bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land suitability assessment for locating industrial parks: a hybrid multi criteria decision‐making approach using Geographical Information System
Authors: Arabsheibani Reza , Kanani Sadat Yousef , Abedini Abbas
Published: January 2016

Industrial areas play a critical role in urban and regional planning, especially for developing countries where reliable strategies for these areas can promote economic and environmental efficiency. The present study provides an integration of hybrid multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) theories and Geographical Information System (GIS) processes in order to assess the suitability of an industrial location. Unlike traditional models, an efficient decision analysis demands handling uncertainties and considering dependencies between criteria. The proposed MCDM framework uses fuzzy theory because of the vagueness of experts' judgements. Moreover, Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is employed to investigate interrelationships among the criteria. In the proposed empirical solution, analytic network process (ANP) principles are used to deal with systematic interactions. We considered several factors such as accessibility, topography, proximity, and socioeconomic characteristics in the decision‐making procedure for a sustainable industrial park. The system is applied to Hamadan province, Iran to determine appropriate locations that are the results of the aggregation of criteria maps in a GIS environment. The results demonstrate that accessibility and economic indicators are essential for choosing an industrial park's location. Additionally, the proposed method can be applied for an efficiency evaluation of available industrial parks.
Inheritance of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1C resistance in Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Moussa Saad , Kamel Essam , Ismail Ismail M. , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: January 2016

A field strain of Spodoptera littoralis Biosduval was selected against Cry1C toxin derived from Bacillus thuringiensis entomocidus for 10 subsequent generations under laboratory conditions. Selection pressure resulted in a 29‐fold resistance ratio compared with the susceptible strain. Inheritance of Cry1C resistance was partially dominant and autosomal on the basis of bioassay response to Cry1C toxin in a reciprocal cross between male and/or female F1. Consistent with earlier findings, resistance was recessive at high concentrations of Cry1C toxin. However, the dominance of resistance increased as the concentration of Cry1C decreased. Analysis of survival and growth of progeny from a backcross (F1 × resistance strain) suggested that resistance was controlled by either a single or a few loci in cotton leafworm.
High dietary advanced glycation end products are associated with poorer spatial learning and accelerated Aβ deposition in an Alzheimer mouse model
Authors: Lubitz Irit , Ricny Jan , Atrakchi‐Baranes Dana , Shemesh Chen , Kravitz Efrat , Liraz‐Zaltsman Sigal , Maksin‐Matveev Anna , Cooper Itzik , Leibowitz Avshalom , Uribarri Jaime , Schmeidler James , Cai Weijing , Kristofikova Zdena , Ripova Daniela , LeRoith Derek , Schnaider‐Beeri Michal
Published: January 2016

There is growing evidence of the involvement of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative processes including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their function as a seed for the aggregation of Aβ, a hallmark feature of AD. AGEs are formed endogenously and exogenously during heating and irradiation of foods. We here examined the effect of a diet high in AGEs in the context of an irradiated diet on memory, insoluble Aβ42, AGEs levels in hippocampus, on expression of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), and on oxidative stress in the vasculature. We found that AD‐like model mice on high‐AGE diet due to irradiation had significantly poorer memory, higher hippocampal levels of insoluble Aβ42 and AGEs as well as higher levels of oxidative stress on vascular walls, compared to littermates fed an isocaloric diet. These differences were not due to weight gain. The data were further supported by the overexpression of RAGE, which binds to Aβ42 and regulates its transport across the blood–brain barrier, suggesting a mediating pathway. Because exposure to AGEs can be diminished, these insights provide an important simple noninvasive potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating a major lifestyle‐linked disease epidemic.
Patient‐reported Outcomes from A National, Prospective, Observational Study of Emergency Department Acute Pain Management With an Intranasal Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drug, Opioids, or Both
Authors: Pollack Charles V. , Diercks Deborah B. , Thomas Stephen H. , Shapiro Nathan I. , Fanikos John , Mace Sharon E. , Rafique Zubaid , Todd Knox H.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Patient compliance and satisfaction with analgesics prescribed after emergency department (ED) care for acute pain are poorly understood, largely because of the lack of direct patient follow‐up with the ED provider. Our objective was to compare patient satisfaction with three analgesia regimens prescribed for post‐ED care—a nasally administered nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid, or combination therapy—by collecting granular follow‐up on analgesic use, pain scores, side effects, work activity levels, and overall satisfaction directly from patients.

Methods

We designed a prospective registry linking ED assessment and analgesic management for acute pain of specific musculoskeletal or visceral etiologies with self‐reported automated telephonic follow‐up daily for the 4 days post‐ED discharge. Patients were prescribed a specific NSAID (SPRIX, ketorolac tromethamine for nasal instillation) only, an oral opioid only, or both with the opioid clearly defined as rescue therapy, at the ED provider's discretion.

Results

There were 824 evaluable subjects. Maximum pain scores improved day to day more effectively with a ketorolac‐based approach. Self‐reported rates of return to work and work effectiveness were higher with SPRIX than with opioids or combination therapy. Adverse effects of nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and abdominal pain were higher each day among patients taking an opioid; nasal irritation was more common with SPRIX. Overall satisfaction at the end of the follow‐up period was higher with SPRIX‐based treatment than with opioid monotherapy.

Conclusions

Automated telephonic follow‐up of ED patients prescribed short‐term analgesia is feasible. Ketorolac‐based analgesia after an ED visit for many acute pain syndromes was associated with favorable patient outcomes and higher satisfaction than opioid‐based therapy. SPRIX, an NSAID that is not available over the counter and has a novel delivery approach, may be useful for short‐term post‐ED outpatient analgesia.
Uterine Leukocyte Function and Dysfunction: A Hypothesis on the Impact of Endometriosis
Authors: Parkin Kirstin L. , Fazleabas Asgerally T.
Published: January 2016

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterus. The disease affects approximately 10–15% of women of reproductive age and presents with clinical symptoms of pelvic pain and infertility. Changes in the leukocyte populations within the ectopic tissue and eutopic endometrium have been reported, and data suggest these alterations contribute to the pathology and symptoms of the disease. In this review, we discussed differences when comparing uterine NK cells and regulatory T cells within the eutopic endometrium between patients with endometriosis and healthy patients, and how these differences relate to implantation failure and/or decreased clearance of menstrual tissue in patients with the disease. The data demonstrate a critical need to examine endometrium and menstrual tissue in patients with endometriosis excluded from studies examining unknown causes of infertility and heavy menstrual bleeding. The information gathered from excluded patients will further enhance our understanding of how the immune system contributes to the pathophysiology of endometriosis and help to identify biomarkers for patients at higher risk for developing endometriosis‐associated infertility.
The association between self‐reported diet quality and health‐related quality of life in rural and urban Australian adolescents
Authors: Bolton Kristy A. , Jacka Felice , Allender Steven , Kremer Peter , Gibbs Lisa , Waters Elizabeth , de Silva Andrea
Published: January 2016

Objective

This study examines the relationship between diet quality and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in rural and urban Australian adolescents, and gender differences.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Secondary schools.

Participants

722 rural and 422 urban students from 19 secondary schools.

Main outcome measures

Self‐report dietary‐related behaviours, demographic information, HRQoL (AQoL‐6D) were collected. Healthy and unhealthy diet quality scores were calculated; multiple linear regression investigated associations between diet quality and HRQoL.

Results

Compared to urban students, rural students had higher HRQoL, higher healthy diet score, lower unhealthy diet score, consumed less soft drink and less frequently, less takeaway and a higher proportion consumed breakfast (P < 0.05). Overall, males had higher unhealthy diet score, poorer dietary behaviours but a higher HRQoL score compared to females (P < 0.05). In all students, final regression models indicated: a unit increase in healthy diet score was associated with an increase in HRQoL (unstandardised coefficient(B)±standard error(SE); B = 0.02 ± 0.01(SE); P < 0.02); and a unit increase in unhealthy diet scores was associated with a decrease in HRQoL (−0.01 ± 0.00; P < 0.05). In rural students alone, a unit increase in unhealthy diet score was associated with a decrease in HRQoL (B = −0.01 ± 0.00; P = 0.002), and in urban students a unit increase in healthy diet score was associated with an increase in HRQoL (B = 0.02 ± 0.00; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cross‐sectional associations between diet quality and HRQoL were observed. Dietary modification may offer a target to improve HRQoL and general well‐being; and consequently the prevention and treatment of adolescent health problems. Such interventions should consider gender and locality.
Orchestrating Care in Time: Ghanaian Migrant Women, Family, and Reciprocity
Authors: Coe Cati
Published: January 2016

People in southern Ghana provide care by attending to and synchronizing their and others’ life courses. Women, in particular, synchronize their life courses with the developmental and aging pathways of others. Since the 1970s, younger women in southern Ghana have migrated to urban or rural areas to earn money, leaving their children in the care of their mothers, whom they support with their remittances. As migrant women grow older, they return to their hometowns to provide elder and child care. Although female transmigrants also use these temporal strategies of care, the synchronization of life courses proves more difficult to coordinate in transnational contexts. For these reasons, time and timing is as important as space and location to transnational migrants, and migration is transtemporal as well as translocal.
Are Mixed Economies Persistent or Transitional? Evidence Using Social Networks from Arctic Alaska
Authors: BurnSilver Shauna , Magdanz James , Stotts Rhian , Berman Matthew , Kofinas Gary
Published: January 2016

Two opposing narratives describe future prospects for mixed economic livelihoods in Alaska and the broader Arctic. On the one hand, Arctic anthropologists have written about the emergence of persistent mixed economies in Native communities. A second narrative echoes modernization assumptions and assumes that “subsistence is dying,” mixed economies are transitional, and Native communities are headed inevitably toward full market dependence. We provide evidence that mixed economies are not transitional. Mixed economies have three components: households engage in (1) market exchange, (2) subsistence activities, and (3) culturally embedded social relationships sustained by flows of wild food and other resources. Using household‐level social network and economic data from two Iñupiat communities spanning 30 years, we explore hypotheses designed to test an assumed transition to market dependence. If transition assumptions hold, households with high engagement in the cash economy will have low engagement in subsistence production and diminished social relationships. Results do not support this narrative of change. Although there is considerable variability in household harvest, income, and social relationships, those highly engaged in market activities are also disproportionately involved in subsistence activities, sharing, and cooperation. Beyond broad narratives, an assessment of underlying processes and conditions supporting persistent mixed economies is warranted. [Arctic, mixed economies, subsistence hunting, cash economy, social networks]
Interspecies Semiotics and the Specter of Taboo: The Perception and Interpretation of Dogs and Rabies in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Orr Yancey
Published: January 2016

The anthropological fields of ethnobiology and ethnoscience, in their analysis of indigenous environmental knowledge, have largely focused on forms of conceptual knowledge such as biological terms and taxonomic categories. However, their examination of subjects’ environmental knowledge does not explicitly address how subjects relate to their environment through varied cognitive and phenomenal mechanisms. By including other types of knowledge, such as perceptual acuity and interpretive range, differences in indigenous knowledge and the processes that shape such knowledge may be better understood. In this article, I report the results of experiments comparing the abilities of Hindus and Muslims in Bali to discern the differences in dog vocalizations and to diagnose the presence of rabies in dogs. The results highlight the importance of a negative symbolic association, the Muslim taboo on interaction with dogs, which constrains both perceptions of dogs and interpretations of the animal's behavior. Evidence for significant variation in a subject's perceptions of dog vocalizations provides greater context to prior studies that found a common ability to understand the vocalizations of dogs. Such differences, combined with the restriction of a subject's interpretative range and depth in analyzing the presence of rabies, illustrate how symbolic systems can induce a form of what psychologists refer to as “perceptual narrowing.”
Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from skin and soft tissue infections samples and healthy carriers in the Central Slovenia region
Authors: Svent–Kucina Natasa , Pirs Mateja , Kofol Romina , Blagus Rok , Smrke Dragica Maja , Bilban Marjan , Seme Katja
Published: January 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is among the most important human pathogens. It is associated with different infections and is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). The aim of our study was to compare S. aureus isolates associated with SSTIs with isolates obtained from healthy carriers in the Central Slovenia region in terms of antimicrobial susceptibility, genetic diversity by clonal complex (CC)/sequence type, spa type, and by toxin gene profiling. In total, 274 S. aureus isolates were collected prospectively by culturing wound samples from 461 SSTI patients and nasal samples from 451 healthy carriers. We have demonstrated high heterogeneity in terms of CCs and spa type in both groups of isolates. The main clone among SSTI strains was Panton–Valentine leukocidin gene (pvl) positive CC121, whereas the main clone among carrier strains was CC45 carrying a large range of toxin genes. The main spa type in both groups was t091. Pvl was more frequently present in SSTI strains (31.2% SSTI vs 3.6% carrier strains) and staphylococcal enterotoxin C was more frequently present in carrier strains (1.6% SSTI vs 17.0% carrier strains). We have also demonstrated that methicillin‐resistant S. aureus was a rare cause (2.8%) of SSTIs in our region.
Laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy for multiple adenocarcinomas in intrathoracic upside‐down stomach
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Fukudome Ian , Munekage Eri , Munekage Masaya , Maeda Hiromichi , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Mibu Kiyo , Nagata Yusuke , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: January 2016

Herein we report on a case of two adenocarcinomas arising from an upside‐down stomach in an elderly patient. An 83‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with gastric cancer. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed two superficial depressed lesions in the stomach that were confirmed on biopsy as constituting a moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. CT and an upper gastrointestinal barium study revealed that the entire stomach and parts of the duodenum were located in the mediastinum. The patient underwent laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy and regional lymph node dissection with Billroth I reconstruction, followed by reduction of the migrated stomach. The hiatal defect was closed by primary suturing of the right and left crura at the anterior space of the esophagus. The patient's postoperative course was good, and follow‐up after discharge was uneventful. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of multiple adenocarcinomas in an upside‐down stomach treated by laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy.
Surgical implantation of temperature‐sensitive transmitters and data‐loggers to record body temperature in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Adam D , Johnston SD , Beard L , Nicholson V , Lisle A , Gaughan J , Larkin R , Theilemann P , Mckinnon A , Ellis W
Published: January 2016

Background

Under predicted climate change scenarios, koala distribution in Australia is expected to be adversely affected. Recent studies have attempted to identify suitable habitat, based on models of bioclimatic regions, but to more accurately reflect the thermal tolerance and behavioural adaptations of the various regional populations, the koala's response to periods of heat stress will need to be investigated at the individual animal level.

Objective

To explore the safety and suitability of temperature‐sensitive intra‐abdominal implants for monitoring core body temperature in the koala.

Methods

A temperature‐sensitive radio transmitter and thermal iButton data‐logger, waxed together as a package, were surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity of four captive koalas. In one animal the implant was tethered and in the other three, it was left free‐floating.

Results

After 3 months, the implants were removed and all four koalas recovered without complications. The tethering of the package in the one koala resulted in minor inflammation and adhesion, so this practice was subsequently abandoned. The free‐floating deployments were complication‐free and revealed a diurnal body temperature rhythm, with daily ranges of 0.4–2.8°C. The minimum recorded body temperature was 34.2°C and the maximum was 37.7°C. The difference in the readings obtained from the transmitters and iButtons never exceeded 0.3°C.

Conclusions

The suitability of the surgical approach was confirmed, from both the animal welfare and data collection points of view.
Efficacy and Safety of FospropofolFD Compared to Propofol When Given During the Induction of General Anaesthesia: A Phase II, Multi‐centre, Randomized, Parallel‐Group, Active‐Controlled, Double‐Blind, Double‐Dummy Study
Authors: Liu Rong , Luo Chaozhi , Liu Jin , Zhang Wensheng , Li Yan , Xu Jing
Published: January 2016

The present phase II study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of fospropofol disodium for injection (FospropofolFD) and propofol when given during the induction of general anaesthesia in patients scheduled for elective surgery. FospropofolFD is a water‐soluble prodrug of propofol. Approved by the Ethical Committee, 240 participants aged 18–65 years were equally randomly allocated to receive an intravenous bolus of FospropofolFD 20 mg/kg or propofol 2 mg/kg without any anaesthetic pre‐treatment. The primary efficacy end‐point was the sedation success rate within 5 min. after administering investigational drugs (the sedation success is defined as obtaining Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale score of 1). All the participants completed the induction and intubation within 25 min. after administration. The sedation success rates within 5 min. after administration of FospropofolFD 20 mg/kg and propofol 2 mg/kg were 94.50% versus 100% in the intention‐to‐treat population and 95.10% versus 100% in the per‐protocol population, respectively. The non‐inferiority test obtained a p‐value less than 0.025, and the lower limits of the one‐sided 97.5% confidence interval were more than −0.09. This meant that FospropofolFD 20 mg/kg was considered non‐inferior to propofol 2 mg/kg for the primary efficacy end‐point. Compared with propofol 2 mg/kg, FospropofolFD 20 mg/kg had a slower sedation efficacy. No serious adverse events were observed in the two groups. The sedation success rate within 5 min. after administration of FospropofolFD 20 mg/kg was non‐inferior to propofol 2 mg/kg, and FospropofolFD 20 mg/kg can be used for the induction of general anaesthesia safely.
Reduced Mechanical Stretch Induces Enhanced Endothelin B Receptor‐Mediated Contractility via Activation of Focal Adhesion Kinase and Extracellular Regulated Kinase 1/2 in Cerebral Arteries from Rat
Authors: Spray Stine , Rasmussen Marianne N. P. , Skovsted Gry F. , Warfvinge Karin , Sheykhzade Majid , Edvinsson Lars
Published: January 2016

Cerebral ischaemia results in enhanced endothelin B (ETB) receptor‐mediated contraction and receptor protein expression in the affected cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). Organ culture of cerebral arteries is a method to induce similar alterations in ETB receptor expression. We suggest that rapid and sustained reduction in wall tension/stretch is a possible trigger mechanism for this vascular remodelling. Isolated rat middle cerebral artery (MCA) segments were incubated in a wire myograph with or without mechanical stretch, prior to assessment of their contractile response to the selective ETB receptor agonist sarafotoxin 6c. The involvement of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was studied by their specific inhibitors U0126 and PF‐228, respectively. Compared with their stretched counterparts, unstretched MCA segments showed a significantly increased ETB receptor‐mediated contractile response after 12 hr of incubation, which was attenuated by either U0126 or PF‐228. The functionally increased ETB‐mediated contractility could be attributed to two different mechanisms: (i) a difference in ETB receptor localization from primarily endothelial expression to SMC expression and (ii) an increased calcium sensitivity of the SMCs due to an increased expression of the calcium channel transient receptor potential canonical 1. Collectively, our results present a possible mechanism linking lack of vessel wall stretch/tension to changes in ETB receptor‐mediated contractility via triggering of an early mechanosensitive signalling pathway involving ERK1/2 and FAK signalling. A mechanism likely to be an initiating factor for the increased ETB receptor‐mediated contractility found after cerebral ischaemia.
Choosing to engage and choosing to persist: The role of non‐specific factors in health‐promoting activities
Authors: Gaitan‐Sierra Carolina , Dempster Martin
Published: January 2016

Objective

Non‐specific factors play an important role in determining benefits from health‐promoting activities. Previous studies have focussed on beneficial outcomes of motivation during engagement. There are two aims of this project. First, we investigated whether expectancy and intrinsic motivation influence people's decisions to engage with health‐promoting activities in the first instance and then subsequently adhere to them. Second, we examined the effects of providing information on health‐promoting activities as a method of influencing expectancy and intrinsic motivation.

Method

In two studies, participants were informed about a health‐promoting activity (Study 1: A breathing exercise for well‐being; Study 2: A gratitude exercise for smoking cessation) and told that it has either a ‘known’ or ‘unknown’ effectiveness. Participants were then given the opportunity to engage with the activity over the following days. Expectancy and intrinsic motivation were measured after reading the information and prior to engagement with the activity. Adherence to the activity was measured at follow‐up.

Results

In both studies, intrinsic motivation positively predicted willingness to engage with the activities as well as subsequent adherence. Expectancy predicted adherence in Study 1 and choices to engage in Study 2, but not after controlling for intrinsic motivation. Describing the gratitude exercise as having a known effectiveness in Study 2 enhanced motivation and adherence to the activity.

Conclusions

The non‐specific benefit brought by intrinsic motivation plays an important role in choosing to engage with health‐promoting activities as well as subsequent adherence. Our results also show that simple statements about the potential benefits of a health‐promoting activity can motivate engagement and adherence.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Previous studies have established that non‐specific factors, namely expectancies and intrinsic motivation, play an important role in determining benefit when engaging in health‐promoting activities.

These studies have neglected how non‐specific factors relate to initial choices to engage in health‐promoting activities in the first instance.

Intrinsic motivation has been found to be more strongly related to benefit than expectancies in real‐world health‐promoting activities.

What does this study add?

Intrinsic motivation predicts choices to engage with a health‐promoting activity.

Simple statements about benefits of a health‐promoting activity motivate engagement.
Exome‐wide single‐base substitutions in tissues and derived cell lines of the constitutive Fhit knockout mouse
Authors: Paisie Carolyn A. , Schrock Morgan S. , Karras Jenna R. , Zhang Jie , Miuma Satoshi , Ouda Iman M. , Waters Catherine E. , Saldivar Joshua C. , Druck Teresa , Huebner Kay
Published: January 2016

Loss of expression of Fhit, a tumor suppressor and genome caretaker, occurs in preneoplastic lesions during development of many human cancers. Furthermore, Fhit‐deficient mouse models are exquisitely susceptible to carcinogen induction of cancers of the lung and forestomach. Due to absence of Fhit genome caretaker function, cultured cells and tissues of the constitutive Fhit knockout strain develop chromosome aneuploidy and allele copy number gains and losses and we hypothesized that Fhit‐deficient cells would also develop point mutations. On analysis of whole exome sequences of Fhit‐deficient tissues and cultured cells, we found 300 to >1000 single‐base substitutions associated with Fhit loss in the 2% of the genome included in exomes, relative to the C57Bl6 reference genome. The mutation signature is characterized by increased C>T and T>C mutations, similar to the “age at diagnosis” signature identified in human cancers. The Fhit‐deficiency mutation signature also resembles a C>T and T>C mutation signature reported for human papillary kidney cancers and a similar signature recently reported for esophageal and bladder cancers, cancers that are frequently Fhit deficient. The increase in T>C mutations in −/− exomes may be due to dNTP imbalance, particularly in thymidine triphosphate, resulting from decreased expression of thymidine kinase 1 in Fhit‐deficient cells. Fhit‐deficient kidney cells that survived in vitro dimethylbenz(a)anthracene treatment additionally showed increased T>A mutations, a signature generated by treatment with this carcinogen, suggesting that these T>A transversions may be evidence of carcinogen‐induced preneoplastic changes.
Cetuximab delivery and antitumor effects are enhanced by mild hyperthermia in a xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Miyamoto Ryoichi , Oda Tatsuya , Hashimoto Shinji , Kurokawa Tomohiro , Inagaki Yuki , Shimomura Osamu , Ohara Yusuke , Yamada Keiichi , Akashi Yoshimasa , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Kishimoto Mikio , Yanagihara Hideto , Kita Eiji , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: January 2016

Even with current promising antitumor antibodies, their antitumor effects on stroma‐rich solid cancers have been insufficient. We used mild hyperthermia with the intent of improving drug delivery by breaking the stromal barrier. Here, we provide preclinical evidence of cetuximab + mild hyperthermia therapy. We used four in vivo pancreatic cancer xenograft mouse models with different stroma amounts (scarce, MIAPaCa‐2; moderate, BxPC‐3; and abundant, Capan‐1 and Ope‐xeno). Cetuximab (1 mg/kg) was given systemically, and the mouse leg tumors were concurrently heated using a water bath method for 30 min at three different temperatures, 25°C (control), 37°C (intra‐abdominal organ level), or 41°C (mild hyperthermia) (n = 4, each group). The evaluated variables were the antitumor effects, represented by tumor volume, and in vivo cetuximab accumulation, indirectly quantified by the immunohistochemical fluorescence intensity value/cell using antibodies against human IgG Fc. At 25°C, the antitumor effects were sufficient, with a cetuximab accumulation value (florescence intensity/cell) of 1632, in the MIAPaCa‐2 model, moderate (1063) in the BxPC‐3 model, and negative in the Capan‐1 and Ope‐xeno models (760, 461). By applying 37°C or 41°C heat, antitumor effects were enhanced shown in decreased tumor volumes. These enhanced effects were accompanied by boosted cetuximab accumulation, which increased by 2.8‐fold (2980, 3015) in the BxPC‐3 model, 2.5‐ or 4.8‐fold (1881, 3615) in the Capan‐1 model, and 3.2‐ or 4.2‐fold (1469, 1922) in the Ope‐xeno model, respectively. Cetuximab was effective in treating even stroma‐rich and k‐ras mutant pancreatic cancer mouse models when the drug delivery was improved by combination with mild hyperthermia.
Socio‐economic status and overweight or obesity among school‐age children in sub‐Saharan Africa – a systematic review
Authors: Fruhstorfer B. H. , Mousoulis C. , Uthman O. A. , Robertson W.
Published: January 2016

Childhood overweight and obesity have emerged as a public health concern in sub‐Saharan Africa. We conducted a systematic review with the aim to examine the association between socio‐economic status (SES) and overweight or obesity among school‐age children in sub‐Saharan Africa. In March 2014 we searched five electronic databases for reports which presented cross‐sectional data on prevalence levels of overweight or obesity stratified by SES groups among school‐age children in sub‐Saharan Africa. We used a random‐effect model to pool the relative indexes of inequality of the association from the individual studies. In total, 20 reports satisfied the inclusion criteria providing results of 21 datasets. The risk of overweight or obesity in children from highest SES households was 5.28 times as high as that of children from lowest SES households (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.62 to 10.66). On subgroup analysis, this association was statistically significant for household income and composite SES measures but not for parental educational attainment and occupation type. Similarly, the risk of overweight or obesity in children attending affluent (private) schools was 15.94 times as high as that of children going to either urban or rural public schools (95% CI 5.82 to 43.68). The magnitude of the association tended to be stronger for area or school‐type compared with composite measures. In summary, children from higher SES households and those attending private schools tended to be overweight and obese.
Fragrance allergy could be missed without patch testing with 26 individual fragrance allergens
Authors: Vejanurug Patnapa , Tresukosol Poohglin , Sajjachareonpong Praneet , Puangpet Pailin
Published: January 2016

Background

In 2003, the EU Cosmetics Directive stated that 26 fragrance substances must be listed on the cosmetic product ingredient labels. Not all of these 26 fragrance substances are detected by the usual screening markers comprising fragrance mix I, fragrance mix II, and Myroxylon pereirae.

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of testing with the 26 individual fragrance substances in addition to the standard fragrance screening markers.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and twelve consecutive patients were patch tested with our baseline series and the 26 specific fragrance substances required to be declared on cosmetic product ingredient labels in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Directive.

Results

Positive reactions to at least either one of the 26 individual fragrance substances or the usual fragrance screening markers were seen in 84 of 312 patients (26.9%). Fifteen of these 84 patients (17.8%) reacted negatively to the fragrance screening markers. The most common individual fragrance allergens were cinnamyl alcohol (11.2%), cinnamal (9%), and hydroxycitronellal (3.8%). Sixty‐two of 312 patients (19.8%) had at least one positive reaction to the fragrance screening markers.

Conclusion

Additional patch testing with the 26 individual fragrance allergens, or with the commonest fragrance allergens identified within these 26, should be performed to optimize the detection of fragrance allergy. Cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamal are important fragrance allergens in Thailand.
In situ chemical behaviour of methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) in reconstructed human epidermis: a new approach to the cross‐reactivity issue
Authors: Debeuckelaere Camille , Moussallieh François‐Marie , Elbayed Karim , Namer Izzie‐Jacques , Berl Valérie , Giménez‐Arnau Elena , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2016

Background

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) [with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) in a ratio of 1:3, a well‐recognized allergenic preservative] was released as an individual preservative in the 2000s for industrial products and in 2005 for cosmetics. The high level of exposure to MI since then has provoked an epidemic of contact allergy to MI, and an increase in MI/MCI allergy. There are questions concerning the MI/MCI cross‐reaction pattern.

Objectives

To bring a new perspective on the MI/MCI cross‐reactivity issue by studying their in situ chemical behaviour in 3D reconstructed human epidermis (RHE).

Methods

MI and MCI were synthesized with 13C substitution at positions C‐4/C‐5 and C‐5, respectively. Their in situ chemical behaviours in an RHE model were followed by use of the high‐resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance technique.

Results

MI was found to react exclusively with cysteine thiol residues, whereas MCI reacted with histidines and lysines. The reaction mechanisms were found to be different for MI and MCI, and the adducts formed had different molecular structures.

Conclusion

In RHE, different MI/MCI reactions towards different nucleophilic amino acids were observed, making it difficult to explain cross‐reactivity between MI and MCI.
Allergy risks with laptop computers – nickel and cobalt release
Authors: Midander Klara , Hurtig Anna , Borg Tornberg Anette , Julander Anneli
Published: January 2016

Background

Laptop computers may release nickel and cobalt when they come into contact with skin. Few computer brands have been studied.

Objectives

To evaluate nickel and cobalt release from laptop computers belonging to several brands by using spot tests, and to quantify the release from one new computer by using artificial sweat solution.

Methods

Nickel and cobalt spot tests were used on the lid and wrist supports of 31 laptop computers representing five brands. The same surfaces were tested on all computers. In addition, one new computer was bought and dismantled for release tests in artificial sweat according to the standard method described in EN1811.

Results

Thirty‐nine per cent of the laptop computers were nickel spot test‐positive, and 6% were positive for cobalt. The nickel on the surface could be worn off by consecutive spot testing of the same surface. The release test in artificial sweat of one computer showed that nickel and cobalt were released, although in low concentrations.

Conclusions

As they constitute a potential source of skin exposure to metals, laptop computers should qualify as objects to be included within the restriction of nickel in REACH, following the definition of ‘prolonged skin contact’. Skin contact resulting from laptop use may contribute to an accumulated skin dose of nickel that can be problematic for sensitized individuals.
Colonoscopic features and malignant potential of sessile serrated adenomas: comparison with other serrated lesions and conventional adenomas
Authors: Kawasaki K. , Kurahara K. , Yanai S. , Oshiro Y. , Yao T. , Kobayashi H. , Nakamura S. , Fuchigami T. , Sugai T. , Matsumoto T.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps) have been proposed as precursors of colorectal cancer. The aims of this investigation were to compare the endoscopic findings of SSA/Ps with those of other serrated lesions and to compare the histological findings of SSA/Ps with those of conventional adenomas.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed colonoscopy records at our institution from 1984 to 2013 and identified cases of endoscopically or surgically resected conventional adenomas and serrated lesions, including SSA/Ps, hyperplastic polyps (HPs) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs). The colonoscopic findings of SSA/Ps were compared with those of the other two serrated lesions and histological findings were compared among all groups of lesions.

Results

There were 79 HPs in 68 patients, 77 SSA/Ps in 63 patients, 167 TSAs in 145 patients and 6324 conventional adenomas in 4129 patients. The inverted type and flat‐elevated type were more frequent among SSA/Ps than among the other two types of serrated lesions. Magnifying colonoscopy revealed that a round and open pit pattern, expanded crypt openings and varicose microvascular vessels were more frequently observed among SSA/Ps than among the other types. The incidence of high‐grade dysplasia or carcinoma among SSA/Ps (13.0%) was significantly higher than that among HPs (0%, P < 0.001) and equivalent to that among conventional adenomas (12.3%).

Conclusion

SSA/Ps have colonoscopic features distinct from those of HPs and TSAs. The malignant potential of SSA/Ps seems to be equal to that of conventional adenomas.
POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS, GOVERNANCE, AND CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Shonchoy Abu S.
Published: January 2016

This article aims at identifying the determinants of government expenditures of developing countries by placing emphasis on the political institutions and governance variables, which have not been addressed so much in the previous literature. Using a panel data analysis for 97 developing countries from the period 1984 to 2004, this study finds evidence that controlling for economic, social, and demographical factors, political institutional and governance variables significantly influence the consumption expenditure in developing countries. Political institutional variables such as the type of political ruling and political power in the parliament positively influence consumption expenditure; on the contrary, governance variables such as corruption influence negatively. Furthermore, we find that autocratic governments with military ruling are not particularly accommodative toward consumption expenditures as the public spending significantly shrinks under military dictatorship compared with other forms of governance. In order to check consistency of our findings, we ran alternative specifications as well as conducted extreme bound tests. Our results largely survived these tests showing robustness of our findings. (JEL E01, E02, E61, E62, H2, H4, H5, H6, O11, O5)
Pulmonary hypertension as a risk factor of mortality after lung transplantation
Authors: Andersen Kasper H. , Schultz Hans Henrik L. , Nyholm Benjamin , Iversen Martin P. , Gustafsson Finn , Carlsen Jørn
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is recognized as a risk factor in lung transplantation as reflected in the lung allocation score (LAS). We examined the impact of PH on outcome after lung transplantation, with special emphasis on pre‐ and post‐capillary PH.

Methods

Consecutive lung transplant recipients were evaluated according to ISHLT criteria including right heart catheterization in the period from 1992 to October 2014. Post‐transplant survival was assessed according to hemodynamic characteristics: post‐capillary PH (mean pulmonary arterial pressure [mPAP] ≥ 25 mmHg and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure [PAWP] > 15 mmHg), pre‐capillary PH (mPAP ≥ 25 mmHg, PAWP ≤ 15 mmHg) and non‐PH (mPAP < 25 mmHg).

Results

Of 518 transplant recipients, 58 (11%) had post‐capillary PH. Pre‐capillary PH was present in 211 (41%) and 249 (48%) non‐PH. Post‐capillary PH and pre‐capillary PH were associated with worse 90‐d outcomes after transplantation compared to non‐PH (p = 0.043 and 0.003, respectively). The negative effect persisted 1 yr post‐transplantation in pre‐capillary PH (p = 0.037), but not in post‐capillary PH (p = 0.447). Long‐term survival was unaffected by hemodynamic classification.

Conclusion

Post‐capillary PH was present in 11% and pre‐capillary PH in 41% of the transplant cohort. Post‐capillary PH and pre‐capillary PH were associated with inferior 90‐d survival, but long‐term survival was unaffected.
Post kidney transplantation Kaposi's sarcoma: the experience of a Mediterranean North African center
Authors: Gorsane Imen , Bacha Mohamed Mongi , Abderrahim Ezzedine , Amri Nadia , Hajri Malika , Ounissi Mondher , Harzallah Amel , El Younsi Fathi , Hedri Hafedh , Ben Abdallah Taieb
Published: January 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the overall and specific incidences of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in a cohort of 568 kidney transplant recipients (KTR) in a single North African Mediterranean center.

Patients and Methods

The records of 568 patients, who underwent kidney transplantation (KT) between June 1986 and December 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. Incidence was calculated by dividing the number of the different events by the total duration of follow‐up. Survival rates and cumulated frequencies of KS were calculated according to the actuarial method.

Results

Twelve patients developed KS corresponding to an overall prevalence of 2.1% and an annual incidence of 0.27% patient‐years. Median time to diagnosis of KS was 23.3 months. Eleven patients presented with skin lesions; three had oral localizations and one had conjunctival involvement. Asymptomatic gastric localization was observed in one patient. Therapeutic management, consisting in reduction of immunosuppression in all cases and their conversion to sirolimus in four patients, resulted in complete regression of KS in seven patients. Graft loss was observed in three cases and four patients died of unrelated‐ KS causes.

Conclusion

KS is the most post KT malignancy observed in our country and is characterized by a predominance of limited superficial forms.
Dual kidney transplants from adult marginal donors successfully expand the limited deceased donor organ pool
Authors: Stratta Robert J. , Farney Alan C. , Orlando Giuseppe , Farooq Umar , Al‐Shraideh Yousef , Palanisamy Amudha , Reeves‐Daniel Amber , Doares William , Kaczmorski Scott , Gautreaux Michael D. , Iskandar Samy S. , Hairston Gloria , Brim Elizabeth , Mangus Margaret , El‐Hennawy Hany , Khan Muhammad , Rogers Jeffrey
Published: January 2016

Background

The need to expand the organ donor pool remains a formidable challenge in kidney transplantation (KT). The use of expanded criteria donors (ECDs) represents one approach, but kidney discard rates are high because of concerns regarding overall quality. Dual KT (DKT) may reduce organ discard and optimize the use of kidneys from marginal donors.

Study design

We conducted a single‐center retrospective review of outcomes in adult recipients of DKTs from adult marginal deceased donors (DD) defined by limited renal functional capacity. If the calculated creatinine clearance in an adult DD was <65 mL/min, then the kidneys were transplanted as a DKT.

Results

Over 11.5 yr, 72 DKTS were performed including 45 from ECDs, 17 from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors, and 10 from standard criteria donors (SCD). Mean adult DD and recipient ages were both 60 yr, including 29 DDs and 26 recipients ≥65 yr of age. Mean pre‐DKT waiting and dialysis vintage times were 12 months and 25 months, respectively. Actual patient and graft survival rates were 84.7% and 70.8%, respectively, with a mean follow‐up of 58 months. One yr and death‐censored graft survival rates were 90% and 80%, respectively. Outcomes did not differ by DD category, recipient age, or presence of delayed graft function (DGF). Eleven patients died at a mean of 32 months post‐DKT (eight with functioning grafts) and 13 other patients experienced graft losses at a mean of 33 months. The incidence of DGF was 25%; there were two cases (2.8%) of primary non‐function. Mean length of initial hospital stay was 7.2 d. Mean serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate levels at 12 and 24 months were 1.5 and 53 and 1.5 mg/dL and 51 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. DKT graft survival and function were superior to concurrent single ECD and similar to concurrent SCD KTs. Two patients underwent successful kidney retransplantation, so the dialysis‐free rate in surviving patients was 87%. The proportion of total renal function transplanted from adult DD to DKT recipients was 77% compared to 56% for patients receiving single KTs.

Conclusions

Dual kidney transplantation using kidneys from adult marginal DDs that otherwise might be discarded offer a viable option to counteract the growing shortage of acceptable single kidneys. Excellent medium‐term outcomes can be achieved and waiting times can be reduced in a predominantly older recipient population.
An international survey of cerebral palsy registers and surveillance systems
Authors: Goldsmith Shona , McIntyre Sarah , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Blair Eve , Cans Christine , Watson Linda , Yeargin‐Allsopp Marshalyn ,   the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Group
Published: January 2016

Aim

To describe cerebral palsy (CP) surveillance programmes and identify similarities and differences in governance and funding, aims and scope, definition, inclusion/exclusion criteria, ascertainment and data collection, to enhance the potential for research collaboration.

Method

Representatives from 38 CP surveillance programmes were invited to participate in an online survey and submit their data collection forms. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize information submitted.

Results

Twenty‐seven surveillance programmes participated (25 functioning registers, two closed owing to lack of funding). Their aims spanned five domains: resource for CP research, surveillance, aetiology/prevention, service planning, and information provision (in descending order of frequency). Published definitions guided decision making for the definition of CP and case eligibility for most programmes. Consent, case identification, and data collection methods varied widely. Ten key data items were collected by all programmes and a further seven by at least 80% of programmes. All programmes reported an interest in research collaboration.

Interpretation

Despite variability in methodologies, similarities exist across programmes in terms of their aims, definitions, and data collected. These findings will facilitate harmonization of data and collaborative research efforts, which are so necessary on account of the heterogeneity and relatively low prevalence of CP.