bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concordance of retinopathy and nephropathy over time in Type 1 diabetes: an analysis of data from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial
Authors: Kramer C. K. , Retnakaran R.
Published: August 2013

Aims

Little is known about the dynamic relationship over time between diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Thus, we sought to evaluate the concordance over time of retinopathy and nephropathy in patients with Type 1 diabetes during the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial.

Methods

This analysis was conducted in patients with Type 1 diabetes participating in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Only participants with urinary albumin excretion rate < 40 mg/24 h were included in the analysis (n = 1365). We evaluated the relationship between the progression of retinopathy and the development of nephropathy over a mean 6.5 years of follow‐up. Progression of retinopathy was defined by 3‐step change in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study score on consecutive annual evaluations. Development of nephropathy was defined as incidence of urinary albumin excretion rate ≥ 40 mg/24 h on annual evaluation.

Results

Over a mean 6.5 years of follow‐up, the incidence of progression of retinopathy was higher in those who developed nephropathy than in those who did not (36.2 vs. 13.4%; P < 0.001). The development of nephropathy independently increased the risk for progression of retinopathy (hazard ratio 1.62, 95% CI 1.23–2.13, P = 0.001), after adjustment for age, gender, diabetes duration, treatment, HbA1c, BMI, HDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Similarly, the incidence of nephropathy was higher in participants who had progression of retinopathy than in those who did not (40.7 vs. 15.7%; P < 0.001). Furthermore, progression of retinopathy independently increased the risk for development of nephropathy (hazard ratio 1.72, 95% CI 1.30–2.27, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Progression of retinopathy and development of nephropathy each increase the risk for incidence of the other, independent of established risk factors for microvascular complications, supporting the notion of a shared aetiologic basis.
Vitamin D in youth with Type 1 diabetes: prevalence of insufficiency and association with insulin resistance in the SEARCH Nutrition Ancillary Study
Authors: The N. S. , Crandell J. L. , Lawrence J. M. , King I. B. , Dabelea D. , Marcovina S. M. , D'Agostino R. B. , Norris J. M. , Pihoker C. , Mayer‐Davis E. J.
Published: August 2013

Aims

To determine the prevalence of plasma vitamin D (25‐dihydroxyvitamin D) insufficiency in individuals with Type 1 diabetes and to determine the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of plasma vitamin D with insulin resistance.

Methods

Participants from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study [n = 1426; mean age 11.2 years (sd 3.9)] had physician‐diagnosed Type 1 diabetes [diabetes duration mean 10.2 months (sd 6.5)] with data available at baseline and follow‐up (approximately 12 and 24 months after baseline). Insulin resistance was estimated using a validated equation. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association of plasma vitamin D with insulin resistance, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Forty‐nine per cent of individuals had plasma vitamin D < 50 nmol/l and 26% were insulin resistant. In cross‐sectional multivariate analyses, participants who had higher plasma vitamin D (65 nmol/l) had lower odds of prevalent insulin resistance than participants with lower plasma vitamin D (25 nmol/l) (odds ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.57–0.85). This association was attenuated after additional adjustment for BMI z‐score, which could be a confounder or a mediator (odds ratio 0.81, 95% CI 0.64–1.03). In longitudinal multivariate analyses, individuals with higher plasma vitamin D at baseline had lower odds of incident insulin resistance, but this was not significant (odds ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.63–1.14).

Conclusions

Vitamin D insufficiency is common in individuals with Type 1 diabetes and may increase risk for insulin resistance. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine the association between plasma vitamin D and insulin resistance, and to further examine the role of adiposity on this association.
The Impact of Investment Behaviour for Individual Welfare
Authors: Post Thomas , Gründl Helmut , Schmit Joan T. , Zimmer Anja
Published: August 2013

The industrialized world has experienced a demographic shift that is straining public pension systems. Employer‐sponsored pension plans change from defined benefit to defined contribution. More emphasis is put on individually managed retirement funds. One concern with this movement is the potential negative effect on individual welfare if households' investment behaviour is suboptimal. Using micro‐levelUSdata, we compare the optimal utility computed using a lifecycle model with the actual utility as reflected in empirical asset allocation choices. Average estimated welfare costs are below 3% of households' endowment (assets and human capital); yet specific population groups experience higher welfare costs.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a risk factor for type 2 diabetes: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Lee Charles T.‐C. , Mao I‐Chieh , Lin Ching‐Hsiung , Lin Sheng‐Hao , Hsieh Ming‐Chia
Published: August 2013

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common medical disorder and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We investigated whether chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the risk factor for type 2 diabetes in an Asian population.

Materials and methods

From Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we collected data from 16 088 patients, including 8044 COPD patients and 8044 age‐ and gender‐ matched control subjects. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to evaluate independent risk factors for type 2 diabetes in all patients and identify risk factors in patients with COPD.

Results

During the 5·5‐year follow‐up, patients with COPD were found to have a significantly higher rate of incident type 2 diabetes than the control group (P < 0·001). COPD was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes hazard ratio (HR : 1·41, 1·23–1·63, P < 0·001) after adjusting sex, age, residential area, insurance premium, steroid use, hypertriglycemia, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease. Cox regression analysis showed that hypertension (HR : 1·55, 1·33–1·80, P < 0·001) and hypertriglycemia (HR : 1·48, 1·15–1·90, P = 0·002) were important risk factors for type 2 diabetes in patients with COPD.

Conclusions

Patients with COPD have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes compared with control subjects after adjusting for confounding factors such as sex, age, residential area, insurance premium, steroid use, hypertriglycemia, hypertension, CAD and cerebrovascular disease. Continuous surveillance of signals of dysglycemia may be incorporated into care programmes for patients with COPD.
Tissue‐specific expression of the pheromone gland‐specific fatty acyl reductase gene in Ostrinia scapulalis
Authors: Antony Binu , Ishikawa Yukio
Published: August 2013

Pheromone gland‐specific fatty acyl reductase (pgFAR) is a key enzyme involved in the conversion of fatty acyl precursors to the corresponding alcohols in moth sex pheromone biosynthesis. The gene (pgFAR) encoding for this enzyme is a major contributor to pheromone‐based reproductive isolation in moths. Despite the significance of this gene, the tissue‐specific expression has not yet been reported. In this study, we amplified pgFAR from Ostrinia scapulalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) 1 day before adult eclosion and in adult female moths that were 0–5 days old. We confirmed that the transcripts were upregulated from 1 day before adult eclosion until the 3rd day after adult emergence; however, the expression level appeared to decrease drastically in female moths that were 4–5 days old. To study the tissue‐specific expression of pgFAR, a cDNA encoding pgFAR was cloned, and an RNA probe was designed to localize gene expression in pheromone gland cells using in situ hybridization. The results unambiguously and specifically confirmed the expression of pgFAR in the modified epidermal cells, which are designated as pheromone‐producing cells, located at the dorsal end of the 8th–9th intersegmental membrane. This study is the first report of the tissue‐specific localization of pgFAR expression in moths.
Harnessing the genome for characterization of G‐protein coupled receptors in cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Feigin Michael E.
Published: August 2013

G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate numerous physiological processes and represent the targets for a vast array of therapeutics for diseases ranging from depression to hypertension to reflux. Despite the recognition that GPCRs can act as oncogenes and tumour suppressors by regulating oncogenic signalling networks, few drugs targeting GPCRs are utilized in cancer therapy. Recent large‐scale genome‐wide analyses of multiple human tumours have uncovered novel GPCRs altered in cancer. However, work aiming to determine which GPCRs from these lists are the drivers of tumourigenesis, and hence valid therapeutic targets, comprises a formidable challenge. The present review highlights recent studies providing evidence that GPCRs are relevant targets for cancer therapy through their effects on known cancer signalling pathways, tumour progression, invasion and metastasis, and the microenvironment. Furthermore, the review also explores how genomic analysis is beginning to highlight GPCRs as therapeutic targets in the age of personalized medicine.
Assessing the performance of the photo‐acoustic infrared gas monitor for measuring CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes in two major cereal rotations
Authors: Tirol‐Padre Agnes , Rai Munmun , Gathala Mahesh , Sharma Sheetal , Kumar Virender , Sharma Parbodh C. , Sharma Dinesh K. , Wassmann Reiner , Ladha Jagdish
Published: August 2013

Rapid, precise, and globally comparable methods for monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes are required for accurate GHG inventories from different cropping systems and management practices. Manual gas sampling followed by gas chromatography (GC) is widely used for measuring GHG fluxes in agricultural fields, but is laborious and time‐consuming. The photo‐acoustic infrared gas monitoring system (PAS) with on‐line gas sampling is an attractive option, although it has not been evaluated for measuring GHG fluxes in cereals in general and rice in particular. We compared N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes measured by GC and PAS from agricultural fields under the rice–wheat and maize–wheat systems during the wheat (winter), and maize/rice (monsoon) seasons in Haryana, India. All the PAS readings were corrected for baseline drifts over time and PAS‐CH4 (PCH4) readings in flooded rice were corrected for water vapor interferences. The PCH4 readings in ambient air increased by 2.3 ppm for every 1000 mg cm−3 increase in water vapor. The daily CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes measured by GC and PAS from the same chamber were not different in 93–98% of all the measurements made but the PAS exhibited greater precision for estimates of CO2 and N2O fluxes in wheat and maize, and lower precision for CH4 flux in rice, than GC. The seasonal GC‐ and PAS‐N2O (PN2O) fluxes in wheat and maize were not different but the PAS‐CO2 (PCO2) flux in wheat was 14–39% higher than that of GC. In flooded rice, the seasonal PCH4 and PN2O fluxes across N levels were higher than those of GC‐CH4 and GC‐N2O fluxes by about 2‐ and 4fold, respectively. The PAS (i) proved to be a suitable alternative to GC for N2O and CO2 flux measurements in wheat, and (ii) showed potential for obtaining accurate measurements of CH4 fluxes in flooded rice after making correction for changes in humidity.
Annual forage legumes in dryland agricultural systems of the West Asia and North Africa Regions: research achievements and future perspective
Authors: Ates S. , Feindel D. , El Moneim A. , Ryan J.
Published: August 2013

Forage legumes are vitally important to animal production in the dryland farming systems of the Mediterranean region. Of the diverse forage‐legume species adapted to the Mediterranean climate, vetches, (Vicia spp.), chicklings (Lathyrus spp.), annual medics (Medicago spp), clovers (Trifolium spp.) and species of the Lupinus, Lotus, Onobrychis, Hedysarum and Ornithopus genera are considered to be the most agronomically important and economically valuable species for the region. Adoption of perennial self‐regenerating medic (Medicago spp.) has been limited because of technical difficulties, but annual vetch (Vicia spp.) has the greatest potential as a viable animal‐feed source and a rotation crop with cereals. Some forage legumes survive harsh conditions by their unique underground growth habit, for example, V. amphicarpa and Lathyrus ciliolatus. Efforts to improve forage legumes have been based on both management/cultural factors and breeding. Research based on several long‐term barley‐ and wheat‐based rotation trials has demonstrated the viability of forage legumes, especially vetch, in the region's improved farming system. An additional benefit to such legumes is the enhancement of soil quality, that is, soil fertility, soil organic matter and soil physical properties. Thus, the development of forage legumes is essential to agricultural sustainability in the Mediterranean region and in other dryland cereal‐growing areas of the world where grazing livestock is a dominant enterprise. To build upon the considerable research conducted on forages, intensified efforts are needed to develop locally adapted forage cultivars, to provide economic assessment of forages in cropping systems and to promote technology transfer at the farm and community level.
Production and nutritional value of sorghum and black oat forages under nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Restelatto R. , Pavinato P. S. , Sartor L. R. , Paixão S. J.
Published: August 2013

The effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the dry‐matter (DM) yield and nutritional value of sorghum (Sorghum sp., cv. Jumbo) and black oat (Avena strigosa cv., IPR 61) was investigated in the context of forage and livestock production in southern Brazil. Sorghum was cultivated with 0, 37·5, 75, 150, 225, 300 and 375 kg N ha−1 during the summer crop seasons of 2010/11 and 2011/12. Black oat received 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 and 240 kg N ha−1 in the winter of 2011. According to the adjusted polynomial regression, sorghum DM yield increased in response to N up to 288 (12·9 t ha−1) and 264 kg ha−1 (5·6 t ha−1) in 2010/11 and 2011/12 respectively. Crude protein (CP) content of sorghum was highest at 349 and 328 kg N ha−1, but in vitro dry‐matter digestibility (IVDMD) was highest at 212–207 kg N ha−1 in 2010/11 and 2011/12 respectively. Sorghum neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were not affected by N fertilization. In black oat, the maximum DM yield (6·0 t ha−1) was obtained with 187 kg N ha−1; the IVDMD, NDF and ADF were not affected by N fertilization, but the CP content increased up to 220 kg N ha−1. It is concluded that these forage species can improve the year‐to‐year amount and quality of forage produced but high rates of N fertilizer are required to achieve high yields. Fertilizer N rates of 210–280 kg N ha−1 in sorghum and 180 kg N ha−1 in black oat in the crop rotation provide the greatest responses in DM yield consistent with good nutritional quality for livestock production.
Low‐Cost Silicon Nitride from β‐Silicon Nitride Powder and by Low‐Temperature Sintering
Authors: Kondo Naoki , Hotta Mikinori , Ohji Tatsuki
Published: August 2013

Aiming to manufacture low‐cost silicon nitride components, a low‐cost β powder was chosen as a raw powder and low‐temperature sintering at 1550–1600°C under atmospheric pressure nitrogen was carried out. The silicon nitride from β powder with 5 wt% Y2O3 and 5 wt% MgAl2O4 additives and sintered at 1600°C for 8 h was successfully densified, and it exhibited moderate strength and toughness of 553 MPa ± 22 and 3.5 MPa m1/2, respectively. The results indicate that the low‐temperature sintering of the low‐cost β powder has a potential to reduce cost of components.
Lithium Thiophosphate Glasses and Glass–Ceramics as Solid Electrolytes: Processing, Microstructure, and Properties
Authors: Berbano Seth S. , Mirsaneh Mehdi , Lanagan Michael T. , Randall Clive A.
Published: August 2013

Lithium solid electrolytes are of major interest for solid‐state batteries and electrochemical capacitors (ECs). Currently, the material selection space of liquid electrolytes is dominated by lithium salts paired with organics. Improved safety, as well as the need for higher temperature and high voltage operation, opens up opportunities for glass and ceramic alternatives in these important solid‐state energy storage technologies. Lithium thiophosphates in the family x Li2S + (1−x) P2S5 (mol fraction) possess room temperature ionic conductivities greater than 10−3(Ω‐cm)‐1 in crystallized x = 0.70 (almost the highest in inorganic solid‐state electrolytes). Within this review article, we address recent progress made in this class of material. We consider the role of densification on the Li‐ion conductivity, as well as our recent data on the effect of densification on the electrochemical properties of the system. We cover the processing techniques of mechanical milling and pressure‐forming, discuss microstructure, bulk versus surface conduction, and device integration. The systematic improvement in ionic conductivity with increased density suggests that bulk conduction dominates surface conduction and demonstrates that dense, rather than porous, lithium thiophosphate solid electrolytes are important in the design of solid‐state batteries and ECs.
Effects of lysozyme on Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris under laboratory conditions
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Ciuffreda Emanuela , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria R.
Published: August 2013

This research was aimed at investigating the bioactivity of lysozyme towards Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. Lysozyme (0.1–20 ppm) was tested towards five different strains; the experiments were performed on both spores and vegetative cells using a microdilution approach to assess the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Thereafter, spore viability of two selected strains was evaluated through the traditional plate count. Finally, an experiment was run to assess the role of lysozyme on the complex phenomenon of spore germination. The MIC of lysozyme towards vegetative cells varied from 0.1 to 6 ppm, while for the spores, it was from 0.1 to 3 ppm. Concerning spore viability, the effect of lysozyme relied upon its amount on the broth, as at MIC it caused a slight reduction in spores (approximately 1 log cfu ml−1) after 24 h; otherwise, higher concentrations caused a decrease in spore level below the detection limit. Concerning spore germination, lysozyme exerted a promoting effect on this phenomenon and reduced the optical density by 66%.
NetMHCstab – predicting stability of peptide–MHC‐I complexes; impacts for cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope discovery
Authors: Jørgensen Kasper W. , Rasmussen Michael , Buus Søren , Nielsen Morten
Published: August 2013

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) molecules play an essential role in the cellular immune response, presenting peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) allowing the immune system to scrutinize ongoing intracellular production of proteins. In the early 1990s, immunogenicity and stability of the peptide–MHC‐I (pMHC‐I) complex were shown to be correlated. At that time, measuring stability was cumbersome and time consuming and only small data sets were analysed. Here, we investigate this fairly unexplored area on a large scale compared with earlier studies. A recent small‐scale study demonstrated that pMHC‐I complex stability was a better correlate of CTL immunogenicity than peptide–MHC‐I affinity. We here extended this study and analysed a total of 5509 distinct peptide stability measurements covering 10 different HLA class I molecules. Artificial neural networks were used to construct stability predictors capable of predicting the half‐life of the pMHC‐I complex. These predictors were shown to predict T‐cell epitopes and MHC ligands from SYFPEITHI and IEDB to form significantly more stable MHC‐I complexes compared with affinity‐matched non‐epitopes. Combining the stability predictions with a state‐of‐the‐art affinity predictions NetMHCcons significantly improved the performance for identification of T‐cell epitopes and ligands. For the HLA alleles included in the study, we could identify distinct sub‐motifs that differentiate between stable and unstable peptide binders and demonstrate that anchor positions in the N‐terminal of the binding motif (primarily P2 and P3) play a critical role for the formation of stable pMHC‐I complexes. A webserver implementing the method is available at www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/NetMHCstab.
Age structure, sex ratios and survival rates in a south Swedish Sand martin (Riparia riparia) population, 1964 to 1984
Authors: Persson Christer
Published: August 2013

Environmental ‘events' such as catastrophic winter mortality and reproduction failure influence age structure, sex ratios and survival rates of Sand martin populations in very specific ways. In order to recognize these influences we need to know normal or average values for these quantities, as well as normal disturbances likely to create sampling errors. Variance normal to Sand martins includes (1) that there is pronounced age segregation within colonies, (2) that survival rates of juveniles decrease with progressing fledging date, and (3) that adult survival rates vary by at least a factor of three in the course of 10–15 years.

In addition to heavy overall mortality, catastrophic winter conditions create biased sex ratios among older birds: females of age ≥ 3y gradually disappear. Stress on older birds due to their higher breeding contributions (double broods) is the probable cause. This differential mortality—a characteristic of the population as a whole, not of one colony‐is compensated for by distinct, precisely timed (counter‐)biased sex ratios among first‐time breeders. So far there has been no reason to assume that these ratios are created by exclusion of members of either sex from breeding.

The age structure of a population becomes compressed during periods (prolonged over some years) of adverse weather, and expands during favourable periods. This brings a shift from general vulnerability to general stamina in its train. All changes are remarkably continuous, in a sense never really ‘catastrophic’, because of the moderating influences of age structure and sex ratios.

In south Sweden Sand martins are heavily preyed upon by badgers. Most of the predation occurs during periods of dry weather, when earthworms are difficult to procure. However, the observed oscillations (Persson, 1987a) cannot be the outcome of a predator‐prey relation: several prerequisites are not fulfilled. It is assumed, instead, that the population involved is self‐ regulating, although this self‐regulation may very well be accentuated by predation.
IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Wittwer Iain
Published: August 2013

Background

Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) has been shown to be the most common cause of anaemia worldwide. It is accepted that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop anaemia as their kidney function declines.

Methods

To better understand IDA in CKD, it is necessary to appreciate the normal iron metabolism and utilisation of iron and how these processes can be disordered in patients with CKD. The problems related to infection / inflammation and oxidative stress are examined. Whilst National and international guidelines recommend specific tests for IDA, these and alternative tests are reviewed.

Conclusions

Whilst iron supplementation is necessary for CKD patients with IDA, iron metabolism and utilisation can be affected by factors such as infection or inflammation. Iron is essential element for all life, it can be toxic to cells through the process of oxidative stress. The recommended tests for IDA may be affected by factors such as infection and inflammation. Alternative tests are available, which may be a more accurate indicator of IDA as they are not affected by external factors.
Enhancement of Piezoelectric Performance of Lead‐Free NKN‐Based Ceramics via a High‐Performance Flux—NaF–Nb2O5
Authors: Liu Cheng , Liu Peng , Kobayashi Keisuke , Qu Wei‐guo , Randall Clive A.
Published: August 2013

x(NaF−0.5Nb2O5)−(1 − x)[(Na0.5K0.5)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3] (100xNN−NKNT) piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated to high densities above 97% when sintering at temperatures ~1200°C. Compared with pure (Na,K)NbO3 (NKN), dielectric constants of the NaF–Nb2O5 flux‐doped NKNT ceramics were increased whereas dielectric losses remained low. High field polarization switching showed very square hysteresis loops, but the coercive fields were decreased through a “softening” doping effect induced by the flux. A Rayleigh analysis inferred that the extrinsic contribution from the domain wall dynamics was increased with the flux addition. Collectively, all the experimental observations suggested that NaF–Nb2O5 was, in part, soluble in the structure and highly suitable for obtaining a stable NKN system with improved piezoelectric performance.
Dielectric Breakdown of Polycrystalline Alumina: A Weakest‐Link Failure Analysis
Authors: Block Benjamin , Kim Youngjin , Shetty Dinesh K.
Published: August 2013

The effects of varying electrode geometry (ball and ring) and size (radius), dielectric liquid (castor oil and Diala® oil), and specimen thickness on the dielectric breakdown of a commercial‐grade alumina were investigated. The breakdown strength was expressed in terms of the maximum electric field in the ceramic calculated by finite element analysis (FEA) at the breakdown voltage. The breakdown strength decreased systematically with increasing electrode radius and specimen thickness, and the strength was higher in the Diala® oil (dielectric constant, εr = 2.3 ± 0.06) as compared to the castor oil (εr = 4.6 ± 0.13). These effects of the electrode geometry, specimen thickness, and of the dielectric liquid on the breakdown strength of the alumina were analyzed with a weakest‐link failure model employing Laplace and Weibull distributions for a population of defects in the material. The measured size or scaling effects of the electrodes, specimen thickness, and of the dielectric liquid on breakdown strength were in better agreement with the Laplace distribution for a population of surface defects. The dielectric breakdown is likely initiated at surface pits produced by grain pullout. The measured area concentration of surface pits agreed with the defect density analyzed from the weakest‐link failure theory. FEA of specimens containing surface and subsurface cavities revealed that electric field concentrations were always greater for surface pits as compared to subsurface cavities. There is, in fact, no electric field concentration at a subsurface cavity located more than about 100–800 μm below the surface depending on the top electrode size.
Prospective Dynamic Assessment of Risk of Sexual Reoffending in Individuals with an Intellectual Disability and a History of Sexual Offending Behaviour
Authors: Lofthouse Rachael E. , Lindsay William R. , Totsika Vasiliki , Hastings Richard P. , Boer Douglas P. , Haaven James L.
Published: August 2013

Background

The purpose of the present study was to add to the literature on the predictive accuracy of a dynamic intellectual disability specific risk assessment tool.

Method

A dynamic risk assessment for sexual reoffending (ARMIDILO‐S), a static risk assessment for sexual offending (STATIC‐99), and a static risk assessment for violence (Violence Risk Appraisal Guide [VRAG]) were completed for a sample of 64 adult males with an intellectual disability.

Results

The dynamic risk assessment for sexual offenders with an intellectual disability resulted in the best prediction of sexual reoffending (ARMIDILO‐S area under the curve (AUC) = 0.92) this was better than an established sexual offending static risk assessment (STATIC‐99 AUC = 0.75). A static tool for violent reoffending, did not perform as well in this group (VRAG AUC = 0.58).

Conclusions

Results suggest that dynamic variables are useful in predicting sexual reoffending with individuals with an intellectual disability, confirming previous findings. The ARMIDILO‐S is a promising dynamic risk assessment for individuals with an intellectual disability.
Pathways into the Criminal Justice System for Individuals with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Raina Poonam , Arenovich Tamara , Jones Jessica , Lunsky Yona
Published: August 2013

Background

Studies focusing on pathways in the criminal justice system for individuals with intellectual disability are limited in that they only study individuals once they are involved in the system and do not consider the pathways into it. The purpose of this study is to examine predisposing factors that lead to various outcomes for individuals with intellectual disability when police are called to respond to their behavioural crises.

Method

The current study examined the outcome of police response to 138 individuals with intellectual disability in crisis. Following police intervention, 15 individuals were arrested, 76 were taken to the emergency department and 47 received on‐scene resolution. Comparisons between the three groups were conducted.

Results

The three groups differed in terms of residence at the time of crisis, history of forensic involvement and type of crisis. Police intervention with adults with intellectual disability can happen for different reasons. Both individual and situational predictors explained this outcome.
Anti‐Social Behaviour and Police Contact among 13‐ to 15‐Year‐old English Adolescents with and Without Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disability
Authors: Emerson Eric , Halpin Sarah
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To describe the rates of anti‐social behaviour (ASB) among adolescents with/without mild/moderate intellectual disability (MMID). To estimate whether any differences could be attributable to differences in exposure to extraneous risk factors.

Design

Secondary analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England.

Methods

Participants with MMID were identified through data linkage with educational records.

Results

Parents of children with MMID were more likely to report police contact, children with MMID were more likely to self‐report fighting/public disturbance, shoplifting and graffiti. When controlling for differences in exposure to extraneous risk factors, MMID was associated with increased rates of police contact and self‐reported graffiti, no difference in self‐reported shoplifting, reduced rates of self‐reported fighting/public disturbance and vandalism.

Conclusions

Differences in the rates of exposure to extraneous risk factors play an important role in accounting for the differences in the prevalence of self‐reported ASB among adolescents with and without MMID.
Geographical variation in reproductive capacity of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) northern peripheral populations
Authors: Graignic Noémie , Tremblay Francine , Bergeron Yves
Published: August 2013

Aim

Several models have predicted that, with climate change, Northern Hemisphere species will migrate northwards from their present distribution ranges. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) reaches its northern continuous distributional limit in north‐eastern North America at the transition between boreal mixed‐wood and temperate deciduous forest. Our objective was to determine whether lower sugar maple recruitment potential accounts for this gradual transition between the continuous and discontinuous zones of the distribution.

Location

The northern limit of sugar maple in eastern Canada.

Methods

We analysed the reproductive capacity of sugar maple populations along three latitudinal transects (located in the west, centre and east of Québec) in 24 sites located between 45°51′–48°59′ N and 70°21′–79°27′ W. The study area was divided into two zones, continuous and discontinuous, based on sugar maple stand abundance. We examined stand structure, sugar maple seed abundance and germination, and sugar maple seedling density and age structure.

Results

Sugar maple regeneration was uneven‐aged and similar between continuous (south) and discontinuous (north) zones. For the western transect, more filled seeds and more seedlings were recorded in the continuous zone than in the discontinuous zone. Sugar maple seedling density was positively influenced by (1) basal area of mature sugar maple and saplings of all species, and (2) July mean temperature and precipitation. Four mast seed years were identified that were well synchronized across all sites; mast seeding covaried significantly with July mean temperature and July mean precipitation of the previous year.

Main conclusions

Our study clearly demonstrated an effect of climatic variables and stand characteristics on sugar maple regeneration. However, these factors did not explain the transition from a continuous to a discontinuous distribution for this species. Most of our northern sites exhibited constant sugar maple recruitment over time. These results highlight the importance of including non‐climatic factors in models predicting species change in abundance.
Assessment of coronary microvascular resistance in the chronic infarcted pig heart
Authors: Koudstaal Stefan , Jansen of Lorkeers Sanne J. , van Slochteren Frebus J. , van der Spoel Tycho I.G. , van de Hoef Tim P. , Sluijter Joost P. , Siebes Maria , Doevendans Pieter A. , Piek Jan J. , Chamuleau Steven A.J.
Published: August 2013

Pre‐clinical studies aimed at treating ischemic heart disease (i.e. stem cell‐ and growth factor therapy) often consider restoration of the impaired microvascular circulation as an important treatment goal. However, serial in vivo measurement hereof is often lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of intracoronary pressure and flow velocity as a measure of microvascular resistance in a large animal model of chronic myocardial infarction (MI). Myocardial infarction was induced in Dalland Landrace pigs (n = 13; 68.9 ± 4.1 kg) by a 75‐min. balloon occlusion of the left circumflex artery (LCX). Intracoronary pressure and flow velocity parameters were measured simultaneously at rest and during adenosine‐induced hyperemia, using the Combowire (Volcano) before and 4 weeks after MI. Various pressure‐ and/or flow‐derived indices were evaluated. Hyperemic microvascular resistance (HMR) was significantly increased by 28% in the infarct‐related artery, based on a significantly decreased peak average peak flow velocity (pAPV) by 20% at 4 weeks post‐MI (P = 0.03). Capillary density in the infarct zone was decreased compared to the remote area (658 ± 207/mm2 versus 1650 ± 304/mm2, P = 0.017). In addition, arterioles in the infarct zone showed excessive thickening of the alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) positive cell layer compared to the remote area (33.55 ± 4.25 μm versus 14.64 ± 1.39 μm, P = 0.002). Intracoronary measurement of HMR successfully detected increased microvascular resistance that might be caused by the loss of capillaries and arteriolar remodelling in the chronic infarcted pig heart. Thus, HMR may serve as a novel outcome measure in pre‐clinical studies for serial assessment of microvascular circulation.
Using balance statistics to determine the optimal number of controls in matching studies
Authors: Linden Ariel , Samuels Steven J.
Published: August 2013

When a randomized controlled trial is not feasible, investigators typically turn to matching techniques as an alternative approach to evaluate the effectiveness of health care interventions. Matching studies are designed to minimize imbalances on measured pre‐intervention characteristics, thereby reducing bias in estimates of treatment effects. Generally, a matching ratio up to 4:1 (control to treatment) elicits the lowest bias. However, when matching techniques are used in prospective studies, investigators try to maximize the number of controls matched to each treated individual to increase the likelihood that a sufficient sample size will remain after attrition. In this paper, we describe a systematic approach to managing the trade‐off between minimizing bias and maximizing matched sample size. Our approach includes the following three steps: (1) run the desired matching algorithm, starting with 1:1 (one control to one treated individual) matching and iterating until the maximum desired number of potential controls per treated subject is reached; (2) for each iteration, test for covariate balance; and (3) generate numeric summaries and graphical plots of the balance statistics across all iterations in order to determine the optimal solution. We demonstrate the implementation of this approach with data from a medical home pilot programme and with a simulation study of populations of 100 000 in which 1000 individuals receive the intervention. We advocate undertaking this methodical approach in matching studies to ensure that the optimal matching solution is identified. Doing so will raise the overall quality of the literature and increase the likelihood of identifying effective interventions.
Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in typical and atypical GERD: Roles of gastroesophageal acid refluxes and esophageal motility
Authors: Patcharatrakul Tanisa , Gonlachanvit Sutep
Published: August 2013

Background/Aim

To determine the roles of gastroesophageal acid reflux (GER) and esophageal dysmotility on typical and atypical GERD symptoms.

Methods

Two hundred thirty‐six patients (159 females, age 47 ± 14 years) with typical and atypical GERD symptom(s) for > 3 months underwent standard water perfused esophageal manometry (EM) and 24 h esophageal pH studies during off therapy.

Results

Eighty seven and 93 patients had positive lower esophageal pH tests and abnormal EM, respectively. Patients with positive lower esophageal pH test were significantly older (50 ± 13 vs 45 ± 13 years, P < 0.005) and had higher prevalence of acid regurgitation symptoms than patients with negative test (56/87 vs 72/149, P < 0.05). Patients with positive upper esophageal pH test (n = 67) also had significantly higher prevalence of acid regurgitation symptoms (43/67 vs 74/152, P < 0.05). Prevalence of other upper gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were similar between patients with positive and negative upper and lower pH test. Patients with abnormal EM were significantly older (49 ± 14 vs 45 ± 13 years, P < 0.05) and had higher prevalence of chronic cough than patients with normal EM(30/93 vs 26/143, P < 0.05). In patients with positive pH tests, the prevalence of dysphagia, chronic cough, and hoarseness of voice were significantly higher in patients with abnormal than those with normal EM (18/31 vs 18/56, P < 0.05; 12/31 vs 6/56, P < 0.005 and 19/31 vs 18/56, P < 0.01, respectively). Whereas in patients with negative lower pH tests, only the prevalence of heartburn was significantly lower in patients with normal than those with abnormal EM (26/87 vs 30/62, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Acid regurgitation but not heartburn was associated with GER. Esophageal dysmotility had no significant effect on acid regurgitation symptom but associated with chronic cough, hoarseness of voice, and dysphagia only in patients with abnormal esophageal acid exposure.
Dietary sorbitol and mannitol: food content and distinct absorption patterns between healthy individuals and patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Yao C. K. , Tan H.‐L. , van Langenberg D. R. , Barrett J. S. , Rose R. , Liels K. , Gibson P. R. , Muir J. G.
Published: August 2013

Background

Sorbitol and mannitol are naturally‐occurring polyol isomers. Although poor absorption and induction of gastrointestinal symptoms by sorbitol are known, the properties of mannitol are poorly described. We aimed to expand data on food composition of these polyols, and to compare their absorptive capacities and symptom induction in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy individuals.

Methods

Food samples were analysed for sorbitol and mannitol content. The degree of absorption measured by breath hydrogen production and gastrointestinal symptoms (visual analogue scales) was evaluated in a randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study in 21 healthy and 20 IBS subjects after challenges with 10 g of sorbitol, mannitol or glucose.

Results

Certain fruits and sugar‐free gum contained sorbitol, whereas mannitol content was higher in certain vegetables. Similar proportions of patients with IBS (40%) and healthy subjects (33%) completely absorbed sorbitol, although more so with IBS absorbed mannitol (80% versus 43%; P = 0.02). Breath hydrogen production was similar in both groups after lactulose but was reduced in patients with IBS after both polyols. No difference in mean (SEM) hydrogen production was found in healthy controls after sorbitol [area‐under‐the‐curve: 2766 (591) ppm 4 h–1] or mannitol [2062 (468) ppm 4 h–1] but, in patients with IBS, this was greater after sorbitol [1136 (204) ppm 4 h–1] than mannitol [404 (154) ppm 4 h–1; P = 0.002]. Overall gastrointestinal symptoms increased significantly after both polyols in patients with IBS only, although they were independent of malabsorption of either of the polyols.

Conclusions

Increased and discordant absorption of mannitol and sorbitol occurs in patients with IBS compared to that in healthy controls. Polyols induced gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS independently of their absorptive patterns, suggesting that the dietary restriction of polyols may be efficacious.
MYB56 Encoding a R2R3 MYB Transcription Factor Regulates Seed Size in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Yanjie , Liang Wanqi , Shi Jianxin , Xu Jie , Zhang Dabing
Published: August 2013

Plant seed size is tightly regulated by the development of seed coat, embryo, and endosperm; however, currently, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we revealed a regulatory role of an R2R3 MYB transcription factor MYB56 in controlling seed size specifically in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Loss‐of‐function or knock‐down of MYB56 yielded smaller seeds as compared with the wild type. Conversely, overexpression of MYB56 produced larger seeds. Further observation using semi‐thin sections showed that myb56 developed smaller contracted endothelial cells and reduced cell number in the outer integument layer of the seed coat during the seed development; by contrast, MYB56 overexpressing lines had expanded endothelial cells and increased cell number in the outer integument layer of the seed coat, suggesting the essential role of MYB56 in regulating seed development. In addition, reciprocal cross‐analysis showed that MYB56 affected the seed development maternally. MYB56 was shown to be dominantly expressed in developing seeds, consistently with its function in seed development. Moreover, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that MYB56 regulates the expression of genes involved in cell wall metabolism such as cell division and expansion. Altogether, our results demonstrated that MYB56 represents an unknown pathway for positively controlling the seed size.
Using the Optimality Index–US to Teach Midwifery Students to Recognize and Implement Evidence‐Based Practices That Promote Optimal Outcomes in Perinatal Health
Authors: van Olphen Fehr Juliana
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Perinatal optimality means achieving maximal perinatal outcomes with minimal interventions considering women's past and present histories. The Optimality Index–US (OI‐US) is a research tool designed to measure potential associations between evidence‐based perinatal care processes and outcomes in aggregate groups of women against an optimal standard. This article describes how the Shenandoah University Nurse‐Midwifery Program uses the OI‐US to teach students to recognize evidence‐based care, reflect on the influences that care processes may have on outcomes, and consider the value of measuring the relationship between interventions and outcomes. Case studies and individual presentations apply the optimality concept by illustrating different care processes, identifying evidence‐based care, and evaluating management through the optimality lens.

Methods

A pilot study was performed in which a 10‐question interview was administered to 9 midwifery students before graduation. Two research questions were addressed: “Is the OI‐US an effective teaching tool?” and “How can the program improve this strategy?” Narrative analysis was used to interpret students’ understandings of the tool, how it affected their clinical learning, and its potential to use in future practices.

Results

Four themes were identified: 1) students felt the OI‐US gave them a foundation to assess their management and the confidence to plan future management, 2) students used the OI‐US as a teaching tool to help women prevent nonoptimal events from occurring, 3) students thought the OI‐US would be feasible to use in their future practices, and 4) lack of accessibility to a printed version of the tool while providing care was an obstacle for efficient use. Students suggested increasing the tool's accessibility and using it in other learning activities.

Discussion

The use of the OI‐US should be explored further to teach evidence‐based care, to generate reflection concerning potential associations between perinatal care processes and outcomes, and to challenge students to question non‐evidence‐based practices.
Recasting Enterprise Strategy: Towards Stakeholder Research That Matters to General Managers
Authors: Crilly Donal
Published: August 2013

As well as specifying functional, business unit, and corporate levels of strategy, early strategy scholars delineated enterprise level strategy as the uppermost level of strategy. Enterprise strategy articulates how the firm engages with actors in its economic, social, and political environment to ensure long‐term corporate performance. As a growing body of evidence shows, heterogeneity in how firms identify, and engage with, their stakeholders can explain why some firms outperform their peers. However, my literature survey of more than three decades of published research reveals that enterprise strategy has stayed firmly in the shadows behind business and corporate strategy. Furthermore, many theories of firm–stakeholder relationships are normative (i.e. explain how firms should act) and do not inform strategy effectively. In this paper, I argue why enterprise strategy research is required as a cohesive body of work that connects with research in business and corporate strategy. I finish by proposing three research domains – strategic goals, organization design, and organization boundaries – that hold the potential to link stakeholder issues with mainstream concerns in strategy research and, thus, to revive a coherent research programme in enterprise level strategy.