bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of a floor: valuing floor level in high‐rise condominiums in San Diego
Authors: Conroy Stephen , Narwold Andrew , Sandy Jonathan
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the effect of floor level on condominium prices in San Diego, California. The authors determine whether “higher‐floor premiums” exist in the condominium market for a large California city. Further, they investigate how the floor premium varies throughout a building, particularly whether it is quadratic and whether there is a “penthouse premium” for top‐floor units.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes a data set of 2,395 condominium sales occurring in San Diego between 2006 and the second quarter of 2011. Using hedonic pricing analysis, the authors model the housing price as a function of condominium, building and neighborhood characteristics.

Findings

The results suggest that there is a higher‐floor premium for condominiums in San Diego. Specifically, an increase in the floor level is associated with about a 2.2 percent increase in sale price. The higher‐floor premium appears to be quadratic in price, suggesting that price increases at a decreasing rate above the mean floor level. The authors also find evidence for a penthouse premium, though this effect disappears once “floor” is controlled for in the model.

Originality/value

There has been little direct research on the floor effect in condominium prices. The studies that have used floor level as an explanatory variable have been predominately in Southeast Asia. The results suggest that the floor effect is more complex than previously modeled.
The informational value of Toxics Release Inventory performance
Authors: Connors Elizabeth , Johnston Holly H. , Gao Lucia S.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate the informational value to investors of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) as an external outcome measure of corporate environmental performance. Emphasis is placed on the market response differences between three highly polluting industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses pooled cross‐sectional, time‐series data and an event study methodology to examine the effects of TRI emissions on abnormal market returns.

Findings

There is empirical evidence that market reactions to TRI emissions information vary by industry. Investors reward decreases in emissions in the electric utility industry, but do not penalize increases. In the chemical industry, increases in emissions are penalized, but decreases are not rewarded. Models do not capture any reaction to emissions changes in the pulp and paper industry. These results may be explained by the significant difference between industries in the US percentage of total firm sales.

Research limitations/implications

This research analyzes only data from US firms in three industries and evaluates a single measure of environmental performance, TRI. The value of TRI information is measured for one stakeholder group. Future research should attempt to address these limitations.

Practical implications

The results suggest that research on the effects of environmental performance on market‐based measures should estimate models by industry, whenever possible. From a public policy perspective, the results suggest that regulators may want to consider alternative methods of reducing chemical emissions beyond TRI disclosure in the chemicals and pulp and paper industries.

Originality/value

The study distinguishes between the value of TRI as a “message service” and the content of the “message”. TRI may provide information of value to investors, but performance changes may not be sufficient to merit a price response. The study also specifically addresses industry differences and clearly shows how average coefficients can be misleading relating to this one environmental performance indicator. The use of pooled industry coefficients may lead to inefficient resource allocation decisions within industries and ineffective policies at the regulatory level.
Sustainability as service
Authors: Wolfson Adi , Tavor Dorith , Mark Shlomo
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The authors aim to describe the mutual perspectives of sustainability and service science and characterize them for the design and development of more sustainable services and to promote an overall shift toward sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a novel model for the design of services that fulfill customer demands and that can be continued for long periods of time without having a negative impact on either the natural or the social environment. Sustainability was therefore incorporated into the service supply chain not only as a primary value, but also as a super value that enables the customer to deliver sustainability to the next generation.

Findings

The authors' findings suggest that a sustainable service should both imbue the core‐value of the service with sustainability and recruit the customer as a supplier of sustainability to future generations. Thus, sustainable service should mimic natural processes, in so doing achieving energy efficiency, using future‐oriented and life cycle perspectives, and evolving to smoothly adapt to changes in its environment. Moreover, sustainable service should account for the rational use of natural resources, technologies, and information and knowledge and integrate environmental, social, and economic elements together with the inclusion of services and of manufacturing and agricultural processes.

Originality/value

The authors present a novel approach and a model that conceptualizes sustainability as a service while exploring the benefit of doing so, both for sustainability and for service science.
Effects of homogenisation pressures on physicochemical changes in different layers of ultra‐high temperature whole milk during storage
Authors: Lu Chun , Wang Guorong , Li Yan , Zhang Liebing
Published: May 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of homogenisation pressures (10, 20, and 30 MPa) on the physicochemical changes in top, middle and bottom layers of ultra‐high temperature whole milk stored at 25 °C for 6 months. Fat separation, fat globule sizes, fat and protein contents, viscosity, free amino acids content and pH were analysed at an interval of 15 days. Results showed that higher homogenisation pressure retarded the differentiations of milk fat globule sizes, fat and protein contents and viscosity in different milk layers, but did not affect the final fat separation, proteolysis and pH.
Black Esophagus: Acute Esophageal Necrosis in Fatal Haloperidol Intoxication
Authors: Hejna Petr , Ublová Michaela , Voříšek Viktor
Published: May 2013

Herein, we present a case of 53‐year‐old psychotic woman with acute esophageal necrosis (black esophagus), who was found lying on the floor in the living room of her flat. Pillboxes of antipsychotic drugs were located in the bin. External examination of the body was unremarkable. On internal examination, we found acute esophageal necrosis. Histologically, there was complete epithelial necrosis with focal involvement of muscularis mucosae, dense infiltrate of leukocytes, and ulcerations without any viable cells. There was no evidence of underlying organic diseases or trauma. Toxicological analysis revealed a fatal blood level of antipsychotics (haloperidol, zotepine, and chlorprothixene). Death of the deceased was attributed to fatal intoxication with three various types of antipsychotics. As far we know, this is the first described association between so‐called black esophagus and fatal blood level of neuroleptics.
Systematic Toxicological Analysis Revealing a Rare Case of Captan Ingestion
Authors: Gottzein Anne K. , Musshoff Frank , Madea Burkhard
Published: May 2013

This article presents a case of suicide by intoxication with various pharmaceuticals, particularly anticonvulsants, combined with the fungicide captan. A cause of death could not be ascertained at autopsy. However, systematic toxicological analysis (STA) including a screening via solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) for (semi) volatile organic compounds revealed results suggesting a possible cause of death. The effects of captan on the human organism, its metabolism, and distribution will be discussed. Macroscopically, the cause of death was unascertained. STA revealed clonazepam, citalopram, and its metabolites, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, lacosamide, clonazepam, captan, and its metabolite tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI). For the first time, it was detected in human viscera. A quantification of THPI was performed to obtain distribution in the organs. The significance of a complete STA must be emphasized. The presence of THPI would have been missed without previous detection of captan. Consequently, this fatality would not have been investigated satisfactorily.
Demography is destiny: An agenda for geriatric emergency medicine in Australasia
Authors: Arendts Glenn , Lowthian Judy
Published: May 2013

The present paper presents an agenda for geriatric emergency medicine research, education and policy development. Herein we will argue:

Population ageing is the definitive health policy challenge in Australasia, and the greatest stressor for emergency medicine posed by population ageing is the disproportionate contribution of older people to hospital occupancy.

ED practices and models of care may on occasions contribute to rather than reduce high hospital occupancy in older people, benefitting neither individual patients nor the community at large.

Geriatric emergency medicine priorities can be conceptualised using a simple framework, and this process will facilitate a research and policy focus on how to achieve equivalent or improved care for older people with less hospital occupancy.
Procedural sedation and analgesia for reduction of distal forearm fractures in the paediatric emergency department: A clinical survey
Authors: Schofield Scott , Schutz Jacquie , Babl Franz E ,   Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: May 2013

Objective

Distal forearm fractures frequently require reduction in children. We set out to survey how such fractures are currently reduced at Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) sites.

Methods

A survey was completed by paediatric emergency physicians at PREDICT sites. Survey questions covered departmental guidelines and resources and individual practice, agents used and limitations of fracture management using case vignettes.

Results

One hundred eleven of 145 (77%) possible surveys were returned. All 12 PREDICT sites have guidelines for the use of nitrous oxide and 11 of 12 for ketamine. Guidelines for other agents are less common and highly variable. The most frequently used procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) agents were ketamine (27%), nitrous oxide alone (19%) or in combination with intranasal fentanyl (18%) and Bier's block (11%). Most respondents indicated tolerance without reduction in fractures with angulation less than 20° (59%) and 10° (71%) in a 5‐ and 10‐year‐old patient, respectively. Most physicians (74%) would reduce up to a 25° angulated fracture in the ED with more displaced fractures being referred to theatre. The 44% of respondents listed the lack of an image intensifier in the ED as a limitation in their ability to reduce fractures.

Conclusion

Paediatric distal forearm fractures are commonly reduced in the surveyed EDs, most commonly under ketamine or nitrous oxide. Areas of improvement include better defined cut‐offs for fracture reduction and for referral to theatre, improved differential efficacy of PSA agents, standardised guidelines for PSA and introduction of image intensifiers into more EDs.
Bacterial communities associated with Microcystis colonies differ from free‐living communities living in the same ecosystem
Authors: Parveen Bushra , Ravet Viviane , Djediat Chakib , Mary Isabelle , Quiblier Catherine , Debroas Didier , Humbert Jean‐François
Published: May 2013

The search for a better understanding of why cyanobacteria often dominate phytoplankton communities in eutrophic freshwater ecosystems has led to a growing interest in the interactions between cyanobacteria and bacteria. Against this background, we studied the location of bacteria within Microcystis colonies, and compared the structural and phylogenetic diversity of Microcystis‐attached and free‐living bacterial communities living in the same French lake, the Villerest reservoir. Using transmission electron microscopy, we show that most of the bacteria inside the colonies were located close to detrital materials that probably resulted from lysis of Microcystis cells. The 16S rRNA sequencing approach revealed a clear distinction between the attached and free‐living communities at the levels of both their general structure and their operational taxonomic unit (OTU) composition. In particular, Microcystis colonies appeared to be depleted of Actinobacteria, but conversely enriched in Gammaproteobacteria, in particular when the bloom was declining. At the OTU level, a clear distinction was also found between attached and free‐living bacteria, and new clades were identified among our sequences. All these findings suggest that Microcystis colonies constitute a distinct habitat for bacteria living in freshwater ecosystems, and that direct and indirect interactions (cell lysis, nutrient recycling, etc.) may occur between them inside these colonies.
CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 genetic variants alter nicotine intake and interact with tobacco use to influence body weight in Alaska Native tobacco users
Authors: Zhu Andy Z. X. , Renner Caroline C. , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Benowitz Neal L. , Tyndale Rachel F.
Published: May 2013

Background and aims

Gene variants in CHRNA5‐A3‐B4, which encode for the α5, α3 and β4 nicotinic receptor subunits, are associated with altered smoking behaviors in European Americans. Little is known about CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 and its association with smoking behaviors and weight in Alaska Native people, which is a population with high prevalence but low levels of tobacco consumption, extensive smokeless tobacco use and high rates of obesity. We investigated CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 haplotype structure and its association with nicotine intake and obesity in Alaska Native people.

Design, setting and participants

A cross‐sectional study of 400 Alaska Native individuals, including 290 tobacco users.

Measurements

CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 genotype, body weight and tobacco consumption biomarkers such as plasma cotinine and urinary total nicotine equivalents (TNE).

Findings

Alaska Native people have a distinct CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 haplotype structure compared with European/African Americans. In 290 Alaska Native tobacco users the ‘G’ allele of rs578776, which tagged a 30kb haplotype in CHRNA5‐A3‐B4, was prevalent (16%) and associated significantly with nicotine intake (20% higher plasma cotinine, P < 0.001, 16% higher TNE, P = 0.076), while rs16969968 was not associated with nicotine intake. Rs578776 acted in combination with CYP2A6, the main nicotine‐metabolizing enzyme, to increase nicotine intake by 1.8‐fold compared with the low‐risk group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, rs2869950, a single nucleotide polymorphism 5′ to CHRNB4, was associated significantly with increased body mass index (P < 0.01) in the tobacco users even after controlling for differences in nicotine intake (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Genetic variants in CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 alter nicotine intake and body mass index in a population of Alaska Native people, who have a distinct haplotype structure, smoking behaviors and prevalence of obesity.
Comparative performance of biomarkers of alcohol consumption in a population sample of working‐aged men in Russia: the Izhevsk Family Study
Authors: McDonald Helen , Borinskya Svetlana , Kiryanov Nikolay , Gil Artyom , Helander Anders , Leon David A.
Published: May 2013

Aims

To assess the performance of a range of biomarkers of alcohol consumption in a heavy‐drinking population of working‐aged Russian men.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of men originally sampled at random from a population register.

Setting

Izhevsk, a Russian city with a population of 650 000 people.

Participants

A total of 1023 men aged 27–59 years living in Izhevsk who took part in a health check examination in 2008–2009.

Measurements

Self‐reported alcohol consumption, hazardous drinking behaviours, socio‐economic position, anthropometric measurements plus blood levels of alcohol biomarkers [carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and mean cell volume of erythrocytes (MCV)] and hepatitis B and C status.

Findings

In the year before interview there was a high prevalence of high‐risk alcohol consumption indicated by consumption of non‐beverage alcohols (5%), problem drinking behaviours (4.4%) and alcohol consumption exceeding an average 40 g per day (12.6%). All biomarkers were associated strongly with total beverage alcohol consumption even after adjustment for confounders. CDT performed best as an alcohol biomarker, with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 71% for detecting an average consumption of more than 40 g per day versus less. For all biomarkers sensitivity was considerably lower than specificity. Hazardous drinking patterns per se were not well detected by any of the biomarkers, all with sensitivity below 60%.

Conclusions

In a Russian population with high levels of alcohol consumption, carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) might be the most sensitive and specific biomarker for detecting ethanol consumption above 40 g/day. A biomarker reflecting hazardous drinking patterns has yet to be established.
Drinking motives moderate the impact of pre‐drinking on heavy drinking on a given evening and related adverse consequences—an event‐level study
Authors: Kuntsche Emmanuel , Labhart Florian
Published: May 2013

Aims

To test whether (i) drinking motives predict the frequency of pre‐drinking (i.e. alcohol consumption before going out); (ii) drinking motives predict HDGE (heavy drinking on a given evening: 4+ for women, 5+ for men) and related adverse consequences (hangover, injuries, blackouts, etc.), even when pre‐drinking is accounted for, and (iii) drinking motives moderate the impact of pre‐drinking on HDGE and consequences.

Design

Using the internet‐based cellphone‐optimized assessment technique (ICAT), participants completed a series of cellphone questionnaires every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening over 5 weeks.

Setting

French‐speaking Switzerland.

Participants

A total of 183 young adults [53% female, mean age (standard deviation) = 23.1 (3.1)] who completed 7828 questionnaires on 1441 evenings.

Measurements

Drinking motives assessed at baseline, alcohol consumption assessed at 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and midnight and consequences assessed at 11 a.m. the next day.

Findings

Gender‐separate multi‐level models revealed that pre‐drinking predicted HDGE (men: B = 2.17, P < 0.001; women: B = 2.12, P < 0.001) and alcohol‐related consequences (men: B = 0.24, P < 0.01; women: B = 0.29, P < 0.001). Enhancement motives were found to predict HDGE (B = 0.48, P < 0.05) and related consequences (B = 0.09, P < 0.05) among men, while among women coping motives had the same effect (HDGE: B = 0.73, P < 0.001; consequences: B = 0.13, P < 0.01). With the exception of conformity motives among women (B = 0.54, P < 0.05), however, no drinking motive dimension predicted the frequency of pre‐drinking, while coping and conformity motives moderated the impact of pre‐drinking on HDGE (men, conformity: B = −1.57, P < 0.05) and its consequences (men, coping: B = −0.46, P < 0.01; women, coping: B = 0.76, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Among young adults in Switzerland, heavy weekend drinking and the related consequences seem to result from the combination of pre‐drinking, level of negative reinforcement drinking for women and positive reinforcement drinking for men.
Alcohol‐related biases in selective attention and action tendency make distinct contributions to dysregulated drinking behaviour
Authors: Sharbanee Jason M. , Stritzke Werner G. K. , Wiers Reinout W. , MacLeod Colin
Published: May 2013

Aims

To assess whether alcohol‐related biases in selective‐attention and action tendency uniquely or concurrently predict the ability to regulate alcohol consumption.

Design and participants

Two groups of undergraduate social drinkers (total n = 55) who differed in their ability to regulate their alcohol consumption completed a novel Selective‐Attention/Action‐Tendency Task (SA/ATT), which assessed separately alcohol‐related biases in selective attention and action tendency.

Setting

University of Western Australia, Australia.

Measurement

Dysregulated drinking was operationalized as a self‐reported high level of alcohol consumption on the Alcohol Consumption Questionnaire, and a high desire to reduce consumption on the Brief Readiness to Change Algorithm. Selective attention and action tendency were assessed using the SA/ATT, working memory was assessed using the operation‐span task and participant characteristics were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES).

Findings

Results indicated that (i) there was no significant association between alcohol‐related biases in selective attention and action tendency, r = 0.16, P = 0.274, and (ii) biases towards alcohol, in both selective attention, β = 1.01, odds ratio = 2.74, P = 0.022, and action tendency, β = 1.24, odds ratio = 3.45, P = 0.015, predicted independent variance in dysregulated‐drinker status.

Conclusion

Biases in selective attention and action tendency appear to be distinct mechanisms that contribute independently to difficulty regulating alcohol consumption. Treatment components that could be combined to target both mechanisms could enhance treatment outcomes for alcohol‐use disorders.
Does an Acute Surgical Model increase the rate of negative appendicectomy or perforated appendicitis?
Authors: Brockman Stephen F. , Scott Steel , Guest Glenn D. , Stupart Douglas A. , Ryan Shannon , Watters David A. K.
Published: May 2013

Introduction

The clinical outcomes from suspected appendicitis depend on balancing the rate of negative appendicectomy (NA) with perforated appendicitis (PA). An Acute Surgical Model (ASM) was introduced at Geelong Hospital (GH) in 2011 involving a dedicated emergency general surgery theatre list every business day giving greater access to theatre for general surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ASM at GH on the management of appendicitis, in particular the NA and PA rates.

Methods

Data for 357 patients undergoing emergency appendicectomy was collected prospectively over 1 year (2011) and compared with a historical control group of 351 patients (2010). The data was analysed for patient demographics, preoperative diagnostic radiology and outcomes including NA and PA rates and complications. The negative appendicectomy rates were compared with contemporary studies.

Results

There was no difference between the two groups in rates of negative appendicectomy 21% (ASM; 73/357) versus 21% (Control; 73/351) P = 0.98, or perforated appendicitis 17% (ASM; 61/357) versus 13% (Control; 47/351) P = 0.18. The introduction of the ASM corresponded to a significantly lower proportion of emergency appendicectomies overnight (4% [16/357] versus 12% [44/351] P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the use of preoperative diagnostic radiology or complications. Matched contemporary studies had a NA rate of 26%.

Conclusion

The introduction of the ASM at GH has not significantly altered the rate of NA or PA. The NA rate at GH is comparable to other published UK and Australian series.
Dual‐Pump Support in the Inferior and Superior Vena Cavae of a Patient‐Specific Fontan Physiology
Authors: Throckmorton Amy L. , Lopez‐Isaza Sergio , Moskowitz William
Published: May 2013

The implementation of simultaneous mechanical cavopulmonary assistance having blood pumps located in both of the vena cavae is investigated as an approach to treating patients with an ailing Fontan physiology. Identical intravascular blood pumps are employed to model the hemodynamic support of a patient‐specific Fontan. Pressure flow characteristics, energy gain calculations, and blood damage analyses are assessed for each model. The performance of the dual‐support scenario is compared to conditions of mechanical support in the inferior vena cava only and to a nonsupported cavopulmonary circuit. The blood pump in the superior vena cava generates pressures ranging from 1 to 22 mm Hg for flow rates of 1–4 L/min at operating speeds of 1250–2500 rpm. The blood pump in the inferior vena cava produces pressures at levels approximately 20% lower. The blood pumps positively augment the hydraulic energy in the total cavopulmonary connection circuit as a function of flow rate and rotational speed. Scalar stress levels and fluid residence times are at acceptable levels. Damage indices for the dual‐support case, however, are elevated slightly above 3.5%. These results suggest that concurrent, mechanical assistance of the inferior vena cava and superior vena cava in Fontan patients has the potential to be beneficial, but additional studies are needed to further explore this approach.
Nutritional status and nutrition risk screening in hospitalized children in New Zealand
Authors: Moeeni Vesal , Walls Tony , Day Andrew S
Published: May 2013

Aim

Children requiring hospitalization are at risk of malnutrition. This study aimed to define the nutritional status of paediatric inpatients in comparison with healthy children and to compare and contrast the feasibility and validity of three nutritional risk screening (NRS) tools in the hospitalized children.

Methods

A total of 162 children admitted to Christchurch Hospital were assessed along with a similar group of healthy children. Their nutritional state was assessed and classified using standard criteria. The NRS tools were applied, and patients were classified into low‐, medium‐ and high‐risk groups. The feasibility and validity of the tools were assessed.

Results

Under‐nutrition was more frequent in the inpatient group (9.9% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.04), whereas both groups had similar rates of overweight/obesity. NRS tools were able to identify between 81% and 100% of the malnourished patients in the medium‐ to high‐risk groups. Undernourished patients had longer hospital stay than well‐nourished patients.

Conclusion

Hospitalized children have higher rates of under‐nutrition than healthy children in NZ. The three NRS tools were able to identify children at nutritional risk with differing utility. In this setting, STRONGkids was the most reliable tool.
Mechanisms of respiration intensification of rat pancreatic acini upon carbachol‐induced Ca2+ release
Authors: Manko B. O. , Manko V. V.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Acetylcholine as one of the main secretagogues modulates mitochondrial functions in acinar pancreacytes, presumably due to increase in ATP hydrolysis or Ca2+ transport into mitochondria. The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanisms of carbachol (CCh) action on respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of isolated pancreatic acini.

Methods

Respiration of intact or permeabilized rat pancreatic acini was studied at 37 °C using a Clark oxygen electrode.

Results

Respiration rate of isolated acini in rest was 0.27 ± 0.01 nmol O2 s−1 10−6 cells. Addition of 10 μM CCh into respiration chamber evoked biphasic stimulation of respiration. Rapid increase of respiration by 20.1% lasted for approx. 1 min, followed by decrease to level by 11.5% higher than control. Addition of 1 μm CCh caused monophasic increase by 11.5%. Preincubation (5 min) with 1 or 10 μm CCh elevated respiration rate by 12.5 or 11.2% respectively. FCCP prevented the effect of CCh. Preincubation with 1 (but not 10) μm CCh increased FCCP‐uncoupled respiration rate. Thapsigargin slightly elevated respiration, but ryanodine did not. Application of 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate or ruthenium red prevented the effects of CCh on respiration, while oligomycin abolished them. Preincubation with 1 μm CCh prior to cell permeabilization increased respiration rate at pyruvate+malate oxidation, but not at succinate oxidation. In contrast, preincubation with 10 μm CCh decreased pyruvate+malate oxidation.

Conclusion

Medium CCh dose (1 μm) intensifies respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of acinar pancreacytes by feedforward mechanism via Ca2+ transport into mitochondria and activation of Ca2+/ADP‐sensitive mitochondrial dehydrogenases. Prolonged action of high CCh dose (10 μm) might impair mitochondrial functions.
Effectiveness of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training on symptomatological, neuropsychological and work function in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Lee Woo Kyeong
Published: May 2013

Introduction

There has been plenty of interest in cognitive rehabilitation for schizophrenia here in Korea since the year 2000. But the efficacy studies of cognitive remediation intervention are still deficient. The primary purpose of this study was to develop a computer‐assisted cognitive remediation program and conduct a clinical trial in a group of schizophrenic patients.

Methods

Sixty patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to a computerized cognitive rehabilitation (Cog‐trainer) group plus usual rehabilitation (UR) or to a usual rehabilitation (UR) group only. Clinical, neuropsychological and functional outcome variables were assessed at baseline and after intervention. The Cog‐trainer group received 20 sessions of computerized cognitive remediation training over 3 months. This training program consists of 10 units, with each unit being divided into three stages: (i) practice; (ii) application; and (iii) advanced.

Results

Compared to the UR group, the Cog‐trainer exhibited a significant improvement in attention, concentration and working memory. The Cog‐trainer group also showed improvement in the work quality subscale of the work behavior inventory. However, there were no significant benefits of computerized cognitive remediation where symptoms were concerned.

Discussion

These results indicate that computerized cognitive rehabilitation training can contribute to an improvement in the cognitive function of people with schizophrenia. The changes in cognitive outcomes can also contribute to improvement in job functioning. Further study of generalization to other functional outcome measures will be necessary. Long‐term follow‐up studies are needed to confirm the maintenance of such improvements.
Academic psychiatry across the Pacific: Challenges and opportunities for the Pacific‐Rim College of Psychiatrists
Authors: Kua Ee Heok
Published: May 2013

There is cautious optimism that the economic growth around the Pacific‐Rim, will stir opportunities to redress the mental health resource deficiencies and inequity of access to services. Many psychiatric services are without psychiatrists and the primary care doctor or nurse is the key mental health professional. One of the challenges is a paucity of training opportunities and a dearth of trainers. Primary care psychiatry training should be the focus of educational programs. Collaboration in research has been gathering momentum in recent years. The Research in East Asia of Psychotropic Prescription (REAP) includes a consortium of eight countries in Asia. More recently, there have been workshops organized for leadership training of young psychiatrists. The Pacific‐Rim College of Psychiatrists and Asia‐Pacific Psychiatry journal can be a platform for education and research. The myriad cultures and wide expertise across the Pacific‐Rim will make collaboration more exciting and challenging.
Screening for postnatal depression in Chinese‐speaking women using the Hong Kong translated version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Authors: Chen Helen , Bautista Dianne , Ch'ng Ying Chia , Li Wenyun , Chan Edwin , Rush A.John
Published: May 2013

Introduction

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) may not be a uniformly valid postnatal depression (PND) screen across populations. We evaluated the performance of a Chinese translation of 10‐item (HK‐EPDS) and six‐item (HK‐EPDS‐6) versions in post‐partum women in Singapore.

Methods

Chinese‐speaking post‐partum obstetric clinic patients were recruited for this study. They completed the HK‐EPDS, from which we derived the six‐item HK‐EPDS‐6. All women were clinically assessed for PND based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition–Text Revision criteria. Receiver–operator curve (ROC) analyses and likelihood ratio computations informed scale cutoff choices. Clinical fitness was judged by thresholds for internal consistency [α ≥ 0.70] and for diagnostic performance by true‐positive rate (>85%), false‐positive rate (≤10%), positive likelihood ratio (>1), negative likelihood ratio (<0.2), area under the ROC curve (AUC, ≥90%) and effect size (≥0.80).

Results

Based on clinical interview, prevalence of PND was 6.2% in 487 post‐partum women. HK‐EPDS internal consistency was 0.84. At 13 or more cutoff, the true‐positive rate was 86.7%, false‐positive rate 3.3%, positive likelihood ratio 26.4, negative likelihood ratio 0.14, AUC 94.4% and effect size 0.81. For the HK‐EPDS‐6, internal consistency was 0.76. At 8 or more cutoff, we found a true‐positive rate of 86.7%, false‐positive rate 6.6%, positive likelihood ratio 13.2, negative likelihood ration 0.14, AUC 92.9% and effect size 0.98.

Discussion

The HK‐EPDS (cutoff ≥13) and HK‐EPDS6 (cutoff ≥8) are fit for PND screening for general population post‐partum women. The brief six‐item version appears to be clinically suitable for quick screening in Chinese speaking women.
Do the letters F, A and S represent Indonesian letter fluency stimuli?
Authors: Hendrawan Donny , Hatta Takeshi , Ohira Hideki
Published: May 2013

Introduction

The letters F, A and S, originally used in the English letter fluency stimuli test, have been frequently adopted to assess executive function in many languages. However, few studies reported the significance of FAS testing employed in different languages. The current study explored whether FAS could be widely applied to the Indonesian language.

Methods

A total of 211 undergraduate students from state and private universities who participated in this study were randomly assigned into four groups. Each group was exposed to six different letter fluency stimuli. The total number of words the participants produced for each letter stimulus were averaged and ranked to determine the degree of difficulty in generating words. Furthermore, the normal distribution and equal ratio comparison were examined to verify the representative letter fluency stimuli. In addition, the effect of sex and university affiliation on letter fluency performance was also analyzed.

Results

The letters A and S were among the easiest letters used to generate words; however, the letter F was regarded as a difficult stimulus. Furthermore, only the number of words beginning the letter S was distributed according to a normal curve. The number of words starting with the letters F and A were not normally distributed. Although sex difference was not associated with letter fluency performance, difference in university affiliation showed a significant effect on performance.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that consideration of several stimuli factors is required to accurately measure performance in the letter fluency task in a specific language.
β‐Cyclodextrin‐complexed (−)‐linalool produces antinociceptive effect superior to that of (−)‐linalool in experimental pain protocols
Authors: Quintans‐Júnior Lucindo J. , Barreto Rosana S. S. , Menezes Paula P. , Almeida Jackson R. G. S. , Viana Ana Flávia S. C. , Oliveira Rita C. M. , Oliveira Aldeídia P. , Gelain Daniel P. , de Lucca Júnior Waldecy , Araújo Adriano A. S.
Published: May 2013

Many plants produce (−)‐linalool, a plant‐derived monoterpene alcohol, including members of the Lamiaceae (mints) and Lauraceae family (laurels, cinnamon, rosewood). The anti‐inflammatory and analgesic effects of (−)‐linalool have been widely suggested for various studies. Poor chemical stability and short half‐life restrain the clinical applications of some essential oil and monoterpenes, including (−)‐linalool. However, β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) has been used to increase solubility and stability of lipophilic compounds and also to improve the pharmacological effects. In this study, the antinociceptive effect of (−)‐linalool and (−)‐linalool/β‐CD was examined using the acetic acid writhing reflex, formalin and hotplate tests in rodents. (−)‐Linalool and (−)‐linalool/β‐CD demonstrated strong antinociceptive activity in all the chemical‐ and heat‐induced mice models (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). These findings imply the involvement of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. In peritonitis induced by carrageenan, isolated monoterpene or β‐CD complex also reduced total leucocyte migration and TNF‐α levels in peritoneal fluid. The inclusion complexes, (−)‐linalool/β‐CD, revealed that the antinociceptive effect was significantly (p < 0.01) improved when compared with (−)‐linalool alone. Such results were unlikely to be provoked by any motor abnormality. Together, our results suggest that β‐CD might represent an important tool for improvement of analgesic and anti‐inflammatory profiles of (−)‐linalool and other water‐insoluble compounds, such as lipophilic monoterpenes or essential oils.
High response rate and acceptable toxicity of a combination of rituximab, vinorelbine, ifosfamide, mitoxantrone and prednisone for the treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in first relapse: results of the R‐NIMP GOELAMS study
Authors: Gyan Emmanuel , Damotte Diane , Courby Stéphane , Sénécal Delphine , Quittet Philippe , Schmidt‐Tanguy Aline , Banos Anne , Le Gouill Steven , Lamy Thierry , Fontan Jean , Maisonneuve Hervé , Alexis Magda , Dreyfus Francois , Tournilhac Olivier , Laribi Kamel , Solal‐Céligny Philippe , Arakelyan Nina , Cartron Guillaume , Gressin Remy ,   the GOELAMS Group
Published: May 2013

The optimal management of relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is not standardized. The Groupe Ouest Est des Leucémies et aAutres Maladies du Sang developed a combination of vinorelbine, ifosfamide, mitoxantrone and prednisone (NIMP) for the treatment of relapsed DLBCL, and assessed its efficacy and safety in association with rituximab (R). This multicentric phase II study included 50 patients with DLBCL in first relapse, aged 18–75 years. Patients received rituximab 375 mg/m² day 1, ifosfamide 1000 mg/m² days 1–5, vinorelbine 25 mg/m² days 1 and 15, mitoxantrone 10 mg/m² day 1, and prednisone 1 mg/kg days 1–5, every 28 days for three cycles. Responding patients underwent autologous transplantation or received three additional R‐NIMP cycles. All patients were evaluable for toxicity and 49 for response. Centralized pathology review confirmed DLBCL in all cases. Toxicities were mainly haematological with infectious events needing hospitalization in nine cases. Two toxic deaths were observed. After three cycles, 22 patients (44%) achieved complete response/unconfirmed complete response, 11 achieved partial response (24%), 2 had stable disease and 13 progressed. The non‐germinal centre B immunophenotype was associated with shorter progression‐free survival. in conclusion, the R‐NIMP regimen displayed significant activity in relapsed DLBCL, with acceptable toxicity and should be considered a candidate for combination with new agents.
Immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy to activate anti‐tumour T‐cell immunity
Authors: Ramsay Alan G.
Published: May 2013

The tumour microenvironment plays a dual role in cancer: it can promote tumour progression by establishing pro‐tumour survival conditions but can also suppress tumour progression by killing cancer cells or inhibiting their outgrowth. These dynamically interconnected processes are under intense investigation to better understand cancer pathophysiology and allow identification of new therapeutic approaches. The ability of cancer cells to evade anti‐tumour T‐cell activity in the microenvironment has recently been accepted as a hallmark of cancer progression. This review will highlight the most promising therapeutic approach aimed at activating anti‐tumour T‐cell immunity in the cancer microenvironment: blocking inhibitory immune regulatory proteins (immune checkpoint ligands and receptors). There is emerging evidence that haematological tumours co‐opt immune checkpoints as a major immune resistance mechanism. Pre‐clinical findings indicate that targeted therapies and blockade of immune checkpoints could be combined to promote therapeutic synergy and long‐term anti‐tumour immunity to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
Coagulation and metastasis: what does the experimental literature tell us?
Authors: Gil‐Bernabé Ana M. , Lucotti Serena , Muschel Ruth J.
Published: May 2013

Inhibition of coagulation greatly limits cancer metastasis in many experimental models. Cancer cells trigger coagulation, through expression of tissue factor or P‐selectin ligands that have correlated with worse prognosis in human clinical studies. Cancer cells also affect coagulation through expression of thrombin and release of microparticles that augment coagulation. In the cancer‐bearing host, coagulation facilitates tumour progression through release of platelet granule contents, inhibition of Natural Killer cells and recruitment of macrophages. We are revisiting this literature in the light of recent studies in which treatment of clinical cohorts with anticoagulant drugs led to diminished metastasis.
A Protocol for Better Design, Application, and Communication of Population Viability Analyses
Authors: PE'ER GUY , MATSINOS YIANNIS G. , JOHST KARIN , FRANZ KAMILA W. , TURLURE CAMILLE , RADCHUK VIKTORIIA , MALINOWSKA AGNIESZKA H. , CURTIS JANELLE M.R. , NAUJOKAITIS‐LEWIS ILONA , WINTLE BRENDAN A. , HENLE KLAUS
Published: May 2013

Population viability analyses (PVAs) contribute to conservation theory, policy, and management. Most PVAs focus on single species within a given landscape and address a specific problem. This specificity often is reflected in the organization of published PVA descriptions. Many lack structure, making them difficult to understand, assess, repeat, or use for drawing generalizations across PVA studies. In an assessment comparing published PVAs and existing guidelines, we found that model selection was rarely justified; important parameters remained neglected or their implementation was described vaguely; limited details were given on parameter ranges, sensitivity analysis, and scenarios; and results were often reported too inconsistently to enable repeatability and comparability. Although many guidelines exist on how to design and implement reliable PVAs and standards exist for documenting and communicating ecological models in general, there is a lack of organized guidelines for designing, applying, and communicating PVAs that account for their diversity of structures and contents. To fill this gap, we integrated published guidelines and recommendations for PVA design and application, protocols for documenting ecological models in general and individual‐based models in particular, and our collective experience in developing, applying, and reviewing PVAs. We devised a comprehensive protocol for the design, application, and communication of PVAs (DAC‐PVA), which has 3 primary elements. The first defines what a useful PVA is; the second element provides a workflow for the design and application of a useful PVA and highlights important aspects that need to be considered during these processes; and the third element focuses on communication of PVAs to ensure clarity, comprehensiveness, repeatability, and comparability. Thereby, DAC‐PVA should strengthen the credibility and relevance of PVAs for policy and management, and improve the capacity to generalize PVA findings across studies.
A novel biomarker‐based analysis reliably predicts nodal metastases in anal carcinoma: preliminary evidence of therapeutic impact
Authors: Mistrangelo M. , Senetta R. , Racca P. , Castellano I. , Chiusa L. , Bellò M. , Ricardi U. , Morino M. , Cassoni P.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Routine prophylactic inguinal irradiation in anal cancer may cause significant toxicity associated with overtreatment bias. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of regional node metastases in anal carcinoma by identifying predictive molecular biomarkers.

Method

Clinicohistopathological data from 50 pretreatment anal carcinoma biopsies were collected. Immunohistochemical analyses with antibodies against Ki67, p53, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) andYKL‐40 were performed. Statistical correlations between biomarkers and clinicopathological features and outcomes were studied. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in a subset of 36 patients.

Results

All patients had undergone synchronous radiochemotherapy; tumour recurrence had developed in 26%, and 16% had died.YKL‐40 tumour expression correlated with lymph node metastasis, whereas no inguinal node metastases were found in any of the (14%) patients presenting with aYKL‐40/EGFR‐negative tumour.YKL‐40 expression and node metastasis were both significantly associated with shorter overall and disease‐free survival. Tumour grade significantly correlated with disease‐free survival only.HIV, tumour histological type, Ki67, p53 andEGFRwere not associated with outcome.

Conclusion

YKL‐40 expression in anal carcinoma is correlated with a poor outcome and can predict lymph node metastases. The combined absence ofYKL‐40 andEGFRexpression in a first biopsy of anal carcinoma reliably selects a subset of patients without inguinal metastases. Such patients could be spared sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or inguinal radiotherapy.
Helicobacter pylori infection and normal colorectal mucosa–adenomatous polyp–adenocarcinoma sequence: a meta‐analysis of 27 case–control studies
Authors: Wang F. , Sun M. Y. , Shi S. L. , Lv Z. S.
Published: May 2013

Aim

The study aimed to determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with colorectal adenocarcinoma and to quantify the extent of the risk.

Method

A literature search was performed to identify studies published between 1995 and 2012 for relevant risk estimates. Fixed and random effect meta‐analytical techniques were conducted for colorectal adenocarcinoma and adenomatous polyp.

Results

Twenty‐seven case‐controlled studies involving 3450 adenocarcinoma patients, 1304 adenomatous polyp patients and more than 4000 controls were included. Helicobacter pylori was associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma and adenomatous polyp [odds ratio (OR) 1.24, 95% CI 1.12–1.37, P = 0.66; OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.53–2.28, P = 0.81]. There was a significant association between the CagA‐positive strain and adenocarcinoma risk (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08–1.37, P = 0.05). In addition, there was an increased risk of tubular adenoma and villous adenoma formation (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.98–4.73, P = 0.14; OR 2.05, 95% CI 0.84–4.97, P = 0.86).

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis suggests a promoting effect of Helicobacter pylori on the risk of adenocarcinoma. It also suggests that Helicobacter infection might have its influence at the start of the adenomatous polyp disease sequence.