bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional, age and sex differences in baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS)
Authors: Bethel M. A. , Green J. B. , Milton J. , Tajar A. , Engel S. S. , Califf R. M. , Holman R. R. ,   on behalf of the TECOS Executive Committee
Published: January 2015

Aims

To report baseline characteristics and cardiovascular (CV) risk management by region, age, sex and CV event type for 14 724 participants in the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS), a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial exploring whether sitagliptin added to usual type 2 diabetes (T2DM) care affects time to first event in the composite endpoint of CV death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non‐fatal stroke or unstable angina hospitalization.

Methods

TECOS enrolled patients aged ≥50 years, with T2DM and CV disease from 38 countries in five regions: North America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Participants had a glycated haemoglobin concentration of 6.5–8.0% (48–64 mmol/mol) and were receiving oral and/or insulin‐based antihyperglycaemic therapy. Analysis of variance or logistic regression was used to compare regional CV risk factors and treatments, referenced to North America.

Results

Patients had a mean [1 standard deviation (SD)] age of 66 (8) years, a median (interquartile range) diabetes duration of 9.4 (4.9, 15.3) years, and a mean (SD) body mass index 30.2 (5.7) kg/m2. Compared with North America, blood pressure and lipids were higher in all regions. Statin use was lowest in Latin America (68%) and Eastern Europe (70%) and aspirin use was lower compared with North America in all regions except Asia Pacific. Achievement of treatment targets did not differ by age group or insulin usage, but men and participants with previous MI were more likely than women or those with previous stroke or peripheral arterial disease to reach most treatment goals.

Conclusion

The CV risk factors of participants in TECOS are reasonably controlled, but differences in CV risk management according to region, sex and history of disease exist. This diversity will enhance the generalizability of the trial results.
Self‐reported activity and functioning in daily life; the perspective of persons with haemophilia living in Sweden
Authors: Brodin Elisabeth , Baghaei Fariba , Sunnerhagen Katharina S.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To investigate the self‐estimated function, activity and participation in daily life of persons with severe or moderate haemophilia A and B (PWH) living in Sweden. The secondary aim was to explore the differences between participants with early treatment onset and later.

Methods

The Haemophilia Activity List (HAL), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2) and Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA‐S) were distributed by mail to 225 PWH with an invitation to participate in the study. The median and min–max are given for the different domains; a higher value indicates more disability.

Results

Eighty‐four PWH (18–80 years) participated. The HAL indicated more problems in the legs [40 (0–100)] than in self‐care [4 (0–92)] and household tasks [3 (0–87)]. The AIMS2 scores confirmed this (physical activity 12 (0–64.5) as well as somewhat reduced autonomy outdoors [IPA‐S 17.5 (0–90)]. More limitations in daily life were reported by participants with later treatment onset.

Conclusion

The PWH reported greater disability in the domains related to activities using the lower extremities compared to domains related to upper extremity. This study pointed out the need of using different questionnaires to capture patients own perspective and as useful supplement to other clinical assessment instruments.
Evaluation of bone involvement in patients with Gaucher disease: a semi‐quantitative magnetic resonance imaging method (using ROI estimation of bone lesion) as an alternative method to semi‐quantitative methods used so far
Authors: Komninaka Veroniki , Kolomodi Dionysia , Christoulas Dimitrios , Marinakis Theodoros , Papatheodorou Athanasios , Repa Konstantina , Voskaridou Ersi , Revenas Konstantinos , Terpos Evangelos
Published: January 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate bone involvement in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) and to propose a novel semi‐quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging.

Methods

MRI of the lumbar spine, femur, and tibia was performed in 24 patients with GD and 24 healthy controls. We also measured circulating levels of C‐C motif ligand‐3 (CCL‐3) chemokine, C‐telopeptide of collagen type‐1 (CTX), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase isoform type‐b (TRACP‐5b).

Results

We used the following staging based on MRI data: stage I: region of interest (ROI) 1/2 of normal values and bone infiltration up to 30%; stage II: ROI 1/3 of normal values and bone infiltration from 30 to 60%; stage III: ROI 1/4 of normal values and bone infiltration from 60% to 80%; and stage IV: detection of epiphyseal infiltration, osteonecrosis and deformity regardless of the ROI's values. All but two patients had abnormal MRI findings: 9 (37.5%), 6 (25%), 3 (12.5%), and 4 (16.7%) had stages I–IV, respectively. Patients with GD had elevated chitotriosidase, serum TRACP‐5b, and CCL‐3 levels (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We propose an easily reproducible semi‐quantitative scoring system and confirm that patients with GD have abnormal MRI bone findings and enhanced osteoclast activity possibly due to elevated CCL‐3.
Characterization of a new human plasma cell leukemia cell line UHKT‐944
Authors: Vyhlídalová Ilona , Uherková Lenka , Pleschnerová Markéta , Špička Ivan , Březinová Jana , Michalová Kyra , Čermáková Kamila , Polanská Veronika , Jedelský Petr L. , Hamšíková Eva , Kuželová Kateřina , Stöckbauer Petr
Published: January 2015

Objective

A new interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)‐dependent plasma cell leukemia cell line UHKT‐944 was established from bone marrow cells derived from a 55‐yr‐old man with plasma cell leukemia.

Results

The cell line possesses phenotypic characteristics of plasma cells including the production of a monoclonal immunoglobulin IgA1‐kappa. VH3‐9 region of IgVH genes was rearranged and somatically hypermutated. The UHKT‐944 cells were found to be negative for most of tested B‐cell, T‐cell, and myeloid markers. According to cytogenetic analysis, the cells were classified as near tetraploid with several numerical and structural abnormalities including the t(14;20) involving IgH locus.

Conclusion

The established permanent plasma cell leukemia cell line is a suitable model for the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of this rare malignant disease.
Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol ester increases red blood cell scramblase activity and external phosphatidylserine
Authors: Barber Latorya A. , Palascak Mary B. , Qi Xiaoyang , Joiner Clinton H. , Franco Robert S.
Published: January 2015

Externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) is thought to contribute to sickle cell disease (SCD) pathophysiology. The red blood cell (RBC) aminophospholipid translocase (APLT) mediates the transport of PS from the outer to the inner RBC membrane leaflet to maintain an asymmetric distribution of PL, while phospholipid scramblase (PLSCR) equilibrates PL across the RBC membrane, promoting PS externalization. We previously identified an association between PS externalization level and PLSCR activity in sickle RBC under basal conditions. Other studies showed that activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by PMA (phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate) causes increased external PS on RBC. Therefore, we hypothesized that PMA‐activated PKC stimulates PLSCR activity in RBC and thereby contributes to increased PS externalization. In the current studies, we show that PMA treatment causes immediate and variable PLSCR activation and subsequent PS externalization in control and sickle RBC. While TfR+ sickle reticulocytes display some endogenous PLSCR activity, we observed a robust activation of PLSCR in sickle reticulocytes treated with PMA. The PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (Chel), significantly inhibited PMA‐dependent PLSCR activation and PS externalization. Chel also inhibited endogenous PLSCR activity in sickle reticulocytes. These data provide evidence that PKC mediates PS externalization in RBC through activation of PLSCR.
Efficacy and safety of a novel combination of two oral chelators deferasirox/deferiprone over deferoxamine/deferiprone in severely iron overloaded young beta thalassemia major patients
Authors: Elalfy Mohsen S. , Adly Amira M , Wali Yasser , Tony Samir , Samir Ahmad , Elhenawy Yasmine I.
Published: January 2015

Objective

Minimal data are available on the combined two oral iron chelators in β‐thalassemia major (β‐TM). Comparison of safety, efficacy, compliance, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL) of two regimens: deferiprone (DFP) and deferoxamine (DFO) versus DFP and deferasirox (DFX) were studied.

Methods

A prospective randomized trial (NCT01511848) was conducted on 96 young β‐TM patients with severe iron overload. Patients were randomized to receive either DFP with DFO (arm 1) or DFP and DFX (arm 2). Efficacy endpoints were the difference between two groups in the change of serum ferritin (SF), liver iron concentration (LIC), cardiac MRI, and quality of life (QoL).

Results

In both arms, SF and LIC at 12 months were significantly lower, and geometric mean cardiac T2* was higher compared to baseline. On regression analysis of change in each studied variable against time, significant difference between slopes of the two groups regarding cardiac T2* (P = 0.001 with more improvement in DFP/DFX patients) was found with no significant difference in the slopes of SF and LIC (P = 0.218 and 0.340).

Conclusion

Both iron chelation combination regimens were equally effective in reducing iron overload and improving QoL.DFP/DFX combination proved superior in improving cardiac T2*, treatment compliance, and patients satisfaction with no greater adverse events.
Carbon accumulation and changes in soil chemistry in reclaimed open‐cast coal mining heaps near Sokolov using repeated measurement of chronosequence sites
Authors: Bartuska M. , Frouz J.
Published: January 2015

Accumulation of soil organic matter and associated changes in soil chemistry are important drivers and indicators of ecosystem recovery at post‐mining sites. To understand the temporal changes in the ecosystem properties of these sites, researchers typically use a chronosequence approach and at one time they compare similar sites of various ages. Although useful, this approach has an important limitation, which is site variability. In this study, we amended the chronosequence approach by repeated measurements of sites after extended periods. We used post‐mining sites near Sokolov where the soil C stock and soil chemistry variables had been measured in 1999, 11 years before the current study. In 2010, we used the same methods to repeat these measurements at the same sites, allowing us to assess real‐time changes in the investigated variables in individual plots. All sites had been reclaimed by planting of alder in the graded overburden without topsoil application; the overburden consisted of alkaline clay shales. Sites were 4–45 years old in 1999 and 15–56 years old in 2010. Soil pH gradually deceased with site age; this decrease was more pronounced in the upper soil layer. Changes in pH between 1999 and 2010 were negatively correlated with the initial pH; as a consequence, pH decreased in alkaline sites and increased in acidic sites. Soil carbon (C) increased with site age but the rate of increase declined with site age. The average increases in C stock were similar as determined by the chronosequence and real‐time approaches. Changes in soil nitrogen content were similar to changes in soil C content. Phosphorus content did not differ significantly among sites but tended to be less at older than at younger sites.
A mechanistic model for describing the sorption and desorption of phosphate by soil
Authors: Barrow N. J.
Published: January 2015

A model of phosphate reaction is constructed and its output compared with observations for the sorption and desorption of phosphate by soil. The model has three components: first, the reaction between divalent phosphate ions and a variable‐charge surface; second, the assumption that there is a range of values of surface properties and that these are normally distributed; third, the assumption that the initial adsorption induces a diffusion gradient towards the interior of the particle which begins a solid‐state diffusion process.

The model closely describes the effects on sorption of phosphate of: concentration of phosphate, pH, temperature, and time of contact. It also reproduces the effects on desorption of phosphate of: period of prior contact, period and temperature of desorption, and soil: solution ratio. The model is general and should apply to other specifically adsorbed anions and cations. It suggests that phosphate that has reacted with soil for a long period is not ‘fixed’ but has mostly penetrated into the soil particles. The phosphorus can be recovered slowly if a low enough surface activity is induced.
BOLD responses related to focal spikes and widespread bilateral synchronous discharges generated in the frontal lobe
Authors: An Dongmei , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean
Published: January 2015

Objective

To investigate whether specific frontal regions have a tendency to generate widespread bilateral synchronous discharges (WBSDs) and others focal spikes and to determine the regions most involved when WBSDs occur; to assess the relationships between the extent of electroencephalography (EEG) discharges and the extent of metabolic changes measured by EEG/functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients with interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) with frontocentral predominance underwent EEG/fMRI. Patients were divided into a Focal (20 patients) group with focal frontal spikes and a WBSD group (17 patients). Maps of hemodynamic responses related to IEDs were compared between the two groups.

Results

The mean number ± SD of IEDs in the Focal group was 137.5 ± 38.1 and in the WBSD group, 73.5 ± 16.6 (p = 0.07). The volume of hemodynamic responses in the WBSD group was significantly larger than in the Focal group (mean, 243.3 ± 41.1 versus 114.8 ± 27.4 cm3, p = 0.01). Maximum hemodynamic responses occurred in both groups in the following regions: dorsolateral prefrontal, mesial prefrontal, cingulate, and supplementary motor cortices. Maxima in premotor and motor cortex, frontal operculum, frontopolar, and orbitofrontal regions were found only in the Focal group, and maxima in thalamus and caudate only occurred in the WBSD group. Thalamic responses were significantly more common in the WBSD group (14/17) than in the Focal group (7/20), p = 0.004. Deactivation in the default mode network was significantly more common in the WBSD group (14/17) than in the Focal group (10/20), p = 0.04.

Significance

The spatial distribution and extent of blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) responses correlate well with electrophysiologic changes. Focal frontal spikes and WBSDs are not region specific in the frontal lobe, and the same frontal region can generate focal and generalized discharges. This suggests that widespread discharges reflect widespread epileptogenicity rather than a focal discharge located in a region favorable to spreading. The thalamus plays an important role in bilateral synchronization.
Mathematical modelling suggests a differential impact of β‐transducin repeat‐containing protein paralogues on Wnt/β‐catenin signalling dynamics
Authors: Benary Uwe , Kofahl Bente , Hecht Andreas , Wolf Jana
Published: January 2015

The Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway is involved in the regulation of a multitude of cellular processes by controlling the concentration of the transcriptional regulator β‐catenin. Proteasomal degradation of β‐catenin is mediated by two β‐transducin repeat‐containing protein paralogues, homologous to Slimb protein (HOS) and F‐box/WD repeat‐containing protein 1A (FWD1), which are functionally interchangeable and thereby considered to function redundantly in the pathway. HOS and FWD1 are both regulated by Wnt/β‐catenin signalling, albeit in opposite directions, thus establishing interlocked negative and positive feedback loops. The functional relevance of the opposite regulation of HOS and FWD1 by Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in conjunction with their redundant activities in proteasomal degradation of β‐catenin remains unresolved. Using a detailed ordinary differential equation model, we investigated the specific influence of each individual feedback mechanism and their combination on Wnt/β‐catenin signal transduction under wild‐type and cancerous conditions. We found that, under wild‐type conditions, the signalling dynamics are predominantly affected by the HOS feedback as a result of a higher concentration of HOS than FWD1. Transcriptional up‐regulation of FWD1 by other signalling pathways reduced the impact of the HOS feedback. The opposite regulation of HOS and FWD1 expression by Wnt/β‐catenin signalling allows the FWD1 feedback to be employed as a compensation mechanism against aberrant pathway activation as a result of a reduced HOS concentration. By contrast, the FWD1 feedback provides no protection against aberrant activation in adenomatous polyposis coli protein mutant cancer cells.
Temperature versus resource constraints: which factors determine bee diversity on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania?
Authors: Classen Alice , Peters Marcell K. , Kindeketa William J. , Appelhans Tim , Eardley Connal D. , Gikungu Mary W. , Hemp Andreas , Nauss Thomas , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf
Published: January 2015

Aim

Understanding the mechanisms controlling variation in species richness along environmental gradients is one of the most important objectives in ecology. Resource availability is often considered as the major driver of animal diversity. However, in ectotherms, temperature might play a predominant role as it modulates metabolic rates and the access of animals to resources. Here, we investigate the relative importance of resource availability and temperature in determining the diversity pattern of bees along a 3.6‐km elevational gradient.

Location

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Methods

We assessed bee species richness and abundance with pan traps and floral resources with transect records on 60 study sites which were equally distributed over six near‐natural and six disturbed habitat types along an elevational gradient from 870 to 4550 m a.s.l. We used path analysis to disentangle the effects of temperature, precipitation, floral resource abundance, bee abundance and land use on bee species richness. In addition, we monitored flower visitation rates during transect walks at different elevations to evaluate the temperature dependence of bee–flower interactions.

Results

Bee species richness continuously declined with elevation in natural and disturbed habitats. While the abundance of floral resources had a significant but only weak effect on species richness, the effect of temperature was strong. Temperature had a strong positive effect on species richness that was not mediated by bee abundance and an indirect effect via bee abundances. We observed higher levels of bee–flower interactions at higher temperatures, supporting the hypothesis that temperature limits diversity by constraining resource exploitation in ectotherms.

Main conclusions

Temperature and the availability of resources shape species richness patterns along environmental gradients. In ectothermic organisms like bees temperature seems to have the more important role, as it both limits the access to resources (abundance‐mediated effect) and accelerates other (abundance‐independent) ecological and evolutionary processes that drive the maintenance and origination of diversity.
Homelessness and stakeholders’ involvement in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: a qualitative study
Authors: Stona Anne‐Claire , Berrang Charles , Santerre Honorine , Georges Nathalie , Chimenti Rosa , Kneip René , Fond‐Harmant Laurence
Published: January 2015

Background

In 2013, between 150 and 200 people per night in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg are estimated roofless. Abilities to respond to emergencies in the GDL are perceptibly decreased due to longer stays in emergency shelters. This study aimed to analyse the needs of long‐term homeless (LTH) individuals and to put forward professional recommendations to improve support and care for homeless individuals.

Methods

A local, cross‐sectional, qualitative study carried out between February and September 2013 in the GDL. Semi‐structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with homeless people living in Caritas housing facilities permanently over a period of 2 years or temporarily over a period of 3 years, as well as Caritas professionals and Luxembourgish psychiatrists. They mainly focused on the homeless person's life pathways, needs and expectations, and difficulties encountered.

Results

Twenty‐two homeless persons, 13 professionals from Caritas and three Luxembourgish psychiatrists participated. Homeless persons’ needs and expectations consist of the following: (i) seeking freedom and peacefulness, (ii) having their own space, being independent and (iii) living like everyone else. Professionals mainly complained about difficulties for supporting LTH persons and the lack of collaboration with Luxembourg stakeholders from social and psychiatric departments.

Conclusion

This study has found that the current approach is not appropriate for the management of LTHness in the country. This study recommends changes within the Caritas facilities and outside, on the basis of three concepts: (i) a decent home as an essential need, (ii) respect of freedom of choice and (iii) a housing‐first model.
Excision repair cross‐complementation group 1 protein expression predicts survival in patients with high‐grade, non‐metastatic osteosarcoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Hattinger Claudia Maria , Michelacci Francesca , Sella Federica , Magagnoli Giovanna , Benini Stefania , Gambarotti Marco , Palmerini Emanuela , Picci Piero , Serra Massimo , Ferrari Stefano
Published: January 2015

Aims

To evaluate the clinical impact of excision repair cross‐complementation group 1 (ERCC1) expression in high‐grade osteosarcoma (OS).

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry was performed on biopsies from 99 OS patients enrolled in the ISG/OS‐Oss training set or ISG/SSG1 validation set neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols, based on the use of cisplatin, adriamycin, methotrexate, and ifosfamide. In the training set, ERCC1 positivity was found in eight of 31 (26%) patients, and was significantly associated with worse event‐free survival (EFS) (P = 0.042) and overall survival (OVS) (P = 0.001). In the validation set, ERCC1 positivity was found in 22 of 68 (32%) patients, and its significant associations with poorer EFS (P = 0.028) and OVS (P = 0.022) were confirmed. Multivariate analyses performed on the whole patient series indicated that ERCC1 positivity was the only marker that was significantly associated with a higher risk of worse prognosis, in terms of both EFS and OVS (P = 0.013). Co‐evaluation of ERCC1 and ABCB1 expression showed that patients who were positive for both markers had a significantly worse prognosis.

Conclusions

The ERCC1 level at diagnosis is predictive for the outcome of patients with non‐metastatic, high‐grade OS treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and co‐evaluation with ABCB1 can identify high‐risk groups of OS patients who are refractory to standard regimens.
Tear functions in patients with vitiligo
Authors: Güngör Şule , Nurözler Ayşe , Akbay Gülfer , Ekşioğlu Meral
Published: January 2015

Background

Vitiligo is a common, acquired, pigmentary disorder characterized by the loss of melanocytes. In this study, we evaluated the ophthalmalogic abnomalies of patients with vitiligo with regard to tear functions.

Methods

The patients and control subjects underwent examinations via the Schirmer's test, tear film break‐up time (BUT), and Rose Bengal staining.

Results

Schirmer test values in patients with vitiligo were lower than those in the control subjects, but the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.200). In addition, the BUT values of patients with vitiligo were also significantly lower (P < 0.001), and the Rose Bengal scores of patients with vitiligo were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the scores of the control subjects. When comparing only the vitiligo subgroups, the Schirmer test scores and BUT values of patients with acrofacial vitiligo were significantly lower than those of patients with generalized vitiligo (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the Rose Bengal scores of patients with acrofacial vitiligo were significantly higher than the scores of patients in the generalized subgroup (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

This study revealed that there is a decrease in tear production in patients with vitiligo, particularly in those with the acrofacial type of vitiligo.
The role of vitamin D in psoriasis: a review
Authors: Soleymani Teo , Hung Tracy , Soung Jennifer
Published: January 2015

Background and objective

Psoriasis is a common, chronic autoimmune inflammatory skin disorder, which has potential systemic complications and is clinically defined by sharply demarcated, erythematous patches and plaques covered by a characteristic silvery white scale. Topical corticosteroids have widely been regarded as the mainstay first line of treatment. Recently, topical vitamin D analogs have been added to the first‐line treatment repertoire as well, either as monotherapy or in combination with topical steroids due to synergistic, complementary effectiveness. In this paper, we review the role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology and treatment of psoriasis.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and PUBMED databases were performed to identify relevant basic science and clinical trial literature investigating the role of vitamin D in psoriasis. Primary endpoints in clinical trials were largely based on clinical improvement as assessed by the psoriasis area severity index score or physician's global assessment.

Results and conclusion

The role of vitamin D in psoriasis is complex and extensive. Oral and topical vitamin D therapies provide comparable efficacies to corticosteroids when used as monotherapy and may be superior when used in combination with a potent topical steroid. Additionally topical vitamin D analogs demonstrate a favorable safety profile with “steroid‐sparing” effects. Thus, topical vitamin D derivatives should be considered an indispensable component of the current physician's arsenal in the treatment of psoriasis.
Distinguishing hyperhidrosis and normal physiological sweat production: new data and review of hyperhidrosis data for 1980–2013
Authors: Thorlacius Linnea , Gyldenløve Mette , Zachariae Claus , Carlsen Berit C.
Published: January 2015

Background

Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the production of sweat is abnormally increased. No objective criteria for the diagnosis of hyperhidrosis exist, mainly because reference intervals for normal physiological sweat production at rest are unknown.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to establish reference intervals for normal physiological axillary and palmar sweat production.

Methods

Gravimetric testing was performed in 75 healthy control subjects. Subsequently, these results were compared with findings in a cohort of patients with hyperhidrosis and with the results derived from a review of data on hyperhidrosis published between 1980 and 2013.

Results

Approximately 90% of the controls had axillary and palmar sweat production rates of below 100 mg/5 min. In all except one of the axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis studies reviewed, average sweat production exceeded 100 mg/5 min.

Conclusions

A sweat production rate of 100 mg/5 min as measured by gravimetric testing may be a reasonable cut‐off value for distinguishing axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis from normal physiological sweat production.
A doxa‐informed practice analysis: reflexivity and representations, technology and action
Authors: Ellway Benjamin P. W. , Walsham Geoff
Published: January 2015

The information systems (IS) work practice literature recognises that the use of information technology in organisations and broader social structuring is composed of both human action and the properties of technology. Social representations of work are important as reflexive agents may see contradictions between these and their use of technology in practice, thus providing a trigger for change. However, agents do not always see contradictions, which allows them to endure by favouring practice reproduction. To explain this inconsistency, this paper introduces the concept of doxa as a sensitising device for a practice analysis of call centre work and examines the narratives developed by advisors to represent their call‐handling practices. The contributions of our doxa‐informed practice analysis to the literature on IS and work practices include the following: firstly, to indicate how a simultaneous presence and absence of agents' reflexivity occurs; secondly, to demonstrate how the sensemaking function provided by social representations of work and technology can be undermined; and finally to show how material conditions of work and organisation may remain hidden, despite being directly implicated in the logic of practice.
Success Rates in Pediatric WPW Ablation Are Improved with 3‐Dimensional Mapping Systems Compared with Fluoroscopy Alone: A Multicenter Study
Authors: CERESNAK SCOTT R. , DUBIN ANNE M. , KIM JEFFREY J. , VALDES SANTIAGO O. , FISHBERGER STEVEN B. , SHETTY IRA , ZIMMERMAN FRANK , TANEL RONN E. , EPSTEIN MICHAEL R. , MOTONAGA KARA S. , CAPONE CHRISTINE A. , NAPPO LYNN , GATES GREGORY J. , PASS ROBERT H.
Published: January 2015

3‐D Mapping Improves Success Rates for WPW Ablation

Introduction

Three‐dimensional mapping (3‐D) systems are frequently used for ablation of supraventricular tachycardia. Prior studies have demonstrated radiation dosage reduction with 3‐D, but there are no data on whether 3‐D improves the efficacy of ablation of Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome (WPW). We sought to determine if 3‐D improves the success rate for ablation of WPW in children.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study including patients ≤21 years of age with WPW undergoing ablation from 2008 to 2012. Success rates using the 2 techniques (3‐D vs. fluoroscopy alone [FLUORO]) were compared.

Results

Six hundred and fifty‐one cases were included (58% male, mean age 13 ± 4 years, 366 [56%] 3‐D). Baseline characteristics including gender, weight, accessory pathway (AP) location, number of APs, and repeat ablation attempts were similar between the 2 groups (3‐D and FLUORO) The 3‐D group was slightly younger (12.7 ± 4.0 vs. 13.3 ± 4.0 years; P = 0.04) and less likely to undergo ablation utilizing cryoenergy (38 [10%] vs. 56 [20%]; P < 0.01). The 3‐D group had a higher acute success rate of ablation (355 [97%] vs. 260 [91%]; P < 0.01). No differences were seen in recurrence (16 [5%] vs. 26 [9%]; P = 0.09) or complication rates (1 [0.3%] vs. 1 [0.4%]; P = 0.86) between the groups. On multivariable analysis, 3‐D was shown to significantly improve success at ablation with an odds ratio of 3.1 (95% CI 1.44–6.72; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Use of 3‐D significantly improved success rates for ablation of WPW in children. The increase in acute success associated with 3‐D suggests it is an important adjunct for catheter ablation of WPW in children.
Application of multi‐objective evolutionary algorithms for the rehabilitation of storm sewer pipe networks
Authors: Yazdi J. , Sadollah A. , Lee E.H. , Yoo D.G. , Kim J.H.
Published: January 2015

In recent decades, evolutionary optimisation algorithms have been used successfully for a wide variety of water resources engineering problems and their applications are still increasing. In this research work, a hybrid harmony search algorithm, ‘Non‐dominated Sorting Harmony Search’ algorithm is developed and compared with two state‐of‐the‐art multi‐objective evolutionary algorithms – the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA)‐II and multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation (MOPSO) algorithms – for assigning optimal rehabilitation plans for sewer pipe networks. The algorithms considered were validated using some standard test functions reported in the literature and compared with each other in terms of several metrics. These algorithms were then linked to the SWMM‐EPA hydraulic model and applied to a storm sewer pipe network case study in Seoul, South Korea, to obtain the best rehabilitation plans for pipe replacements. The results showed that the algorithms considered have different behaviours in solving the benchmark tests and rehabilitation problem. The proposed hybrid multi‐objective harmony search algorithm provides better optimal solutions in terms of different metrics and clearly outperforms the other two algorithms for the rehabilitation of the storm sewer pipe networks.
Do Acquisitions Relieve Target Firms’ Financial Constraints?
Authors: EREL ISIL , JANG YEEJIN , WEISBACH MICHAEL S.
Published: January 2015

Managers often claim that target firms are financially constrained prior to being acquired and that these constraints are eased following the acquisition. Using a large sample of European acquisitions, we document that the level of cash that target firms hold, the sensitivity of cash to cash flow, and the sensitivity of investment to cash flow all decline, while investment increases following the acquisition. These effects are stronger in deals that are more likely to be associated with financing improvements. Our findings suggest that acquisitions relieve financial frictions in target firms, especially when the target firm is relatively small.
Can Masticatory Electromyography be Normalised to Submaximal Bite Force?
Authors: Crawford S. R. , Burden A. M. , Yates J. M. , Zioupos P. , Winwood K.
Published: January 2015

The combination of bite force and jaw muscle electromyography (EMG) provides an insight into the performance of the stomatognathic system, especially in relation to dynamic movement tasks. Literature has extensively investigated possible methods for normalising EMG data encapsulating many different approaches. However, bite force literature trends towards normalising EMG to a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), which could be difficult for ageing populations or those with poor dental health or limiting conditions such as temporomandibular disorder. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine whether jaw‐closing muscle activity is linearly correlated with incremental submaximal and maximal bite force levels and (ii) assess whether normalising maximal and submaximal muscle activity to that produced when performing a low submaximal bite force (20 N) improves repeatability of EMG values. Thirty healthy adults (15 men, 15 women; mean age 21 ± 1·2 years) had bite force measurements obtained using a custom‐made button strain gauge load cell. Masseter and anterior temporalis muscle activities were collected bilaterally using surface EMG sensors whilst participants performed maximal biting and three levels of submaximal biting. Furthermore, a small group (n = 4 females) were retested for reliability purposes. Coefficients of variation and intra‐class correlation coefficients showed markedly improved reliability when EMG data were normalised compared to non‐normalised. This study shows that jaw muscle EMG may be successfully normalised to a very low bite force. This may open possibilities for comparisons between at‐risk sample groups that may otherwise find it difficult to produce maximal bite force values.
Reduced mandibular range of motion in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: predictive factors
Authors: van Bruggen H. W. , Van Den Engel‐Hoek L. , Steenks M.H. , Bronkhorst E.M. , Creugers N.H.J. , de Groot I.J.M. , Kalaykova S.I.
Published: January 2015

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) experience negative effects upon feeding and oral health. We aimed to determine whether the mandibular range of motion in DMD is impaired and to explore predictive factors for the active maximum mouth opening (aMMO). 23 patients with DMD (mean age 16·7 ± 7·7 years) and 23 controls were assessed using a questionnaire about mandibular function and impairments. All participants underwent a clinical examination of the masticatory system, including measurement of mandibular range of motion and variables related to mandibular movements. In all patients, quantitative ultrasound of the digastric muscle and the geniohyoid muscle and the motor function measure (MFM) scale were performed. The patients were divided into early and late ambulatory stage (AS), early non‐ambulatory stage (ENAS) and late non‐ambulatory stage (LNAS). All mandibular movements were reduced in the patient group (P < 0·001) compared to the controls. Reduction in the aMMO (<40 mm) was found in 26% of the total patient group. LNAS patients had significantly smaller mandibular movements compared to AS and ENAS (P < 0·05). Multiple linear regression analysis for aMMO revealed a positive correlation with the body height and disease progression, with MFM total score as the strongest independent risk factor (R2 = 0·71). Mandibular movements in DMD are significantly reduced and become more hampered with loss of motor function, including the sitting position, arm function, and neck and head control. We suggest that measurement of the aMMO becomes a part of routine care of patients with DMD.
Variation in Utilization of Health Care Services for Rural VA Enrollees With Mental Health‐Related Diagnoses
Authors: Johnson Christopher E. , Bush Ruth L. , Harman Jeffrey , Bolin Jane , Evans Hudnall Gina , Nguyen Ann M.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Rural‐dwelling Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) enrollees are at high risk for a wide variety of mental health‐related disorders. The objective of this study is to examine the variation in the types of mental and nonmental health services received by rural VA enrollees who have a mental health‐related diagnosis.

Methods

The Andersen and Aday behavioral model of health services use and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data were used to examine how VA enrollees with mental health‐related diagnoses accessed places of care from 1999 to 2009. Population survey weights were applied to the MEPS data, and logit regression was conducted to model how predisposing, enabling, and need factors influence rural veteran health services use (measured by visits to different places of care). Analyses were performed on the subpopulations: rural VA, rural non‐VA, urban VA, and urban non‐VA enrollees.

Findings

For all types of care, both rural and urban VA enrollees received care from inpatient, outpatient, office‐based, and emergency room settings at higher odds than urban non‐VA enrollees. Rural VA enrollees also received all types of care from inpatient, office‐based, and emergency room settings at higher odds than urban VA enrollees. Rural VA enrollees had higher odds of a mental health visit of any kind compared to urban VA and non‐VA enrollees.

Conclusions

Based on these variations, the VA may want to develop strategies to increase screening efforts in inpatient settings and emergency rooms to further capture rural VA enrollees who have undiagnosed mental health conditions.
Clinical characteristics of Scottie Cramp in 31 cases
Authors: Urkasemsin G. , Olby N. J.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical features, with response to therapy and long‐term outcome of Scottie Cramp as described by owners.

METHODS

Owners of affected dogs provided a description of clinical signs, age of onset and disease progression. Medical records, pedigrees and videotapes of cramp episodes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty‐one dogs were recruited; 19 showed generalised spasticity and 12 exhibited only hind limb spasticity and skipping. Episodes were noted in the first year of life in 76% of dogs and were triggered by excitement, stress and exercise. Episode frequency and severity decreased over time with behaviour modification and decreased exposure to triggers playing a role in their development. One dog was euthanased because of severe refractory signs. Fluoxetine reduced the frequency and duration of episodes in seven dogs, but not in one severely affected dog. Female dogs were over‐represented with only eight affected males in the study cohort, and the presence of dogs with cerebellar degeneration in the same pedigrees may suggest a more complex mode of inheritance than previously reported.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The disorder recognised as Scottie Cramp by dog owners includes dogs with hind limb spasticity in addition to generalised cramping. Signs usually improve over time without specific treatment.
Enhancing knowledge of an endangered and elusive species, the okapi, using non‐invasive genetic techniques
Authors: Stanton D. W. G. , Hart J. , Kümpel N. F. , Vosper A. , Nixon S. , Bruford M. W. , Ewen J. G. , Wang J.
Published: January 2015

The okapi Okapia johnstoni is an endangered, even‐toed ungulate in the family Giraffidae, and is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Okapi are highly elusive and very little is known about their behaviour and ecology in the wild. We used non‐invasive genetic methods to examine the social structure, mating system and dispersal for a population of okapi in the Réserve de Faune à Okapis, DRC. Okapi individuals were found to be solitary, but genetically polygamous or promiscuous. There was no evidence for any close spatial association between large groups of related or unrelated okapi for either sex, but we did find evidence for male‐biased dispersal. An isolation by distance pattern of genetic similarity was present, but appears to be operating just below the spatial scale of the area investigated in the present study. We describe how the analyses used here can infer aspects of behavioural ecology and discuss the strengths and limitations of these analyses. We therefore provide a guide for future studies using non‐invasive genetics to investigate behavioural ecology of rare, elusive animals. This study furthers scientific knowledge about a species that has recently been recognized by the IUCN as endangered, and is a potentially important flagship species for Central Africa.
Why are marine adaptive radiations rare in Hawai'i?
Authors: Wainwright Peter C.
Published: January 2015

Islands can be sites of dynamic evolutionary radiations, and the Hawaiian Islands have certainly given us a bounty of insights into the processes and mechanisms of diversification. Adaptive radiations in silverswords and honeycreepers have inspired a generation of biologists with evidence of rapid diversification that resulted in exceptional levels of ecological and morphological diversity. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, tiny waterfall‐climbing gobies make a case for their place among Hawaiian evolutionary elite. Moody et al. () present an analysis of gene flow and local adaptation in six goby populations on Kaua'i and Hawai'i measured in three consecutive years to try to disentangle the relative role of local adaptation and gene flow in shaping diversity within Sicyopterus stimpsoni. Their study shows that strong patterns of local selection result in streams with gobies adapted to local conditions in spite of high rates of gene flow between stream populations and no evidence for significant genetic population structure. These results help us understand how local adaptation and gene flow are balanced in gobies, but these fishes also offer themselves as a model that illustrates why adaptive diversification in Hawai'i's marine fauna is so different from the terrestrial fauna.
Information entropy as a measure of genetic diversity and evolvability in colonization
Authors: Day Troy
Published: January 2015

In recent years, several studies have examined the relationship between genetic diversity and establishment success in colonizing species. Many of these studies have shown that genetic diversity enhances establishment success. There are several hypotheses that might explain this pattern, and here I focus on the possibility that greater genetic diversity results in greater evolvability during colonization. Evaluating the importance of this mechanism first requires that we quantify evolvability. Currently, most measures of evolvability have been developed for quantitative traits whereas many studies of colonization success deal with discrete molecular markers or phenotypes. The purpose of this study is to derive a suitable measure of evolvability for such discrete data. I show that under certain assumptions, Shannon's information entropy of the allelic distribution provides a natural measure of evolvability. This helps to alleviate previous concerns about the interpretation of information entropy for genetic data. I also suggest that information entropy provides a natural generalization to previous measures of evolvability for quantitative traits when the trait distributions are not necessarily multivariate normal.
Oxidative stress conditions increase the frequency of de novo formation of the yeast [PSI+] prion
Authors: Doronina Victoria A. , Staniforth Gemma L. , Speldewinde Shaun H. , Tuite Mick F. , Grant Chris M.
Published: January 2015

Prions are self‐perpetuating amyloid protein aggregates which underlie various neurodegenerative diseases in mammals and heritable traits in yeast. The molecular basis of how yeast and mammalian prions form spontaneously into infectious amyloid‐like structures is poorly understood. We have explored the hypothesis that oxidative stress is a general trigger for prion formation using the yeast [PSI+] prion, which is the altered conformation of the Sup35 translation termination factor. We show that the frequency of [PSI+] prion formation is elevated under conditions of oxidative stress and in mutants lacking key antioxidants. We detect increased oxidation of Sup35 methionine residues in antioxidant mutants and show that overexpression of methionine sulphoxide reductase abrogates both the oxidation of Sup35 and its conversion to the [PSI+] prion. [PSI+] prion formation is particularly elevated in a mutant lacking the Sod1 Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase. We have used fluorescence microscopy to show that the de novo appearance of [PSI+] is both rapid and increased in frequency in this mutant. Finally, electron microscopy analysis of native Sup35 reveals that similar fibrillar structures are formed in both the wild‐type and antioxidant mutants. Together, our data indicate that oxidative stress is a general trigger of [PSI+] formation, which can be alleviated by antioxidant defenses.