bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific Characteristics of Injuries Inflicted by Claw Hammer
Authors: Buchaillet Céline , Gaudin Arnaud , Rougé‐Maillart Clotilde , Jousset Nathalie
Published: June 2016

Claw hammers have the specific characteristic of having two distinct ends: one a flat head of variable form, the other bifurcated. So the use of this tool as a blunt instrument will cause varying injuries. The authors present two clinical cases of assault with a claw hammer. Examinations revealed two types of wound. A first injury composed of integumentary lacerations and underlying bone injuries in terms of “shape” suggested the use of a blunt instrument. A second injury made up of damage showing two parallel wounds or two wounds located one in the extension of the other suggested the use of an object with a bifurcated end. The combination of both types of injury should alert examiners to the possibility of the use of a claw hammer in causing the injuries in order to help direct investigators in their investigations and in the search for the weapon used.
Colonic mucosal N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor mediated visceral hypersensitivity in a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Qi Qing Qing , Chen Fei Xue , Zhao Dong Yan , Li Li Xiang , Wang Peng , Li Yan Qing , Zuo Xiu Li
Published: June 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether colonic mucosal N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) participates in visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were administered intrarectally with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) for the establishment of an IBS‐like visceral hypersensitivity model. Those received an equivalent volume of 50% ethanol were regarded as the controls. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores in response to colorectal distention (CRD) were used to assess visceral sensitivity. NMDAR levels in the colonic mucosa were detected by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The concentrations of glutamate and ammonia in the feces of the mice were measured. Changes in visceral sensitivity after the intracolonic administration of ammonia or NMDAR antagonist were recorded.

Results

The established IBS‐like mouse model of visceral hypersensitivity showed no evident inflammation in the colon. NMDAR levels in the colonic mucosa of the IBS‐like mice were significantly higher compared with the controls, and were positively associated with AWR scores. The glutamate level in the feces of the TNBS‐treated mice was similar to that of the controls, although the ammonia level was significantly higher. Intracolonic administration of ammonia induced visceral hypersensitivity in mice, which was repressed by pretreatment with NMDAR antagonist MK801.

Conclusions

Overexpressed NMDAR in the colonic mucosa may participate in the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity in IBS. Our study identifies the effect of ammonia in the colonic lumen on NMDAR in the colonic mucosa as a potential novel targeted mechanism for IBS treatment.
Natural and anthropogenic influences on coarse woody debris stocks in Nothofagus–Araucaria forests of northern Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Szymañski Carolina , Fontana Gisela , Sanguinetti Javier
Published: June 2016

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is an important element driving ecological processes, strengthening ecosystem resilience and for biodiversity within forest ecosystems. However, the abundance and distribution of CWD and their relation to natural and human factors are poorly known in southern South America. In this work we studied the density and volume of CWD types in Nothofagus–Araucaria stands in northern Patagonia (Neuquén – Argentina) and relationships with forest composition and structure. We also studied their relationships with fire history, topography and human‐related variables. Twenty‐three stands with Nothofagus pumilio, Nothofagus antarctica and/or Araucaria araucana were sampled to estimate quantities of logs, snags and dead branches using the planar‐intersect method. CWD density and volume in these forests were moderate and varied across the landscape with a spatial pattern determined by biotic, abiotic and human use–related variables. Mean CWD volume was 52.9 m3 ha−1 (range: 1.6–143.7) and significantly varied among forest types and watersheds. CWD was positively related to dbh, tree height and slope, but negatively related to tree density. CWD was clearly influenced by composition and structural characteristics of stands, where the tree species traits had an important role. As well, the observed amount and type of CWD, whereby most of the stands showed low levels of old (pre‐disturbance) logs/snags and poor new inputs of deadwood, may be explained by fire frequency. Firewood gathering and livestock grazing negatively affected deadwood stocks and topography counteracts this effect by limiting human access. Fire disturbance history, windthrow and dieback pulses produced by insect outbreaks and human access seemed to be the main causes that best explained CWD spatial distribution and abundance patterns in north‐western Patagonian forests.
Pine pest aphids of the genus Eulachnus (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae): how far can their range extend?
Authors: Kanturski Mariusz , Bugaj‐Nawrocka Agnieszka , Wieczorek Karina
Published: June 2016

Species of the aphid genus Eulachnus (Hemiptera, Aphididae), associated with pine trees, are an example of insects reported as rare over their native geographical range in Europe and serious pine pests far from their natural distribution. To predict the risk of invasion of spotted pine aphid Eulachnus agilis (Kaltenbach, 1843), green pine aphid Eulachnus brevipilosus Börner, 1940 and narrow brown pine aphid Eulachnus rileyi (Williams, 1911) on a global scale, ecological niche modelling was applied.

We used the maximum entropy model, based on associations between unique occurrence localities and a set of environmental variables. We obtained models of potentially suitable habitats, based on climatic variables and distribution of host plants, suggesting that favourable conditions for each species may be present on every continent. However, E. agilis and E. rileyi appear to be potentially the most widespread species.

In Europe, models showed that the potential distribution of the representatives of the genus Eulachnus overlapped with that of the host plants. In places where they have been introduced, these aphid species have readily adapted to indigenous or introduced pines, including trees grown commercially for timber.

A jackknife test indicated that annual mean temperature and mean temperature of the coldest quarter were the most important environmental variables restricting the expansion of the species under investigation. Moreover, the most important factor in the decrease in population density of the feeding aphids is the rainy season and, on a smaller scale, the presence of their natural enemies.
Systematic review: patient‐reported outcome measures in coeliac disease for regulatory submissions
Authors: Canestaro W. J. , Edwards T. C. , Patrick D. L.
Published: June 2016

Background

New therapeutics are moving into phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of coeliac disease, a condition with no established therapies other than gluten‐free diet. These trials will require a meaningful, validated and fit for purpose patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) to quantify the symptomatic improvement of patients.

Aim

To evaluate existing PROMs for suitability in a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval trial for a coeliac disease therapeutic.

Method

We performed a systematic search in five online databases (MedLine, EmBase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL) for studies that enrolled patients with coeliac disease and used PROMs. Studies included in this review had to measure some PROM concept, be patient administered and based upon a previously validated instrument with published measurement properties.

Results

Our literature search identified 2706 unique records of which 199 ultimately qualified for abstraction. The majority of PROMs used in studies of coeliac disease was generic and did not measure numerous symptoms or concerns of interest to patients. Four PROMs were found to contain appropriate content for use in an FDA trial: the coeliac disease‐specific modification of the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (CeD‐GSRS), Psychological General Well‐Being Index (PGWB), the Celiac Disease Symptom Diary (CDSD) and the Celiac Disease Patient Reported Outcome (CeD‐PRO). The GSRS and PGWB are most often used together and are two of the most extensively used measures in coeliac disease. The CDSD and CeD‐PRO were developed exclusively for trials in coeliac disease but have much less published information on their measurement properties.

Conclusions

While we did not find PROMs that currently meet the stated expectations of the FDA for regulatory purposes, four PROMs (CeD‐GSRS, PGWB, CDSD and CeD‐PRO) appear to contain appropriate content and with modest additional validation work could meet scientific standards for valid and sensitive measures of disease and treatment outcome. Specifically, what is needed for these instruments is an understanding of how sensitive they are to real changes in‐patient condition, how stable they are over a period of time when health status should not have changed (test–retest reliability) as well as how they correlate with other measures of patient functioning such as intestinal biopsy. All of these objectives could feasibly be accomplished over a short cohort study of patients with biopsy‐defined coeliac disease undergoing gluten challenge.
Reply to Comments on SPSSI Research Summary on Media Violence by Cupit (2016), Gentile (2016), Glackin and Gray (2016), Gollwitzer (2016), and Krahé (2016)
Authors: Bushman Brad J. , Anderson Craig A. , Donnerstein Edward , Hummer Tom A. , Warburton Wayne A.
Published: June 2016

In responding to the published comments on our SPSSI Research Summary on Media Violence, we note that several key themes emerge. In assessing the media violence research evidence, it is more informative and less biased to draw conclusions based on the full range of findings than to emphasize findings from individual studies. Using the full range of studies, it is clear that consuming violent media influences the way people think and feel, and increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior. However, when placing such findings into real world settings, it is important to consider media violence exposure as one of many risk factors for violence and aggression rather than as a sole factor. This acknowledgment of multiple causal factors does not make media violence unimportant––it is one of the few risk factors for aggression that can be addressed relatively easily and inexpensively. To this end, researchers are encouraged to now focus their efforts on finding those factors that moderate the media violence exposure–aggression link, and policy makers and professionals who work with children are encouraged to incorporate media violence science into their practices and decision‐making.
Effect of lairage time, behaviour and gender on stress and meat quality parameters in pigs
Authors: Dokmanovic Marija , Ivanovic Jelena , Janjic Jelena , Boskovic Marija , Laudanovic Milica , Pantic Srdjan , Baltic Milan Z.
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of lairage time (short vs. long), behavior (aggressive vs. non‐aggressive) and gender (gilts, barrows and boars) on stress and meat quality parameters in pigs (n = 100). In the group with short lairage, aggressive behavior of gilts and boars was observed. At exsanguination, blood samples were collected and levels of blood lactate and plasma cortisol were determined. Post mortem pH value, temperature, drip loss, sensory and instrumental color and meat quality class were determined on the muscle Longissimus dorsi. Higher blood lactate concentration (P < 0.05) and skin blemish score (P <0.001), lower temperature (P < 0.05) and drip loss (P < 0.01), as well as darker, less red and yellow meat color (P < 0.001) were found after long lairage compared to short lairage. Gilts had higher plasma cortisol concentrations than barrows (P < 0.05), while barrows had lower skin blemish scores (P < 0.05) than gilts and boars after long lairage. The highest incidence of PSE (pale, soft and exudative) meat was observed in barrows (100.00%) and boars (91.67%) after short lairage, while the lowest incidence of PSE meat was found in barrows (28.89%) after long lairage. Aggressiveness affected meat temperature, as aggressive pigs had higher meat temperature (P < 0.05) than non‐aggressive pigs.
Sex identification in the eastern blue‐tongued lizard (Tiliqua scincoides White, ex Shaw, 1790) using morphometrics
Authors: Phillips CA , Roffey JB , Hall E , Johnson RSP
Published: June 2016

Objective

To establish a repeatable, well‐tolerated, non‐invasive technique for sex identification in eastern blue‐tongued lizards (Tiliqua scincoides).

Methods

Measurements were obtained from 69 free living eastern blue‐tongued lizards presented for treatment that were either deceased on arrival or subsequently euthanased on welfare grounds. Weight, head width (H), snout vent length (SVL) and trunk length (T) were recorded. Ratios for head width to snout vent length (H/SVL%) and head width to trunk length (H/T%) were calculated. Sex was identified at necropsy.

Results

Evidence of sexual dimorphism in this population was shown. However, the degree of difference was subtle, requiring the use of ratios in order to refine the technique. Ratios of H/SVL% and H/T% showed significant predictability with respect to sex identification in both adult and sub‐adult lizards.

Conclusion

This study established a protocol for a repeatable, non‐invasive technique for sex identification in the eastern blue‐tongued lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) and provides a normal reference range.
Farm economic impacts of bovine Johne's disease in endemically infected Australian dairy herds
Authors: Shephard RW , Williams SH , Beckett SD
Published: June 2016

Objective

To determine the farm economic impact of bovine Johne's disease (BJD) infection and controls in commercial Victorian dairy herds.

Design

Benefit‐cost analysis ofBJDand various control methods in a Victorian dairy herd.

Results

Farm losses fromBJDoccurred from clinical disease. Clinical cases occur on average in 5‐year‐old cows, resulting in losses of A$1895 in the year of culling and A$221 in the year preceding culling, giving a total loss of A$2116. Early removal also resulted in loss of future profit equating to A$375 per year. This is the annualised value of foregone future income and costs expressed as a net present value (NPV). The total loss from removal of a clinical case was estimated as A$2491. The average clinical incidence in infected dairy herds prior to entry into the Victorian Bovine Johne's Test‐and‐Control Program (TCP) was 1.8% and the average Victorian dairy herd size was 262 cows in 2013–14, resulting in annual losses of 4.7 clinical cases if infected and implementing noBJDcontrol. Farm annual loss of profit was estimated as A$11,748 ($44.84 per cow/year). Control ofBJDusing vaccination, test‐and‐cull or combined approaches was economical but the cost of implementation in initial years would exceed disease costs. Vaccination‐based control provided minimal long‐term losses and was the most cost‐effective control over a 10‐year planning horizon.

Conclusion

EndemicBJDresulted in modest but persistent losses in typical infected dairy herds. Control of disease using test‐and‐cull, vaccination or combined test‐and‐cull with vaccination was cost‐effective.
EUROmediCAT signal detection: a systematic method for identifying potential teratogenic medication
Authors: Luteijn Johannes M. , Morris Joan K. , Garne Ester , Given Joanne , de Jong‐van den Berg Lolkje , Addor Marie‐Claude , Bakker Marian , Barisic Ingeborg , Gatt Miriam , Klungsoyr Kari , Latos‐Bielenska Anna , Lelong Nathalie , Nelen Vera , Neville Amanda , O'Mahony Mary , Pierini Anna , Tucker David , de Walle Hermien , Wiesel Awi , Loane Maria , Dolk Helen
Published: June 2016

Aims

Information about medication safety in pregnancy is inadequate. We aimed to develop a signal detection methodology to routinely identify unusual associations between medications and congenital anomalies using data collected by 15 European congenital anomaly registries.

Methods

EUROmediCAT database data for 14 950 malformed foetuses/babies with first trimester medication exposures in 1995–2011 were analyzed. The odds of a specific medication exposure (coded according to chemical substance or subgroup) for a specific anomaly were compared with the odds of that exposure for all other anomalies for 40 385 medication anomaly combinations in the data. Simes multiple testing procedure with a 50% false discovery rate (FDR) identified associations least likely to be due to chance and those associations with more than two cases with the exposure and the anomaly were selected for further investigation. The methodology was evaluated by considering the detection of well‐known teratogens.

Results

The most common exposures were genitourinary system medications and sex hormones (35.2%), nervous system medications (28.0%) and anti‐infectives for systemic use (25.7%). Fifty‐two specific medication anomaly associations were identified. After discarding 10 overlapping and three protective associations, 39 associations were selected for further investigation. These associations included 16 which concerned well established teratogens, valproic acid (2) and maternal diabetes represented by use of insulin (14).

Conclusions

Medication exposure data in the EUROmediCAT central database can be analyzed systematically to determine a manageable set of associations for validation and then testing in independent datasets. Detection of teratogens depends on frequency of exposure, level of risk and teratogenic specificity.
Design and conduct of early phase drug studies in children: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Rieder Michael , Hawcutt Daniel
Published: June 2016

It has historically been very difficult to conduct early phase drug studies in children for a number of reasons related to ethics, acceptability, rarity, standardization, end points, safety, dosing and feasibility. Over the past decade there have been a number of developments including novel clinical trial design,in silicopharmacology and microdosing that have significantly enhanced the ability of investigators to conduct early phase drug studies in children. While the evolution of drug therapy is creating a series of new challenges, there has never been a better time for conducting drug studies in children.
Toward an Objective and Reproducible Model Choice via Variable Selection Deviation
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Yang Yuhong
Published: June 2016

Various model selection methods can be applied to seek sparse subsets of the covariates to explain the response of interest in bioinformatics. While such methods often offer very helpful predictive performances, their selections of the covariates may be much less trustworthy. Indeed, when the number of covariates is large, the selections can be highly unstable, even under a slight change of the data. This casts a serious doubt on reproducibility of the identified variables. For a sound scientific understanding of the regression relationship, methods need to be developed to find the most important covariates that have higher chance to be confirmed in future studies. Such a method based on variable selection deviation is proposed and evaluated in this work.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of the red cell volume disorders
Authors: Badens Catherine , Guizouarn Hélène
Published: June 2016

Genetic defects of erythrocyte transport proteins cause disorders of red blood cell volume that are characterized by abnormal permeability to the cations Na+ and K+ and, consequently, by changes in red cell hydration. Clinically, these disorders are associated with chronic haemolytic anaemia of variable severity and significant co‐morbidities, such as iron overload. This review provides an overview of recent insights into the molecular basis of this group of rare anaemias involving cation channels and transporters dysfunction. To date, a total of 5 different membrane proteins have been reported to be responsible for volume homeostasis alteration when mutated, 3 of them leading to overhydrated cells (AE1 [also termed SLC4A1], RHAG and GLUT1 [also termed SCL2A1) and 2 others to dehydrated cells (PIEZO1 and the Gardos Channel). These findings are not only of basic scientific interest, but also of direct clinical significance for improving diagnostic procedures and identify potential approaches for novel therapeutic strategies.
Hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (HMT): an immune‐mediated bone marrow failure characterized by an increased number of PNH‐phenotype cells and high plasma thrombopoietin levels
Authors: Saito Chizuru , Ishiyama Ken , Yamazaki Hirohito , Zaimoku Yoshitaka , Nakao Shinji
Published: June 2016

Patients with mild hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (HMT) that does not meet the diagnostic criteria for a definite disease entity may potentially progress to aplastic anaemia (AA) that is refractory to therapy. To clarify the clinical picture of HMT, we prospectively followed 25 HMT patients with white blood cell count >3·0 × 109/l, haemoglobin level >100 g/l and platelet count of <100·0 × 109/l in the absence of morphological and karyotypic abnormalities in the bone marrow. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein‐deficient blood cells [paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH)‐type cells] were detected in 7 of the 25 (28%) patients and elevated plasma thrombopoietin (TPO, also termed THPO) levels (>320 pg/ml) were observed in 11 (44%) patients. Five (four PNH+ and one PNH−) of six TPOhigh patients who were treated with ciclosporin (CsA) showed improvement. Among the 21 patients who were followed without treatment, thrombocytopenia progressed in four of ten TPOlow patients and four of 11 TPOhigh patients. The 3‐year failure‐free survival rate of the CsA‐treated TPOhigh patients (100%) was significantly higher than that of the untreated TPOhigh patients (20%). These results suggest that a significant population of HMT patients has an immune pathophysiology that is similar to AA and may be improved by early therapeutic intervention with CsA.
Haplo‐identical transplantation for acquired severe aplastic anaemia in a multicentre prospective study
Authors: Xu Lan‐Ping , Wang Shun‐Qing , Wu De‐Pei , Wang Jian‐Min , Gao Su‐Jun , Jiang Ming , Wang Cun‐Bang , Zhang Xi , Liu Qi‐Fa , Xia Ling‐Hui , Wang Xin , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: June 2016

We conducted a prospective, multicentre study to confirm the feasibility of haplo‐identical transplantation in treatment of severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) as salvage therapy, by analysing the outcomes of 101 patients who received haplo‐identical transplantation between June 2012 and October 2015. All cases surviving for more than 28 d achieved donor myeloid engraftment. The median time for myeloid engraftment was 12 (range, 9–25) days and 15 (range, 7–101) days for platelets, with a cumulative platelet engraftment incidence of 94·1 ± 0·1%. With a median follow‐up of 18·3 (3·0–43·6) months, recipients from haplo‐identical transplantation had more cumulative incidence of grade II–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD, 33·7% vs. 4·2%, P < 0·001), more chronic GVHD (22·4% vs. 6·6%, P = 0·014) at 1 year, but similar grade III–IV aGVHD (7·9% vs. 2·1%, P = 0·157), 3‐year estimated overall survival (OS, 89·0% vs. 91·0%, P = 0·555) and failure‐free survival (FFS, 86·8% vs. 80·3%, P = 0·659) when compared with 48 patients who received contemporaneous transplantation from matched related donors. Multivariate analysis showed no significant difference in engraftment and survival between the two cohorts. Both OS and FFS for the entire population correlated significantly with grades III–IV aGVHD. In conclusion, haplo‐identical transplantation is a feasible choice for SAA with favourable outcomes.
Expert and Lay Public Risk Preferences Regarding Plants with Novel Traits
Authors: Lubieniechi Simona , Hesseln Hayley , Phillips Peter , Smyth Stuart
Published: June 2016

The regulation, commercialization, and adoption of a new technology involve interplay of various stakeholders, including: scientists, researchers, and developers; businesspeople in management, finance, and marketing; government agents in policy and administration; and the general public. Outcomes of these processes are therefore a function of the risk preferences of various stakeholders. Our objective is to investigate the risk preferences regarding plants with novel traits among the lay public and regulatory professionals. We investigate how framing and perceptions affect risk preferences. In particular, we test how the concept of provenance, for example, whether technology is being provided by a public university versus a multinational corporation, might affect respondents’ risk choices. We conducted a modified “Asian disease” experiment to test for Tversky and Kahneman's (1981) prospect theory, adapting the choice task to the context of new technology in agriculture. We found that framing manipulations yielded different results for both experts and laypersons: positive framing induced risk aversion more so than negative framing induced risk seeking. While framing has a strong impact on all respondents, the provenance effect is weak and inconsistent across results.
Assessment of cross‐reactivity of new less sensitizing epoxy resin monomers in epoxy resin‐allergic individuals
Authors: Hagvall Lina , Niklasson Ida B. , Rudbäck Johanna , O'Boyle Niamh M. , Niklasson Eva , Luthman Kristina , Karlberg Ann‐Therese
Published: June 2016

Background

Measures to prevent occupational exposure to epoxy resins, including education, medical examination, and voluntary agreements between employers and workers, have not been effective enough to protect against skin sensitization. Therefore, alternatives to the major epoxy resin haptens that have been found to be less sensitizing in the local lymph node assay have been developed.

Objectives

To study the cross‐reactivity of two newly designed epoxy resin monomers, with decreased skin‐sensitizing potency and good technical properties as compared with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), in subjects with known contact allergy to epoxy resin of DGEBA type.

Patients and Methods

Eleven individuals with previous positive patch test reactions to epoxy resin of DGEBA participated in the study. The two alternative epoxy resin monomers were synthesized and patch tested in dilution series in parallel with epoxy resin of DGEBA from the baseline series (containing 92% DGEBA).

Results

All participants reacted to epoxy resin of DGEBA on retesting. Three participants reacted to monomer 1. No reactions were seen to monomer 2.

Conclusions

The alternative monomers studied showed little or no cross‐reactivity with epoxy resin of DGEBA. Decreasing the risk of sensitization by using less sensitizing compounds is important, as contact allergy to epoxy resins is common in spite of thorough preventive measures.
The role of alcohol as men desist from physical intimate partner violence
Authors: Walker Kate
Published: June 2016

Introduction and Aims

Although researchers have examined the relationship between alcohol and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV), little research has examined the role of alcohol within the process of desistance from IPV, which was the aim of this study.

Design and Methods

A mixed‐methods approach was taken as both psychometric test and interview data were analysed. Scores on the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III alcohol dependence subscale of 37 men deemed to have desisted from IPV, 50 deemed to be persisting with IPV and 49 non‐violent controls were compared. In addition, data about alcohol use from interviews with 13 desisters, 9 persisters, 9 IPV intervention facilitators and 7 female survivors were analysed using thematic analysis to understand the role of alcohol in IPV desistance and persistence.

Results

No differences were found between the groups' self‐reported alcohol dependence based on their Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III scores. However, analysis of the interview data revealed that compared with persisters, desisters reported having changed their attitudes towards alcohol and their consumption of it in order to facilitate their cessation of violence.

Discussion and Conclusions

Static measures of alcohol dependence need to be used with caution if looking to identify progress with desistance from IPV. For individuals for whom alcohol played a role in their IPV, changing attitudes and their use of alcohol were described as being important in the process of desistance. Self‐reported attitudes and alcohol use could therefore be used to identify men who are making progress in the process of desistance from IPV. [Walker K. The role of alcohol as men desist from physical intimate partner violence. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:134–142]
Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose metabolism in the adult population of the Basque Country, Spain
Authors: Aguayo A. , Urrutia I. , González‐Frutos T. , Martínez R. , Martínez‐Indart L. , Castaño L. , Gaztambide S. ,   the Diabetes Epidemiology Basque Study Group
Published: June 2016

Aims

To assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose metabolism in the Basque Country and their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

A population‐based, cross‐sectional, cluster sampling design study was carried out in an adult (≥18 years) Basque population. A total of 847 participants completed a questionnaire on personal and family medical history and lifestyle. Anthropometric variables and blood pressure were measured and biochemical analysis and an oral glucose tolerance test (75 g) were also performed.

Results

The total prevalence of diabetes was 10.6% (95% CI 8.65–12.95). Among them 6.3% (95% CI 4.79–8.22) had previously been diagnosed and 4.3% (95% CI 3.04–5.92) were not aware that they had diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance was present in 7.2% (95% CI 5.53–9.15) and impaired fasting glucose in 3.8% (95% CI 2.64–5.37) of the population. In total, 21.6% of the population had some type of glucose metabolism disturbance, with a higher rate among men (28.3 vs 16.3%; P<0.001) and with the rate increasing with age. Risk factors independently associated with the development of diabetes were: male sex [odds ratio 4.58 (95% CI 2.34–8.97)]; abdominal obesity [odds ratio 2.80 (95% CI 1.47–5.36)]; high triglyceride levels [odds ratio 2.46 (95% CI 1.26–4.81)]; hypertension [odds ratio 2.40 (95% CI 1.16–4.96)]; family history of diabetes [odds ratio 2.30 (95% CI 1.25–4.24)]; high LDL cholesterol levels [odds ratio 1.83 (95% CI 1.01–3.31)] and older age [odds ratio 1.08 (95% CI 1.05–1.10)].

Conclusions

The prevalence of diabetes in the Basque Country was lower than in Spain and was independently associated with family history of diabetes and with cardiovascular risk factors such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, high LDL cholesterol levels and high triglyceride levels, which were also observed in those with prediabetes.
Ocean acidification affects marine chemical communication by changing structure and function of peptide signalling molecules
Authors: Roggatz Christina C. , Lorch Mark , Hardege Jörg D. , Benoit David M.
Published: June 2016

Ocean acidification is a global challenge that faces marine organisms in the near future with a predicted rapid drop in pH of up to 0.4 units by the end of this century. Effects of the change in ocean carbon chemistry and pH on the development, growth and fitness of marine animals are well documented. Recent evidence also suggests that a range of chemically mediated behaviours and interactions in marine fish and invertebrates will be affected. Marine animals use chemical cues, for example, to detect predators, for settlement, homing and reproduction. But, while effects of high CO2 conditions on these behaviours are described across many species, little is known about the underlying mechanisms, particularly in invertebrates. Here, we investigate the direct influence of future oceanic pH conditions on the structure and function of three peptide signalling molecules with an interdisciplinary combination of methods. NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations were used to assess the direct molecular influence of pH on the peptide cues, and we tested the functionality of the cues in different pH conditions using behavioural bioassays with shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) as a model system. We found that peptide signalling cues are susceptible to protonation in future pH conditions, which will alter their overall charge. We also show that structure and electrostatic properties important for receptor binding differ significantly between the peptide forms present today and the protonated signalling peptides likely to be dominating in future oceans. The bioassays suggest an impaired functionality of the signalling peptides at low pH. Physiological changes due to high CO2 conditions were found to play a less significant role in influencing the investigated behaviour. From our results, we conclude that the change of charge, structure and consequently function of signalling molecules presents one possible mechanism to explain altered behaviour under future oceanic pH conditions.
The evolution of comprehensive haemophilia care in the United States: perspectives from the frontline
Authors: Aledort L. M.
Published: June 2016

The establishment of dedicated comprehensive treatment centres more than a half century ago transformed the management of haemophilia in the United States. Formerly, a disease associated with crippling disability and premature death, today, persons with haemophilia who are treated appropriately from infancy and do not develop inhibitors can expect a normal life expectancy and relatively few bleeding episodes. The evolution of the comprehensive haemophilia care, while chastened by the viral epidemics of the 1980s, has been marked by ongoing advances, including prophylaxis, immune tolerance induction, new drugs and gene therapy research. Current challenges include sustaining the comprehensive care model despite decreased funding and expanding the delivery and affordability of comprehensive haemophilia care.
Prenatal diagnosis for haemophilia: the Thai experience
Authors: Chuansumrit A. , Sasanakul W. , Promsonthi P. , Sirachainan N. , Panburana P. , Kadegasem P. , Wongwerawattanakoon P.
Published: June 2016

Background

Haemophilia is a lifelong X‐linked recessive inherited bleeding disorder. Since the haemophilia management in economically less‐developed countries is inadequately provided, prevention of new cases of haemophilia is essentially required.

Subjects and methods

A total of 42 pregnancies in 37 women at risk for severe and moderate haemophilia (A = 33, B = 4) were enrolled. The prenatal diagnostic (PND) procedure was performed in 32 women, while 10 women refused further PND procedure after knowing their foetuses were female (n = 8) and male (n = 2). The foetal specimen was obtained through chorionic villus sampling (n = 14), amniocentesis (n = 1) and cordocentesis (n = 17). The status of haemophilia was determined using informative RFLP markers and inversion of intron 22 of the F8 gene, and/or foetal FVIII:C or FIX:C.

Results

The final diagnosis revealed normal males (n = 18), haemophilia A males (n = 9), normal females (n = 3) and haemophilia A carrier females (n = 2). All women with affected haemophilia sons requested to terminate their pregnancies except one woman. One of 32 pregnancies (3.1%) had spontaneous abortion. At follow‐up after birth, the PND was accurately confirmed in one haemophilia A male, three normal females and two carrier females by laboratory testing, and 18 unaffected normal males by history taking of no bleeding manifestations. However, 10 women who continued their pregnancies after knowing foetal sex turned out to have two haemophilia A males, one normal female, one haemophilia A carrier female and six normal or carrier females.

Conclusion

The PND of haemophilia could be accurately determined but it was not well accepted by all couples at risk.
Adherence to prophylactic treatment in patients with haemophilia in Germany
Authors: Miesbach W. , Kalnins W.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Adherence to prophylactic treatment in haemophilia is important for patient outcome.

Aim

This study analysed the influence of potential impact factors on adherence assessed through the application of the German translation of the VERITAS‐Pro questionnaire.

Methods

All members of the German haemophilia patient organisation (DHG) who suffer from severe or moderate haemophilia and are on continuous prophylactic treatment were asked to complete the VERITAS‐Pro questionnaire. Further questions were added regarding the patients’ age, severity of haemophilia, type A or B, frequency of prophylaxis, pain level, factor application self or non‐self and co‐morbidities.

Results

Responses of 397 patients on continuous prophylactic treatment, 0–80 years old, were analysed according to several age groups: 0–14, 15–19, 20–59 (20–29 and 30–39) and ≥60 years of age. The mean total VERITAS‐Pro score for the whole sample was 36.7 ± 11.7 (range of 24–86). The scores were significantly higher, indicating the poorest adherence, in patients between 20 and 59 years of age (41.1 ± 11.7) compared with the other age groups (30.0–35.7). Adherence to treatment was highest in patients between 0 and 14 years of age in all subscales of the VERITAS‐Pro. The following potential risk factors for non‐adherence were evaluated in all age groups: organisation suffering (care by a haemophilia centre), severity and type of haemophilia, factor concentrate administration and the presence of co‐morbidities.

Conclusion

The identification of significant differences between age groups in special subscales of adherence and impact factors offers tailored starting points for improvements of adherence to prophylactic treatment.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the relative efficacy and safety of treatment regimens for HIV‐associated cerebral toxoplasmosis: is trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole a real option?
Authors: Hernandez AV , Thota P , Pellegrino D , Pasupuleti V , Benites‐Zapata VA , Deshpande A , Penalva de Oliveira AC , Vidal JE
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapies for cerebral toxoplasmosis in HIV‐infected adults. The pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine (P‐S) combination is considered the mainstay therapy for cerebral toxoplasmosis and pyrimethamine plus clindamycin (P‐C) is the most common alternative treatment. Although trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) has potential advantages, its use is infrequent.

Methods

We searched PubMed and four other databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. Two independent reviewers searched the databases, identified studies and extracted data. Risk ratios (RRs) were pooled across studies using random‐effects models.

Results

Nine studies were included (five RCTs, three retrospective cohort studies and one prospective cohort study). In comparison to P‐S, treatment with P‐C or TMP‐SMX was associated with similar rates of partial or complete clinical response [P‐C: RR 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–1.08; TMP‐SMX: RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.78–1.21], radiological response (P‐C: RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.82–1.03), skin rash (P‐C: RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.56–1.17; TMP‐SMX: RR 0.17; 95% CI 0.02–1.29), gastrointestinal impairment (P‐C: RR 5.16; 95% CI 0.66–40.11), and drug discontinuation because of adverse events (P‐C: RR 0.32; 95% CI 0.07–1.47). Liver impairment was more frequent with P‐S than P‐C (P‐C vs. P‐S: RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24–0.97).

Conclusions

The current evidence fails to identify a superior regimen in terms of relative efficacy or safety for the treatment of HIV‐associated cerebral toxoplasmosis. Use of TMP‐SMX as preferred treatment may be consistent with the available evidence and other real‐world considerations. Larger comparative studies are needed.
Immune recognition of citrullinated epitopes
Authors: Nguyen Hai , James Eddie A.
Published: June 2016

Conversion of arginine into citrulline is a post‐translational modification that is observed in normal physiological processes. However, abnormal citrullination can provoke autoimmunity by generating altered self‐epitopes that are specifically targeted by autoantibodies and T cells. In this review we discuss the recognition of citrullinated antigens in human autoimmune diseases and the role that this modification plays in increasing antigenic diversity and circumventing tolerance mechanisms. Early published work demonstrated that citrullinated proteins are specifically targeted by autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis and that citrullinated peptides are more readily presented to T cells by arthritis‐susceptible HLA class II ‘shared epitope’ proteins. Emerging data support the relevance of citrullinated epitopes in other autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, whose susceptible HLA haplotypes also preferentially present citrullinated peptides. In these settings, autoimmune patients have been shown to have elevated responses to citrullinated epitopes derived from tissue‐specific antigens. Contrasting evidence implicates autophagy or perforin and complement‐mediated membrane attack as inducers of ectopic citrullination. In either case, the peptidyl deiminases responsible for citrullination are activated in response to inflammation or insult, providing a mechanistic link between this post‐translational modification and interactions with the environment and infection. As such, it is likely that immune recognition of citrullinated epitopes also plays a role in pathogen clearance. Indeed, our recent data suggest that responses to citrullinated peptides facilitate recognition of novel influenza strains. Therefore, increased understanding of responses to citrullinated epitopes may provide important insights about the initiation of autoimmunity and recognition of heterologous viruses.
Combining machine learning and matching techniques to improve causal inference in program evaluation
Authors: Linden Ariel , Yarnold Paul R
Published: June 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Program evaluations often utilize various matching approaches to emulate the randomization process for group assignment in experimental studies. Typically, the matching strategy is implemented, and then covariate balance is assessed before estimating treatment effects. This paper introduces a novel analytic framework utilizing a machine learning algorithm called optimal discriminant analysis (ODA) for assessing covariate balance and estimating treatment effects, once the matching strategy has been implemented. This framework holds several key advantages over the conventional approach: application to any variable metric and number of groups; insensitivity to skewed data or outliers; and use of accuracy measures applicable to all prognostic analyses. Moreover, ODA accepts analytic weights, thereby extending the methodology to any study design where weights are used for covariate adjustment or more precise (differential) outcome measurement.

Method

One‐to‐one matching on the propensity score was used as the matching strategy. Covariate balance was assessed using standardized difference in means (conventional approach) and measures of classification accuracy (ODA). Treatment effects were estimated using ordinary least squares regression and ODA.

Results

Using empirical data, ODA produced results highly consistent with those obtained via the conventional methodology for assessing covariate balance and estimating treatment effects.

Conclusions

When ODA is combined with matching techniques within a treatment effects framework, the results are consistent with conventional approaches. However, given that it provides additional dimensions and robustness to the analysis versus what can currently be achieved using conventional approaches, ODA offers an appealing alternative.
Mitochondrial population structure and post‐glacial dispersal of longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus in Labrador, Canada: evidence for multiple refugial origins and limited ongoing gene flow
Authors: Langille B. L. , Perry R. , Keefe D. , Barker O. , Marshall H. D.
Published: June 2016

Two hundred and eighty‐seven longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus were collected from 14 lakes in Labrador, 52 from three lakes in Ontario, 43 from two lakes in British Columbia and 32 from a lake in Yukon; a total of 414 in all. The resulting 34 haplotypes (20 in Labrador) contained moderate haplotypic diversity (h = 0·657) and relatively low nucleotide diversity (π = 3·730 × 10−3. Mean ϕST (0·453, P < 0·05) over all populations revealed distinct genetic structuring among C. catostomus populations across Canada, based on province, which was validated by the analysis and spatial analysis of molecular variance (c. 80% variation between provinces). These results probably reflect the historical imprint of recolonization from different refugia and possibly indicate limited ongoing gene flow within provinces. A haplotype network revealed one major and two minor clades within Labrador that were assigned to the Atlantic, Beringian and Mississippian refugia, respectively, with tests of neutrality and mismatch distribution indicative of a recent population expansion in Labrador, dated between c. 3500 and 8300 years ago.
New records of larval stages of the eel cod genus Muraenolepis Günther 1880 (Gadiformes: Muraenolepididae) from the western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Konstantinidis P. , Hilton E. J. , Matarese A. C.
Published: June 2016

Three newly discovered larval specimens of the genus Muraenolepis collected from the waters of the western Antarctic Peninsula are described. Knowledge of their natural history is sparse and information about their early life history is based on only a few larval stages. Here, the available literature on larval eel cods is reviewed, and the specimens placed in context.
Etiology of Syncope and Unexplained Falls in Elderly Adults with Dementia: Syncope and Dementia (SYD) Study
Authors: Ungar Andrea , Mussi Chiara , Ceccofiglio Alice , Bellelli Giuseppe , Nicosia Franco , Bo Mario , Riccio Daniela , Martone Anna Maria , Guadagno Livia , Noro Gabriele , Ghidoni Giulia , Rafanelli Martina , Marchionni Niccolò , Abete Pasquale
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To investigate the etiology of transient loss of consciousness (T‐LOC) suspected to be syncope and unexplained falls in elderly adults with dementia.

Design

Prospective, observational, multicenter study.

Setting

Acute care wards, syncope units or centers for the diagnosis of dementia.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of dementia and one or more episodes of T‐LOC of a suspected syncopal nature or unexplained falls during the previous 3 months were enrolled.

Measurements

The causes of T‐LOC suspected to be syncope and unexplained falls were evaluated using a simplified protocol based on European Society of Cardiology guidelines.

Results

Of 357 individuals enrolled, 181 (50.7%) had been referred for T‐LOC suspected to be syncope, 166 (46.5%) for unexplained falls, and 10 (2.8%) for both. An initially suspected diagnosis of syncope was confirmed in 158 (87.3%), and syncope was identified as the cause of the event in 75 (45.2%) of those referred for unexplained falls. Orthostatic hypotension was the cause of the event in 117 of 242 (48.3%) participants with a final diagnosis of syncope.

Conclusion

The simplified syncope diagnostic protocol can be used in elderly people with dementia referred for suspected syncope or unexplained falls. Unexplained falls may mask a diagnosis of syncope or pseudosyncope in almost 50% of cases. Given the high prevalence of orthostatic syncope in participants (~50%), a systematic reappraisal of drugs potentially responsible for orthostatic hypotension is warranted.