bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Somatic Diagnoses in Older People with Intellectual Disability: A Swedish Eleven Year Case–Control Study of Inpatient Data
Authors: Sandberg Magnus , Ahlström Gerd , Kristensson Jimmie
Published: November 2015

Background

Knowledge about diagnoses patterns in older people with intellectual disabilities is limited.

Methods

The case group (n = 7936) comprised people with intellectual disabilities aged 55 years and older. The control group (n = 7936) was age matched and sex matched. Somatic inpatient diagnoses (2002–2012) were collected retrospectively.

Results

Several diagnoses were in several years significantly more common in the case group, particularly infections [odds ratio (OR) 1.78–4.08]; nervous system (OR 2.06–31.75); respiratory (OR 1.78–4.08) and genitourinary diseases (1.59–11.50); injuries, unspecified symptoms (OR 1.56–4.27); and external causes of morbidity (OR 1.53–4.08). The oldest in the case group had significantly less occurrence of tumours (OR 0.26–0.51), cardiovascular (OR 0.42–0.72), and musculoskeletal diseases (OR 0.32–0.53) than controls.

Conclusions

Older people with intellectual disabilities have higher numbers of some diagnoses, but lower numbers of others. Further research on the reasons for the unique pattern of diagnoses in this group is required.
Dispersal of Monochamus galloprovincialis (Col.: Cerambycidae) as recorded by mark–release–recapture using pheromone traps
Authors: Etxebeste I. , Sanchez‐Husillos E. , Álvarez G. , Mas i Gisbert H. , Pajares J.
Published: November 2015

The spread of the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophylus (Nematoda; Aphelenchoididae), the causal agent of the pine wilt disease, is greatly constrained to the dispersal of its vectors, long‐horned beetles of the Monochamus genus. Disease spread at global and regional scales has been mainly caused by human‐mediated transport, yet at a local scale, the short‐ and long‐distance dispersal behaviour of the beetles determine colonization dynamics. Three mark–release–recapture experiments using commercial traps and lures allowed the parameterization of the dispersal kernel under two landscape fragmentation scenarios for the only known European PWN vector, Monochamus galloprovincialis. The respective release of 171 and 353 laboratory‐reared beetles in continuous pine stands in 2009 and 2010 resulted in 36% and 28% recapture rates, yet, at a fragmented landscape in 2011, only 2% of the released 473 individuals could be recaptured. Recaptures occurred as soon as 7–14 days after their release, in agreement with the requirement of sexual maturation to respond to the pheromone–kairomone attractants. Data from the first two experiments were fitted to one mechanical and two empirical dispersal models, from which the distance dispersal kernels could be computed. Derived estimated radii enclosing 50% and 99% of dispersing M. galloprovincialis under continuous pine stands ranged between 250–532 m and 2344–3495 m depending on the replicate and choice of model. Forecasted recaptures in 2011 resulted in a moderate underestimation of long‐distance dispersal, probably influenced by the high degree of habitat fragmentation. In addition, trapping parameters such as the effective sampling area (0.57–0.76 ha) or the seasonal sampling range (426–645 m) could be derived. Observed results, derived dispersal kernels and trapping parameters provide valuable information for the integrated pest management of PWD. Furthermore, estimated dispersal distances indicate that ongoing clear‐cut measures for eradication in the European Union are likely ineffective in stopping the vectors dispersal.
The importance of effective sampling for exploring the population dynamics of haploid–diploid seaweeds
Authors: Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. , Hoban Sean M.
Published: November 2015

The mating system partitions genetic diversity within and among populations and the links between life history traits and mating systems have been extensively studied in diploid organisms. As such most evolutionary theory is focused on species for which sexual reproduction occurs between diploid male and diploid female individuals. However, there are many multicellular organisms with biphasic life cycles in which the haploid stage is prolonged and undergoes substantial somatic development. In particular, biphasic life cycles are found across green, brown and red macroalgae. Yet, few studies have addressed the population structure and genetic diversity in both the haploid and diploid stages in these life cycles. We have developed some broad guidelines with which to develop population genetic studies of haploid‐diploid macroalgae and to quantify the relationship between power and sampling strategy. We address three common goals for studying macroalgal population dynamics, including haploid‐diploid ratios, genetic structure and paternity analyses.
Nocturnal indicators of increased cardiovascular risk in depressed adolescent girls
Authors: Waloszek Joanna M. , Woods Michael J. , Byrne Michelle L. , Nicholas Christian L. , Bei Bei , Murray Greg , Raniti Monika , Allen Nicholas B. , Trinder John
Published: November 2015

Depression is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults, and recent literature suggests preclinical signs of cardiovascular risk are also present in depressed adolescents. No study has examined the effect of clinical depression on cardiovascular factors during sleep. This study examined the relationship between clinical depression and nocturnal indicators of cardiovascular risk in depressed adolescent girls from the general community (13–18 years old; 11 clinically depressed, eight healthy control). Continuous beat‐to‐beat finger arterial blood pressure and heart rate were monitored via Portapres and electrocardiogram, respectively. Cardiovascular data were averaged over each hour for the first 6 h of sleep, as well as in 2‐min epochs of stable sleep that were then averaged within sleep stages. Data were also averaged across 2‐min epochs of pre‐sleep wakefulness and the first 5 min of continuous non‐rapid eye movement sleep to investigate the blood pressure dipping response over the sleep‐onset period. Compared with controls, depressed adolescents displayed a similar but significantly elevated blood pressure profile across sleep. Depressed adolescents had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressures across the entire night (P < 0.01), as well as during all sleep stages (P < 0.001). Depressed adolescents also had higher blood pressure across the sleep‐onset period, but the groups did not differ in the rate of decline across the period. Higher blood pressure during sleep in depressed adolescent females suggests that depression has a significant association with cardiovascular functioning during sleep in adolescent females, which may increase risk for future cardiovascular pathology.
Sleep‐stage sequencing of sleep‐onset REM periods in MSLT predicts treatment response in patients with narcolepsy
Authors: Drakatos Panagis , Patel Kishankumar , Thakrar Chiraag , Williams Adrian J. , Kent Brian D. , Leschziner Guy D.
Published: November 2015

Current treatment recommendations for narcolepsy suggest that modafinil should be used as a first‐line treatment ahead of conventional stimulants or sodium oxybate. In this study, performed in a tertiary sleep disorders centre, treatment responses were examined following these recommendations, and the ability of sleep‐stage sequencing of sleep‐onset rapid eye movement periods in the multiple sleep latency test to predict treatment response. Over a 3.5‐year period, 255 patients were retrospectively identified in the authors' database as patients diagnosed with narcolepsy, type 1 (with cataplexy) or type 2 (without) using clinical and polysomnographic criteria. Eligible patients were examined in detail, sleep study data were abstracted and sleep‐stage sequencing of sleep‐onset rapid eye movement periods were analysed. Response to treatment was graded utilizing an internally developed scale. Seventy‐five patients were included (39% males). Forty (53%) were diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with a mean follow‐up of 2.37 ± 1.35 years. Ninety‐seven percent of the patients were initially started on modafinil, and overall 59% reported complete response on the last follow‐up. Twenty‐nine patients (39%) had the sequence of sleep stage 1 or wake to rapid eye movement in all of their sleep‐onset rapid eye movement periods, with most of these diagnosed as narcolepsy type 1 (72%). The presence of this specific sleep‐stage sequence in all sleep‐onset rapid eye movement periods was associated with worse treatment response (P = 0.0023). Sleep‐stage sequence analysis of sleep‐onset rapid eye movement periods in the multiple sleep latency test may aid the prediction of treatment response in narcoleptics and provide a useful prognostic tool in clinical practice, above and beyond their classification as narcolepsy type 1 or 2.
Management of tacrolimus‐associated food allergy after liver transplantation
Authors: Obayashi Naho , Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Yokokura Tomoaki , Naritaka Nakayuki , Nakano Satoshi , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Sugo Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Seiji , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: November 2015

Increasingly, food allergy associated with tacrolimus after pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation (LT) has been reported. Tacrolimus prevents the activation of T cells by blocking calcineurin, thus producing an immunosuppressive effect, but tacrolimus induces an imbalance in T‐helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells in the food allergy process. This report describes a case of tacrolimus‐associated food allergy after pediatric living‐donor LT. The patient was a 7‐year‐old Japanese girl who had undergone living‐donor LT at 12 months of age, and whom we first saw in the clinic at age 18 months. She received immunosuppressive therapy by tacrolimus after transplantation. Atopic dermatitis developed in post‐transplant month 18. Stridor, facial edema, lip swelling, and skin erythema after consuming tempura udon containing wheat occurred in post‐transplant month 39, and she was subsequently diagnosed with anaphylactic shock. Eosinophilic leukocyte and serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E increased, and specific IgE was positive for some food allergens. Pharmacotherapy was therefore changed from tacrolimus to cyclosporine A, after which eosinophilic leukocyte and serum IgE decreased and atopic dermatitis improved.
Mondini dysplasia with recurrent bacterial meningitis caused by three different pathogens
Authors: Shikano Hiroaki , Ohnishi Hidenori , Fukutomi Hisashi , Ito Kimiko , Morimoto Masahiro , Teramoto Takahide , Aoki Mitsuhiro , Nishihori Takezumi , Akeda Yukihiro , Oishi Kazunori , Fukao Toshiyuki
Published: November 2015

Mondini dysplasia is rare, but has an important association with recurrent bacterial meningitis. We herein describe the case of a 3‐year‐old girl with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss who presented with three independent episodes of bacterial meningitis within 8 months. Temporal bone computed tomography indicated the characteristic features of Mondini dysplasia in the right inner ear. This was treated by surgical closure of the inner ear defect via oval window and additional vaccination was administered. Appropriate vaccination might prevent the recurrent bacterial meningitis associated with Mondini dysplasia.
Persistent clonal chromosomal abnormalities in a chronic myeloid leukemia patient
Authors: Muraoka Michiko , Washio Kana , Kanamitu Kiichiro , Kanazawa Yui , Ishida Toshiaki , Miyamura Takako , Chayama Kosuke , Nishiuchi Ritsuo , Oda Megumi , Shimada Akira
Published: November 2015

Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities (CCA) in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐negative cells have been reported in a small population of adult chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients during the clinical course, but CCA in pediatric CML patients are rarely reported. We herein report the case of an 8‐year‐old boy from the onset of CML. Although he had relapse after unrelated bone marrow transplantation when 9 years old, he has since been in complete molecular response on imatinib mesylate treatment. Surprisingly, various CCA have been observed in this patient, including several reciprocal chromosomal translocations in Ph‐negative cells for >12 years. Although dysplasia in the bone marrow cells was identified, no overt transformation to myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia has been observed. The cause of the CCA remains unknown in this patient, and careful observation is required.
Asymptotic Inference for Jump Diffusions with State‐Dependent Intensity
Authors: Becheri I. Gaia , Drost Feike C. , Werker Bas J.M.
Published: November 2015

We establish the local asymptotic normality property for a class of ergodic parametric jump‐diffusion processes with state‐dependent intensity and known volatility function sampled at high frequency. We prove that the inference problem about the drift and jump parameters is adaptive with respect to parameters in the volatility function that can be consistently estimated.
Measuring Monetary Policy Stress for Fed District Representatives
Authors: Bennani Hamza
Published: November 2015

This study provides a measure of the degree of stress that exists among Fed districts in the US. Stress in a district is defined as the difference between the desired interest rate of its representative and the actual policy rate implemented by the FOMC. I find that the degree of stress reflects the stance of the US monetary policy, a positive stress level in the 1990s (which corresponds to a policy rate higher than the desired rate of FOMC members), and a negative stress level from the 2000s (which corresponds to a policy rate lower than the desired rate of FOMC members). However, the economic and financial crisis exacerbated the degree of stress measure, suggesting an increase in monetary policy uncertainty among FOMC members from that time.
Early Life Stress: Effects on the Regulation of Anxiety Expression in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Burkholder Amanda R. , Koss Kalsea J. , Hostinar Camelia E. , Johnson Anna E. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: November 2015

This study examined children's (N = 79; 9–10 years) and adolescents’ (N = 82; 15–16 years) ability to regulate their emotion expressions of anxiety as they completed a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST‐C). Approximately half in each age group were internationally adopted from institutional care (N = 79) and half were non‐adopted, age‐matched peers (N = 82). Institutional care was viewed as a form of early life stress. Coders who were reliable and blind to group status watched videos of the session to assess anxiety expressions using the Child and Adolescent Stress and Emotion Scale developed for this study. Children exhibited more expressions of anxiety than adolescents, and youth adopted from institutions showed more expressions of anxiety than their non‐adopted counterparts. The role of early life stress on observed anxiety expressions remained significant after controlling for differences in age, physiological stress responses measured through salivary cortisol reactivity, and self‐reports of stress during the TSST‐C. This suggests possible deficits in the regulation of expressive behavior for youth with early life stress histories, which cannot be explained by experiencing the task as more stressful.
Causes of non‐malarial febrile illness in outpatients in Tanzania
Authors: Hildenwall Helena , Amos Ben , Mtove George , Muro Florida , Cederlund Kerstin , Reyburn Hugh
Published: November 2015

Objective

In sub‐Saharan Africa, the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDT) has raised awareness of alternative fever causes in children but few studies have included adults. To address this gap, we conducted a study of mRDT‐negative fever aetiologies among children and adults in Tanzania.

Methods

A total of 1028 patients aged 3 months to 50 years with a febrile illness and negative mRDT were enrolled from a Tanzanian hospital outpatient department. All had a physical examination and cultures from blood, nasopharynx/throat and urine. Patients were followed on Days 7 and 14 and children meeting WHO criteria for pneumonia were followed on Day 2 with chest radiology.

Results

Respiratory symptoms were the most frequent presenting complaint, reported by 20.3% of adults and 64.0% (339/530) of children. Of 38 X‐rayed children meeting WHO pneumonia criteria, 47.4% had a normal X‐ray. Overall, only 1.3% of 1028 blood cultures were positive. Salmonella typhi was the most prevalent pathogen isolated (7/13, 53.8%) and S. typhi patients reported fever for a median of 7 days (range 2–14). Children with bacteraemia did not present with WHO symptoms requiring antibiotic treatment. Young children and adults had similar prevalences of positive urine cultures (24/428 and 29/498, respectively).

Conclusion

Few outpatient fevers are caused by blood stream bacterial infection, and most adult bacteraemia would be identified by current clinical guidelines although paediatric bacteraemia may be more difficult to diagnose. While pneumonia may be overdiagnosed, urinary tract infection was relatively common. Our results emphasise the difficulty in identifying African children in need of antibiotics among the majority who do not.
Determination of Most Desirable Nominal Closed-Loop State Space System Via Qualitative Ecological Principles
Authors: Devarakonda Nagini , Yedavalli Rama K.
Published: November 2015

This paper addresses the issue of determining the most desirable “nominal closed-loop matrix” structure in linear state space systems, from stability robustness point of view, by combining the concepts of “quantitative robustness” and “qualitative robustness.” The qualitative robustness measure is based on the nature of interactions and interconnections of the system. The quantitative robustness is based on the nature of eigenvalue/eigenvector structure of the system. This type of analysis from both viewpoints sheds considerable insight on the desirable nominal system in engineering applications. Using these concepts, it is shown that three classes of quantitative matrices labeled “target sign stable (TSS) matrices,” “target pseudosymmetric (TPS) matrices,” and finally “quantitative ecological stable (QES) matrices” have features which qualify them as the most desirable nominal closed-loop system matrices. In this paper, we elaborate on the special features of these sets of matrices and justify why these classes of matrices are well suited to be the most desirable nominal closed-loop matrices in the linear state space framework. Establishment of this most desirable nominal closed-loop system matrix structure paves the way for designing controllers which qualify as robust controllers for linear systems with real parameter uncertainty. The proposed concepts are illustrated with many useful examples.
Comparison of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) whistles from two areas of western Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Hoffman Jordan M. , Ponnampalam Louisa S. , Araújo Claryana C. , Wang John Y. , Kuit Sui Hyang , Hung Samuel K.
Published: November 2015

Differences in the acoustic variables of whistles emitted by Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from two coastal locations along western Peninsular Malaysia were investigated. Duration, frequency, and frequency modulation variables were extracted from and used to characterize recordings of free-ranging humpback dolphins that were made using a broadband towed hydrophone. A total of 960 whistles from Matang Mangroves and 823 whistles from Langkawi Island were used in analyses. The whistles of Malaysian humpback dolphins covered frequencies from 1231 to 27 120 Hz with durations from 0.010–1.575 s. Significant multivariate differences were found in whistles emitted between locations. Significant differences were also found between dolphins of the two locations in their whistle duration, frequency modulation, and all frequency variables except for minimum frequency, which is likely under morphological constraints. The differences in whistles may be related to adaptations to the local acoustic habitat or unique whistles may have developed due to social interactions within each location, or broader scale differences resulting from geographic separation between the locations.
Spectro-temporal modulation detection in children
Authors: Kirby Benjamin J. , Browning Jenna M. , Brennan Marc A. , Spratford Meredith , McCreery Ryan W.
Published: November 2015

Children's performance on psychophysical tasks improves with age. The relationship of spectro-temporal modulation detection to age, particularly in children who are hard of hearing, is not well-established. In this study, children with normal hearing (N = 22) and with sensorineural hearing loss (N = 15) completed measures of spectro-temporal modulation detection. Measures of aided audibility were completed in the children who are hard of hearing. Pearson product-moment correlations were completed with listener age and aided audibility as parameters. Spectro-temporal modulation detection performance increased with listener age and with greater aided audibility.
Evidence of a Link Between Grip Strength and Type 2 Diabetes Prevalence and Severity Among a National Sample of U.S. Adults
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Examine the association between grip strength and type 2 diabetes prevalence and severity.

Methods:

Using data from NHANES 2011–2012, objectively-determined hand grip strength was assessed using the Takei digital grip strength dynamometer, with diabetes assessed via physician diagnosis and glycohemoglobin A1C.

Results:

A 5 kg greater grip strength was associated with a 14% lower odds of having diabetes for men (ORadjusted = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79 to 0.94; P = .002). Similarly, for women, a 5 kg greater grip strength was associated with an 18% lower odds of having diabetes (ORadjusted = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.97; P = .03). Grip strength was also associated with glycohemoglobin A1C among women with diabetes (βadjusted = –0.26, 95% CI: –0.39 to –0.12; P = .001), which suggests that grip strength is associated with diabetes severity among women.

Conclusions:

For both men and women, grip strength is associated with type 2 diabetes presence, and among women, grip strength is associated with severity of type 2 diabetes.
Use of Social Networking Sites and Adherence to Physical Activity and Screen Time Recommendations in Adolescents
Authors: Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Chaput Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2015

Background:

Adolescents are recommended to achieve ≥ 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and ≤2 h/day of screen time (ST). This study examined the relationships between the use of social networking sites (SNSs) and adherence to PA and ST recommendations in a large sample of Canadian adolescents.

Methods:

This cross-sectional school-based survey included a representative sample of 9388 students in grades 7 to 12 across Ontario, Canada.

Results:

After adjustment for several confounding variables, results showed that male adolescents who use SNSs for fewer hours (≤ 1 h/day) had greater odds of adherence to PA and to both PA and ST recommendations concurrently, while those who use it for more hours (≥ 3 h/day) had lower odds of adherence to the ST recommendation. Female adolescents who use SNSs for more hours had lower odds of adherence to the ST recommendation (use of SNSs ≥ 2 h/day) and to both PA and ST recommendations concurrently (use of SNSs ≥ 5 h/day).

Conclusions:

Heavy use of SNSs has a negative influence on the adherence to the ST recommendation in both males and females; however, infrequent use of SNSs was related to the adherence to the PA recommendation and concurrent adherence to both recommendations in males only.
Genome Sequence of Type Strain Lysinibacillus macroides DSM 54
T
Authors: Liu Guo-hong , Liu Bo , Wang Jie-ping , Che Jian-Mei , Chen Qian-Qian , Chen Zheng , Ge Ci-bin
Published: November 2015

Lysinibacillus macroides
DSM 54
T
is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium. Here, we report the 4,866,035-bp genome sequence of
Lysinibacillus macroides
DSM 54
T
, which will accelerate the application of degrading xylan and provide useful information for genomic taxonomy and phylogenomics of
Bacillus
-like bacteria.
Draft Genome Sequences for Five Strains of Trabulsiella odontotermitis, Isolated from
Heterotermes
sp. Termite Gut
Authors: Olvera-García Myrna , Fontes-Perez Héctor , Chávez-Martínez America , Ruiz Barrera Oscar , Rodríguez-Almeida Felipe A. , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Corral-Luna Agustín
Published: November 2015

Trabulsiella odontotermitis
represents a novel species in the genus
Trabulsiella
with no complete genome reported yet. Here, we describe the draft genome sequences of five isolates from termites present in the north of Mexico, which have an interesting pool of genes related to cellulose degradation with biotechnological application.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Hardjo Subtype Hardjoprajitno Strain Norma, Isolated from Cattle in a Leptospirosis Outbreak in Brazil
Authors: Cosate M. R. V. , Soares S. C. , Mendes T. A. , Raittz R. T. , Moreira E. C. , Leite R. , Fernandes G. R. , Haddad J. P. A. , Ortega J. Miguel
Published: November 2015

Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus
Leptospira
spp. This neglected re-emergent disease has global distribution and relevance in veterinary production. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence and annotation of
Leptospira interrogans
serovar Hardjo subtype Hardjoprajitno strain Norma, isolated from cattle in a livestock leptospirosis outbreak in Brazil.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium neworleansense Strain ATCC 49404
T
Authors: Asmar Shady , Robert Catherine , Croce Olivier , Caputo Aurelia , Drancourt Michel
Published: November 2015

Mycobacterium neworleansense
is a rapid growing nontuberculosis species belonging to the
Mycobacterium fortuitum
complex. The draft genome of
M. neworleansense
ATCC 49404
T
comprises 6,287,317 bp exhibiting a 66.85% G+C content, 5,997 protein-coding genes, and 89 predicted RNA genes.
Severe iron deficiency anaemia associated with heavy lice infestation in a young woman
Authors: Althomali Sarah Ali , Alzubaidi Lamya Mohammed , Alkhaldi Dhelal Musleh
Published: November 2015

Lice feed on human blood, and heavy and chronic lice infestation can lead to chronic blood loss with resultant iron deficiency anaemia. Although no definite relationship between lice infestation and iron deficiency anaemia has been described, the concurrent presence of these two conditions has been reported in children and adults, as well as in cattle. We present a case of a young woman with severe iron deficiency anaemia that could not be explained by the known causes of iron deficiency anaemia. However, the patient was found to have heavy and chronic head lice infestation.
Enterobius vermicularisinfection of the liver in a patient with colorectal carcinoma with suspected liver metastasis
Authors: Furnée Edgar J B , Spoto Clothaire , de Graaf Melanie J , Smakman Niels
Published: November 2015

A 68-year-old man diagnosed with cT3N2 adenocarcinoma of the rectum presented with a synchronous solitary liver metastasis on CT scan. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was started to downstage the primary tumour. Resection of the rectal tumour followed 3 months after the last radiotherapy session and primary resection of the isolated liver lesion was performed in the intervening period. Histopathological assessment of the liver lesion, however, showed no malignancy, but did reveal a necrotic infection due toEnterobius vermicularis. This parasite is frequently found in the intestines, but only rarely infects the liver. The patient was subsequently treated with the anthelmintic drug mebendazole 100 mg once a week for 2 weeks. Histopathological assessment of the rectal specimen showed complete regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy without evidence of remainingE. vermicularis, suggesting pinworm eradication. The patient recovered promptly after both surgical procedures.
Procedural instruction in invasive bedside procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effective teaching approaches
Authors: Huang Grace C , McSparron Jakob I , Balk Ethan M , Richards Jeremy B , Smith C Christopher , Whelan Julia S , Newman Lori R , Smetana Gerald W
Published: November 2015

Importance

Optimal approaches to teaching bedside procedures are unknown.

Objective

To identify effective instructional approaches in procedural training.

Data sources

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library through December 2014.

Study selection

We included research articles that addressed procedural training among physicians or physician trainees for 12 bedside procedures. Two independent reviewers screened 9312 citations and identified 344 articles for full-text review.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data from full-text articles.

Main outcomes and measures

We included measurements as classified by translational science outcomes T1 (testing settings), T2 (patient care practices) and T3 (patient/public health outcomes). Due to incomplete reporting, we post hoc classified study outcomes as ‘negative’ or ‘positive’ based on statistical significance. We performed meta-analyses of outcomes on the subset of studies sharing similar outcomes.

Results

We found 161 eligible studies (44 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 34 non-RCTs and 83 uncontrolled trials). Simulation was the most frequently published educational mode (78%). Our post hoc classification showed that studies involving simulation, competency-based approaches and RCTs had higher frequencies of T2/T3 outcomes. Meta-analyses showed that simulation (risk ratio (RR) 1.54 vs 0.55 for studies with vs without simulation, p=0.013) and competency-based approaches (RR 3.17 vs 0.89, p<0.001) were effective forms of training.

Conclusions and relevance

This systematic review of bedside procedural skills demonstrates that the current literature is heterogeneous and of varying quality and rigour. Evidence is strongest for the use of simulation and competency-based paradigms in teaching procedures, and these approaches should be the mainstay of programmes that train physicians to perform procedures. Further research should clarify differences among instructional methods (eg, forms of hands-on training) rather than among educational modes (eg, lecture vs simulation).
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-δ regulates fungus-induced allergic lung inflammation through endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Lee Kyung Sun , Jeong Jae Seok , Kim So Ri , Cho Seong Ho , Kolliputi Narasaiah , Ko Yun Hee , Lee Kyung Bae , Park Suk Chul , Park Hae Jin , Lee Yong Chul
Published: November 2015

Background

Sensitisation with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is known to be associated with severe allergic lung inflammation, but the mechanism remains to be clarified. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-δ and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are suggested to be involved in steroid-resistant lung inflammation. We aimed to elucidate the role of PI3K-δ and its relationship with ER stress in fungus-induced allergic lung inflammation.

Methods

Using Af-exposed in vivo and in vitro experimental systems, we examined whether PI3K-δ regulates ER stress, thereby contributing to steroid resistance in fungus-induced allergic lung inflammation. Moreover, we checked expression of an ER stress marker in lung tissues isolated from patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Results

Af-exposed mice showed that ER stress markers, unfolded protein response (UPR)-related proteins, phosphorylated Akt, generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), eosinophilic allergic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were increased in the lung. Similarly, glucose-regulated protein 78 was increased in lung tissues of patients with ABPA. A PI3K-δ inhibitor reduced Af-induced increases in ER stress markers, UPR-related proteins, allergic inflammation and AHR in mice. However, dexamethasone failed to reduce Af-induced allergic inflammation, AHR and elevation of ER stress. Administration of an ER stress inhibitor or a mtROS scavenger improved Af-induced allergic inflammation. The PI3K-δ inhibitor reduced Af-induced mtROS generation and the mtROS scavenger ameliorated ER stress. In primary cultured tracheal epithelial cells, Af-induced ER stress was inhibited by blockade of PI3K-δ.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PI3K-δ regulates Af-induced steroid-resistant eosinophilic allergic lung inflammation through ER stress.
Effects of different periods of paradoxical sleep deprivation and sleep recovery on lipid and glucose metabolism and appetite hormones in rats
Authors: Brianza-Padilla Malinalli , Bonilla-Jaime Herlinda , Almanza-Pérez Julio César , López-López Ana Laura , Sánchez-Muñoz Fausto , Vázquez-Palacios Gonzalo
Published: November 2015

Sleep has a fundamental role in the regulation of energy balance, and it is an essential and natural process whose precise impacts on health and disease have not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the consequences of different periods of paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) and recovery from PSD on lipid profile, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results, and changes in insulin, corticosterone, ghrelin, and leptin concentrations. Three-month-old male Wistar rats weighing 250–350 g were submitted to 24, 96, or 192 h of PSD or 192 h of PSD with 480 h of recovery. The PSD was induced by the multiple platforms method. Subsequently, the animals were submitted to an OGTT. One day later, the animals were killed and the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins (low-density lipoprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein), insulin, ghrelin, leptin, and corticosterone in plasma were quantified. There was a progressive decrease in body weight with increasing duration of PSD. The PSD induced basal hypoglycemia over all time periods evaluated. Evaluation of areas under the curve revealed progressive hypoglycemia only after 96 and 192 h of PSD. There was an increase in corticosterone levels after 192 h of PSD. We conclude that PSD induces alterations in metabolism that are reversed after a recovery period of 20 days.
A DNA barcode survey of Schizymenia (Nemastomatales, Rhodophyta) in Australia and British Columbia reveals overlooked diversity including S. tenuis sp. nov. and Predaea borealis sp. nov.
Authors: Saunders Gary W. , Birch Taylor C. , Dixon Kyatt R.
Published: November 2015

This project explored species diversity for the red algal genus Schizymenia in Australia and British Columbia, Canada, for which the only recorded representatives are S. dubyi (Chauvin ex Duby) J. Agardh and S. pacifica (Kylin) Kylin, respectively. Through a combination of CO1-5P, ITS, and rbcL sequence data, we uncovered overlooked diversity in both regions. Australian populations attributed to S. dubyi were actually a mix of an entity from the S. dubyi complex (closest matches for individuals from Argentina and Italy), a second species from the S. apoda (J. Agardh) J. Agardh complex (thus far known from Australia only), and finally individuals of the same S. dubyi mito/ITS-type introgressed with a different S. apoda rbcL type (plastid; closest matches China, Korea, and New Zealand). We resolved a complex of three closely related species for Schizymenia pacifica: Schizymenia pacifica sensu stricto, which is widely distributed in the Northeast Pacific; S. tenuis sp. nov., which is distributed throughout British Columbia with a predominantly northern distribution; and Schizymenia sp._1Cal, which is distributed from California to Oregon. As part of ongoing surveys of crustose red algae, we uncovered crustose sporophytes for three of the six Schizymenia genetic groups resolved here, and the sporophytic phase of a new species of Predaea from northern British Columbia, Predaea borealis sp. nov., for a single crustose (sporophyte) specimen from Haida Gwaii. This last result is particularly surprising, as species of Predaea are typically confined to lower latitudes in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Jumping Grammars
Authors: Křivka Zbyněk , Meduna Alexander
Published: November 2015

This paper introduces and studies jumping grammars, which represent a grammatical counterpart to the recently introduced jumping automata. These grammars are conceptualized just like classical grammars except that during the applications of their productions, they can jump over symbols in either direction within the rewritten strings. More precisely, a jumping grammar rewrites a string z according to a rule x → y in such a way that it selects an occurrence of x in z, erases it, and inserts y anywhere in the rewritten string, so this insertion may occur at a different position than the erasure of x.

The paper concentrates its attention on investigating the generative power of jumping grammars. More specifically, it compares this power with that of jumping automata and that of classical grammars. A special attention is paid to various context-free versions of jumping grammars, such as regular, right-linear, linear, and context-free grammars of finite index. In addition, we study the semilinearity of context-free, context-sensitive, and monotonous jumping grammars. We also demonstrate that the general versions of jumping grammars characterize the family of recursively enumerable languages. In its conclusion, the paper formulates several open problems and suggests future investigation areas.
A Generalization of Girod’s Bidirectional Decoding Method to Codes with a Finite Deciphering Delay
Authors: Giambruno Laura , Mantaci Sabrina , Néraud Jean , Selmi Carla
Published: November 2015

Girod’s encoding method has been introduced in order to efficiently decode from both directions messages encoded by using finite prefix codes. In the present paper, we generalize this method to finite codes with a finite deciphering delay. In particular, we show that our decoding algorithm can be realized by a deterministic finite transducer. We also investigate some properties of the underlying unlabeled graph.
RKKY interaction for the spin-polarized electron gas
Authors: Valizadeh Mohammad M. , Satpathy Sashi
Published: November 2015

We extend the original work of Ruderman, Kittel, Kasuya and Yosida (RKKY) on the interaction between two magnetic moments embedded in an electron gas to the case where the electron gas is spin-polarized. The broken symmetry of a host material introduces the Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya (DM) vector and tensor interaction terms, in addition to the standard RKKY term, so that the net interaction energy has the form [Formula: see text]. We find that for the spin-polarized electron gas, a nonzero tensor interaction [Formula: see text] is present in addition to the scalar RKKY interaction [Formula: see text], while [Formula: see text] is zero due to the presence of inversion symmetry. Explicit expressions for these are derived for the electron gas both in 2D and 3D and we show that the net magnetic interaction can be expressed as a sum of Heisenberg and Ising like terms. The RKKY interaction exhibits a beating pattern, caused by the presence of the two Fermi momenta [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], while the [Formula: see text] distance dependence of the original RKKY result for the 3D electron gas is retained. This model serves as a simple example of the magnetic interaction in systems with broken symmetry, which goes beyond the RKKY interaction.
k-Decomposable Monomial Ideals
Authors: Rahmati-Asghar Rahim , Yassemi Siamak
Published: November 2015

In this paper we introduce a class of monomial ideals, called k-decomposable ideals. It is shown that the class of k-decomposable ideals is contained in the class of monomial ideals with linear quotients, and when k is large enough, the class of k-decomposable ideals is equal to the class of ideals with linear quotients. In addition, it is shown that a d-dimensional simplicial complex is k-decomposable if and only if the Stanley-Reisner ideal of its Alexander dual is a k-decomposable ideal, where k ≤ d. Moreover, it is shown that every k-decomposable ideal is componentwise k-decomposable.
Finite Groups in Which Class Preserving and Central Automorphisms Coincide
Authors: Ghoraishi S. Mohsen
Published: November 2015

A necessary and sufficient condition for the equality of class preserving and central automorphisms of a finite group is given.
THE EFFECT OF STRATEGIC FORESIGHT ON COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WITH THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ORGANISATIONAL AMBIDEXTERITY
Authors: AMNIATTALAB AYDA , ANSARI REZA
Published: November 2015

In the recent, the aspect of foresight is considered globally important. Specially, it has gained a meaningful position in strategic planning. This study examines the quantitative relationships between strategic foresight, ambidexterity and competitiveness of firms. Based on the literature review, it appears that strategic foresight has positive impact on organisational ambidexterity which in turn contributes to competitive advantage. We have utilised structural equations modeling (SEM) to empirically test the mentioned relationships in Iran’s nanotechnology firms. Results show that the degree of strategic foresight has a direct effect on organisational ambidexterity which in turn affects competitive advantage.
The Economic Card in China’s Pro-active Diplomacy
Authors: WONG John , LIM Tai Wei
Published: November 2015

China has been conducting its economic diplomacy with strong financial muscles. With its vast foreign reserves, both trade surplus and capital account surplus, China became the world’s third largest source of foreign direct investment and provided half of the US$450 billion start-up capital for the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. China has also learnt that economic diplomacy, to be effective and viable in the long run, has to abide by certain essential market rules.
Legal Control of Marginal Groups
Authors: Stuart Forrest , Armenta Amada , Osborne Melissa
Published: November 2015

The legal control of marginal groups is a central topic in social scientific and legal scholarship. Examining the most influential research produced over the past two decades, as well as a broad collection of foundational and exemplary texts, this review addresses two overarching questions: First, what does it mean to study the legal control of marginal groups in the twenty-first century? Second, what are the recent developments, lingering concerns, and future directions of this work? We identify and examine the two most prevalent discussions found in contemporary research. The first centers on the practices of legal control, and the second focuses attention on the effects of these practices on their potential targets. Throughout the article, we draw specific attention to the need for future studies to more systematically account for the agency of, and ground-level dynamics impacting, both the controllers and the controlled.
Naturally Occurring Isothiocyanates Exert Anticancer Effects by Inhibiting Deubiquitinating Enzymes
Authors: Lawson Ann P. , Long Marcus J.C. , Coffey Rory T. , Qian Yu , Weerapana Eranthie , El Oualid Farid , Hedstrom Lizbeth
Published: November 2015

The anticancer properties of cruciferous vegetables are well known and attributed to an abundance of isothiocyanates such as benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC). While many potential targets of isothiocyanates have been proposed, a full understanding of the mechanisms underlying their anticancer activity has remained elusive. Here we report that BITC and PEITC effectively inhibit deubiquitinating enzymes (DUB), including the enzymes USP9x and UCH37, which are associated with tumorigenesis, at physiologically relevant concentrations and time scales. USP9x protects the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 from degradation, and cells dependent on Mcl-1 were especially sensitive to BITC and PEITC. These isothiocyanates increased Mcl-1 ubiquitination and either isothiocyanate treatment, or RNAi-mediated silencing of USP9x decreased Mcl-1 levels, consistent with the notion that USP9x is a primary target of isothiocyanate activity. These isothiocyanates also increased ubiquitination of the oncogenic fusion protein Bcr-Abl, resulting in degradation under low isothiocyanate concentrations and aggregation under high isothiocyanate concentrations. USP9x inhibition paralleled the decrease in Bcr-Abl levels induced by isothiocyanate treatment, and USP9x silencing was sufficient to decrease Bcr-Abl levels, further suggesting that Bcr-Abl is a USP9x substrate. Overall, our findings suggest that USP9x targeting is critical to the mechanism underpinning the well-established anticancer activity of isothiocyanate. We propose that the isothiocyanate-induced inhibition of DUBs may also explain how isothiocyanates affect inflammatory and DNA repair processes, thus offering a unifying theme in understanding the function and useful application of isothiocyanates to treat cancer as well as a variety of other pathologic conditions. Cancer Res; 75(23); 5130–42. ©2015 AACR.
DNA Topoisomerase I Gene Copy Number and mRNA Expression Assessed as Predictive Biomarkers for Adjuvant Irinotecan in Stage II/III Colon Cancer
Authors: Nygård Sune Boris , Vainer Ben , Nielsen Signe Lykke , Bosman Fred , Tejpar Sabine , Roth Arnaud , Delorenzi Mauro , Brünner Nils , Budinska Eva
Published: November 2015

Purpose: Prospective–retrospective assessment of the TOP1 gene copy number and TOP1 mRNA expression as predictive biomarkers for adjuvant irinotecan in stage II/III colon cancer.

Experimental Design: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue microarrays were obtained from an adjuvant colon cancer trial (PETACC3) where patients were randomized to 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid with or without additional irinotecan. TOP1 copy number status was analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a TOP1/CEN20 dual-probe combination. TOP1 mRNA data were available from previous analyses.

Results: TOP1 FISH and follow-up data were obtained from 534 patients. TOP1 gain was identified in 27% using a single-probe enumeration strategy (≥4 TOP1 signals per cell) and in 31% when defined by a TOP1/CEN20 ratio ≥ 1.5. The effect of additional irinotecan was not dependent on TOP1 FISH status. TOP1 mRNA data were available from 580 patients with stage III disease. Benefit of irinotecan was restricted to patients characterized by TOP1 mRNA expression ≥ third quartile (RFS: HRadjusted, 0.59; P = 0.09; OS: HRadjusted, 0.44; P = 0.03). The treatment by TOP1 mRNA interaction was not statistically significant, but in exploratory multivariable fractional polynomial interaction analysis, increasing TOP1 mRNA values appeared to be associated with increasing benefit of irinotecan.

Conclusions: In contrast to the TOP1 copy number, a trend was demonstrated for a predictive property of TOP1 mRNA expression. On the basis of TOP1 mRNA, it might be possible to identify a subgroup of patients where an irinotecan doublet is a clinically relevant option in the adjuvant setting of colon cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(7); 1621–31. ©2015 AACR.