bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-Methoxy-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrocycloocta[b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Vishnupriya R. , Suresh J. , Maharani S. , Kumar R. Ranjith , Lakshman P. L. Nilantha
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C20H22N2O2, the central pyridine ring forms a dihedral angle of 76.32 (8)° with the pseudo-axial benzene ring. The cyclooctane ring adopts a twisted boat chair conformation. In the crystal, weak intermolecular C—H...π interactions between inversion-related molecules result in the formation of linear double chains along theb-axis direction.
Hypopigmented interface T‐cell dyscrasia: A form of cutaneous T‐cell dyscrasia distinct from hypopigmented mycosis fungoides
Authors: Magro Cynthia M. , Hagen Joshua W. , Crowson Arthur N. , Liu Yen Chen , Mihm Martin , Drucker Natalie M. , Yassin Aminah H.
Published: May 2014

Hypopigmentation in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoproliferative disease should not always be equated with hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF). A form of hypopigmented pre‐lymphomatous T‐cell dyscrasia falling under the designation of the so‐called hypopigmented interface variant of T‐cell dyscrasia has recently been proposed. The aim of the present study was to establish hypopigmented interface T‐cell dyscrasia as its own entity apart from other T‐cell dyscrasias and MF using a patient case series. Twenty four cases of hypopigmented interface T‐cell dyscrasia were identified in the dermatopathology database of Weill Medical College of Cornell University. There were 17 females and seven males (mean age, 36 years). In children and adolescents, the patients were most commonly of African American extraction. Truncal photo‐protected areas manifesting as large solitary patches or multiple smaller macules were characteristic; disease progression to MF occurred in only one patient. The lesions responded to topical steroids and light therapy. The pathology was defined by a cell poor interface associated with degeneration of keratinocytes and melanocytes, and by lymphocytes whose nuclei showed low‐grade cerebriform atypia, and which expressed a significant reduction in CD7 and CD62L expression. In 50% of the cases, the implicated cell type was of the CD8 subset. Clonality was not identified. Hypopigmented interface T‐cell dyscrasia is a distinct entity separate from and rarely progressive to MF.
Autoimmunity in atopic dermatitis: Biomarker or simply epiphenomenon?
Authors: Cipriani Francesca , Ricci Giampaolo , Leoni Maria Chiara , Capra Lucetta , Baviera Giuseppe , Longo Giorgio , Maiello Nunzia , Galli Elena
Published: May 2014

The idea that a mechanism of autoimmunity could play a role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis gained support from the observation that patients with atopic dermatitis display IgE reactivity to a variety of human protein antigens, several of which have been characterized at molecular level. A broad spectrum of at least 140 IgE‐binding self‐antigens associated with atopic dermatitis has been demonstrated; they might promote, perpetuate, or both, skin inflammation by binding IgE antibodies or activating specific T cells. Even if the presence of autoreactivity seems to be associated with the severity of the disease and may be used as a parameter reflecting chronic tissue damage, at the state of art the role of autoimmunity in atopic dermatitis is far from clear. Data from the literature show that the use of autoantibodies as biomarkers of atopic dermatitis are still limited by the evidence that the epiphenomenon of autoreactivity is detectable only in a percentage of patients and that the involved self‐allergens often are not the same; further longitudinal case‐control studies are needed to investigate and to clarify the pathogenethic role of autoimmunity in the course of atopic dermatitis.
Treatment of acne vulgaris with fractional radiofrequency microneedling
Authors: Kim Sang Tae , Lee Kang Hoon , Sim Hyung Jun , Suh Kee Suck , Jang Min Soo
Published: May 2014

Fractional radiofrequency microneedling is a novel radiofrequency technique that uses insulated microneedles to deliver energy to the deep dermis at the point of penetration without destruction of the epidermis. It has been used for the treatment of various dermatological conditions including wrinkles, atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars. There have been few studies evaluating the efficacy of fractional radiofrequency microneedling in the treatment of acne, and none measuring objective parameters like the number of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesions or sebum excretion levels. The safety and efficacy of fractional radiofrequency microneedling in the treatment of acne vulgaris was investigated. In a prospective clinical trial, 25 patients with moderate to severe acne were treated with fractional radiofrequency microneedling. The procedure was carried out three times at 1‐month intervals. Acne lesion count, subjective satisfaction score, sebum excretion level and adverse effects were assessed at baseline and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the first treatment as well as 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the last treatment. Number of acne lesions (inflammatory and non‐inflammatory) decreased. Sebum excretion and subjective satisfaction were more favorable at every time point compared with the baseline values (P < 0.05). Inflammatory lesions responded better than non‐inflammatory lesions (P < 0.05). Adverse effects such as pinpoint bleeding, pain and erythema were noted, but were transient and not severe enough to stop treatment. Fractional radiofrequency microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for acne vulgaris.
Trigeminal trophic syndrome: Report of a case and review of the published work
Authors: Sawada Takahiro , Asai Jun , Nomiyama Tomoko , Masuda Koji , Takenaka Hideya , Katoh Norito
Published: May 2014

Trigeminal trophic syndrome is a rare complication of trigeminal nerve injury that causes facial ulceration, anesthesia and paresthesia in the same trigeminal dermatomes. We present a case of a 65‐year‐old woman with a history of meningioma resection 18 years prior who presented 16 years later with an intractable ulceration around her left nasolabial sulcus. Pain and light‐touch sensations around the ulcer were decreased. She admitted to frequent manipulation due to a crawling sensation. A skin biopsy showed acanthotic changes and a decreased number of peripheral nerve fibers. Trigeminal trophic syndrome was diagnosed. Carbamazepine was not effective, and the ulcer persisted at 7 months after the initial presentation. We reviewed 36 English‐language publications from 2003 to 2012, and analyzed 61 cases of trigeminal trophic syndrome, including this patient. The mean age was 53.3 ± 19.7 years (range, 6–91). The right side of the face was more commonly affected (57%) than the left side. The ala nasi were involved in 48 cases (79%), followed by the cheek in 17 cases (28%). A corneal lesion was observed in 11 cases (18%), suggesting the importance of ophthalmologic consultations. The two major etiologies were trigeminal nerve ablation (18 cases; 30%) and cerebrovascular accidents (18 cases; 30%). The latent period ranged from days to 30 years. Gabapentin and carbamazepine were frequently administrated with variable efficacy. Application of thermoplastic dressings or negative pressure wound therapy demonstrated favorable outcomes. Surgery was an option with a high recurrence rate. Trigeminal trophic syndrome remains a clinical challenge.
Variation in abundance of nectarivorous birds: does a competitive despot interfere with flower tracking?
Authors: Bennett Joanne M. , Clarke Rohan H. , Thomson James R. , Mac Nally Ralph
Published: May 2014

Adaptive resource tracking in space and time may be disrupted by the modification of resources and competitors. Major global change drivers (e.g. land‐use change) have induced declines in many native species, while facilitating only a few. Given that many resources are predicted to become increasingly scarce under the joint effects of climate and land‐use change, disturbance‐tolerant species that are able to defend high‐value resources may further limit the persistence of disturbance‐sensitive species.

We sought to determine which nectarivorous birds track variation in flowering and if relationships between nectarivores and flowering are affected by on‐transect vegetation structure or the occurrence of a native, hyper‐aggressive species, the noisy miner Manorina melanocephala, which has become more prevalent.

We measured eucalypt flowering and abundances of nectarivorous birds over the course of a year; we measured vegetation structure on the same forest transects.

Nectarivores tracked spatial and some temporal variation in flowering, but this relationship was disrupted by noisy miners. Where present in sufficient numbers, the noisy miner excluded small‐bodied nectarivores (<63 g) from fragments, limiting the ability of this numerically dominant component of the avifauna to gain access to flowering resources.

Altered patterns of interspecific competition due to vegetation fragmentation and climate‐induced degradation may have led to changes in the distribution of small nectarivore species that is a departure from the ‘ideal free distribution’ model. Interactions between noisy miners and small‐bodied nectarivores appear to be best described by the ‘ideal despotic distribution’ model in which noisy miners exclude smaller competitors and monopolize local resources. Increases in the severity and frequency of extreme climatic events (e.g. long droughts) predicted under climate change may create a boom‐bust pattern of availabilities of resources. The apparent insensitivity of noisy miners to such variation in flowering resource availability and the miners' influence on the ability of small nectarivores to access resources may lead to disproportionate declines in smaller‐bodied nectarivorous species. Reduced tracking of flowering by nectarivores has the potential to disrupt ecosystem services (e.g. pollination, seed dispersal) and may have long‐term consequences for the persistence of fragmented vegetation, adding further pressure on forest‐dependent biota.
Prevalence and beta diversity in avian malaria communities: host species is a better predictor than geography
Authors: Scordato Elizabeth S. C. , Kardish Melissa R.
Published: May 2014

Patterns of diversity and turnover in macroorganism communities can often be predicted from differences in habitat, phylogenetic relationships among species and the geographical scale of comparisons. In this study, we asked whether these factors also predict diversity and turnover in parasite communities.

We studied communities of avian malaria in two sympatric, ecologically similar, congeneric host species at three different sites. We asked whether parasite prevalence and community structure varied with host population, host phylogeography or geographical distance.

We usedPCRto screen birds for infections and then used Bayesian methods to determine phylogenetic relationships among malaria strains. Metrics of both community and phylogenetic beta diversity were used to examine patterns of malaria strain turnover between host populations, and partial Mantel tests were used determine the correlation between malaria beta diversity and geographical distance. Finally, we developed microsatellite markers to describe the genetic structure of host populations and assess the relationship between host phylogeography and parasite beta diversity.

We found that different genera of malaria parasites infect the two hosts at different rates. Within hosts, parasite communities in one population were phylogenetically clustered, but there was otherwise no correlation between metrics of parasite beta diversity and geographical or genetic distance between host populations. Patterns of parasite turnover among host populations are consistent with malaria transmission occurring in the winter rather than on the breeding grounds.

Our results indicate greater turnover in parasite communities between different hosts than between different study sites. Differences in host species, as well as transmission location and vector ecology, seem to be more important in structuring malaria communities than the distance–decay relationships frequently found in macroorganisms. Determining the factors affecting parasite community diversity and turnover has wide‐ranging implications for understanding the selective pressures shaping host ecology and ecosystem structure. This study shows that metrics of community and phylogenetic beta diversity can be useful tools for disentangling the ecological and evolutionary processes that underlie geographical variation in parasite communities.
Does variation in the intensity and duration of predation drive evolutionary changes in senescence?
Authors: Walsh Matthew R. , Whittington Deirdre , Walsh Melissa J.
Published: May 2014

The evolutionary theory of senescence predicts that increased rates of extrinsic mortality select for faster declines in fertility and survival with age. One predicted mechanism is that increased mortality favours alleles that enhance fitness early in life at the expense of survival or reproduction later in life (antagonistic pleiotropy).

We tested these predictions in natural populations of Daphnia ambigua from lakes that vary in the severity and duration of fish predation. Daphnia are found in lakes with (i) anadromous alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) that migrate between marine and freshwater, (ii) permanent landlocked alewife and (iii) no alewife. Daphnia are rare year‐round in ‘landlocked lakes’ and are seasonally eliminated from the water column in ‘anadromous lakes’ due to the very strong predatory impact of anadromous alewife on populations of zooplankton. Previous work has also shown that intense seasonal bouts of predation by anadromous alewife has selected for increased allocation towards growth and reproduction in Daphnia found in lakes with anadromous alewife. Such variation in the risk of mortality and the expression of life‐history traits early in life provides the raw materials to test the evolutionary theory of ageing.

We reared replicate populations of Daphnia from all three lake types and quantified lifetime rates of offspring production and intrinsic survival. We found no differences in age‐related declines in fertility or survival. Daphnia from anadromous lakes produced significantly more offspring throughout their lifetime despite no differences in life span or in the number of reproductive bouts compared with Daphnia from lakes with landlocked and no alewife.

The lack of divergence in ageing contradicts the prediction that elevated mortality rates drive evolutionary shifts in ageing. We reconcile these results by considering the predictions of theoretical frameworks that incorporate feedbacks associated with increased mortality such as density‐ and condition‐dependent processes. Our results, which are better explained by a consideration of these processes, thus call for a greater consideration of models that more explicitly consider the ecology of focal organisms.
Pedagogies of the Unknown: Unpacking ‘Culture’ in Disaster Risk Reduction Education
Authors: Benadusi Mara
Published: May 2014

Disaster risk reduction policies make heavy use of education for spreading a ‘culture’ of resilience at community level. This paper reflects on the uncritical way the concept of culture is used in current pedagogies of resilience. It describes how a deterministic/normative vision of culture is gradually giving way to a generative/emergentist approach. Indeed, the notion of resilience has brought with it an idea of culture that emphasizes the flexible and dynamic character of learning. The paper also illuminates the unrecognized potential for disaster education, for it can be used as a tool to absolve public institutions from failure by shifting responsibility for safety to the population. Resilience, in other words, can become a shock absorber that compensates for institutional inefficiency.
Detection of Soybean Proteins in Fermented Soybean Products by Using Heating Extraction
Authors: Morishita Naoki , Matsumoto Takashi , Morimatsu Fumiki , Toyoda Masatake
Published: May 2014

Soybean is used in processed foods worldwide. Because soybean can cause adverse reactions in some atopic patients, appropriate labeling regarding its content in processed foods is needed to better protect consumers. In the previous study, we developed a reliable sandwich Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method with high sensitivity and specificity for detecting soybean proteins by using antibody to Gly m Bd 30K, which was originally characterized as a vacuolar protein with a molecular mass of 34 kDa in soybean. The ELISA displayed satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility in an interlaboratory evaluation. However, it could not detect soybean protein in fermented soybean products. We therefore developed an extraction method combined with a heating process to inhibit soybean protein degradation by microbial proteolytic enzymes in fermented soybean products. This extraction method enables the sensitive detection of soybean protein in fermented soybean products such as natto and miso. It was able to detect with high‐sensitivity soybean protein present at 10 μg/g levels in model processed foods. This method is suitable for quantifying soybean protein in processed foods without the degrading effects of microbial proteolytic enzymes. The present extraction method can be used sensitively to monitor labeling systems in a reliable manner and should be useful for the mandatory inspections required under Japanese regulations.

Practical Application

The extraction and ELISA methods that we developed enable sensitive detection of soybean protein in soybean products, including fermented foods. These methods should be useful for reliable and sensitive monitoring of product labeling systems and should help to solve the problem of insensitive in soybean labeling of processed foods.
The comparative effect of process and outcome accountability in enhancing professional scepticism
Authors: Kim Sarah , Trotman Ken T.
Published: May 2014

Responding to concerns about insufficient professional scepticism in audits (e.g. PCAOB, , ; ASIC, ), we investigate the effect of process and outcome accountability in enhancing the level of professional scepticism and the differences in effects across audit experience levels. In our experiment, we manipulate the type of accountability (outcome versus process) for both novice auditors and audit seniors. We examine the effect on four measures of professional scepticism and find that auditors show greater levels of professional scepticism when they are expected to justify their judgment process, rather than their final judgments. Our results also show that the professional scepticism of novice auditors improves to a greater extent than that of more experienced auditors (audit seniors) under process accountability.
Methods for inducing alcohol craving in individuals with co‐morbid alcohol dependence and posttraumatic stress disorder: behavioral and physiological outcomes
Authors: Kwako Laura E. , Schwandt Melanie L. , Sells Joanna R. , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Hommer Daniel W. , George David T. , Sinha Rajita , Heilig Markus
Published: May 2014

Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder that presents a substantial public health problem, and is frequently co‐morbid with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Craving for alcohol is a predictor of relapse to alcohol use, and is triggered by cues associated with alcohol and trauma. Identification of reliable and valid laboratory methods for craving induction is an important objective for alcoholism and PTSD research. The present study compares two methods for induction of craving via stress and alcohol cues in individuals with co‐morbid alcohol dependence (AD) and PTSD: the combined Trier social stress test and cue reactivity paradigm (Trier/CR), and a guided imagery (Scripts) paradigm. Outcomes include self‐reported measures of craving, stress and anxiety as well as endocrine measures. Subjects were 52 individuals diagnosed with co‐morbid AD and PTSD seeking treatment at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism inpatient research facility. They participated in a 4‐week inpatient study of the efficacy of a neurokinin 1 antagonist to treat co‐morbid AD and PTSD, and which included the two challenge procedures. Both the Trier/CR and Scripts induced craving for alcohol, as well as elevated levels of subjective distress and anxiety. The Trier/CR yielded significant increases in adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol, while the Scripts did not. Both paradigms are effective laboratory means of inducing craving for alcohol. Further research is warranted to better understand the mechanisms behind craving induced by stress versus alcohol cues, as well as to understand the impact of co‐morbid PTSD and AD on craving.
Effect of temperature on life table parameters of Leptocybe invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: Zhu Fang‐li , Ren Shun‐xiang , Qiu Bao‐li , Wu Jian‐hui
Published: May 2014

Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) first described in 2004, is a new eucalyptus pest of global importance. A thorough understanding of pest biology is essential for development of a reliable pest population prediction system and management strategies, but little is known about this pest. Therefore, we quantified the development, fecundity, fertility, longevity, morphometrics (length, width, and hind tibia length of adults), and other life table parameters of L. invasa in relation to temperature and to provide an experimental basis for developing an overall wasp population model. The results showed that ranging from 20 to 32°C (five constant temperatures were 20, 23, 26, 29 and 32°C, respectively), the developmental period of immatures (egg to adult) was shortest at 29°C but longest at 20°C; the number of eggs per female in the oviduct and survival rate of immatures were greatest at 29°C but smallest at 32°C. The effect of temperature on morphometrics was more pronounced for females than males. When L. invasa was fed with a 40% honey solution, maximum longevity was at 23°C (9.0 days for females and 12.8 days for males). The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) was largest (0.0477) at 29°C, and the sex ratio of L. invasa was extremely female‐biased. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) indicates that L. invasa population growth is likely to be greatest at 29°C. The developmental zero temperature (t) and the effective cumulative temperature (k) of egg, larva and pupa were 13.0, 19.7 and 17.1°C, and 128.1, 284.2 and 201.2°C, respectively. For L. invasa, 19.1°C (t) and 563.5°C (k) were indispensable for completing development from egg to adult. Therefore, farmers or managers of forests could predict the population dynamics of the wasp and adopt physical or chemical methods to control it according to the temperature.
Characterization of Uterine NK Cells in Women with Infertility or Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Associated Endometriosis
Authors: Giuliani Emma , Parkin Kirstin L. , Lessey Bruce A. , Young Steven L. , Fazleabas Asgerally T.
Published: May 2014

Problem

Uterine natural killer cells (uNK) have been thought to play a key role in endometriosis and infertility. We investigated the expression of CD56, CD16, and NKp46 in endometrial tissues from 61 women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL) or infertility (UI) and correlated this with the presence or absence of endometriosis. The results from the patients with subfertility were compared with those from 10 fertile patients.

Method of study

Mid‐secretory phase endometrial biopsies were obtained, and the endometrial expression of CD56, CD16, or NKp46 was identified by immunohistochemistry and quantified (ImageJ Software).

Results

The percentage of CD16+ cells was higher in women with uRPL (7.9 ± 3.2) and UI (9.0 ± 5.5), even when these conditions were associated with endometriosis (8.9 ± 5.3), compared with fertile patients (5.6 ± 2.4, P < 0.05). Likewise, the ratio of NKp46+:CD56+ cells was higher in women with uRPL (0.28 ± 0.25) and UI (0.21 ± 0.2), even when these conditions were associated with endometriosis (0.19 ± 0.14), compared with fertile patients (0.1 ± 0.1, P < 0.05). No differences were observed when comparing CD56.

Conclusions

Women, with or without endometriosis, who have larger populations of cytotoxic CD16+ uNK cells and/or higher populations of NKp46+CD56+ cells may be at greater risk of infertility disorders resulting from an inflammatory environment occurring during implantation or later during decidualization.
Longitudinal Profiling of Inflammatory Cytokines and C‐reactive Protein during Uncomplicated and Preterm Pregnancy
Authors: Ferguson Kelly K. , McElrath Thomas F. , Chen Yin‐Hsiu , Mukherjee Bhramar , Meeker John D.
Published: May 2014

Problem

Previous studies have investigated the utility of inflammation markers as predictors of preterm birth, but none have compared trends in levels between uncomplicated and preterm pregnancy.

Method of study

We explored longitudinal changes in plasma cytokines, including IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α, as well as C‐reactive protein in pregnant women from a nested case–control study.

Results

IL‐6 was associated with increased odds of spontaneous preterm birth, defined by presentation of spontaneous preterm labor and/or preterm premature rupture of the membranes. Associations were strongest later in pregnancy. IL‐10 was associated with increased odds of placentally mediated preterm birth, defined by presentation with preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction, and odds ratios were also highest near the end of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Maternal inflammation markers were associated with increased risk of preterm birth, and relationships differed by etiology of preterm delivery and gestational age at sample collection.
Extracellular Adenosine Triphosphate Affects Systemic and Kidney Immune Cell Populations in Pregnant Rats
Authors: Spaans Floor , Melgert Barbro N. , Borghuis Theo , Klok Pieter A. , de Vos Paul , Bakker Winston W. , van Goor Harry , Faas Marijke M.
Published: May 2014

Problem

Changes in the systemic immune response are found in preeclampsia. This may be related to high extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. The question arose whether ATP could affect immune responses in pregnancy. Previously, we investigated whether ATP affected monocyte activation and subpopulations. Here, we investigated ATP‐induced changes in other immune cell populations in pregnant rats, systemically and in the kidney, an affected organ in preeclampsia.

Method of study

Using flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry, blood and kidney leukocytes were studied in pregnant and non‐pregnant rats at different intervals after ATP or saline infusion.

Results

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) infusion induced increased peripheral blood non‐classical monocytes and decreased T lymphocyte subsets in pregnant rats only, higher glomerular macrophage and T lymphocyte numbers in non‐pregnant animals 1 day after infusion, and higher glomerular macrophage numbers in pregnant rats 6 days after infusion.

Conclusion

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) infusion in pregnant rats induced a pregnancy‐specific inflammatory response. Increased ATP levels could potentially contribute to development of the inflammatory response of preeclampsia.
Fetal scalp blood sampling in labor – a review
Authors: Jørgensen Jan S. , Weber Tom
Published: May 2014

During the 1970s and 1980s, electronic fetal monitoring and fetal scalp blood sampling were introduced without robust evidence. With a methodical review of the published literature, and using one randomized controlled trial, seven controlled studies, nine randomized studies of various surveillance methods and data from the Danish National Birth Registry, we have assessed the usefulness of fetal scalp blood sampling as a complementary tool to improve the specificity and sensitivity of electronic cardiotocography. Based on heterogeneous studies of modest quality with somewhat inconsistent results, we conclude that fetal scalp blood sampling in conjunction with cardiotocography can reduce the risk of operative delivery. Fetal scalp blood sampling can provide additional information on fetal wellbeing and fetal reserves at a time before decisions are made concerning the need for and timing of operative delivery and the choice of anesthesia, and be an adjunct in the interpretation of cardiotocography patterns.
Discrepancy in term calculation from second trimester ultrasound scan versus last menstrual period in women with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Eidem Ingvild , Vangen Siri , Henriksen Tore , Vollset Stein E. , Hanssen Kristian F. , Joner Geir , Stene Lars C.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To study differences in ultrasound‐based compared to menstrual‐based term estimation in women with type 1 diabetes.

Design

Nationwide register study.

Setting

Norway.

Population

Deliveries in Norway 1999–2004 by women registered in the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry (n = 342) and the background population (n = 307 248), with data on both ultrasound‐based and menstrual‐based gestational age notified in the Birth Registry of Norway. Births with major malformations were excluded.

Methods

Linkage of two nationwide registries, the Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry.

Main outcome measures

Estimated gestational age at delivery based on routine second trimester ultrasound measurements and last menstrual period.

Results

In women with type 1 diabetes, the distribution of gestational age at delivery was shifted considerably towards a lower gestational age when using second trimester ultrasound data for estimation, compared with last menstrual period data. The difference between the two estimation methods was larger among women with type 1 diabetes, although also evident in the general population. One in four women with diabetes and a certain last menstrual period date had their ultrasound‐calculated term postponed 1 week or more, while one in 10 had it postponed 2 weeks or more. Corresponding numbers in the background population were one in five and one in 20.

Conclusions

We found a systematic postponement of ultrasound‐based compared with menstrual‐based term estimation in women with type 1 diabetes. Relying solely on routine ultrasound‐based term calculation for delivery decision may imply a risk of going beyond an optimal pregnancy length.
Adverse Drug Reactions Causing Hospital Admissions in Childhood: A Prospective, Observational, Single‐Centre Study
Authors: Langerová Petra , Vrtal Jiří , Urbánek Karel
Published: May 2014

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common problems in both paediatric and adult medicine. The aim of this study was to prospectively identify the ADRs causing hospital admission of children and identification of the risk factors and involved drugs. The study was performed at the University Hospital in Olomouc, Czech Republic. All patients aged 19 years or under admitted to hospital were included in the study, and all admissions for ADRs were prospectively screened for a period of 9 months. Suspected ADRs were subsequently evaluated in detail, and causality assessment was undertaken to determine whether each suspected reaction was possible, probable or definite. The assessment of ADR causality was performed using the Naranjo algorithm, the Liverpool ADR Causality Assessment Tool and the Edwards and Aronson causality assessment method. During the study period, 2903 admissions were identified; of these, there were 143 admissions of patients with an oncological disease. Sixty‐four admissions (2.2%) were caused by an ADR. Anticancer chemotherapy accounted for 35% of the cases, followed by antibiotics (18%), immunosuppressants and vaccines (9% each). The use of different scoring systems does not lead to the differences in the numbers of ADR‐diagnosed patient but may result in differences in the determination of the level of certainty. ADRs cause a substantial proportion of children's hospital admissions. The majority of the ADR‐diagnosed patient affected the hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems; the drugs most frequently involved were cytotoxic agents and antibiotics. The most important risk factors identified were female sex and oncological disease.
Child welfare inequalities: new evidence, further questions
Authors: Bywaters Paul , Brady Geraldine , Sparks Tim , Bos Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Research internationally has identified large differences in rates of child safeguarding interventions, recently characterized as child welfare inequalities, markers of social inequalities in childhood with parallels to inequalities in health and education. This paper reports a Nuffield Foundation‐funded study to examine the role of deprivation in explaining differences in key children's services interventions between and within local authorities (LAs). The study involved an analysis of descriptive data on over 10% of children on child protection plans or in out‐of‐home care in 14 English LAs at 31 March 2012. The data demonstrate very large inequalities in rates of child welfare interventions within and between LAs, systematically related to levels of deprivation. There is evidence of a gradient in child welfare inequalities across the whole of society. There also appears to be an equivalent of the inverse care law for health: For any given level of deprivation in local neighbourhoods, LAs with lower overall levels of deprivation were intervening more often. The findings raise fundamental questions for research, policy and practice including whether the allocation of children's service resources sufficiently recognize the impact of deprivation on demand and how we judge whether a safeguarding system is effective at the population level.
Graft and viral outcomes in retransplantation for hepatitis C virus recurrence and HCV primary liver transplantation: a case–control study
Authors: Martí Josep , De la Serna Sofia , Crespo Gonzalo , Forns Xavier , Ferrer Joana , Fondevila Constantino , Navasa Miquel , Fuster Josep , García‐Valdecasas Juan Carlos
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The use of liver retransplantation (ReLT) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence is controversial because of subsequent viral recurrence after ReLT.

Methods

Case–control analysis between patients undergoing ReLT for HCV reinfection between 1993 and 2012 (ReLT group: 26 patients) and patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for HCV infection immediately before and after each ReLT (LT group: 52 patients).

Results

ReLT group had worse hepatocellular function, higher preoperative viral load, higher transfusion requirements, and increased number of postoperative complications than LT group. ReLT patients showed a trend toward worse graft survival compared with LT (five‐yr graft survival: 42.3% vs. 64.3%, p = 0.145), but the rate of severe HCV recurrence and infection‐free survival (IFS) was similar. The use of donors older than 60 yr led to a lower IFS and graft survival in both groups. Early severe HCV infection rate was similar in both groups, but it affected prognosis in ReLT more markedly than in LT (three‐yr graft survival: 0% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

ReLT for HCV reinfection has acceptable results when strict selection policies of donor and recipient are applied. However, early severe recurrence more markedly impairs prognosis in ReLT patients than in LT.
Incisional hernia after liver transplantation: risk factors and health‐related quality of life
Authors: de Goede Barry , Eker Hasan H. , Klitsie Pieter J. , van Kempen Bob J.H. , Polak Wojtek G. , Hop Wim C.J. , Metselaar Herold J. , Tilanus Hugo W. , Lange Johan F. , Kazemier Geert
Published: May 2014

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to analyze the incidence of incisional hernia after liver transplantation (LT), to determine potential risk factors for their development, and to assess their impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients who underwent LT through a J‐shaped incision with a minimum follow‐up of three months were included. Follow‐up was conducted at the outpatient clinic. Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and body image questionnaire (BIQ) were used for the assessment of HRQoL. A total of 140 patients was evaluated. The mean follow‐up period was 33 (SD 20) months. Sixty patients (43%) were diagnosed with an incisional hernia. Multivariate analysis revealed surgical site infection (OR 5.27, p = 0.001), advanced age (OR 1.05, p = 0.003), and prolonged ICU stay (OR 1.54, p = 0.022) to be independent risk factors for development of incisional hernia after LT. Patients with an incisional hernia experienced significantly diminished HRQoL with respect to physical, social, and mental aspects. In conclusion, patients who undergo LT exhibit a high incidence of incisional hernia, which has a considerable impact on HRQoL. Development of incisional hernia was shown to be related to surgical site infection, advanced age, and prolonged ICU stay.
Associations of suPAR with lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors
Authors: Botha Shani , Fourie Carla M. T. , Schutte Rudolph , Kruger Annamarie , Schutte Aletta E.
Published: May 2014

Background

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a novel indicator of low‐grade inflammation, is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in the general population, while an unhealthy lifestyle influences inflammatory status. We aimed to explore the relationship of suPAR with lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors in a black South African population.

Design

This cross‐sectional study includes 1068 men and women (56·4 ± 10·1 years) from the North West province who took part in the South African leg of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study in 2010. Captured data included a detailed lifestyle profile (tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity, psychological and dietary intake status), biochemical analyses (suPAR, C‐reactive protein (CRP), glucose and lipids), as well as cardiovascular and anthropometric measurements.

Results

In exploratory analyses, we observed positive relationships between suPAR and lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use (P‐trend < 0·001), both alcohol consumption (P‐trend = 0·001) and γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (P‐trend < 0·001) and unemployment (P‐trend = 0·002). suPAR and CRP correlated significantly (r = 0·23; P < 0·001). These relationships were confirmed in multiple regression analyses as suPAR independently associated with tobacco use (β = 0·13; P < 0·001), GGT (β = 0·24; P < 0·001) and unemployment (β = 0·07; P = 0·039). suPAR did not associate with the cardiometabolic factors glucose, lipids, blood pressure or measures of adiposity.

Conclusion

suPAR was independently associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, but not with cardiometabolic risk factors suggesting that suPAR, as known predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality, is augmented by modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. These findings emphasise the need for a healthy lifestyle to decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease in Africans.
Temporal variability of forest communities: empirical estimates of population change in 4000 tree species
Authors: Chisholm Ryan A. , Condit Richard , Rahman K. Abd. , Baker Patrick J. , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Chen Yu‐Yun , Chuyong George , Dattaraja H. S. , Davies Stuart , Ewango Corneille E. N. , Gunatilleke C. V. S. , Nimal Gunatilleke I. A. U. , Hubbell Stephen , Kenfack David , Kiratiprayoon Somboon , Lin Yiching , Makana Jean‐Remy , Pongpattananurak Nantachai , Pulla Sandeep , Punchi‐Manage Ruwan , Sukumar Raman , Su Sheng‐Hsin , Sun I‐Fang , Suresh H. S. , Tan Sylvester , Thomas Duncan , Yap Sandra
Published: May 2014

Long‐term surveys of entire communities of species are needed to measure fluctuations in natural populations and elucidate the mechanisms driving population dynamics and community assembly. We analysed changes in abundance of over 4000 tree species in 12 forests across the world over periods of 6–28 years. Abundance fluctuations in all forests are large and consistent with population dynamics models in which temporal environmental variance plays a central role. At some sites we identify clear environmental drivers, such as fire and drought, that could underlie these patterns, but at other sites there is a need for further research to identify drivers. In addition, cross‐site comparisons showed that abundance fluctuations were smaller at species‐rich sites, consistent with the idea that stable environmental conditions promote higher diversity. Much community ecology theory emphasises demographic variance and niche stabilisation; we encourage the development of theory in which temporal environmental variance plays a central role.
Can small MPAs protect local populations of a coastal flatfish, Solea senegalensis?
Authors: Abecasis D. , Afonso P. , Erzini K.
Published: May 2014

The benefits of protection of a small (4.3 km2) marine protected area (MPA) for Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, were investigated through experimental fishing trials and long‐term (up to 293 days) passive acoustic telemetry. A total of 106 trammel net sets were carried out between 2007 and 2011. Significant differences in abundance and biomass of sole between bottom types/depths (sandy bottoms between 12 and 20 m deep vs muddy bottoms between 35 and 45 m deep) were found, but no significant differences were attributable to the implementation of the no‐take area. Passive acoustic telemetry revealed that most Senegalese sole spent a large part of their time between first and last detections (average residency index = 69%) inside a relatively small area (average 95% = 1.2 km2), during which they preferred sandy bottoms, the most common habitat inside the MPA. Results also demonstrated that Senegalese sole do regular excursions beyond reserve boundaries, eventually emigrating from the MPA. The results suggest that small coastal MPAs providing adequate habitat may protect individuals of this species while allowing for moderate levels of adult spillover to neighbouring areas.
The role of the microenvironment in human immunodeficiency virus‐associated classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Koulis Athanasios , Trivedi Pritesh , Ibrahim Hazem , Bower Mark , Naresh Kikkeri N
Published: May 2014

Aims

To characterize the microenvironment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). The objective was to identify and then quantify the immune cells present in the microenvironment.

Methods and results

Ten samples of cHL from PLWH were compared with 10 samples of cHL from the general population using tissue microarray technology and immunohistochemistry. Sections were immunostained with antibodies for CD30, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68R, CD56, CD57, CD123, FoxP3 and granzyme B. A statistically significant reduction of CD4+ T cells, CD56+ cells, CD57+ cells, CD123+ cells and B cells and an increase in numbers in FoxP3+CD8+ cells was observed in cHL diagnosed in PLWH. No significant differences were seen in the number of CD8+ T cells, CD4+FoxP3+ T cells and macrophages.

Conclusion

There are considerable differences in the microenvironment of cHL occurring with and without HIV.
Effect of packaging materials and storage temperature on the quality of sour cherry nectar
Authors: Bakan Ayşe , Ekşi Aziz
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of the packaging materials and size on the stability of monomeric anthocyanins, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, colour index and hydroxyl methyl furfural (HMF) during the 12‐month shelf life of sour cherry nectars at 4 °C and 20 °C. Sour cherry nectars were aseptically filled out into packaging of different sizes and materials. The packaging included cartons of two different sizes (200 and 1000 mL) and aluminium cans (330 mL). Results showed that the nectars were of better quality when stored at lower temperatures. HMF generally increased significantly for all nectars during storage. Conversely, the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity of the nectars stored in aluminium cans and the larger‐sized carton packaging decreased during storage. Lower anthocyanin loss and colour change were found in the nectars stored in aluminium cans. However, the better packaging material was found to be the large‐sized carton package when HMF was analysed.
Potential urine and serum biomarkers for patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis
Authors: Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: May 2014

There is a lack of consensus on the pathophysiology of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. The chronic pain symptoms of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis refractory to local treatment could be a result of central nervous system sensitization and persisting abnormalities in the bladder wall, which activate the afferent sensory system. Evidence also shows that bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis is a heterogeneous syndrome and that the two subtypes, the ulcerative (classic) and non‐ulcerative types, represent different disease entities. There is a need for non‐invasive markers for the differential diagnoses of the subtypes of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis, and between bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis and bladder sensory disorders, such as hypersensitive bladder syndrome or overactive bladder. Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis, but not overactive bladder, involves an aberrant differentiation program in the bladder urothelium that leads to altered synthesis of several proteoglycans, cell adhesion and tight junction proteins, and bacterial defense molecules. These findings have led to the rationale for identifying urinary biomarkers to detect bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis in patients with frequency urgency syndrome. Recently, the markers that have been the focus of the most research are antiproliferative factor, epidermal growth factor, heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor, glycosaminoglycans and bladder nitric oxide. In addition, inflammatory proteins in the urine and serum play important roles in the pathogenesis of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. The urinary proteome is an easily accessible source of biomarkers for differentiation between inflammatory bladder disorders. Analysis of multiple urinary proteins and serum cytokines could provide a diagnostic basis for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis, and could be a tool for the differential diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis and other sensory bladder disorders.