bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship among attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, dietary behaviours and obesity
Authors: Kim E. J. , Kwon H. J. , Ha M. , Lim M. H. , Oh S. Y. , Kim J. H. , Yoo S. J. , Paik K. C.
Published: January 2014

Background

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders of childhood and can be associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to reveal the connection between ADHD symptoms, food habits and obesity.

Methods

We examined 12 350 children (6010 boys, 6340 girls) from 27 elementary schools in Cheonan, the Republic of Korea. The study subjects were 5‐ to 13‐year‐old children (9.4 ± 1.7 years). Parents completed the DuPaul ADHD Rating Scale. Food habits were measured by a questionnaire adapted from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web‐based Survey and a validated mini‐dietary assessment tool. The full set of hypothesized associations was tested using covariance structural modelling.

Results

The prevalence of ADHD was 7.6% and that of obesity was 4.5% in our study population. The data was well fit by the model. ADHD was associated with body mass index (BMI; standardized β = 0.086, P < 0.001). Bulimic dietary behaviours was related to BMI (standardized β = 0.548, P < 0.001). Socio‐economic status was associated with BMI (standardized β = −0.017, P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Our analysis suggested that ADHD was a risk factor for obesity through dietary behavioural change and socio‐economic status.
‘You've got to trust her and she's got to trust you’: children's views on participation in the child protection system
Authors: Cossar Jeanette , Brandon Marian , Jordan Peter
Published: January 2014

Participation by children in child protection remains a complex area of practice. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study exploring the views of 26 children, aged 6–17 years, about their participation in the child protection system in England. All of the children were subject to a child protection plan and were living at home at the time of interview. The children's understanding of the child protection process was categorized, and the majority of children, including the youngest, were found be at least partially aware of the child protection process, often struggling to make sense of the professional intervention in their families on the basis of partial information. It is argued that decisions about children's involvement should take into account not only children's age and understanding, but be seen in the context of wider family dynamics. Participation in formal processes such as child protection conferences was experienced as difficult and emotive. The child's relationship with their social worker was central to meaningful participation.
Epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Lynch syndrome
Authors: Peltomäki P.
Published: January 2014

Inherited defects in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 genes, underlie Lynch syndrome, one of the most prevalent cancer syndromes in man. The syndrome offers a model for cancers arising through MMR defects and microsatellite instability, which applies to ˜15% of all colorectal, endometrial, and other cancers. Lynch syndrome also illustrates the significance of the epigenetic component in cancer development. Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes by epigenetic mechanisms is an acquired property of many tumors developing in Lynch syndrome. Furthermore, constitutional epimutations of MMR genes may explain a proportion of mutation‐negative families lacking MLH1 or MSH2 protein expression in tumor tissue. This review provides an update of the molecular basis of Lynch syndrome by focusing on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Comparison of baseline brachial artery measurements and effect on peak flow‐mediated dilation
Authors: Ostrem Joseph D. , Dengel Donald R. , Marlatt Kara L. , Steinberger Julia
Published: January 2014

Background

Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) following reactive hyperaemia can use different time‐point measures for baseline diameter. The aim of this study is to compare preocclusion, occlusion and postocclusion baseline brachial artery measurements on the calculation of peak FMD.

Study Design

Ultrasound imaging of the brachial artery following reactive hyperaemia was conducted in 418 children and 533 adults. Baseline brachial artery measures were a 10‐s average before (preocclusion), during (occlusion) and after (postocclusion) hyperaemia. Peak FMD was defined as the greatest percent change from baseline to the peak brachial artery diameter following reactive hyperaemia.

Results

Preocclusion, occlusion and postocclusion baseline measures of brachial artery diameter were not significantly different in children (3·15 ± 0·51, 3·14 ± 0·50 versus 3·11 ± 0·50 mm, P = 0·179) or adults (3·81 ± 0·72, 3·81 ± 0·73 versus 3·79 ± 0·73 mm, P = 0·201). Peak FMD values were not significantly different when calculated from preocclusion, occlusion or postocclusion baselines in children (6·77 ± 5·78, 6·93 ± 4·03 versus 7·85 ± 3·62%, P = 0·208) or adults (6·07 ± 5·53, 6·14 ± 3·94 versus 6·62 ± 3·70%, P = 0·266).

Conclusion

We found no difference in FMD regardless of the baseline brachial artery diameter used in children and adults. Therefore, compilation of data and comparison of results from studies utilizing different measures of baseline brachial diameter may be able to be conducted.
Session rating of perceived exertion following resistance exercise with blood flow restriction
Authors: Vieira Amilton , Gadelha André B. , Ferreira‐Junior João B. , Vieira Carlos A. , de Melo Keene von Koenig Soares Edgard , Cadore Eduardo L. , Wagner Dale R. , Bottaro Martim
Published: January 2014

Session ratings of perceived exertion (SRPE) provide a valid and reliable indicator of resistance exercise session intensity. However, there is a lack of studies on the effects of resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) on SRPE. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the effects of resistance exercise at high intensity versus low intensity with BFR on internal training load measured by SRPE. Thirteen young (22·2 ± 3·8 years) resistance‐trained men (training experience 3·2 ± 2·4 years) participated in the study protocol. After determining one maximum repetition (1‐RM), the subjects were assigned to two groups in a counterbalanced design (i) high‐intensity exercise (HIE, performed one training session at 80% of 1‐RM) and (ii) low intensity with BFR (BFR, performed an exercise session at 50% of 1‐RM with BFR). During each session, subjects performed three sets of unilateral elbow flexion leading to concentric failure with a 1‐min rest interval between sets. A cuff around the arm, inflated at 110 mmHg, was used continuously for BFR. The SRPE was reported 30 min after the end of the session. The low intensity with BFR showed lower total work (197·13 ± 63·49 versus 300·92 ± 71·81 kg; P = 0·002) and higher SRPE (9 versus 6; P = 0·007) than high‐intensity resistance exercise. The present results indicate that BFR is an important factor to increase internal training load. Future studies should investigate the physiological stress imposed by different training methods rather than just quantify the external training load such as intensity or volume.
Does prenatal maternal stress impair cognitive development and alter temperament characteristics in toddlers with healthy birth outcomes?
Authors: Zhu Peng , Sun Meng‐Sha , Hao Jia‐Hu , Chen Yu‐Jiang , Jiang Xiao‐Min , Tao Rui‐Xue , Huang Kun , Tao Fang‐Biao
Published: January 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the cognitive and behavioural development of children with healthy birth outcomes whose mothers were exposed to prenatal stress but did not experience pregnancy complications.

Method

In this prospective study, self‐reported data, including the Prenatal Life Events Checklist about stressful life events (SLEs) during different stages of pregnancy, were collected at 32 to 34 weeks' gestation. Thirty‐eight healthy females (mean age 27y 8mo, SD 2y 4mo) who were exposed to severe SLEs in the first trimester were defined as the exposed infant group, and 114 matched comparison participants were defined as the unexposed infant group (1:3). Maternal postnatal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development and the Toddler Temperament Scale were used to evaluate the cognitive development and temperament characteristics of the infants with healthy birth outcomes when they were 16 to 18 months old.

Results

A randomized block multivariate analysis of covariance showed that the mental development index scores of the infants of mothers with prenatal exposure to SLEs in the first trimester averaged seven points (95% confidence interval 3.23–10.73 points) lower than those of the unexposed infants. Moreover, the infants in the exposed group achieved higher scores for regularity (adjusted mean [SD] 2.77 [0.65] vs 2.52 [0.78], F(5,146)=5.27, p=0.023) and for persistence and attention span (adjusted mean 3.61 [0.72] vs 3.35 [0.52], F(5,146)=5.51, p=0.020).

Interpretation

This study provides evidence that lower cognitive ability and less optimal worse behavioural response in infants might independently result from prenatal maternal stress.
Prenatal maternal stress and child developmental outcome: implications for health care provision?
Authors: Pit‐Ten Cate Ineke M
Published: January 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Zhu et al. on pages 283–289 of this issue.
Modeling effects of SGLT‐2 inhibitor dapagliflozin treatment versus standard diabetes therapy on cardiovascular and microvascular outcomes
Authors: Dziuba J. , Alperin P. , Racketa J. , Iloeje U. , Goswami D. , Hardy E. , Perlstein I. , Grossman H. L. , Cohen M.
Published: January 2014

Aims

Dapagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitor, has been shown to lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), weight, blood pressure and serum uric acid in clinical trials. Plasma lipids were also evaluated as exploratory variables. The goal of this study was to estimate the long‐term cardiovascular (CV) and microvascular outcomes of dapagliflozin added to the standard of care (SOC) versus SOC using simulation methodology.

Methods

The Archimedes Model, a validated model of human physiology, diseases and healthcare systems, was used to model a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population derived from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with HbA1c 7–10%, taking a single oral antidiabetic agent [metformin, sulfonylureas SU or thiazolidinedione (TZD)] at the beginning of the trial. A 20‐year trial was simulated comparing dapagliflozin 10 mg, given in addition to SOC, with SOC alone. SOC was based on American Diabetes Association (ADA)/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2012 guidelines and included diet, metformin, SU, TZD, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), and insulin therapies, with usage levels reflective of those in NHANES. Dapagliflozin effects were derived from phase 3 clinical trial results. End points included CV and microvascular outcomes.

Results

Over a 20‐year period, patients on dapagliflozin were projected to experience relative reductions in the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, CV death, and all‐cause death of 13.8, 9.1, 9.6 and 5.0%, respectively, and relative reductions in the incidence of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), foot amputation, and diabetic retinopathy of 18.7, 13.0 and 9.8%, respectively, when compared with SOC.

Conclusions

On the basis of simulation results, adding dapagliflozin to currently available treatment options is projected to further decrease the CV and microvascular complications associated with T2DM.
Metabolic syndrome in antipsychotic naïve patients with schizophrenia: pooled analysis of data from three Indian studies
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Nebhinani Naresh , Padmavati Ramachandran , Chadda Rakesh K , Tirupati Srinivasan , Pallava Abhishek
Published: January 2014

Aim

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and subthreshold MS in antipsychotic naïve patients with schizophrenia by pooling the data from three different centres in India.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐seven antipsychotic naïve patients with schizophrenia were evaluated for MS using common criteria for clinical diagnosis.

Results

Twenty‐six patients (19%) met consensus criteria. Additionally, 56 patients (40.9%) fulfilled one criterion and 32 patients (23.3%) fulfilled two criteria of MS out of five criteria.

Conclusion

One‐fifth of antipsychotic naïve patients with schizophrenia had MS and another two‐third had at least one metabolic abnormality. Awareness of such a high risk is vitally important for rational selection of antipsychotic medications as well as effective implementation of preventive measures.
Predicting plant invasions under climate change: are species distribution models validated by field trials?
Authors: Sheppard Christine S. , Burns Bruce R. , Stanley Margaret C.
Published: January 2014

Climate change may facilitate alien species invasion into new areas, particularly for species from warm native ranges introduced into areas currently marginal for temperature. Although conclusions from modelling approaches and experimental studies are generally similar, combining the two approaches has rarely occurred. The aim of this study was to validate species distribution models by conducting field trials in sites of differing suitability as predicted by the models, thus increasing confidence in their ability to assess invasion risk. Three recently naturalized alien plants in New Zealand were used as study species (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, Psidium guajava and Schefflera actinophylla): they originate from warm native ranges, are woody bird‐dispersed species and of concern as potential weeds. Seedlings were grown in six sites across the country, differing both in climate and suitability (as predicted by the species distribution models). Seedling growth and survival were recorded over two summers and one or two winter seasons, and temperature and precipitation were monitored hourly at each site. Additionally, alien seedling performances were compared to those of closely related native species (Rhopalostylis sapida, Lophomyrtus bullata and Schefflera digitata). Furthermore, half of the seedlings were sprayed with pesticide, to investigate whether enemy release may influence performance. The results showed large differences in growth and survival of the alien species among the six sites. In the more suitable sites, performance was frequently higher compared to the native species. Leaf damage from invertebrate herbivory was low for both alien and native seedlings, with little evidence that the alien species should have an advantage over the native species because of enemy release. Correlations between performance in the field and predicted suitability of species distribution models were generally high. The projected increase in minimum temperature and reduced frosts with climate change may provide more suitable habitats and enable the spread of these species.
Changing climate and the altitudinal range of avian malaria in the Hawaiian Islands – an ongoing conservation crisis on the island of Kaua'i
Authors: Atkinson Carter T. , Utzurrum Ruth B. , Lapointe Dennis A. , Camp Richard J. , Crampton Lisa H. , Foster Jeffrey T. , Giambelluca Thomas W.
Published: January 2014

Transmission of avian malaria in the Hawaiian Islands varies across altitudinal gradients and is greatest at elevations below 1500 m where both temperature and moisture are favorable for the sole mosquito vector, Culex quinquefasciatus, and extrinsic sporogonic development of the parasite, Plasmodium relictum. Potential consequences of global warming on this system have been recognized for over a decade with concerns that increases in mean temperatures could lead to expansion of malaria into habitats where cool temperatures currently limit transmission to highly susceptible endemic forest birds. Recent declines in two endangered species on the island of Kaua'i, the ‘Akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi) and ‘Akeke'e (Loxops caeruleirostris), and retreat of more common native honeycreepers to the last remaining high elevation habitat on the Alaka'i Plateau suggest that predicted changes in disease transmission may be occurring. We compared prevalence of malarial infections in forest birds that were sampled at three locations on the Plateau during 1994–1997 and again during 2007–2013, and also evaluated changes in the occurrence of mosquito larvae in available aquatic habitats during the same time periods. Prevalence of infection increased significantly at the lower (1100 m, 10.3% to 28.2%), middle (1250 m, 8.4% to 12.2%), and upper ends of the Plateau (1350 m, 2.0% to 19.3%). A concurrent increase in detections of Culex larvae in aquatic habitats associated with stream margins indicates that populations of the vector are also increasing. These increases are at least in part due to local transmission because overall prevalence in Kaua'i ‘Elepaio (Chasiempis sclateri), a sedentary native species, has increased from 17.2% to 27.0%. Increasing mean air temperatures, declining precipitation, and changes in streamflow that have taken place over the past 20 years are creating environmental conditions throughout major portions of the Alaka'i Plateau that support increased transmission of avian malaria.
Evaluation of the ECOSSE model for simulating soil carbon under short rotation forestry energy crops in Britain
Authors: Dondini Marta , Jones Edward O. , Richards Mark , Pogson Mark , Rowe Rebecca L. , Keith Aidan M. , Perks Mike P. , McNamara Niall P. , Smith Joanne U. , Smith Pete
Published: January 2014

Understanding and predicting the effects of land‐use change to short rotation forestry (SRF) on soil carbon (C) is an important requirement for fully assessing the C mitigation potential of SRF as a bioenergy crop. There is little current knowledge of SRF in the UK and in particular a lack of consistent measured data sets on the direct impacts of land use change on soil C stocks. The ECOSSE model was developed to simulate soil C dynamics and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in mineral and organic soils. The ECOSSE model has already been applied spatially to simulate land‐use change impacts on soil C and GHG emissions. However, it has not been extensively evaluated under SRF. Eleven sites comprising 29 transitions in Britain, representing land‐use change from nonwoodland land uses to SRF, were selected to evaluate the performance of ECOSSE in predicting soil C and soil C change in SRF plantations. The modelled C under SRF showed a strong correlation with the soil C measurements at both 0–30 cm (R = 0.93) and 0–100 cm soil depth (R = 0.82). As for the SRF plots, the soil C at the reference sites have been accurately simulated by the model. The extremely high correlation for the reference fields (R ≥ 0.99) shows a good performance of the model spin‐up. The statistical analysis of the model performance to simulate soil C and soil C changes after land‐use change to SRF highlighted the absence of significant error between modelled and measured values as well as the absence of significant bias in the model. Overall, this evaluation reinforces previous studies on the ability of ECOSSE to simulate soil C and emphasize its accuracy to simulate soil C under SRF plantations.
Collective Bargaining and the Gender Pay Gap in the Printing Industry
Authors: Dawson Tricia
Published: January 2014

This paper considers the effect of collective bargaining on the gender pay gap in the printing industry. This sector was subject to multi‐employer bargaining for around 90 years, until 2010. The article analyses gendered collective bargaining processes through the mechanism of symbolic power, that is, the power of interpretation and definition, and utilizes Walton and McKersie's seminal work on bargaining behaviour to understand the processes that have prevented the closing of the pay gap. It finds that symbolic power operates within the sub‐processes of attitudinal structuring and intra‐organizational bargaining to de‐legitimize women's role in equal pay bargaining, alongside distributive bargaining tactics that preclude equal pay bargaining, thereby creating the impression that women are irrelevant to bargaining processes and ensuring relative invisibility for issues of importance to equality bargaining.
The Embodiment of Women in Wine: Gender Inequality and Gendered Inscriptions of the Working Body in a Corporate Wine Organization
Authors: Bryant Lia , Garnham Bridget
Published: January 2014

This paper problematizes media representations that suggest women working in the traditionally patriarchal wine industry are no longer subject to structural constraints according to gender. It contributes theoretically driven empirical insights concerning the ways in which gender inequality is produced and embodied within a multinational wine organization. The paper draws on Acker's framework for understanding inequality regimens and Foucault's theorization of discourse and the body together with empirical data from interviews with women working at different hierarchical positions in the organization. The analysis examines the discursive inscription of the ideal body, weak bodies, reproducing bodies and home bodies to reveal the ways in which women's working bodies are problematized and constituted as deviant in relation to masculine norms for working bodies. The analysis develops the argument that naturalized and normalized gendered discourses of the body conceal the structural relations of power that constitute an inequality regimen within the organization.
Re‐Writing Corporate Environmentalism: Ecofeminism, Corporeality and the Language of Feeling
Authors: Phillips Mary
Published: January 2014

For ecofeminism, the rationalist and instrumentalist responses of most corporations to multiple ecological crises are characteristic of a ‘logic of patriarchy’ based on interrelated and cross‐cutting dualisms that support the subordination of nature and other oppressed groups. Dualisms such as culture/nature, reason/body justify corporate denial or appropriation of the feminine, the maternal and nature. Combining ecofeminist philosophy and the work of Helene Cixous, the paper suggests that a subversive approach utilizing embodied, poetic writing could begin to move corporations, and those who work with and in them, to value feeling and organic embeddedness and encourage a more ecocentric engagement with the world.
Which fluid space is affected by ultrafiltration during hemodiafiltration?
Authors: Tapolyai Mihály B. , Faludi Mária , Fülöp Tibor , Dossabhoy Neville R. , Szombathelyi Anita , Berta Klára
Published: January 2014

Ultrafiltration (UF) is a common procedure performed during almost all dialysis sessions. During UF, several liters of fluid are removed; however, what proportion of this fluid is removed from which fluid space could not be clinically measured easily until now; we designed this study to evaluate the fluid spaces most affected by UF. This is a prospective cohort study of 40 prevalent chronic hemodialysis patients receiving thrice weekly hemodiafiltration (HDF). We measured the patients' fluid spaces using a whole‐body bioimpedance apparatus to evaluate the changes of fluid spaces before and immediately after the HDF sessions. We recorded the data on fluid spaces, UF volume, and blood pressures. The cohort consisted of 40 prevalent HDF patients, aged 60.0 ± 5.2 years (37.5% men; 27.5% people with diabetes), and body weight 71.03 ± 15.48 kg. Achieved UF was 2.38 ± 0.98 L on HDF (measured fluid overload: 2.35 ± 1.44 L). The extracellular fluid (EC) volume decreased from 16.84 ± 3.52 to 14.89 ± 3.06 L (P < 0.0001) and intracellular fluid (IC) volume from 16.88 ± 4.40 to 16.55 ± 4.48 L (P = 0.45). Although urea volume of distribution remained effectively unchanged (31.38 ± 7.28 vs. 30.70 ± 7.32 L; P = 0.45), the degree of EC volume overload decreased from 13.60% ± 7.30% to 3.83% ± 8.32% (P < 0.0001). The mean arterial pressure also decreased from 122.95 ± 19.02 to 108.50 ± 13.91 mmHg (P < 0.0001). We conclude that source of net fluid loss by ultrafiltration is almost exclusively the EC fluid space. The intracellular fluid space is not significantly affected immediately after HDF.
Polio survivors' perceptions of the meaning of quality of life and strategies used to promote participation in everyday activities
Authors: Atwal Anita , Spiliotopoulou Georgia , Coleman Caron , Harding Kate , Quirke Caroline , Smith Nicole , Osseiran Zeina , Plastow Nicola , Wilson Lesley
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The term ‘post‐polio syndrome’ (PPS) is used to describe new and late manifestations of poliomyelitis that occur later in life. Research in this area has focused upon health status rather than its effect on quality of life.

Aim

To gain an in‐depth understanding of the meaning of quality of life for polio survivors and to determine the type of strategies that are used by people with PPS and the support that they consider as important to facilitate participation in everyday life activities that have an impact on their quality of life.

Method

Six focus groups were conducted with 51 participants from two regions in England. Data were audio‐taped and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Our research found that polio survivors used terms used to describe quality of life which could be associated with that of happiness. Our research has identified resolvable factors that influence quality of life namely inaccessible environments, attitudes of health‐care professionals and societal attitudes. Polio survivors have tried alternative therapies, chiefly acupuncture and massage, and found them to be effective in enhancing their quality of life.

Conclusion

It is suggested that health‐care professionals should consider factors which influence happiness and implement a person‐centred approach with the views of the polio survivor being listened to. The three factors that influenced quality of life could be resolved by health‐care professionals and by society. With regard to strategies used, we suggest that polio survivors should have access to the treatments that they perceive as important, although further research is required to design optimal interventions for this client group.
Having diabetes and having to fast: a qualitative study of British Muslims with diabetes
Authors: Patel Neesha R. , Kennedy Anne , Blickem Christian , Rogers Anne , Reeves David , Chew‐Graham Carolyn
Published: January 2014

Background

There are approximately 2.7 million Muslims in the UK, constituting 4.8% of the population. It is estimated that 325 000 UK Muslims have diabetes. Whilst dietary practices of Muslims with diabetes have been explored, little work has described the beliefs and decisions to fast during Ramadan, whereby Muslims with diabetes refrain from eating, drinking and taking medication between sunrise and sunset.

Objective

To explore beliefs and experiences of fasting during Ramadan of Muslim respondents with diabetes and their perceptions of the role played by their general practitioner (GP) and/or practice nurse (PN) in supporting them.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

General practices and community groups located in Greater Manchester.

Participants

23 South Asian Muslims.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted as part of the Collaboration of Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) programme, Greater Manchester. Respondents were recruited using random and purposive sampling techniques. Interviews were analysed thematically using a constant comparison approach.

Results

Thirteen respondents reported they fasted and altered diabetes medication and diet during Ramadan. The decision to fast was influenced by pressures from the family and the collective social aspect of fasting, and respondents made limited contact with primary care during fasting.

Conclusion

Tensions exist between the respondent's personal desire to fast or not fast and their family's opinion on the matter, with a strong reluctance to disclose fasting to GP and/or PN. Future research needs to explore whether GPs or PNs feel competent enough to support patients who wish to fast.
Does clear cell carcinoma of stomach exist? Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of clear cell changes in gastric adenocarcinomas
Authors: Kim Joo‐Yeon , Park Do Youn , Kim Gwang Ha , Jeon Tae‐Yong , Lauwers Gregory Y
Published: January 2014

Aims

In contrast to clear cell carcinomas developing in other organs (e.g. ovary and uterus), gastric adenocarcinomas with clear cell features are not well characterized.

Methods and results

We evaluated a series of 762 gastric adenocarcinomas for the presence of clear cell changes; and investigated the nature of the changes using several histochemical and immunohistochemical markers, their association with various clinicopathological features, and their prognostic significance. Clear cell changes were observed in 8.5% (n = 65) of gastric cancers. Cases with clear cell changes (GCC) were associated significantly with older age, intestinal type histology, body/fundic location, greater depth of invasion, lymph node metastases and lymphovascular invasion. An increasing proportion of clear cell changes indicated a worsening prognosis, and was identified as an independent marker of poor prognosis using the Cox proportional hazard model (hazard ratio, 0.462; P = 0.003). Of 62 GCCs subjected to special staining, 35 cases (55.6%) displayed cytoplasmic accumulation of glycogen, while 21 (33.3%) contained mucin. GCCs showing glycogen accumulation expressed AFP, glypican‐3 and CD10 more commonly than those with mucin, which commonly expressed Muc5AC and Muc6.

Conclusion

Clear cell gastric adenocarcinoma is a unique subgroup of gastric cancer which, although heterogeneous, has a poor prognosis.
The influence of interspecific interactions on species range expansion rates
Authors: Svenning Jens‐Christian , Gravel Dominique , Holt Robert D. , Schurr Frank M. , Thuiller Wilfried , Münkemüller Tamara , Schiffers Katja H. , Dullinger Stefan , Edwards Thomas C. , Hickler Thomas , Higgins Steven I. , Nabel Julia E. M. S. , Pagel Jörn , Normand Signe
Published: January 2014

Ongoing and predicted global change makes understanding and predicting species' range shifts an urgent scientific priority. Here, we provide a synthetic perspective on the so far poorly understood effects of interspecific interactions on range expansion rates. We present theoretical foundations for how interspecific interactions may modulate range expansion rates, consider examples from empirical studies of biological invasions and natural range expansions as well as process‐based simulations, and discuss how interspecific interactions can be more broadly represented in process‐based, spatiotemporally explicit range forecasts. Theory tells us that interspecific interactions affect expansion rates via alteration of local population growth rates and spatial displacement rates, but also via effects on other demographic parameters. The best empirical evidence for interspecific effects on expansion rates comes from studies of biological invasions. Notably, invasion studies indicate that competitive dominance and release from specialized enemies can enhance expansion rates. Studies of natural range expansions especially point to the potential for competition from resident species to reduce expansion rates. Overall, it is clear that interspecific interactions may have important consequences for range dynamics, but also that their effects have received too little attention to robustly generalize on their importance. We then discuss how interspecific interactions effects can be more widely incorporated in dynamic modeling of range expansions. Importantly, models must describe spatiotemporal variation in both local population dynamics and dispersal. Finally, we derive the following guidelines for when it is particularly important to explicitly represent interspecific interactions in dynamic range expansion forecasts: if most interacting species show correlated spatial or temporal trends in their effects on the target species, if the number of interacting species is low, and if the abundance of one or more strongly interacting species is not closely linked to the abundance of the target species.
What Causes China's High Inflation? A Threshold Structural Vector Autoregression Analysis
Authors: Guo Fang
Published: January 2014

China's astonishing economic growth implies a necessity to understand its inflation. The present paper employs threshold nonrecursive structural vector autoregression analysis to explore the asymmetric effects of macro‐variables on inflation in low and high inflation regimes. The empirical evidence demonstrates, first, that the reactions of inflation to various shocks are inflation‐regime‐dependent and asymmetric. Second, monetary policy influences China's high inflation and adjusting the domestic interest rate in China may be an effective way to control inflation in a high inflation regime, but not in a low inflation regime. In a high inflation regime, a high inflation rate may cause the macro‐policy authorities to increase the domestic interest rate, in an attempt to stabilize high inflation. Third, contrary to expectations, the world oil price is not a strong cost‐push factor in a low inflation regime. Oil price increases may increase inflation in a high inflation regime, but there is no such obvious effect in a low inflation regime. Finally, China's nominal effective exchange rate influences inflation in both low and high inflation regimes. A nominal effective exchange rate appreciation might be effective in controlling domestic inflation in both regimes.
Mapping publication status and exploring hotspots in a research field: chronic disease self‐management
Authors: Lu Yang , Li Zheng , Arthur David
Published: January 2014

Aim

To provide insight into the characteristics of chronic disease self‐management by mapping publication status and exploring hotspots.

Background

Chronic disease is becoming a major public health issue worldwide, highlighting the importance of self‐management in this area. Despite the volume and variety of publications, little is known about how ‘chronic disease self‐management’ has developed, since the first publication 40 years ago. Such is the number of publications in the area, that there is a need for a systematic bibliographic examination to enable clinicians and researchers to navigate this literature.

Design

A bibliometric analysis of publications was used.

Methods

Publication status was achieved using BICOMB software, whereas hotspots were identified with Ucinet software. A search of PubMed was conducted for papers published between 1971–2012.

Results

By 2011, the number of publications reached 696, a fourfold increase from the previous 10 years, of which 75% came from the USA and UK. There were 1284 journals, which published chronic disease self‐management research, involving various disciplines. The research hotspots highlighted various self‐management strategies for the following: diabetes; cardiac vascular and pulmonary chronic disease; pain relief for neoplasms; and obesity. Psychological adjustment was a permeating theme in self‐management processes as was using internet‐based interventions.

Conclusion

Self‐management in chronic disease publication has been most evident in developed countries. The bibliographic mapping and identification of publication hotspots provides scholars and practitioners with key target journals, as well as a rigorous overview of the field for use in further research, evidence‐based practice and health policy development.
Commentary: Working memory training and ADHD – where does its potential lie? Reflections on Chacko et al. (2014)
Authors: Gathercole Susan E.
Published: January 2014

Chacko et al.'s investigation of the clinical utility of WM training to alleviate key symptoms of ADHD is timely and substantial, and marks a significant point in cognitive training research. Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) involves intensive practice on multiple memory span tasks that increase in difficulty as performance improves with practice. Relative to a placebo version in which the span level of the memory tasks are kept at a low fixed level, Chacko et al. () found that CWMT boosted the performance of children with ADHD on short‐term memory (STM) tasks similar to trained activities. Complex WM span measures sharing little overlap with the structure of training activities were not enhanced. Neither did active CWMT ameliorate classic symptoms of ADHD such as parent or teacher ratings of attentional problems, or direct measures of motor impulsivity and sustained attention. Reading, spelling, comprehension or mathematics scores similarly showed no response to training.
Annual Research Review: Harms experienced by child users of online and mobile technologies: the nature, prevalence and management of sexual and aggressive risks in the digital age
Authors: Livingstone Sonia , Smith Peter K.
Published: January 2014

Aims and scope

The usage of mobile phones and the internet by young people has increased rapidly in the past decade, approaching saturation by middle childhood in developed countries. Besides many benefits, online content, contact or conduct can be associated with risk of harm; most research has examined whether aggressive or sexual harms result from this. We examine the nature and prevalence of such risks, and evaluate the evidence regarding the factors that increase or protect against harm resulting from such risks, so as to inform the academic and practitioner knowledge base. We also identify the conceptual and methodological challenges encountered in this relatively new body of research, and highlight the pressing research gaps.

Methods

Given the pace of change in the market for communication technologies, we review research published since 2008. Following a thorough bibliographic search of literature from the key disciplines (psychology, sociology, education, media studies and computing sciences), the review concentrates on recent, high quality empirical studies, contextualizing these within an overview of the field.

Findings

Risks of cyberbullying, contact with strangers, sexual messaging (‘sexting’) and pornography generally affect fewer than one in five adolescents. Prevalence estimates vary according to definition and measurement, but do not appear to be rising substantially with increasing access to mobile and online technologies, possibly because these technologies pose no additional risk to offline behaviour, or because any risks are offset by a commensurate growth in safety awareness and initiatives. While not all online risks result in self‐reported harm, a range of adverse emotional and psychosocial consequences is revealed by longitudinal studies. Useful for identifying which children are more vulnerable than others, evidence reveals several risk factors: personality factors (sensation‐seeking, low self‐esteem, psychological difficulties), social factors (lack of parental support, peer norms) and digital factors (online practices, digital skills, specific online sites).

Conclusions

Mobile and online risks are increasingly intertwined with pre‐existing (offline) risks in children's lives. Research gaps, as well as implications for practitioners, are identified. The challenge is now to examine the relations among different risks, and to build on the risk and protective factors identified to design effective interventions.
Neonatal cerebral morphometry and later risk of persistent inattention/hyperactivity in children born very preterm
Authors: Bora Samudragupta , Pritchard Verena E. , Chen Zhe , Inder Terrie E. , Woodward Lianne J.
Published: January 2014

Background

Attention problems are among the most prevalent neurobehavioral morbidities affecting very preterm (VPT) born children. The first study aim was to document rates of persistent attention/hyperactivity problems from ages 4 to 9 years in a regional cohort of VPT born children. The second aim was to examine the extent to which persistent problems were related to cerebral white matter abnormality and structural development on neonatal MRI.

Methods

Data were drawn from a prospective longitudinal study of 110 VPT (≤32 weeks gestation) and 113 full‐term (FT) children born from 1998 to 2000. At term equivalent, all VPT and 10 FT children underwent cerebral structural MRI, with scans analyzed qualitatively for white matter abnormalities and quantitatively for cortical and subcortical gray matter, myelinated and unmyelinated white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid volumes. At ages 4, 6, and 9 years, each child's parent and teacher completed the Inattention/Hyperactivity subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results

VPT born children had a fivefold increased risk of persistent attention/hyperactivity problems compared with FT children (13.1% vs. 2.8%; p = .002). No association was found between neonatal white matter abnormalities and later persistent inattention/hyperactivity risk (p ≥ .24). In contrast, measures of cerebral structural development including volumetric estimates of total cerebral tissue and cerebrospinal fluid relative to intracranial volume were associated with an increased risk of persistent attention/hyperactivity problems in VPT born children (p = .001). The dorsal prefrontal region showed the largest volumetric reduction (↓3.2–8.2 mL). These brain‐behavior associations persisted and in some cases, strengthened after covariate adjustment for postmenstrual age at MRI, gender, and family socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

Just over one in 10 VPT born children are subject to early onset and persistent attention/hyperactivity problems during childhood. These problems appear to reflect, at least in part, neonatal disturbances in cerebral growth and development rather than the effects of white matter injury.
The Allocation of Aggregate Risk, Secondary Market Trades, and Financial Boom–Bust Cycles
Authors: BEAUDRY PAUL , LAHIRI AMARTYA
Published: January 2014

The financial crisis of 2007–08 started with the collapse of the market for collateralized debt obligations backed by subprime mortgages. In this paper we present a mechanism aimed at explaining how a freeze in a secondary debt market can be amplified and propagated to the real economy, and thereby cause a recession. Moreover, we show why such a process is likely to be especially strong after a prolonged expansion based on the growth of consumer credit and endogenously low risk premia. Hence, our model offers a new perspective on the links between the real and financial sectors, and we show how it can help make sense of several macro‐economic features of the 2001–09 period. The key elements of the model are heterogeneity across agents in terms of risk tolerance, a financial sector that allocates systematic risk efficiently across agents, and real decisions that depend on the price of risk.
Labor Selection, Turnover Costs, and Optimal Monetary Policy
Authors: FAIA ESTER , LECHTHALER WOLFGANG , MERKL CHRISTIAN
Published: January 2014

We study optimal monetary policy and welfare properties of a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with a labor selection process, labor turnover costs, and Nash bargained wages. We show that our model implies inefficiencies that cannot be offset in a standard wage bargaining regime. We also show that the inefficiencies rise with the magnitude of firing costs. As a result, in the optimal Ramsey plan, the optimal inflation volatility deviates from zero and is an increasing function of firing costs.
Indeterminacy and Forecastability
Authors: FUJIWARA IPPEI , HIROSE YASUO
Published: January 2014

Recent studies document the deteriorating performance of forecasting models during the Great Moderation, which conversely implies that forecastability was higher in the preceding era when the economy was unexpectedly volatile. We explain this phenomenon in the context of equilibrium indeterminacy in dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. We first analytically show that a model under indeterminacy exhibits richer dynamics that can improve forecastability. Then, using a sticky‐price DSGE model, we numerically demonstrate that indeterminacy arising from passive monetary policy generates persistent dynamics that lead to superior forecastability. We also point out the possibility that forecastability under indeterminacy deteriorates when the degree of uncertainty about sunspot fluctuations is large.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with orthostatic hypotension in oldest‐old women
Authors: Annweiler C. , Schott A.‐M. , Rolland Y. , Beauchet O.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Orthostatic hypotension, a condition that mostly affects ‘oldest‐old’ (i.e. ≥80 years) adults, is primarily explained by age‐related dysfunction of blood pressure control. Vitamin D may contribute to blood pressure control. The aim of this study was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with orthostatic hypotension in oldest‐old adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis at baseline of the EPIDOS study.

Setting

Five French areas.

Participants

A total of 329 community‐dwelling oldest‐old women (mean age 83.3 ± 0.2 years).

Main outcomes measures

Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a systolic blood pressure drop of ≥20 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure drop of ≥10 mmHg within 3 min of standing. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration ≤10 ng mL−1. Covariates included in the models were age, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, supine mean arterial pressure, number of drugs taken per day, use of antihypertensive or psychoactive drugs, cognition, quadriceps strength, current smoking, alcohol consumption, serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone, calcium and creatinine and season of testing.

Results

Diastolic orthostatic hypotension was observed more often among women with vitamin D deficiency (19.2%) compared to those without (10.0%; P = 0.03). There was an inverse linear association between 25OHD concentration and change in diastolic blood pressure after 3 min of standing (adjusted β = −0.07, P = 0.046). Similarly, 25OHD deficiency was associated with orthostatic hypotension [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.36, P = 0.004], specifically with diastolic orthostatic hypotension (adjusted OR 3.81, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

25OHD deficiency was associated with orthostatic hypotension in oldest‐old women, due to a greater drop in diastolic blood pressure on standing. This finding may lead to better understanding of the pathophysiology of falls in oldest‐old adults with vitamin D deficiency.
A changing treatment landscape for multiple sclerosis: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Piehl F.
Published: January 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is primarily an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, but also encompasses prominent neurodegenerative aspects. A significant proportion ofMSpatients will develop neurological disability over time and up until recently treatment options have been limited. However,MStreatment is now at a stage of rapid progress, with several new drugs that have reached the market or will be launched in the near future. This provides new opportunities for individualized treatment, but also creates new challenges regarding monitoring of disease activity, long‐term safety issues and efficacy, not least in patients with progressive disease.