bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano‐Food Packaging: An Overview of Market, Migration Research, and Safety Regulations
Authors: Bumbudsanpharoke Nattinee , Ko Seonghyuk
Published: April 2015

Recently, food packages produced with nanoparticles, “nano‐food packaging,” have become more available in the current market. However, although the use of nanomaterials is increasing in food packaging applications, concern over toxicity affects consumer perceptions and acceptance. Quite a number of commercialized forms of nano‐food packaging are coated or composited product with inorganic materials, for example, nanosilver and nanoclay as representative examples. Several studies have shown the possibility of nanomaterial migration from packaging or containers to foodstuff. The debate is still ongoing among researchers about the extent of migration and whether it is negligible and safe. Government agencies and stakeholders must hurry to determine use limitations and release conclusive legislation and regulations as soon as possible since nano‐food packaging may have great impacts on human health. This paper aims to review the availability of nano‐food packaging in the current market, report case studies on nanomaterial migration, and present the current status of safety regulations and management of nano‐food packaging in leading countries across regions. This review should enable governments and researchers to develop further nanomaterial risk assessment studies.
Characterization of uronate dehydrogenases catalysing the initial step in an oxidative pathway
Authors: Pick André , Schmid Jochen , Sieber Volker
Published: April 2015

Uronate dehydrogenases catalyse the oxidation of uronic acids to aldaric acids, which represent ‘top value‐added chemicals’ that have the potential to substitute petroleum‐derived chemicals. The identification and annotation of three uronate dehydrogenases derived from Fulvimarina pelagi HTCC2506, Streptomyces viridochromogenes DSM 40736 and Oceanicola granulosus DSM 15982 via sequence analysis is described. Characterization and comparison with two known uronate dehydrogenases in regard to substrate spectrum, catalytic activity and pH as well as temperature dependence was performed. The catalytic efficiency was investigated in two different buffer systems; potassium phosphate and Tris‐HCl. In addition to the typical and well available substrates glucuronate and galacturonate also mannuronate as part of many structural polysaccharides were tested. The uronate dehydrogenase of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Pseudomonas syringae showed catalytic dependency on the buffer system resulting in an increased Km especially for glucuronate in potassium phosphate compared with Tris‐HCl buffer. Enzyme stability at 37°C of the different Udhs was in the order: P. syringae < S. viridochromogens < A. tumefaciens < F. pelagi < O. granulosus. All enzymes showed activity within a broad pH range from 7.0 to 9.5, only O. granulosus had a very narrow range around 7.0.
Biologic therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bernal Christine B. , Zamora Leonid D. , Navarra Sandra V.
Published: April 2015

Significant progress has been made in the development of therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These include agents which target interferons, cytokines, T lymphocytes and co‐stimulatory molecules, B‐lymphocytes and B stimulatory molecules. The latter are of special interest having the most robust efficacy data to date, ranging from clinical experience to clinical trials, with belimumab as the first Food and Drug Administration‐approved biologic for the treatment of SLE. Given the wide disease heterogeneity, certain issues like clinical trial design and pharmacogenomics will continue to challenge drug development in SLE, there will always be a growing and compelling need for more of these drugs in order to alleviate the burden of illness in lupus patients.
Prognostic Significance of Premature Ventricular Contractions without Obvious Heart Diseases Determined by Standard 12‐Lead Electrocardiography Considering their Morphology
Authors: Haruta Daisuke , Akahoshi Masazumi , Hida Ayumi , Sera Nobuko , Imaizumi Misa , Ichimaru Shinichiro , Nakashima Eiji , Takahashi Ikuno , Ohishi Waka , Fukae Satoki , Maemura Koji
Published: April 2015

Background

Although ventricular premature contraction (VPC) commonly arises in subjects with and without heart diseases, the prognosis of VPC has remained controversial and the effect of their morphology on mortality has not been fully determined in subjects without obvious heart diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the morphologic effect of VPC on mortality.

Methods

Japanese atomic bomb survivors (n = 6685) underwent baseline health examinations and standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) between January 1990 and December 1991. Of these, we extracted data from 5,685 (67.1% women) subjects who had neither heart diseases nor electrocardiographic abnormalities at baseline. Among them, we identified 131 VPC cases using standard 12‐lead ECG and classified them into left bundle branch block (LBBB) type (n = 74), right bundle branch block (RBBB) type (n = 21), and undetermined type (n = 36) according to their morphology. These subjects were followed up until December 2008; we compared all‐cause, cardiac and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates using multivariate Cox regression analysis between those with and without VPC.

Results

No VPCs were associated with all‐cause and cardiac mortality, but the LBBB type was significantly associated with CHD mortality (hazard ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–6.73) after controlling for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and underlying diseases.

Conclusions

Among Japanese atomic bomb survivors without obvious heart diseases, LBBB‐type VPC was associated with increased CHD mortality. Larger studies are needed to confirm the effect of morphology as it might help to predict the risk.
Vitamin D and the risk of preeclampsia – a nested case–control study
Authors: Gidlöf Sebastian , Silva Aldo T. , Gustafsson Sven , Lindqvist Pelle G.
Published: April 2015

We aimed to determine the relation between vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy and preeclampsia. In a nested case–control study of 2496 pregnant women, we identified 39 women who developed preeclampsia and 120 non‐preeclamptic controls. Blood was sampled in 12th gestational week and analyzed for serum vitamin D. Vitamin D levels were similar in women who developed preeclampsia, 52.2 ± 20.5 nmol/L, and controls, 48.6 ± 20.5 nmol/L, p = 0.3. In addition, vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) was found in a similar proportion of control group (51.7%) as those with severe preeclampsia (41.2%). Women with vitamin D deficiency were 3 cm shorter than those with normal vitamin D levels (p = 0.002). Our data do not support the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia, but we cannot rule out a relation later in gestation.
Physical activity decreased by a quarter in the 11‐ to 12‐year‐old Swedish boys between 2000 and 2013 but was stable in girls: a smartphone effect?
Authors: Raustorp Anders , Pagels Peter , Fröberg Andreas , Boldemann Cecilia
Published: April 2015

Aim

This study explored physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and overweight and obesity from 2000 to 2013 using a convenience sample of second‐ and fifth‐grade Swedish schoolchildren aged 8–9 years and 11–12 years, respectively.

Methods

We examined cross‐sectional cohorts of 126 second‐grade children in 2000, 84 in 2006 and 44 in 2013 and 105 fifth‐grade children in 2000 and 38 in 2013. No fifth graders were available in 2006. Physical activity data were collected based on pedometer readings over four consecutive weekdays, and height and weight were measured. Identical instruments and procedures were used in all three years.

Results

There was an increase in physical activity in second‐grade girls from 2000 to 2006 (p < 0.01), which then stabilised between 2006 and 2013, but second‐grade boys and fifth‐grade girls were stable throughout the study period. Fifth‐grade boys decreased significantly (24%) from 16 670 to 12 704 steps per day (p < 0.01) from 2000 to 2013. Mean BMI scores remained stable over time.

Conclusion

Time trends in physical activity differed between boys and girls. Second‐grade boys and fifth‐grade girls were stable throughout, whereas second‐grade girls increased from 2000 to 2006 before stabilising. Fifth‐grade boys showed a significant 24% reduction from 2000 to 2013. Changes in recess and leisure time habits, such as smartphone use, may have influenced the result.
A plant to plate pilot: a cold‐climate high school garden increased vegetable selection but also waste
Authors: Wansink Brian , Hanks Andrew S. , Just David R.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Can high school gardens in cold climates influence vegetable intake in the absence of nutrition education?

Methods

This study followed a before/after design where student tray‐waste data were collected using the quarter‐waste method. The study took place March–April 2012 in a high school in upstate New York. The subjects were 370 enrolled high school students that purchased lunch from the school cafeteria. Prior to the introduction of garden greens in the salad, salads were served as usual. On April 24, harvested greens were included in the salad, and changes in selection and plate waste were measured.

Results

When the salad bar contained garden produce, the percentage of students selecting salad rose from 2% to 10% (p < 0.001), and on average, students ate two‐thirds of the serving they took. Although waste increased relative to the control (from 5.56% to 33.33% per serving; p = 0.007), more students were consuming at least some salad.

Conclusion

This preliminary investigation suggests that school gardens increased selection and intake of school‐raised produce. Although a third was not eaten, it is promising to see that still more produce was consumed compared to the past.
A note on the empirical likelihood confidence band for hazards ratio with covariate adjustment
Authors: Zhu Shihong , Yang Yifan , Zhou Mai
Published: April 2015

In medical studies comparing two treatments in the presence of censored data, the stratified Cox model is an important tool that has the ability to flexibly handle non‐proportional hazards while allowing parsimonious covariate adjustment. In order to capture the cumulative treatment effect, the ratio of the treatment specific cumulative baseline hazards is often used as a measure of the treatment effect. Pointwise and simultaneous confidence bands associated with the estimated ratio provide a global picture of how the treatment effect evolves over time. Recently, Dong and Matthews (2012,Biometrics68, 408–418) proposed to construct a pointwise confidence interval for the ratio using a plug‐in type empirical likelihood approach. However, their result on the limiting distribution of the empirical likelihood ratio is generally incorrect and the resulting confidence interval is asymptotically undercovering. In this article, we derive the correct limiting distribution for the likelihood ratio statistic. We also present simulation studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Quantile regression with a change‐point model for longitudinal data: An application to the study of cognitive changes in preclinical alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li Chenxi , Dowling N. Maritza , Chappell Rick
Published: April 2015

Progressive and insidious cognitive decline that interferes with daily life is the defining characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiological studies have found that the pathological process of AD begins years before a clinical diagnosis is made and can be highly variable within a given population. Characterizing cognitive decline in the preclinical phase of AD is critical for the development of early intervention strategies when disease‐modifying therapies may be most effective. In the last decade, there has been an increased interest in the application of change‐point models to longitudinal cognitive outcomes prior to and after diagnosis. Most of the proposed statistical methodology for describing decline relies upon distributional assumptions that may not hold. In this article, we introduce a quantile regression with a change‐point model for longitudinal data of cognitive function in persons bound to develop AD. A change‐point in our model reflects the transition from the cognitive decline due to normal aging to the accelerated decline due to disease progression. Quantile regression avoids common distributional assumptions on cognitive outcomes and allows the covariate effects and the change‐point to vary for different quantiles of the response. We provided an approach for estimating the model parameters, including the change‐point, and presented inferential procedures based on the asymptotic properties of the estimators. A simulation study showed that the estimation and inferential procedures perform reasonably well in finite samples. The practical use of our model was illustrated by an application to longitudinal episodic memory outcomes from two cohort studies of aging and AD.
Meningeal blood flow is controlled by H2S‐NO crosstalk activating a HNO‐TRPA1‐CGRP signalling pathway
Authors: Dux Mária , Will Christine , Vogler Birgit , Filipovic Milos R , Messlinger Karl
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

Meningeal blood flow is controlled by CGRP released from trigeminal afferents and NO mainly produced in arterial endothelium. The vasodilator effect of NO may be due to the NO–derived compound, nitroxyl (HNO), generated through reaction with endogenous H2S. We investigated the involvement of HNO in CGRP release and meningeal blood flow.

Experimental Approach

Blood flow in exposed dura mater of rats was recorded by laser Doppler flowmetry. CGRP release from the dura mater in the hemisected rat head was quantified using an elisa. NO and H2S were localized histochemically with specific sensors.

Key Results

Topical administration of the NO donor diethylamine‐NONOate increased meningeal blood flow by 30%. Pretreatment with oxamic acid, an inhibitor of H2S synthesis, reduced this effect. Administration of Na2S increased blood flow by 20%, an effect abolished by the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP8‐37 or the TRPA1 channel antagonist HC030031 and reduced when endogenous NO synthesis was blocked. Na2S dose‐dependently increased CGRP release two‐ to threefold. Co‐administration of diethylamine‐NONOate facilitated CGRP release, while inhibition of endogenous NO or H2S synthesis lowered basal CGRP release. NO and H2S were mainly localized in arterial vessels, HNO additionally in nerve fibre bundles. HNO staining was lost after treatment with L‐NMMA and oxamic acid.

Conclusions and Implications

NO and H2S cooperatively increased meningeal blood flow by forming HNO, which activated TRPA1 cation channels in trigeminal fibres, inducing CGRP release. This HNO‐TRPA1‐CGRP signalling pathway may be relevant to the pathophysiology of headaches.
Inhibition of breast cancer progression by a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, LW479, by down‐regulating EGFR expression
Authors: Li Jingjie , Zhang Tao , Yang Feifei , He Yuan , Dai Fujun , Gao Dan , Chen Yihua , Liu Mingyao , Yi Zhengfang
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

Compounds targeting epigenetic events of tumours are likely to be an important addition to anticancer therapy. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACI) have emerged as a promising novel class for therapeutic interventions associated with cancer, and many of them are currently in clinical investigation. Here, we assessed a novel hydroxamate‐based HDACI, LW479, in breast cancer progression and explored its underlying mechanism(s).

Experimental Approach

LW479 was identified using the HDACI screening kit. Western blot and flow cytometry were used to analyse the biological effects of LW479 as a novel HDACI. The effects of LW479 were assessed in mouse models of spontaneous and experimental breast cancer. Co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescent staining and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays along with immunohistochemical analysis, were used to elucidate the molecular basis of the actions of LW479.

Key Results

LW479 was identified as a novel HDACI and showed marked cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis, as well as cell cycle arrest, in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Intraperitoneal injections of LW479 markedly suppressed breast tumour growth and pulmonary metastasis in nude mice. LW479 also decreased levels of EGF receptors (EGFR) by blocking the binding of the transcription factor Sp1 and HDAC1 to the EGFR promoter region.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data have elucidated the mechanisms underlying the inhibition by LW479 of tumour growth and metastasis, in models of breast cancer with aberrant EGFR expression. LW479 could be a candidate drug for breast cancer prevention.
Simvastatin alleviates cardiac fibrosis induced by infarction via up‐regulation of TGF‐β receptor III expression
Authors: Sun Fei , Duan Wenqi , Zhang Yu , Zhang Lingling , Qile Muge , Liu Zengyan , Qiu Fang , Zhao Dan , Lu Yanjie , Chu Wenfeng
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

Statins decrease heart disease risk, but their mechanisms are not completely understood. We examined the role of the TGF‐β receptor III (TGFBR3) in the inhibition of cardiac fibrosis by simvastatin.

Experimental Approach

Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in mice given simvastatin orally for 7 days. Cardiac fibrosis was measured by Masson staining and electron microscopy. Heart function was evaluated by echocardiography. Signalling through TGFBR3, ERK1/2, JNK and p38 pathways was measured using Western blotting. Collagen content and cell viability were measured in cultures of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts (NMCFs). Interactions between TGFBR3 and the scaffolding protein, GAIP‐interacting protein C‐terminus (GIPC) were detected using co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP). In vivo, hearts were injected with lentivirus carrying shRNA for TGFBR3.

Key Results

Simvastatin prevented fibrosis following MI, improved heart ultrastructure and function, up‐regulated TGFBR3 and decreased ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation. Simvastatin up‐regulated TGFBR3 in NMCFs, whereas silencing TGFBR3 reversed inhibitory effects of simvastatin on cell proliferation and collagen production. Simvastatin inhibited ERK1/2 and JNK signalling while silencing TGFBR3 opposed this effect. Co‐IP demonstrated TGFBR3 binding to GIPC. Overexpressing TGFBR3 inhibited ERK1/2 and JNK signalling which was abolished by knock‐down of GIPC. In vivo, suppression of cardiac TGFBR3 abolished anti‐fibrotic effects, improvement of cardiac function and changes in related proteins after simvastatin.

Conclusions and Implications

TGFBR3 mediated the decreased cardiac fibrosis, collagen deposition and fibroblast activity, induced by simvastatin, following MI. These effects involved GIPC inhibition of the ERK1/2/JNK pathway.
Risk factors for postoperative complications after total laryngectomy following radiotherapy or chemoradiation: a 10‐year retrospective longitudinal study in Eastern Denmark
Authors: Wulff N.B. , Kristensen C.A. , Andersen E. , Charabi B. , Sørensen C.H. , Homøe P.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To determine the rates of and risk factors for postoperative complications following total laryngectomy in patients treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiation.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Setting

Tertiary medical centres.

Participants

A total of 143 patients undergoing total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx.

Main outcome measures

Overall postoperative complications and fistula formation.

Results

Overall postoperative complications, fistula formation, wound infection, bleeding and wound necrosis within one year after total laryngectomy occurred in 56.6%, 42.3%, 31.0%, 11.3% and 9.2% of patients, respectively. Stenosis of the pharynx/oesophagus and stoma shrinkage within five years after surgery were each seen in 18.2% of cases. In 66.7% of cases, conservative treatment of the fistulas was chosen. Rehospitalisations within five years occurred for 44.8% with a median rate of 1.5 (range 1–11). Smoking status (P = 0.005 and 0.013) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P = 0.013 and 0.011) were significant risk factors for both overall postoperative complications and fistula formation in uni‐ and multivariate analysis. Tumour localisation in the hypopharynx was associated with overall postoperative complications (P = 0.036). Residual tumour or cancer recurrence was associated with late‐onset fistulas (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The frequencies of postoperative complications after total laryngectomy were comparable with similar international studies, although fistula formation rate is increasing in Denmark. We suggest optimising treatment of COPD and to further encourage to smoking cessation. We propose that development of fistulas >2 months after surgery prompts immediate biopsies. Additionally, we suggest standardised registration of surgical techniques to identify variables affecting the frequency of postoperative complications.
UK service level audit of insulin pump therapy in paediatrics
Authors: Ghatak A. , Paul P. , Hawcutt D. B. , White H. D. , Furlong N. J. , Saunders S. , Morrison G. , Langridge P. , Weston P. J.
Published: April 2015

Aim

To conduct an audit of insulin pump therapy in the UK after the issue of guidelines for the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion by NICE in 2008 (Technology Appraisal 151).

Methods

All centres in the UK, providing pump services to children and young people were invited to participate in an online audit. Audit metrics were aligned to NICE Technology Appraisal 151 and an electronic data collection tool was used.

Results

Of the 176 UK centres identified as providing pump services, 166 (94.3%) participated in the study. A total of 5094 children and young people were identified as using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (19% of all paediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes), with a median (range) of 16.9 (0.67–69.4)% per centre. Units had a median of 0.58 consultant sessions, 0.43 full‐time equivalent diabetic specialist nurses, and 0.1 full‐time equivalent dieticians delivering the pump service. The majority of this time was not formally funded. Families could access 24‐h clinical and technical support (83% units), although the delivery varied between consultant, diabetic specialist nurse and company representatives. Only 53% of units ran, or accessed, structured education programmes for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion use. Most units (86%) allowed continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion use for paediatric inpatients, but only 56% had written guidelines for this scenario. Nine percent of units had encountered funding refusal for a patient fulfilling NICE (Technology Appraisal 151) criteria.

Conclusion

The number of children and young people on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy is consistent with numbers estimated by NICE. There is a worrying lack of funded healthcare professional time. The audit also identified gaps in the provision of structured education and absence of written inpatient guidelines.
Impact of socio‐economic position on health and quality of care in adults with Type 2 diabetes in France: the Entred 2007 study
Authors: Fosse‐Edorh S. , Fagot‐Campagna A. , Detournay B. , Bihan H. , Eschwege E. , Gautier A. , Druet C.
Published: April 2015

Aim

To describe the association between socio‐economic position, health status and quality of diabetes care in people with Type 2 diabetes in France, where people may receive full healthcare coverage for chronic disease.

Methods

Data from a national cross‐sectional survey performed in people pharmacologically treated for diabetes were used. They combined data from medical claims, hospital discharge, questionnaires for patients (n = 3894 with Type 2 diabetes) and their physicians (n = 2485). Socio‐economic position was assessed using educational level (low, intermediate, high) and ability to make ends meet (financial difficulties vs. financially comfortable).

Results

People with diabetes reporting financial difficulties were more likely to be smokers (adjusted odds ratio 1.4; 95% CI 1.1–1.6) and obese (adjusted odds ratio 1.3; 95% CI 1.2–1.6) and to have poorer glycaemic control (HbA1c > 64 mmol/mol (8%); adjusted odds ratio 1.4; 95% CI 1.1–1.8), than those who were financially comfortable. They were more likely to have their diabetes diagnosed because of complications (adjusted odds ratio 1.6; 95% CI 1.3–2.0). They were also more likely to have coronary and podiatric complications (adjusted odds ratios 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.6 and 1.7; 95% CI 1.4–2.2, respectively). They benefited more often from full coverage (adjusted odds ratio 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.6), visited general practitioners more often (ratio of estimated marginal means 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.2) but specialists less often (adjusted odds ratio 0.7; 95% CI 0.6–0.8 for a visit to private ophthalmologist). They also felt less well informed about their condition.

Conclusions

Despite frequent access to full healthcare coverage, socio‐economic position has an impact on the diagnosis of diabetes, health status and quality of diabetes care in France.
Politicisation of Conditional Cash Transfers: The Case of Guatemala
Authors: Sandberg Johan , Tally Engel
Published: April 2015

This article complements existing studies on the incumbency effects of conditional cash transfers (CCTs) by analysing the principal mechanisms by whichMi Familia Progresa(MIFAPRO) in Guatemala became increasingly politicised through clientelistic vote buying and threats of programme expulsion in case of non‐electoral support. It finds thatMIFAPROconstitutes an emblematic case with mixed effects that are particularly relevant in the diffusion ofCCTs to other developing countries.
Do Real Balance Effects Invalidate the Taylor Principle in Closed and Open Economies?
Authors: McKnight Stephen , Mihailov Alexander
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the determinacy implications of forecast‐based monetary policy rules that set the interest rate in response to expected future inflation in a Neo‐Wicksellian model that incorporates real balance effects. We show that the presence of such effects in closed economies restricts the ability of the Taylor principle to prevent indeterminacy of the rational expectations equilibrium. The problem is exacerbated in open economies, particularly if the policy rule reacts to consumer‐price, rather than domestic‐price, inflation. However, determinacy can be restored in both closed and open economies with the addition of monetary policy inertia.
A prospective, multicenter phase II study of continuous infusion of FLAG for patients older than 60 yr with resistant acute myeloid leukemia: a comparison with intensive younger patients’ trial
Authors: Kim Hawk , Lee Je‐Hwan , Joo Young‐Don , Bae Sung Hwa , Lee Jung‐Hee , Kim Dae‐Young , Lee Won‐Sik , Ryoo Hun‐Mo , Jo Jae‐Cheol , Choi Yunsuk , Lee Kyoo‐Hyung ,   CoOperative Study Group A for Hematology (COSAH)
Published: April 2015

Relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) in elderly (≥60 yr old) patients were eligible. Induction chemotherapy consisted fludarabine and cytarabine (ARAC) as a 24‐hr CI without idarubicin (C‐FLAG), which was compared with the results of C‐FLAG with idarubicin (CI‐FLAG2) in younger patients’ trial. A total of 33 and 68 patients were enrolled in C‐FLAG and CI‐FLAG2, respectively. CR, CRp, and CRi were achieved in 10 (30.3%), 3 (9.1%), and 2 (6.1%), respectively. When comparing outcomes between C‐FLAG and CI‐FLAG2, there were no difference in terms of CR rate (P = 0.572) and objective response rate (ORR; P = 0.899). Favorable predictors on ORR in C‐FLAG were PB WBC ≤ 20K/uL at salvage (P = 0.024) and early evaluation peripheral BLAST = 0% (P = 0.013) on multivariate analysis. The overall survival of patients who achieve CR/CRp/CRi showed significantly prolonged survival compared with patients who did not in C‐FLAG (P < 0.001) and was a favorable predictor of longer survival by multivariate analysis (P = 0.009). Median overall survival was 3.19 (95% CI, 2.05–4.33) months and similar with that of CI‐FLAG2 (P = 0.841). Attenuated salvage regimen C‐FLGA in elderly patients was as effective as more intensive younger patients’ regimen CI‐FLAG2 in terms of response and survival although elderly patients had more unfavorable clinical characteristics.
Brentuximab vedotin desensitization in a patient with refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Arora Anubha , Bhatt Vijaya Raj , Liewer Susanne , Armitage James O. , Bociek R. Gregory
Published: April 2015

Brentuximab vedotin has emerged as a useful treatment option for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma; however, uncommon cases of anaphylactic reactions may require its permanent discontinuation. We report a 29‐yr‐old woman with refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma, who developed an anaphylactic reaction during the second dose of brentuximab vedotin. A 12‐step desensitization protocol was followed; after premedicating with antihistaminic agents, methylprednisolone and montelukast, a total dose of 156 mg of brentuximab vedotin (1.8 mg/kg) was given as three infusions with increasing rate and concentration. Such desensitization protocol can allow safe administration of brentuximab vedotin and may have a broader applicability in managing hypersensitivity reactions with other monoclonal antibodies.
Gestation and birth of the European Journal of Neuroscience
Authors: Cuénod Michel
Published: April 2015

Author's Biography

Michel Cuénod served as director of the Brain Research Institute at the University of Zurich from 1984 to 1998. Since 1998, he has been invited professor at the University of Lausanne. He was president of the European Neuroscience Association from 1986 to 1988 and Editor‐in‐Chief of EJN from 1993 to 1997.
Risks from Clients and Opposing Parties for Family Law Attorneys
Authors: Bow James N. , Gottlieb Michael C. , Gould‐Saltman Hon. Dianna J.
Published: April 2015

In this study, the risks of being a family law attorney were explored. An Internet survey was conducted to examine their experiences with a variety of problematic behaviors originating from their own clients as well as from opposing parties. The findings indicated that 28% and 67% of participants reported threats of assault by their clients and opposing parties, respectively. However, a much lower number of participants (11% and 10%) reported actually being assaulted by clients and opposing parties. In addition, 9% to 23% of participants reported problems with stalking, property damage, theft, and/or negative Internet postings. On the other hand, 50% of participants reported experiencing threats of lawsuits, bar complaints, or dismissal by clients. Ways to more effectively deal with difficult clients, reduce risks, and increase safety are discussed.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Discussion focuses on the numerous risks and challenges faced by family law attorneys in dealing with clients and opposing parties.

Ways of identifying and effectively dealing with difficult clients are reviewed.

Strategies for reducing risks and improving safety are offered.
Family Law and Nonmarital Families
Authors: Huntington Clare
Published: April 2015

Despite the sharp increase in nonmarital childbearing, family law still places marriage at the very foundation of the legal regulation of families. Family law's doctrine draws clear distinctions between married and unmarried couples, which then carries over to the treatment of children. Family law's legal institutions created to oversee the family, particularly upon divorce, are designed for married families that have been formally recognized by the state. And traditional gender norms still inform much of family law's approach to legal regulation, particularly in the conception of legal fatherhood. After establishing that this “marital family law” undermines relationships in nonmarital families, this article proposes reforms to integrate nonmarital families into family law.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Identifies legal distinctions between marital and nonmarital families

Demonstrates how family law harms nonmarital families

Provides a blueprint for reform
Understanding Today's Changing Families
Authors: Osborne Cynthia , Ankrum Nora
Published: April 2015

When their children are born, most unmarried parents have high expectations for the future, but they are particularly vulnerable to financial and relationship instability. Their children are disproportionately likely to experience negative health and wellbeing outcomes, in part because of low father involvement. We provide an overview of the findings in this area, drawing primarily from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study and two studies conducted by the Child and Family Research Partnership at The University of Texas at Austin. We conclude that father involvement is largely a function of parental relationship quality, and that interventions designed to improve child outcomes should focus on enhancement of co‐parenting skills.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Relative to their married peers, unmarried parents face distinct barriers to financial and relationship stability.

Children of unmarried parents are more likely to experience negative outcomes for health and wellbeing, in part because of low father involvement.

One of the most consistent predictors of father involvement is the quality of the father's relationship with the mother.

Interventions that teach co‐parenting skills may enhance relationship quality and increase positive father involvement.
Establishing Parenting Time in Child Support Cases: New Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Pearson Jessica
Published: April 2015

Despite dramatic increases in collections, child support frequently fails to be the linchpin to family self‐sufficiency that it could be, and many researchers, advocates and policymakers have concluded that future progress in collections will require making the child support system more fair and responsive to its growing poor, never‐married caseload. High on the list of suggested reforms is paying more attention to involving poor fathers in the lives of their children. Since the inception of the child support program in 1975, parenting time and child support have been legally distinct issues and activities pertaining to parenting time have not qualified for the 66 percent of funding that the federal government provides to fund the child support program. As a result, few child support programs address parenting time when they establish or enforce child support orders. Public Law 113–183 (2014) includes a provision to encourage the establishment of safe parenting time arrangements in new child support orders, although the activity is voluntary and no new funding is provided. This article describes the treatment of parenting time in the child support program and the approaches that some states and local jurisdictions have adopted to develop and incorporate parenting time responsibilities with family violence safeguards in new child support orders. This includes the use of standard parenting time schedules, self‐help resources, mediation or facilitation with a neutral third party, and comprehensive programs that attempt to address multiple barriers.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Parenting time and child support are legally distinct issues and courts typically order child support for parents of children born out‐of‐wedlock without simultaneously ordering parenting time arrangements.

Research shows that addressing parenting time improves parent‐child contact and child support payments and that positive paternal engagement improves child outcomes.

A few state and local child support agencies address parenting time using standard parenting time schedules, self‐help resources for parents, mediation or facilitation with a neutral third‐party; and comprehensive programs that address multiple barriers.

Developing a safe, structured approach to parenting time for the child support population will require coordination among courts, domestic violence programs and child support agencies, and allowing these activities to qualify for federal matching funds.
Who Wears the Pants? The Difficulties Men Face When Trying to Take Their Spouse's Surname after Marriage
Authors: Slade Michael
Published: April 2015

Marital laws in the majority of states currently limit or impose significant obstacles for men seeking to change their surname upon marriage, unequal to laws regarding women who change their surname change. Women currently have the right to sign a marriage license and take their husband's name or some combination name. In contrast, only nine states provide men with the same opportunity. In the remaining states, men usually must apply for a formal name change in order to legally take their wives’ surname. This process requires paying a substantial court filing fee, dealing with drawn out court proceedings and, in some cases, being required to post in newspapers personal information (such as financial information) as well as the petition to change one's name. This Note argues that it is unconstitutional for states to have unequal procedures for men and women to change their surnames upon marriage, resulting in a violation of men's equal protection rights; thus, states can avoid a judicial decision that the current name change statute is unconstitutional by simply equalizing the standard, making it gender neutral.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Women have the statutory right to either change their last name upon marriage or retain their maiden name in all fifty states

Men are provided the same procedure as women to change their surname upon marriage in only nine states

The process for men to change their surname upon marriage in the majority of states can be time consuming, expensive and, when all is said and done, a judge usually has unlimited discretion to decide such matters

Men typically must adhere to formal name change procedures to change their surname after marriage, primarily by petitioning the court

The issue is that it is unconstitutional for states to have unequal procedures for men and women to change their surname upon marriage in violation of husbands’ equal protection rights

Courts should strike down statutes that discriminate against men changing their surname upon marriage or extend to men the same rights women currently have in all states
Calculating Safety: Reckoning with Domestic Violence in the Context of Child Support Parenting Time Initiatives
Authors: Ver Steegh Nancy , Davis Gabrielle
Published: April 2015

This article explores domestic violence–related implications of federal and state initiatives seeking to establish parenting time in connection with entry of child support orders. The authors recommend and explore two critical family violence safeguards. First, parents need the information and support required by them to make deliberative decisions about parenting time, including: (1) understanding the legal meaning, consequences, and practical effect of formally establishing parenting time; (2) exploration of the extent to which various parenting time arrangements are in the best interests of the child; and (3) knowledge of the nature of dispute resolution and court processes available to them. Second, parents, rather than child support officials, should decide whether, when, and how to pursue establishment of parenting time.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

The impact of domestic violence on parenting and on child safety and well‐being varies extensively.

Some survivors of domestic violence are forced to make high‐stakes calculations regarding the safety and well‐being of their children in the context of parenting time initiatives.

Deliberative, informed, and voluntary decision making about parenting time is a key family violence safeguard.

Domestic violence exclusions are only partially effective, in part because they unrealistically rely on quick and accurate identification and assessment of domestic violence and its implications.

Parents should decide whether, when, and how to establish parenting time.
Co‐Parenting Relationships among Low‐Income, Unmarried Parents: Perspectives of Fathers in Fatherhood Programs
Authors: Fagan Jay , Kaufman Rebecca
Published: April 2015

The current study examined low‐income, unmarried, nonresidential fathers’ engagement in co‐parenting with the child's mother. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 71 fathers attending nine different fatherhood programs in five cities that serve low‐income, primarily unmarried, nonresidential fathers. The results revealed that co‐parenting in this sample of fathers is a multidimensional construct that includes both negative and positive components. Our results also point to specific behaviors or indicators that seem to be unique to this population of fathers and mothers and that should be used to inform the development of measures of co‐parenting. The need for such measurement development is important given the growing number of unmarried, nonresident fathers and the resources that are currently being invested by federal, state, and local governments to improve low‐income, unmarried, nonresidential fathers’ involvement with their children.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Co‐parenting relationships among low‐income, unmarried, nonresidential fathers and mothers are multidimensional and include both negative and positive components, including undermining, gatekeeping, parenting alliance, conflict, support, and division of labor.

The components of co‐parenting that are relevant to co‐residential fathers and mothers are also relevant to low‐income, unmarried, nonresidential parents.

Co‐parenting relationships between unmarried, nonresidential mothers and fathers often times involve another adult, particularly the father's new partner.

Practitioners who work with low income, unmarried, nonresidential parents should conduct multi‐dimensional assessments that include both the negative and positive aspects of co‐parenting.
The role of aquatic fungi in transformations of organic matter mediated by nutrients
Authors: Tant Cynthia J. , Rosemond Amy D. , Mehring Andrew S. , Kuehn Kevin A. , Davis John M.
Published: April 2015

We assessed the key role of aquatic fungi in modifying coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) by affecting its breakdown rate, nutrient concentration and conversion to fine particulate organic matter (FPOM). Overall, we hypothesised that fungal‐mediated conditioning and breakdown of CPOM would be accelerated when nutrient concentrations are increased and tested the degree to which fungi were critical to CPOM processing and to FPOM production by an invertebrate consumer.

We manipulated the presence and absence of fungi, exogenous nutrients [nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)] and an invertebrate consumer in a full‐factorial laboratory experiment and quantified their effects on CPOM mass loss and nutrient concentration, and the quantity and nutrient concentration of FPOM produced during leaf breakdown.

Mass of CPOM lost and the quantity of FPOM produced were highest in nutrient‐enriched treatments containing fungal decomposers. Across all treatments, FPOM produced was a constant proportion of CPOM lost (67%). Loss of CPOM due to shredders was highest at fungal biomass values >16 mg g dry mass−1, which occurred with nutrient enrichment.

Nitrogen concentration in CPOM increased in treatments with nutrients and fungi, while CPOM P concentration was primarily affected by nutrients. In contrast, FPOM P concentration declined in treatments with fungi and nutrients, suggesting either sequestration via CPOM‐associated fungi or preferential assimilation by shredders. Nitrogen in FPOM increased with nutrients, but was unaffected by fungi.

Our results indicate that aquatic fungi play a critical role in facilitating energy and nutrient flow through detrital pathways and that their ability to mediate organic matter transformations is significantly influenced by nutrient enrichment.
Catheter tip malposition after percutaneous placement of tunneled hemodialysis catheters
Authors: Weber Ewa , Liberek Tomasz , Wołyniec Wojciech , Rutkowski Bolesław
Published: April 2015

The percutaneous catheterization of central veins is increasingly used in nephrological practice as a temporary or permanent vascular access. The aim of our study was to present and to analyze episodes of catheter tip malposition during percutaneous tunneled hemodialysis catheter insertion in the large, unselected group of patients. All patients who underwent the procedure of catheter insertion in our department during year 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred four tunneled hemodialysis catheters were inserted in 101 patients. In 58 patients, the catheter was inserted at the initiation of hemodialysis therapy as the first access and in 46 the catheter was placed because of the failure of the existing one. In 68 patients, the catheter was inserted into the right internal jugular vein and in 20 patients into the left internal jugular vein (LIJV). Subclavian veins were used in five cases and femoral veins in 11 cases. Malposition of the catheter tips occurred in six patients. In all cases, the LIJV was cannulated. In two cases, the catheter tip malposition was in the right innominate vein and in four cases in the azygos vein. Our data demonstrate that with the blind insertion of tunneled hemodialysis catheters, the risk of catheter tip malposition is significantly higher with the left side insertion. As catheter insertion through the LIJV holds very high (30%) risk of the tip malposition, it should always be performed under the fluoroscopic control.
Association of bioimpedance spectroscopy‐based volume estimation with postdialysis hypotension in patients receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Abreo Adrian P. , Chertow Glenn M. , Dalrymple Lorien S. , Kaysen George A. , Johansen Kirsten L.
Published: April 2015

Clinical examination to determine the dry weight of patients on hemodialysis (HD) has been problematic, with studies showing discordance between physician assessment and objective measures of volume status.We studied the association between predialysis bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS)‐based estimates of fluid overload and postdialysis hypotension in 635 patients in the United States Renal Data System ACTIVE/ADIPOSE (A Cohort study To Investigate the Value of Exercise/Analyses Designed to Investigate the Paradox of Obesity and Survival in ESRD) study receiving HD in 2009–2011. We recorded predialysis and postdialysis weight and blood pressures over 3 consecutive HD sessions and performed BIS before a single session. Using a previously reported method of estimating normohydration weight, we estimated postdialysis fluid overload (FOpost) in liters. We used logistic regression with extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) or estimated FOpost as the primary predictor and 1 or more postdialysis systolic blood pressures less than 110 mmHg as the dependent variable. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, ultrafiltration rate per kilogram of body weight, end‐stage renal disease vintage, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and albumin. Higher ECW/TBW was associated with lower odds of postdialysis hypotension (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15–0.84 per 0.1, P = 0.02). Every liter of FOpost was associated with lower adjusted odds of postdialysis hypotension (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.95, P = 0.003). Prospective studies are needed to determine whether this application of BIS could improve current clinical efforts to minimize episodes of postdialysis hypotension without leading to volume overload.