bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic repair of left paraduodenal hernia: Report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Kulkarni Gaurav V , Salgaonkar Hrishikesh P , Sharma Pradeep Chandra , Chakkarvarty Nippun R , Katara Avinash N , Bhandarkar Deepraj S
Published: April 2016

Internal hernia is the cause of only 1% of intestinal obstructions, and left paraduodenal hernias (PDH) comprise about 50% of these cases. As the presentation of PDH is varied, diagnosis is often delayed. Here, we report two patients with left PDH presenting in a subacute manner and diagnosed rapidly with the help of a CT scan. Both underwent successful laparoscopic repair; one patient had closure of the defect, and the other required excision of the sac prior to the closure. We review 21 cases of left PDH treated laparoscopically that were previously reported in the literature, including 14 from Asian countries.
Causes and Consequences of Poverty Targeting Failures: The Case of the Samurdhi Program in Sri Lanka
Authors: Madduma Bandara Nadeeka Damayanthi
Published: April 2016

The government of Sri Lanka has been implementing the Samurdhi program as a major poverty alleviation program since 1995. Among a number of criticisms on program implementation is mal‐targeting or lack of proper targeting. This article examines why errors in targeting occured in the safety‐net and livelihood development components of the Samurdhi program in Sri Lanka, and the subsequent effects on the poor as well as on the program itself. Forty focus group discussions with stakeholders in eight districts, interviews with four key informants, and documentary analysis were undertaken to achieve the study's objectives. Peoples’ dependency mentality, politicization of the society, and outdated income level cutoffs were identified as major reasons for mal‐targeting. Major outcomes of the mal‐targeting include disruptions to social harmony and decline in effectiveness of the program. Implications for public policy development are also discussed in this article.
Monotherapy with pixantrone in histologically confirmed relapsed or refractory aggressive B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: post‐hoc analyses from a phase III trial
Authors: Pettengell Ruth , Sebban Catherine , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Derigs Hans Gunter , Kravchenko Sergey , Singer Jack W. , Theocharous Panteli , Wang Lixia , Pavlyuk Mariya , Makhloufi Kahina M. , Coiffier Bertrand
Published: April 2016

This post hoc analysis of a phase 3 trial explored the effect of pixantrone in patients (50 pixantrone, 47 comparator) with relapsed or refractory aggressive B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) confirmed by centralized histological review. Patients received 28‐d cycles of 85 mg/m2 pixantrone dimaleate (equivalent to 50 mg/m2 in the approved formulation) on days 1, 8 and 15, or comparator. The population was subdivided according to previous rituximab use and whether they received the study treatment as 3rd or 4th line. Median number of cycles was 4 (range, 2–6) with pixantrone and 3 (2–6) with comparator. In 3rd or 4th line, pixantrone was associated with higher complete response (CR) (23·1% vs. 5·1% comparator, P = 0·047) and overall response rate (ORR, 43·6% vs. 12·8%, P = 0·005). In 3rd or 4th line with previous rituximab (20 pixantrone, 18 comparator), pixantrone produced better ORR (45·0% vs. 11·1%, P = 0·033), CR (30·0% vs. 5·6%, P = 0·093) and progression‐free survival (median 5·4 vs. 2·8 months, hazard ratio 0·52, 95% confidence interval 0·26–1·04) than the comparator. Similar results were found in patients without previous rituximab. There were no unexpected safety issues. Pixantrone monotherapy is more effective than comparator in relapsed or refractory aggressive B‐cell NHL in the 3rd or 4th line setting, independently of previous rituximab.
A prognostic model for survival after salvage treatment with FLAG‐Ida +/− gemtuzumab‐ozogamicine in adult patients with refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Bergua Juan M. , Montesinos Pau , Martinez‐Cuadrón David , Fernández‐Abellán Pascual , Serrano Josefina , Sayas María J. , Prieto‐Fernandez Julio , García Raimundo , García‐Huerta Ana J. , Barrios Manuel , Benavente Celina , Pérez‐Encinas Manuel , Simiele Adriana , Rodríguez‐Macias Gabriela , Herrera‐Puente Pilar , Rodríguez‐Veiga Rebeca , Martínez‐Sánchez María P. , Amador‐Barciela María L. , Riaza‐Grau Rosalía , Sanz Miguel A. ,   the PETHEMA group
Published: April 2016

The combination of fludarabine, cytarabine, idarubicin, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (FLAG‐Ida) is widely used in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We retrospectively analysed the results of 259 adult AML patients treated as first salvage with FLAG‐Ida or FLAG‐Ida plus Gentuzumab‐Ozogamicin (FLAGO‐Ida) of the Programa Español de Tratamientos en Hematología (PETHEMA) database, developing a prognostic score system of survival in this setting (SALFLAGE score). Overall, 221 patients received FLAG‐Ida and 38 FLAGO‐Ida; 92 were older than 60 years. The complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) rate was 51%, with 9% of induction deaths. Three covariates were associated with lower CR/CRi: high‐risk cytogenetics and t(8;21) at diagnosis, no previous allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) and relapse‐free interval <1 year. Allo‐SCT was performed in second CR in 60 patients (23%). The median overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was 0·7 years, with 22% OS at 5‐years. Four independent variables were used to construct the score: cytogenetics, FLT3‐internal tandem duplication, length of relapse‐free interval and previous allo‐SCT. Using this stratification system, three groups were defined: favourable (26% of patients), intermediate (29%) and poor‐risk (45%), with an expected 5‐year OS of 52%, 26% and 7%, respectively. The SALFLAGE score discriminated a subset of patients with an acceptable long‐term outcome using FLAG‐Ida/FLAGO‐Ida regimen. The results of this retrospective analysis should be validated in independent external cohorts.
From “Squatter” to Homesteader: Being Hawaiian in an American City
Authors: SCHACHTER JUDITH
Published: April 2016

Papakōlea, a neighborhood at the edge of downtown Honolulu, was granted legal status as a Hawaiian Homestead in 1934. The urban homestead represented an important departure from the 1921 Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, a congressional act whose purpose was to “rehabilitate” Native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. My paper examines the steps through which residents of a city neighborhood turned to their advantage an act emphasizing the rural basis of authentic Native Hawaiian identity. I argue that from the 1920s until the present, activists have drawn on interpretations ofbeing Hawaiianas a primary tactic for claiming rights to urban land in an American legal context. In conclusion, I suggest that Papakōlea exemplifies the role that legal protection of a social space, the essence of the homestead idea beyond its ill‐fated rural model, can play in establishing and preserving indigenous identities, community engagement, and the activism of an urban population. [Indigeneity, Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, Honolulu, social activism]
Urban Kanak Parents on Customary Trial: An Ethnography of the Customary Family Court of Nouméa, New Caledonia
Authors: TRÉPIED BENOÎT
Published: April 2016

For the last two decades, in the context of the progressive decolonization of New Caledonia (South‐West Pacific), the French justice system has integrated Kanak within New Caledonia's family courts. These customary assessors are officially responsible for identifying and explaining the relevant “customary law” to the presiding professional judges (all of whom come from metropolitan France), required to adjudicate Kanak family matters (divorce, child custody, child support, and so on) according to “Custom.” Drawing on an ethnographic study of the Customary Family Court of New Caledonia's capital city, Nouméa, this paper concentrates on the practical interactions between these legal guardians of the customary order and the urban, mostly young, Kanak parents appearing before the Court. As day‐to‐day experiences of Kanak parenthood in this urban context often challenge the traditional, functionalist, and ruralist paradigm promoted by the Customary Family Court, ethnographic observation of these hearings reveals a wide range of discursive strategies and cultural negotiations and confrontations between Kanak parents, customary assessors, and French judges. At the core of these debates on family, culture, and custom in the justice system lies the issue of Kanak authenticity and its articulation with history, social change, and urban trajectories. [custom, justice, decolonization, parenthood, New Caledonia]
Histone modifications interact with DNA methylation at the GATA4 promoter during differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte‐like cells
Authors: Xu Hao , Yi Qin , Yang Chunmei , Wang Yue , Tian Jie , Zhu Jing
Published: April 2016

Objectives

A previous study of ours confirmed that Islet‐1 specifically induces differentiation of MSCs into cardiomyocytes, and that one of the mechanisms underlying that process is regulation of histone acetylation. Here, we further explore the mechanism of MSC differentiation into cardiomyocytes from the perspective of interactions between epigenetic modifications.

Materials and methods

We used lentiviral vectors to overexpress Islet‐1 in MSCs, and ChIP‐qPCR, MSP and BSP were performed to detect levels of histone acetylation/methylation and DNA methylation in the GATA4 and Nkx2.5 promoters. To further explore relationships between these epigenetic modifications, we used 5‐aza or TSA to interfere with DNA methylation and histone acetylation, respectively, and detected effects on the other two modifications.

Results

Histone acetylation level increased and its methylation level decreased at GATA4 and Nkx2.5 promoters; DNA methylation level was reduced at the GATA4 promoter but did not change at the Nkx2.5 promoter. Furthermore, 5‐aza increased histone acetylation level and reduced its methylation level at the GATA4 promoter but had no effect on the Nkx2.5 promoter; TSA reduced histone methylation and DNA methylation levels at the GATA4 promoter, but it only reduced histone methylation level at the Nkx2.5 promoter.

Conclusions

Histone acetylation/methylation and DNA methylation were both involved in regulating GATA4 expression, but Nkx2.5 expression was not regulated by DNA methylation. These three modifications had high correlation with each other during regulation of GATA4 and produced a regulation loop at the GATA4 promoter.
Learning Strategies in Enterprises: empirical findings, implications and perspectives for the immediate future
Authors: Brandi Ulrik , Iannone Rosa Lisa
Published: April 2016

The article examines learning strategies at the enterprise level, conceptualising them into three main dimensions: learning systems and incentives, connecting to the affective dimension of learning which behavioural learning addresses effectively; skills’ development, chiefly addressing the cognitive dimension of learning to which cognitive and action learning principles can be applied; and, work design and the organisation of work, which attend to the structural dimension of learning and socio‐cultural approaches. Through this conceptual understanding, we empirically explored the learning strategies of 194 enterprises, searching for the most pressing needs and commitments to learning. Our results show that enterprises struggle to find the optimal balance between the use of systematic and ad‐hoc arrangements of learning systems and incentives, yet they must emphasise intrinsic needs as a key business strategy, systematise certain aspects of HR, whilst minimising the negative effects of status distinction, hierarchy and bureaucracy. They must also address the pervasive effects of stress and burnouts. Most especially, enterprises must address the gap between the high valuation of soft skills and the low investment in developing them. Methods equipping enterprises with clear calculations for return on investment in soft skills' training are needed. These issues can be effectively addressed by strengthening networks and communities of practice, fostering greater awareness of public funds and public‐sponsored opportunities, investing in public‐private research and backing the greater recognition of on‐the‐job learning.
Multiple sclerosis and risk of attempted and completed suicide – a cohort study
Authors: Brenner P. , Burkill S. , Jokinen J. , Hillert J. , Bahmanyar S. , Montgomery S.
Published: April 2016

Background and purpose

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are known to have an elevated suicide risk, but attempted suicide is incompletely investigated. The relation between education level and suicidality has not been investigated in MS patients. Our objective was to estimate attempted suicide and completed suicide risks amongst MS patients.

Methods

A total of 29 617 Swedish MS patients were identified through the Swedish Patient Register and matched with 296 164 people without MS from the general population. Cox regression analysis estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of MS with attempted and completed suicide, with adjustment for age, sex, education and calendar period.

Results

The adjusted HR for attempted suicide amongst MS patients is 2.18 (95% CI 1.97–2.43) compared with the general population cohort. For completed suicide the HR is 1.87 (95% CI 1.53–2.30). In both groups women are at higher risk of attempting suicide, whilst men are at higher risk of completing suicide. Education level is inversely associated with completed suicide amongst the non‐MS cohort (0.68, 0.51–0.91), but not amongst MS patients (1.10, 0.60–2.04).

Conclusion

Multiple sclerosis patients are at higher risk of both attempted and completed suicide. No evidence was found of an inverse association between educational level and risk of completed suicide amongst MS patients.
Attractiveness of baits to dung beetles in Brazilian savanna and exotic pasturelands
Authors: Correa César M. A. , Puker Anderson , Korasaki Vanesca , Ferreira Kleyton R. , Abot Alfredo R.
Published: April 2016

The Brazilian savanna is the second largest ecosystem in Brazil. It is also one of the most endangered, with only 20% of its habitat remaining unchanged. Agriculture and livestock have been indicated as the main agents of destruction of the Brazilian savanna. Brazilian livestock, for example, is the main reason for cultivation of exotic grasses such asUrochloaspp. (from Africa). Dung beetles are widely used in ecological assessment, mainly because they are recognized as bioindicators of environmental changes. Therefore, efficient sampling is required for any research involving the biodiversity of this group. In order to mitigate the lack of information on efficiency of the attractiveness of baits in the endangered Brazilian savanna and in exotic pasturelands, we sampled dung beetles in four native patches of the Brazilian savanna and in four areas of pastures withUrochloaspp. Dung beetles were captured with pitfall traps baited with carcass, cattle dung, human feces and pig dung, with a total sampling effort of 384 traps. We sampled 7544 individuals belonging to 43 species and 18 genera of dung beetles. Thirty‐eight species were collected in the Brazilian savanna and 24 species in exotic pastureland. In both ecosystems traps baited with human feces sampled greater abundance and species richness of dung beetles when compared with the other three baits used. Our results showed that human feces is a reliable, easy and inexpensive bait to sample greater abundance and species richness of generalist dung beetles in both native and exotic habitats, with clear structural differences.
Intrahepatic angiogenesis increases portal hypertension in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Le , Zhao Xinya , Feng Yuemin , Ma Xiaowen , Wu Hao , Zhu Qiang
Published: April 2016

Aim

It remains unclear whether intrahepatic angiogenesis increases portal hypertension (PH) in hepatitis B with cirrhosis. We aim to investigate the relationship between intrahepatic angiogenesis and PH in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Sixty hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis and 40 healthy subjects were included in this study. Angiogenesis markers vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and fibrosis marker α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were observed by immunohistochemistry. Sirius Red staining was also used to determine liver fibrosis. Correlations between levels of intrahepatic angiogenesis and Child–Pugh classes, liver fibrosis degree, and portal vein pressure were examined. We also analyzed the relationship between levels of intrahepatic angiogenesis and complications of PH, including esophageal varices (EV), ascites, and hypersplenism.

Results

Correlation was observed between the levels of VEGFR2 (r = 0.590, P < 0.01), vWF (r = 0.524, P < 0.01) in tissue, and Child–Pugh classes. Significant correlations were observed between levels of VEGFR2 and α‐SMA (r = 0.710, P < 0.01), VEGFR2 and Sirius Red (r = 0.841, P < 0.01), vWF and α‐SMA (r = 0.768, P < 0.01), and vWF and Sirius Red (r = 0.825, P < 0.01). Patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥12 mmHg showed higher levels of VEGFR2 and vWF expression compared to those with (HVPG) <12 mmHg (2.60 ± 1.28% vs. 1.09 ± 0.73%; 5.85 ± 2.45% vs. 2.31 ± 1.34%, P < 0.01), respectively. Moreover, complications of PH, including size of esophageal varices (P < 0.01), presence of ascites (P < 0.01), and spleen volume (P < 0.01) were significantly affected by the levels of intrahepatic angiogenesis.

Conclusion

Intrahepatic angiogenesis increases PH in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis. The study provides the potential ways to intervene in the progresses for therapeutic benefits in cirrhosis and PH.
Framework for enhancing clinical practice guidelines through continuous patient engagement
Authors: Armstrong Melissa J. , Rueda Juan‐David , Gronseth Gary S. , Mullins C. Daniel
Published: April 2016

Background

Patient engagement in clinical practice guideline (CPG) development is recommended by multiple institutions and instruments measuring guideline quality. Approaches to engaging patients, however, vary between oversight organizations, quality tools and guideline developers.

Objective

We propose a ten‐step framework outlining steps and options for patient engagement in guideline development with the goal of highlighting steps for patient engagement and methods by which this can be achieved.

Discussion

This framework provides a model for continuous patient engagement in CPGs by outlining ten steps of guideline development occurring at the levels of the developer/committee and the individual guideline project. At the developer level, patients can assist in topic nomination (step 1), topic prioritization (step 2) and guideline development group selection (step 3). Within specific guideline projects, patients’ opinions may be incorporated when framing the question (step 4), creating an analytic framework and research plan (step 5), conducting the systematic review and conclusion formation (step 6), development of recommendations (step 7) and dissemination and implementation (step 8). At the end of process, patients can again be engaged at the developer level by helping determine when guidelines need updating (step 9) and evaluating the developer's approach to patient engagement (step 10).

Conclusions

Patient engagement at each CPG development step has different purposes, mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, and implications for resource utilization. This framework can serve as a resource for guideline developers desiring to increase patient engagement and reference for researchers investigating engagement methodology at different steps of the CPG lifecycle.
Wind conditions facilitate the seasonal water‐crossing behaviour of Oriental Honey‐buzzards Pernis ptilorhynchus over the East China Sea
Authors: Nourani Elham , Yamaguchi Noriyuki M. , Manda Atsuyoshi , Higuchi Hiroyoshi
Published: April 2016

Migratory raptors rarely fly over stretches of water larger than 25 km, although different species undertake water crossings of varying lengths, depending mainly on their wing morphology. Oriental Honey‐buzzards fly c. 680 km over the East China Sea in autumn from breeding areas in Japan to wintering areas in Southeast Asia, but avoid this long water crossing in spring. We investigated the effects of weather on this exceptional migratory behaviour and its seasonality through a maximum entropy niche modelling approach. We used data collected through satellite tracking of 31 adult birds as presence points and a set of variables related to wind, precipitation and convective condition as environmental predictors. Results of modelling showed very different, almost non‐overlapping, areas suitable for migration over the East China Sea region in autumn and spring. Suitable migration routes in autumn mostly occurred over the sea, whereas suitable areas for spring migration mostly occurred over land, suggesting that circumnavigating the East China Sea is preferable in spring. At the regional scale, wind conditions facilitate water‐crossing behaviour of Oriental Honey‐buzzards in autumn, but not in spring. Specifically, suitable tailwinds over the sea enable water‐crossing in autumn, whereas in spring, wind support and convective conditions are best over land. Our modelling did not suggest any importance of convective conditions for autumn migration. However, we expect that at smaller temporal scales, convective conditions would be a considerable facilitator of the water‐crossing behaviour in this species.
The role of education and training in enhancing labour productivity in Arab countries in Africa
Authors: ElObeidy Ahmed A.
Published: April 2016

Labour productivity in Arab countries is low by international standards and this problem occurs in Arab countries both inside and outside Africa. There are 10 Arab countries in Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti and Comoros. Enhancing labour productivity is a major challenge for Arab countries. Improving labour productivity should increase competitiveness, economic growth, job availability and living standards. Key factors in low Arab labour productivity include weak education and training systems, a mismatch between training outputs and labour market demands, lack of technology and innovation and poor management of the workforce. This article seeks to put forward innovative education and training policies which can enhance labour productivity. It does so after examining Arab education and training systems and their links with industry. It is concluded that modern governance arrangements need to be applied in Arab universities. Universities need to be re‐envisioned so that curricula are market‐driven and bridge the gap between education supply and market demand. Entrepreneurial teaching and learning practices need to be emphasized and improved technical and vocational training should be a priority. The Arab countries also have to adopt responsive and practical strategies for research and development and link the research and development institutes to industry.
What Do You Fear? Anti-immigrant Sentiment in Latin America
Authors: Meseguer Covadonga , Kemmerling Achim
Published: April 2016

In this article, we study the material determinants of anti-immigrant sentiment in Latin America. Based on new data on immigration to non-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, we use the workhorse distributive theories that anticipate who wins and who loses from immigration and test their predictive capacity in labor-abundant countries. We exploit the variation in regional immigration rates, in the skill composition of natives versus migrants, and in the relative generosity of Latin American welfare states. We find that fears of labor-market competition are weak predictors of anti-immigrant sentiment. In contrast, fears of greater tax burdens are strong and robust predictors of anti-immigrant sentiment. We conclude that studying Latin American public opinion opens new avenues for theorizing about anti-immigrant sentiment in developing countries.
Why FX Risk Management Is Broken–and What Boards Need to Know to Fix It
Authors: Jankensgård Håkan , Alviniussen Alf , Oxelheim Lars
Published: April 2016

This article provides a comprehensive critique of current corporate foreign exchange risk management (FXRM) practices. The authors characterize much of FXRM as a “legacy” activity, a set of outdated, often decentralized and “earnings‐driven” methods and procedures that have not been subjected to rigorous cost‐benefit analysis at the enterprise level. And according to the authors, the costs of poorly designed and executed FXRM have increased sharply in recent decades because of the growing demand by analysts and investors for cost‐efficiency, transparency, and predictability.

After discussing six ways in which the FX policy of most large multinationals fails to serve the interests of their investors and other important stakeholders, the authors offer the following: (1) a restatement of the goals of FXRM; (2) an illustration of various ways of implementing a largely (if not completely) centralized approach to FXRM; (3) a proposal for aligning performance evaluation and executive pay with the goals of FXRM; (4) suggestions for improving decision‐support tools in relation to FXRM; (5) proposals for integrating FXRM into an enterprise‐wide risk management system, which include shifting responsibility for FXRM from the Finance/Treasury group to a centralized risk committee (typically under a Chief Risk Officer who reports to the board of directors); and (6) suggestions for improving communication of a company's risk management policies and practices to investors and other stakeholders.
Is It Necessary to Achieve a Complete Box Isolation in the Case of Frequent Esophageal Temperature Rises? Feasibility of Shifting to a Partial Box Isolation Strategy for Patients With Non‐Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: HIGUCHI SATOSHI , SOHARA HIROSHI , NAKAMURA YOSHINORI , IHARA MINORU , YAMAGUCHI YOSHIO , SHODA MORIO , HAGIWARA NOBUHISA , SATAKE SHUTARO
Published: April 2016

Partial Box Isolation Strategy for Non‐Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction

There are some cases with frequent luminal esophageal temperature (LET) rises despite titrating the radiofrequency energy while creating a linear lesion for the Box isolation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Little is known about the feasibility of redesigning the ablation lines for a modified Box isolation strategy to prevent fatal esophageal injury in those cases.

Methods and Results

Two hundred and seventeen patients who underwent a Box isolation of non‐paroxysmal AF were evaluated. We divided them into 2 groups, patients in whom a box lesion set of the entire posterior left atrium had been achieved (complete Box isolation [CBI]; n = 157) and those in whom 2 additional peri‐esophageal vertical lines were created at both the right and left ends of the esophagus, and those areas were left with an incomplete isolation when frequent rapid LET rises above 39.0 °C were observed while creating the floor line (partial Box isolation [PBI]; n = 60). During 20.1 ± 13.9 months of follow‐up, the arrhythmia‐free rates were 54.1% in the CBI group versus 48.3% in the PBI group (P = 0.62). In the second session, a complete Box isolation was highly achieved even in the PBI group (94.3% vs. 83.3%, respectively; P = 0.17) and after 2 procedures, the arrhythmia‐free rates increased to 75.2% vs. 68.3%, respectively (P = 0.34). There was no symptomatic esophageal injury in the PBI group.

Conclusion

In the case of frequent LET rises while creating the linear lesions for the Box isolation strategy for non‐paroxysmal AF, shifting to the PBI strategy was feasible.
Partial Least Squares Regression Modeling of Physical and Chemical Properties of Corn‐Based Snacks Containing Kañiwa and Lupine
Authors: Ramos Diaz Jose Martin , Sundarrajan Lakshminarasimhan , Kariluoto Susanna , Lampi Anna‐Maija , Tenitz Seppo , Jouppila Kirsi
Published: April 2016

Kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) and lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) are good gluten‐free sources of protein and fiber. The effect of various contents of kañiwa or lupine flour on physical and chemical properties of extruded snacks was investigated. Grain type (kañiwa or lupine), content of kañiwa or lupine flour (20–50% of solids), temperature of die (140–160°C), screw speed (200–500 rpm) and WCM (14–18%) as well as content of protein, ash, fiber and main fatty acids of blend were the predictors in the PLSR model 1. SEI decreased with increasing WCM and content protein and fiber of blend, and increased with increasing screw speed. The stiffness of extrudates containing kañiwa or lupine increased with decreasing screw speed, and increased with increasing WCM, and content of protein and fiber of blend. Extrudates with higher content of kañiwa or lupine presented higher retention of fatty acids and tocopherols while the content of total phenolic compounds and folate was comparable to that of unprocessed flour blends according to PLSR model 2. This study showed that extrudates containing up to 50% kañiwa and at most 20% lupine of solids can maintain high SEI as well as added nutritional value. This study applied successfully PLSR to study the incorporation of kañiwa and lupine to corn‐based extrudates.

Practical Applications

Up to 50% kañiwa and 20% lupine can be successfully added to expanded corn‐based extrudates, thereby increasing the overall content of protein and fiber compared to pure corn extrudates. Extrusion had a minor effect on total phenolic compounds and folate, meaning that some of the nutritional value conferred by kañiwa or lupine was not lost under the conditions tested. Kañiwa, in particular, could have an outstanding potential for the development of gluten‐free extruded snacks. Partial Least Squares modeling was a formidable tool to predict the effect of material and process variables on the physical and chemical characteristics of extruded snacks, thus giving valuable information for product development
Evaluation of cognitivity, proinflammatory cytokines, and brain magnetic resonance imaging in minimal hepatic encephalopathy induced by cirrhosis and extrahepatic portal vein obstruction
Authors: Yadav Santosh K , Goel Amit , Saraswat Vivek A , Thomas Michael A , Wang Ena , Marincola Francesco M , Haris Mohammad , Gupta Rakesh K
Published: April 2016

Background and Aims

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and is characterized by deficits in neurocognitive performance without any clinical symptoms of HE. In the current study, we aim to evaluate and compare the neurocognitive, biochemical, and brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging changes between patients with cirrhotic MHE and extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) MHE.

Methods

Thirty‐three cirrhotic and 14 EHPVO patients were diagnosed with MHE and were included in the analysis along with 24 normal healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent MR imaging including diffusion tensor imaging and proton MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) followed by cognitive assessments, critical flicker frequency (CFF) measurements, quantification of blood ammonia, and serum proinflammatory cytokine levels.

Results

We observed abnormal neurocognitive functions and CFF measurements in both cirrhotic MHE and EHPVO MHE patients as compared with controls. Significantly increased blood ammonia, serum proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, TNF‐α) level, mean diffusivity in multiple brain sites, 1H‐MRS derived glutamate/glutamine (Glx)/creatine (Cr), and significantly decreased 1H‐MRS derived myo‐inositol/Cr were observed in both cirrhotic MHE and EHPVO MHE compared with those of controls. Choline/Cr level was significantly decreased in cirrhotic MHE as compared with controls and EHPVO MHE.

Conclusions

Cirrhotic MHE showed more severe changes on mean diffusivity in multiple brain sites and inflammation as compared with EHPVO MHE. This study confirms that there are significant difference in neurocognitive, biochemical, and MR profile between cirrhotic MHE and EHPVO MHE, which may help to understand the pathophysiologies of these two types of MHE and may contribute to improve their clinical managements.
Identification of fluocinolone acetonide to prevent paclitaxel‐induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Cetinkaya‐Fisgin Aysel , Joo Min Geol , Ping Xiang , Thakor Nitish V. , Ozturk Cengizhan , Hoke Ahmet , Yang In Hong
Published: April 2016

Paclitaxel (PTX) is among the most commonly used cancer drugs that cause chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a debilitating and serious dose‐limiting side effect. Currently, no drugs exist to prevent CIPN, and symptomatic therapy is often ineffective. In order to identify therapeutic candidates to prevent axonal degeneration induced by PTX, we carried out a phenotypic drug screening using primary rodent dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons. We identified fluocinolone acetonide as a neuroprotective compound and verified it through secondary screens. Furthermore, we showed its efficacy in a mouse model of PTX‐induced peripheral neuropathy and confirmed with four different cancer cell lines that fluocinolone acetonide does not interfere with PTX's antitumor activity. Our study identifies fluocinolone acetonide as a potential therapy to prevent CIPN caused by PTX.
Correlates of attitudes and perceived behavioural control towards oral care provision among trained and untrained nursing home caregivers in Singapore
Authors: Goh Charlene E , Guay Melissa P , Lim Mei Yian , Lim Shy Min , Loke Shu Yi , Toh Hui En , Nair Rahul
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

To investigate the perspectives of nursing home caregivers towards oral care and the determinants of their attitudes and perceived behavioural control.

Background

There are few studies analysing nursing home caregivers' perspectives on the provision of oral care and factors correlated with these perspectives.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Interviewer‐administered survey questionnaires were completed by caregivers from five nursing homes in Singapore (n = 94). The rating‐scale questionnaire items explored caregivers' attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, as guided by the theory of planned behaviour. Demographic characteristics, oral care training received, years of work experience, oral hygiene behaviour and dental visit frequency of the caregivers, as well as organisational characteristics such as a requirement for oral care and the number of patients under their care, were obtained.

Results

Caregivers had very positive attitudes towards the provision of oral care. Half of the caregivers lacked confidence in providing oral care without harming the patients and this was not different by oral care training received. Multivariable linear regression analysis found that receiving oral care training and having a requirement by the nursing home to provide oral care were related to higher attitude scores but not perceived behaviour control. Having more residents under their care and on‐the‐job caregiver training were associated with lower perceived behavioural control.

Conclusions

This study found that nursing home caregivers had positive attitudes towards providing oral care, but more modest perspectives about their ability to perform that behaviour.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings have useful implications for the oral care training of nursing home caregivers. While attitudes towards the importance of oral care may be positive among nursing home caregivers, our study suggests that future interventions should include practical skills training for oral care management and consider organisational strategies for encouraging oral care provision.
The Economics of Retailing Formats: Competition Versus Bargaining
Authors: Johansen Bjørn Olav , Nilssen Tore
Published: April 2016

We set up a merger game between retailing stores to study the incentives of independent stores to form a big store when some consumers have preferences for one‐stop shopping. Such one‐stop shopping creates complementarity between products, leading in turn to lower prices after a big store is formed but may also lead to an improvement in the bargaining position vis‐à‐vis producers through the creation of an inside option that small stores do not have. We find that big stores will not be formed when the stores' ex ante bargaining power vis‐à‐vis producers is high. Otherwise, an asymmetric situation occurs with only one big store created when one‐stop shoppers are abundant.
Competition, Prices and Quality in the Market for Physician Consultations
Authors: Gravelle Hugh , Scott Anthony , Sivey Peter , Yong Jongsay
Published: April 2016

Prices for consultations with General Practitioners (GP's) in Australia are unregulated, and patients pay the difference between the price set by the GP and a fixed reimbursement from the national tax‐funded Medicare insurance scheme. We construct a Vickrey‐Salop model of GP price and quality competition and test its predictions using individual GP‐level data on prices, the proportion of patients who are charged no out‐of‐pocket fee, average consultation length, and characteristics of the GP's, their practices and their local areas. We measure the competition to which the GP is exposed by the distance to other GP practices and allow for the endogeneity of GP location decisions with measures of area characteristics and area fixed‐effects. Within areas, GP's with more distant competitors charge higher prices and a smaller proportion of their patients make no out‐of‐pocket payment. GP's with more distant competitors also have shorter consultations, though the effect is small and statistically insignificant.
Melatonin attenuates traumatic brain injury‐induced inflammation: a possible role for mitophagy
Authors: Lin Chao , Chao Honglu , Li Zheng , Xu Xiupeng , Liu Yinlong , Hou Lijun , Liu Ning , Ji Jing
Published: April 2016

Melatonin functions as a crucial mediator of sterile neuroinflammation; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Dysfunctional mitochondria, a main source of reactive oxygen species, are impacted in inflammation activation. This study aimed to examine the effect of melatonin on inflammation via elimination of damaged mitochondria after controlled cortical impact, an in vivo model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Here, we demonstrated that inhibition of mitophagy, the selective degradation of damaged mitochondria by autophagy, markedly enhanced inflammation induced by TBI. Melatonin treatment activated mitophagy through the mTOR pathway, then to attenuate TBI‐induced inflammation. Furthermore, treatment with melatonin significantly ameliorated neuronal death and behavioral deficits after TBI, while 3‐methyladenine reversed this effect by inhibiting mitophagy. Taken together, these results highlight a role for melatonin in protecting against TBI‐triggered immunopathology, which is accomplished by negatively regulating inflammation activation and IL‐1β secretion via the autophagy of damaged mitochondria.
Melatonin enhances mitochondrial ATP synthesis, reduces reactive oxygen species formation, and mediates translocation of the nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 resulting in activation of phase‐2 antioxidant enzymes (γ‐GCS, HO‐1, NQO1) in ultraviolet radiation‐treated normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK)
Authors: Kleszczyński Konrad , Zillikens Detlef , Fischer Tobias W.
Published: April 2016

Melatonin is an ubiquitous molecule with a variety of functions including potent antioxidative properties. Due to its lipophilic character, it easily crosses cellular and intracellular membranes and reaches all subcellular organelles. Because of its ability to scavenge free radicals, melatonin protects against oxidative stress, for example, induced by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Here, we investigated, in a dose‐dependent (0, 10, 25, and 50 mJ/cm2) and time‐dependent (0, 4, 24, 48 hr post‐UVR) manner, whether melatonin prevents the UVR‐mediated alterations in ATP synthesis and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). Additionally, we evaluated the molecular mechanism of action of melatonin with regard to activation of phase‐2 antioxidative enzymes via nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2). We found that (i) melatonin counteracted UVR‐induced alterations in the ATP synthesis and reduced free radical formation; (ii) melatonin induced the translocation of Nrf2 transcription factor from the cytosol into the nucleus resulting in, (iii) melatonin enhanced gene expression of phase‐2 antioxidative enzymes including γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ‐GCS), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and NADPH: quinone dehydrogenase‐1 (NQO1) representing an elevated antioxidative response of keratinocytes. These results suggest that melatonin not only directly scavenges ROS, but also significantly induces the activation of phase‐2 antioxidative enzymes via the Nrf2 pathway uncovering a new action mechanism that supports the ability of keratinocytes to protect themselves from UVR‐mediated oxidative stress.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin in dogs with chronic kidney disease, carcinoma, lymphoma and endotoxaemia
Authors: Cobrin A. R. , Blois S. L. , Abrams‐Ogg A. C. G. , Kruth S. A. , Dewey C. , Holowaychuk M. K. , Gauthier V.
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVES

To measure serum and urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with chronic kidney disease, neoplasia and endotoxaemia.

METHODS

Serum and urine NGAL concentrations were measured in 42 healthy dogs, 11 dogs with chronic kidney disease, 12 dogs with carcinoma, 20 dogs with lymphoma and 15 dogs with lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxaemia. In dogs with chronic kidney disease, NGAL was measured 3 and 6 months later.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, dogs with chronic kidney disease (PÄ0·0008), carcinoma (PÄ0·0072) and lymphoma (PÄ0·0008) had elevated serum and urine NGAL and urine NGAL‐to‐creatinine ratio. Serum and urine NGAL was not significantly different between dogs with chronic kidney disease, carcinoma or lymphoma (Pê0·12). In dogs with non‐progressive chronic kidney disease, NGAL concentrations did not change significantly over the 6‐month study period.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

NGAL can be elevated by chronic kidney disease and neoplasia, compared with healthy controls. Further research is needed to determine if uNGAL or uNGAL‐to‐creatinine ratio is more specific than serum levels to detect chronic kidney disease.
Adverse urinary effects of allopurinol in dogs with leishmaniasis
Authors: Torres M. , Pastor J. , Roura X. , Tabar M. D. , Espada Y. , Font A. , Balasch J. , Planellas M.
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the adverse effects of allopurinol on the urinary system during treatment of canine leishmaniasis.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of 42 dogs that developed xanthinuria while receiving allopurinol treatment for leishmaniasis.

RESULTS

Of 320 dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis, 42 (13%) developed adverse urinary effects. Thirteen (of 42) dogs (31%) developed xanthinuria, renal mineralisation and urolithiasis; 11 (26·2%) showed xanthinuria with renal mineralisation; 9 (21·4%) had xanthinuria with urolithiasis and 9 (21·4%) developed xanthinuria alone. Urinary clinical signs developed in 19 dogs (45·2%).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrates that urolithiasis and renal mineralisation can occur in dogs receiving allopurinol therapy. Dogs receiving therapy should be monitored for the development of urinary adverse effects from the beginning of treatment.
Contact Stresses in Gelatin Spheres Under Compressive Die Loading
Authors: Rosenthal Andrew J.
Published: April 2016

Gelatin spheres have been used to model stress/strain behavior of spherical foods (e.g., fruits) during compression testing. Photoelasticity reveals differences in stress distribution within gelatin spheres depending on the way in which the spheres are supported. Moreover, these methods of support appear to result in differences in the elastic modulus at higher levels of applied stress. If differences in the manner of support of model foods under compression result in variation in the stress distribution and moduli, then thought must be given to the way in which real foods are supported during quality and texture testing.

Practical Applications

The common practice of supporting materials on a plane surface during texture testing is brought into question due to differences in contact stress when supported in this manner as opposed contouring the object in some kind of supporting mould. Soft gels which deform under gravity maybe tested with a texturometer if immersed in a liquid that provides buoyancy.
Moving beyond biotic homogenization: searching for new insights into vegetation dynamics
Authors: Hahs Amy K. , McDonnell Mark J.
Published: April 2016

Biotic homogenization has been predicted to occur in cities across the world. However, the empirical evidence has been less than convincing. Lososová et al. explore the middle ground between these two points of view in this issue of Journal of Vegetation Science. They take a more sophisticated approach, linking homogenization to bigger questions of vegetation assembly in urban environments.
Neurasthenia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and the Medicalization of Worry in a Vietnamese Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Tran Allen L.
Published: April 2016

This article examines two forms of the medicalization of worry in an outpatient psychiatric clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Biomedical psychiatrists understand patients’ symptoms as manifestations of the excessive worry associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Drawing on an ethnopsychology of emotion that reflects increasingly popular models of neoliberal selfhood, these psychiatrists encourage patients to frame psychic distress in terms of private feelings to address the conditions in their lives that lead to chronic anxiety. However, most patients attribute their symptoms to neurasthenia instead of GAD. Differences between doctors’ and patients’ explanatory models are not just rooted in their understandings of illness but also in their respective conceptualizations of worry in terms of emotion and sentiment. Patients with neurasthenia reject doctors’ attempts to psychologize distress and maintain a model of worry that supports a sense of moral selfhood based on notions of obligation and sacrifice.
A spectrum of CodY activities drives metabolic reorganization and virulence gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Waters Nicholas R. , Samuels David J. , Behera Ranjan K. , Livny Jonathan , Rhee Kyu Y. , Sadykov Marat R. , Brinsmade Shaun R.
Published: April 2016

The global regulator CodY controls the expression of dozens of metabolism and virulence genes in the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in response to the availability of isoleucine, leucine and valine (ILV), and GTP. Using RNA‐Seq transcriptional profiling and partial activity variants, we reveal that S. aureus CodY activity grades metabolic and virulence gene expression as a function of ILV availability, mediating metabolic reorganization and controlling virulence factor production in vitro. Strains lacking CodY regulatory activity produce a PIA‐dependent biofilm, but development is restricted under conditions that confer partial CodY activity. CodY regulates the expression of thermonuclease (nuc) via the Sae two‐component system, revealing cascading virulence regulation and factor production as CodY activity is reduced. Proteins that mediate the host‐pathogen interaction and subvert the immune response are shut off at intermediate levels of CodY activity, while genes coding for enzymes and proteins that extract nutrients from tissue, that kill host cells, and that synthesize amino acids are among the last genes to be derepressed. We conclude that S. aureus uses CodY to limit host damage to only the most severe starvation conditions, providing insight into one potential mechanism by which S. aureus transitions from a commensal bacterium to an invasive pathogen.