bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Australia's Dust Bowl: Transnational Influences in Soil Conservation and the Spread of Ecological Thought
Authors: Sauter Sabine
Published: September 2015

During the period 1930–46, drought and wind erosion turned parts of the US and Australia into dust bowls. While the US events are well studied, historical research on similar processes in Australia is less abundant. The first part of the paper focusses on the transnational transfer of soil conservation policy and science from the US to Australia, claiming it stimulated the diffusion of an ecological conservationist's conscience within the wider Australian society. The dust storm years were therefore a key period for the evolution of ecological thought and environmental ethics in Australia. Taking the example of four key figures of Australia's conservation movement of the 1960s and later, the second part of the paper shows intellectual continuities between these precursors and the later conservation movement.
Dams, Freeways and Aerospace: How Australian Environmentalists responded to Transnationalism and World Heritage, 1964–1984
Authors: McConville Chris
Published: September 2015

Australian environmentalists have confidently staked a claim to leading roles in both activism at a global scale and in bringing transnational ideas to bear, successfully, on local environmental issues. Amongst these successes, World Heritage listing for south‐west Tasmania stands out. But failures to comprehend Australia's metropolitan character and slowness in accepting Aboriginal rights to land meant that environmentalists have not made much use of this global recognition. In that light, the heroic self‐image of environmental movements, 1964–84, deserves reconsideration. The activities considered here were all, in one way or another, reactions to a rapid industrial modernising of post‐war Australia. Iconic events, the formation of the Australian Conservation Foundation, the struggle over south‐west Tasmania and Green Bans in Sydney and Melbourne remained local in objectives and ideas. In contrast the anti‐Concorde campaign was integrated into a transnational protest movement. Yet it is overlooked in adulatory histories of Australian environmentalism. In reacting to a modernising Australia, environmentalists took up some transnational ideas and responded positively to mediators in their transmission. In the long run, however, a limited acceptance of transnational expertise, especially as regards cultural heritage and urbanism, calls into question the self‐ascribed vanguard role of Australian environmental movements.
Five‐year risk of incident disease following a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hirsch A. G. , Yan X. S. , Sundaresan A. S. , Tan B. K. , Schleimer R. P. , Kern R. C. , Kennedy T. L. , Greene J. S. , Schwartz B. S.
Published: September 2015

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has a broad range of comorbidities. Due to a lack of longitudinal studies, it is not known whether these comorbidities cause CRS, are promoted by CRS, or share a systemic disease process with CRS.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the risk of incident disease within 5 years after a new diagnosis of CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP).

Methods

We conducted a case–control study nested within the longitudinal cohort of primary care patients in the Geisinger Clinic using electronic health record data. We evaluated incident disease over 5 years in newly diagnosed CRSwNP and CRSsNP cases compared to controls using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

CRSsNP (n = 3612) cases were at greater risk (HR, 95% confidence interval) than controls for incidence of: upper airway diseases, including adenotonsillitis (3.29, 2.41–4.50); lower aerodigestive tract diseases, including asthma (2.69, 2.14–3.38); epithelial conditions, including atopic dermatitis (2.75, 1.23–6.16); and hypertension (1.38, 1.19–1.61). CRSwNP (n = 241) cases were at greater risk for obesity than controls (1.74, 1.08–2.80), but CRSwNP was not associated with other diseases.

Conclusion

The risk of other diseases associated with CRS adds to the burden of an already highly burdensome condition, and suggests either that CRS promotes onset of other diseases or is an indicator of systemic disease processes. Different patterns of association with diseases by CRS phenotype may be due to CRSwNP sample size limitations or reflect a different pattern of disease onset by phenotype. These findings have implications for screening guidelines and care of CRS patients.
“I Desire Sanctity”: Sanctity and Separateness among Jewish Religious Zionists in Israel/Palestine
Authors: Stern Nehemia Akiva
Published: September 2015

This article expands on anthropological understandings of affect and emotion to include certain theological and religious concepts that structure and give meaning to the daily lives of religious nationalists in areas of ethnic and political conflict. In doing so, it will ethnographically explore the relationship between theological notions of sanctity and the way those notions manifest themselves in the context of contemporary Jewish religious Zionism in both Israel and the Occupied West Bank. I will argue that analyzing mystical conceptions of sanctity as a distinct affect opens new areas of human experience, which anthropologists may use to better grapple with the dilemmas posed by nationalism and religious extremism in an increasingly politically fraught world.
Prospective evaluation of the Sunshine Appendicitis Grading System score
Authors: Reid Fiona , Choi Julian , Williams Marli , Chan Steven
Published: September 2015

Background

Although there is a wealth of information predicting risk of post‐operative intra‐abdominal collection and guiding antibiotic therapy following appendicectomy, confusion remains because of lack of consensus on the clinical severity and definition of ‘complicated’ appendicitis. This study aimed to develop a standardized intra‐operative grading system: Sunshine Appendicitis Grading System (SAGS) for acute appendicitis that correlates independently with the risk of intra‐abdominal collections.

Methods

Two‐hundred and forty‐six patients undergoing emergency laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis were prospectively scored according to the severity of appendicitis and followed up for complications including intra‐abdominal collection. After termination of the study, the SAGS score was repeated by an independent surgeon based on operation notes and intra‐operative photography to determine inter‐rater agreement. The primary outcome measure was incidence of intra‐abdominal collection, secondary outcome measures were all complications and length of stay.

Results

SAGS score demonstrated good inter‐rater agreement (kappa Kw 0.869; 95% CI 0.796–0.941; P < 0.001). A risk ratio of 2.594 (95% CI 0.655−4.065; P < 0.001) for intra‐abdominal collection was found using SAGS score as a predictor. The discriminative ability of SAGS score was supported by an area under the curve value of 0.850 (95% CI 0.799–0.892; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

SAGS score can be used to simply and accurately classify the severity of appendicitis and to independently predict the risk of intra‐abdominal collection. It can therefore be used to stratify risk, guide antibiotic therapy, follow‐up and standardize the definitions of appendicitis severity for future research.
Long‐term survivors after pancreatectomy for cancer: the TNM classification is outdated
Authors: Jouffret Lionel , Turrini Olivier , Ewald Jacques , Moutardier Vincent , Iovanna Juan Lucio , Delpero Jean‐Robert
Published: September 2015

Background

According to knowledge, patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) should receive adjuvant gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy. Thus, the tumour node metastasis (TNM) classification is not used to determine post‐operative treatment but rather only to establish patient prognosis. However, the TNM classification does not include strong factors influencing survival, such as perineural invasion or margin status. This study compared the survival of patients with very similar tumours.

Methods

From 1997 to 2007, 118 patients underwent pancreatectomy for PA. Twenty‐six patients (22%) had long‐term survival (>5 years; LTS group). According to the major prognostic factors of PA, we matched (1:1) patients in the LTS group with patients who did not have long‐term survival (<5 years; control group).

Results

Surprisingly, we did not have any difficulty identifying patients to include in the control group. Consequently, no differences were noted between patients of the LTS group when compared with patients of the control group according to major prognostic factors and the TNM classification. Three patients (12%) in the LTS group had positive margin status, and two patients (8%) had positive lymph node status. Unsurprisingly, the median survival for the control group versus the LTS group was 16 months versus not reached (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The lack of difficulty in matching the two groups confirmed that patients of the LTS group did not have an exclusive tumour pattern. TNM classification is outdated because it did not influence adjuvant therapies and did not include two crucial factors: tumour biology and tumour response to chemo/radio therapies.
‘Sandwich’ technique in the treatment of large and complex incisional hernias
Authors: Martín‐Cartes Juan Antonio , Tamayo‐López María Jesús , Bustos‐Jiménez Manuel
Published: September 2015

Background

Reconstruction of large, complex abdominal wall hernias is an interesting challenge. Primary closure of those hernias is often not possible. There is little agreement about the most appropriate technique or prosthetic to repair these defects, in spite the fact of the prevalence of ventral hernias. Sometimes despite being contaminated surgical fields, we are often faced to reinforce with bio‐prosthetic meshes. The component separation technique (CST) is a practical option; however, recurrence rates remain unacceptably high. In an attempt to reduce recurrences, we frequently added a biologic underlay mesh and a lightweight polypropylene on‐lay mesh to the traditional CST. Our objective was to determine biologic mesh practice patterns of reconstructive surgeons with regard to indications, most appropriate technique, choice of prosthetics and experience with complications in order to work those hernias out.

Methods

Thirty consecutive patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction by means of a component separations associated with non‐cross‐linked porcine dermal scaffolds (NCPDS) or a synthetic tissue scaffold (STS) reinforcement between October 2009 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Analysis of demographics, indications for NCPDS or STS placement, surgical technique, complications and follow‐up data were performed. They underwent a ‘sandwich’ procedure with a biologic underlay mesh and a lightweight polypropylene on‐lay mesh added to the traditional CST. We chose NCPDS or STS underlay mesh according to the fact of the presence or absence of a contaminated field.

Results

A ‘sandwich’ procedure was used for abdominal wall repair in 30 patients. In all of them, NCPDS or STS was positioned using an intraperitoneal technique associated to a lightweight polypropylene on‐lay mesh and the CST. At a mean follow‐up time of 30.1 months, most patients had successful outcomes. Occurrences included seroma, recurrence and infection. One of our patients died from multi‐organ failure unrelated to hernia repair.

Conclusions

This study shows that complex abdominal wall defects can be successfully reconstructed using a ‘sandwich’ procedure with a low rate of recurrence and occurrences. Moreover, repair of large, complex abdominal wall hernias by CST augmented with a biologic underlay mesh and a lightweight polypropylene on‐lay mesh results in lower recurrence rates compared with historical reports of CST alone.
A Bivariate Measurement Error Model for Semicontinuous and Continuous Variables: Application to Nutritional Epidemiology
Authors: Kipnis Victor , Freedman Laurence S. , Carroll Raymond J. , Midthune Douglas
Published: September 2015

Semicontinuous data in the form of a mixture of a large portion of zero values and continuously distributed positive values frequently arise in many areas of biostatistics. This article is motivated by the analysis of relationships between disease outcomes and intakes of episodically consumed dietary components. An important aspect of studies in nutritional epidemiology is that true diet is unobservable and commonly evaluated by food frequency questionnaires with substantial measurement error. Following the regression calibration approach for measurement error correction, unknown individual intakes in the risk model are replaced by their conditional expectations given mismeasured intakes and other model covariates. Those regression calibration predictors are estimated using short-term unbiased reference measurements in a calibration substudy. Since dietary intakes are often “energy-adjusted,” e.g., by using ratios of the intake of interest to total energy intake, the correct estimation of the regression calibration predictor for each energy-adjusted episodically consumed dietary component requires modeling short-term reference measurements of the component (a semicontinuous variable), and energy (a continuous variable) simultaneously in a bivariate model. In this article, we develop such a bivariate model, together with its application to regression calibration. We illustrate the new methodology using data from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study (Schatzkin et al., 2001, American Journal of Epidemiology  154, 1119–1125), and also evaluate its performance in a simulation study.
The patronizing character and status‐preserving function of leniency for outgroup offenders
Authors: Braun Judith , Gollwitzer Mario
Published: September 2015

This research investigates cases in which leniency for offenders from low‐status (out)groups reflects a strategy of high‐status (in)groups to consolidate intergroup status differentials. In Study 1, we found that participants from a high‐status ingroup recommended a more lenient punishment for a low‐status outgroup offender only when intergroup status differentials were likely to remain stable. This leniency, however, disappeared when status differentials were fragile. In Study 2, we found that patronizing leniency can even consolidate intergroup status differentials: When participants learned that their ingroup had punished an outgroup offender leniently, they considered an outgroup member who legitimately complained about discrimination more as being a hypersensitive complainer than when they learned that their ingroup had punished the outgroup offender more harshly or similarly as an ingroup offender. These findings suggest that leniency for outgroup offenders can indeed be used strategically by the in‐group to secure its advantaged status.
A positive family history as a risk factor for prostate cancer in a population‐based study with organised prostate‐specific antigen screening: results of the Swiss European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC, Aarau)
Authors: Randazzo Marco , Müller Alexander , Carlsson Sigrid , Eberli Daniel , Huber Andreas , Grobholz Rainer , Manka Lukas , Mortezavi Ashkan , Sulser Tullio , Recker Franz , Kwiatkowski Maciej
Published: September 2015

Objective

To assess the value of a positive family history (FH) as a risk factor for prostate cancer incidence and grade among men undergoing organised prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening in a population‐based study.

Subjects and Methods

The study cohort comprised all attendees of the Swiss arm of the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) with systematic PSA level tests every 4 years. Men reporting first‐degree relative(s) diagnosed with prostate cancer were considered to have a positive FH. Biopsy was exclusively PSA triggered at a PSA level threshold of 3 ng/mL. The primary endpoint was prostate cancer diagnosis. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used.

Results

Of 4 932 attendees with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 60.9 (57.6–65.1) years, 334 (6.8%) reported a positive FH. The median (IQR) follow‐up duration was 11.6 (10.3–13.3) years. Cumulative prostate cancer incidence was 60/334 (18%, positive FH) and 550/4 598 (12%, negative FH) [odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–2.2, P = 0.001). In both groups, most prostate cancer diagnosed was low grade. There were no significant differences in PSA level at diagnosis, biopsy Gleason score or Gleason score on pathological specimen among men who underwent radical prostatectomy between both groups. On multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06), baseline PSA level (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.12–1.14), and FH (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.24–2.14) were independent predictors for overall prostate cancer incidence (all P < 0.001). Only baseline PSA level (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12–1.16, P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of Gleason score ≥7 prostate cancer on prostate biopsy. The proportion of interval prostate cancer diagnosed in‐between the screening rounds was not significantly different.

Conclusion

Irrespective of the FH status, the current PSA‐based screening setting detects the majority of aggressive prostate cancers and missed only a minority of interval cancers with a 4‐year screening algorithm. Our results suggest that men with a positive FH are at increased risk of low‐grade but not aggressive prostate cancer.
Fasting protects against the side effects of irinotecan treatment but does not affect anti‐tumour activity in mice
Authors: Huisman Sander A , de Bruijn Peter , Ghobadi Moghaddam‐Helmantel Inge M , IJzermans Jan N M , Wiemer Erik A C , Mathijssen Ron H J , de Bruin Ron W F
Published: September 2015

Background

The main limitation to the use of irinotecan in the treatment of colorectal cancer is the severity of side effects, including neutropaenia and diarrhoea. Here, we explored the effects of 3 days of fasting on irinotecan‐induced toxicities, on plasma, liver and tumour pharmacokinetics and on anti‐tumour activity in mice.

Experimental Approach

Male BALB/c mice received C26 colon carcinoma cells subcutaneously. They were randomized 1:1 into equally sized ad libitum fed and fasted groups after which they were treated with irinotecan. Weight and adverse side effects were recorded daily. At the end of the experiment, tumours were resected and weighed, and concentrations of irinotecan and its active metabolite SN‐38 were determined in plasma and tumour.

Key Results

Fasting prevented the diarrhoea and visible signs of discomfort induced by irinotecan. Ad libitum fed animals developed leucopenia compared with untreated controls, whereas fasted mice did not. Irinotecan suppressed tumour growth equally in both treated groups, compared with untreated controls. Levels of the active irinotecan metabolite SN‐38 9 (calculated as AUC values) were significantly lower in fasted mice in both plasma and liver, but not in tumour tissue.

Conclusions and Implications

Fasting protected against irinotecan‐induced side effects without interfering with its anti‐tumour efficacy. Fasting induced a lower systemic exposure to SN‐38, which may explain the absence of adverse side effects, while tumour levels of SN‐38 remained unchanged. These data offer important new approaches to improve treatment with irinotecan in patients.
Deferoxamine preconditioning to restore impaired HIF‐1α‐mediated angiogenic mechanisms in adipose‐derived stem cells from STZ‐induced type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Mehrabani M. , Najafi M. , Kamarul T. , Mansouri K. , Iranpour M. , Nematollahi M. H. , Ghazi‐Khansari M. , Sharifi A. M.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Both excessive and insufficient angiogenesis are associated with progression of diabetic complications, of which poor angiogenesis is an important feature. Currently, adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered to be a promising source to aid therapeutic neovascularization. However, functionality of these cells is impaired by diabetes which can result from a defect in hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1), a key mediator involved in neovascularization. In the current study, we sought to explore effectiveness of pharmacological priming with deferoxamine (DFO) as a hypoxia mimetic agent, to restore the compromised angiogenic pathway, with the aid of ADSCs derived from streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced type 1 diabetic rats (‘diabetic ADSCs’).

Materials and methods

Diabetic ADSCs were treated with DFO and compared to normal and non‐treated diabetic ADSCs for expression of HIF‐1α, VEGF, FGF‐2 and SDF‐1, at mRNA and protein levels, using qRT‐PCR, western blotting and ELISA assay. Activity of matrix metalloproteinases ‐2 and ‐9 were measured using a gelatin zymography assay. Angiogenic potential of conditioned media derived from normal, DFO‐treated and non‐treated diabetic ADSCs were determined by in vitro (in HUVECs) and in vivo experiments including scratch assay, three‐dimensional tube formation testing and surgical wound healing models.

Results

DFO remarkably enhanced expression of noted genes by mRNA and protein levels and restored activity of matrix metalloproteinases ‐2 and ‐9. Compromised angiogenic potential of conditioned medium derived from diabetic ADSCs was restored by DFO both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Conclusion

DFO preconditioning restored neovascularization potential of ADSCs derived from diabetic rats by affecting the HIF‐1α pathway.
A pleasant dilemma to have: to treat the HCV patient on the waiting list or to treat post‐liver transplantation?
Authors: Barsa Jonathan E. , Branch Andrea D. , Schiano Thomas D.
Published: September 2015

New and relatively well‐tolerated medications to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have presented an opportunity for hepatologists to eliminate HCV in liver transplant (LT) candidates prior to transplantation. While concern for causing decompensated liver disease in the sickest subset of pre‐transplant patients makes some clinicians reluctant to offer treatment, we believe that several advantages of early HCV eradication appear to shift the debate in favor of using anti‐HCV agents before LT. There are encouraging safety data for new HCV medications in cirrhotic patients, and given the limited supply of donor livers available, delaying or possibly preventing the need for LT by treating HCV can offer significant benefit. Post‐LT, making immunosuppression management easier as well as avoiding both extrahepatic manifestations of HCV (e.g., diabetes mellitus and kidney disease) and the dilemma of distinguishing post‐transplant viral recurrence from allograft rejection makes earlier treatment of HCV especially appealing to clinicians. Furthermore, retrospective data have demonstrated a mortality benefit among HCV patients who are free of the virus at the time of LT. This article explores arguments for and against treating HCV in patients on the transplant list.
Preparation for high altitude expedition and changes in cardiopulmonary and biochemical laboratory parameters with ascent to high altitude in transplant patients and live donors
Authors: Suh Kyung‐Suk , Kim Taehoon , Yi Nam‐Joon , Hong Geun
Published: September 2015

High‐altitude climbing has many risks, and transplant recipients should discuss the associated risks and means of preparation with their physicians. This study aimed to help prepare athletic transplant donors and recipients for mountain climbing and was designed to evaluate physical performance and changes in cardiopulmonary and biochemical laboratory parameters of transplant recipients and donors in extreme conditions of high altitude. Ten subjects—six liver transplant recipients, two liver donors, and one kidney transplant recipient and his donor—were selected for this expedition to Island Peak, Himalayas, Nepal. Six healthy subjects joined the group for comparison. Blood samplings, vital signs, and oxygen saturation were evaluated, as was the Lake Louise acute mountain sickness score. All transplant subjects and donors reached the base camp (5150 m), and two liver transplant recipients and a liver donor reached the summit (6189 m). The blood levels of immunosuppressants were well maintained. The serum erythropoietin level was significantly higher in transplant recipients taking tacrolimus. With proper preparation, certain liver transplant patients and donors can tolerate strenuous physical activity and can tolerate high altitude similarly to normal healthy control subjects without significant biochemical laboratory changes in liver and renal function.
Resilience after paediatric‐onset spinal cord injury: a careful optimism
Authors: Kornreich Charles
Published: September 2015

This commentary is on the original article by January et al. on pages 1143–1149 of this issue.
Identification of joint patterns during gait in children with cerebral palsy: a Delphi consensus study
Authors: Nieuwenhuys Angela , Õunpuu Sylvia , Van Campenhout Anja , Theologis Tim , De Cat Josse , Stout Jean , Molenaers Guy , De Laet Tinne , Desloovere Kaat
Published: September 2015

Aim

This study aims to achieve an international expert consensus on joint patterns during gait for children with cerebral palsy (CP) by means of Delphi surveys.

Method

In Stage 1, seven local experts drafted a preliminary proposal of kinematic patterns for each lower limb joint in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse plane. In Stage 2, 13 experts from eight gait laboratories (four in the USA and four in Europe), participated in a Delphi consensus study. Consensus was defined by a pre‐set cut‐off point of 75% agreement among participants.

Results

After the first stage, 44 joint patterns were presented in a first survey and 29 patterns reached consensus. Consensus improved to 47 out of 48 patterns in the third survey. Only one pattern, ‘abnormal knee pattern during loading response’, did not reach consensus. The expert panel agreed to define six patterns for the knee during swing, most of them representing characteristics of a stiff knee pattern.

Interpretation

The defined joint patterns can support clinical reasoning for children with CP as joint patterns during gait might be linked to different treatment approaches. Automating the classification process and incorporating additional trunk, foot, and electromyography features should be prioritized for the near future.
Timely identification of children with autism: are we asking the right question?
Authors: Williams Katrina
Published: September 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Charman et al. on pages 369–375 of this issue.
Treatment intensification without improved HbA1c levels in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sildorf S. M. , Hertel N. T. , Thomsen J. , Fredheim S. , Hastrup H. , Pipper C. , Hertz B.
Published: September 2015

Aims

To examine trends in diabetes treatment in Danish children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, comparing treatment intensity with metabolic outcomes in the population, and to describe the challenges of population‐based registries in a clinical setting with rapidly changing treatment methods.

Methods

This observational study is based on the Danish national population registry of childhood diabetes, which includes 99% of children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes before the age of 15 years. We included 4527 people diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. Self‐monitored blood glucose measurements, insulin injections/boluses, treatment method and metabolic control quantifications were analysed and adjusted for the effects of gender and ethnicity, the combined effect of age, visit year and duration, and for the random effects of individual and hospital settings.

Results

Treatment was intensified via an increasing number of self‐monitored blood glucose measurements and injections/boluses. More than six injections/boluses and an increased number of self‐monitored blood glucose measurements were significantly associated with lower metabolic control. No reduction, however, in the overall mean HbA1c concentration was observed between 2005 [66 mmol/mol (8.2%)] and 2012 [65 mmol/mol (8.1%)]. Changed registration practices in 2009 introduced artificial jumps in data.

Conclusions

Intensifying treatment alone does not lead to improved metabolic control in the overall population despite the appearance of lower HbA1c in individuals with a greater number of self‐monitored blood glucose measurements and injections/boluses. The contradictory results reflect difficulties in using observational studies to predict results of intervention in the individual. Data collected from population‐based registries need to be adjusted continuously to reflect changes in care.
Coupling circadian rhythms of metabolism and chromatin remodelling
Authors: Masri S. , Orozco‐Solis R. , Aguilar‐Arnal L. , Cervantes M. , Sassone‐Corsi P.
Published: September 2015

The circadian clock controls a large variety of neuronal, endocrine, behavioural and physiological responses in mammals. This control is exerted in large part at the transcriptional level on genes expressed in a cyclic manner. A highly specialized transcriptional machinery based on clock regulatory factors organized in feedback autoregulatory loops governs a significant portion of the genome. These oscillations in gene expression are paralleled by critical events of chromatin remodelling that appear to provide plasticity to circadian regulation. Specifically, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+‐dependent deacetylases SIRT1 and SIRT6 have been linked to circadian control of gene expression. This, and additional accumulating evidence, shows that the circadian epigenome appears to share intimate links with cellular metabolic processes and has remarkable plasticity showing reprogramming in response to nutritional challenges. In addition to SIRT1 and SIRT6, a number of chromatin remodellers have been implicated in clock control, including the histone H3K4 tri‐methyltransferase MLL1. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms that link metabolism, epigenetic control and circadian responses will provide valuable insights towards innovative strategies of therapeutic intervention.
Subcortical (thalamic) automated seizure detection: A new option for contingent therapy delivery
Authors: Osorio Ivan , Frei Mark G. , Lozano Andres M. , Wennberg Richard
Published: September 2015

The feasibility of automated detection of cortical‐onset epileptic seizures from subcortical structures such as the thalamus was investigated via simultaneous recording of electroencephalography (EEG) and anterior and centromedian thalamic nuclei electrical signals (electrothalamography) in nine subjects with pharmacoresistant seizures admitted to an epilepsy monitoring unit after deep brain stimulating electrode implantation. Thalamic electrical signals were analyzed using a validated seizure detection algorithm, and times of seizure onset and termination were compared to those determined through visual analysis of video‐EEG. Ictal activity was recorded from the scalp and thalamic nuclei in three subjects who had seizures during the 3–4‐day recording period. In the majority of seizures, ictal activity in the thalamic nuclei preceded electrographic onset as determined from the EEG or clinical onset as determined from behavioral observations. Interictal epileptiform discharges were also recorded from the thalamus and in certain instances had no scalp representation. Subcortical/thalamic detection of cortical‐onset seizures is feasible. This approach would enable contingent therapy delivery and may be particularly valuable for subjects with multiple or difficult‐to‐localize epileptogenic regions.
Adjuvant antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Gao‐Min , Huang Xiao‐Yong , Shen Shun‐Li , Hu Wen‐Jie , Peng Bao‐Gang
Published: September 2015

Aim

To investigate whether adjuvant antiviral treatment could improve prognosis and entecavir is the optimal nucleoside/nucleotide analog (NA) regimen after curative therapy of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A comprehensive electronic search was performed. All controlled trials comparing antiviral treatment with placebo or no treatment for HBV‐related HCC after curative treatment were included. The pooled hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Stata 12.0 software. An indirect treatment comparison method was used to compare the relative efficacy of different NA strategies.

Results

Twenty‐one studies containing 8072 patients were included. NA was found to significantly improve recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Alternatively, for interferon, a non‐significant benefit was found. By adjusted indirect comparisons among entecavir, lamivudine and adefovir, entecavir were found to display almost but not significant superiority to the other NA in improving RFS. No tendency favoring a specific NA regimen was found for OS.

Conclusion

In HBV‐HCC patient after curative treatment, NA improve the prognosis significantly but the role of interferon remains to be elucidated; entecavir was not found to be superior to other NA based on available data.
Utilization of community pharmacy space to enhance privacy: a qualitative study
Authors: Hattingh H Laetitia , Emmerton Lynne , Ng Cheong Tin Pascale , Green Catherine
Published: September 2015

Background

Community pharmacists require access to consumers’ information about their medicines and health‐related conditions to make informed decisions regarding treatment options. Open communication between consumers and pharmacists is ideal although consumers are only likely to disclose relevant information if they feel that their privacy requirements are being acknowledged and adhered to.

Objective

This study sets out to explore community pharmacy privacy practices, experiences and expectations and the utilization of available space to achieve privacy.

Methods

Qualitative methods were used, comprising a series of face‐to‐face interviews with 25 pharmacists and 55 pharmacy customers in Perth, Western Australia, between June and August 2013.

Results

The use of private consultation areas for certain services and sensitive discussions was supported by pharmacists and consumers although there was recognition that workflow processes in some pharmacies may need to change to maximize the use of private areas. Pharmacy staff adopted various strategies to overcome privacy obstacles such as taking consumers to a quieter part of the pharmacy, avoiding exposure of sensitive items through packaging, lowering of voices, interacting during pharmacy quiet times and telephoning consumers. Pharmacy staff and consumers regularly had to apply judgement to achieve the required level of privacy.

Discussion

Management of privacy can be challenging in the community pharmacy environment, and on‐going work in this area is important. As community pharmacy practice is increasingly becoming more involved in advanced medication and disease state management services with unique privacy requirements, pharmacies’ layouts and systems to address privacy challenges require a proactive approach.
Public preferences for communicating personal genomic risk information: a focus group study
Authors: Smit Amelia K. , Keogh Louise A. , Hersch Jolyn , Newson Ainsley J. , Butow Phyllis , Williams Gabrielle , Cust Anne E.
Published: September 2015

Background

Personalized genomic risk information has the potential to motivate behaviour change and promote population health, but the success of this will depend upon effective risk communication strategies.

Objective

To determine preferences for different graphical and written risk communication formats, and the delivery of genomic risk information including the mode of communication and the role of health professionals.

Design

Focus groups, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Participants

Thirty‐four participants from the public.

Methods

Participants were provided with, and invited to discuss, a hypothetical scenario giving an individual's personalized genomic risk of melanoma displayed in several graphical formats.

Results

Participants preferred risk formats that were familiar and easy to understand, such as a ‘double pie chart’ and ‘100 person diagram’ (pictograph). The 100 person diagram was considered persuasive because it humanized and personalized the risk information. People described the pie chart format as resembling bank data and food (such as cake and pizza). Participants thought that email, web‐based platforms and postal mail were viable options for communicating genomic risk information. However, they felt that it was important that a health professional (either a genetic counsellor or ‘informed’ general practitioner) be available for discussion at the time of receiving the risk information, to minimize potential negative emotional responses and misunderstanding. Face‐to‐face or telephone delivery was preferred for delivery of high‐risk results.

Conclusions

These public preferences for communication strategies for genomic risk information will help to guide translation of genome‐based knowledge into improved population health.
Clinicopathological features of inflammatory pseudotumour‐like follicular dendritic cell tumour of the abdomen
Authors: Chen Yanyang , Shi Huijuan , Li Hui , Zhen Tiantian , Han Anjia
Published: September 2015

Aims

Inflammatory pseudotumour‐like follicular dendritic cell (FDC) tumour is an extremely rare neoplasm. Herein, we report 10 cases of inflammatory pseudotumour‐like FDC tumours in the abdomen and analyse their clinicopathological features.

Methods and results

Seven patients were male, and three patients were female. The patients' age ranged from 28 years to 68 years (mean age, 52.9 years; median age, 51.5 years). Grossly, the tumour was usually solitary, well circumscribed, and solid, ranging from 23 mm to 233 mm in greatest diameter. Microscopically, the tumour was composed of variable amounts of spindle tumour cells with intense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Unusual morphological findings, including eosinophils focally aggregated in one tumour admixed with multinucleated histiocytes in small clusters, fibrinoid deposits in the walls of ectatic blood vessel with occasional perivascular cuffs of lymphocytes, hyalinized fibrosis, and epithelioid granuloma, were identified. The tumour cells were immunoreactive for CD21, CD23, CD35, smooth muscle actin, and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded latent membrane protein 1 (7/10, 70%). EBV‐encoded small RNA was positive in all cases by in situ hybridization. The recurrence rate was 10% with a median follow‐up of 19 months.

Conclusions

Inflammatory pseudotumour‐like FDC tumour should be differentiated from inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, Hodgkin lymphoma, interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumour.
The Efficacy of Wii-Based Movement Therapy for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in the Chronic Poststroke Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McNulty Penelope A. , Thompson-Butel Angelica G. , Faux Steven G. , Lin Gaven , Katrak Pesi H. , Harris Laura R. , Shiner Christine T.
Published: September 2015

Background

More effective and efficient rehabilitation is urgently needed to address the prevalence of unmet rehabilitation needs after stroke. This study compared the efficacy of two poststroke upper limb therapy protocols.

Aims and/or hypothesis

We tested the hypothesis that Wii-based movement therapy would be as effective as modified constraint-induced movement therapy for post-stroke upper-limb motor rehabilitation.

Methods

Forty-one patients, 2–46 months poststroke, completed a 14-day program of Wii-based Movement Therapy or modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy in a dose-matched, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, conducted in a research institute or patient's homes. Primary outcome measures were the Wolf Motor Function Test timed-tasks and Motor Activity Log Quality of Movement scale. Patients were assessed at prebaseline (14 days pretherapy), baseline, post-therapy, and six-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models and repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

There were no differences between groups for either primary outcome at any time point. Motor function was stable between prebaseline and baseline ( P > 0·05), improved with therapy ( P < 0·001); and improvements were maintained at six-months ( P > 0·05). Wolf Motor Function Test timed-tasks log times improved from 2·1 ± 0·22 to 1·7 ± 0·22 s after Wii-based Movement Therapy, and 2·6 ± 0·23 to 2·3 ± 0·24 s after modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy. Motor Activity Log Quality of Movement scale scores improved from 67·7 ± 6·07 to 102·4 ± 6·48 after Wii-based Movement Therapy and 64·1 ± 7·30 to 93·0 ± 5·95 after modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy (mean ± standard error of the mean). Patient preference, acceptance, and continued engagement were higher for Wii-based Movement Therapy than modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that Wii-based Movement Therapy is an effective upper limb rehabilitation poststroke with high patient compliance. It is as effective as modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy for improving more affected upper limb movement and increased independence in activities of daily living.
Effect of suburethral prolene mesh for suburethral function and histology in a stress urinary incontinence mouse model
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hao , Wang Alex C , Wu Pei‐Ying , Chu Hsiao‐Chien , Liang Ching‐Chung , Daneshgari Firouz
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To create a mouse model pertaining to mesh‐elicited suburethral functional and histological changes after vaginal distention, and to examine the possible mechanism behind these complications.

Methods

We divided 48 virgin female C57BL/6 mice into four groups: vaginal distention alone, vaginal distention followed by prolene mesh implantation, vaginal distention followed by sham mesh implantation and untreated control. Each group was divided into two subgroups for conscious cystometrogram, leak‐point pressure testing and harvesting of suburethral tissue 4 or 10 days after vaginal distention. The suburethral tissues underwent immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis of nerve growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2. Urodynamic results were compared among groups using one way ANOVA, with Tukey's multiple comparisons post‐test for pair wise comparisons.

Results

Leak‐point pressure in the vaginal distention and vaginal distention + sham mesh groups were significantly lower than in the control and vaginal distention + mesh groups at day 4. Leak‐point pressure in the vaginal distention + mesh group were significantly higher than in the other three groups at both day 4 and 10. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting showed increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 levels in the vaginal distention + mesh group at day 4 and 10. Furthermore, nerve growth factor expression was increased in the same area and same group at 10 days.

Conclusions

Increased suburethral tissue matrix metalloproteinase and nerve growth factor expression might be related to tissue remodeling after prolene mesh implantation for stress urinary incontinence.
Influence of Yb Concentration on the Optical Properties of CaF2 Transparent Ceramics Codoped with Er and Yb
Authors: Liu Zuodong , Mei Bingchu , Song Jinghong , Yi Guoqiang
Published: September 2015

Er, Yb:CaF2 nanoparticles with different Yb concentrations were synthesized by a coprecipitation method using nitrates as raw materials. X‐ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the nanoparticles were single fluorite phase and the nanoparticle size was found to decrease with increasing Yb concentrations. The obtained nanoparticles were hot‐pressed at 800°C under 30 MPa under vacuum environment to fabricate Er, Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics. The influence of Yb ion concentrations on the optical transmission, microstructure, and luminescence properties of Er, Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics were investigated. The addition of Yb ions was found effectively to reduce grain size and has a positive effect on improving the optical transmission of Er, Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics. The highest transmittance in the near‐infrared spectral region of the Er, Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramic reached about 90%. The green, red, and near‐infrared emission intensities were found to increase with increasing Yb concentration.
NOS1AP Polymorphisms Modify QTc Interval Duration But Not Cardiac Arrest Risk in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: EARLE NIKKI , INGLES JODIE , BAGNALL RICHARD D. , GRAY BELINDA , CRAWFORD JACKIE , SMITH WARREN , SHELLING ANDREW N. , LOVE DONALD R. , SEMSARIAN CHRIS , SKINNER JONATHAN R.
Published: September 2015

Arrhythmic SNPs and Risk of Cardiac Arrest in HCM

Introduction

The accurate prediction of the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains elusive. Corrected QT interval (QTc) duration is a known risk factor in various cardiac conditions. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been linked to QTc length, and to SCD. Here we investigated the role of 21 candidate SNPs in QTc duration and SCD events in patients with HCM.

Methods and Results

This HCM registry‐based study included patients with an ECG, medical history, first SCD event data, and DNA available. Each individual SNP was assessed using logistic regression for associations with 2 outcomes: a prolonged QTc ( ≥440 milliseconds), and first SCD event (SCD, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock for ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT). In 272 HCM patients, there were 31 SCD events (8 SCD, 9 resuscitated cardiac arrest, 14 ICD shocks for VF/VT; 11%). A QTc ≥ 500 milliseconds was associated with SCD events on multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–12.02, P = 0.016). In 228 Caucasian patients, 2 SNPs in the NOS1AP gene (rs10494366 and rs12143842) were associated with a prolonged QTc after correction for multiple testing. This remained significant after adjustment for current age, sex, and ≥1 SCD risk factor (OR 1.59 per copy of the minor allele, 95% CI 1.08–2.39, P = 0.022, and OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.09–2.49, P = 0.020, respectively). No SNPs were directly associated with SCD events.

Conclusion

SNPs in the NOS1AP gene influence QTc interval duration but we have not demonstrated a direct association with the risk of SCD.
Short‐Term Expectations in Listed Firms: The Effects Of Different Owner Types
Authors: Brunzell Tor , Liljeblom Eva , Vaihekoski Mika
Published: September 2015

We report empirical evidence in line with the disciplining role of different institutional and other owner types in reducing managerial myopia. Using data from a large Nordic survey, we find that companies, to a reasonably high degree, feel that external pressure for a good result in the short‐term generates conflict with the company's long‐term goals. We test for the effect of different ownership types and find that especially in firms with a large and non‐transitory activist or fund as an owner, the perceived pressure for short‐term actions is reduced. In addition, we observe a negative association between firm profitability and short‐term pressure, and we find that younger managers feel significantly more pressure. Firms subject to greater pressure engage in more actions to accommodate that pressure. Again, the impact of a large activist owner is especially beneficial because such firms significantly less often undertake actions that have the potential to destroy value, such as deprioritizing their long‐term investments or R&D.