bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral administration of synthetic porcine beta‐defensin‐2 improves growth performance and cecal microbial flora and down‐regulates the expression of intestinal toll‐like receptor‐4 and inflammatory cytokines in weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Tang Zhiru , Xu Ling , Shi Baoshi , Deng Huang , Lai Xin , Liu Jingyan , Sun Zhihong
Published: December 2015

Synthetic porcine beta‐defensin‐2 (pBD‐2) was tested as an alternative to antimicrobial growth‐promoters in pig production. Thirty 21‐day weaned piglets were challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and orally dosed with either sterile water (CON), pBD‐2 (BD) or neomycin sulphate (NS) twice daily for 21 days. pBD‐2 and NS led to higher growth performance, jejunum villus height and increased expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐I compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). Hemolytic E. coli scores from rectal swabs, and copy numbers of E. coli, Bacteroides fragilis and Streptococcus in the cecal digesta of the BD‐ or NS‐treated piglets were lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Messenger RNA levels of toll‐like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐8 in the jejunum mucosa of the BD and NS groups were lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Copy numbers of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the cecal digesta of the BD group were higher than those of the CON and NS groups (P < 0.05). Therefore, pBD‐2 has antimicrobial activity in piglets, and it can improve growth performance, reduce inflammatory cytokine expression and affect intestinal morphological indices in the same way as probiotics. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science
Single injection of clenbuterol into newly hatched chicks decreases abdominal fat pad weight in growing broiler chickens
Authors: Ijiri Daichi , Ishitani Kanae , El‐Deep Mahmoud Mohamed Hamza , Kawaguchi Mana , Shimamoto Saki , Ishimaru Yoshitaka , Ohtsuka Akira
Published: December 2015

The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of clenbuterol injection into newly hatched chicks on both the abdominal fat pad tissue weight and the skeletal muscle weight during subsequent growth. Twenty‐seven 1‐day‐old chicks were divided into two groups, receiving either a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of clenbuterol (0.1 mg/kg body weight) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by clenbuterol injection during the 5‐week experimental period, while the abdominal fat pad tissue weight of the clenbuterol‐injected chicks was lower than that of the control chicks at 5 weeks post‐injection. Plasma non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations were significantly increased in the clenbuterol‐injected chicks, while plasma triacylglycerol concentrations did not differ. Additionally, the enzymatic activity of fatty acid synthase was lower in the liver of the clenbuterol‐injected chicks. Conversely, the skeletal muscle weights were not affected by clenbuterol injection. These results suggest that a single clenbuterol injection into 1‐day‐old chicks decreases the abdominal fat pad tissue weight, but may not affect skeletal muscle weights during growth. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science
The suppressive effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress in chickens exposed to heat stress
Authors: Kikusato Motoi , Nakamura Kasumi , Mikami Yukiko , Mujahid Ahmad , Toyomizu Masaaki
Published: December 2015

This study was conducted to determine if dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which can act as a potent antioxidant and is an obligatory cofactor of mitochondrial uncoupling protein, suppresses the heat stress (HS)‐induced overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage in the skeletal muscle of birds. The carbonyl protein content of skeletal muscle was significantly higher in birds exposed to HS treatment (34°C, 12 h) than in thermoneutral birds (25°C). This increase was suppressed by CoQ10 supplementation (40 mg/kg diet). Succinate‐supported mitochondrial ROS production was increased by HS treatment, and this increase was also suppressed by CoQ10 supplementation. In contrast, CoQ10 supplementation did not affect the HS‐induced decrease in mitochondrial proton leak. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), to which HS‐induced ROS production was previously shown to be sensitive, tended to be increased by HS treatment, but this rise in ΔΨ was not affected by CoQ10 supplementation. Taken together, these results suggest that dietary CoQ10 supplementation attenuates HS‐induced oxidative damage to skeletal muscle, by preventing the overproduction of succinate‐supported mitochondrial ROS in a manner that is independent of ΔΨ. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science
The role of targeted prophylactic antimicrobial therapy before transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsy in reducing infection rates: a systematic review
Authors: Cussans Amelia , Somani Bhaskar K. , Basarab Adriana , Dudderidge Timothy J.
Published: December 2015

To compare the incidence of infective complications after transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsy with either empirical fluoroquinolone or culture‐based targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis, and the prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance (FQ‐R) in men undergoing prostate biopsy. A systematic review of the literature was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included studies of patients undergoing TRUS‐guided biopsy that compared infective outcomes of those who received targeted antimicrobial therapy based on the results of pre‐procedural rectal swab cultures, with those receiving empiric fluoroquinolone antimicrobial prophylaxis. The prevalence of FQ‐R was recorded as a secondary outcome measure. Studies with no control group were excluded. From 125 studies screened, nine studies (4 571 patients) met the inclusion criteria. All studies were of cohort design, and included a combination of retrospective and prospective data. Six studies included were undertaken in North America. The remaining studies were undertaken in Spain, Turkey and Columbia. Within these studies, 2 484 (54.3%) patients received empirical fluoroquinolone prophylaxis, whilst 2 087 (45.7%) patients had pre‐biopsy rectal swabs and targeted antibiotics. The mean FQ‐R was 22.8%. Post‐biopsy infection and sepsis rates were significantly higher in groups given empirical prophylaxis (4.55% and 2.21%) compared with groups receiving targeted antibiotics (0.72% and 0.48%). Based on these results 27 men would need to receive targeted antibiotics to prevent one infective complication. Our systematic review suggests that targeted prophylactic antimicrobial therapy before TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy is associated with lower rates of sepsis. We therefore recommend changing current pathways to adopt this measure.
Quality indicators in pituitary surgery: a need for reliable and valid assessments. What should be measured?
Authors: Powell Michael , Grossman Ashley
Published: December 2015

Engagement with improving the quality of clinical care is a key component of medical professionalism. Central to Quality Improvement (QI) agenda are the development of valid, reliable and accurate quality metrics. We cannot improve what we do not measure. Pituitary surgery, which in the 21st century usually means trans‐sphenoidal surgery (TSS), is unusual; it is a neurosurgical procedure in which complex outcomes can be measured precisely. We have clear guidelines for establishing remission/cure in functional endocrine disease and precise diagnostic tools with which to investigate our patients. Visual recovery can be equally precisely measured with standardised equipment. Moreover, TSS is one of the commonest major surgical procedures carried out in the 34 UK individual neurosurgical units. Most will carry out about 30–40 procedures each year, with four or five units notably higher with numbers in excess of one hundred cases. There are, potentially, plenty of data out there. Given this background, how best should we measure quality in this important area of clinical practice?
Spectrum of phenotype and genotype of congenital isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in Asian Indians
Authors: Nair Sandhya , Jadhav Swati , Lila Anurag , Jagtap Varsha , Bukan Amol , Pandit Reshma , Ekbote Alka , Dharmalingam Mala , Kumar Prasanna , Kalra Pramila , Gandhi Pramod , Walia Rama , Sankhe Shilpa , Raghavan Vijaya , Shivane Vyankatesh , Menon Padma , Bandgar Tushar , Shah Nalini
Published: December 2015

Background

Congenital isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is caused due to defect in GnRH neuronal development, migration and action. Although genetic aetiology of IHH is increasingly being studied, Asian Indian data on phenotypic spectrum and genetic basis are scarce.

Objective

To investigate the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of IHH in Asian Indian subjects.

Design, Setting and Subjects

A cohort of 135 IHH probands were characterized phenotypically for reproductive and nonreproductive features and screened for rare sequence variations (RSVs) in five genes KAL1, FGFR1, FGF8, GNRHR and KISS1R.

Result

Of 135 probands [56 normosmic IHH (nIHH) and 79 Kallmann syndrome (KS)], 20 were familial cases. KS group had more male dominance (M:F ratio of 8:1) as compared to nIHH group (M:F ratio of 1·5:1). Complete absence of puberty was more prevalent in KS probands (81% in KS vs 46% in nIHH). The prevalence of MRI abnormalities was more in anosmic group (92·8%) as compared to hyposmic (37·5%) and normosmic groups (15·4%). No particular nonreproductive phenotypic predominance was seen in any group. Genotyping revealed rare sequence variation (RSV) detection rate of 15·5% in five genes studied: (KAL1 – 4·4%, FGFR1 – 4·4%, GNRHR – 6·7%, oligogenicity – 1·5%). Prevalence of RSV was more common in familial cases (35%) as compared to sporadic (12·2%). GNRHR RSV p.C279Y (not reported in patients of ethnicities other than south Asians) was recurring in four unrelated patients.

Conclusion

In our cohort, 60% were KS with majority of males and a severe reproductive phenotype as against nIHH. Contribution of the genetic burden for the five genes studied was 15·5%. RSV p.C279Y in GNRHR may have a founder effect originating from south Asia. This study provides a model for molecular and phenotypic representation of Asian Indian subjects with IHH.
Colorectal specialization and survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hall G. M. , Shanmugan S. , Bleier J. I. S. , Jeganathan A. N. , Epstein A. J. , Paulson E. C.
Published: December 2015

Aim

It is recognized that higher surgeon volume is associated with improved survival in colorectal cancer. However, there is a paucity of national studies that have evaluated the relationship between surgical specialization and survival.

Method

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare cancer registry to examine the association between colorectal specialization (CRS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) between 2001 and 2009. A total of 21 432 colon cancer and 5893 rectal cancer patients who underwent elective surgical resection between 2001 and 2009 were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate Cox survival analysis was used to identify the association between surgical specialization and cancer‐specific survival.

Results

Colorectal specialists performed 16.3% of the colon and 27% of the rectal resections. On univariate analysis, specialization was associated with improved survival in Stage II and Stage III colon cancer and Stage II rectal cancer. In multivariate analysis, however, CRS was associated with significantly improved DSS only in Stage II rectal cancer [hazard ratio (HR) 0.70, P = 0.03]. CRS was not significantly associated with DSS in either Stage I (colon HR 1.14, P = 0.39; rectal HR 0.1.26, P = 0.23) or Stage III (colon HR 1.06, P = 0.52; rectal HR 1.08, P = 0.55) disease. When analysis was limited to high volume surgeons only, the relationship between CRS and DSS was unchanged.

Conclusions

CRS is associated with improved DSS following resection of Stage II rectal cancer. A combination of factors may contribute to long‐term survival in these patients, including appropriate surgical technique, multidisciplinary treatment decisions and guideline‐adherent surveillance. CRS probably contributes positively to these factors resulting in improved survival.
Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Systematic review of mid‐term clinical outcomes
Authors: Patel Nisha , Patel Kinesh , Ashrafian Hutan , Athanasiou Thanos , Darzi Ara , Teare Julian
Published: December 2015

With a drive towards minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now gaining popularity. In a number of East Asian countries, ESD is now the treatment of choice for early non‐metastatic gastric cancer, but the outcomes of ESD for colorectal lesions are unclear. The present review summarizes the mid‐term outcomes of colorectal ESD including complication and recurrence rates. A systematic literature search was done in May 2014, identifying 20 publications reporting the outcomes of colorectal ESD which were included in this review. En‐bloc resection rates, complete (R0) resection rates, endoscopic clearance rates, complication and recurrences rates were analyzed. Statistical pooling was done to calculate weighted means using random effects modeling. Twenty studies reporting the outcomes of 3060 colorectal ESD procedures were reported. Overall weighted en‐bloc resection rate was 89% (95% CI: 83–94%), R0 resection rate 76% (95% CI: 69–83%), endoscopic clearance rate 94% (95% CI: 90–97%) and recurrence rate 1% (95% CI: 0.5–2%). Studies that followed up patients for over 1 year were found to have an en‐bloc resection rate of 91% (95% CI: 86–96%), R0 resection rate of 81% (95% CI: 75–88%), endoscopic clearance rate 93% (95% CI: 90–97%) and recurrence rate of 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4–1%). Colorectal ESD can be carried out effectively and safely with a 1% recurrence rate. Further studies with longer follow‐up periods are required to determine whether colorectal ESD is a viable alternative to conventional surgical therapy.
Temporal sampling helps unravel the genetic structure of naturally occurring populations of a phytoparasitic nematode. 1. Insights from the estimation of effective population sizes
Authors: Jan Pierre‐Loup , Gracianne Cécile , Fournet Sylvain , Olivier Eric , Arnaud Jean‐François , Porte Catherine , Bardou‐Valette Sylvie , Denis Marie‐Christine , Petit Eric J.
Published: December 2015

The sustainability of modern agriculture relies on strategies that can control the ability of pathogens to overcome chemicals or genetic resistances through natural selection. This evolutionary potential, which depends partly on effective population size (Ne), is greatly influenced by human activities. In this context, wild pathogen populations can provide valuable information for assessing the long‐term risk associated with crop pests. In this study, we estimated the effective population size of the beet cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii, by sampling 34 populations infecting the sea beet Beta vulgaris spp. maritima twice within a one‐year period. Only 20 populations produced enough generations to analyze the variation in allele frequencies, with the remaining populations showing a high mortality rate of the host plant after only 1 year. The 20 analyzed populations showed surprisingly low effective population sizes, with most having Ne close to 85 individuals. We attribute these low values to the variation in population size through time, systematic inbreeding, and unbalanced sex‐ratios. Our results suggest that H. schachtii has low evolutionary potential in natural environments. Pest control strategies in which populations on crops mimic wild populations may help prevent parasite adaptation to host resistance.
Cross‐sectional survey of parasite control practices on Thoroughbred and Standardbred training yards in New Zealand
Authors: Rosanowski S. M. , Scott I. , Sells P. D. , Rogers C. W. , Bolwell C. F.
Published: December 2015

Reasons for performing study

There is growing concern worldwide regarding anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites. In order to improve parasite control practices and reduce the selection for resistant parasites, baseline data are required.

Objectives

To describe the current parasite management and control practices used for racehorses.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Thoroughbred and Standardbred trainers were surveyed online regarding demographics, parasite control methods, grazing management and quarantine, and the use of faecal egg counts (FEC), with questions stratified by horse type, i.e. racehorses (horses in training) and spellers (racehorses on a break from training), and industry (Thoroughbred and Standardbred). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations with FEC use.

Results

In total, 234 respondents completed the survey for an estimated response rate of 16%. In total, 50.5% of trainers treated horses on an interval treatment strategy and treated a median of 6 (interquartile range (IQR) 4–7) and 6 (IQR 4–8) times annually for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses, respectively. A total of 62.5% (130/208) of respondents reported seeking veterinary advice for deworming products, and FEC had been done by 20.1% (39/194) of respondents. The odds of a trainer doing FEC were 4 times higher if the trainer had consulted a veterinarian, compared with those that had not.

Conclusions

This study has highlighted an industry‐wide overuse of anthelmintic products and few trainers were using surveillance‐based control strategies. The relationship between veterinarians and trainers should be explored further to enhance information dissemination and implement effective control strategies, to maintain horse health and delay the advance of anthelmintic resistance.
Phenotypic variability in human skin mast cells
Authors: Babina Magda , Guhl Sven , Artuc Metin , Trivedi Neil N. , Zuberbier Torsten
Published: December 2015

Mast cells (MCs) are unique constituents of the human body. While inter‐individual differences may influence the ways by which MCs operate in their skin habitat, they have not been surveyed in a comprehensive manner so far. We therefore set out to quantify skin MC variability in a large cohort of subjects. Pathophysiologically relevant key features were quantified and correlated: transcripts of c‐kit, FcεRIα, FcεRIβ, FcεRIγ, histidine decarboxylase, tryptase, and chymase; surface expression of c‐Kit, FcεRIα; activity of tryptase, and chymase; histamine content and release triggered by FcεRI and Ca2+ ionophore. While there was substantial variability among subjects, it strongly depended on the feature under study (coefficient of variation 33‐386%). Surface expression of FcεRI was positively associated with FcεRIα mRNA content, histamine content with HDC mRNA, and chymase activity with chymase mRNA. Also, MC signature genes were co‐regulated in distinct patterns. Intriguingly, histamine levels were positively linked to tryptase and chymase activity, whereas tryptase and chymase activity appeared to be uncorrelated. FcεRI triggered histamine release was highly variable and was unrelated to FcεRI expression but unexpectedly tightly correlated with histamine release elicited by Ca2+ ionophore. This most comprehensive and systematic work of its kind provides not only detailed insights into inter‐individual variability in MCs, but also uncovers unexpected patterns of co‐regulation among signature attributes of the lineage. Differences in MCs among humans may well underlie clinical responses in settings of allergic reactions and complex skin disorders alike.
VDAC‐2: Mitochondrial outer membrane regulator masquerading as a channel?
Authors: Maurya Svetlana Rajkumar , Mahalakshmi Radhakrishnan
Published: December 2015

The voltage‐dependent anion channels (VDACs) are the workforce of mitochondrial transport and as such are required for cellular metabolism. The elaborate interplay between mitochondria and the apoptotic pathway supports a role for VDACs as a major regulator of cell death. Although VDAC‐1 has an established role in apoptosis and cell homeostasis, the role of VDAC‐2 has been controversial. In humans, VDAC‐2 is best known for its anti‐apoptotic properties. In this Viewpoint, we associate the various functional studies on VDAC‐2 with structural reports, to decode its unique behavior. The well‐structured N‐terminus, compact barrel form, differences in the loop regions, specific transmembrane segments and the abundance of thiols in VDAC‐2 enable this isoform to perform a different subset of regulatory functions, establish anti‐apoptotic features and contribute to gametogenesis. VDAC‐2 structural features that demarcate it from VDAC‐1 suggest that this particular isoform is better suited for regulating reactive oxygen species, steroidogenesis and mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane regulatory pathways, with ion transport forming a secondary role. A better understanding of the unique structural features of the VDAC family will aid in the design of inhibitors that could alleviate irregularities in VDAC‐controlled pathways.
Approach to the potential production of giant reed in surplus saline lands of Spain
Authors: Sánchez Javier , Curt María Dolores , Fernández Jesús
Published: December 2015

Growing energy crops on marginal land has been promoted as a way of ensuring that biomass production involves an acceptable and sustainable use of land. Saline and saline‐prone agricultural lands represent an opportunity for growing energy crops avoiding the displacement of food production and contributing to restoration of degraded land. Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a perennial grass that has been proposed as a promising energy crop for lignocellulosic biomass production while its tolerance to salinity has been proved. In this work, the identification of surplus saline lands that could be irrigated with saline waters for growing tolerant‐energy crops (giant reed) in the mainland of Spain and the assessment of the agronomically attainable yield in these limiting growing conditions were undertaken. To this purpose, a GIS analysis was conducted using geodatabases related to saline areas, agro‐climatic conditions, irrigation water requirements, agricultural land availability, restrictions regarding the range of electrical conductivity tolerated by the crop, competition with agro‐food crops and irrigation water provisions. According to the approach developed, the irrigated and saline agricultural area available and suitable for biomass production from giant reed amounted up to 34 412 ha. The agronomically attainable yield in these limiting conditions was estimated at 12.7 – 22.2 t dm ha−1 yr−1 and the potential production of lignocellulosic biomass, 597 338 t dm yr−1. The methodology followed in this study can be applied to other target regions; it allows the identification of this type of marginal lands, where salinity‐tolerant plant species could be grown for bioenergy purposes, avoiding competition with agro‐food crops, and where soil restoration measurements should be undertaken.
Religion, Power and Law in Twentieth Century India
Authors: Banerjee‐Dube Ishita
Published: December 2015

Important works within History, Anthropology and Political Theory have tracked the genealogies of religion and politics (power), queried their construction as neat categories and underscored their imbrication. Drawing upon such works, this essay focuses on the long and convoluted interaction of a radical religion of Orissa, eastern India, and the law, in order to highlight how religion and state power impinge upon and shape each other. Through a situated analysis of the gradual institutionalization of Mahima Dharma over the twentieth century dictated by the requirements of law, and the ascetics need to forge a bounded community with a strong centre, the essay demonstrates how the contingency and particularity of religion and politics enable their constant redefinition, while their imbricated interface reinforces the idea of separation. The essay thereby extends Talal Asad's enquiry into the genealogies of the religious and the secular, of religion and power, by arguing that the enmeshment and constant reshaping of power by religion and religion by power shores up the idea of their separation.
Role of hypoxia‐related proteins in invasion of ameloblastoma cells: crosstalk between NOTCH1, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12, and heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor
Authors: da Costa Natacha Malu Miranda , Fialho Amanda Dalla Vechia , Proietti Carolina Carmine , da Silva Kataoka Maria Sueli , Jaeger Ruy Gastaldoni , de Alves‐Júnior Sérgio Melo , de Jesus Viana Pinheiro João
Published: December 2015

Aims

Ameloblastoma AME is a benign tumour characterized by local invasiveness, high recurrence rates, and diverse histological patterns. The oxygen concentration is reduced in specific areas of the tumour microenvironment, which leads to intratumoral hypoxia. Crosstalk between NOTCH1, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM‐12), hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) and heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor (HB‐EGF) under hypoxic conditions has been implicated in invadopodia formation, tumour invasiveness, and metastasis development. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of these proteins, in order to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying AME invasiveness.

Methods and results

Twenty cases of AME, eight calcifying cystic odontogenic tumours CCOTs and 10 samples of dental follicle were used to investigate the expression of these proteins by immunohistochemistry with the primary antibodies anti‐NOTCH1, anti‐ADAM‐12, anti‐HIF‐1α, and anti‐HB‐EGF. Immunostaining results were expressed as the percentage of stained area in images acquired in an AxioScope microscope equipped with an AxioCamHRc camera and a × 40 objective. The results showed that immunoexpression of all proteins was higher in the AME samples than in the CCOT and dental follicle samples (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

AME showed an increased presence of proteins associated with tumour invasiveness, which indicates a possible role of these proteins in the biological behaviour of this tumour
Interlaboratory variability in the grading of dysplasia in a nationwide cohort of colorectal adenomas
Authors: Kuijpers Chantal C H J , Sluijter Caro E , von der Thüsen Jan H , Grünberg Katrien , van Oijen Martijn G H , van Diest Paul J , Jiwa Mehdi , Nagtegaal Iris D , Overbeek Lucy I H , Willems Stefan M
Published: December 2015

Aims

Although high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) is a risk factor for malignant transformation and the future development of adenomas/carcinomas, grade is not incorporated in the Dutch guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance, partly because of presumed interobserver variability. The aim of this study was to analyse, in a nationwide cohort of colorectal adenomas, the interlaboratory variability in the grading of dysplasia in daily practice.

Methods and results

From the Dutch Pathology Registry, all synoptically reported classic adenomas in The Netherlands in 2013 were identified. The proportion of adenomas with HGD was determined for biopsies and polypectomies, and compared between 37 laboratories by the use of multivariable logistic regression analyses. In total, 21 030 colonoscopies of 20 270 patients were included. HGD was reported in 530 (3.6%) of 14 866 adenomas diagnosed on biopsies (range between laboratories: 0–13.6%) and in 983 (11.8%) of 8346 adenomas diagnosed on polypectomies (range: 3.1–42.9%). After adjustment for case mix, 13 (35%) laboratories reported a significantly lower or higher frequency of HGD than average.

Conclusions

We observed considerable interlaboratory variation in the grading of dysplasia in colorectal adenomas, which could be only partly explained by differences in case mix. Therefore, better standardization of grading criteria is needed before grade of dysplasia can usefully be incorporated in colonoscopy surveillance guidelines.
CK19 expression in breast tumours and lymph node metastasis after neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Vieites Begoña , López‐García María Á , Castilla Carolina , Hernández María J , Biscuola Michele , Alfaro Lina , Atienza María R , Castilla María Á , Palacios José
Published: December 2015

Aims

Neoadjuvant therapy is used in many patients with breast cancer before surgery, with the aim of reducing the tumour size, allowing conservative resections. Sentinel node biopsy is a conservative procedure for handling the axilla in breast cancer; however, the use of this technique after neoadjuvant treatment is under discussion. For sentinel node assay, methods based on the detection of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) mRNA, such as one‐step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA), are available. However, if systemic therapy could alter protein expression, then CK19 would not be a good target for analysing these nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of CK19 within different cancer types, and to compare its expression in breast tumours and axillary nodes before and after treatment.

Methods and results

CK19 immunostaining was studied in 162 tumour and node samples before and after treatment. Statistical studies using the McNemar test and chi‐square test were performed. CK19 expression was found in 155 cases. We compared CK19 expression in tumour and node biopsies before and after treatment, and we found a lack of significant CK19 expression changes.

Conclusions

Our study has confirmed the preservation of CK19 protein expression in breast cancer cells after neoadjuvant therapy. On the basis of these results, quantification‐based methods such as the OSNA CK19 assay, could be an accurate tool with which to analyse the sentinel nodes, regardless of whether they had been obtained before or after treatment.
Efficacy of protease inhibitor monotherapy vs. triple therapy: meta‐analysis of data from 2303 patients in 13 randomized trials
Authors: Arribas JR , Girard P‐M , Paton N , Winston A , Marcelin A‐G , Elbirt D , Hill A , Hadacek MB
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The aim of this analysis was to review the evidence and update a meta‐analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety results from randomized controlled trials of ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitor (PI/r) monotherapy.

Methods

A PubMed/EMBASE search was conducted to find randomized trials of PI/r monotherapy vs. triple therapy in patients with HIV‐1 RNA suppression at baseline (<50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL). Rates of virological suppression were analysed using switch‐equals‐failure and intensification‐included endpoints [intent‐to‐treat (ITT)]. The rate of treatment‐emergent resistance mutations, neurocognitive function endpoints, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HIV‐1 RNA were also analysed by treatment arm.

Results

There were 2303 patients from 13 different randomized clinical trials of darunavir/r monotherapy (n = 784: MONET, MONOI, Monarch and PROTEA), lopinavir/r monotherapy (n = 829: OK pilot, OK‐04, KalMo, KALESOLO, KRETA, MOST and DREAM), atazanavir/r monotherapy (n = 103: MODAT), or all three (n = 587: PIVOT). HIV‐1 RNA plasma suppression was lower in the PI/r monotherapy arm compared with the triple therapy arm in the switch‐equals‐failure analysis [difference −8.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) −11.9 to −4.8%], but not when intensification was included (difference 0.5%; 95% CI −2.5 to 3.6%). Rates of resistance mutations were similar between arms, as was overall neurocognitive function.

Conclusions

PI/r monotherapy showed a higher risk of plasma HIV‐1 RNA elevations. However, there was no increased risk of treatment‐emergent drug resistance, neurocognitive endpoints did not differ, and HIV‐1 RNA suppression rates after intensification were similar between PI/r monotherapy and triple therapy.
Evolutionary distinctiveness and historical decline in genetic diversity in the Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis nigra barklyi
Authors: Jackson Hazel A. , Bunbury Nancy , Przelomska Natalia , Groombridge Jim J.
Published: December 2015

Island endemic species are acutely vulnerable to extinction as a result of stochastic and human impacts. Conservation of unique island biodiversity is high priority, and an understanding of the evolutionary history of vulnerable island species is important to inform conservation management. The Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis nigra barklyi is an island endemic threatened with extinction. The total population of 520–900 individuals is restricted to the 38‐km2 island of Praslin, and it is one of the last few remaining endemic island parrots that survive in the Indian Ocean. We combined mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers with morphological data to examine the evolutionary distinctiveness of C. n. barklyi within Coracopsis, and to compare levels of genetic diversity between historical and contemporary specimens. Phylogenetic analyses revealed C. n. barklyi as sister to the remaining three C. nigra subspecies, and discriminant function analysis suggested the Seychelles Black Parrot is the smallest of the four subspecies. Higher levels of genetic diversity were observed in historical specimens, whereas only one mtDNA haplotype was observed in the contemporary specimens, suggesting that C. n. barklyi has lost genetic diversity as a consequence of substantial recent population decline. This study provides a first insight into the evolutionary, genetic and morphological processes that have shaped C. n. barklyi and provides an important perspective on this parrot's current genetic status to guide its future conservation management. Further ecological studies are essential but we suggest that C. n. barklyi should be managed as an evolutionary significant unit to conserve its unique evolutionary pathway.
Carry‐over effects provide linkages across the annual cycle of aNeotropical migratory bird, theLouisianaWaterthrushParkesia motacilla
Authors: Latta Steven C. , Cabezas Sonia , Mejia Danilo A. , Paulino Maria M. , Almonte Hodali , Miller‐Butterworth Cassandra M. , Bortolotti Gary R.
Published: December 2015

Population limitation models of migratory birds have sought to include impacts from events across the full annual cycle. Previous work has shown that events occurring in winter result in some individuals transitioning to the breeding grounds earlier or in better physical condition than others, thereby affecting reproductive success (carry‐over effects). However, evidence for carry‐over effects from breeding to wintering grounds has been shown less often. We used feather corticosterone (CORTf) levels of the migratory Louisiana WaterthrushParkesia motacillaas a measure of the physiological state of birds at the time of moult on the breeding territory to investigate whether carry‐over effects provide linkages across the annual cycle of this stream‐obligate bird. We show that birds arriving on wintering grounds with lowerCORTfscores, indicating reduced energetic challenges or stressors at the time of moult, occupied higher quality territories, and that these birds then achieved a better body condition during the overwinter period. Body condition, in turn, was important in determining whether adult birds returned the following winter, with birds in better condition returning at higher rates. Together these data suggest a carry‐over effect from the breeding grounds to the wintering grounds that is further extended with respect to annual return rates. Very few other studies have linked conditions during the previous breeding season with latent effects during the subsequent overwintering period or with annual survival. This study shows that the effects of variation in energetic challenges or stressors can potentially carry over from the natal stream and accumulate over more than one life‐history period before being manifested in reduced survival. This is of particular relevance to models of population limitation in migratory birds.
The effects of narrowbands of visible light upon some skin disorders: a review
Authors: Greaves A. J.
Published: December 2015

This review article focuses on clinical studies published in the fields of (i) photorejuvenation and anti‐ageing, (ii) oily or acne‐prone skin and related imperfections, (iii) skin pigmentation and lightening, (iv) dandruff and other Malassezia‐related skin disorders and (v) prevention and reversal of hair loss using non‐thermal, non‐ablative devices (principally light‐emitting diodes). It mainly focuses on clinical proof of performance and also onin vitrostudies that support the clinical findings. The mode of action of narrowbands of visible light upon the skin is only briefly discussed since their biological effects have been previously reviewed.
Investigating psychosocial determinants in influencing sustainable food consumption in Italy
Authors: Vassallo Marco , Scalvedi Maria Luisa , Saba Anna
Published: December 2015

Italy, one of the most involved countries in organic farming, represents a European case in the Mediterranean area concerning the sustainable food market, mainly based on organic food. The aim of this study is to investigate the theory of planned behaviour extended to past behaviour with particular attention to social pressure, in the context of sustainable food products across Italy. Data were collected on a regional basis and across different age classes and analyzed using structural equation modelling for a representative sample of approximately 3000 self‐reporting respondents who account for a remarkable percentage (69%) of sustainable food products purchasing. The strongest intention to buy these products was found in Northern and Central Italy while the South and the Insular macro‐regions exhibited the highest perceived purchasing barriers. The complexity of social pressure in predicting the intention to buy highlighted a clear and significant role of the Italian family in making sustainable food choices. However, the other social referent others, such as important people, friends, society, differentiated their contribution to these choices at territorial level. An exception to this latter trend was found for the society concept that completely failed its support as subjective norm predictor of intention. This may possibly be due to the fact that no sustainable food market policy is univocally identified in Italy, not even with legal certification unless it regards the organic sector. Nevertheless, past rewarding purchasing experience seemed to be the most effective motivation for buying sustainable food products in Italy. In conclusion, efforts both from the supply chain and political side should be made mainly in terms of rewarding purchasing experience and legal certification on sustainable food products.
Consuming apart, together: the role of multiple identities in sustainable behaviour
Authors: Bartels Jos , Reinders Machiel J.
Published: December 2015

Although consumers’ awareness of the environmental and ethical consequences of their behaviour has grown, research on the role of multiple consumer identities in sustainability behaviours is scarce. The aim of the current study was to explain sustainable behaviour from a social identity perspective. We conducted a longitudinal cross‐national within‐subjects design consumer study in six countries (T1, N=3083; T2, N=1440). The results indicate that environmental sustainability can comprise several distinct yet overlapping sustainable behaviours. Multiple social identities seem to play different roles in these different behaviours. Therefore, efforts to enhance different sustainability behaviours are challenging yet promising. Once consumers incorporate a sustainable behaviour, it becomes part of their own identity and could lead to spill over effects on other closely related sustainable behaviours.
The determinants of households’ repayment difficulties on mortgage loans: evidence from Italian microdata
Authors: Aristei David , Gallo Manuela
Published: December 2015

This article investigates the main determinants of households’ repayment difficulties on mortgage loans in Italy. We contribute to the empirical literature on household financial vulnerability by assessing the joint impact of socio‐demographic factors, loan characteristics and institutional variables on the likelihood of mortgage insolvency and on the intensity of arrears. Using data from the Italian component of the 2008 European Union‐Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU‐SILC) survey, we firstly identify which types of households are more vulnerable to unexpected adverse events that may trigger repayment difficulties. Specifically, households whose head is young, unemployed or immigrant show a higher probability of arrears and emerge as those suffering more from the adverse economic conditions connected to the crisis. Moreover, household repayment behaviour is affected by mortgage characteristics and, in particular, having modified contract terms significantly increases current arrears probability. Finally, regional institutional and credit market factors mainly impact on the conditional intensity of arrears. This evidence suggests that, although repayment difficulties mainly arise from a genuine inability to repay, households are less likely to pay on time when institutions are less effective at punishing default, confirming the existence of some strategic behaviour.
Evaluating the Nature of the Still‐Face Effect in the Double Face‐to‐Face Still‐Face Paradigm Using Different Comparison Groups
Authors: DiCorcia Jennifer A. , Snidman Nancy , Sravish Akhila V. , Tronick Ed
Published: December 2015

The current study explored two possible comparison groups for the double Face‐to‐Face Still‐Face (FFSF) paradigm to evaluate their effects on infant behavior and different hypotheses about the nature of the Still‐Face (SF) effect, an effect not fully understood. Mothers and their 4‐month‐old infants were randomly assigned to one of three groups, a double FFSF group (GroupFFSF, n = 44), a control, semi‐structured play group (GroupStory, n = 46), or a control, unstructured play group (GroupPlay, n = 28). As hypothesized, GroupFFSF infants exhibited the classic SF response (decreased positive affect and gaze to mother; increased negative affect) and GroupPlay infants showed an increase in negative affect over episodes. Contrary to expectations, GroupStory infants displayed a similar, but less intense, pattern of behavior as GroupFFSF. Taken together, the findings indicate that multiple episodes of face‐to‐face play exceeded 4‐month‐olds' regulatory capacities and that infants are sensitive to shared communicative intentions and violations of social expectations, whether these violations are negative or positive in nature.
Low‐dose aspirin as an adjuvant treatment for venous leg ulceration: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (Aspirin4VLU)
Authors: Jull Andrew , Wadham Angela , Bullen Chris , Parag Varsha , Kerse Ngaire , Waters Jill
Published: December 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low‐dose aspirin on venous leg ulcer healing when used in addition to compression.

Background

The mainstay of treatment for venous leg ulcers is compression therapy and there are few adjuvant treatments to accelerate healing.

Design

Pragmatic, community‐based, double‐blind, randomized trial.

Methods

Participants with venous leg ulcers will receive either 150 mg aspirin or placebo daily for up to 24 weeks. Participants will receive background treatment with compression therapy (system of choice guided by participant and/or clinical preference) delivered through district nursing services. The primary outcome will be time‐to‐healing. Secondary outcomes will include proportion healed at 24 weeks, change in ulcer area, change in health‐related quality of life, adherence, efficacy of blinding and adverse events. The trial was funded in June 2014.

Discussion

The trial commenced in March 2015 and is successfully recruiting. The trial is one of three trials that will contribute to an individual participant data meta‐analysis to be undertaken at the York Trials Centre.

Trial registration

Registered 5 June 2014 ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02158806. Protocol version 1·1, 14 April 2015.
Do Women and Ethnic Minority Directors Influence Firm Value? Evidence from Post‐Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Gyapong Ernest , Monem Reza M. , Hu Fang
Published: December 2015

Previous studies on the value relevance of board gender and ethnic diversity have produced mixed results. This paper re‐examines this relationship using hand‐collected data of 245 South African listed firms over the period 2008–2013. We document a positive and significant effect of both board gender and ethnic diversity on firm value. We also find that the increase in firm value is greater when boards have three or more women directors. In contrast, ethnic minority directors contribute less to firm value when there are three or more on the board. Furthermore, we document that ethnicity has a concave relationship with firm value, but gender does not. We demonstrate that in better‐governed firms, ethnic diversity is more value relevant than gender diversity. Our results also suggest that financial crisis is associated with the propensity to restructure boards along gender and ethnicity. This paper sheds new light on the effect of board diversity in South African firms as the government increasingly pursues policies aimed at eradicating the effects of apartheid. Our results are robust after controlling for self‐selection and various forms of endogeneity.
The Impact of Known Heart Disease on Long‐Term Outcomes of Catheter Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: A Multicenter International Study
Authors: PRABHU SANDEEP , LING LIANG‐HAN , ULLAH WAQAS , HUNTER ROSS J. , SCHILLING RICHARD J. , McLELLAN ALEX J.A. , EARLEY MARK J. , SPORTON SIMON C. , VOSKOBOINIK ALEX , BLUSZTEIN DAVID , MARIANI JUSTIN A. , LEE GEOFFREY , TAYLOR ANDREW J. , KALMAN JONATHAN M. , KISTLER PETER M.
Published: December 2015

The Impact of Known Heart Disease on AF Ablation Outcomes

Background

Catheter ablation for AF is an effective treatment for patients with AF and systolic LV dysfunction; however, the clinical outcome is variable. We evaluated the impact of cardiomyopathy etiology on long‐term outcomes post‐catheter ablation.

Methods

Patients undergoing AF ablation across 3 centers (2 Australian, 1 UK) from 2002 to 2014, with LVEF<45% were evaluated. Patients were stratified into those with known heart disease as a cause of cardiomyopathy (KHD), and those with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM).

Results

One hundred and one patients (IDCM = 77, KHD = 24) with AF and LVEF <45% underwent AF ablation. The KHD group (ischemic HD in 67%) were older (61 ± 7 vs. 55 ± 11 years, P = 0.005), with a higher CHADS2 score (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 1.6 ± 0.7, P = 0.016), but otherwise well matched. After mean follow‐up of 36 ± 23 months, AF control was greater in the IDCM group (82% vs. 50% in KHD, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis IDCM was associated with long‐term AF control (P = 0.033). The IDCM group had less functional impairment at follow‐up (NYHA class 1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8, P = 0.005) and improved LVEF (50 ± 11% vs. 38 ± 10%, P < 0.001). Super responders (EF improvement >15%) were overwhelmingly in the IDCM group (94% vs. 6%, P < 0.001) with greater AF control (89% vs. 61%, P < 0.001). All‐cause mortality was significantly higher in the KHD group (17% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

IDCM was associated with greater AF control, and improvement in symptoms and LVEF compared to patients with KHD post‐AF ablation. AF is an important reversible cause of HF in patients with an unexplained CM and catheter ablation an effective treatment option.