on employment volatility outside the sector. Making use of econometric volatility models, we find that enhancing numerical flexibility by temporary agency employment decreases employment volatility of incumbent workers. However, not all subgroups are benefitting equally. While prime‐age permanent workers gain considerably from higher flexibility, young workers, migrants and low‐skilled workers not only are overrepresented among the temps but also do not gain when employed outside the sector.
A spiky pattern in the course of electrical thoracic impedance as a very early sign of a developing pneumothorax
Authors: Cambiaghi B. , Moerer O. , Kunze‐Szikszay N. , Mauri T. , Just A. , Dittmar J. , Hahn G.
Published: September 2016

A pneumothorax (PTX) is a potentially lethal condition in high‐risk intensive care patients. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has been proven to detect PTX at the bedside. A so far not described pattern in the course of thoracic impedance at an early state of PTX was observed in a pig model of ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI) used for a more extensive study. EIT was performed at a framerate of 50 Hz. Beginning of PTX at normal ventilation, manifestation of PTX at VILI ventilation (plateau pressure 42 cm H2O) and final pleural drainage were documented. At ventilation with 8·6 ml kg−1, early PTX findings prior to any clinical deterioration consisted in a spike‐like pattern in the time course of impedance (relative impedance change referred to initial end‐expiratory level). Spike amplitudes (mean ± SD) were the following: 0·154 ± 0·059 (right lung) and 0·048 ± 0·050 (left lung). At this state, end‐expiratory levels (mean ± SD) were still similar, −0·035 ± 0·010 (right) and −0·058 ± 0·022 (left). After application of VILI ventilation (38 ml kg−1), a PTX developed slowly, being confirmed by a continuous increase in the end‐expiratory level on the right side and diverging levels of +0·320 ± 0·057 (right) and −0·193 ± 0·147 (left) at full manifestation. We assume that spikes reflect a temporary change in the electrical pathway caused by leakage into the pleural cavity. This newly described phenomenon of spikes is considered to be a potentially useful indicator for a very early detection of an evolving PTX in high‐risk ICU patients.
Effects of structured education program on organ donor designation of nursing students and their families: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Murakami Minoru , Fukuma Shingo , Ikezoe Masaya , Iizuka Chizuko , Izawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Yosuke , Yamazaki Shin , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Little is known about the effect of education programs on changing attitudes and behaviors of participants and their families toward deceased organ donation.

Methods

The subjects of this randomized trial were Japanese nursing students who were not previously designated organ donors. They were randomly assigned to either the education program or information booklet group. The program comprised a lecture followed by group discussion and information booklet. The primary outcome was self‐reported organ donor designation. Outcomes were assessed by questionnaire.

Results

Data of 203 (99.0%) students were analyzed. At study end, seven of 102 students (6.9%) of the program group and one of 101 students (1.0%) of the booklet group consented to donate organs (proportion ratio 6.93 [95% CI 0.87‐55.32]). There were significant between‐group differences in willingness to consent for donation (54.9% vs 39.6%; proportion ratio 1.39 [95% CI 1.03‐1.87]), family discussion (31.4% vs 15.9%; 1.98 [1.16‐3.38]), and organ donor designation of family members (11.8% vs 2.0%; 5.94 [1.36‐25.88]). No group differences were found in willingness for organ donation by students and family members.

Conclusion

Although there were no significant between‐group differences in organ donor designation, the program seems to indirectly promote consent to organ donation by their families.
Cannibalism facilitates gigantism in a nine‐spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) population
Authors: Merilä Juha , Eloranta Antti P.
Published: September 2016

Cannibalism is a taxonomically widespread phenomenon that can fundamentally affect the structure and stability of aquatic communities, including the emergence of a bimodal size distribution (“dwarfs” and “giants”) in fish populations. Emergence of giants could also be driven or facilitated by parasites that divert host resources from reproduction to growth. We studied the trophic ecology of giant nine‐spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) in a Finnish pond to evaluate the hypotheses that gigantism in this population would be facilitated by cannibalism and/or parasitic infections bySchistocephalus pungitiicestode. Stomach content analyses revealed an initial ontogenetic dietary shift from small to large benthic invertebrates, followed by cannibalism on 10–20‐mm‐long conspecifics by giant individuals. However, stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) indicated a concave relationship between fish size and trophic position, with relatively low trophic position estimates suggesting only facultative cannibalism among giants. The unexpectedly high trophic position of the intermediate‐sized fish may reflect substantial, but temporary, predation on eggs or young‐of‐the‐year conspecifics, but may also partly result from starvation caused byS. pungitiiinfection. However, it seems implausible that parasitic infections (i.e. castration) would explain gigantism among nine‐spined sticklebacks because all >100‐mm giants were unparasitised. Hence, the present results suggest that an ontogenetic niche shift from an invertebrate diet to intercohort cannibalism may facilitate the occurrence of gigantism in nine‐spined sticklebacks.
Characterization of white matter abnormalities in early‐stage schizophrenia
Authors: Hummer Tom A. , Francis Michael M. , Vohs Jenifer L. , Liffick Emily , Mehdiyoun Nicole F. , Breier Alan
Published: September 2016

Aim

White matter abnormalities have been reported in schizophrenia and may indicate altered cortical network integrity and structural connectivity, which have been hypothesized as key pathophysiological components of this illness. In this study, we aimed to further characterize the nature and progression of white matter alterations during the early stages of the disorder.

Methods

We employed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) approaches to investigate fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) in 40 patients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders (aged 18–30 years) who were within 5 years of illness, along with an age‐, sex‐ and race‐matched sample of 21 healthy controls. Relationships with illness duration, lifetime antipsychotic medication exposure and symptom levels were examined.

Results

Patients had lower FA and higher RD than controls in numerous white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum (CC) and the superior longitudinal fasciculus. Illness duration was associated with lower FA and higher RD, most prominently in the CC. No group differences or relationships to illness duration were detected with AD, and no relationships between any DTI measurements and lifetime antipsychotic medication use were found.

Conclusions

This investigation provides evidence of widespread disruptions to structural connectivity in the early stages of schizophrenia. The relationship to illness duration, coupled with an absence of relationships to AD or antipsychotic drug exposure, provides evidence of a progressive disease process, although prospective assessments with repeated DTI measurements are needed to fully characterize the trajectory of white matter abnormalities in this illness.
High‐frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus modulates neuronal activity in the lateral habenula nucleus
Authors: Hartung Henrike , Tan Sonny K. H. , Temel Yasin , Sharp Trevor
Published: September 2016

High‐frequency stimulation (HFS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is often used to treat movement disability in advanced Parkinson's disease, but some patients experience debilitating psychiatric effects including depression. Interestingly, HFS of the STN modulates 5‐HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) which are linked to depression, but the neural substrate of this effect is unknown. Here, we tested the effect of STN stimulation on neuronal activity in the lateral habenula nucleus (LHb), an important source of input to DRN 5‐HT neurons and also a key controller of emotive behaviours. LHb neurons were monitored in anaesthetized rats using single‐unit extracellular recording, and localization within the LHb was confirmed by juxtacellular labelling. HFS of the STN (130 Hz) evoked rapid changes in the firing rate of the majority of LHb neurons tested (38 of 68). Some LHb neurons (19/68) were activated by HFS, while others (19/68), distinguished by a higher basal firing rate, were inhibited. LHb neurons that project to the DRN were identified using antidromic activation and collision testing (n = 17 neurons). Some of these neurons (5/17) were also excited by HFS of the STN, and others (7/17) were inhibited although this was only a statistical trend. In summary, HFS of the STN modulated the firing of LHb neurons, including those projecting to the DRN. The data identify that the STN impacts on the LHb‐DRN pathway. Moreover, this pathway may be part of the circuitry mediating the psychiatric effects of STN stimulation experienced by patients with Parkinson's disease.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene: Beyond café au lait spots and dermal neurofibromas
Authors: Peltonen Sirkku , Kallionpää Roope A. , Peltonen Juha
Published: September 2016

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) occurs in 1:2000 births. The main diagnostic signs are visible on the skin, and this opens several interesting aspects for dermatological point of view. The NF1 syndrome is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene which encodes the tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin. Neurofibromin functions as a Ras‐GTPase‐activating protein (RasGAP), and NF1 mutations lead to overactivation of the Ras signalling pathway. The NF1 gene and neurofibromin have intriguing functions in keratinocytes and melanocytes. Neurofibromin regulates melanin synthesis and keratinocyte differentiation in a currently unknown manner. The NF1 gene has also an important but poorly understood role in tumorigenesis and cancer. Compared to the general population, NF1 patients have a fivefold risk for cancer and a more than 2000‐fold risk for neurogenic malignancies. Mutations of the NF1 gene are common in numerous cancer types in patients without NF1, and this suggests a more general role for the NF1 gene in oncogenesis. In melanoma, NF1 mutations seem to drive tumorigenesis and contribute to drug resistance. In this article, we review the literature on neurofibromin with special attention to keratinocytes, melanocytes, NF1‐related tumors and melanoma.
Family‐Focused Therapy for Bipolar Disorder: Reflections on 30 Years of Research
Authors: Miklowitz David J. , Chung Bowen
Published: September 2016

Family‐focused therapy (FFT) is an evidence‐based intervention for adults and children with bipolar disorder (BD) and their caregivers, usually given in conjunction with pharmacotherapy after an illness episode. The treatment consists of conjoint sessions of psychoeducation regarding bipolar illness, communication enhancement training, and problem‐solving skills training. This paper summarizes over 30 years of research on FFT and family processes in BD. Across eight randomized controlled trials with adults and adolescents with BD, FFT and mood‐stabilizing medications have been found to hasten recovery from mood episodes, reduce recurrences, and reduce levels of symptom severity compared to briefer forms of psychoeducation and medications over 1–2 years. Several studies indicate that the effects of FFT on symptom improvement are greater among patients with high‐expressed emotion relatives. New research focuses on FFT as an early intervention for youth at risk for BD, neuroimaging as a means of evaluating treatment mechanisms, and progress in implementing FFT in community mental health settings.
Preclinical voluntary drinking models for alcohol abstinence‐induced affective disturbances in mice
Authors: Holleran K. M. , Winder D. G.
Published: September 2016

Negative reinforcement is widely thought to play an important role in chronic alcohol‐use disorders (AUDs), and high comorbidity between AUDs and affective disorders highlights the importance of investigating this relationship. Prominent models posit that repeated cycles of alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) exposure and withdrawal produce circuit adaptations in the central nervous system that drive a transition from positive‐ to negative reinforcement‐based alcohol seeking. Evidence supporting this theory has accumulated in large part using forced EtOH administration models, such as chronic intragastric gavage and chronic vapor inhalation. However, recent studies utilizing simple voluntary EtOH delivery systems show that forced abstinence from EtOH intake administered by the animal itself can produce evolving and significant affective disturbances, particularly in female C57BL/6J mice. Here, we highlight these recent studies to support the idea that voluntary EtOH administration in mouse models, as well as a protracted abstinence period and less commonly used behavioral tasks, could unveil affective disturbances during abstinence that have remained elusive using high dosage forced EtOH administration paradigms.
Plasma vitamin C levels in ESRD patients and occurrence of hypochromic erythrocytes
Authors: Seibert Eric , Richter Anja , Kuhlmann Martin K. , Wang Suxin , Levin Nathan W. , Kotanko Peter , Handelman Garry J.
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The achievement of erythropoiesis in hemodialysis (HD) patients is typically managed with erythropoiesis‐stimulating‐agents (ESA's) and intravenous iron (IV‐iron). Using this treatment strategy, HD patients frequently show an elevated fraction of red blood cells (RBC) with hemoglobin (Hb) content per cell that is below the normal range, called hypochromic RBC. The low Hb content per RBC is the result of the clinical challenge of providing sufficient iron content to the bone marrow during erythropoiesis. Vitamin C supplements have been used to increase Hb levels in HD patients with refractory anemia, which supports the hypothesis that vitamin C mobilizes iron needed for Hb synthesis.

Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional survey in 149 prevalent HD patients of the percent hypochromic RBC, defined as RBC with Hb < 300 ng/uL of packed RBC, in relation to plasma vitamin C levels. We also measured high‐sensitivity CRP, (hs‐CRP), iron, and ferritin levels. and calculated ESA dose.

Findings: High plasma levels of vitamin C were negatively associated with hypochromic RBC (P < 0.003), and high ESA doses were positively associated (P < 0.001). There was no significant association of hs‐CRP with percent hypochromic RBC.

Discussion: This finding supports the hypothesis that vitamin C mobilizes iron stores, improves iron delivery to the bone marrow, and increase the fraction of RBC with normal Hb content. Further research is warranted on development of protocols for safe and effective use of supplemental vitamin C for management of renal anemia.
An overview of Australia's temperate marine phylogeography, with new evidence from high‐dispersal gastropods
Authors: Teske Peter R. , Sandoval‐Castillo Jonathan , Waters Jonathan , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: September 2016

Aim

We provide an overview of the location and ages of coastal phylogeographical breaks in southern Australian planktonic dispersers, and test the hypothesis that the absence of such breaks in some species is an artefact of insufficient resolution of genetic markers when such breaks evolved comparatively recently.

Location

Temperate coastal Australia.

Methods

We generated a large (> 1500 individuals) data set from rapidly evolving microsatellite markers for two codistributed Australian coastal gastropods, and compared it with mitochondrial DNA data. Both study species, the snail Nerita atramentosa and the limpet Siphonaria diemenensis, have long planktonic dispersal phases, and neither taxon exhibits substantial regional genetic structure on the basis of mitochondrial DNA. We tested for the presence of genetic structure by means of AMOVA, Bayesian clustering (structure) and iterated realloction (flock).

Results

There was no compelling evidence for the existence of more than one evolutionary lineage in either species.

Main conclusions

Discrepancies in the phylogeographical structuring of co‐distributed intertidal taxa cannot be attributed to insufficient marker resolution for the two species considered here, and likely reflect a combination of abiotic and biotic factors that include porous dispersal barriers, life history and species age/history. It appears that contemporary oceanography does not explain the presence of phylogeographical breaks, but may serve to maintain breaks that evolved earlier. Deep genetic divergence in some of the previously studied coastal invertebrates suggests that these could be cryptic species, in which case competitive exclusion may play a role in constraining species biogeography.
Conditioned media from human palatine tonsil mesenchymal stem cells regulates the interaction between myotubes and fibroblasts by IL‐1Ra activity
Authors: Cho Kyung‐Ah , Park Minhwa , Kim Yu‐Hee , Woo So‐Youn , Ryu Kyung‐Ha
Published: September 2016

Saturated free fatty acids (FFAs) act as lipid mediators and induce insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Specifically, in obesity‐related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, FFAs directly reduce insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. However, the knowledge of how FFAs mediate inflammation and subsequent tissue disorders, including fibrosis in skeletal muscle, is limited. FFAs are a natural ligand for toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4, and induce chronic low‐grade inflammation that directly stimulates skeletal muscle tissue. However, persistent inflammatory stimulation in tissues could induce pro‐fibrogenic processes that ultimately lead to perturbation of the tissue architecture and dysfunction. Therefore, blocking the link between inflammatory primed skeletal muscle tissue and connective tissue might be an efficient therapeutic option for treating obesity‐induced muscle inactivity. In this study, we investigated the impact of conditioned medium obtained from human palatine tonsil‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (T‐MSCs) on the interaction between skeletal muscle cells stimulated with palmitic acid (PA) and fibroblasts. We found that PA‐treated skeletal muscle cells actively secreted interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and augmented the migration, proliferation and expression of fibronectin in L929 fibroblasts. Furthermore, T‐CM inhibited the skeletal muscle cell‐derived pro‐fibrogenic effect via the production of the interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra), which is an inhibitor of IL‐1 signalling. Taken together, our data provide novel insights into the therapeutic potential of T‐MSC‐mediated therapy for the treatment of pathophysiological processes that occur in skeletal muscle tissues under chronic inflammatory conditions.
Characteristics of socially successful elementary school‐aged children with autism
Authors: Locke Jill , Williams Justin , Shih Wendy , Kasari Connie
Published: September 2016

Background

The extant literature demonstrates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty interacting and socially connecting with typically developing classmates. However, some children with ASD have social outcomes that are consistent with their typically developing counterparts. Little is known about this subgroup of children with ASD. This study examined the stable (unlikely to change) and malleable (changeable) characteristics of socially successful children with ASD.

Methods

This study used baseline data from three intervention studies performed in public schools in the Southwestern United States. A total of 148 elementary‐aged children with ASD in 130 classrooms in 47 public schools participated. Measures of playground peer engagement and social network salience (inclusion in informal peer groups) were obtained.

Results

The results demonstrated that a number of malleable factors significantly predicted playground peer engagement (class size, autism symptom severity, peer connections) and social network salience (autism symptom severity, peer connections, received friendships). In addition, age was the only stable factor that significantly predicted social network salience. Interestingly, two malleable (i.e., peer connections and received friendships) and no stable factors (i.e., age, IQ, sex) predicted overall social success (e.g., high playground peer engagement and social network salience) in children with ASD.

Conclusions

School‐based interventions should address malleable factors such as the number of peer connections and received friendships that predict the best social outcomes for children with ASD.
Acceptability of an online modified Delphi panel approach for developing health services performance measures: results from 3 panels on arthritis research
Authors: Khodyakov Dmitry , Grant Sean , Barber Claire E. H. , Marshall Deborah A. , Esdaile John M. , Lacaille Diane
Published: September 2016

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Online modified Delphi (OMD) panel approaches can be used to engage large and diverse groups of clinical experts and stakeholders in developing health services performance measures. Such approaches are increasing in popularity among health researchers. However, information about their acceptability to participating experts and stakeholders is lacking but important to determine before recommending widespread use of online approaches. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to explore acceptability of the OMD panel approach from the participants' perspective.

Method

We use data from participants in three OMD panels designed to develop performance measures for use in arthritis research and quality improvement efforts. At the end of each online panel, we surveyed clinical experts and stakeholders who shared their experiences with the OMD process by answering 13 close‐ended questions using 7‐point Likert‐type scales. A mean of 5 or higher on a given question was treated as an indication of acceptability.

Results

Ninety‐eight clinical experts and stakeholders (92% participation rate) answered survey questions about the online process. They considered the OMD panel approach to be acceptable, particularly the ease of using the online system (mean = 5.3, standard deviation = 1.3) and the understanding gained from online discussions (mean = 5.2, standard deviation = 1.0). Participants also felt that participation in the Delphi study was interesting (mean = 5.6, standard deviation =1.1).

Conclusion

These findings illustrate likely acceptability and a potential for a more widespread use of OMD panel approaches by stakeholders in developing health services performance measures.
The neuroanatomy of autism – a developmental perspective
Authors: Donovan Alex P. A. , Basson M. Albert
Published: September 2016

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are diagnosed solely on the basis of behaviour. A large body of work has reported neuroanatomical differences between individuals with ASD and neurotypical controls. Despite the huge clinical and genetic heterogeneity that typifies autism, some of these anatomical features appear to be either present in most cases or so dramatically altered in some that their presence is now reasonably well replicated in a number of studies. One such finding is the tendency towards overgrowth of the frontal cortex during the early postnatal period. Although these reports have been focused primarily on the presumed pathological anatomy, they are providing us with important insights into normal brain anatomy and are stimulating new ideas and hypotheses about the normal trajectory of brain development and the function of specific anatomical brain structures. The use of model systems that include genetic model organisms such as the mouse and, more recently, human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived brain organoids to model normal and pathological human cortical development, is proving particularly informative. Here we review some of the neuroanatomical alterations reported in autism, with a particular focus on well‐validated findings and recent advances in the field, and ask what these observations can tell us about normal and abnormal brain development.
Of skin and bone: did Langerhans cells and osteoclasts evolve from a common ancestor?
Authors: Mueller Christopher G. , Voisin Benjamin
Published: September 2016

Skin Langerhans cells are antigen‐presenting cells of the interfollicular epidermis and the upper part of the hair follicle, whereas osteoclasts are specialized bone‐resorbing macrophages. Although at first view these two cell types appear to have little in common, a closer analysis reveals shared features, and when taking into account their surrounding environment, a hypothesis can be developed that Langerhans cells and osteoclasts have evolved from a common ancestral cell type. In this mini‐review, we have compared the ontogenetic features of Langerhans cells and osteoclasts from a genetic and a functional point of view, an issue that so far has been overlooked. The gene programs that control cell differentiation, and the body parts where they reside, present surprising similarities. Whereas the function of osteoclasts in bone degradation has been established since the first vertebrates, Langerhans cells may have undergone a stepwise adaptation from aquatic to terrestrial life. Their cell function co‐evolved with the imperatives of the skin to protect against physical impact, heat, water loss and pathogens, which implied the capacity of Langerhans cells to associate with skin appendages and to develop immunostimulatory functions. For the highly versatile and efficient immune system of modern vertebrates, Langerhans cells may be a memory of the past.
Poststroke Cognitive Decline is Independent of Longitudinal Changes in Cerebral Hemodynamics Parameters
Authors: Suministrado Ma. Serrie Platero , Shuang Esther Wan Yee , Xu Jing , Teoh Hock Luen , Chan Bernard Poon‐Lap , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Seet Raymond Chee Seong , Chen Christopher Li‐Hsian , Wong Boon Seng , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Dong YanHong
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Poststroke vascular cognitive impairment is highly prevalent with significant functional consequences. However, reliable biomarkers for early prediction of cognitive decline after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are not well established. Although parenchymal imaging in patients with AIS and transient ischemic attack (TIA) may predict the resultant cognitive impairment, it may not explain the progressive deterioration after the index event. We postulated that longitudinal changes in cerebral hemodynamic parameters may influence the cognitive performance after a cerebrovascular event.

METHODS

One‐hundred consecutive AIS/TIA patients were recruited within 2 weeks following a cerebrovascular event. At 3–6 months, 69 patients were followed up with transcranial Doppler (TCD) and brief cognitive tests (Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE]/Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]). Basic demographics, vascular risk factors, clinical, cognitive, and neurological status were recorded.

RESULTS

Considerable proportion (12%) of patients showed cognitive decline and changes in the hemodynamic parameters over 3–6 months after the index event. We showed that right middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis and right internal carotid artery/MCA tandem lesions at 3–6 months are associated with the change in the MMSE scores. Additionally, there was a trend toward association between increased pulsatility index of the right MCA and a decline in the MMSE score. However, we did not observe any association between cognitive decline and longitudinal changes in hemodynamic parameters.

CONCLUSION

Although hemodynamic parameters deteriorate in a considerable proportion of patients during first 3–6 months after a cerebrovascular event, cognitive decline appears to be an independent phenomenon.
The Effects of the Yes You Can! Curriculum on the Sexual Knowledge and Intent of Middle School Students
Authors: Donnelly Joseph , Horn Robert R. , Young Michael , Ivanescu Andrada E.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of the “Yes You Can!” (YYC) curriculum on sexual knowledge and behavioral intent of program participants.

METHODS

Participants included students ages 10‐14 from schools in a northeast US urban area. Yes You Can! program lessons were designed to support healthy relationships. The curriculum was taught by trained instructors. The testing instrument was a 30‐item questionnaire, which included sexual knowledge and intent items. Students completed the questionnaire before program implementation, immediately following intervention, and a third time at follow‐up. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Pretest knowledge scores were used as the covariate for the knowledge analyses. Pretest intent scores were used as the covariate for the intent analyses.

RESULTS

Results showed the intervention group had less intent to engage in sexual intercourse than the control group at post‐test (p < .001) and at follow‐up (p < .001). Similarly, the intervention group had higher knowledge scores than the control group at post‐test (p < .001) and at follow‐up (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that the YYC program had a statistically significant, positive impact on knowledge and sexual intent. These variables are important precursors to actual behavior. Future research should examine the effects of the program on changes in sexual behavior.
Implementation of Local Wellness Policies in Schools: Role of School Systems, School Health Councils, and Health Disparities
Authors: Hager Erin R. , Rubio Diana S. , Eidel G. Stewart , Penniston Erin S. , Lopes Megan , Saksvig Brit I. , Fox Renee E. , Black Maureen M.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Written local wellness policies (LWPs) are mandated in school systems to enhance opportunities for healthy eating/activity. LWP effectiveness relies on school‐level implementation. We examined factors associated with school‐level LWP implementation. Hypothesized associations included system support for school‐level implementation and having a school‐level wellness team/school health council (SHC), with stronger associations among schools without disparity enrollment (majority African‐American/Hispanic or low‐income students).

METHODS

Online surveys were administered: 24 systems (support), 1349 schools (LWP implementation, perceived system support, SHC). The state provided school demographics. Analyses included multilevel multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Response rates were 100% (systems)/55.2% (schools). Among schools, 44.0% had SHCs, 22.6% majority (≥75%) African‐American/Hispanic students, and 25.5% majority (≥75%) low‐income (receiving free/reduced‐price meals). LWP implementation (17‐items) categorized as none = 36.3%, low (1–5 items) = 36.3%, high (6+ items) = 27.4%. In adjusted models, greater likelihood of LWP implementation was observed among schools with perceived system support (high versus none relative risk ratio, RRR = 1.63, CI: 1.49, 1.78; low versus none RRR = 1.26, CI: 1.18, 1.36) and SHCs (high versus none RRR = 6.8, CI: 4.07, 11.37; low versus none RRR = 2.24, CI: 1.48, 3.39). Disparity enrollment did not moderate associations (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Schools with perceived system support and SHCs had greater likelihood of LWP implementation, with no moderating effect of disparity enrollment. SHCs/support may overcome LWP implementation obstacles related to disparities.
Factors Associated With Intentions to Engage in Vaginal Intercourse Among Sexually Abstinent Missouri High School Freshmen
Authors: Watts Timothy , Wilson Kelly L. , McNeill Elisa B. , Rosen Brittany L. , Moore Nancy Daley , Smith Matthew L.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

We examine personal characteristics, alcohol consumption, normative beliefs, household factors, and extracurricular engagement associated with intentions to have intercourse before marriage among abstinent students.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 245 freshmen enrolled in a school‐based abstinence‐only‐until‐marriage program. Two binary logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with intentions to engage in intercourse before marriage and within the next year.

RESULTS

Approximately 21% and 14% of participants reported intentions to have intercourse. Respondents participated in 2.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.2) extracurricular activities. Freshmen who were male, perceived their friends to approve of premarital sex, and consumed alcohol were more likely to report intentions to have intercourse. For every additional extracurricular activity in which freshmen participated, they were less likely to report intentions to have intercourse within the next year (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Factors such as extracurricular activities provide youth with opportunities to build supportive relationships, connect with peers and role models, and positively engage in schools and communities. Extracurricular activities typically already exist, have funding, and are generally well‐supported. School‐based strategies can increase teenagers' autonomy by providing a variety of activities to participate in and reduce unsupervised time. This, in turn, has the potential to decrease sexual risk taking behaviors.