bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Epidemiological Survey of Stroke among Rural Chinese Adults Results from the Liaoning Province
Authors: Sun Zhaoqing , Zheng Liqiang , Detrano Robert , Zhang Xingang , Li Jue , Hu Dayi , Sun Yingxian
Published: January 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical sub-types, and associated risk factors of stroke among rural Chinese adults.

Methods

A population-based sample of 38 949 rural Chinese adults, aged ≥35 years and free from stroke at baseline, were followed from 2004–2006 to 2010. Stroke was defined by the World Health Organization diagnosis criteria.

Results

The age-standardized incidence rates per 100 000 person-years of overall, first ever stroke was 601·9 (95% confidence interval, 528·3 to 675·5), and mortality rate was 276·7 (95% confidence interval, 251·6 to 301·9). The age-standardized incidence rate was higher in men (775·9 per 100 000 person-years) than in women (435·6 per 100 000 person-years). Among 858 first ever stroke events, 56·3% were ischemic strokes, 40·6% were hemorrhagic strokes, and 3·1% were undetermined strokes. Hypertension and lipid disorder were common modifiable risk factors in the ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke groups.

Conclusions

The annual incidence of stroke and resulting mortality has increased at an accelerated rate. Furthermore, the incidence of stroke in rural China was higher than that found in urban China and Western countries. Hypertension and lipid disorder were important modifiable risk factors. The primary sub-type of stroke observed in rural China was ischemic stroke. These findings underscored the need for more aggressive efforts to control the risk factors of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in rural areas.
The Disability Adjusted Life Years Due to Stroke in South Africa in 2008
Authors: Bertram Melanie Y. , Katzenellenbogen Judith , Vos Theo , Bradshaw Debbie , Hofman Karen J.
Published: January 2013

Background

South Africa is experiencing epidemiological transition, with the burden of chronic diseases increasing. Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death in South Africa; however, limited data are available on incidence, prevalence and resulting disability. Quantifying the epidemiological parameters and disease burden is important in the planning of health services.

Aims

To synthesize the data surrounding stroke in South Africa and calculate disability adjusted life years attributable to stroke in South Africa in 2008.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review to identify studies on the prevalence and mortality of stroke in South Africa. We used the DisMod program to calculate missing epidemiological parameters, in particular incidence and duration. Using these values, we calculated the burden of disease in years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD) and disability adjusted life years (DALY).

Results

Data on prevalence and mortality of stroke in South Africa are scarce. We estimate there are 75 000 strokes in South Africa each year, with 25 000 of these fatal within the first month. The burden of disease due to stroke in South Africa was 564 000 DALYs. Of this, 17% is contributed by YLD (14–20% in sensitivity analysis).

Conclusions

This study provides information on prevalence, incidence and disease burden of stroke at the national level in South Africa. The results of this analysis will enable further work on priority setting and health service planning for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in South Africa.
More Is Not Always Better: Intuitions About Effective Public Policy Can Lead to Unintended Consequences
Authors: Peters Ellen , Klein William , Kaufman Annette , Meilleur Louise , Dixon Anna
Published: January 2013

Public policy decisions often appear based on an assumption that providing more options, more information, and greater decision‐making autonomy to consumers will produce better outcomes. We examine reasons why this “more‐is‐better” approach exists based on the psychological literature. Although better outcomes can result from informed consumer choice, we argue that more options, information, and autonomy can also lead to unintended negative consequences. We use mostly health‐related policies and guidelines from the United States and elsewhere as exemplars. We consider various psychological mechanisms that cause these unintended consequences including cognitive overload, affect, and anticipated regret, information salience and availability, and trust in governments as authoritative information providers. We also point toward potential solutions based on psychological research that may reduce the negative unintended consequences of a “more‐is‐better” approach.
Doing Democracy: The Social Psychological Mobilization and Consequences of Collective Action
Authors: Thomas Emma F , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: January 2013

Participating in collective actions, or acts of social protest, is one of the primary means that citizens have of participating in democracy and seeking social change. In this article, we outline the ways in which: social identity provides a psychological foundation for collective actions; social norms shape the mobilization and particular direction (disruptive vs. conventional) of that protest; and participating in collective actions is psychologically consequential and sociopolitically complex. We use this platform to put forward a series of practical implications for activists, social movement and nongovernmental groups, and authorities, who seek to mobilize consequential collective action. We conclude that collective action is a fundamental tool in the battle for social equality and justice. To better understand, and engage with this phenomenon, policy makers and practitioners need to attend to its origins in collective, group‐based psychology.
A Novel Method of Synthesis of Nanostructured Aluminum Nitride Through Sol‐Gel Route by In Situ Generation of Nitrogen
Authors: Ghosh Chaudhuri M. , Basu J. , Das G. C. , Mukherjee S. , Mitra M. K.
Published: January 2013

Nanostructured Aluminum Nitride (AlN) has been prepared by carbothermal reduction followed by nitridation (CTRN) of alumina gel over a temperature range 1200°C–1350°C and time period of 30 min to 3 h. Before heat treatment the gel is repeatedly evacuated and purged with ammonia. The nanopores of the gel are filled with ammonia which acts as a source of in situ nitrogen at heat‐treatment temperature. Dextrose also decomposes at the reduction temperature and generates ultrafine carbon. The stability diagram of the carbon saturated Al–N–O system is constructed and it shows that extremely low partial pressure of oxygen is required for the stability of AlN. The ultrafine carbon as well as hydrogen from the cracking of ammonia is not sufficient to create the extremely low partial pressure of oxygen required for the stabilization of AlN. So the sample is heat treated in charcoal boat in nitrogen atmosphere to achieve an extremely low partial pressure of oxygen required for the formation of AlN. The material has been characterized through XRD, FESEM, and HRTEM analyses. The spherical particle size of AlN is obtained ∼21 nm.
A Duty to Adopt?
Authors: Friedrich Daniel
Published: January 2013

All over the world millions of children are without parental care. As a consequence they are liable to suffer serious harm. I argue the general duty to assist those in need extends to children without parental care and that some people are under a moral duty to adopt rather than have biological children. I defend this claim against the following objections: (1) intimate decisions are excluded from the duty to assist, (2) adopting children is too costly to be required by morality, (3) the duty to assist is a collective duty, (4) the duty to assist is an imperfect duty, and (5) there are, in fact, very few adoptable children.
After continents divide: comparative phylogeography of reef fishes from theRedSea andIndianOcean
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Berumen Michael L. , Gaither Michelle R. , Rocha Luiz A. , Eble Jeff A. , Choat J. Howard , Craig Matthew T. , Skillings Derek J. , Bowen Brian W.
Published: January 2013

Aim

TheRedSea is a biodiversity hotspot characterized by a unique marine fauna and high endemism. This sea began formingc. 24 million years ago with the separation of theAfrican andArabian plates, and has been characterized by periods of desiccation, hypersalinity and intermittent connection to theIndianOcean. We aim to evaluate the impact of these events on the genetic architecture of theRedSea reef fish fauna.

Location

RedSea andWesternIndianOcean.

Methods

We surveyed seven reef fish species from theRedSea and adjacentIndianOcean using mitochondrialDNAcytochromecoxidase subunit I and cytochromebsequences. To assess genetic variation and evolutionary connectivity within and between these regions, we estimated haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π), reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among haplotypes, and estimated gene flow and time of population separation usingBayesian coalescent‐based methodology.

Results

Our analyses revealed a range of scenarios from shallow population structure to diagnostic differences that indicate evolutionary partitions and possible cryptic species. Conventional molecular clocks and coalescence analyses indicated time‐frames for divergence between these bodies of water ranging from 830,000 years to contemporary exchange or recent range expansion. Colonization routes were bidirectional, with some species moving from theIndianOcean to theRedSea compared with expansion out of theRedSea for other species.

Main conclusions

We conclude that: (1) at least someRedSea reef fauna survived multiple salinity crises; (2) endemism is higher in theRedSea than previously reported; and (3) theRedSea is an evolutionary incubator, occasionally contributing species to the adjacentIndianOcean. The latter two conclusions – elevated endemism and species export – indicate a need for enhanced conservation priorities for theRedSea.
Tofacitinib (CP‐690,550), an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, improves patient‐reported outcomes in a phase 2b, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis
Authors: Mamolo C. , Harness J. , Tan H. , Menter A.
Published: January 2013

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with a significant impact on health–related quality of life (HRQoL). Tofacitinib (CP‐690,550) is a novel, oral Janus kinase inhibitor that is being investigated as a targeted immunomodulator.

Objective

This Phase 2b study assessed three tofacitinib dosage regimens vs. placebo to characterize the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with moderate–to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis. We report the patient‐reported outcome (PRO) data.

Methods

A total of 197 patients were randomized to tofacitinib 2, 5, 15 mg twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Six PRO questionnaires were completed during the study: Dermatology Life Quality Index, Itch Severity Score (ISS), Short Form‐36 questionnaire, version 2 (SF‐36), Pain/Discomfort Assessment (PDA), Patient Satisfaction with Study Medication (PSSM) item and Patient Global Assessment of psoriasis.

Results

Treatment with tofacitinib resulted in significant, dose‐dependent improvements in several PROs vs. placebo from week 2 onwards. At week 12, least squares mean changes from baseline for Dermatology life quality index, ISS and SF‐36 mental component scores were significantly greater for all active drug arms vs. placebo (P < 0.05), and significantly greater for tofacitinib 5 and 15 mg for SF‐36 physical component scores vs. placebo (P < 0.05). At week 12, all dose groups had significantly greater numbers of patients reporting ‘Clear’ or ‘Almost clear’ on the PtGA vs. placebo.

Conclusion

In patients with moderate–to–severe chronic plaque psoriasis, short‐term (12–week) treatment with oral twice‐daily tofacitinib improves HRQoL outcomes and patient assessment of disease severity and symptoms, with an early onset noted.
Cell types and structures involved in tench, Tinca tinca (L.), defence mechanisms against a systemic digenean infection
Authors: Dezfuli B S , Lui A , Pironi F , Manera M , Shinn A P , Lorenzoni M
Published: January 2013

Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations were conducted on 36 tench, Tinca tinca (L.), from Lake Trasimeno (Italy). The gills, intestine, liver, spleen, kidney and heart of 21 individuals were found to harbour an extensive infection of larvae of an unidentified digenean trematode. The eyes, gonads, swim bladder and muscles were uninfected. The parasites in each tissue type were embedded in a granulomatous proliferation of tissue, forming a reactive fibroconnective capsule around each larva. Most of the encysted larvae were metacercariae, in a degenerative state, but on occasion some cercariae were found. Many of the granulomas were either necrotic or had a calcified core. Within the granuloma of each, the occurrence of granulocytes, macrophages, rodlet cells and pigment‐bearing macrophage aggregates was observed. Hearts bore the highest parasitic infection. Whilst the presence of metacercariae within the intestine was found positioned between the submucosa and muscle layers, metacercariae in the liver were commonly found encysted on its surface where the hepatocytes in close contact with the granuloma were observed to have electron‐lucent vesicles within their cytoplasm. Metacercariae encysting adjacent to the cartilaginous rods of gill filaments were seen to elicit a proliferation of the cartilage from the perichondrium. Rodlet cells, neutrophils and mast cells were frequently observed in close proximity to, and within, infected gill capillaries. Given the degenerated state of most granulomas, a morphology‐based identification of the enclosed digeneans was not possible.
Sea lice levels on wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., returning to the coast of Ireland
Authors: Jackson D , Kane F , O'Donohoe P , Mc Dermott T , Kelly S , Drumm A , Newell J
Published: January 2013

The sea lice population structure, prevalence and intensity of Lepeophtheirus salmonis have been studied over a period extending from 2004 to 2011. Infestation data were collected from the interceptor drift net fishery from 2004 until it was closed in 2006. From 2010, data were collected from the inshore draft net fishery. In all, 34 samples from the drift and draft net fisheries have been analysed to date. Prevalence of infestation with L. salmonis regularly approached 100% in samples of hosts recovered from the offshore drift net fishery. Abundance was variable both within and between years with a maximum mean abundance of 25.8 lice per fish recorded in 2004. The population structure of L. salmonis on hosts recovered in the inshore and estuarine draft net fisheries was different from that observed in the more offshore drift net samples. There is clear evidence of recent infestation with L. salmonis in the draft net samples.
The P2X7 receptor as a route for non‐exocytotic glutamate release: dependence on the carboxyl tail
Authors: Cervetto Chiara , Alloisio Susanna , Frattaroli Daniela , Mazzotta Maria Chiara , Milanese Marco , Gavazzo Paola , Passalacqua Mario , Nobile Mario , Maura Guido , Marcoli Manuela
Published: January 2013

P2X7 receptors trigger Ca2+‐dependent exocytotic glutamate release, but also function as a route for non‐exocytotic glutamate release from neurons or astrocytes. To gain an insight into the mechanisms involving the P2X7 receptor as a direct pathway for glutamate release, we compared the behavior of a full‐length rat P2X7 receptor, a truncated rat P2X7 receptor in which the carboxyl tail had been deleted, a rat P2X7 receptor with the 18‐amino acid cysteine‐rich motif of the carboxyl tail deleted, and a rat P2X2 receptor, all of which are expressed in HEK293 cells. We found that the P2X7 receptor function as a route for glutamate release was antagonized in a non‐competitive way by extracellular Mg2+, did not require the recruitment of pore‐forming molecules, and was dependent on the carboxyl tail. Indeed, the truncated P2X7 receptor and the P2X7 receptor with the deleted cysteine‐rich motif both lost their function as a pathway for glutamate release, while still evoking intracellular Ca2+ elevation. No glutamate efflux was observed through the P2X2 receptor. Notably, HEK293 cells (lacking the machinery for Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis), when transfected with P2X7 receptors, appear to be a suitable model for investigating the P2X7 receptor as a route for non‐exocytotic glutamate efflux.
Dietary intervention for oral allergy syndrome as a treatment in orofacial granulomatosis: a new approach?
Authors: Campbell H. , Escudier M. P. , Brostoff J. , Patel P. , Milligan P. , Challacombe S. J. , Sanderson J. D. , Lomer M. C. E.
Published: January 2013

Background

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a chronic granulomatous condition of the mouth, face and lips. Recent work demonstrates a high rate of atopy and silver birch sensitisation from skin prick testing (SPT). Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is an acute oro‐pharyngealIgEmediated reaction, triggered by foods that cross react with pollens, most commonly silver birch. The aim of this study was to determine if patients withOFGand positiveSPTto commonOASassociated pollens responded to avoidance of cross reactive foods.

Methods

Patients withOFGand positiveSPTto silver birch, grass, mugwort, ragweed and latex were required to avoid cross reacting foods, for 6 weeks and, in those who responded, for a total of 12 weeks. All had standardized oral examinations and were given severity scores (SS) at each appointment.

Results

Twenty two of 47 (47%) patients had one or more positiveSPTand 13/22 completed 6 weeks on the diet. No difference was seen inSSbetween weeks 0 (14.62 ± 11.16) and 6 (13.31 ± 10.33;P = 0.656). Six of 14 (43%) had significantly improvedSS(week 0; 19.17 ± 12.95, week 6; 10.83 ± 4.99,P = 0.027). Five completed 12 weeks and no further improvement was seen (week 6; 11 ± 5.57, week 12; 10.4 ± 9.94;P = 0.068). Two patients required no further treatments.

Conclusions

On an intention to treat basis, only 2/14 patients improved and required no further intervention. Whilst this diet cannot be recommended routinely, the improvement seen in some patients raises questions about the role ofOASin patients withOFG.
Significant reduction of serum homocysteine level and oral symptoms after different vitamin‐supplement treatments in patients with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Sun Andy , Lin Hung‐Pin , Wang Yi‐Ping , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Cheng Shih‐Jung , Chiang Chun‐Pin
Published: January 2013

Background

Serum homocysteine level is a biomarker of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

In this study, 399 primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients without or with hematinic deficiencies were treated with vitamin BC capsules plus none, one, or two deficient hematinics depending on the corresponding deficiency statuses of the patients. One hundred and seventy‐seven patients showed complete remission of all oral symptoms after treatment. The blood homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and hemoglobin concentrations at baseline and after treatment till all oral symptoms had disappeared in these 177 complete‐response BMS patients were measured and compared by paired t‐test.

Results

For BMS patients with concomitant deficiencies of vitamin B12 only (n = 48), folic acid only (n = 12), vitamin B12 plus folic acid (n = 9), or vitamin B12 plus iron (n = 15), supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus corresponding deficient hematinics could significantly reduce the abnormally high serum homocysteine levels to normal levels after a mean treatment period of 5.4–8.2 months (all P‐values < 0.01). For BMS patients without definite hematinic deficiencies (n = 62), supplementation with vitamin BC capsules only could also significantly decrease the relatively higher homocysteine levels to significantly lower levels after a mean treatment period of 10.2 months (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Specific supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus none or corresponding deficient vitamin B12 and/or folic acid can reduce the abnormally high serum homocysteine levels to normal levels in BMS patients without or with deficiencies of corresponding hematinics.
Led on the Wrong Track? A Note on the Direction of Technical Change under Environmental Liability Law
Authors: ENDRES ALFRED , FRIEHE TIM
Published: January 2013

This note shows that polluters might opt for technical change which is inferior to other innovations from a social standpoint under environmental liability law. Polluters choose what is socially optimal under strict liability. However, we show that it is possible to have not only too little or too much technical change of a given kind but, importantly, also the wrong kind of technical change under negligence.
IL‐28B polymorphisms and the response to antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 2 and 3 varies by ethnicity: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Rangnekar A. S. , Fontana R. J.
Published: January 2013

Studies of IL‐28B genotype in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2/3 infection have yielded conflicting results. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to obtain a pooled odds ratio (OR) of the impact of IL‐28B genotype on achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with HCV genotype 2/3 infection treated with pegIFN and ribavirin. A meta‐analysis with a random effects model was performed, and study heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Forty‐three percent of the Caucasians (11 studies) and 86% of Asians (five studies) had the favourable IL‐28B genotype. In Caucasians, the pooled OR of SVR with the favourable IL‐28B genotype was 1.36 (95%CI: 0.98–1.88, P = 0.07) in all patients and 1.55 (95%CI: 1.10–2.18, P = 0.01) in patients treated with pegIFN and ribavirin for ≥24 weeks. In Asians, the pooled OR of SVR in patients with the favourable IL‐28B genotype was 1.99 (95%CI: 0.94–4.25, P = 0.07). The favourable IL‐28B genotype was also significantly associated with rapid virologic response (RVR) in both groups (Caucasians: OR: 1.82, 95%CI: 1.12–2.96, P = 0.02; Asians: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.39–4.11, P = 0.002), as well as the likelihood of an SVR in a subgroup of 350 Caucasian patients without an RVR (OR: 3.29, 95%CI: 1.67–6.51, P = 0.001). The favourable IL‐28B genotype is a statistically significant predictor of SVR and RVR in Caucasian patients treated with pegIFN and ribavirin for 24 weeks. In contrast, the favourable IL‐28B genotype is associated with RVR, but not SVR in Asian HCV genotype 2 patients.
Abdominal fat interacts with PNPLA3 I148M, but not with the APOC3 variant in the pathogenesis of liver steatosis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Zampino R. , Coppola N. , Cirillo G. , Boemio A. , Pisaturo M. , Marrone A. , Macera M. , Sagnelli E. , Perrone L. , Adinolfi L. E. , Miraglia del Giudice E.
Published: January 2013

The patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 gene (PNPLA3) and the apolipoprotein C3 gene (APOC3) have been studied in relation to liver steatosis and liver disease outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PNPLA3 p.I148M and APOC3 rs2854116 and rs2854117 polymorphisms on the clinical and histological presentation of chronic hepatitis C in an Italian population and their relationship with viral and anthropometric parameters. Patients with hepatitis C (n = 166) entered the study receiving a clinical, histological, virological and biochemical evaluation. APOC3 (rs2854116 and rs2854117) and PNPLA3 (p.I148M) variants were genotyped. PNPLA3 polymorphisms were associated with liver steatosis, which was significantly higher in patients with p.148I/M (P = 0.034) and p.148M/M (P = 0.004) variants than those homozygous for the PNPLA3 wild type. Excluding patients with HCV genotype 3, the association with liver steatosis and PNPLA3 variants was more marked (p.148I/I genotype vs p.148I/M, P = 0.02, and vs p.148M/M, P = 0.005). The APOC3 polymorphism was not associated with any of the evaluated parameters. Among the interacting factors, BMI and waist circumference correlated with liver steatosis (P = 0.008 and 0.004, respectively). Relationship between waist circumference and liver steatosis was analysed for the different PNPLA3 genotypes. Homozygous 148M patients showed a stronger correlation between waist circumference and steatosis than those carrying the other genotypes (P = 0.0047). In our hepatitis C‐infected population, the PNPLA3 polymorphism influenced the development of liver steatosis, but not fibrosis progression. APOC3 polymorphisms had no effect on the development of steatosis and no influence on the PNPLA3 polymorphism. The amount of abdominal fat can increase the association of PNPLA3 p.I148M with liver steatosis.
The impact of transposable elements in environmental adaptation
Authors: Casacuberta Elena , González Josefa
Published: January 2013

Transposable elements (TEs) play an important role in the responsive capacity of their hosts in the face of environmental challenges. The variety of mechanisms by which TEs influence the capacity of adaptation of the host is as large as the variety of TEs and host genomes. For example, TEs might directly affect the function of individual genes, provide a mechanism for rapidly acquiring new genetic material and disseminate regulatory elements that can lead to the creation of stress‐inducible regulatory networks. In this review, we summarize recent examples that are part of an increasing body of evidence suggesting a significant role of TEs in the host response to an ever‐changing environment, both in prokaryote and in eukaryote organisms. We argue that in the near future, the increasing availability of genome sequences and the development of new tools to discover and analyse TE insertions will further show the relevant role of TEs in environmental adaptation.
High degree of cryptic population differentiation in the Baltic Sea herring Clupea harengus
Authors: Corander Jukka , Majander Kerttu K. , Cheng Lu , Merilä Juha
Published: January 2013

Marine fish species are characterized by a low degree of population differentiation at putatively neutral marker genes. This has been traditionally attributed to ecological homogeneity and a lack of obvious dispersal barriers in marine habitats, as well as to the large (effective) population sizes of most marine fish species. The herring (Clupea harengus) is a case in point – the levels of population differentiation at neutral markers, even across vast geographic areas, are typically very low (FST ≈ 0.005). We used a RAD‐sequencing approach to identify 5985 novel single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNPs) in herring and estimated genome‐wide levels of divergence using pooled DNA samples between two Baltic Sea populations separated by 387 km. We found a total of 4756 divergent SNPs (79% of all SNPs) between the populations, of which 117 showed evidence of substantial divergence, corresponding to FST = 0.128 (0.125, 0.131) after accounting for possible biases due to minor alleles and uneven DNA amplification over the pooled samples. This estimate – based on screening many genomic polymorphisms – suggests the existence of hitherto unrecognized levels of genetic differentiation in this commercially important species, challenging the view of genetic homogeneity in marine fish species, and in that of the Baltic Sea herring in particular.
Multiple post‐mating barriers to hybridization in field crickets
Authors: Tyler Frances , Harrison Xavier A. , Bretman Amanda , Veen Thor , Rodríguez‐Muñoz Rolando , Tregenza Tom
Published: January 2013

Mechanisms that prevent different species from interbreeding are fundamental to the maintenance of biodiversity. Barriers to interspecific matings, such as failure to recognize a potential mate, are often relatively easy to identify. Those occurring after mating, such as differences in the how successful sperm are in competition for fertilisations, are cryptic and have the potential to create selection on females to mate multiply as a defence against maladaptive hybridization. Cryptic advantages to conspecific sperm may be very widespread and have been identified based on the observations of higher paternity of conspecifics in several species. However, a relationship between the fate of sperm from two species within the female and paternity has never been demonstrated. We use competitive microsatellite PCR to show that in two hybridising cricket species, Gryllus bimaculatus and G. campestris, sequential cryptic reproductive barriers are present. In competition with heterospecifics, more sperm from conspecific males is stored by females. Additionally, sperm from conspecific males has a higher fertilisation probability. This reveals that conspecific sperm precedence can occur through processes fundamentally under the control of females, providing avenues for females to evolve multiple mating as a defence against hybridization, with the counterintuitive outcome that promiscuity reinforces isolation and may promote speciation.
Post‐operative behavioural management in bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rudolph A. , Hilbert A.
Published: January 2013

Recent research has provided evidence that bariatric surgery maximizes long‐term weight loss in patients with severe obesity. However, a substantial number of patients experience poor weight loss outcome and weight regain over time. Post‐operative behavioural management may facilitate long‐term weight control in bariatric surgery population. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the effects of post‐operative behavioural management on weight loss following bariatric surgery. Eligible articles were systematically searched in electronic databases. Among the 414 citations, five randomized controlled trials, two prospective and eight retrospective cohort trials analysing behavioural lifestyle interventions and support groups fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The main finding is that behavioural management had a positive effect on weight loss following surgery. In 13 studies, patients receiving behavioural management had greater weight loss than patients receiving usual care or no treatment. A meta‐analysis of five randomized controlled trials suggests greater weight loss in patients with behavioural lifestyle interventions compared with control groups. Post‐operative behavioural management has the potential to facilitate optimal weight loss following bariatric surgery, but conclusions were limited by the small and heterogeneous samples of studies. A more rigorous empirical evaluation on its clinical significance is warranted to improve effectiveness of bariatric surgery.
Risk of completed suicide after bariatric surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Peterhänsel C. , Petroff D. , Klinitzke G. , Kersting A. , Wagner B.
Published: January 2013

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for morbid obesity, and a large body of research indicates significant long‐term weight loss. While overall mortality decreases in patients who received bariatric surgery, a number of studies have shown that suicide rates are higher in bariatric patients than in control groups. The objective of this study was to present a systematic review of suicide mortality after bariatric surgery and calculate an estimate for the suicide rate. Literature researches of the databases PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsychInfo, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar were conducted. Thirty studies concerning bariatric surgery and completed suicides met the inclusion criteria. We included 28 studies in the estimation of a suicide rate for the bariatric population. Only one study (Tindle et al.) put a main focus on suicide after bariatric surgery; this was therefore chosen as an adequate reference figure for comparison. The other 27 chosen studies were compared with World Health Organization data and the suicide rate reported by Tindle et al. Twenty‐three thousand eight hundred eighty‐five people were included in the analysis. In the literature, we found a total of 95 suicides when examining 190,000 person‐years of post‐bariatric surgery data. Little information was provided describing the reasons for suicide and the time‐point of these events after surgery. We estimated a suicide rate of 4.1/10,000 person‐years (95% confidence interval [3.2, 5.1]/10,000 person‐years). A comparison with Tindle et al. demonstrates that their rate is significantly higher than our estimate (P = 0.03). Bariatric surgery patients show higher suicide rates than the general population. Therefore, there is a great need to identify persons at risk and post‐operative psychological monitoring is recommended.
Activity restriction vs. self‐direction: hospitalised older adults' response to fear of falling
Authors: Boltz Marie , Resnick Barbara , Capezuti Elizabeth , Shuluk Joseph
Published: January 2013

Background

Functional decline is a common complication in hospitalised older adults, associated with low mobility and physical activity. Fear of falling may contribute to limited mobility and physical activity, and loss of physical function. An understanding of this relationship, as well as contributing factors, may inform the development of safe, function‐promoting interventions.

Aim

To describe fear of falling in hospitalised older adults and its relationship with patient characteristics and physical function and explore patient views of associated factors.

Design

combined quantitative and qualitative approach using chart extraction, observation and interviews of older adults.

Methods

(i) correlations and analysis of variance methods; (ii) content and thematic analysis; and (iii) evaluation of convergence, complementarity and dissonance of quantitative and qualitative data.

Results

Depressed older persons were more likely to describe fear of falling (r = 0.47, P = 0.002). Fear of falling was associated with the loss of physical function from admission to discharge (F = 7.6, P = 0.009). The participant response to fear of falling was activity restriction vs. self‐direction. Participants described the following factors, organised by social–ecological framework, to be considered when developing alternatives to activity restriction: intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental and policy.

Conclusion

Fear of falling plays a significant role in restricting physical activity and function. A multifactorial approach may provide a viable alternative to activity restriction, by facilitating self‐direction and functional recovery.

Implications for practice

Interventions to prevent falls and activities to promote functional mobility are ideally developed in tandem, with attention paid to the physical and social environment. Preventing hospital‐acquired disability may require a shift in organisational values around safety, from a soley protective approach to one that reflects an enabling philosophy emphasising independence and self‐direction. Such a paradigm shift would demonstrate a valuing not only of the absence of falls but also the preservation and restoration of function.
Vitamin D Level in Children Is Correlated with Severity of Atopic Dermatitis but Only in Patients with Allergic Sensitizations
Authors: Akan Aysegul , Azkur Dilek , Ginis Tayfur , Toyran Muge , Kaya Aysenur , Vezir Emine , Özcan Celal , Ginis Zeynep , Kocabas Can Naci
Published: January 2013

Vitamin D is believed to affect the progression and severity of atopic dermatitis (AD). Allergic sensitization may cause this effect to vary. Individuals who fulfilled the Hanifin and Rajka criteria for AD underwent epidermal prick tests and blood tests for specific immunoglobulin E(IgE), serum total IgE, 25‐hydroxy vitamin D, and peripheral blood eosinophil count and percentage. Disease severity was determined according to the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. Patients were grouped according to allergic sensitization. Seventy‐three children with AD (median age 33.0 mos, interquartile range 19.0–61.5 mos) were enrolled in the study; 33 (45.2%) were found to have allergic sensitization. In this group there was a negative correlation between SCORAD score and serum vitamin D level (p = 0.047, correlation coefficient [r] = −0.349), whereas there was no correlation in the group without sensitization (p = 0.30, r = −0.168). Vitamin D was not correlated with total IgE and eosinophil percentage in either AD group (p = 0.77, r = 0.054 and p = 0.73, r = −0.062, respectively). Vitamin D may affect the severity of AD, especially in children with allergic sensitization.
Economic justification for quarantine status – the case study of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ in the European Union
Authors: Soliman T. , Mourits M. C. M. , Oude Lansink A. G. J. M. , van der Werf W.
Published: January 2013

International agreements on plant health and trade require that regulating a pest should be justified by economic impact assessment. Economic impact assessments are usually qualitative, weakening the objective and transparency of the regulation decision. This study assessed the potential economic impacts of the invasion of the plant pathogenic bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ into the European Union in order to economically justify a decision on its quarantine status. Direct economic impacts resulting from yield loss in potato and tomato were computed using partial budgeting at a regional scale, while total economic impacts on the potato and tomato markets were computed using partial equilibrium modelling at the EU scale. Annual direct impacts at the most likely infestation level were estimated at €222 m for the whole EU. Uncertainty analysis showed a distribution of foreseeable annual impacts with a 5th percentile of €192 m, and a 95th percentile of €512 m. Increased market prices of potato and tomato resulting from reduced supply were found to increase profits for non‐infested producers and to compensate in part for the production losses of infested producers, with consumers paying for this mitigation of impacts on producers. The expected negative impact on societal welfare at the most likely infestation level is less than the estimated direct impacts, viz. €114 m/year. The potential economic impacts of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ in the European Union are demonstrably of major importance. Therefore, a decision to categorize this organism as a quarantine pest is supported.
Comparison of Membrane‐Permeant Fluorescent Probes for Sperm Viability Assessment in the Ram
Authors: Yániz JL , Palacín I , Vicente‐Fiel S , Gosalvez J , López‐Fernández C , Santolaria P
Published: January 2013

Contents

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness and usability of four permeant fluorochromes (CFDA;SYBR‐14; Hoechst‐33342; and acridine orange), combined with propidium iodide to assess sperm membrane integrity. Three different experiments were conducted. The first trial was designed to study the optimal dye concentration and minimum incubation time required to achieve optimum fluorescence intensities and contrast for each fluorochrome combination using ram fresh semen samples. BothSYBR‐14 and acridine orange allowed a direct assessment of sperm membrane integrity, without the need of incubating samples, whereas a minimum of 4 and 6 min of incubation at 37°C was necessary to achieve optimum fluorescence intensities in theCFDAand Hoechst groups, respectively. In the second trial, fresh semen samples were mixed with different volumes of membrane‐affected sperm (semen treated with three cycles of freezing to −20°C and thawing at room temperature) to produce semen samples with known proportions of damaged spermatozoa. The results were compared with the theoretical values predicted on the basis of the estimations made on fresh and frozen samples. The proportions of damaged sperm in each sample determined using the four fluorochrome combinations agreed with the predicted theoretical values, with the acridine orange/propidium iodide providing the best adjustment. The third experiment was performed to compare the results of sperm membrane integrity using the four fluorochrome combinations. The proportions of plasmalemma‐intact sperm determined by acridine orange andSYBR‐14 were greater (p < 0.0001) than the proportions of intact sperm determined byCFDAand Hoechst stains. It was concluded that the most efficient combinations to be used in ram sperm wereAO/PIandSYBR/PIbecause it allowed a direct assessment of sperm viability without the need to incubate samples and obtaining reliable results.
Policy Capacity for Climate Change inCanada's Transportation Sector
Authors: Newman Joshua , Perl Anthony , Wellstead Adam , McNutt Kathleen
Published: January 2013

When pursuing change, legacies of policy goals and instruments from an established paradigm often present constraints on fully embracing a newer paradigm, resulting in the layering of new policy goals and instruments on top of the existing base. In this article, we investigate the effect of layered paradigms on policy capacity at three different levels of policy making in theCanadian transportation sector. Using analysis of government publications and budget data, virtual policy network analysis, quantitative analysis of data from a survey ofCanadian policy analysts, and direct interviews with policy managers in two provinces, we demonstrate how this layering of legacy goals (and consequent policyincapacity) is occurring at the macro, meso, and micro levels of policy making. We conclude that the layering of a new policy paradigm for climate change on top of the established paradigm for transportation development constrains policy capacity in this subsystem.
Suppression of Allergen‐Specific IgE in Offspring After Preconceptional Immunisation: Maternal, Paternal and Genetic Influences
Authors: Nygaard U. C. , Hansen J. S. , Groeng E.‐C. , Melkild I. , Løvik M.
Published: January 2013

Immunisation of female mice with the allergen ovalbumin (OVA) during pregnancy reduces the OVA‐specific IgE response in adult offspring. To approach primary prevention strategies for allergy, we investigated to what extent genetic, paternal and maternal factors influence this suppressive effect on allergic sensitisation in offspring and investigated the possibility of pregestational immunisation. Maternal allergen immunisation reduced OVA‐specific IgE levels in immunised offspring, even after maternal immunisation up to 8 weeks before conception without further allergen exposure. Immunisation of immunodeficient BALB/c severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) dams mated with wild type males did not lead to IgE suppression in offspring, indicating the importance of a functional maternal immune system. Immunisation of male mice before the relevant spermatogenesis did not cause antibody suppression in offspring. OVA‐specific IgG1, presumably of maternal origin, was present in naïve offspring only from immunised dams and was associated with suppressed IgE responses after offspring immunisation. The IgE‐suppressive effect of maternal immunisation was demonstrated in all three immunocompetent strains tested (NIH/OlaHsd, BALB/cA and C57BL/6 mice). In conclusion, suppression of allergen‐specific IgE production in offspring could not be induced by paternal immunisation, and genetic factors were of minor importance. In contrast, we demonstrate the necessity of maternal factors, possibly allergen‐specific IgG1, resulting from a functional adaptive immune response, for the IgE‐suppressive effect in offspring. These maternal factors could be induced by immunisation of female mice even before conception.
Considering maturation status and relative age in the longitudinal evaluation of junior rugby league players
Authors: Till K. , Cobley S. , O' Hara J. , Cooke C. , Chapman C.
Published: January 2013

This study longitudinally evaluated whether maturation and relative age interact with time during adolescence to differentially affect the development of anthropometric and fitness characteristics in junior rugby league players. Anthropometric and fitness characteristics of 81 junior players selected into the UK Rugby Football League's talent identification and development process were assessed over three consecutive occasions (i.e., under‐13s, ‐14s, ‐15s). Players were grouped and compared in relation to maturational status (i.e., early, average, late) and relative age quartile (i.e., quartile 1). Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance identified significant (P < 0.001) overall main effects for maturation group, relative age quartile and importantly a maturation group by time interaction. Findings showed that the early‐maturing group had the greatest anthropometric characteristics and medicine ball throw across the three occasions. However, the late‐maturing group increased their height (early = 5.0 cm, late = 10.3 cm), medicine ball throw and 60‐m sprint (early = −0.46 s, late = −0.85 s) the most throughout the 2‐year period. Early (de)selection policies currently applied in talent identification and development programs are questionable when performance‐related variables are tracked longitudinally. During adolescence, maturation status alongside relative age should be considered and controlled for when assessing athlete potential for future progression.
Sustained improvements in handwashing indicators more than 5 years after a cluster‐randomised, community‐based trial of handwashing promotion in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Bowen Anna , Agboatwalla Mubina , Ayers Tracy , Tobery Timothy , Tariq Maria , Luby Stephen P.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate handwashing behaviour 5 years after a handwashing intervention in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

In 2003, we randomised neighbourhoods to control, handwashing promotion, or handwashing promotion and water treatment. Intervention households were given soap +/− water treatment product and weekly handwashing education for 9 months. In 2009, we re‐enrolled 461 households from the three study groups: control (160), handwashing (141), and handwashing + water treatment (160) and assessed hygiene‐related outcomes, accounting for clustering.

Results

Intervention households were 3.4 times more likely than controls to have soap at their handwashing stations during the study visit [293/301 (97%) vs. 45/159 (28%), P < 0.0001]. While nearly all households reported handwashing after toileting, intervention households more commonly reported handwashing before cooking [relative risk (RR) 1.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–1.4)] and before meals [RR 1.7 (95% CI, 1.3–2.1)]. Control households cited a mean of 3.87 occasions for washing hands; handwashing households, 4.74 occasions; and handwashing + water treatment households, 4.78 occasions (P < 0.0001). Households reported purchasing a mean of 0.65 (control), 0.91 (handwashing) and 1.1 (handwashing + water treatment) bars of soap/person/month (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Five years after receiving handwashing promotion, intervention households were more likely to have soap at the household handwashing station, know key times to wash hands and report purchasing more soap than controls, suggesting habituation of improved handwashing practices in this population. Intensive handwashing promotion may be an effective strategy for habituating hygiene behaviours and improving health.