bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disaffected communities, riots and policing: Manchester 1981 and 2011
Authors: Wain Neil , Joyce Peter
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the disorders that occurred in Manchester in 1981 and 2011 with the aim of comparing the similarities and differences that have been put forward to explain why these events occurred. The paper further seeks to evaluate the tactics that might be used in future years to police disaffected communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research for this paper is library‐based, making considerable use of primary sources that relate to events in 1981 and 2011. The objectives of this research are addressed by examining a number of key themes: the 1981 Moss Side riot: explanations for the 1981 Moss Side riot: the 2011 riots in Greater Manchester: explanations of the causes of the 2011 riots in Manchester: the future policing of disaffected communities in Manchester.

Findings

The research established that although there were many similarities in the events that occurred in 1981 and 2011, there were also important differences that reflect social, economic and cultural changes that have affected society since 1981. It also rejects the opinion that a more aggressive style of policing is the only way to police disaffected communities to prevent a repetition of events that took place in 2011.

Practical implications

The research suggests that the way forward for the policing of disaffected communities lies in an approach that seeks to engage hearts and minds rather than one that aims to quell dissent through coercive methods.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original comparison of events that took place in one area of Britain in 1981 and 2011. The interpretation of material relating to the causes of rioting and future policing policies is informed by both academic and practitioner perspectives.
Integrated offender management workforce development
Authors: Lane Bernard , Kangulec Sule
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This article aims to inform the reader of the developments around integrated offender management (IOM) arrangements with a particular focus on the issues in relation to workforce development and responding to emerging support needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is designed to take the reader through an IOM development journey, its key principles and some common issues on which the Government departments are supporting local areas.

Findings

The article emphasises that integrated offender management should not be seen as a programme or scheme. Rather, it is a locally agreed strategic framework for bringing together different offender‐focused programmes and approaches. It highlights the need for a skilled work force at both strategic and operational levels, in order to mainstream effective and efficient offender management approaches.

Practical implications

A focus on workforce development and training can be expected to help local areas to develop an agreed vision for the local IOM approach and raise awareness of it at all levels, to help to mainstream the approach.

Originality/value

The article highlights the importance of workforce development to the effectiveness of IOM and invites areas to engage with the Home Office.
Implications of urban adolescent discourses of (un)happy slapping
Authors: Palasinski Marek
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of British adolescents' views on happy slapping and offer a potential framework for challenging their implicit tolerance of the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 41 adolescents from three large English cities was interviewed about happy slapping at seven youth community centres and their narratives were analysed by drawing on the classical discourse analysis and the concept of narrative repertoires.

Findings

In contrast to popular press associations between happy slapping and boredom or deviance, the study suggests that adolescents construe happy slapping (but not lasting‐injury “unhappy slapping”) as amusing, original, controllable and deterring rather than encouraging violence.

Practical implications

It is cautiously proposed that the narratives might be potentially questioned by impugning the alleged originality, challenging the perceived harmlessness, casting doubt on the excuse of evidence collection and putting greater emphasis on psychosocial skills.

Social implications

When analyzing the data both methodological and ethical considerations should be kept in mind. Participants, who were criminal record‐free college students, may have been inhibited by the recorded nature of the interview with a stranger, although the technique of projective questions likely alleviated their anxiety.

Originality/value

Not only does the study offer insight into urban adolescents' perspectives on happy slapping, which to date has not been addressed in social science, but it also cautiously proposes an intervention framework which needs to be developed, tested and refined in further research.
Risk and vulnerability assessment: a comprehensive approach
Authors: Nirupama Niru
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Disaster risk and vulnerability assessment depends on various factors such as appropriate theoretical concepts and quality and adequacy of information gathered. Accounting for people's perception and partnering with them in the process leads to deeper understanding of community vulnerability, which in turn provides better assessment of disaster risk. The purpose of this paper is to offer an integrated approach for risk and vulnerability assessment that includes theoretical concept, quantitative risk assessment method, and a component representing people's perception.

Design/methodology/approach

The Pressure and Release (PAR) model framework is used for basic understanding of the progression of vulnerability through identification of root causes such as: limited access to power and resources; dynamic pressures – lack of education, urbanization and demographics; and unsafe conditions such as dangerous locations. To complement PAR, the Access to Resources (ATR) model is used that expands upon the dynamics of changing decisions, options, livelihood opportunities, available resources, and choices made by the population that is impacted by disaster(s) – in time and space. Conventional risk equation: R=H x V provides community risk profile.

Findings

Using a working example, it is demonstrated that risk assessment can have significant influence by introducing an additional component to represent “community perception” in the fundamental risk equation.

Originality/value

The proposed approach: Risk (R) = Hazard (H) x Vulnerability (V) x Community Perception (cp), provides a unique and comprehensive approach to evaluate disaster risk by taking people's perception into account.
Analyzing the state of seismic consideration of architectural non‐structural components (ANSCs) in design process (based on IBC)
Authors: Mahdavinejad Mohamadjavad , Bemanian Mohammadreza , Abolvardi Ghazal , Mohammadmehdi Elhamian Seyed
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Earthquakes are a serious threat to life; they claim many casualties and cause huge damage to people's properties. Seismic design provisions are added to building codes in response to the lessons learned from past earthquakes. However, despite all successes, many challenges are still faced and there are still deficiencies, especially in the field of architectural non‐structural components (ANSCs). In spite of their significance in the seismic performance of the building, ANSCs are mostly neglected from the viewpoint of seismic design. The purpose of this paper is to explain a proper state for the seismic consideration of ANSCs in the designing and construction process.

Design/methodology/approach

The key aim of this research is explaining a proper state for the seismic consideration of ANSCs in designing and construction process. For this purpose, first, their state is analyzed based on the conventional seismic design and construction process. Then, the insufficiencies of this approach are discussed through studying the consequences in the past earthquakes. Finally, based on the results obtained, the article tries to offer useful strategies to bring the potential threats of ANSCs to minimum.

Findings

It is found that ANSCs are considered only in a very small part of the design and construction process. In most cases, their executed details are allocated to a minor part of the design process or left to be chosen in the last stage of construction, as finishing details. As a result, despite all code provisions and practical guidelines, we still see many damages to and from ANSCs. The paper shows that the only way that the success of ANSCs' seismic restraints can be anticipated is by considering them in all stages of the design and construction process. To achieve this goal, collaboration is needed throughout all parts of the design and construction process, namely an interactive system design.

Originality/value

The paper, from the viewpoint of the design process, analyzes the seismic consideration of ANSCs, offering a new model for placing these components in a systematic design and construction process.
A concept for a performance‐based rating system for home resilience: ReScU
Authors: Csilla Bencze Orsolya , Dasmohapatra Sudipta , Tilotta David C.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Citizens who live in disaster prone areas need to protect their properties – particularly their homes – against the destructive effects of natural disasters to avoid large‐scale economic losses. The purpose of this paper is to present the basic concepts and methodology for an improved system for rating the resilience of homes against natural disaster perils. This system is referred to as the Resilient Scoring Utility (ReScU) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐pronged approach was undertaken in developing the ReScU framework. Existing building programs for homes were studied as potential models for a system to rate the natural disaster resilience of homes. Simultaneously, a diverse 25‐member stakeholder panel (focus) group was queried periodically, using a Delphi technique, in order to better understand and gain a consensus about the issues surrounding homes, incentives and natural disasters.

Findings

Using the results from the above approach, the ReScU framework was designed with four key operational features: an output that can be tied to incentives; the use of performance‐based evaluation criteria; utilization of “threshold” adjustments to represent the variability due to the location of homes; and adaptability to new technologies, perils, and non‐perils.

Originality/value

There are few existing programs that offer assistance to homeowners by providing them with guidance on how to protect/reinforce their homes against natural disasters. Unlike these other programs, the ReScU framework proposed in this paper is location specific, performance‐driven, and may be tied readily to incentives. These features will assist homeowners, homebuilders, and others in designing, building, and maintaining more natural disaster resilient homes. It should, however be noted that the proposed ReScU framework is a concept, and future work will include testing the assumptions for their reliability and validity when rating homes.
Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Indonesia
Authors: Djalante Riyanti , Thomalla Frank
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how past experiences in implementing disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities can be harnessed to conceptualise effective and appropriate climate change adaptation (CCA) programs in Indonesia. The authors propose a conceptual framework for integrating DRR and CCA in managing climate‐related risks and explain the need for joint implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted through review and analysis of academic, government and non‐government literature to determine the Indonesian experience in integrating DRR and CCA. Interviews were conducted with 26 DRR and CCA stakeholders in Indonesia.

Findings

The authors make three propositions in this paper. First, there needs to be a re‐orientation of the institutional arrangements for DRR and CCA, to increase the effectiveness of planning and implementation. Second, DRR and CCA activities needed to be stronger supported at the local level, with a specific aim to reduce the underlying causes of vulnerability of communities at risk. Third, non‐government organisations play a very important role in integrating DRR and CCA through community‐based initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

While this paper focuses specifically on Indonesia, the findings are relevant to other countries with similar geographical and socio‐economic conditions, as they are likely to face similar challenges.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical suggestions on what steps government actors, at all political levels, can do to support the integration of DRR and CCA planning and implementation activities in Indonesia.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to document progress in integrating DRR and CCA in Indonesia.
Influence of stem‐cell cycle time on accelerated re‐population during radiotherapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Marcu L. G. , Bezak E.
Published: July 2012

Objectives

Tumour re‐population during radiotherapy was identified as an important reason for treatment failure in head and neck cancers. The process of re‐population is suggested to be caused by various mechanisms, one of the most plausible one being accelerated division of stem‐cells (i.e. drastic shortening of cell cycle duration). However, the literature lacks quantitative data regarding the length of tumour stem‐cell cycle time during irradiation.

Materials and methods

The presented work suggests that if accelerated stem‐cell division is indeed a key mechanism behind tumour re‐population, the stem‐cell cycle time can drop below 10 h during radiotherapy. To illustrate the possible implications, the mechanism of accelerated division was implemented into a Monte Carlo model of tumour growth and response to radiotherapy. Tumour response to radiotherapy was simulated with different stem‐cell cycle times (between 2 and 10 h) after the initiation of radiotherapy.

Results

It was found that very short stem‐cell cycle times lead to tumour re‐population during treatment, which cannot be overcome by radiation‐induced cell kill. Increasing the number of radiation dose fractions per week might be effective, but only for longer cell cycle times.

Conclusion

It is of crucial importance to quantitatively assess the mechanisms responsible for tumour re‐population, given that conventional treatment regimens are not efficient in delivering lethal doses to advanced head and neck tumours.
Associations between complications and health‐related quality of life in individuals with diabetes
Authors: Venkataraman K. , Wee H. L. , Leow M. K. S. , Tai E. S. , Lee J. , Lim S. C. , Tavintharan S. , Wong T. Y. , Ma S. , Heng D. , Thumboo J.
Published: July 2012

Objective

Type 2 diabetes and associated complications adversely affect health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). However, it is unclear whether different complications have the same or different associations with HRQoL. We examined associations between retinopathy, nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy (microvascular), coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease (macrovascular) in diabetes and HRQoL.

Design

This study was a follow‐up examination between 2004 and 2007 of participants from four previous cross‐sectional population‐based studies in Singapore.

Methods

Health‐related quality of life was assessed through self‐administered SF‐36 health survey version 2. Diabetes and complications status were assessed through self‐report, clinical and laboratory examinations. About 2601 individuals, 2205 healthy and 396 with diabetes, were studied.

Results

Lower physical component scores (PCS) were associated with microvascular (2·96 points, P < 0·001) and both macro‐ and microvascular complications (4·67 points, P < 0·001), but not diabetes alone. Coronary heart disease (3·86 points, P = 0·007), peripheral neuropathy (11·46 points, P < 0·001) and severe retinopathy (4·46 points, P < 0·001) were associated with lower PCS. The greatest reduction in scores was seen in peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusions

Quality of life in patients with diabetes is affected mainly by presence of complications, and not diabetes per se. Peripheral neuropathy was associated with the greatest reduction in quality of life. Improved management to prevent or delay onset of complications may reduce the effect on quality of life in patients with diabetes.
Nutrient supply enhanced the increase in intrinsic water‐use efficiency of a temperate seminatural grassland in the last century
Authors: Köhler Iris H. , Macdonald Andy , Schnyder Hans
Published: July 2012

Under the increase in atmospheric CO2 during the last century, variable increases in the intrinsic water‐use efficiency (Wi), i.e., the ratio between carbon assimilation rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs), of C3 vegetation have been observed. Here, we ask if long‐term nutrient status and especially nitrogen supply have an effect on the CO2 response of Wi in a temperate seminatural C3 grassland. This analysis draws on the long‐term trends (1915–2009) in Wi, derived from carbon isotope analysis, of archived hay and herbage from the Park Grass Experiment at Rothamsted (South‐East England). Plant samples came from five fertilizer treatments, each with different annual nitrogen (N; 0, 48 or 96 kg ha−1), phosphorus (P; 0 or 35 kg ha−1) and potassium (K; 0 or 225 kg ha−1) applications, with lime as required to maintain soil pH near 7. Carbon isotope discrimination (13Δ) increased significantly (P < 0.001) on the Control (0.9‰ per 100 ppm CO2 increase). This trend differed significantly (P < 0.01) from those observed on the fertilized treatments (PK only: 0.4‰ per 100 ppm CO2 increase, P < 0.001; Low N only, Low N+PK, High N+PK: no significant increase). The 13Δ trends on fertilized treatments did not differ significantly from each other. However, N status, assessed as N fertilizer supply plus an estimate of biologically fixed N, was negatively related (r2 = 0.88; P < 0.02) to the trend for 13Δ against CO2. Other indices of N status exhibited similar relationships. Accordingly, the increase in Wi at High N+PK was twice that of the Control (+28% resp. +13% relative to 1915). In addition, the CO2 responsiveness of 13Δ was related to the grass content of the plant community. This may have been due to the greater CO2 responsiveness of gs in grasses relative to forbs. Thus, the greater CO2 response of grass‐rich fertilized swards may be related to effects of nutrient supply on botanical composition.
Use of complementary and alternative therapy among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Authors: Alaaeddine Nada , Okais Jad , Ballane Liliane , Baddoura Rafic M
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  We wanted to assess the prevalence of complementary and alternative therapy use among patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the Lebanese population and to determine the perceived efficacy and side effects of complementary and alternative therapy in the treatment of these diseases.

Background.  Complementary and alternative therapy has become popular among patients with chronic illnesses because of its widespread use. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two diseases associated with severe pain, inflammation and limited activity. Although both are quite common in Lebanon, no studies were conducted in our country to portray complementary and alternative therapy use in their treatment.

Design.  Descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods.  Conducted individualised questionnaire‐based interviews among 250 adult patients, ranging between the ages of 20–90 years and diagnosed with either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The questionnaire included demographic information, clinical information, use of conventional therapies and complementary and alternative therapy, and the disease status before and after complementary and alternative therapy use.

Results.  Fifty‐eight (23·2%) patients used complementary and alternative therapy in addition to their conventional medications in the treatment of either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Most herbal medicine users (63·8%) believed that complementary and alternative therapy was beneficial. The disease status measured by the intensity of pain, sleeping pattern and level of activities was significantly improved after using complementary and alternative therapy (p = 0·01). Forty‐eight (82·75%) patients were using herbals as complementary and alternative therapy, 14 (24·1%) of whom have sought medical care because of potential concomitant drug‐complementary and alternative therapy side effects. However, these side effects were not serious and reversible.

Conclusion and recommendations.  Although complementary and alternative therapy might have beneficial effects in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, patients should be cautious about their use and should necessarily inform their health care providers about the consumption of any products other than their conventional medicines.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is quite essential for health care professionals to be knowledgeable about the use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies when providing medical care to patients with arthritis.
Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Signalling Downstream of Calmodulin
Authors: Melamed P. , Savulescu D. , Lim S. , Wijeweera A. , Luo Z. , Luo M. , Pnueli L.
Published: July 2012

Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates reproduction via binding a G‐protein coupled receptor on the surface of the gonadotroph, through which it transmits signals, mostly via the mitogen‐activated protein (MAPK) cascade, to increase synthesis of the gonadotrophin hormones: luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). Activation of the MAPK cascade requires an elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ levels, which is a result of both calcium influx and mobilisation from intracellular stores. However, Ca2+ also transmits signals via an MAPK‐independent pathway, through binding calmodulin (CaM), which is then able to bind a number of proteins to impart diverse downstream effects. Although the ability of GnRH to activate CaM was recognised over 20 years ago, only recently have some of the downstream effects been elucidated. GnRH was shown to activate the CaM‐dependent phosphatase, calcineurin, which targets gonadotrophin gene expression both directly and indirectly via transcription factors such as nuclear factor of activated T‐cells and Nur77, the Transducer of Regulated CREB (TORC) co‐activators and also the prolyl isomerase, Pin1. Gonadotrophin gene expression is also regulated by GnRH‐induced CaM‐dependent kinases (CaMKs); CaMKI is able to derepress the histone deacetylase‐inhibition of β‐subunit gene expression, whereas CaMKII appears to be essential for the GnRH‐activation of all three subunit genes. Asides from activating gonadotrophin gene expression, GnRH also exerts additional effects on gonadotroph function, some of which clearly occur via CaM, including the proliferation of immature gonadotrophs, which is dependent on calcineurin. In this review, we summarise these pathways, and discuss the additional functions that have been proposed for CaM with respect to modifying GnRH‐induced signalling pathways via the regulation of the small GTP‐binding protein, Gem, and/or the regulator of G‐protein signalling protein 2.
Free Water Can Leach Mycotoxins from Fusarium‐infected Wheat Heads
Authors: Gautam Pravin , Dill‐Macky Ruth
Published: July 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of free environmental moisture, such as from rainfall, on disease development and mycotoxin production and accumulation in planta. In greenhouse experiments in 2009, two single Fusarium graminearum isolates were used to inoculate spikes of three wheat cultivars: ‘Alsen’, ‘2375’ and ‘Wheaton’ at anthesis. On each wetting event/sampling day (7, 14, 21 or 28 days after inoculation), FHB severity was assessed and five pots of each of the two cultivar/isolate treatments were subjected to a wetting event. At the end of the wetting event, the spikes were sampled both from the plants that received the wetting treatment and those that did not and analysed for mycotoxins. Run‐off water samples were also taken 3 h after the start of irrigation and immediately after the wetting treatment concluded and analysed for mycotoxins. The results showed despite statistically similar FHB severity, the levels of DON and other mycotoxins detected were significantly lower in the plants receiving a single wetting event compared to the control. The levels of DON in wetted plants were lower up to 36% in ‘Alsen’, 52% in ‘2375’ and 41% in ‘Wheaton’ compared to that of corresponding controls. DON and 15‐ADON were also detected in run‐off water from the inoculated heads of all cultivars examined. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that DON and its derivatives produced in planta can be leached out from the host tissues by free water on contact with plant surfaces.
Infiltrating Foxp3+ Regulatory T cells and Histopathological Features in Canine Classical and Spermatocytic Seminomas
Authors: Kim JH , Chon SK , Im KS , Kim NH , Cho KW , Sur JH
Published: July 2012

Contents

In humans, regulatory T (T reg) cells are known to play a critical role in both the regulation of immune homoeostasis and the progression of cancer. However, there is little information about the identification, characterization and the function of T reg cells in canine tumours. We identified T reg cells in 28 canine seminoma samples using a Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) antibody and investigated the relationship between T reg cell infiltration and histopathological features of classical and spermatocytic seminomas (SE and SS, respectively). The Foxp3 protein showed nuclear immunostaining in infiltrating lymphocytes, and Foxp3+ cells were diffused or focally distributed in seminoma tissues. Foxp3+ cells were frequently present in the SS histotype, in seminomas that showed no evidence of tumour cell invasion into the vessels and in seminomas showing a diffuse growth pattern with three cell types. Neither the SE/SS histotype nor the histopathological features of the tumour correlated with Foxp3+ cell counts. These results indicate that Foxp3+ T reg cells may be associated with a less malignant histological phenotype or may not play a critical role in the immune response of canine seminomas. Moreover, Foxp3+ T reg cells may be associated with SS seminoma, but further studies, involving a larger number of samples, are required to better understand whether these cells play a critical role in the immune response in canine seminomas. This is the first report to demonstrate the characteristics of T reg cell infiltration in canine seminoma.
Vitrification of Immature Feline Oocytes with a Commercial Kit for Bovine Embryo Vitrification
Authors: Apparicio M , Ruggeri E , Luvoni GC
Published: July 2012

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a commercial kit for bovine embryo vitrification for cryopreserving cat oocytes and to evaluate comparatively the effects of its use with slow freezing procedure on cryotolerance in terms of morphology and oocyte resumption of meiosis. Germinal vesicle stage oocytes isolated from cat ovaries were either vitrified (n = 72) using a vitrification kit for bovine embryo or slow frozen (n = 69) by exposing oocyte to ethylene glycol solution before being transferred to a programmable embryo freezer. After thawing and warming, oocytes were cultured for 48 h and then were examined for meiosis resumption using bisbenzimide fluorescent staining (Hoechst 33342). Fresh immature oocytes (n = 92) were used as the control group. The proportion of oocytes recovered in a morphologically normal state after thawing/warming was significantly higher in frozen oocytes (94.5%) than in the vitrified ones (75%, p < 0.01). Morphological integrity after culture was similar in vitrified (73.6%) and slow frozen oocytes (76.8%); however, only 37.5% of the morphologically normal oocytes resumed meiosis after vitrification compared to 60.9% of those submitted to slow freezing procedure (p < 0.01). Fresh oocytes showed higher morphological integrity (91.3%) and meiosis resumption rates (82.6%, p < 0.002) than cryopreserved oocytes, irrespective of the procedure used. These results suggest that immature cat oocytes vitrified with a kit for bovine embryos retain their capacity to resume meiosis after warming and culture, albeit at lower rates than slow frozen oocytes. Vitrification and slow freezing methods show similar proportions of oocytes with normal morphology after culture, which demonstrate that thawed and warmed oocytes that resist to cryodamage have the same chances to maintain their integrity after 48 h of culture.
Colloidal Centrifugation of Stallion Semen Results in a Reduced Rate of Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Authors: Crespo F , Gutiérrez‐Cepeda L , Gosalvez J , Serres C , Johnston SD
Published: July 2012

Contents

Stallion spermatozoa recovered and examined immediately after colloidal centrifugation resulted in a higher straight‐line velocity (VSL) than sperm processed using direct conventional centrifugation (p = 0.000), but there was no differences in the progressive motility or sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) as determined by the sperm chromatin dispersion assay. However, when centrifuged spermatozoa were incubated at 37°C for 24 h to determine the rate of SDF (r‐SDF), a lower r‐SDF (p = 0.0011) was observed in those sperm recovered after colloidal separation (0.5 ± 0.1%/h) compared to direct (1.2 ± 0.4%/h) or no centrifugation (r‐SDF  =  1.2  ± 0.3%/h). These results confirm that colloidal separation of stallion spermatozoa results in prolonged sperm DNA longevity, but these differences were only apparent following a period of incubation and dynamic assessment. Consequently, we strongly recommend the use of the dynamic form of the SDF assay for evaluating centrifugation and/or other ex vivo procedures, as a single basal assessment of SDF may inadvertently result in a false‐positive evaluation of DNA quality.
Acute alveolitis following infliximab therapy for psoriasis
Authors: Bale Jessica , Chee Paul
Published: July 2012

Infliximab is a high‐affinity recombinant chimeric immunoglobulin‐1 monoclonal antibody directed against tumour necrosis factor‐alpha. It is used to treat a range of inflammatory disorders including psoriatic joint and skin changes. Acute interstitial lung disease is a rare but potentially fatal complication of therapy. We report the case of a 67‐year‐old man with severe psoriasis who presented with acute alveolitis shortly after his third infusion of infliximab. The infliximab was discontinued and investigations did not reveal an infective cause. His respiratory signs and symptoms improved quickly with corticosteroid therapy. Clinicians should be aware of this uncommon but potentially serious complication.
Early origins of heart disease: Low birth weight and the role of the insulin‐like growth factor system in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Kimberley CW , Botting Kimberley J , Padhee Monalisa , Zhang Song , McMillen I Caroline , Suter Catherine M , Brooks Doug A , Morrison Janna L
Published: July 2012

Epidemiological studies indicate that poor growth before birth is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and an increased risk of death from heart disease later in life.

In fetal life, the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system has been implicated in physiological growth of the heart, whereas in postnatal life IGFs can be involved in both physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

A reduction in substrate supply in fetal life, resulting in chronic hypoxaemia and intrauterine growth restriction, results in increased cardiac IGF‐1R, IGF‐2 and IGF‐2R gene expression; and there is also evidence for a role of the IGF‐2 receptor in the ensuing cardiac hypertrophy.

The persistent high level of cardiac IGF‐2R gene expression from fetal to postnatal life may be due to epigenetic changes in key cardiac hypertrophy regulatory pathways.
Sphincter‐sparing anal‐fissure surgery: a 1‐year prospective, observational, multicentre study of fissurectomy with anoplasty
Authors: Abramowitz L. , Bouchard D. , Souffran M. , Devulder F. , Ganansia R. , Castinel A. , Suduca J.‐M. , Soudan D. , Varastet M. , Staumont G. ,   for the GREP: Groupe de Recherche En Proctologie de la Société Nationale Française de Colo‐Proctologie; and the CREGG: Club de Réflexion des cabinets et Groupe d’Hépato‐Gastroentérologie
Published: July 2012

Aim  Internal sphincterotomy is the standard surgical treatment for chronic anal fissure, but is frequently complicated by anal incontinence. Fissurectomy is proposed as an alternative technique to avoid sphincter injury. We describe 1‐year outcomes of fissurectomy.

Method  This was a prospective, multicentre, observational study. All patients with planned surgery for chronic anal fissure were included and had fissurectomy. Data were collected before surgery, at healing, and 1 year after fissurectomy. Patient self‐assessed anal symptoms and quality of life (using the 36‐item short‐form health survey [SF‐36] questionnaire). Presurgical and postsurgical variables were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for paired samples.

Results  Two‐hundred and sixty‐four patients were included (median age, 45 years; 52% women). Anoplasty was associated with fissurectomy in 83% of the 257 documented cases. The main complications were urinary retention (n = 3), local infection (n = 4) and faecal impaction (n = 1). Healing was achieved in all patients at a median of 7.5 weeks after surgery. No recurrence occurred. At 1 year, 210 (79%) questionnaires were returned. Median anal pain had dropped from 7.3/10 to 0.1/10 (P < 0.001), anal discomfort had decreased from 5.0/10 to 0.1/10 (P < 0.001) and the Knowles–Eckersley–Scott Symptom constipation score had decreased from 9/45 to 5/45 (P < 0.001). There was a nonsignificant increase in the Wexner anal incontinence score, from 1/20 to 2/20. De‐novo clinically significant anal incontinence (Wexner score > 5) affected 7% of patients at 1 year, but presurgical incontinence had disappeared in 15% of patients. All SF‐36 domains significantly improved. Anoplasty did not impact any result.

Conclusion  Given its high rate of healing and low rate of de‐novo anal incontinence, fissurectomy with anoplasty is a valuable sphincter‐sparing surgical treatment for chronic anal fissure.
Can quote competition reduce preferenced trading? A reexamination of the SEC’s 1997 order handling rules
Authors: Rhee S. Ghon , Tang Ning
Published: July 2012

In 1997, the SEC implemented the new order handling rules (OHRs) on the NASDAQ. We observe that some uncompetitive positions gained market share without improving quote competitiveness after the implementation of the OHRs. Also observed is a significant decline in the sensitivity of trading volume to quote competitiveness, indicating lower incentive for NASDAQ dealers to engage in quote competition in the post‐OHR regime. We find that positions that gained trading volume without improving quote competitiveness were less competitive and were more closely associated with stocks showing low information asymmetry, which suggests that preferenced trading might be responsible for the decline in the trading volume sensitivity. Examining entries and exits around the periods of adopting OHRs, we observe net entry of uncompetitive positions and net exit of competitive positions, which indicates that preferenced trading crowded out quote competition subsequent to the OHRs. Our findings suggest that forcing intense quote competition alone produced an unwanted effect that preferencing emerged as a more attractive alternative to quote competition.
Sedative load and functional outcomes in community‐dwelling older Australian men: the CHAMP study
Authors: Gnjidic Danijela , Le Couteur David G. , Hilmer Sarah N. , Cumming Robert G. , Blyth Fiona M. , Naganathan Vasi , Waite Louise , Handelsman David J. , J.S. Bell
Published: July 2012

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the association between sedative load and functional outcomes in community‐dwelling older Australian men. A total of 1696 males aged ≥ 70 years, enrolled in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project, were studied. Participants underwent assessments during 2005–2007. Sedative load was computed using a published model. Outcomes included activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), physical performance measures and a clinical diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Of the participants, 15.3% took medications with sedative properties. After adjusting for age, education, depressive symptoms and comorbidities, participants who took one medication with sedation as a prominent side effect (sedative load = 1) had odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.20–3.85) for ADL disability, compared with participants with sedative load = 0. Participants who took at least one primary sedative or two medications with sedation as a prominent side effect (sedative load ≥ 2) had an OR of 1.55 (95% CI: 1.02–2.35) for IADL disability, compared with participants with sedative load = 0. The mean 6‐m walking speed (P = 0.001) and grip strength (P = 0.003) were significantly different between sedative load groups in unadjusted models only. No association between sedative load and poorer performance on balance and chair stands tests or cognitive impairment was observed. Participants with sedative load of one were more likely to report ADL disability, whereas participants with sedative load of ≥2 were more likely to report IADL disability. Higher sedative load was not associated with poorer physical performance or cognitive impairment in older Australian men.
Binocular coordination in response to two‐dimensional, three‐dimensional and stereoscopic visual stimuli
Authors: Blythe Hazel I , Holliman Nicolas S , Jainta Stephanie , Tbaily Lee W , Liversedge Simon P
Published: July 2012

Citation information: Blythe HI, Holliman NS, Jainta S, Tbaily LW & Liversedge SP. Binocular coordination in response to two‐dimensional, three‐dimensional and stereoscopic visual stimuli. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 397–411. doi:10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00926.x

Purpose:  We were particularly interested in whether binocular coordination when viewing stereoscopic images would be more comparable to when viewing a 2D representation, or when viewing a real stimulus array in depth.

Methods:  Data are reported from an experiment examining binocular coordination in response to stereoscopically presented stimuli. Movements of both eyes were recorded as participants viewed LED stimuli in a real scene with depth, a 2D image of the scene, and a stereoscopic image of the scene.

Results:  When viewing real LEDs, vergence during saccades re‐aligned the eyes in depth where necessary, with smaller adjustments during the following fixation. In contrast, when viewing the stereoscopic representation, vergence during saccades did not re‐align the eyes in depth. The only effect of target depth on vergence occurred during the following fixation.

Conclusions:  We conclude that disparity in parafoveal objects, in isolation from other depth cues (and, minimally, conflicting with blur), was insufficient for the visual system to target saccades appropriately in depth.
Coexistence and Independence Between a Mental Disorder and Female Stalking*
Authors: Catanesi Roberto , Carabellese Felice , La Tegola Donatella , Alfarano Egle
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  There are few studies of female stalkers in literature addressing different study populations. There appears to be a high incidence of mental disease among female stalkers, having an important role in inducing the harassment. We present a woman affected by a bipolar disorder who had a long affair with her victim, broken off in 2007. Stalking began in January 2009 and continued for 6 months, during which time she was not taking drugs and was in a decompensated clinical phase. In July 2009, she was denounced for harassment; the authorities demanded a psychiatric examination. The woman then resumed taking the medication regularly. In December 2009, although she was in complete remission, she began stalking once more. This case shows that even when there seems to be an evident relation between psychopathology and crime, it is always necessary to evaluate to what extent the mental disorder is responsible for the criminal behavior.
Discriminating primary clinical states in bipolar disorder with a comprehensive symptom scale
Authors: Singh V. , Bowden C. L. , Gonzalez J. M. , Thompson P. , Prihoda T. J. , Katz M. M. , Bernardo C. G.
Published: July 2012

Objective:  We assessed the spectrum and severity of bipolar symptoms that differentiated bipolar disorder (BD) clinical states, employing the Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale (BISS) which provides a broader item range of traditional depression and mania rating scales. We addressed symptoms differentiating mixed states from depression or mania/hypomania.

Method:  One hundred and sixteen subjects who met DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for BD and were currently in a depressed, manic/hypomanic, mixed episode, or recovered state were interviewed using the BISS.

Results:  A subset of manic items differed between mixed episodes and mania/hypomania or depression. Most anxiety items were more severe in mixed subjects. BISS Depression and Manic subscales differentiated episodes from recovered status. The majority of depression and manic symptoms differentiated mood states in the predicted direction. Mixed episodes had overall greater mood severity than manic/hypomanic episodes or depressed episodes.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that a small subset of symptoms, several of which are absent in DSM‐IV‐TR criteria and traditional rating scales for bipolar studies, aid in distinguishing mixed episodes from depressive or manic/hypomanic episodes. The results also support the utility of a comprehensive BD symptom scale in distinguishing primary clinical states of BD.
The Strauss and Carpenter Prognostic Scale in subjects clinically at high risk of psychosis
Authors: Nieman D. H. , Velthorst E. , Becker H. E. , de Haan L. , Dingemans P. M. , Linszen D. H. , Birchwood M. , Patterson P. , Salokangas R. K. R. , Heinimaa M. , Heinz A. , Juckel G. , von Reventlow H. G. , Morrison A. , Schultze‐Lutter F. , Klosterkötter J. , Ruhrmann S. ,   on behalf of the EPOS group
Published: July 2012

Objective:  To investigate the predictive value of the Strauss and Carpenter Prognostic Scale (SCPS) for transition to a first psychotic episode in subjects clinically at high risk (CHR) of psychosis.

Method:  Two hundred and forty‐four CHR subjects participating in the European Prediction of Psychosis Study were assessed with the SCPS, an instrument that has been shown to predict outcome in patients with schizophrenia reliably.

Results:  At 18‐month follow‐up, 37 participants had made the transition to psychosis. The SCPS total score was predictive of a first psychotic episode (P < 0.0001). SCPS items that remained as independent predictors in the Cox proportional hazard model were as follows: most usual quality of useful work in the past year (P = 0.006), quality of social relations (P = 0.006), presence of thought disorder, delusions or hallucinations in the past year (P = 0.001) and reported severity of subjective distress in past month (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:  The SCPS could make a valuable contribution to a more accurate prediction of psychosis in CHR subjects as a second‐step tool. SCPS items assessing quality of useful work and social relations, positive symptoms and subjective distress have predictive value for transition. Further research should focus on investigating whether targeted early interventions directed at the predictive domains may improve outcomes.
Clonal chromosome anomalies affecting FLI1 mimic inherited thrombocytopenia of the Paris‐Trousseau type
Authors: Noris Patrizia , Valli Roberto , Pecci Alessandro , Marletta Cristina , Invernizzi Rosangela , Mare Lydia , Balduini Carlo L. , Maserati Emanuela
Published: July 2012

Introduction

The thrombocytopenia of the Paris‐Trousseau (TCPT) type is a contiguous gene syndrome characterized by mild bleeding tendency, variable thrombocytopenia (THC), abnormal giant alpha‐granules in platelets and dysmegakaryopoiesis: it derives from a constitutional deletion of chromosome 11 leading to the loss of FLI1, a transcription factor involved in megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation.

Case report

A women with an acquired, isolated THC developing over 10 yr showed morphological features typical of TCPT in platelets and bone marrow (BM). Twenty years after the onset of THC, the other hematological parameters are still normal and the patient is well.

Results

Clonal hemopoiesis was shown and chromosome analyses performed on BM revealed a clone with 45 chromosomes and a complex unbalanced translocation involving chromosomes 2, 3, and 11. The anomaly was present in the majority of bone marrow cells but only in a few peripheral blood elements. A microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization defined the deleted region of chromosome 11 including the FLI1 locus that was missing.

Conclusion

Although our patient presented with nearly all the characteristics of TCPT, her illness was acquired instead of being inherited and the most appropriate diagnosis is that of the unilineage dysplasia ‘refractory THC.' This observation suggests that appropriate cytogenetic investigations should be always considered in patients with acquired THC of unknown origin.
Novel Targeted Liposomes Deliver siRNA to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in vitro
Authors: Dorasamy Shantal , Narainpersad Nicolisha , Singh Moganavelli , Ariatti Mario
Published: July 2012

Liposomes form a major class of non‐viral vectors for short interfering RNA delivery, however tissue and cell‐specific targeting are additional requirements in the design of short interfering RNA delivery systems with a therapeutic potential. Selective delivery of liposomes to hepatocytes may be achieved by directing complexes to the asialoglycoprotein receptor, which is expressed on hepatocytes, and which displays high affinity for the β‐d‐galactopyranosyl moiety. We aimed to show that the d‐galactopyranosyl ring in direct β‐glycosidic link to cholesterol, when formulated into liposomes with 3β[N‐(N′,N′‐dimethylaminopropane) carbamoyl] cholesterol (Chol‐T) or its quaternary trimethylammonium analogue (Chol‐Q), may promote targeted delivery of cytotoxic short interfering RNA to the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 via the asialoglycoprotein receptor. Liposome‐short interfering RNA interactions were characterized by electron microscopy, dye displacement, gel retardation and nuclease assays. Stable short interfering RNA‐protective lipoplexes were formed at N/P ratios in the range 5:1–7:1. Targeted lipoplex 4 achieved high transfection efficiencies at 50 nm short interfering RNA (70%) and <10% in a competition assay, whilst untargeted complexes reached low levels at the same concentration (<25%). Transfection efficiencies of all lipoplexes in the asialoglycoprotein receptor‐negative cell line HEK293 under the same conditions were low. Lipoplexes containing cholesteryl‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside may therefore form the basis for the development of useful hepatotropic short interfering RNA delivery vectors.