bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A descriptive study on complementary and alternative medicine use in 0 to 1‐year‐old infants and nurses' awareness and recommendation for complementary and alternative medicine
Authors: Çalişkan Nurcan , Yıldırım Nuriye , Atalay Sitem , Kavaklı Müjde , Özdoğan Ayşegül
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to determine complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) recommended by midwives and nurses and used by mothers on their 0 to 1‐year‐old infants. A cross‐sectional survey design was used. The sample of the study consisted of 65 midwives and mothers of 349 infants registered at these health‐care centres. The frequency of CAM use on a regular basis by mothers participating in the study on their infants was 24.6%, whereas the frequency of CAM use for a while was 41.3%. Of the mothers using CAM, 81.5–98.5% stated that the method they were employing was useful. The mothers used CAM on their infants, and the midwives and nurses recommended CAM use. However, the midwives and nurses themselves should be first trained to be able to inform individuals/mothers about CAM. Evidence‐based studies on CAM are needed.
Sexual concerns of cardiac patients: A psychometric analysis
Authors: Mosack Victoria , Hill Twyla J , Steinke Elaine E
Published: March 2014

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Steinke Sexual Concerns Inventory—General Cardiac Version (SSCI‐GCV) and to examine its use across multiple cardiac diagnoses. A sub‐analysis of a cross‐sectional sample of 205 cardiac patients from the central USA was completed. Our analyses yielded promising evidence that the SSCI‐GCV is a reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) and valid measure of sexual concerns and supported three subscales for this 11‐item instrument. Further means testing suggested that participants with a diagnosis of stroke or kidney disease reported more sexual concerns than those without such diagnoses, but differences were not found for any specific cardiac health problem or intervention. These findings support the use of the SSCI‐GCV as a brief and easily administered instrument that can be used to broadly assess sexual concerns in cardiac populations and to inform sexual counselling of cardiac patients in practice.
Degree of conversion of resin‐based materials cured with dual‐peak or single‐peak LED light‐curing units
Authors: Lucey Siobhan M. , Santini Ario , Roebuck Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2014

Background

There is a lack of data on polymerization of resin‐based materials (RBMs) used in paediatric dentistry, using dual‐peak light‐emitting diode (LED) light‐curing units (LCUs).

Objective

To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of RBMs cured with dual‐peak or single‐peak LED LCUs.

Methods

Samples of Vit‐l‐escence (Ultradent) and Herculite XRV Ultra (Kerr) and fissure sealants Delton Clear and Delton Opaque (Dentsply) were prepared (n = 3 per group) and cured with either one of two dual‐peak LCUs (bluephase® G2; Ivoclar Vivadent or Valo; Ultradent) or a single‐peak (bluephase®; Ivoclar Vivadent). High‐performance liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to confirm the presence or absence of initiators other than camphorquinone. The DC was determined using micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Data were analysed using general linear model anova; α = 0.05.

Results

With Herculite XRV Ultra, the single‐peak LCU gave higher DC values than either of the two dual‐peak LCUs (P < 0.05). Both fissure sealants showed higher DC compared with the two RBMs (P < 0.05); the DC at the bottom of the clear sealant was greater than the opaque sealant, (P < 0.05). 2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide (Lucirin® TPO) was found only in Vit‐l‐escence.

Conclusions

Dual‐peak LED LCUs may not be best suited for curing non‐Lucirin® TPO‐containing materials. A clear sealant showed a better cure throughout the material and may be more appropriate than opaque versions in deep fissures.
Classes of oppositional‐defiant behavior: concurrent and predictive validity
Authors: Althoff Robert R. , Kuny‐Slock Ana V. , Verhulst Frank C. , Hudziak James J. , van der Ende Jan
Published: March 2014

Background

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) has components of both irritability and defiance. It remains unclear whether children with variation in these domains have different adult outcomes. This study examined the concurrent and predictive validity of classes of oppositional defiant behavior.

Methods

Latent class analysis was performed on the oppositional defiant problems scale of the Child Behavior Checklist in two samples, one in the US (the Achenbach Normative Sample, N = 2029) and one in the Netherlands (the Zuid‐Holland Study, N = 2076). A third sample of American children (The Vermont Family Study, N = 399) was examined to determine concurrent validity with DSM diagnoses. Predictive validity over 14 years was assessed using the Zuid‐Holland Study.

Results

Four classes of oppositional defiant problems were consistent in the two latent class analyses: No Symptoms, All Symptoms, Irritable, and Defiant. Individuals in the No Symptoms Class were rarely diagnosed concurrently with ODD or any future disorder. Individuals in the All Symptoms Class had an increased frequency of concurrent childhood diagnosis of ODD and of violence in adulthood. Subjects in the Irritable Class had low concurrent diagnosis of ODD, but increased odds of adult mood disorders. Individuals in the Defiant Class had low concurrent diagnosis of ODD, but had increased odds of violence as adults.

Conclusions

Only children in the All Symptoms class were likely to have a concurrent diagnosis of ODD. Although not diagnosed with ODD, children in the Irritable Class were more likely to have adult mood disorders and children in the Defiant Class were more likely to engage in violent behavior.
Selection for sex in finite populations
Authors: Roze D.
Published: March 2014

Finite population size generates interference between selected loci, which has been shown to favour increased rates of recombination. In this article, I present different analytical models exploring selection acting on a ‘sex modifier locus’ (that affects the relative investment into asexual and sexual reproduction) in a finite population. Two forms of selective forces act on the modifier: direct selection due to intrinsic costs associated with sexual reproduction and indirect selection generated by one or two other loci affecting fitness. The results show that indirect selective forces differ from those acting on a recombination modifier even in the case of a haploid population: in particular, a single selected locus generates indirect selection for sex, while two loci are required in the case of a recombination modifier. This effect stems from the fact that modifier alleles increasing sex escape more easily from low‐fitness genetic backgrounds than alleles coding for lower rates of sex. Extrapolating the results from three‐locus models to a large number of loci at mutation–selection balance indicates that in the parameter range where indirect selection is strong enough to outweigh a substantial cost of sex, interactions between selected loci have a stronger effect than the sum of individual effects of each selected locus. Comparisons with multilocus simulation results show that such extrapolations may provide correct predictions for the evolutionarily stable rate of sex, unless the cost of sex is high.
mTOR complex 1: a key player in neuroadaptations induced by drugs of abuse
Authors: Neasta Jeremie , Barak Segev , Hamida Sami Ben , Ron Dorit
Published: March 2014

The mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) is a serine and threonine kinase that regulates cell growth, survival, and proliferation. mTORC1 is a master controller of the translation of a subset of mRNAs. In the central nervous system mTORC1 plays a crucial role in mechanisms underlying learning and memory by controlling synaptic protein synthesis. Here, we review recent evidence suggesting that the mTORC1 signaling pathway promotes neuroadaptations following exposure to a diverse group of drugs of abuse including stimulants, cannabinoids, opiates, and alcohol. We further describe potential molecular mechanisms by which drug‐induced mTORC1 activation may alter brain functions. Finally, we propose that mTORC1 is a focal point shared by drugs of abuse to mediate drug‐related behaviors such as reward seeking and excessive drug intake, and offer future directions to decipher the contribution of the kinase to mechanisms underlying addiction.

image

Recent studies suggesting that exposure to diverse classes of drugs of abuse as well as exposure to drug‐associated memories lead to mTORC1 kinase activation in the limbic system. In turn, mTORC1 controls the onset and the maintenance of pathological neuroadaptions that underlie several features of drug addiction such as drug seeking and relapse. Therefore, we propose that targeting mTORC1 and its effectors is a promising strategy to treat drug disorders.
Skin in the Game and Moral Hazard
Authors: CHEMLA GILLES , HENNESSY CHRISTOPHER A.
Published: March 2014

What determines securitization levels, and should they be regulated? To address these questions we develop a model where originators can exert unobservable effort to increase expected asset quality, subsequently having private information regarding quality when selling ABS to rational investors. Absent regulation, originators may signal positive information via junior retentions or commonly adopt low retentions if funding value and price informativeness are high. Effort incentives are below first‐best absent regulation. Optimal regulation promoting originator effort entails a menu of junior retentions or one junior retention with size decreasing in price informativeness. Zero retentions and opacity are optimal among regulations inducing zero effort.
Click or Call? Auction versus Search in the Over‐the‐Counter Market
Authors: HENDERSHOTT TERRENCE , MADHAVAN ANANTH
Published: March 2014

Over‐the‐counter (OTC) markets dominate trading in many asset classes. Will electronic trading displace traditional OTC “voice” trading? Can electronic and voice systems coexist? What types of securities and trades are best suited for electronic trading? We study these questions by focusing on an innovation in electronic trading technology that enables investors to simultaneously search many bond dealers. We show that periodic one‐sided electronic auctions are a viable and important source of liquidity even in inactively traded instruments. These mechanisms are a natural compromise between bilateral search in OTC markets and continuous double auctions in electronic limit order books.
Maternal hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection and neonatal neurological outcomes
Authors: Salemi J. L. , Whiteman V. E. , August E. M. , Chandler K. , Mbah A. K. , Salihu H. M.
Published: March 2014

To examine the associations between maternal hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection status and selected infant neurological outcomes diagnosed at birth, we conducted a population‐based, retrospective cohort study on singleton live births in Florida from 1998 to 2009. Primary exposures included maternal HBV and HCV monoinfection. The neurological outcomes included brachial plexus injury, cephalhematoma, foetal distress, feeding difficulties, intraventricular h aemorrhage and neonatal seizures. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to generate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) that were adjusted for socio‐demographic characteristics, risky behaviours, pregnancy complications and pre‐existing medical conditions, and timing of delivery. The risk of an adverse neurological outcome was higher in infants born to mothers with hepatitis viral infection (7.2% for HCV, 5.0% for HBV), compared with infants of hepatitis virus‐free mothers (4.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders, women with HBV were twice as likely to have infants who suffered from brachial plexus injury (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.15–3.60), while those with HCV had an elevated odds of having an infant with feeding difficulties (OR: 1.32, 95% CI = 1.06–1.64) and a borderline increased likelihood for neonatal seizures (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 0.98–3.10). Additionally, HCV+ mothers had a 22% increased odds of having an infant with some type of adverse neurological outcome (OR: 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03–1.44). Our findings add to current understanding of the association between maternal HBV/HCV infections and infant neurological outcomes. Further research evaluating the role of maternal HBV and HCV infections (including viraemia, treatment) on pregnancy outcomes is warranted.
Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis weakens the acute phase response to endotoxin in rats
Authors: Thomsen Karen L. , Hebbard Lionel , Glavind Emilie , Clouston Andrew , Vilstrup Hendrik , George Jacob , Grønbæk Henning
Published: March 2014

Background & Aims

Patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have increased mortality, including from infections. We, therefore, tested in a rodent model of steatohepatitis whether the hepatic acute phase response is intact.

Methods

Steatohepatitis was induced in rats by feeding a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet for 4 (early) and 16 weeks (advanced NASH). 2 h after low‐dose LPS (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), we measured the serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). We also measured liver mRNA's and the serum concentrations of acute phase proteins 24 h after LPS.

Results

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in itself increased the liver mRNA levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 and also the liver mRNA and serum levels of the acute phase proteins. The exposure to LPS increased serum TNF‐α in both early and advanced NASH and more so than in the control rats. However, the increases in acute phase protein genes in liver tissue and proteins in the blood were lower than in the control rats.

Conclusion

In rats with early or advanced experimental NASH, LPS despite an increased interleukin release resulted in a blunted acute phase protein response. This tachyphylaxis may be part of the mechanism for the increased infection susceptibility of patients with NASH. We speculate that the steatosis‐related interleukin release desensitises the signalling pathway leading to acute phase protein synthesis.
Boceprevir in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Saab Sammy , Manne Vignan , Bau Sherona , Reynolds Justin A. , Allen Ruby , Goldstein Leonard , Durazo Francisco , El‐Kabany Mohammed , Han Steven , Busuttil Ronald W.
Published: March 2014

Background

There has been increasing interest in using protease inhibitors with pegylated interferon and ribavirin to treat recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) disease in liver transplant recipients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy in liver transplant recipients treated for recurrent hepatitis C genotype 1 with the combination of peginterferon, ribavirin and boceprevir.

Results

Twenty liver transplant recipients were treated for recurrent hepatitis C. Baseline alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and HCV RNA values (± SD) were 67.5 (±50.9) mg/dl, 1.78 (±1.99) U/L, and 16 955 510 (±21 620 675) IU/ml. Anaemia was a common adverse event requiring epoetin in 16 of 20 recipients and ribavirin dose reductions in 17 of 20 recipients. One‐third of recipients required a blood transfusion. Filgrastim was used in 11 of 20 patients (55%) and eltrombopag in two of 20 recipients (10%) over the course of treatment. Serum creatinine level increased significantly from a baseline value of 1.33 mg/dl to 1.59 mg/dl at week 20 of boceprevir (P < 0.005). The overall sustained viral response (SVR) was 50%. Of the 14 patients who had a viral load less than 1000 IU/ml at week 4 of boceprevir, the SVR was 71%. The SVR was 83% of the 11 patients who had undetectable viral levels at week 4 of boceprevir.

Conclusions

Antiviral therapy utilizing boceprevir in liver transplant recipients requires close monitoring. Anaemia and neutropenia were common requiring growth factors in most recipients. On‐treatment viral responses appear promising but long‐term data are needed.
Phylogeography in continuous space: coupling species distribution models and circuit theory to assess the effect of contiguous migration at different climatic periods on genetic differentiation in Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Dupas S. , le Ru B. , Branca A. , Faure N. , Gigot G. , Campagne P. , Sezonlin M. , Ndemah R. , Ong'amo G. , Calatayud P.‐A. , Silvain J.‐F.
Published: March 2014

Current population genetic models fail to cope with genetic differentiation for species with large, contiguous and heterogeneous distribution. We show that in such a case, genetic differentiation can be predicted at equilibrium by circuit theory, where conductance corresponds to abundance in species distribution models (SDMs). Circuit‐SDM approach was used for the phylogeographic study of the lepidopteran cereal stemborer Busseola fuscaFüller (Noctuidae) across sub‐Saharan Africa. Species abundance was surveyed across its distribution range. SDMs were optimized and selected by cross‐validation. Relationship between observed matrices of genetic differentiation between individuals, and between matrices of resistance distance was assessed through Mantel tests and redundancy discriminant analyses (RDAs). A total of 628 individuals from 130 localities in 17 countries were genotyped at seven microsatellite loci. Six population clusters were found based on a Bayesian analysis. The eastern margin of Dahomey gap between East and West Africa was the main factor of genetic differentiation. The SDM projections at present, last interglacial and last glacial maximum periods were used for the estimation of circuit resistance between locations of genotyped individuals. For all periods of time, when using either all individuals or only East African individuals, partial Mantel r and RDA conditioning on geographic distance were found significant. Under future projections (year 2080), partial r and RDA significance were different. From this study, it is concluded that analytical solutions provided by circuit theory are useful for the evolutionary management of populations and for phylogeographic analysis when coalescence times are not accessible by approximate Bayesian simulations.
Gene expression divergence between malaria vector sibling species Anopheles gambiae and An. coluzzii from rural and urban Yaoundé Cameroon
Authors: Cassone Bryan J. , Kamdem Colince , Cheng Changde , Tan John C. , Hahn Matthew W. , Costantini Carlo , Besansky Nora J.
Published: March 2014

Divergent selection based on aquatic larval ecology is a likely factor in the recent isolation of two broadly sympatric and morphologically identical African mosquito species, the malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae and An. coluzzii. Population‐based genome scans have revealed numerous candidate regions of recent positive selection, but have provided few clues as to the genetic mechanisms underlying behavioural and physiological divergence between the two species, phenotypes which themselves remain obscure. To uncover possible genetic mechanisms, we compared global transcriptional profiles of natural and experimental populations using gene‐based microarrays. Larvae were sampled as second and fourth instars from natural populations in and around the city of Yaoundé, capital of Cameroon, where the two species segregate along a gradient of urbanization. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that An. coluzzii – the species that breeds in more stable, biotically complex and potentially polluted urban water bodies – overexpresses genes implicated in detoxification and immunity relative to An. gambiae, which breeds in more ephemeral and relatively depauperate pools and puddles in suburbs and rural areas. Moreover, our data suggest that such overexpression by An. coluzzii is not a transient result of induction by xenobiotics in the larval habitat, but an inherent and presumably adaptive response to repeatedly encountered environmental stressors. Finally, we find no significant overlap between the differentially expressed loci and previously identified genomic regions of recent positive selection, suggesting that transcriptome divergence is regulated by trans‐acting factors rather than cis‐acting elements.
Epidemiology of asexuality induced by the endosymbioticWolbachiaacross phytophagous wasp species: host plant specialization matters
Authors: Boivin T. , Henri H. , Vavre F. , Gidoin C. , Veber P. , Candau J.‐N. , Magnoux E. , Roques A. , Auger‐Rozenberg M.‐A.
Published: March 2014

Among eukaryotes, sexual reproduction is by far the most predominant mode of reproduction. However, some systems maintaining sexuality appear particularly labile and raise intriguing questions on the evolutionary routes to asexuality. Thelytokous parthenogenesis is a form of spontaneous loss of sexuality leading to strong distortion of sex ratio towards females and resulting from mutation, hybridization or infection by bacterial endosymbionts. We investigated whether ecological specialization is a likely mechanism of spread of thelytoky within insect communities. Focusing on the highly specialized genusMegastigmus(Hymenoptera: Torymidae), we first performed a large literature survey to examine the distribution of thelytoky in these wasps across their respective obligate host plant families. Second, we tested for thelytoky caused by endosymbionts by screening in 15 arrhenotokous and 10 thelytokous species forWolbachia,Cardinium,ArsenophonusandRickettsiaendosymbionts and by performing antibiotic treatments. Finally, we performed phylogenetic reconstructions using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to examine the evolution of endosymbiont‐mediated thelytoky inMegastigmusand its possible connections to host plant specialization. We demonstrate that thelytoky evolved from ancestral arrhenotoky through the horizontal transmission and the fixation of the parthenogenesis‐inducingWolbachia. We find that ecological specialization inWolbachia's hosts was probably a critical driving force forWolbachiainfection and spread of thelytoky, but also a constraint. Our work further reinforces the hypothesis that community structure of insects is a major driver of the epidemiology of endosymbionts and that competitive interactions among closely related species may facilitate their horizontal transmission.
Subcellular localization, interactions and dynamics of the phage‐shock protein‐like Lia response in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Domínguez‐Escobar Julia , Wolf Diana , Fritz Georg , Höfler Carolin , Wedlich‐Söldner Roland , Mascher Thorsten
Published: March 2014

The liaIH operon of Bacillus subtilis is the main target of the envelope stress‐inducible two‐component system LiaRS. Here, we studied the localization, interaction and cellular dynamics of Lia proteins to gain insights into the physiological role of the Lia response. We demonstrate that LiaI serves as the membrane anchor for the phage‐shock protein A homologue LiaH. Under non‐inducing conditions, LiaI locates in highly motile membrane‐associated foci, while LiaH is dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. Under stress conditions, both proteins are strongly induced and colocalize in numerous distinct static spots at the cytoplasmic membrane. This behaviour is independent of MreB and does also not correlate with the stalling of the cell wall biosynthesis machinery upon antibiotic inhibition. It can be induced by antibiotics that interfere with the membrane‐anchored steps of cell wall biosynthesis, while compounds that inhibit the cytoplasmic or extracytoplasmic steps do not trigger this response. Taken together, our data are consistent with a model in which the Lia system scans the cytoplasmic membrane for envelope perturbations. Upon their detection, LiaS activates the cognate response regulator LiaR, which in turn strongly induces the liaIH operon. Simultaneously, LiaI recruits LiaH to the membrane, presumably to protect the envelope and counteract the antibiotic‐induced damage.
Comparative off‐host survival of larval Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) collected from ecologically distinct field populations
Authors: OWEN J. P. , VANDER VLIET A. , SCOLES G. A.
Published: March 2014

Dermacentor andersoni (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Stiles, also known as the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (RMWT), is found throughout the western United States and transmits pathogens of importance to human and animal health. The distributions and activity patterns of RMWTs are shaped by regional climatic variation. However, it is unknown if responses to climatic variation differ across the tick's geographical range. The objective of this narrow study was to test the hypothesis that the responses of RMWTs to abiotic conditions [e.g. temperature and RH (relative humidity)] vary among populations. We collected RMWTs from ecologically distinct field sites in the states of Montana and Oregon (USA). In the laboratory, we tracked weekly survival of tick larvae under four combinations of RH (75% and 98%) and temperature (26 and 32 °C) that reflected the range of conditions observed in the source habitats during spring‐summer. For both populations, larval survival time decreased at the higher ambient temperature (50% mortality 1–2 weeks earlier). Differences in RH did not affect the survival time of larvae from Oregon. By contrast, the survival time of larvae from Montana decreased at the lower RH (50% mortality 1 week earlier). These data suggest that the tolerance limits for water stress may differ among populations of D. andersoni.
Tubular urinary biomarkers do not identify aetiology of acute kidney injury in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Ramirez‐Sandoval Juan C , Barrera‐Chimal Jonatan , Simancas Perla E , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo , Bobadilla Norma A , Morales‐Buenrostro Luis E
Published: March 2014

Aim

To evaluate the performance of urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL), kidney injury molecule, interleukin‐18 and heat shock protein 72 for differential diagnosis between causes of acute kidney injury in kidney transplant recipients, especially immunological rejection.

Patients and Methods

We measured these biomarkers in 67 kidney transplant recipients with acute kidney injury according to the RIFLE criteria.

Results

There were no statistical differences in biomarkers between kidney transplant recipients with immunological rejection (n = 20), pre‐renal causes (n = 20) and other AKI causes (n = 27). Only the uNGAL level relative to urinary creatinine (uNGAL/uCr) for immunological rejection was different in comparison with others (P < 0.001); a cut‐off of 59 μg/g of uNGAL/uCr had a sensitivity and specificity of 60% and 58% respectively (area under the curve in receiver‐operating characteristic curve, 0.65). The other biomarkers were not useful in differentiating the causes of acute kidney injury.

Conclusion

The biomarkers tested are not useful in identifying immunological rejection as cause of acute kidney injury in kidney transplant recipients.
Hepatitis C virus: a silent killer relevant to dentistry
Authors: Carrozzo M
Published: March 2014

Around 25 years ago, hepatitis C virus (HCV) was identified, and following intense research and tremendous advancements, the infection is now potentially curable and even complete viral eradication is possible. It is also evident that HCV can be involved in some oral disorders, but more research is clearly warranted on oral health of HCV‐infected patients. Given the global estimates on HCV epidemic and its likely huge economic impact, primary prevention and secondary prevention are worldwide priorities. However, investments are still insufficient to achieve these goals.
Population‐level consequences of risky dispersal
Authors: Shaw Allison K. , Jalasvuori Matti , Kokko Hanna
Published: March 2014

Achieving sufficient connectivity between populations is essential for persistence, but costs of dispersal may select against individual traits or behaviours that, if present, would improve connectivity. Existing dispersal models tend to ignore the multitude of risks to individuals: while many assess the effect of mortality costs, there is also a risk of failing to find new habitat, especially when the entire inhabitable area remains both small and fragmented. There are few known rules governing whether individuals evolve to disperse more, or less, than what is ideal for population connectivity and persistence. Here we aim to fill this gap, while also noting that evolution might not only produce suboptimal dispersal behaviour: it also influences individual heterogeneity in dispersal. Intuitively, we might expect heterogeneity to improve connectivity, as some individuals will travel far. However, we show that this is only true if dispersal distances on average are quite short; heterogeneity can also lead to reduced connectivity because it can reduce the proportion of the most profitable (‘safest’) intermediate dispersal distances. In general, our results show that conditions typically associated with conservation concerns (small and fragmented habitats inhabited by a species with a low birth rate) are also ones that are most likely to lead to suboptimal dispersal traits. This prompts the question of assisted dispersal in cases of urgent conservation concern.
Ultrasound‐Guided Venous Puncture in Electrophysiological Procedures: A Safe Method, Rapidly Learned
Authors: ERRAHMOUNI ABDELKARIM , BUN SOK‐SITHIKUN , LATCU DECEBAL GABRIEL , SAOUDI NADIR
Published: March 2014

Background

We sought to determine the feasibility and learning curve associated with systematic use of real‐time ultrasound‐guided venous puncture (UGVP) in patients undergoing electrophysiological (EP) procedures.

Methods

Four operators performed UGVP in consecutive patients undergoing EP procedures (group I). Puncture time was defined as the time from ultrasound (US) visualization of the femoral vein to the insertion of all sheaths. A learning curve as defined by UGVP evolution over the time was established for each operator. This population was compared to an historical group of patients in whom venous puncture was performed without US (group II).

Results

A total of 150 patients per group were included. UGVP was successfully achieved in all patients. Mean time for 2.8 ± 0.7 sheaths per patient insertion was 280 ± 151 seconds in group I. There was one minor vascular complication (VC) out of 150 patients (0.66%) without major VC in group I as compared with group II (2% major VC and 4.6% minor VC; P < 0.05). UGVP time reached a plateau at the sixth patient‐case for each operator; thus, learning curve was estimated to six patients.

Conclusion

UGVP is a short learning curve technique, significantly associated with a low incidence of minor VCs. This study supports wide use of UGVP in patients undergoing EP procedures.
Atrial Fibrillation Burden Estimates Derived from Intermittent Rhythm Monitoring are Unreliable Estimates of the True Atrial Fibrillation Burden
Authors: CHARITOS EFSTRATIOS I. , ZIEGLER PAUL D. , STIERLE ULRICH , ROBINSON DEREK R. , GRAF BERNHARD , SIEVERS HANS‐HINRICH , HANKE THORSTEN
Published: March 2014

Background

Estimates of atrial fibrillation (AF) burden (AFB) derived from intermittent rhythm monitoring (IRM) are increasingly being used as an outcome measure after therapeutic interventions; however, their accuracy has never been validated. The aim of this study was to compare IRM‐derived AFB estimates to the true AFB as measured by implantable continuous monitoring (CM) devices.

Methods

Rhythm histories from 647 patients (mean AFB: 12 ± 22%; 687 patient·years) with CM devices were analyzed. IRM of various frequencies and durations were simulated and the obtained IRM‐derived AF burdens were compared to the true AFB measured by CM.

Results

The relative error of the IRM burden estimates was dependent on the IRM length (P < 0.001), frequency of IRM (P < 0.001), the true AFB (P < 0.001), and its temporal aggregation (AF density, P < 0.001). In paroxysmal AF patients, the relative error even with aggressive IRM strategies was >80% of the true AFB. The relative error decreased with higher true AF burdens, lower AF densities, and higher IRM frequency or duration (P < 0.001). However, even in patients with high AF burdens and/or low AF densities, IRM estimates of AFB significantly deviated from the true AFB (relative error >20%, P < 0.001) and resulted in a substantial measurement error.

Conclusion

IRM‐derived AFB estimates are unreliable estimators of the true AFB. Particularly for paroxysmal AF patients, IRM‐derived AFB estimates should not be used to evaluate outcomes after AF interventions.
Is dexmedetomidine superior to midazolam as a premedication in children? A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sun Yu , Lu Yi , Huang Yan , Jiang Hong
Published: March 2014

Background

In the current published literature, there are controversial results regarding the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine compared with midazolam as premedication in children. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to compare the use of dexmedetomidine as a premedication in pediatric patients with that of midazolam.

Methods

We searched for articles published in English that matched the key words ‘dexmedetomidine’, ‘midazolam’, and ‘children’ in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and Google Scholar databases. Additional studies were identified from the reference lists of the retrieved articles. Only prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of dexmedetomidine and midazolam as premedications in children were included. The extraction of data from the articles was performed independently by two authors using a predesigned Excel spreadsheet. The relative risks (RRs), weighted mean differences (WMDs), and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for dichotomous and continuous outcome data using the quality effects model of the MetaXL version 1.3 software.

Results

Eleven prospective RCTs (829 children) met our criteria. Compared with midazolam, dexmedetomidine premedication was associated with more satisfactory sedation upon parent separation (eight RCTs [679 children]; RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.46) and upon mask acceptance (seven RCTs [559 children]; RR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.36). During the postoperative period, premedication with dexmedetomidine lowered the numbers of requests for rescue analgesia (six RCTs [477 children]; RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.74) and lowered the risks of agitation or delirium (seven RCTs with [466 children]; RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.88), and shivering (three RCTs [192 children]; RR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.61). However, dexmedetomidine premedication reduced systolic blood pressure (three RCTs [242 children]; WMD: −11.47 mm·Hg−1; 95% CI: −13.95, −8.98), mean blood pressure (three RCTs [202 children]; WMD: −5.66 mm·Hg−1; 95% CI: −8.89, −2.43), and heart rate (six RCTs [444 children]; WMD: −12.71 beat·min−1; 95% CI: −14.80, −10.62), and prolonged the onset of sedation (two RCTs [132 children] WMD: 13.78 min; 95% CI: 11.33, 16.23; I2 = 0%) relative to midazolam.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis demonstrated that dexmedetomidine premedication is superior to midazolam premedication in terms of producing satisfactory sedation upon parent separation and mask acceptance. Dexmedetomidine premedication provides clinical benefits that included reducing the requirements for rescue analgesia and reducing agitation or delirium and shivering during the postoperative period. However, the risks of heart rate and blood pressure decreases, and the prolonged onset of sedation associated with dexmedetomidine should be considered.
Comparison of Problems and Unmet Needs of Patients with Advanced Cancer in a European Country and an Asian Country
Authors: Effendy Christantie , Vissers Kris , Osse Bart H. P. , Tejawinata Sunaryadi , Vernooij‐Dassen Myrra , Engels Yvonne
Published: March 2014

Background

Patients with advanced cancer experience problems and unmet needs. However, we assume that patients with advanced cancer will have more problems and unmet needs in a country with a lower economic status than in an economically stronger country. We studied whether patients with advanced cancer in Indonesia have more problems and unmet needs than a similar group of patients in the Netherlands.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional survey. We compared the data for 180 Indonesian and 94 Dutch patients relating to 24 items of the Problems and Needs in Palliative Care‐short version questionnaire. We performed descriptive and χ2 analysis with Bonferroni correction.

Results

The prevalence of most physical problems, including pain, was similar in the 2 groups. In Indonesia, financial problems were the most common: 70 to 80% vs. 30 to 42% in the Netherlands. In Indonesia, 25 to 50% of the patients reported psychological and autonomy problems versus 55 to 86% in the Netherlands. The Indonesian group had many more unmet needs for each problem (> 54%) than the Dutch group (< 35%).

Conclusion

Apparently, economic and cultural differences hardly influence physical problems. Nonetheless, fewer Indonesian patients reported psychological and autonomy problems than Dutch patients. This difference contradicts our hypothesis. However, we found more unmet needs for professional attention in Indonesia than in the Netherlands, which is compatible with our hypothesis. These simple comparative data provide interesting insights into problems and unmet needs and give rise to our new hypothesis about cultural influences. This hypothesis should be studied in more depth.
Periostin accelerates human malignant melanoma progression by modifying the melanoma microenvironment
Authors: Kotobuki Yorihisa , Yang Lingli , Serada Satoshi , Tanemura Atsushi , Yang Fei , Nomura Shintaro , Kudo Akira , Izuhara Kenji , Murota Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Minoru , Katayama Ichiro , Naka Tetsuji
Published: March 2014

Given no reliable therapy for advanced malignant melanoma, it is important to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease progression. Using a quantitative proteomics approach, the ‘isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)’ method, we identified that the extracellular matrix protein, periostin (POSTN), was highly expressed in invasive melanoma compared with normal skin. An immunohistochemical analysis showed that POSTN was expressed in all invasive melanoma (n = 20) and metastatic lymph node (n = 5) tissue samples, notably restricted in their stroma. In terms of the intercellular regulation of POSTN, we found that there was upregulation of POSTN when melanoma cells and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) were cocultured, with restricted expression of TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β3. In a functional analyses, recombinant and NHDF‐derived POSTN significantly accelerated melanoma cell proliferation via the integrin/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in vitro. The size of implanted melanoma tumors was significantly suppressed in POSTN/Rag2 double knockout mice compared with Rag2 knock‐out mice. These results indicate that NHDF‐derived POSTN accelerates melanoma progression and might be a promising therapeutic target for malignant melanoma.
Methylisothiazolinone: A Case of Perianal Dermatitis Caused by Wet Wipes and Review of an Emerging Pediatric Allergen
Authors: Admani Shehla , Matiz Catalina , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: March 2014

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative found in cosmetic, personal hygiene, and industrial products. It has been characterized as a moderate to strong sensitizer and is an emerging allergen in the pediatric population. We discuss a case of perianal dermatitis in a child caused by contact allergy to MI‐containing wet wipes.
Methodology for Establishing a Population‐Based Birth Cohort Focusing on Couple Fertility and Children's Development, theUpstateKIDSStudy
Authors: Buck Louis Germaine M. , Hediger Mary L. , Bell Erin M. , Kus Christopher A. , Sundaram Rajeshwari , McLain Alexander C. , Yeung Edwina , Hills Elaine A. , Thoma Marie E. , Druschel Charlotte M.
Published: March 2014

Background

Critical data gaps remain regarding infertility treatment and child development. We assessed the utility of a birth certificate registry for developing a population cohort aimed at answering such questions.

Methods

We utilised theUpstateNewYork livebirth registry (n = 201 063) to select births conceived with (n = 4024) infertility treatment or exposed infants, who were then frequency‐matched by residence to a random sample of infants conceived without (n = 14 455) treatment or unexposed infants, 2008–10. Mothers were recruited at 2–4 months postpartum and queried about their reproductive histories, including infertility treatment for comparison with birth certificate data. Overall, 1297 (32%) mothers of exposed and 3692 of unexposed (26%) infants enrolled.

Results

Twins represented 22% of each infant group. The percentage of infants conceived with/without infertility treatment was similar whether derived from the birth registry or maternal report: 71% none, 16% drugs or intrauterine insemination, and 14% assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Concordant reporting between the two data sources was 93% for no treatment, 88% forART, and 83% for fertility drugs, but differed by plurality. Exposed infants had slightly (P < 0.01) earlier gestations than unexposed infants (38.3 ± 2.8 and 38.7 ± 2.7 weeks, respectively) based upon birth certificates but not maternal report (38.7 ± 2.7 and 38.7 ± 2.9, respectively). Conversely, mean birthweight was comparable using birth certificates (3157 ± 704 and 3194 ± 679 g, respectively), but differed using maternal report (3167 ± 692 and 3224 ± 661, respectivelyP < 0.05).

Conclusions

The birth certificate registry is a suitable sampling framework as measured by concordance with maternally reported infertility treatment. Future efforts should address the impact of factors associated with discordant reporting on research findings.
Evaluation of HLA‐DRB1 imputation using a Finnish dataset
Authors: Vlachopoulou E. , Lahtela E. , Wennerström A. , Havulinna A. S. , Salo P. , Perola M. , Salomaa V. , Nieminen M. S. , Sinisalo J. , Lokki M.‐L.
Published: March 2014

Owing to the vast amount of alleles, high‐resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing is expensive and time‐consuming. Scientists have attempted to develop computational approaches to define HLA alleles with high confidence. We tested the reliability of HLA*IMP and SNP2HLA for imputing HLA‐DRB1 alleles in a Finnish material (n = 161). The per‐individual success rates varied between 16.68% and 25.4% using both softwares. One of the most prominent example was HLA‐DRB1*01:01 allele showing approximately a 30% success rate while being the most common wrongly imputed allele. In Finland, isolation and migration history have shaped the gene pool narrower showing HLA haplotype frequencies typical to the Finnish population when compared to Europeans. The imputation success for HLA‐DRB1 alleles was very low pointing to the importance of population‐specific reference material.
Transient residence of a seropositive organ is sufficient to transfer human cytomegalovirus to a seronegative recipient
Authors: Lumgair H.A. , Rolando N. , O'Beirne J. , Sharma D. , Griffiths P.D.
Published: March 2014

Many aspects of the pathogenesis of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in liver transplantation remain unclear. This study examined the transfer of HCMV from the transient residence of a seropositive organ in seronegative recipients. All subjects receiving >1 orthotopic liver transplant (LT) were identified from an LT database. The patients of interest were HCMV‐seronegative LT recipients who received their first organ from a seropositive donor, and subsequently a second LT from a seronegative donor within 30 days. Of 98 patients identified, 6 met these criteria and 4 developed viremia; in 2 cases, after the seropositive organ was in situ for 28 and 109 h. We can therefore conclude that 28 h is sufficient to allow HCMV to transmit, but the minimum time has not yet been defined.
Exploring intentions to discriminate against patients living with HIV/AIDS among future healthcare providers in Malaysia
Authors: Earnshaw Valerie A. , Jin Harry , Wickersham Jeffrey , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , John Jacob , Altice Frederick L.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is strong in Malaysia. Although stigma has been understudied, it may be a barrier to treating the approximately 81 000 Malaysian PLWHA. The current study explores correlates of intentions to discriminate against PLWHA among medical and dental students, the future healthcare providers of Malaysia.

Methods

An online, cross‐sectional survey of 1296 medical and dental students was conducted in 2012 at seven Malaysian universities; 1165 (89.9%) completed the survey and were analysed. Socio‐demographic characteristics, stigma‐related constructs and intentions to discriminate against PLWHA were measured. Linear mixed models were conducted, controlling for clustering by university.

Results

The final multivariate model demonstrated that students who intended to discriminate more against PLWHA were female, less advanced in their training, and studying dentistry. They further endorsed more negative attitudes towards PLWHA, internalised greater HIV‐related shame, reported more HIV‐related fear and disagreed more strongly that PLWHA deserve good care. The final model accounted for 38% of the variance in discrimination intent, with 10% accounted for by socio‐demographic characteristics and 28% accounted for by stigma‐related constructs.

Conclusions

It is critical to reduce stigma among medical and dental students to eliminate intentions to discriminate and achieve equitable care for Malaysian PLWHA. Stigma‐reduction interventions should be multipronged, addressing attitudes, internalised shame, fear and perceptions of deservingness of care.
Clinical and histological characterization of multifocal, spontaneous, noninfectious alopecia inNorwegian puffin dogs (lundehunds)
Authors: Bergvall Kerstin E. , Shokrai Arman
Published: March 2014

Background

A noninfectious, spontaneous, multifocal alopecia has been recognized inNorwegian puffin dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This study aimed to report demographic information, history, clinical signs, histopathological features and follow‐up information for alopecicNorwegian puffin dogs fromSweden.

Material and methods

A questionnaire was sent out to all members of the breed association. Dogs clinically diagnosed with alopecia and biopsied were allocated to Group A. Dogs reported with alopecia for which histopathology was not available were allocated to Group B.

Results

GroupAincluded 14 dogs (11.7% of the breed population inSweden). Information regarding 72 dogs (60% of the breed population) was collected via questionnaire, and alopecia without histopathology was reported in another five dogs (Group B). Gender distribution was equal. Median age of onset was 1.5 years (range 8 months to 7 years). Multifocal or serpiginous alopecia, follicular plugging, dry skin, slight scaling and pruritus were characteristic. Extensive, widespread alopecia was not seen, and lesions were recorded only in haired skin. A lymphoplasmacytic, mural, isthmus folliculitis/perifolliculitis with follicular and perifollicular mucin was observed. Inflammation did not involve the hair bulb; atrophy was sometimes present. The inflammation sometimes extended to sebaceous glands, resulting in atrophy and absence of glands. Follow‐up ranged from 6 months to 12 years (mean 3.2 years). Spontaneous remission was rare. Estrus was associated with worsening of the disease or relapse. Oral prednisolone reduced pruritus but was not effective in resolving clinical lesions. All dogs treated with ciclosporin went into remission.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This is the first report of mural, mucinotic, isthmus folliculitis alopecia inNorwegian puffin dogs.