bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HbA2 levels in normal adults are influenced by two distinct genetic mechanisms
Authors: Menzel Stephan , Garner Chad , Rooks Helen , Spector Tim D. , Thein Swee Lay
Published: October 2012

Using a genome‐wide association study, we found that common inter‐individual differences in haemoglobin A2 (HbA2, α2δ2) levels are largely governed by genetic factors (42% of variability). The influence of age (1%) and sex (4%) was small. HbA2 levels were influenced by two loci: the HBS1L‐MYB locus on chromosome 6q, which has been shown to have pleiotropic effects on other haematological traits; and a second locus surrounding HBB, the gene encoding β‐globin. Our results suggest that HbA2 levels in adults are influenced by two different biological processes: one via kinetics of erythropoiesis, and the other, via competition between HBB and HBD activity.
Upregulation of IL‐6, IL‐8 and CXCL‐1 production in dermal fibroblasts by normal/malignant epithelial cells in vitro: Immunohistochemical and transcriptomic analyses
Authors: Kolář Michal , Szabo Pavol , Dvořánková Barbora , Lacina Lukáš , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Strnad Hynek , Šáchová Jana , Vlček Čestmír , Plzák Jan , Chovanec Martin , Čada Zdeněk , Betka Jan , Fík Zdeněk , Pačes Jan , Kovářová Hana , Motlík Jan , Jarkovská Karla , Smetana Jr Karel
Published: October 2012

Background information

Considering an analogy between wound healing and tumour progression, we studied chemokine and cytokine transcription and expression in normal fibroblasts by co‐culture and in situ.

Results

Whole‐genome transcriptome profiling revealed strong upregulation for the interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and the chemokine CXCL‐1 in in vitro co‐cultures of normal fibroblasts with either normal or malignant epithelial cells compared to fibroblast cultures. The same ILs/chemokines were distinctly upregulated in clinical samples of squamous cell carcinoma when compared with paired normal mucosae. Analysis of culture supernatants showed that during the course of co‐culture of the fibroblasts with the epithelial cells, IL‐6, IL‐8 and CXCL‐1 were secreted to the culture medium. Experiments with addition of any of the proteins to the culture medium supported the notion that these ILs/chemokines strongly contributed to maintenance of a low‐differentiation phenotype of epithelial cells, evaluated by the detection of keratin‐8. Simultaneous addition of all factors increased the extent of the effect. These studies were extended by experiments with epithelial cells, either cultured in medium conditioned by preceding use for malignant keratinocytes without and in the presence of normal or cancer‐associated fibroblasts or medium containing antibodies against IL‐6, IL‐8 and CXCL‐1.

Conclusions

Our results indicate an analogy between wound healing and tumour growth, support the importance of epithelial–mesenchymal interaction in this model system and establish a potential bio‐inspired anticancer therapy.
Does it help to talk about tics? An evaluation of a classroom presentation about Tourette syndrome
Authors: Nussey Claire , Pistrang Nancy , Murphy Tara
Published: October 2012

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a poorly understood condition characterised by motor and vocal tics. It may affect children's social functioning at school. This study examined the impact of a psychoeducational intervention (classroom presentation) from multiple perspectives.

Method

We used a mixed‐methods, multiple case‐study design with interviews, focus groups and self‐report questionnaires. Four children with TS, their parents, teachers and classmates (n = 100) took part.

Results

Questionnaire data showed an increase in classmates' knowledge and positive attitudes about TS postintervention. Qualitative data revealed two overarching themes: the impact on classmates in terms of enabling prosocial behaviours, and the impact on the child in terms of their embracing having TS.

Conclusion

A brief psychoeducational intervention enhances knowledge and attitudes of classmates towards children with TS, and improves how children with TS feel about the condition. Further research is needed to evaluate this approach with larger samples of children and to identify mechanisms of change.
Phase I study of obinutuzumab (GA101) in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Ogura Michinori , Tobinai Kensei , Hatake Kiyohiko , Uchida Toshiki , Suzuki Tatsuya , Kobayashi Yukio , Mori Masakazu , Terui Yasuhito , Yokoyama Masahiro , Hotta Tomomitsu
Published: October 2012

As CD20 has become an established target for treating B‐cell malignancies, there is interest in developing anti‐CD20 antibodies with different functional activity from rituximab that might translate into improved efficacy. Obinutuzumab (GA101) is a glycoengineered, humanized type II anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated superior activity to type I antibodies in preclinical studies and is currently being investigated in phase III trials. In this phase I dose‐escalating study in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, the primary endpoint was to characterize the safety of GA101; secondary endpoints were efficacy, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Patients received up to nine doses of GA101 with up to 52 weeks' follow up. Most adverse events were grade 1 or 2 infusion‐related reactions, and 10 grade 3/4 adverse events occurred. No dose‐limiting toxicities were observed and the maximum tolerated dose was not identified. Out of 12 patients, 7 responded (end‐of‐treatment response rate 58%), with 2 complete responses and 5 partial responses. Responses were observed from low to high doses, and no dose‐efficacy relationship was observed. B‐cell depletion occurred in all patients after the first infusion and was maintained for the duration of treatment. Serum levels of GA101 increased in a dose‐dependent fashion, although there was inter‐patient variability. This phase I study demonstrated that GA101 has an acceptable safety profile and offers encouraging activity to Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. (Cancer Sci 2013; 104: 105–110)
Proton pump inhibitors are associated with hypersensitivity reactions to drugs in hospitalized patients: a nested case‐control in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ramírez E. , Cabañas R. , Laserna L. S. , Fiandor A. , Tong H. , Prior N. , Calderón O. , Medrano N. , Bobolea I. , Frías J. , Quirce S.
Published: October 2012

Background

Previous research has shown that gastric acid suppression by antacid drugs can promote allergic reactions to acid‐labile food proteins. No data are available about whether antacid drugs can promote drug hypersensitivity reactions. The most potent and longer lasting inhibition of gastric secretion is provided by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We hypothesized that gastric acid suppression by proton pump inhibitors could be causative of drug hypersensitivity reactions during hospitalization.

Objective

To estimate the risk of developing drug hypersensitivity reactions during the hospitalization of patients treated with proton pump inhibitors, and other associated factors.

Methods

A nested case‐control in a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients from September 2008 to December 2010 (70 771 admissions) was conducted using the registry of cases of interconsultations to the Allergy Department (161 confirmed cases of drug hypersensitivity reactions). A total of 318 controls were matched by first drug suspected in the hypersensitivity reaction, time of admission, age, gender and hospitalization wards.

Results

The relative risk of drug hypersensitivity reaction occurrence during hospitalization of patients treated with PPIs compared with those not treated in the period of study was significant (RR: 3.97; 95% CI: 1.97–8.29). After controlling for confounders in the nested case‐control cohort, the use of PPIs persists as a predisposing factor (OR: 4.35; 95% CI: 2–9.45). Personal history of drug allergy and a long hospitalization time were other predisposing factors of drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs). The hazard that a DHR has occurred during PPI treatment was 3.7% per day. The hazard for immediate or accelerated reactions was 1.706 (P = 0.003) times that of delayed reactions.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

In hospitalized patients, the use of proton pump inhibitors was associated with a significant increase risk of drug hypersensitivity reactions along with a personal history of drug allergies and long hospitalization time.
The natural profilin from Russian thistle (Salsola kali ) contains a low IgE‐binding ability isoform – molecular and immunological characterization
Authors: Mas Salvador , Barderas Rodrigo , Colás Carlos , Quiralte Joaquín , Rodríguez Rosalía , Villalba Mayte
Published: October 2012

Chenopodiaceae pollens such as those from Salsola kali and Chenopodium album are important causes of allergy in Mediterranean areas because of the progress of desertification in European countries. Among the various allergenic protein families, profilins constitute a group of pan‐allergens that are involved in polysensitization and pollen‐food allergy syndrome. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis of S. kali profilin highlighted a polymorphic pattern, with several isoforms that have different molecular features (isoelectric point and molecular mass) and immunological features. Two isoforms have been cloned and sequenced. Sal k 4.02 and Sal k 4.03 displayed non‐conservative amino acid changes in critical positions of the IgE epitopes. Both isoforms were produced in Escherichia coli and structurally and spectroscopically characterized. Changes in the electrophoretic mobility and in their IgG and IgE immunological behavior were observed in comparison with Che a 2, their counterpart from C. album. The IgE‐binding ability of Sal k 4.03 is similar to that of Che a 2, whereas Sal k 4.02 showed a 35% reduction in IgE binding in 86% of patients, suggesting a hypoallergenic character. Three‐dimensional modeling allowed us to propose which amino acid residues are involved in those immunological changes based on epitope mapping studies previously performed in other profilins. These profilin isoforms constitute suitable candidates for specific immunotherapy with recombinant allergens.
Assessing the effects of Cu and pH on microorganisms in highly acidic vineyard soils
Authors: Fernández‐Calviño D. , Arias‐Estévez M. , Díaz‐Raviña M. , Bååth E.
Published: October 2012

Because of the use of agricultural land for wine production and the frequent use of copper (Cu)‐based fungicides, Cu concentration has been increasing in soils in many parts of the world. In vineyards with acid parent materials, low soil pH may also encourage Cu toxicity, but it is common to use lime in order to increase the soil pH and improve crop yields. Thus, vineyard soils may have large variations in pH, which will affect the microbial communities, making it difficult to isolate possible toxic effects of Cu on soil microbes. Here, analyses of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) patterns and pollution‐induced community tolerance (PICT, using leucine incorporation) were used to study the effect of Cu accumulation at small to medium concentrations in acid soils (pH 4.0–5.8) in vineyards with different land‐use history (young, old and abandoned vineyards). The results suggested that soil pH played a dominant role in determining the composition of the microbial community of the soils. Only a small effect of soil Cu could be detected and the effect on microbial community composition was much less than the pH effect. PICT analysis suggested that bacterial communities in old vineyards were more tolerant of Cu than those in the abandoned vineyards. However, increased PICT (Cu tolerance of the bacterial community) was not directly correlated with Cu concentration in the soils. Instead, the estimated Cu tolerance was significantly correlated with soil pH.
Therapeutic writing and chronic pain: experiences of therapeutic writing in a cognitive behavioural programme for people with chronic pain
Authors: Furnes Bodil , Dysvik Elin
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives.  To examine the experiences of therapeutic writing from the perspectives of patients attending a chronic pain management programme.

Background.  Pain is a multifaceted experience. Increased awareness, understanding and gaining new insights are essential aspects of dealing with chronic pain. It is crucial to find powerful ways to cope with chronic pain. Several studies point to writing as a tool for managing such demanding life experiences. Therapeutic writing in a cognitive behavioural approach may be used to facilitate the rehabilitation process.

Design.  A qualitative study with a descriptive and explorative design including a phenomenological perspective was used.

Methods.  A consecutive sample of 34 outpatients with chronic pain was recruited to an eight‐week group‐based pain management programme. A therapeutic writing tool was developed and included as part of the homework tasks. Guidelines were used to initiate and guide the therapeutic writing activity. Written reports were collected after completion.

Results.  Three thematic findings emerged from the analysis: ‘increased understanding of chronic pain as a multifaceted experience’, ‘new insights into managing the chronic pain situation’ and ‘different performances lead to different experiences with therapeutic writing’.

Conclusions.  Increased awareness, understanding and new insights are essential to dealing with chronic pain. People with chronic pain need tools and skills for optimal adaptation. Our findings suggest therapeutic writing may strengthen cognitive behavioural therapy by facilitating cognitive restructuring processes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Therapeutic writing may be used as a tool to express individual experiences and to improve adaptation to chronic pain.
Psychometric validation of Emotional Reaction Instrument‐English to measure American children’s emotional responses to hospitalisation
Authors: Kim Jin‐Sun , Park Jeong‐hwan , Foster Roxie L , Tavakoli Abbas
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to test the initial psychometric properties of the Emotional Reactions Instrument‐English with hospitalised American children, ages 7–12 years, in the USA.

Background.  Children’s negative emotional responses have been a subject of concern for paediatric clinicians and researchers, especially because negative emotional responses following or during hospitalisation are associated with adverse patient outcomes. Existing self‐report paediatric instruments have a number of limitations including lack of clinical feasibility and psychometric evidence.

Design.  A survey and psychometric approach was used to test initial reliability and validity of the Emotional Reactions Instrument‐English.

Methods.  Two hundred hospitalised American children, 7–12 years of age, who were admitted to a Children’s Hospital in the USA were recruited for this study. The children were administered the Emotional Reactions Instrument‐English, the Facial Affective Scale, and a demographic form.

Results.  Internal consistency was supported by a Cronbach’s alpha of 0·83 for the total scale. Alpha coefficients for subscales ranged from 0·59–0·82. Construct validity was tested with exploratory factor analysis. Through principal component analysis, four factors were identified that explained 64% of the variance. Concurrent validity was supported by most items in the Emotional Reactions Instrument‐English being significantly correlated with the Facial Affective Scale (r = 0·18–0·59). The instrument can be administered to hospitalised children in 5–10 minutes.

Conclusions.  The results of this exploratory study provide initial support for the psychometric adequacy of the Emotional Reactions Instrument‐English with hospitalised American children ages 7–12 years. Further testing of the Emotional Reactions Instrument‐English is required to validate the subscales and evaluate the instrument’s use with children of different ages, race and ethnicity.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study introduces a new, clinically feasible instrument to measure children’s diverse emotional responses to hospitalisation.
The investigation of early warning signs of aggression in forensic patients by means of the ‘Forensic Early Signs of Aggression Inventory’
Authors: Fluttert Frans AJ , Van Meijel Berno , Bjørkly Stål , Van Leeuwen Mirjam , Grypdonck Mieke
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives

The Forensic Early Warning Signs of Aggression Inventory (FESAI) was developed to assist nurses and patients in identifying early warning signs and constructing individual early detection plans (EDP) for the prevention of aggressive incidents. The aims of this research were as follows: First, to study the prevalence of early warning signs of aggression, measured with the FESAI, in a sample of forensic patients, and second, to explore whether there are any types of warning signs typical of diagnostic subgroups or offender subgroups.

Background

Reconstructing patients' changes in behaviour prior to aggressive incidents may contribute to identify early warning signs specific to the individual patient. The EDP comprises an early intervention strategy suggested by the patient and approved by the nurses. Implementation of EDP may enhance efficient risk assessment and management.

Design

An explorative design was used to review existing records and to monitor frequencies of early warning signs.

Methods

Early detection plans of 171 patients from two forensic hospital wards were examined. Frequency distributions were estimated by recording the early warning signs on the FESAI. Rank order correlation analyses were conducted to compare diagnostic subgroups and offender subgroups concerning types and frequencies of warning signs.

Results

The FESAI categories with the highest frequency rank were the following: (1) anger, (2) social withdrawal, (3) superficial contact and (4) non‐aggressive antisocial behaviour. There were no significant differences between subgroups of patients concerning the ranks of the four categories of early warning signs.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the FESAI covers very well the wide variety of occurred warning signs reported in the EDPs. No group profiles of warning signs were found to be specific to diagnosis or offence type.

Relevance to clinical practice

Applying the FESAI to develop individual EDPs appears to be a promising approach to enhance risk assessment and management.
Geochemical diagenetic trends during phosphorite formation – economic implications: The case of the Negev Campanian phosphorites, Southern Israel
Authors: SOUDRY DAVID , NATHAN YAACOV , EHRLICH SARAH
Published: October 2012

Research on the Upper Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) Negev phosphorites (Mishash Formation), based on microprobe analyses, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, wet chemistry, microtextural (Scanning Electron Microscopy) studies and mineralogical analyses, together with quantified rates of sedimentation and P accumulation, enables the chemistry of these rocks to be better constrained across the Negev area and allows their suitability for the manufacture of P fertilizers to be better determined. Two phosphorite facies are differentiated: (i) a pristine phosphorite facies of low P content, more typical of basinal sections and (ii) a reworked, granular phosphorite facies commonly enriched in P, found predominantly near palaeo‐highs and forming most of the economic phosphates. The distribution of F/P2O5, CO2/F, U(IV), Cd, Zn and other trace metals (Mo, Ni, Cr, Cu, V and Y), rare‐earth elements concentration, Ce and Eu anomalies and heavy rare earth elements enrichment, are controlled by these two facies. F/P2O5 in carbonate‐fluorapatite is much lower (0·090 to 0·107) in the pristine than in the reworked facies (0·107 to 0·120); in addition, the lower F/P2O5 in the pristine facies is coupled with: (i) higher Cd, Zn, Mo, Ni, Cr, Cu and V concentrations; (ii) a considerably reduced (< 10%) U(IV) fraction of total U; (iii) lower rare earth elements/P2O5 and Y/P2O5 ratios; (iv) less negative Ce and Eu anomalies and lower heavy rare earth elements (Lu/La) enrichment; (v) an increase in Fe‐rich smectites in the clay fraction; and (vi) presence of OH in the carbonate‐fluorapatite structure. Sedimentary reworking of previously formed pristine phosphate, together with its redeposition near structural highs in more oxic bottom conditions, results in considerable diagenetic changes in the chemistry of the phosphorites, making them more suitable for economic exploitation. The results presented here provide geochemical criteria for identifying pristine phosphate in other phosphorite sequences and may help to better locate phosphate strata chemically suitable for the phosphate industry elsewhere.
Impact of different dimethyl sulphoxide concentrations on cell recovery, viability and clonogenic potential of cryopreserved peripheral blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Smagur A. , Mitrus I. , Giebel S. , Sadus‐Wojciechowska M. , Najda J. , Kruzel T. , Czerw T. , Gliwinska J. , Prokop M. , Glowala‐Kosinska M. , Chwieduk A. , Holowiecki J.
Published: October 2012

Background and Objectives  The procedure of autologous hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell transplantation requires cryopreservation. Addition of DMSO is necessary to secure the viability of such cells, but this solvent is potentially toxic to stem cells’ recipient. 10% DMSO solution is used by the majority of transplant centres. The aim of our study was to test if DMSO concentration might be reduced without negative impact on cell recovery and clonogenicity.

Materials and Methods  Samples were prospectively collected from 20 patients. Small volumes of leukapheresis products were frozen with different cryoprotective mixtures, containing 10%, 7·5%, 5% and 2·5% DMSO, respectively. The quality of cryoprotective mixtures was evaluated based on recovery, viability and clonogenic potential of hematopoietic stem cells after defreezing.

Results  Reduction in DMSO concentration to 7·5% or lower was associated with decreased recovery of nucleated cells. In contrast, the number of colonies was highest for 7·5% DMSO with significant differences when compared to 10% DMSO solution.

Conclusion  Reduction in DMSO concentration from 10% to 7·5% may have favourable impact on hematopoietic recovery after autologous transplantation. The findings require confirmation in a clinical setting.
Analysis of the light‐sensitivity of the photoreceptor cells of the ataxia and male sterility (AMS) mouse, an Nna1 mutant
Authors: Araki Asuka , Maruyama Riruke , Harada Yuji , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Harada Takayuki
Published: October 2012

We confirmed retinal degeneration in the ataxia and male sterility (AMS) mouse, a mutant of the Nna1 gene, and examined the photosensitivity of the photoreceptors to determine how closely related the intrinsic and extrinsic factors were in triggering photoreceptor cell death. The AMS mice reared in a dark environment did not show atrophy of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) before 4 weeks of age, but in the older mice, retinal atrophy progressed in the same manner as in the AMS mice housed under normal light conditions. Examining the sensitivity to intentional light stimulation revealed the atrophy of the AMS retina to be exacerbated by a weak light. After administering strong light irradiation, equally severe ONL atrophy occurred in both the wild‐type and AMS mice. These results indicate that in addition to functional loss of Nna1, another injurious stimulation is necessary to trigger death signals in photoreceptor cells during the postnatal period, but the cells die gradually and autonomously in older age, and that the mutation makes the cells vulnerable to a weak light, but does not increase the number of cells sensitive to strong light stimulation. Thus, these two factors are mutually independent death triggers in AMS photoreceptor cells.
Seasonal growth patterns of Saccharina latissima (Phaeophyceae, Ochrophyta) in a glacially‐influenced subarctic estuary
Authors: Spurkland Tania , Iken Katrin
Published: October 2012

Global climate warming is exacerbating the melting of glaciers in Arctic and subarctic nearshore regions. Glacial discharge causes increases in sedimentation, abrasion of organisms, and sand/silt cover along with lowered light intensity, salinity, nitrate and hard substrate cover. These effects can have deleterious consequences on foundation species, such as the kelps that provide important habitat structure and support tightly‐linked food webs. The purpose of this study was to determine if the kelp, Saccharina latissima, from a glacially‐influenced and an oceanic shore in a subarctic Alaskan estuary exhibits differing seasonal growth patterns in response to its environment. Reciprocal in situ shore transplant studies examined seasonal patterns in growth, physiological competence (as maximum quantum yield), morphology and storage product levels (mannitol) of S. latissima. In situ growth was seasonally different at the two shore locations, with a shorter growing season at the glacially‐influenced shore. During the glacial melt season, the thalli at the two shore locations were morphologically distinct. Mannitol levels were typically higher in thalli from the oceanic site, with generally low mannitol levels at the end and the beginning of the growing season on both shores. Maximum quantum yield was consistently high (≥0.7) at both shore sites and did not vary seasonally. Growth rates of glacially‐influenced transplants to the oceanic shore suggest that the glacially‐influenced population has a different seasonal growth pattern from that of the oceanic shore site, which seems to be genetically fixed or based on differences in gene expression. It appears that S. latissima is a highly resilient species, partly due to high phenotypic plasticity, which may have led to genetic fixation under persistent glacial conditions.
Diabetes mellitus and the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer: a meta‐analysis of 24 cohort studies
Authors: Luo W. , Cao Y. , Liao C. , Gao F.
Published: October 2012

Aim  The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) were quantified in persons with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Method  Medline and Embase were searched for articles published before July 2010. Cohort studies that evaluated incidence and mortality of DM and CRC were included. The initial search identified 1887 titles, of which 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. We defined the relative risk (RR) as the metric of choice; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random‐effects model.

Results  There was an increase in the RR of developing CRC in persons with DM compared with those without DM (RR 1.28; 95% CI 1.19–1.39), without heterogeneity between studies (Pheterogeneity = 0.13). The association between duration of DM and CRC incidence was stronger in the 11–15‐year group (RR 1.51; 95% CI 1.12–2.03) than in the <10‐year group (RR 1.05; 95% CI 0.90–1.22) and the >15‐year group (RR 1.25; 95% CI 0.80–1.94), and there was significant heterogeneity among subgroups (Pheterogeneity = 0.01). In studies reporting standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), there was an increased incidence of CRC with DM (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.14–1.42; Pheterogeneity = 0.09), and the association was stronger among men (RR 1.47; 95% CI 1.15–1.86) than women (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.00–1.17); there was significant heterogeneity among gender (Pheterogeneity = 0.01).

Conclusion  This meta‐analysis suggests that individuals with DM have a significant increase in risk of developing CRC.
Treatment outcome and its predictors among Asian problem drinkers
Authors: Manning Victoria , Gomez Brenda , Koh Puay Kee , Ng Andrew , Guo Song , Kandasami Gomathinayagam , Wong Kim Eng
Published: October 2012

Introduction and Aims

Evidence of treatment effectiveness for alcohol use disorders (AUD) have emerged predominantly from Western studies, using highly controlled trials that may not reflect real‐world settings. This paper examines treatment outcome and its predictors among Asian problem drinkers participating in a treatment outcome monitoring program at an addiction treatment centre in Singapore.

Design and Methods

Data were collected at intake and 3, 6 and 12 months, although the focus of this paper is on reliable change at 3 months among the 70% who were followed up. Five hundred and forty‐one AUD‐diagnosed outpatients presenting for treatment, over a 2‐year period, were assessed on drinking behaviours and administered the Addiction Severity Index‐Lite, Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and Treatment Perceptions Questionnaire.

Results

At 3 months, drinking days, alcohol units and alcohol use severity had more than halved and 69% were either abstinent or had reliably reduced their drinking days. Baseline drinking days and treatment satisfaction predicted 3‐month drinking frequency but not severity. Positive alcohol outcomes observed at 3 months were sustained among those followed up until 12 months. Mean PWI score improved significantly and fell within the ‘normal’ range. Treatment satisfaction also emerged as the only significant predictor of reliable positive change in both drinking days and PWI score.

Discussion and Conclusions

Significant reductions in drinking frequency and severity are possible for Asian problem drinkers after 12 weeks of outpatient treatment. The identified predictors suggest that more frequent drinkers and patients with past/current psychiatric comorbidities may require a more intensive treatment approach to optimise treatment outcomes.
Residual‐based IV estimation of dynamic panel data models with fixed effects
Authors: Yu Zhuangxiong , Wang Meijin , Wang Peng
Published: October 2012

In dynamic panel regression, when the variance ratio of individual effects to disturbance is large, the system‐GMM estimator will have large asymptotic variance and poor finite sample performance. To deal with this variance ratio problem, we propose a residual‐based instrumental variables (RIV) estimator, which uses the residual from regressing Δyi,t−1 on as the instrument for the level equation. The RIV estimator proposed is consistent and asymptotically normal under general assumptions. More importantly, its asymptotic variance is almost unaffected by the variance ratio of individual effects to disturbance. Monte Carlo simulations show that the RIV estimator has better finite sample performance compared to alternative estimators. The RIV estimator generates less finite sample bias than difference‐GMM, system‐GMM, collapsing‐GMM and Level‐IV estimators in most cases. Under RIV estimation, the variance ratio problem is well controlled, and the empirical distribution of its t‐statistic is similar to the standard normal distribution for moderate sample sizes.
Exploring Geovisualization Symbology for Landscape Genetics
Authors: Aoidh Eoin Mac , Martinsohn Jann Th. , Maes Gregory E. , Cariani Alessia , Nielsen Einar E.
Published: October 2012

Landscape genetics, which considers genetic population structure in the context of spatially referenced parameters in the surrounding landscape, has been shown to be extremely useful for wildlife management. Unfortunately its widespread uptake beyond the research community is hampered due to a lack of effective communication of usable information in a suitable format for application by stakeholders such as wildlife regulators or managers. To improve the communication of suitable information, geovisualization of results should be facilitated in a comprehensible format for stakeholders without GIS or genetic expertise. While specialist applications exist, alternative accessible solutions do not provide adequate support for the visualization of multi‐attribute spatially referenced genetic population structure information. As a solution, we document our exploration for an appropriate symbology to communicate landscape genetic information through an accessible, web‐based interface. A full problem description, review of available technologies, development rationale, and discussion of the symbology exploration are provided.
Comparison of Different Strategies for Determining Raster‐Based Least‐Cost Paths with a Minimum Amount of Distortion
Authors: Antikainen Harri
Published: October 2012

The conventional raster‐based least‐cost path technique, in which the connectivity graph is constructed by treating each raster cell as a node and linking each node to its adjacent neighbors, has been widely used to determine optimum paths in space. Unfortunately, paths calculated with this method are subject to distortions that stem from the imposed node‐link structure. Due to the distortions, the calculated paths may be longer than the true optimum paths in continuous space, and because of this, they may also look highly unrealistic when displayed on a map. This study examines how the quality of the raster‐based paths can be improved by using larger connectivity patterns on the one hand, and placing nodes on the sides of the cells of a raster instead of at their centers, on the other. In addition, the utility of the quadtree structure is examined. The different methods are evaluated against three different datasets using the cost distance of the calculated paths and processing times as evaluation criteria. The results indicate that raster‐based paths can be improved by using the evaluated techniques, although the degree of improvement is also dependent on the properties of the underlying cost raster.
#Earthquake: Twitter as a Distributed Sensor System
Authors: Crooks Andrew , Croitoru Arie , Stefanidis Anthony , Radzikowski Jacek
Published: October 2012

Social media feeds are rapidly emerging as a novel avenue for the contribution and dissemination of information that is often geographic. Their content often includes references to events occurring at, or affecting specific locations. Within this article we analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of the twitter feed activity responding to a 5.8 magnitude earthquake which occurred on the East Coast of the United States (US) on August 23, 2011. We argue that these feeds represent a hybrid form of a sensor system that allows for the identification and localization of the impact area of the event. By contrasting this with comparable content collected through the dedicated crowdsourcing ‘Did You Feel It?’ (DYFI) website of the U.S. Geological Survey we assess the potential of the use of harvested social media content for event monitoring. The experiments support the notion that people act as sensors to give us comparable results in a timely manner, and can complement other sources of data to enhance our situational awareness and improve our understanding and response to such events.
Exome sequencing: an efficient diagnostic tool for complex neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Hammer M. B. , Eleuch‐Fayache G. , Gibbs J. R. , Arepalli S. K. , Chong S. B. , Sassi C. , Bouhlal Y. , Hentati F. , Amouri R. , Singleton A. B.
Published: October 2012

Background and purpose

Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia (ARCA) comprises a large and heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. We studied three families diagnosed with ARCA.

Methods

To determine the gene lesions responsible for their disorders, we performed high‐density single‐nucleotide polymorphism genotyping and exome sequencing.

Results

We identified a new mutation in the SACS gene and a known mutation in SPG11. Notably, we also identified a homozygous variant in APOB, a gene previously associated with ataxia.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that exome sequencing is an efficient and direct diagnostic tool for identifying the causes of complex and genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases, early‐stage disease or cases with limited clinical data.
An R2R3 MYB transcription factor in wheat, TaPIMP1, mediates host resistance to Bipolaris sorokiniana and drought stresses through regulation of defense‐ and stress‐related genes
Authors: Zhang Zengyan , Liu Xin , Wang Xindong , Zhou Miaoping , Zhou Xianyao , Ye Xingguo , Wei Xuening
Published: October 2012

In this study, we report new insights into the function of a wheat (Triticum aestivum) MYB gene TaPIMP1 through overexpression and underexpression, and its underlying mechanism in wheat.

Electrophoretic mobility shift and yeast‐one‐hybrid assays indicated that TaPIMP1 can bind to five MYB‐binding sites including ACI, and activate the expression of the genes with the cis‐element, confirming that TaPIMP1 is an MYB transcription activator.

TaPIMP1‐overexpressing transgenic wheat exhibited significantly enhanced resistance to the fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana and drought stresses, whereas TaPIMP1‐underexpressing transgenic wheat showed more susceptibility to the stresses compared with untransformed wheat, revealing that TaPIMP1 positively modulates host‐defense responses to B. sorokiniana and drought stresses. Microarray analysis showed that a subset of defense‐ and stress‐related genes were up‐regulated by TaPIMP1. These genes, including TaPIMP1, RD22, TLP4 and PR1a, were regulated by ABA and salicylic acid (SA). TaPIMP1‐underexpressing transgenic wheat showed compromised induction of these stress‐responsive genes following ABA and SA treatments.

In summary, TaPIMP1, as a positive molecular linker, mediates resistance to B. sorokiniana and drought stresses by regulation of stress‐related genes in ABA‐ and SA‐signaling pathways in wheat. Furthermore, TaPIMP1 may provide a transgenic tool for engineering multiple‐resistance wheat in breeding programs.
Molecular aspects of the antagonistic interaction of smoke‐derived butenolides on the germination process of Grand Rapids lettuce (Lactuca sativa) achenes
Authors: Soós Vilmos , Sebestyén Endre , Posta Martin , Kohout Ladislav , Light Marnie E. , Van Staden Johannes , Balázs Ervin
Published: October 2012

Smoke‐derived compounds provide a strong chemical signal to seeds in the soil seed bank, allowing them to take advantage of the germination niche created by the occurrence of fire. The germination stimulatory activity of smoke can largely be attributed to karrikinolide (KAR1), while a related compound, trimethylbutenolide (TMB), has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on germination. The aim of this study was to characterize the interaction of these potent fire‐generated compounds.

Dose–response analysis, leaching tests and a detailed transcriptome study were performed using highly KAR1‐sensitive lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv ‘Grand Rapids’) achenes.

Dose–response analysis demonstrated that the compounds are not competitors and TMB modulates germination in a concentration‐dependent manner. The transcriptome analysis revealed a contrasting expression pattern induced by the compounds. KAR1 suppressed, while TMB up‐regulated ABA, seed maturation and dormancy‐related transcripts. The effect of TMB was reversed by leaching the compound, while the KAR1 effect was only reversible by leaching within the first 2 h of KAR1 treatment.

Our findings suggest that the compounds may act in concert for germination‐related signaling. After the occurrence of fire, sufficient rainfall would contribute to post‐germination seedling recruitment by reducing the concentration of the inhibitory compound.
Taiwanese long‐term care facility residents' experiences of caring: a qualitative study
Authors: Hwang Huei‐Lih , Hsieh Pei‐Fang , Wang Hsiu‐Hung
Published: October 2012

Background

Until now, caring research has focused on constructs, processes and outcomes of caring traits exhibited mainly by nurses or nursing students in hospitals. Few studies have considered the perspectives of elderly residents of long‐term care facilities (LTCFs).

Aims

The aim of this study was to elucidate the nature of caring by describing the experience of elderly residents of Taiwan LTCFs.

Methods

Data collected by semi‐structured interviews with 12 elderly residents of LTCFs were analysed by content analysis.

Results

The caring perceived by the sample was thematically categorized as calming the body, respectful communication and enriching life.

Conclusion

The findings of this study confirm the need for managers of LTCFs to address the physical and psychosocial needs of their residents. The findings can be used to develop education programmes and clinical protocols for nurses in the caring field and to develop instruments for measuring perceived caring in LTCFs.
Plague in the city: identifying the subject of Giovanni di Paolo's Vienna Miracle of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Authors: Marshall Louise
Published: October 2012

This article aims to resolve scholarly confusion regarding the subject of a panel by Sienese artist Giovanni di Paolo now in Vienna (Akademie der bildenden Kunst). The picture shows a posthumous miracle of the recently canonized Augustinian friar and famous miracle worker Nicholas of Tolentino (d. 1305, canonized 1446), who is shown hovering in the sky above a city. Despite agreement on the reconstruction of the original altarpiece to which this narrative once belonged, art historians remain divided over the identity of the represented miracle. My study re‐examines the visual data to refute the most common readings of the panel as a resurrection and argues for acceptance of Bernard Berenson's original identification of the scene as Nicholas saving a town from plague.
Do Hemodialysis Adequacy Data Reflect Reality?
Authors: Ulusoy Sukru , Güngör Erdal , Gül Semih , Ozkan Gulsum , Karahan S. Caner , Sit Dede , Akdag İbrahim , Topal Cevat , Yavuz Adnan , Kaynar Kübra , Bıçak Ömer , Bayraktutan İsmail , Hisoğlu Seyit
Published: October 2012

Hemodialysis (HD) adequacy requires monitoring in line with standards and at appropriate intervals. However, the use of inappropriate or incorrectly applied techniques in the determination of HD adequacy can lead to highly unfortunate results. This study was intended to identify the path to a solution by determining how far HD adequacy in HD centers in our region reflects reality. Three hundred and thirty HD patients from eight centers were included. On the first visit, predialysis and postdialysis blood collection with the centers' own methods being used were observed and errors were recorded. Kt/V1 was calculated from pre‐ and postdialysis blood specimens taken by the units themselves. On the second visit, one session later, pre‐ and postdialysis blood samples were collected in line with guidelines by ourselves, the authors, and Kt/V2 was calculated from these samples. The eight units' total Kt/V2 value was significantly lower compared with Kt/V1 (<0.0001). The level of patients in all centers with Kt/V1 <1.2 was 13.5%, and that of patients with Kt/V2 <1.2 was 22.1%. No center, apart from one unit, managed to complete the collection of blood specimens as recommended by the guidelines. With one exception, blood collection for HD adequacy was not performed using proper technique in any center. This simple but easily overlooked situation, HD being regarded as adequate though in fact it is not, may lead to patients not being treated effectively and accurately and to a rise in mortality and morbidity in the long term.
Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Chemically Treated Bovine Pericardium After a Short Uniaxial Cyclic Test
Authors: Claramunt Rafael , Álvarez‐Ayuso Lourdes , García‐Páez José María , Ros Antonio , Casado María Concepción
Published: October 2012

The mechanical behavior of calf pericardium, a biomaterial utilized in the manufacture of cardiac bioprostheses, in response to a short tensile cyclic test has been evaluated. The trial involved 120 samples cut longitudinally or transversely, subjected to 10 cycles until a stress of between 1 and 3 MPa was reached. Tests of hardness and tear propagation were performed, and the results were compared with a control series. The energy loss was also computed, and it was approximately 10‐fold greater in the first cycle than the loss in the subsequent nine cycles. Despite this singularity, they correlated very precisely. The effect of the direction in which the tissue is cut on energy loss was not significant nor the difference between hardness prior to and after testing. The results of the tear propagation tests gave no statistical differences prior to and after testing. From the obtained results, it seems that the test carried out does not affect significantly the mechanical properties of calf pericardium.
Results of the European Clinical Trial of Arrow CorAide Left Ventricular Assist System
Authors: Saeed Diyar , Arusoglu Latif , Gazzoli Fabrizio , Hetzer Roland , Morshius Michael , Alloni Alessia , Viganò Mario , Koerfer Reiner , Golding Leonard A. R. , El Banayosy Aly
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the Arrow CorAide left ventricular assist system (LVAS) (Arrow International, Reading, PA, USA), a continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device, as bridge to transplantation or recovery as well as destination therapy in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV heart failure. Twenty‐one patients were implanted with the CorAide LVAS between February 2005 and February 2006 in a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized trial. Seventeen patients (81%) survived to >180 days or to transplantation. The cumulative time on device was 16.58 patient years (range 23–796 days, median 192 days). No intraoperative technical issues were observed at the time of implantation. Of the 21 implants, nine patients died on device, two were converted to other devices, and 10 were transplanted. Three patient deaths were attributed to pump polymer coating delamination. Postmortem device inspection determined delamination of the polymer coating on the pump's internal surface to be the cause of the late hemolysis and sudden fatal pump stops. No embolic or driveline infection event was recorded. The automatic flow control algorithm functioned reliably throughout the trial. Primary performance trial endpoint was achieved with 81% survival to 180 days or transplantation. Delamination of the polymer coating on the internal surface of the pump with resultant hemolysis and pump stops was the sole major device event in this trial. Elimination of the polymer coating and replacement with an amorphous carbon coating has resolved this in preclinical testing, prior to initiation of further clinical testing of this device.
Endoscopic Vision‐Based Tracking of Multiple Surgical Instruments During Robot‐Assisted Surgery
Authors: Ryu Jiwon , Choi Jaesoon , Kim Hee Chan
Published: October 2012

Robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery is effective for operations in limited space. Enhancing safety based on automatic tracking of surgical instrument position to prevent inadvertent harmful events such as tissue perforation or instrument collisions could be a meaningful augmentation to current robotic surgical systems. A vision‐based instrument tracking scheme as a core algorithm to implement such functions was developed in this study. An automatic tracking scheme is proposed as a chain of computer vision techniques, including classification of metallic properties using k‐means clustering and instrument movement tracking using similarity measures, Euclidean distance calculations, and a Kalman filter algorithm. The implemented system showed satisfactory performance in tests using actual robot‐assisted surgery videos. Trajectory comparisons of automatically detected data and ground truth data obtained by manually locating the center of mass of each instrument were used to quantitatively validate the system. Instruments and collisions could be well tracked through the proposed methods. The developed collision warning system could provide valuable information to clinicians for safer procedures.