bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is a Free State? Republican Internationalism and Globalisation
Authors: Laborde Cécile , Ronzoni Miriam
Published: February 2015

This article addresses an underexplored area of investigation within the global justice debate: To what extent does globalisation structurally undermine the freedom of states? And if it does, what type of injustice does this constitute? It is argued here that a republican theory of freedom as non-domination is better equipped than existing cosmopolitan and social liberal accounts to explain the systemic connections between domestic, international and global injustice. The forms of unchecked power that globalisation sets off create new opportunities for the domination of states – by other states as well as by non-states actors. And when citizens live in dominated states, they are themselves exposed to domination. The upshot is a normative analysis of the global arena that attributes a central role to states, yet is deeply critical of the status quo.
Participation, Representation and Expertise: Citizen Preferences for Political Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Font Joan , Wojcieszak Magdalena , Navarro Clemente J.
Published: February 2015

In this article, it is shown that citizen process preferences are complex and include several dimensions. The argument relies on data from a representative sample of Spanish citizens (N = 2,450) to assess these dimensions. Using confirmatory factor analysis as well as Mokken analysis, it is shown that citizen process preferences capture support for three different models: participatory, representative and expert-based. The relationships between these dimensions (where the opposition between representation and participation stands as the clearest result) and the substantive and methodological implications of these findings are discussed.
Parents' experiences of diagnostic processes of young children in Norwegian day‐care institutions
Authors: Wilhelmsen Terese , Nilsen Randi Dyblie
Published: February 2015

Framed by the sociology of childhood and Foucauldian‐inspired perspectives, this article is focused on parents' experiences of parent–professional encounters in diagnostic processes of young children enrolled in Norwegian early childhood education and care (ECEC) institutions or schools. Based on qualitative interviews with parents, we explore how they participate and manoeuvre in encounters with professionals during processes in which their children were constructed as different in a space of normality and deviance, while also bringing their own understandings of their children to the fore. From our analysis, it appears that parents manoeuvre between complying with and adapting to, as well as negotiating and resisting the constructions put forward by the professionals.
‘Fat girls’ and ‘big guys’: gendered meanings of weight loss surgery
Authors: Temple Newhook Julia , Gregory Deborah , Twells Laurie
Published: February 2015

Over 80% of weight loss surgery (WLS) patients are women, yet gender is overwhelmingly absent in WLS research. This article discusses the findings of 54 interviews with twenty‐one women and six men waiting for WLS in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We critically examine the ways that gender shapes the meaning of WLS in these narratives. We explore gendered meanings in participants’ perspectives on their embodied experiences before surgery, social support as they decided to undergo the procedure, and their expectations for their lives after WLS. We draw on feminist theory to explain how these findings counter the dominant gender‐neutral medical model of obesity.
Poles apart: does the export of mental health expertise from the Global North to the Global South represent a neutral relocation of knowledge and practice?
Authors: Cox Nigel , Webb Lucy
Published: February 2015

The World Health Organization's Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020 identifies actions for all member states to alleviate the global burden of mental ill health, including an obligation for mental healthcare to be delivered in a ‘culturally appropriate’ manner. In this article we argue that such a requirement is problematic, not least because such pronouncements remain framed by the normative prepositions of Western medical and psychological practice and their associated ethical, legal and institutional standpoints. As such, when striving to export Western mental health expertise, different paradigms for evidence will be necessary to deliver locally meaningful interventions to low and middle income countries. Our discussion highlights a number of philosophical concerns regarding methodologies for future research practice, including those relating to representation and exclusion in the guise of epistemic injury, presumptive methodologies arising from Western notions of selfhood, and related ethical issues.
Early adolescents' and their parents' mental imagery in relation to perceived reading competence
Authors: Mol Suzanne E. , Jolles Jelle , Van Batenburg‐Eddes Tamara , Bult Maureen K.
Published: February 2015

This cross‐sectional survey study examined the relation between mental imagery (i.e., seeing images of a story ‘in the mind's eye’) and perceived self‐competence in reading. The study was conducted with a group of seventh‐grade to ninth‐grade students in the prevocational educational track of secondary schools in the Netherlands and their parents. Results showed a moderate relation between mental imagery and self‐competence beliefs, also after controlling for the quality of students' home literacy environment. Examination of gender differences revealed that girls outperformed boys in self‐competence beliefs. Furthermore, boys perceived themselves as better readers when their parents had higher mental imagery skills. No direct relation was found between parents' and adolescents' mental imagery skills. These findings imply that parents and teachers may need to be made aware of the importance of mental imagery strategies as it may enhance the reading experiences of boys as well as girls.
Incidence, risk factors, management and outcomes of amniotic‐fluid embolism: a population‐based cohort and nested case–control study
Authors: Fitzpatrick KE , Tuffnell D , Kurinczuk JJ , Knight M
Published: February 2015

Objective

To describe the incidence, risk factors, management and outcomes of amniotic‐fluid embolism (AFE) over time.

Design

A population‐based cohort and nested case–control study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS).

Setting

All UK hospitals with obstetrician‐led maternity units.

Population

All women diagnosed with AFE in the UK between February 2005 and January 2014 (n = 120) and 3839 control women.

Methods

Prospective case and control identification through UKOSS monthly mailing.

Main outcome measures

Amniotic‐fluid embolism, maternal death or permanent neurological injury.

Results

The total and fatal incidence of AFE, estimated as 1.7 and 0.3 per 100 000, respectively, showed no significant temporal trend over the study period and there was no notable temporal change in risk factors for AFE. Twenty‐three women died (case fatality 19%) and seven (7%) of the surviving women had permanent neurological injury. Women who died or had permanent neurological injury were more likely to present with cardiac arrest (83% versus 33%, P < 0.001), be from ethnic‐minority groups (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.85, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–8.00), have had a hysterectomy (unadjusted OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.02–6.06), had a shorter time interval between the AFE event and when the hysterectomy was performed (median interval 77 minutes versus 248 minutes, P = 0.0315), and were less likely to receive cryoprecipitate (unadjusted OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.80).

Conclusion

There is no evidence of a temporal change in the incidence of or risk factors for AFE. Further investigation is needed to establish whether earlier treatments can reverse the cascade of deterioration leading to severe outcomes.
Diagnosing the Problem of Anti-Politicians: A Review and an Agenda
Authors: Corbett Jack
Published: February 2015

In response to growing popular dissatisfaction with politics and politicians, several scholars have sought to explain the cause of this malaise and demonstrate what can be done about it. To tease out the signiﬁcance of four recent additions to this discussion, this article reviews how they diagnose the problem of anti-politicians and what they consider the cure might be. Riddell and Flinders, it is argued, view the problem in terms of an expectations ‘gap’, while Kane and Patapan, and Medvic cast it as a leadership ‘paradox’ or an expectations ‘trap’. The former two primarily see greater citizen participation, generated via institutional reform or revived civic values, as the solution, whereas the latter two question whether the problem can or should be solved at all. The article concludes that while these books provide important insights, by and large they neglect to take serious or systematic account of the views, experiences and reﬂections of political leaders themselves. To take this research agenda forward, this omission warrants further attention.

Flinders, M. (2012) Defending Politics: Why Democracy Matters in the Twenty-First Century. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Kane, J. and Patapan, H. (2012) The Democratic Leader: How Democracy Deﬁnes, Empowers and Limits its Leaders. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Medvic, S. (2013) In Defense of Politicians. The Expectations Trap and Its Threat to Democracy. New York: Routledge.

Riddell, P. (2011) In Defence of Politicians (In spite of Themselves). London: Biteback.
Real Politics and the Concept of Political Corruption
Authors: Navot Doron
Published: February 2015

This article explores some of the challenges generated by recent attempts to relate the concept of political corruption to real politics. It shows that the three distinct arguments upon which scholars who conceptualize political corruption through the lens of real politics often rely are ambiguous, and posit standards for the use of power on the basis of naive or conservative assumptions about politics. The article then contends that we do need to consider real politics in the study of political corruption, but not in the manner or for the reasons suggested in much current scholarship. Speciﬁcally, examining real politics can help us determine the form of any given case of political corruption. In making this argument, the article attempts to avoid the problems that accompany most real-politics-based understandings of corruption while retaining concern for how the discourse around political corruption might inﬂuence political study and democratic politics.
Surface Curvature of Pelvic Joints from Three Laser Scanners: Separating Anatomy from Measurement Error
Authors: Villa Chiara , Gaudio Daniel , Cattaneo Cristina , Buckberry Jo , Wilson Andrew S. , Lynnerup Niels
Published: February 2015

Recent studies have reported that quantifying symphyseal and auricular surface curvature changes on 3D models acquired by laser scanners has a potential for age estimation. However, no tests have been carried out to evaluate the repeatability of the results between different laser scanners. 3D models of the two pelvic joints were generated using three laser scanners (Custom, Faro, and Minolta). The surface curvature, the surface area, and the distance between co‐registered meshes were investigated. Close results were found for surface areas (differences between 0.3% and 2.4%) and for distance deviations (average <20 μm, SD <200 μm). The curvature values were found to be systematically biased between different laser scanners, but still showing similar trends with increasing phases/scores. Applying a smoothing factor to the 3D models, it was possible to separate anatomy from the measurement error of each instrument, so that similar curvature values could be obtained (p < 0.05) independent of the specific laser scanner.
Mucosal Cell Isolation and Analysis from Cellular Mixtures of Three Contributors
Authors: Xu Cheng , Feng Lei , Yang Fan , Jia Jing , Ji An‐Quan , Hu Lan , Li Cai‐Xia
Published: February 2015

In forensic genetic analyses, mixtures of various biological materials are common samples. Micromanipulation, which is performed based on differences in cellular morphology, is an effective method for the isolation of cells from mixtures. In this study, mucosal cell was isolated from somatic cellular mixtures (blood and saliva) based on micromanipulation and a low volume‐PCR (LV‐PCR) platform. One hundred and twenty‐six parallel LV‐PCR processes were performed using an Identifiler® kit, with 107 reactions yielding single‐source DNA profiles. Among them, 54 full profiles (50%) and 37 partial profiles (13–15 loci) were obtained. Based on the above method, we obtained a single‐source DNA profile from a cigarette butt contaminated by two victims’ blood in a murder case. The generated genotype was used to query a DNA database, and a perfect match was found.
The Development of Parliamentary Privilege, 1604–29
Authors: Hunneyball Paul M.
Published: February 2015

The early Stuart parliaments witnessed a dramatic expansion in the exercise and scope of parliamentary privilege. What had once been essentially a mechanism for avoiding disruption to parliamentary business came, instead, to be seen as a personal benefit for members, or even a political weapon for use against the crown. While such developments occurred in both Houses, it was the Lords which normally led the way, continually pushing the boundaries of privilege as part of a general reassertion of its rights and status. While the Commons also proved capable of innovation in this field, it is the Lords which emerges from this survey as the more assertive of the two Houses, better organised and much more effective in exploiting the advantages that parliamentary privilege now provided.
Authentication of Geographical Origin and Crop System of Grape Juices by Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity Using Chemometrics
Authors: Granato Daniel , Koot Alex , Schnitzler Egon , van Ruth Saskia M.
Published: February 2015

The main goal of this work was to propose an authentication model based on the phenolic composition and antioxidant and metal chelating capacities of purple grape juices produced in Brazil and Europe in order to assess their typicality. For this purpose, organic, conventional, and biodynamic grape juices produced in Brazil (n = 65) and in Europe (n = 31) were analyzed and different multivariate class‐modeling and classification statistical techniques were employed to differentiate juices based on the geographical origin and crop system. Overall, Brazilian juices, regardless of the crop system adopted, presented higher contents of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids, total monomeric anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanols, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, delphinidin‐3‐glucoside, and malvidin‐3,5‐glucoside. No differences were observed for trans‐resveratrol, malvidin‐3‐glucoside, and pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside between countries and among crop systems. A total of 91% of Brazilian and 97% of European juices were adroitly classified using partial least squares discriminant analysis when the producing region was considered (92% efficiency), in which the free‐radical scavenging activity toward 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, content of total phenolic compounds, gallic acid, and malvidin‐3‐glucoside were the variables responsible for the classification. Intraregional models based on soft independent modeling of class analogy were able to differentiate organic from conventional Brazilian juices as well as conventional and organic/biodynamic European juices.
Comparison of Two Extraction Techniques, Solid‐Phase Microextraction Versus Continuous Liquid–Liquid Extraction/Solvent‐Assisted Flavor Evaporation, for the Analysis of Flavor Compounds in Gueuze Lambic Beer
Authors: Thompson‐Witrick Katherine A. , Rouseff Russell L. , Cadawallader Keith R. , Duncan Susan E. , Eigel William N. , Tanko James M. , O'Keefe Sean F.
Published: February 2015

Lambic is a beer style that undergoes spontaneous fermentation and is traditionally produced in the Payottenland region of Belgium, a valley on the Senne River west of Brussels. This region appears to have the perfect combination of airborne microorganisms required for lambic's spontaneous fermentation. Gueuze lambic is a substyle of lambic that is made by mixing young (approximately 1 year) and old (approximately 2 to 3 years) lambics with subsequent bottle conditioning. We compared 2 extraction techniques, solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and continuous liquid–liquid extraction/solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (CCLE/SAFE), for the isolation of volatile compounds in commercially produced gueuze lambic beer. Fifty‐four volatile compounds were identified and could be divided into acids (14), alcohols (12), aldehydes (3), esters (20), phenols (3), and miscellaneous (2). SPME extracted a total of 40 volatile compounds, whereas CLLE/SAFE extracted 36 volatile compounds. CLLE/SAFE extracted a greater number of acids than SPME, whereas SPME was able to isolate a greater number of esters. Neither extraction technique proved to be clearly superior and both extraction methods can be utilized for the isolation of volatile compounds found in gueuze lambic beer.
Effects of Plant Polyphenols and α‐Tocopherol on Lipid Oxidation, Microbiological Characteristics, and Biogenic Amines Formation in Dry‐Cured Bacons
Authors: Wang Yongli , Li Feng , Zhuang Hong , Li Lianghao , Chen Xiao , Zhang Jianhao
Published: February 2015

Effects of plant polyphenols (tea polyphenol [TP], grape seed extract [GSE], and gingerol) and α‐tocopherol on physicochemical parameters, microbiological counts, and biogenic amines were determined in dry‐cured bacons at the end of ripening. Results showed that plant polyphenols and α‐tocopherol significantly decreased pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) compared with the control (P < 0.05). Microbial counts and biogenic amine contents in dry‐cured bacons were affected by plant polyphenols or α‐tocopherol, with TP being the most effective (P < 0.05) in reducing aerobic plate counts, Enterobacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae, yeast, and molds, as well as in inhibiting formation of putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, and spermine. Principal component analysis indicated that the first 2 principal components (PC) explained about 85.5% of the total variation. PC1 was related with physicochemical factors, parts of biogenic amines, and spoilage microorganisms, whereas PC2 grouped the TVBN, tyramine, 2‐phenylethylamine, yeast, and molds. These findings suggest that plant polyphenols, especially TP, could be used to process dry‐cured bacons to improve the quality and safety of finished products.
Heat‐Induced Gelation Mechanism of Blood Plasma Modulated by Cysteine
Authors: Saguer E. , Alvarez P. , Fort N. , Espigulé E. , Parés D. , Toldrà M. , Carretero C.
Published: February 2015

This work aims to determine changes at molecular level of plasma proteins provoked by adding cysteine (Cys, 0.025% to 0.35% w/v) as a reducing agent and their relationship with the heat‐induced gel properties obtained when subsequently the solutions were submitted to a thermal treatment. Results show that adding Cys to plasma solutions at concentrations ≥0.15% actually entails modifications in the secondary structure of their main proteins, that is, serum albumin–α‐helix rich–and globulin fraction–β‐sheet rich. Basically, a reduction of the intensity of the infrared (IR) bands assigned to both structures takes place concomitant to an increase of extended structures that seem to act as intermediates for the subsequent protein aggregation process through nonnative intermolecular β‐sheets. Cleavage of disulfide bonds is also evidenced at Cys concentrations ≥0.15% by nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), with the effects being directly proportional to Cys concentration. However, beneficial effects on gel hardness are gradually obtained at Cys concentrations ≤0.15%, that is, when the effects at molecular level are at most just budding, while not more improvements on this textural parameter are obtained at higher Cys concentrations. By contrast, water retention capacity is gradually diminishing as Cys concentration increases, but with a significant reduction only obtained at the highest tested concentration. These results suggest a negative effect of Cys on gel microstructure at high concentrations, which probably can be attributed to protein aggregation taking place at room temperature.
Development and Characterization of Different Black Raspberry Confection Matrices Designed for Delivery of Phytochemicals
Authors: Gu Junnan , Ahn‐Jarvis Jennifer H. , Vodovotz Yael
Published: February 2015

Three forms of confections containing black raspberries (BRB) powder were developed to provide controlled release of phytochemicals for oral disease prevention. Our objective was to investigate the impact of varying confection matrices on the release rate of BRB phytochemicals. Confections were developed and prepared. Textural properties of confections were analyzed, compared and correlated with the release rate of phytochemicals from BRB confections within vitrodissolution test. In the results, BRB content reached 22% in hard candy and pectin‐based confections and 40% in starch‐based confections, respectively. Pectin‐ and starch‐based confections retained >93% of its original anthocyanins after processing while hard candy had 59%. Starch confections showed higher G’ in rheological analysis and higher hardness but lower cohesiveness and springiness in textural profile analysis than pectin confections (P< 0.05). The confection types showed different microstructure with scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Corresponding to their physicochemical properties, confections showed fast (hard candy), intermediate (pectin confections), and slow (starch confections) release rates with a final releasing time of 90, 150, and 540 min in dissolution studies. Three confections were rated between neither like nor dislike to like slightly (n= 60). Pectin confections had the highest overall acceptance (like slightly) and 62% of subjects rated this type of confection as the most liked ones. These results indicate that delivery matrix could modulate the phytochemical release rate from BRB confection and also influence sensory preference.
Persistent shifts in Caribbean coral microbiota are linked to the 2010 warm thermal anomaly
Authors: Tracy Allison M. , Koren Omry , Douglas Nancy , Weil Ernesto , Harvell C. Drew
Published: February 2015

The response of corals to warm temperature anomalies includes changes in coral bacterial assemblages. There are clear differences between the microbiota of bleached and healthy corals. However, few studies have tracked the microbiota of individual colonies throughout a warming event. We used 454 pyrosequencing and repeated measures to characterize bacterial assemblages in 15 Gorgonia ventalina colonies before, during, 4 months after, and 1 year after the 2010 Caribbean warm thermal anomaly. In the latter three sampling times, the G. ventalina microbiota differed significantly from the microbiota of Orbicella faveolata colonies, which were sampled only at these three times. O. faveolata microbiota did not exhibit coordinated shifts through time. Notably, the microbiota of the repeatedly sampled G. ventalina colonies shifted persistently from before to during, after, and long after the warming event. The same pattern emerges from the norm of reaction for the individual G. ventalina colonies. This is the first study to show persistent shifts in coral microbiota in association with a warm thermal anomaly. Whether shifting microbiota is adaptive or maladaptive, the lasting change in bacterial assemblages following this warming event identifies a new way that coral microbiota shape the response of coral colonies under thermal stress.
Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 gene reporters interrogating the dibenzofuran metabolic network highlight conditions for early successful development in contaminated microcosms
Authors: Coronado Edith , Valtat Annabelle , van der Meer Jan R.
Published: February 2015

In order to better understand the fate and activity of bacteria introduced into contaminated material for the purpose of enhancing biodegradation rates, we constructed Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 variants with gene reporters interrogating dibenzofuran metabolic activity. Three potential promoters from the dibenzofuran metabolic network were selected and fused to the gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The stability of the resulting genetic constructions in RW1 was examined, with plasmids based on the broad‐host range vector pME6012 being the most reliable. One of the selected promoters, upstream of the gene Swit_4925 for a putative 2‐hydroxy‐2,4‐pentadienoate hydratase, was inducible by growth on dibenzofuran. Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 equipped with the Swit_4925 promoter egfp fusion grew in a variety of non‐sterile sandy microcosms contaminated with dibenzofuran and material from a former gasification site. The strain also grew in microcosms without added dibenzofuran but to a very limited extent, and EGFP expression indicated the formation of consistent small subpopulations of cells with an active inferred dibenzofuran metabolic network. Evidence was obtained for competition for dibenzofuran metabolites scavenged by resident bacteria in the gasification site material, which resulted in a more rapid decline of the RW1 population. Our results show the importance of low inoculation densities in order to observe the population development of the introduced bacteria and further illustrate that the limited availability of unique carbon substrate may be the most important factor impinging growth.
Subsequent treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor failure in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qiao Xiaojuan , Zhang Ye , Wang Jinghui , Nong Jingying , Li Xi , Yang Xinjie , Lv Jialin , Zhang Hui , Qin Na , Zhang Quan , Yue Wentao , Zhang Shucai
Published: February 2015

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) effectively treat advanced non‐small cell lung cancer with EGFR‐mutation. However, most patients develop acquired resistance without effective therapy subsequent to EGFR‐TKI failure. We evaluated the efficacy of subsequent treatment strategies for EGFR‐TKI resistance.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 240 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR‐TKI failure and following subsequent treatment. According to the first subsequent strategies after EGFR‐TKI failure, patients were divided into groups of EGFR‐TKI continuation (21 cases), EGFR‐TKI continuation with chemotherapy (23 cases), chemotherapy alone (143 cases), and best supportive care (BSC) (53 cases).

Results

Except for 53 cases of BSC, the disease control rates (DCR) of the remaining 187 patients in the EGFR‐TKI continuation, EGFR‐TKI continuation with chemotherapy, and chemotherapy alone groups were 66.7%, 73.9%, and 44.8%, respectively. The median post‐progression progression‐free survival (PFS) for the three groups was 3.0, 3.3, and 2.0 months, respectively. The DCR for the EGFR‐TKI continuation with chemotherapy group was significantly higher than the chemotherapy alone group (P = 0.006). The post‐progression PFS of the EGFR‐TKI continuation with chemotherapy group was significantly longer than the chemotherapy alone group (P = 0.037). The median overall survival in the EGFR‐TKI continuation, EGFR‐TKI continuation with chemotherapy, chemotherapy alone, and BSC groups were 6.9, 11.6, 8.8, and 0.9 months, respectively. Compared to the BSC group, all groups achieved a survival benefit (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

EGFR‐TKI continuation with chemotherapy could provide benefits for patients with acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKI.
Activated estrogen receptor‐mitogen‐activated protein kinases cross talk confer acquired resistance to lapatinib
Authors: Li Zhe , Yang Sheng‐Sheng , Yin Pei‐Hao , Chang Tao , Shi Lin‐Xiang , Fang Lin , Fang Guo‐En
Published: February 2015

Background

The efficacy of lapatinib is limited by the development of acquired resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of estrogen receptor (ER) signaling compensatory activation in acquired resistance to lapatinib in breast cancer cells BT474 and the related mechanism.

Methods

Acquired resistant cell model resistant (r)BT474 was generated with an increasing concentration of lapatinib. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to determine the changes of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 and ER pathways in breast cancer cell BT474 after treatment with lapatinib and the distinction between BT474 and rBT474. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and colony formation assays were employed to detect the proliferation of rBT474 and BT474 cells treated with lapatinib and/or an ER inhibitor, fulvestrant, respectively.

Results

Lapatinib could inhibit phosphorylation of HER2 and induce expression of forkhead‐box protein O3a and progesterone receptor. Acquired resistant cell model rBT474 could grow in the presence of 5 μM lapatinib, with an apoptosis rate of only 5%. Significant inhibition of phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway and the activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and ER pathways were detected in rBT474, compared with BT474. Furthermore, the expressions of Src phosphorylation and caveolin‐1 were also upregulated. The viability of rBT474 was markedly suppressed by the lapatinib/fulvestrant combination in vitro, confirmed by the BT474 xenograft model.

Conclusion

ER signaling compensatory activation may partly contribute to lapatinib acquired resistance in HER2‐overexpressing/ERα‐positive breast cancer cells, which might be related to PI3K/AKT inhibition and MAPK pathway activation.
Use of Prestudy Heparin Did Not Influence the Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban in Patients Treated for Symptomatic Venous Thromboem‐bolism in the EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE Studies
Authors: Prandoni Paolo , Prins Martin H. , Cohen Alexander T. , Müller Katharina , Pap Ákos F. , Tewes Miriam C. , Lensing Anthonie W. A.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

In the EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE studies, the majority of patients received heparins to bridge the period during venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnosis confirmation and the start of the study. In contrast to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), rivaroxaban may not require initial heparin treatment.

Methods

To evaluate the effect of prestudy heparin on the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban relative to enoxaparin/VKA, the 3‐month incidence of recurrent VTE, and the 14‐day incidence of major and nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding were compared in patients who did and did not receive prestudy heparin.

Results

Of the 8,281 patients randomized, 6,937 (83.8%) received prestudy heparin (mean ± SD duration = rivaroxaban: 1.04 [± 0.74] days; enoxaparin 1.03 [± 0.42] days), and 1,344 (16.2%) did not. In patients who did not receive prestudy heparin, the incidences of recurrent VTE were similar in rivaroxaban (15 of 649, 2.3%) and enoxaparin/VKA (13 of 695, 1.9%) patients (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52 to 2.37). The incidences of recurrent VTE were also similar in rivaroxaban (54 of 3,501, 1.5%) and enoxaparin/VKA (69 of 3,436, 2.0%) patients who did receive prestudy heparin (adjusted HR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.52 to 1.06; pinteraction = 0.32). The incidences of major or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding with rivaroxaban were not significantly different from those with enoxaparin/VKA, either with (105 of 3,485, 3.0% vs. 104 of 3,428, 3.0%; adjusted HR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.75 to 1.29) or without (24 of 645, 3.7% vs. 30 of 688, 4.4%; adjusted HR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.46 to 1.40; pinteraction = 0.68) prestudy heparin.

Conclusions

Although the majority of patients in the EINSTEIN studies received prestudy heparin, there were no notable differences in treatment effect of rivaroxaban versus enoxaparin/VKA in those who did and did not receive it.
The Development and Validation of Hand Motion Analysis to Evaluate Competency in Central Line Catheterization
Authors: Clinkard David , Holden Matthew , Ungi Tamas , Messenger David , Davison Colleen , Fichtinger Gabor , McGraw Robert
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Traditionally, technical skills proficiency has been assessed by direct observation. While direct observation and feedback are essential components in technical skills learning, they demand considerable investment of faculty time, and as an assessment tool, direct observation is inherently subjective and has been criticized as unreliable. The purpose of this study was to determine if quantitative electromagnetic motion tracking is feasible and can discriminate between experts and nonexperts during simulated ultrasound (US)‐guided insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC) guidewire.

Methods

Ten nonexperts (junior emergency medicine residents) and 10 experts (critical care fellows or attending physicians) were recruited. Electromagnetic sensor probes were used to capture hand motion during an US‐guided internal jugular cannulation on a standardized manikin. Hand, US, and needle motion were analyzed for the following metrics: total path length, total time, translational movements, and rotational movements. Subjects were also videotaped and evaluated using a modified, validated global rating scale (GRS) by a blinded expert.

Results

There was a significant difference in almost all examined motion parameters between experts and nonexperts. Experts took 66% less time (50.2 seconds vs. 148.7 seconds, p < 0.001) and had significantly less right‐hand and US motion (total path length and translational and rotational movements). Left‐hand total path length was the only parameter that was not significantly different between groups. Concurrent validity of motion parameters was established by strong correlations (r2 > 0.74) to a previously published, modified GRS.

Conclusions

Electromagnetic hand and instrument motion analysis is technically feasible for assessing competence in US‐guided insertion of a CVC guidewire in a simulation setting. In showing that it discriminates between the performances of nonexperts and experts, this study has provided evidence for construct validity. It also shows excellent correlation with a modified version of a previously validated GRS, providing evidence of concurrent validity.
If a frog calls in the forest: Bioacoustic monitoring reveals the breeding phenology of the endangered Richmond Range mountain frog (Philoria richmondensis)
Authors: Willacy Rosalie J. , Mahony Michael , Newell David A.
Published: February 2015

Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate taxon of modern times. Baseline data and affordable methods to monitor populations are absent for many Australian frog species. Furthermore, some species are visually cryptic, and detection often relies upon male advertisement calls. Imperfect detection rates impede our ability to assess the status of populations over time. Understanding the factors that influence calling is essential to inform the timing of survey effort and increase survey efficiency. Automated recording systems offer considerable potential to determine calling phenology and establish the relationship between calling and abiotic factors. The mountain frogs (Philoria Myobatrachidae) of the Gondwana rainforests are considered susceptible to climate change impacts, such as shifts in the timing of calling. In order to describe the calling phenology of Philoria richmondensis, commercially available automated recording systems were deployed at five locations, and over 5000 h of sound recordings were captured and analysed. Peak calling activity occurred during morning and evening periods in the austral spring. Ambient temperature was found to significantly contribute to the probability of a call occurring, with the highest frequency of calls recorded occurring between 15°C and 16°C, and there was a negative relationship between precipitation and calling activity. The results allow future surveys to be better targeted and provide a benchmark with which to detect changes in calling phenology over time.
Rising to the Top: Gender, Political Performance, and Party Leadership in Parliamentary Democracies
Authors: O'Brien Diana Z.
Published: February 2015

Party leaders are the main actors controlling campaign strategies, policy agendas, and government formation in advanced parliamentary democracies. Little is known, however, about gender and party leadership. This article examines gendered leadership patterns across 71 political parties in 11 parliamentary democracies between 1965 and 2013. It shows that men and women have different access to, and experiences in, party leadership and that these gendered political opportunity structures are shaped by parties' political performances. Women are more likely to initially come to power in minor opposition parties and those that are losing seat share. Once selected for the position, female leaders are more likely to retain office when their parties gain seats, but they are also more likely to leave the post when faced with an unfavorable trajectory. Together, these results demonstrate that prospective female leaders are playing by a different (and often more demanding) set of rules than their male counterparts.
Doing Good and Doing Well: Prairie Wetlands, Private Property, and the Public Trust
Authors: Gewertz Deborah , Errington Frederick
Published: February 2015

In this article, we focus on a gift of land and its restoration. The land is a 300‐acre lakeside family farm near Brookings, South Dakota. We gave this farm to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in 2012 to be taken from cropland and restored to prairie wetland—and at a time when high commodity prices are encouraging many farmers to do precisely the opposite, albeit not without challenge. Our intent is to explore a range of critical values—values apparent under conditions of conflict—as they have been playing out in this portion of the U.S. heartland. By going against the grain of contemporary agricultural practice, we have inserted ourselves into this conflict and have become strategically placed to contribute ethnographically to ongoing anthropological, philosophical, and environmental discussions of what nature is worth, to whom (in the past, present, and future), and why. In so doing, we follow in the footsteps of Lewis Henry Morgan and Aldo Leopold, both of whom pondered similar issues in similar places.
Designer steroids – over‐the‐counter supplements and their androgenic component: review of an increasing problem
Authors: Rahnema C. D. , Crosnoe L. E. , Kim E. D.
Published: February 2015

Colloquially referred to by various misleading monikers (‘pro‐hormones’, ‘natural steroids’, ‘testosterone boosters’, etc.) designer anabolic steroids have been popular now for over a decade as a way to achieve classic anabolic steroid‐like results from products sold in the legal marketplace. Recent evidence suggests that anabolic steroid use may be the most common cause of hypogonadism in men of reproductive age. Despite recent regulatory efforts that have banned specific compounds, many anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AAS) remain available in over‐the‐counter dietary supplements that are legally sold in the United States. Severe side effects including hepatotoxicity, cholestasis, renal failure, hypogonadism, gynecomastia, and infertility have been reported secondary to the use of these products. While some of these side effects may be reversible, more aggressive use may result in more permanent end‐organ damage as has been previously described for the case of aggressive AAS users (Rahnema et al., Fertil Steril, 2014). Designer AAS remain easily available for purchase in over‐the‐counter bodybuilding supplements and these products appear to be increasingly popular, despite the known health risks associated with their use. We conducted a systematic search to identify the designer steroids that are most commonly sold in dietary supplements as of April 2014 and review what is known regarding their potency and toxicity. We propose that the impact of AAS use on the reproductive and hormonal health of men is underestimated in the literature owing to previous studies’ failure to account for designer steroid use. Lastly, we make clinical recommendations to help physicians steer patients away from potentially harmful supplements, and summarize key regulatory obstacles that have allowed potent androgens to remain unregulated in the legal marketplace.
Fetal pelvic index to predict cephalopelvic disproportion – a retrospective clinical cohort study
Authors: Korhonen Ulla , Taipale Pekka , Heinonen Seppo
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the fetal pelvic index to predict cephalopelvic disproportion.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Pregnant women who had been examined by X‐ray or magnetic resonance imaging pelvimetry because of an increased risk of fetal–pelvic disproportion during 2000–2008 in North Karelia Central Hospital.

Population

A total of 274 pregnant women.

Methods

Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were carried out to identify risk factors for cesarean section. Diagnostic accuracy was tested with a receiver operating characteristic curve, and the optimal cut‐off value for fetal pelvic index was calculated.

Main outcome measure

Cesarean section rates.

Results

A total of 242 women delivered vaginally, and 32 delivered with cesarean section caused by labor arrest. In multivariable modeling, the fetal pelvic index, maternal pelvic inlet size, fetal head circumference and maternal age were significantly associated with a risk of cesarean section. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under curve was 0.686 with a p‐value of 0.001 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.595–0.778. The optimal fetal pelvic index cut‐off value according to the receiver operating characteristic was −0.65. The cesarean section rate was 8% below the fetal pelvic index value of −0.65 and 20% above the fetal pelvic index value of −0.65.

Conclusions

The fetal pelvic index was not a clinically useful tool to predict the mode of delivery for patients at high risk of cephalopelvic disproportion. The pooled analysis of the current and previous studies strengthened this conclusion.
The increasing incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis outpaces changes in endoscopic and biopsy practice: national population‐based estimates from Denmark
Authors: Dellon E. S. , Erichsen R. , Baron J. A. , Shaheen N. J. , Vyberg M. , Sorensen H. T. , Pedersen L.
Published: February 2015

Background

National population‐based medical registries in Denmark offer a unique opportunity to study eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) epidemiology.

Aim

To determine the incidence and prevalence of EoE in Denmark, and evaluate whether an increase in endoscopy with biopsy activity explains changes in these trends.

Methods

The Danish National Pathology Registry, Danish National Patient Registry and Danish Registry of Medicinal Product Statistics were queried from 1997 to 2012. Using an EoE case‐finding algorithm validated for Danish patients, EoE cases were identified during each year of the study period; we also identified all patients with oesophageal eosinophilia. Using the known population of Demark, the annual incidence and prevalence of EoE were determined. We also determined the number of oesophageal biopsies performed each year in Denmark, and compared the change in the incidence rate to the change in biopsy rate.

Results

Between 1997 and 2012, 1708 patients had oesophageal eosinophilia, of whom 844 met the case definition of EoE. There were seven new cases of EoE in 1997 and 145 new cases in 2012, corresponding to a 19.5‐fold increase in incidence (0.13/100 000 to 2.6/100 000). There were 769 total cases in 2012 (prevalence of 13.8/100 000). Over the same time frame, the oesophageal biopsy rate increased only 1.9 fold, from 91.1/100 000 to 175.3/100 000.

Conclusions

The incidence and prevalence of EoE markedly increased in Denmark over the past 15 years. This increase far outpaced the increase in oesophageal biopsy utilisation, indicating that changes in the frequency of EoE are not due to changes in biopsy rates alone.
Usefulness of laparoscopic cholecystostomy in children with complicated choledochal cyst
Authors: Yamoto Masaya , Urushihara Naoto , Fukumoto Koji , Miyano Go , Nouso Hiroshi , Morita Keiichi , Miyake Hiromu , Kaneshiro Masakatsu , Koyama Mariko
Published: February 2015

Introduction

In children with choledochal cysts (CC), obstruction of the discharge of bile or pancreatic juice is frequently observed, and biliary perforation and severe pancreatitis may occur. In such cases, temporary drainage is necessary to stabilize these patients. We employed laparoscopic cholecystostomy followed by laparoscopic cyst excision in cases with complicated CC.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2013, emergency laparoscopic cholecystostomy for bile drainage was performed in seven girls with complicated CC in whom conservative treatment failed to ameliorate abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice; among these seven patients included two with biliary perforation, one with a huge cyst, and four with peribiliary edema suggestive of impending biliary rupture. Protein plugs in the common channel or the terminal portion of the cyst were present in six patients.

Results

Amelioration of symptoms, such as abdominal pain and jaundice, was achieved in all patients after laparoscopic cholecystostomy. Saline irrigation of the bile duct via cholecystostomy was commenced 2 days postoperatively. All patients underwent laparoscopic cyst resection after improvement of their general condition and detailed evaluation of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Impacted protein plugs or gallstones were eliminated in all patients by the time of laparoscopic cyst excision.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic cholecystostomy followed by laparoscopic cyst excision is a useful and safe procedure for the treatment of complicated CC. This technique is also favorable from a cosmetic viewpoint because the resultant wound can be reused as the trocar insertion site at the time of laparoscopic cyst excision.