bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging core cultural beliefs and maintaining the therapeutic alliance: a qualitative study
Authors: Yon Katherine , Malik Rabia , Mandin Philippe , Midgley Nick
Published: February 2017

Engaging black and minority‐ethnic (BME) individuals in therapy and maintaining a positive therapeutic alliance can be a complex task, especially when challenging a family's core belief system. This study examines how therapists working within a specialist cultural service in London, UK were able to question a family's core cultural belief system whilst building and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance. Video‐assisted semi‐structured interviews were carried out with two family members and their two therapists, and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that core beliefs can be effectively challenged within the context of a strong therapeutic alliance if topics are approached in a sensitive and respectful manner, by trusted therapists who have a degree of knowledge and awareness of their own cultural positioning, as well as an understanding of their clients’ culture. We propose that engaging with culture in this way can strengthen alliance and facilitate positive change.

Practitioner points

Core cultural belief systems can be effectively challenged by therapists within the context of a positive therapeutic alliance

Topics need to be approached sensitively with a degree of authenticity, curiosity and respect

Respectfully challenging core beliefs while being aware of one's own cultural construction and positioning, can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and promote positive change
Fixed time interval compared with on‐demand oral analgesia protocols for post‐caesarean pain: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yefet E , Taha H , Salim R , Hasanein J , Carmeli Y , Schwartz N , Nachum Z
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To compare the efficacy, safety and satisfaction from two modes of oral analgesia administration for the treatment of post‐caesarean pain in the first 48 h following surgery: on‐demand versus fixed time interval administration.

Design

Open label parallel‐group, randomised‐controlled trial from February to December 2013.

Setting

University‐affiliated hospital in Israel.

Population

Two‐hundred women who underwent caesarean delivery with regional anaesthesia.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive predetermined combinations of tramadol, paracetamol and diclofenac either following patient demand or at predetermined 6‐h intervals for the first 48 h. If the patient requested additional analgesia, Percocet (oxycodone and paracetamol) was given as a rescue treatment.

Main outcome measures

Pain intensity and satisfaction were self‐evaluated with visual analogue scale of 0 (no pain/least satisfaction) to 10 (worst pain/highest satisfaction). Breastfeeding, need for supplemental formula, and maternal and neonatal adverse effects were also evaluated.

Results

The ‘fixed time interval’ group, compared with the ‘on‐demand’ group, had lower mean pain score (2.8 ± 0.84 versus 4.1 ± 0.48, respectively; P < 0.0001), higher satisfaction rate (9.1 ± 1.2 versus 8.3 ± 1.5, respectively; P < 0.0001), more breastfeeds (23.7 ± 6.5 versus 19.2 ± 6.2, respectively; P < 0.0001) and less use of supplemental formulas (8.2 ± 5.2 versus 11.9 ± 6.5, respectively; P < 0.0001). The number of times that drugs were given was slightly higher in the ‘fixed time interval’ group without an increase in maternal adverse effects, which were mild. No adverse effects were reported for the neonates.

Conclusion

Administration of oral analgesia in fixed time intervals is superior to drug administration following patient demand without increasing maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

Oral analgesia in fixed time intervals is superior to analgesia following demand.
Compressed Baker's Yeast: Mapping Patents on Post‐Fermentation Processes
Authors: Gélinas Pierre
Published: February 2017

In the baking industry, fresh yeast is generally available as a compressed paste containing about 70% moisture. While much literature has been published on its growth conditions in fermentation tanks, little information may be obtained on the final steps of baker's yeast production. In this review, 226 patents were found on the separation of yeast cells from spent growth media as well as its dewatering, forming, and packaging in the compressed form. The latter corresponded to 21% of 1096 unique families of patented inventions filed worldwide between 1787 and 2014 on the production of fresh baker's yeast. Patent specifications disclosed key technical information not available in scientific journals. Particularly between 1890 and 1960, highly specific equipment such as centrifugal separators, rotary vacuum filters, and extruding and cutting units were proposed. Compressed yeast may contain small amounts of processing aids, including water‐absorbing agents such as starch and salt, as well as plasticizing and whitening agents. Any variation in yeast solids and moisture contents will affect its gassing power and keeping properties. Disposal and proper treatment of very large volumes of spent growth media will remain a major challenge to the baker's yeast industry.
Inferior vena cava obstruction as a rare manifestation of bronchopulmonary sequestration
Authors: Das Somak , Ramamurthy Anand , Venkataramanan Rochita , Madhan Kumar , Balaji Venugopal
Published: February 2017

Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) is a rare congenital problem with anomalous vascular supply and absence of tracheobronchial communication. Continued inflammation consequent to sequestration can, in rare cases, lead to atherosclerotic damage to the feeding artery and resultant aneurysm formation. We present a case of BPS presenting with partial inferior vena cava obstruction caused by aneurysmal dilatation of the feeding artery.
The effects of food price changes on smallholder production and consumption decision‐making: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Molitor Katharina , Braun Boris , Pritchard Bill
Published: February 2017

There is still no consensus in academic debate about the impacts of food price changes on smallholder farmers' food and nutrition security. This paper aims to show how food price changes affect food and nutrition security of smallholder households in the Rajshahi district in north‐western Bangladesh. To better understand smallholders' adaptive capacity with respect to uncertainties regarding food price changes, it is crucial to look more closely at the decision‐making processes of smallholder households in their dual role as producers and consumers of food (prosumers). Smallholder farmers report in focus group discussions that they diversify their cropping practices to be more resilient against food price uncertainties. However, this strategy can be only successful if they are able to invest in inputs. Farmers face several constraints when seeking to make use of opportunities to sell diverse crops given their dependence on different types of local and regional buyers of food commodities. Furthermore, it becomes obvious that an increase in food prices does not automatically relate to an increase in farm‐gate prices.
Rosemary Extract‐Mediated Lifespan Extension and Attenuated Oxidative Damage in Drosophila melanogaster Fed on High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Wang Hua‐li , Sun Zhen‐ou , Rehman Rizwan‐ur , Wang Hong , Wang Yi‐fei , Wang Hao
Published: February 2017

Rosemary extract has a potent antioxidant activity and is widely used in the food industry. In this study, the lifespan prolonging and antioxidant activity of rosemary extract was evaluated by high‐fat‐induced oxidative damage in Drosophila melanogaster. The results revealed that the lifespan and climbing ability of fruit flies was enhanced significantly by feeding rosemary extract. Furthermore, feeding with rosemary extract significantly increased the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and significantly decreased the level of malonaldehyde. The gene expression of SOD, CAT, and nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor 2 was enhanced and that for methuselah was significantly reduced. The comet assay showed that high‐fat diet‐induced DNA lesion was significantly reduced in larvae treated with the rosemary extract. Our results suggest that feeding with rosemary extract is effective to the extended lifespan in fruit flies by strengthening of the resistance to high‐fat‐induced oxidative stress and by stimulating, at least in part, the endogenous antioxidant response.
Activating transcription factor 3 promotes malignance of lung cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Li Xuebing , Zhou Xuexia , Li Yongwen , Zu Lingling , Pan Hongli , Liu Boning , Shen Wang , Fan Yaguang , Zhou Qinghua
Published: February 2017

Background

Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer‐related death, with high rates of recurrence and poor outcomes. An abnormally high expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in various cancers suggests an oncogenic role; however, its function in lung cancer is largely unknown.

Methods

Sixty‐four pairs of lung cancer tissues were collected for ATF3 expression analysis by quantitative real‐time PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry staining. Correlations between ATF3 expression with clinicopathological features and overall survival were analyzed. ATF3 expression in a panel of lung cancer cell lines together with normal bronchial epithelial Beas‐2B cells was also determined. Human H1299 and A549 cells were used for ATF3 knockdown and/or overexpression assays. Alterations in cell proliferation, cell cycle attribution, migration, and invasion were all assessed in vitro.

Results

Increased ATF3 messenger RNA and protein expression were observed in lung cancer tissues/cells compared with normal tissues/cells. High tumorous ATF3 expression was significantly correlated with positive advanced tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, and shorter overall survival. Experimentally, we found that RNA interference mediated knockdown of ATF3 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion capacities of lung cancer cells in vitro, whereas forced expression of ATF3 did the opposite.

Conclusion

Upregulation of ATF3 in lung cancer promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and may represent a novel therapeutic target for lung cancer.
A new genus of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing leaf galls onRubus(Rosaceae)
Authors: Kolesik Peter , Hall Casey R , Kitching Roger L , Adair Robin J
Published: February 2017

An undescribed species of gall midge causing hairy spheroidal leaf galls onRubus nebulosusandRubus moorei(Rosaceae) in subtropical Australia was investigated in a study on the dynamics of parasitoids of gall‐inducing insects. Here, the gall midge is described and namedPsephodiplosis rubiKolesik, sp. nov. in a new genusPsephodiplosisKolesik, gen. nov. (supertribe Cecidomyiidi) erected to contain it. The new species is the first described gall midge that induces galls on Rosaceae in Australia. Similar galls have been found previously onRubus moluccanusin Indonesia and onRubus alceifoliusin Thailand, so it is possible that the geographical range ofPsephodiplosis rubiincludes not only Australia, but also countries of South East Asia.
Efficacy of smartphone applications in high‐risk pigmented lesions
Authors: Ngoo Alexander , Finnane Anna , McMeniman Erin , Tan Jean‐Marie , Janda Monika , Soyer H Peter
Published: February 2017

Background/Objectives

Melanoma apps are smartphone applications that assess risk of pigmented lesions using a smartphone camera and underlying algorithm. We aimed to assess the capability of melanoma smartphone applications (apps) in making clinical decisions about risk, compared with lesion assessment by specialist trained dermatologists.

Methods

A prospective study of 3 melanoma apps was conducted between 2015 and 2016, recruiting 30 patients with 57 pigmented lesions. Risk categories assigned by the apps were compared with the clinical decisions of two consultant dermatologists classifying lesions as ‘suspicious’ or ‘benign’.

Results

Of the 42 lesions deemed clinically suspicious to a dermatologist, from 9 to 26 were classified as suspicious by the apps; of the 15 clinically benign lesions 3 to 15 were correctly classified as benign by the apps. The apps’ sensitivity and specificity ranged from 21 to 72% and 27 to 100.0%, respectively, when compared with the specialists’ decisions. Two apps were unable to analyse 14 and 18% of lesions submitted, respectively. Interrater agreement between dermatologists and apps was poor (κ = −0.01 SE = 0.16; P = 0.97) to slight (κ = 0.16 SE = 0.09; P = 0.12).

Conclusions

None of the melanoma apps tested had high enough agreement with the dermatologist's clinical opinion to be considered to provide additional benefit to patients in assessing their skin for high‐risk pigmented lesions. The low sensitivity in detecting lesions that are suspicious to a trained specialist may mean false reassurance is being given to patients. Development of highly sensitive and specific melanoma apps remains a work in progress.
Re‐presentations and recurrent events following initial management of the acute paediatric scrotum: a 5‐year review
Authors: Lala Shareena , Price Neil , Upadhyay Vipul
Published: February 2017

Background

Previous reviews report relatively low rates of post‐operative complications for acute scrotal exploration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the re‐presentation to hospital in boys with previous acute scrotal pathology, reviewing contralateral symptoms, post‐operative complications, testicular torsion following fixation and failure of conservative management of testicular appendage (TA) torsion.

Methods

All boys under 16 years presenting to our unit with an acute scrotum from January 2008 to December 2012 (5‐year period) were identified. A retrospective review of clinical records was performed.

Results

A total of 683 boys presented over this 5‐year period, with an overall re‐presentation rate of 10%. Seventeen (25%) re‐presentations were metachronous. Post‐operative complication rate was 2.2%. Testicular torsion rate following orchiopexy was 0.3% (1/292). Thirty‐three percent of those managed conservatively for TA torsion returned with ongoing pain; 80% underwent scrotal exploration on return. Eight boys returned following excision of a torted TA with contralateral torted TA confirmed, accounting for 2.6% (8/308) of boys with a torted TA at first presentation. This gives a number‐needed‐to‐treat of 39 for bilateral scrotal exploration and prophylactic excision of contralateral non‐torted TA, to prevent one boy from returning to hospital with a metachronous presentation.

Conclusion

Further prolonged follow‐up is needed to adequately assess recurrence rates of testicular torsion following orchiopexy to validate routine orchiopexy. Post‐operative complication rates equal that of the return rate for a contralateral torted TA; this needs to be considered in proceeding to bilateral scrotal exploration on finding a torted TA at initial presentation.
The Global Network Neonatal Cause of Death algorithm for low‐resource settings
Authors: Garces Ana L. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Pérez Wilton , Hambidge K Michael , Krebs Nancy F. , Figueroa Lester , Bose Carl L. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Tenge Constance , Esamai Fabian , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Saleem Sarah , Patel Archana B. , Chiwila Melody , Chomba Elwyn , Tshefu Antoinette , Derman Richard J. , Hibberd Patricia L. , Bucher Sherri , Liechty Edward A. , Bauserman Melissa , Moore Janet L. , Koso‐Thomas Marion , Miodovnik Menachem , Goldenberg Robert L.
Published: February 2017

Aim

This study estimated the causes of neonatal death using an algorithm for low‐resource areas, where 98% of the world's neonatal deaths occur.

Methods

We enrolled women in India, Pakistan, Guatemala, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Zambia from 2014 to 2016 and tracked their delivery and newborn outcomes for up to 28 days. Antenatal care and delivery symptoms were collected using a structured questionnaire, clinical observation and/or a physical examination. The Global Network Cause of Death algorithm was used to assign the cause of neonatal death, analysed by country and day of death.

Results

One‐third (33.1%) of the 3068 neonatal deaths were due to suspected infection, 30.8% to prematurity, 21.2% to asphyxia, 9.5% to congenital anomalies and 5.4% did not have a cause of death assigned. Prematurity and asphyxia‐related deaths were more common on the first day of life (46.7% and 52.9%, respectively), while most deaths due to infection occurred after the first day of life (86.9%). The distribution of causes was similar to global data reported by other major studies.

Conclusion

The Global Network algorithm provided a reliable cause of neonatal death in low‐resource settings and can be used to inform public health strategies to reduce mortality.
Primary ureteral leiomyosarcoma in a dog
Authors: Yap FW , Huizing XB , Rasotto R , Bowlt‐Blacklock KL
Published: February 2017

Case description

A nearly 6‐year‐old female spayed Labrador Retriever was presented for acute abdominal pain and lethargy. The dog had no previous health concerns apart from occasional episodes of urinary incontinence in the 2 months prior to presentation. A retroperitoneal mass involving the right ureter was found during the investigations. Serum urea was mildly elevated, but the serum creatinine was within the normal range. No distant metastases were detected. A right ureteronephrectomy was performed. The ureteral mass was confirmed as a leiomyosarcoma and completely excised. The kidney was histologically normal. Unfortunately, during a routine 3‐month postoperative assessment, a recurrent mass at the previous retroperitoneal surgical site was confirmed by biopsy to be a leiomyosarcoma. Courses of doxorubicin and chlorambucil were given, but failed to halt the progression of the recurrent mass. The dog was euthanised 5.5 months postoperatively because of poor quality of life.

Clinical relevance

Ureteral leiomyosarcoma should be on the differential diagnosis list for a retroperitoneal mass, possibly causing severe abdominal pain with minor clinical signs associated with the urinary tract. This dog in this reported case of ureteral leiomyosarcoma had a short survival time, despite complete surgical excision and chemotherapy, because of local recurrence.
Roaming behaviour of dogs in four remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, Australia: preliminary investigations
Authors: Molloy S , Burleigh A , Dürr S , Ward MP
Published: February 2017

Objective

To estimate the home range (HR) and investigate the potential predictors for roaming of 58 dogs in four Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.

Design

Prospective study.

Procedure

Global positioning system (GPS) collars were attached to the dogs for 1–4 days, recording location fixes every 1–3 min. Utilisation distributions (UDs) and extended (95% isopleth) and core (50% isopleth) HRs of dogs were determined. Potential predictors of roaming were assessed.

Results

Estimated core (median, 0.27 ha) and extended (median, 3.1 ha) HRs differed significantly (P = 0.0225 and 0.0345, respectively) between the four communities; dogs in the coastal community travelled significantly (P < 0.0001) more per day than dogs in the three inland communities studied. Significant associations were found between extended HR size and sex (P = 0.0050) and sex + neuter (P = 0.0218), and between core HR size and sex (P = 0.0010), neuter status (P = 0.0255) and sex + neuter (P = 0.0025). Entire males roamed more than neutered females. The core HR of dogs with poor/fair body condition scores (BCSs) was larger than dogs with ideal/obese BCSs (P = 0.0394). Neutered male dogs also travelled more per day than entire female dogs (P = 0.0475).

Conclusions

Roaming information can be used to inform the management of dogs in remote communities and to design disease control programs. Widespread data collection across the Northern Territory should be undertaken to further investigate the associations found in this study, considering that data were collected during relatively short periods of time in one season.
Order‐constrained linear optimization
Authors: Tidwell Joe W. , Dougherty Michael R. , Chrabaszcz Jeffrey S. , Thomas Rick P.
Published: February 2017

Despite the fact that data and theories in the social, behavioural, and health sciences are often represented on an ordinal scale, there has been relatively little emphasis on modelling ordinal properties. The most common analytic framework used in psychological science is the general linear model, whose variants include ANOVA, MANOVA, and ordinary linear regression. While these methods are designed to provide the best fit to the metric properties of the data, they are not designed to maximally model ordinal properties. In this paper, we develop an order‐constrained linear least‐squares (OCLO) optimization algorithm that maximizes the linear least‐squares fit to the data conditional on maximizing the ordinal fit based on Kendall's τ. The algorithm builds on the maximum rank correlation estimator (Han, 1987, Journal of Econometrics, 35, 303) and the general monotone model (Dougherty & Thomas, 2012, Psychological Review, 119, 321). Analyses of simulated data indicate that when modelling data that adhere to the assumptions of ordinary least squares, OCLO shows minimal bias, little increase in variance, and almost no loss in out‐of‐sample predictive accuracy. In contrast, under conditions in which data include a small number of extreme scores (fat‐tailed distributions), OCLO shows less bias and variance, and substantially better out‐of‐sample predictive accuracy, even when the outliers are removed. We show that the advantages of OCLO over ordinary least squares in predicting new observations hold across a variety of scenarios in which researchers must decide to retain or eliminate extreme scores when fitting data.
Recovery from desensitization of IgE‐dependent responses in human lung mast cells
Authors: Lewis A. , MacGlashan D. W. , Suvarna S. K. , Peachell P. T.
Published: February 2017

Background

Clinical desensitization and oral food immunotherapy are therapeutic interventions that allow individuals who react adversely to an allergen (drug or food) to be made tolerant to the allergen. However, tolerance is brief, and allergen hypersensitivity can recur within days following allergen withdrawal.

Objective

We hypothesize that the reason these treatments are temporary reflects rapid recovery of mast cells from a desensitized state. We sought to test this.

Methods

Desensitization of IgE‐mediated histamine release from human lung mast cells was explored by methods that partially replicate the pattern of treatment during clinical desensitization. Specific and non‐specific desensitization and changes in surface IgE were examined following desensitization. Recovery from desensitization was also studied.

Results

Desensitization of mast cell responses was readily induced with concentrations of antigen or anti‐IgE that were suboptimal for secretion. There was little or no non‐specific desensitization when lung mast cells were exposed to antigens. There was no loss of cell surface IgE following desensitization. Removing the desensitizing stimulus from the media following desensitization allowed the cells to recover with half‐point of recovery of ~1.5 days and complete recovery after 5 days. Both the functional response and histamine content recovered within this time frame. The recovery appeared possible because both antigens and anti‐IgE dissociated rapidly from cells after washing to remove excess stimulus.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Human lung mast cells readily recover from a desensitized state following removal of desensitizing antigen. This finding provides a potential explanation for the ephemeral nature of clinical desensitization.
Death and the Media: Infectious Disease Reporting During the Health Transition
Authors: Costa Dora L. , Kahn Matthew E.
Published: February 2017

In the late 19th century, cities in Western Europe and the USA suffered from high levels of infectious disease. Over a 40‐year period, there was a dramatic decline in infectious disease deaths in cities. As such objective progress in urban quality of life took place, how did the media report this trend? At that time, newspapers were the major source of information educating urban households about the risks that they faced. By constructing a unique panel database, we find that news reports were positively associated with government‐announced typhoid mortality counts, and the size of this effect actually grew after local governments made large investments in public water works to reduce typhoid rates. News coverage was more responsive to unexpected increases in death rates than to unexpected decreases in death rates.
Assessment of left atrial mechanical function and synchrony in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Shang Zhijuan , Su Dechun , Cong Tao , Sun Yinghui , Liu Yan , Chen Na , Yang Jun
Published: February 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate left atrial (LA) function and synchrony in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

Methods

Forty‐five PAF patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. LA peak ventricular systolic longitudinal strain (LAS‐S) and strain rate (LASR‐S) and left atrial longitudinal strain (LAS‐A) and strain rate (LASR‐A) during late diastole were determined using STE, and the standard deviation of the time to peak (TPSD) of the regional strains was calculated to quantify LA dyssynchrony. TPSD during ventricular systole and late diastole were named SDs and SDa, respectively.

Results

Left atrial peak longitudinal strain during ventricular systole (LAS‐S) (29.34±8.57 vs 36.73±6.13), LASR‐S (1.27±0.311 vs 1.57±0.25), LAS‐A (13.11±4.91 vs 17.86±3.57), and LASR‐A (−1.51±0.58 vs −1.90±0.30) were reduced in the PAF group compared with the controls (P<.05 for all). SDs (8.11±3.00% vs 4.67±1.48%) and SDa (5.57±2.26% vs 3.11±1.13%) were greater in PAF patients than in the controls (P<.05 for both). Furthermore, PAF patients with normal LA sizes exhibited lower LAS‐S (P<.05), LASR‐S (P<.05), LAS‐A (P<.05), and LASR‐A (P<.05) values and increased SDs (P<.05) and SDa (P<.05) values compared with the controls. Multivariate regression confirmed that SDs and SDa were powerful parameters for differentiating PAF patients from controls (SDs: sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 72%; SDa: sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 76%).

Conclusions

Left atrial (LA) dysfunction and dyssynchrony in PAF patients can be detected with STE even in the absence of LA enlargement. STE‐derived SDs and SDa were powerful parameters for identifying PAF patients.
Accuracy of an automated transthoracic echocardiographic tool for 3D assessment of left heart chamber volumes
Authors: Spitzer Ernest , Ren Ben , Soliman Osama I. I. , Zijlstra Felix , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Geleijnse Marcel L.
Published: February 2017

Aims

The feasibility and accuracy of an automated adaptive algorithm (Heart Model) for the quantification of left heart chamber volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction has been reported earlier. An improved version of the algorithm is available, and we aimed to test its accuracy compared with manual 3D echocardiography.

Methods and Results

Apical 3D transthoracic datasets were obtained in 67 patients. Acquisitions covering ventricles and atria were performed for analysis using the automated software (Heart Model, Philips Healthcare). In addition, acquisitions focused on the left ventricle were acquired for left ventricle manual 3D measurements (QLAB 10 3DQA, Philips Healthcare). Automated results using endocardial contouring settings at 50% showed a strong correlation with manual 3D measurements (r=.84‐.97). Left ventricular end‐diastolic volumes were underestimated (bias −5.9 mL, LOA ±38.5 mL), with no significant differences in other parameters. Intra‐observer variability using the automated algorithm was zero for all parameters given the lack of human interaction. Manual corrections of the automatic algorithm introduced small but significant differences in volumes but not in ejection fraction when compared with automatic results. Manually corrected results of the automatic algorithm were not significantly different from those obtained with manual 3D echocardiography, except for a small underestimation of left atrial volumes (bias −2.1 mL, LOA ±15.2 mL).

Conclusions

The current improved version of the automated adaptive algorithm is accurate for the assessment of left heart chamber volumes, albeit a small underestimation of left ventricular end‐diastolic volume is seen, when compared with manual 3D echocardiography.
PATENT BREADTH IN AN INTERNATIONAL SETTING
Authors: Bond Eric W. , Zissimos Ben
Published: February 2017

We examine the Nash equilibria of a game where two national governments set patent breadth strategically. Broader patents make R&D more attractive, but the effect on static efficiency is nonmonotonic. In a North–South model, where only the North can innovate, harmonization of patent breadth lowers welfare relative to the Nash equilibrium. When both countries can innovate, harmonization toward narrower patent breadth may raise world welfare. (JEL F02, F13, O3, O31, O32)
Effects of clarithromycin, azithromycin and rifampicin on terbutaline‐induced sweating in foals
Authors: Stieler Stewart A. L. , Sanchez L. C. , Mallicote M. F. , Muniz A. L. , Westerterp M. S. , Burrow J. A. , MacKAY R. J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Erythromycin (ERY) induces anhidrosis in foals. Azithromycin (AZI) and clarithromycin (CLA), often combined with rifampicin (RIF), are commonly used to treat Rhodococcus equi infections, but effects on sweating have not been investigated.

Objective

To determine the effects of AZI, CLA and RIF on sweat responses in normal foals.

Study design

Each experiment was a blinded, duplicated, six foal × three period counterbalanced within subjects design (12 foals/experiment).

Methods

Antimicrobials were given orally for 5 days. In Experiment 1, ERY, AZI and CLA were given. In Experiment 2, ERY, RIF and ERY/RIF combination were used. Quantitative intradermal terbutaline sweat tests were performed daily for 3 days before and 1, 2, 5, 9, 24, and 39 days after treatment. Data were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance procedures. Significance was P≤0.05.

Results

In Experiment 1, all macrolides suppressed sweating although CLA and AZI were less potent than ERY. In Experiment 2, significant sweat suppression occurred in foals given ERY with or without RIF, but there was no effect of RIF alone. Rifampicin reduced sweat suppression by ERY on Day 1 of treatment but not thereafter.

Main limitations

Because ERY blood concentrations were not measured, effects of RIF on ERY‐induced anhidrosis could not definitively be ascribed to altered ERY bioavailability.

Conclusions

All macrolides commonly used to treat R. equi pneumonia, i.e. ERY, AZI and CLA, induce anhidrosis in foals. The potent anti‐sudorific effect of ERY is delayed, but not substantially affected by concurrent RIF administration.
Catalytic competence, structure and stability of the cancer‐associated R139W variant of the human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)
Authors: Lienhart Wolf‐Dieter , Strandback Emilia , Gudipati Venugopal , Koch Karin , Binter Alexandra , Uhl Michael K. , Rantasa David M. , Bourgeois Benjamin , Madl Tobias , Zangger Klaus , Gruber Karl , Macheroux Peter
Published: February 2017

The human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1; EC1.6.99.2) is an essential enzyme in the antioxidant defence system. Furthermore, NQO1 protects tumour suppressors like p53, p33ING1b and p73 from proteasomal degradation. The activity of NQO1 is also exploited in chemotherapy for the activation of quinone‐based treatments. Various single nucleotide polymorphisms are known, such as NQO1*2 and NQO1*3 yielding protein variants of NQO1 with single amino acid replacements, i.e. P187S and R139W, respectively. While the former NOQ1 variant is linked to a higher risk for specific kinds of cancer, the role, if any, of the arginine 139 to tryptophan exchange in disease development remains obscure. On the other hand, mitomycin C‐resistant human colon cancer cells were shown to harbour the NQO1*3 variant resulting in substantially reduced enzymatic activity. However, the molecular cause for this decrease remains unclear. In order to resolve this issue, recombinant NQO1 R139W has been characterized biochemically and structurally. In this report, we show by X‐ray crystallography and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy that this variant adopts the same structure both in the crystal as well as in solution. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters obtained for the variant are similar to those reported for the wild‐type protein. Similarly, thermostability of the variant was only slightly affected by the amino acid replacement. Therefore, we conclude that the previously reported effects in human cancer cells cannot be attributed to protein stability or enzyme activity. Instead, it appears that loss of exon 4 during maturation of a large fraction of pre‐mRNA is the major reason of the observed lack of enzyme activity and hence reduced activation of quinone‐based chemotherapeutics.
Which Matters More? A Retrospective Cohort Study of Headache Characteristics and Diagnosis Type in Soldiers with mTBI/Concussion
Authors: Finkel Alan G. , Ivins Brian J. , Yerry Juanita A. , Klaric John S. , Scher Ann , Sammy Choi Y.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To describe the diagnostic types and characteristics of headaches in soldiers with mild traumatic brain injury during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Background

Persistent post‐traumatic headache interferes with returns to activity or duty. The most commonly cited headache diagnosis after concussion is migraine. We hypothesize that headache diagnosis type, eg, migraine, is not sufficient to predict relationships with occupational outcomes after concussion.

Methods

The study sample consisted of all new patients referred for headache evaluation at the Brain Injury Center at Womack Army Medical Center over a 1‐year time period. The design was retrospective and observational. Clinical data reported included demographics, causes of injury, headache characteristics, and headache diagnosis type. After reviewing records for retention or severance from military service, the primary occupational outcome measure was departure from service due to medical cause as determined by a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). The primary outcome measure was to test the strength of association between leaving service for MEB and headache characteristics or diagnosis.

Results

A total of 95 patients (94% male) with concussion described 166 distinct headache types, the most common being migraine (60%) and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (24%). A total of 25% of all patients remained on active duty. A continuous headache of any type was present in 75% of patients and of these, 23% remained on active duty. Of the 51% of patients who had both a continuous and non‐continuous headache, 17% remained on active duty (P < .001). Therefore, we report that a continuous headache, regardless of diagnosis type was associated with negative occupational outcomes. Regardless of headache duration, headache diagnosis type alone was not associated with soldiers’ separations from service.

Conclusions

Persistent post‐traumatic headache is most likely to present with continuous pain. Migraine is the most common primary diagnosis type. The presence of a continuous headache was strongly associated with negative occupational outcomes. Primary headache diagnosis type was not. Headache characteristics, therefore, may be more important than diagnosis type when determining active duty status. Further prospective research is indicated.
“Reversi‐type virologic failure” involved in the development of non‐structural protein 5A resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) in patients with genotype 1b hepatitis C carrying no signature RAVs at baseline
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Kouyama Jun‐ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Sugawara Kayoko , Inao Mie , Imai Yukinori , Nakayama Nobuaki , Mochida Satoshi
Published: February 2017

Aims

The therapeutic efficacy of daclatasvir/asunaprevir was inferior in patients with non‐structural protein 5A (NS5A)‐R30Q mutant hepatitis C virus strains at baseline, compared with those with wild‐type strains, even though the half maximal effective concentration of NS5A inhibitors was lower in mutant strains than in wild‐type strains. In these patients, R30Q and Y93H mutant strains, which are highly resistant to NS5A inhibitors, emerged at virologic failure. The mechanisms involved in such virologic failure were examined.

Methods

The NS5A resistance‐associated variants were evaluated using direct sequencing in 88 patients with virologic failure after daclatasvir/asunaprevir therapy. In patients with R30Q and Y93H mutant strains at virologic failure, the original strains responsible for the multiple mutations were evaluated using baseline sera samples.

Results

L28 M and/or R30Q, L31 M, and Y93H mutant strains were found in 36, 46, and 65 patients, respectively, and R30Q and Y93H mutants were seen in 23 patients. R30Q mutant strains were detected in baseline sera samples available from eight of these patients; cycling‐probe real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed that the Y93H mutant strain to total strain ratio was less than 1% in four patients and ranged from 1% to 98% in four patients. A phylogenetic tree analysis undertaken after deep sequencing revealed that the R30Q and Y93H mutant strains originated from minor strains with both mutations at baseline, even in patients with a ratio of less than 1%.

Conclusion

In patients with genotype 1b hepatitis C virus strains with R30Q mutation, minor strains with Y93H as well as R30Q mutations contributed to the development of virologic failure after treatment with NS5A inhibitors.
Summary of mutations underlying autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses (ARCI) in Arabs with four novel mutations in ARCI‐related genes from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Bastaki Fatma , Mohamed Madiha , Nair Pratibha , Saif Fatima , Mustafa Ethar M. , Bizzari Sami , Al‐Ali Mahmoud T. , Hamzeh Abdul Rezzak
Published: February 2017

Background

Clinical and molecular heterogeneity is a prominent characteristic of congenital ichthyoses, with the involvement of numerous causative loci. Mutations in these loci feature in autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses (ARCIs) quite variably, with certain genes/mutations being more frequently uncovered in particular populations.

Methods

In this study, we used whole exome sequencing as well as direct Sanger sequencing to uncover four novel mutations in ARCI‐related genes, which were found in families from the United Arab Emirates. In silico tools such as CADD and SIFT Indel were used to predict the functional consequences of these mutations.

Results

The here‐presented mutations occurred in three genes (ALOX12B, TGM1, ABCA12), and these are a mixture of missense and indel variants with damaging functional consequences on their encoded proteins.

Conclusions

This study presents an overview of the mutations that were found in ARCI‐related genes in Arabs and discusses molecular and clinical details pertaining to the above‐mentioned Emirati cases and their novel mutations with special emphasis on the resulting protein changes.
Financial remuneration is positively correlated with the number of clinical activities: an example from diabetes management in Alberta community pharmacies
Authors: Bharadia Rajan , Lorenz Kathleen , Cor Ken , Simpson Scot H
Published: February 2017

Objective

To determine whether use of a compensation plan to remunerate pharmacists for clinical pharmacy services was associated with the number of diabetes management activities provided.

Methods

Alberta pharmacists were asked about compensation plan use and frequency they provide a list of 80 diabetes management activities.

Key findings

A total of 168 community pharmacists responded to the survey. When compensation plan use, diabetes-specific training, practice characteristics and additional authorizations were incorporated into a factorial ANOVA, pharmacists who used the compensation plan reported a mean of 42.9 (95% CI 39.4 to 46.4) diabetes management activities, while those who did not reported a mean of 29.9 (95% CI 21.4 to 38.4) activities (P = 0.016).

Conclusions

After considering other important influencing factors, use of the compensation plan is positively correlated with the number of diabetes management activities pharmacists provided.
Stereotype‐based judgments of child welfare issues in cases of parent criminality
Authors: Benbow Alison E. F. , Stürmer Stefan
Published: February 2017

Approximately 2.5 million children in the European Union and the United States have incarcerated parents, the vast majority of which are fathers. Three experiments modeled on real legal cases (total N = 881) investigated how parent gender affects decisions regarding contact between incarcerated parents and their children. Results showed that measures facilitating relationship maintenance in relevant domains (sentence length, visitation rights, and alleviating postsentencing conditions) were supported less when they involved a father despite identical prior information about the legal case. Mediation analyses suggest two distinct processes explaining these disparities: participants' crime‐related attributions, and their stereotypical expectations about the different familial roles of mothers and fathers. Practical implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Effects of bund crops and insecticide treatments on arthropod diversity and herbivore regulation in tropical rice fields
Authors: Horgan F. G. , Ramal A. F. , Villegas J. M. , Jamoralin A. , Bernal C. C. , Perez M. O. , Pasang J. M. , Naredo A. I. , Almazan M. L. P.
Published: February 2017

Ecological engineering using vegetable or flower strips is promoted as a potential pest management strategy in irrigated rice. Farmers in the Philippines often plant rice levees (bunds) with vegetables, particularly string beans (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walpers) to supplement income, but without considering the potential for pest management. This study examines the effects of planted bunds on rice herbivores and their natural enemies. We compared arthropods in (a) rice fields that had string beans planted on bunds, (b) fields without string beans and without any insecticide applications and (c) fields without string beans but with insecticide treatments (standard practice). Rice yield was similar across all treatments; however, the vegetation strips produced an extra 3.6 kg of fresh string bean pods per metre of bund. There were no apparent increases in major natural enemy groups in fields with string beans compared to fields with conventional bunds. Fields with insecticide treatments had higher damage from leaffolders (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The sprayed fields also had lower parasitism of planthopper eggs and fewer predatory dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata). Furthermore, the mortality of planthopper (Delphacidae: Hemiptera) and stemborer (Pyralidae) eggs by parasitoids and predators was density dependent only in the unsprayed fields (with and without string beans). Our results demonstrate that planting string beans on rice bunds improves the productivity of rice farms, but our ecological engineering system did not appreciably affect natural enemy or herbivore abundance; however, chemical insecticides adversely affected pest regulatory ecosystem functions leading to higher pest damage.
Habitat segregation and cryptic adaptation of species ofPeriophthalmus(Gobioidei: Gobiidae)
Authors: Polgar G. , Zaccara S. , Babbucci M. , Fonzi F. , Antognazza C. M. , Ishak N. , Sulaiman Z. , Crosa G.
Published: February 2017

A study was conducted on the habitat distribution of four sympatric species ofPeriophthalmus(the silver‐lined mudskipperPeriophthalmus argentilineatus, the slender mudskipperPeriophthalmus gracilis, the kalolo mudskipperPeriophthalmus kaloloand the Malacca mudskipperPeriophthalmus malaccensis) from northern Sulawesi. Molecular phylogenetic reconstructions based on onemtDNAmarker (16S) were used to validate the morphological taxa, identifying five molecular clades.Periophthalmus argentilineatusincludes two molecular species, which are namedPeriophthalmus argentilineatusclades F and K. Multivariate direct gradient analysis show that these species form three distinct ecological guilds, with the two molecular species occurring in different guilds.Periophthalmusclade F is ecologically eurytypic;Periophthalmusclade K andP. kaloloare prevalent in ecosystems isolated by strong oceanic currents and at shorter distances from the sea;P. gracilisplusP. malaccensisare prevalent in ecosystems connected by shallow coastal waters, in vegetated habitats at larger distances from the sea. This indicates for the first time that mudskipper species exhibit a range of adaptations to semiterrestrialism not only within genera, but even within morphospecies, delineating a much more complex adaptive scenario than previously assumed.
Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Association with Fear of Falling After Hip Fracture
Authors: Kornfield Sara L. , Lenze Eric J. , Rawson Kerri S.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To determine whether fall‐related hip fracture, alone or in the presence of Fear of Falling, is likely to induce PTSD in an elderly population.

Design

A longitudinal prospective study of patients admitted for hip fracture.

Setting

Eight St. Louis, Missouri, area hospitals.

Participants

Individuals aged 60 and older admitted for surgical hip fracture repair after a fall (N = 456).

Measurements

Rates of partial and full posttraumatic stress disorder (pPTSD and fPTSD) were compared with rates of FoF. PTSD and FoF were assessed 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Baseline characteristics including depression, stress, pain, cognitive functioning, and anesthesia type were also analyzed as potential predictors of PTSD symptoms 12 weeks after surgery.

Results

No participants met criteria for fPTSD at 4 or 12 weeks, and rates of pPTSD were low 12 weeks after surgery (7.4%), in contrast to high rates of FoF symptoms at the same time point (58.5%). Higher ratings of stress and depressive symptoms at baseline were associated with higher levels of PTSD symptoms 12 weeks after surgery.

Conclusions

Hip fracture, despite its considerable morbidity, does not induce fPTSD and infrequently induces pPTSD. Individuals with higher rates of stress and depressive symptoms after hip fracture repair may be more likely to develop PTSD symptoms.