bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational therapy students’ perspectives regarding international cross‐cultural experiences
Authors: Humbert Tamera Keiter , Burket Allison , Deveney Rebecca , Kennedy Katelyn
Published: December 2011

Background:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of occupational therapy students who have engaged in international, cross‐cultural learning and service experiences.

Methods:  This study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological design. Nine semi‐structured interviews were conducted with students who engaged in international learning opportunities. The interviews were coded and analyzed using a constant comparative analysis approach.

Results:  Three central themes emerged from the data anlysis. Connectedness is the process of forming relationships with others while engaging in cross‐cultural experiences. Students formed relationships with faculty, other students, and people within the community. Cultural awareness is the recognition and understanding of a different culture and responding to those differences. Students attempted to understand the new culture in comparison to their own lived experiences. Complexity portrays cross‐cultural opportunities as dynamic, multi‐faceted and intricate. This was demonstrated as the students raised additional questions about the conflict between their own culture and the new culture they entered. Students also identified limited orientation, support and structure with such experiences and the conflicting roles between volunteer, student, and team member.

Conclusions:  The ability to connect with others when building relationships in diverse cultural contexts held meaning for the students; however, the students also expressed conflict in trying to make sense of the new culture as it often challenged personal beliefs and constructs. The complexity and challenges of engaging in these opportunities needs to be recognized and further explored to assess how curricula and faculty best supports culturally responsive care.
Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the seminal vesicle
Authors: Yasunaga Yutaka , Ueda Takafumi , Kodama Yoshinori , Oka Toshitsugu
Published: December 2011

We describe an extremely rare case of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma arising from the seminal vesicle. A 67‐year‐old man presented with a left humeral bone tumor resulting in a pathological fracture. Positron emission tomography scan disclosed a large pelvic tumor mimicking prostatic cancer invading into the seminal vesicle. Laboratory data showed an elevation of neuron‐specific enolase, despite the normal prostate‐specific antigen. Transrectal needle biopsy showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma of the right seminal vesicle and the metastasis of the pelvic lymph node. Immunohistochemical results were compatible with the features of neuroendocrine carcinoma; synaptophysin, chromogranin A and CD 56 were positive. The previously biopsied bone tumor was finally diagnosed as a metastasis. A systemic chemotherapy using etoposide and cisplatin failed. The patient died of cancer one‐and‐a‐half years later.
Endoscopic band ligation versus argon plasma coagulation for gastric antral vascular ectasia associated with liver diseases
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Yamazaki Katsu , Akaike Jun
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features and the efficacy of endoscopic treatments in treating gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) in association with liver diseases.

Methods:  Thirty‐four patients with the characteristic endoscopic findings of GAVE were enrolled. Endoscopic treatments were carried out for all 34 patients, including argon plasma coagulation (APC) in 22 patients and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in 12 patients.

Results:  All 34 patients had iron‐deficiency anemia and 21 patients also had a history of tarry stools. The underlying pathologies of chronic liver diseases were liver cirrhosis in 26 patients, liver cirrhosis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in six, and idiopathic portal hypertension in two. The liver function was classified by Child–Pugh classification: class A (n = 6), class B (n = 21), and class C (n = 7). Antral motility was frequent and intense in all 34 GAVE patients. In the 22 patients who received APC, endoscopies revealed the recurrence of GAVE in 15 patients requiring further treatment by APC (recurrence rate, 68.2%). Seven patients died during the follow‐up period, including two cases with bleeding‐related deaths. In the 12 patients who received EBL, endoscopies revealed the recurrence of GAVE in one patient requiring further treatment by EBL (recurrence rate, 8.3%). Two patients died during the follow‐up period, neither were bleeding‐related deaths.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that GAVE is related to severe liver damage and portal hypertension. APC has a high recurrence rate of GAVE in the medium term after treatment. EBL may be useful as a treatment for GAVE.
Endoscopic management of hepatic hydatid cyst with biliary communication
Authors: Sharma Barjesh C , Reddy Ravisankar S , Garg Vishal
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  A serious complication of hepatic hydatid cyst disease is communication between the cyst and the biliary tree. Surgical management of biliary fistulas is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We carried out a prospective study of endoscopic management of hydatid cysts communicating with bile ducts in 28 patients.

Methods:  Presence of biliary fistula was suspected by jaundice and/or persistent external biliary fistula after surgical excision and was confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy, and either biliary stenting or nasobiliary drainage. Nasobiliary drains were removed when bile leakage stopped and closure of the fistula was confirmed by cholangiography; stents were removed after 4–6 weeks.

Results:  Of 120 patients with hepatic hydatid cyst seen over a 10‐year period, 28 patients developed fistula between the hepatic hydatid cyst and intrahepatic bile ducts (right intrahepatic bile ducts in 20 patients, left intrahepatic bile ducts in eight patients). Nine of 28 patients had persistent external biliary fistula after surgery. Ten patients showed membranes in bile ducts on cholangiography. We carried out either sphincterotomy with insertion of a nasobiliary drain (n = 6) or sphincterotomy with biliary stenting (n = 22). In 10 patients, the membranes were removed from bile ducts during ERCP. Fistulas healed in all patients after a median time of 11 days (range 5–45 days) after endoscopic treatment. We were able to remove nasobiliary drainage catheters and stents 8–45 days after placement.

Conclusions:  Endoscopic therapy is an effective mode of treatment for biliary fistulas complicating hepatic hydatid cyst.
ENDOSCOPIC ABLATION THERAPY FOR GASTROINTESTINAL SUPERFICIAL NEOPLASIA
Authors: MUGURUMA NAOKI , OKAMOTO KOICHI , KIMURA TETSUO , KISHI KAZUHIRO , OKAHISA TOSHIYA , OKAMURA SEISUKE , TAKAYAMA TETSUJI
Published: December 2011

Aim:  In Japan, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have been widely accepted and standardized for the treatment of gastrointestinal superficial neoplasia.

Methods:  In contrast, mucosal ablation techniques are more common in Western countries and a variety of endoscopic ablation modalities, including argon plasma coagulation (APC), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and lasers, are used.

Results:  Recently developed modalities such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryotherapy are also available for the treatment of superficial lesions such as dysplasia of Barrett's esophagus.

Conclusion:  Although we should understand that the completeness of destruction of neoplastic tissue can only be judged at follow up, endoscopic ablation is a viable alternative to endoscopic resection for dysplasia and early‐stage malignancies, especially for poor candidates of surgery or endoscopic resection.
Hepatitis B status in migrants and refugees: increasing health burden in Western Australia
Authors: Subramaniam K. , Flexman J. , Tarquinio L. , Thambiran A. , Hopkins S. , Cheng W.
Published: December 2011

Background:  In light of increasing migration from endemic countries with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), this study describes the changing epidemiology of CHB patients born outside Australia referred to a tertiary hospital in Western Australia. It aims to stratify risk and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma according to viral factors and to provide an indication of the growing burden of disease and current and future treatment costs.

Methods:  Demographic, serological and biochemical data were obtained from patients with CHB between July 2002 and December 2008. Hepatitis B virus DNA quantification was performed to assess baseline viral loads in the patients. Total cost estimates for surveillance and treatment are based on probabilities of the population anticipated to be at a given stage of the disease in a given year.

Results:  There is a progressive increase in referrals (n = 478) with the majority coming from Asia (57%) and Africa (35%). The mean age of Africans is 11 years less than that of Asians, with a lower proportion of Africans having hepatitis B virus DNA > 2000 IU/mL compared with Asians (36.7% vs 54.3%). Approximately 50% of CHB patients referred are at risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma unless treated. Without treatment, a substantial increase in cost over 10 years (from $401 460 to $2 027 078) is estimated at 400%.

Conclusion:  This study highlights the increasing burden of CHB in Western Australia, from people born in endemic countries, in particular, the direct costs of treatment. It will help to develop strategies that can be tailored to Western Australia with appropriate allocation of resources.
Pharmacokinetic profiles of epidural bupivacaine and ropivacaine following single‐shot and continuous epidural use in young infants
Authors: Calder Alyson , Bell Graham T. , Andersson Martin , Thomson Alison H. , Watson David G. , Morton Neil S.
Published: December 2011

Aims:  The primary aim of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of total and unbound bupivacaine and ropivacaine following epidural bolus and infusion in neonates and young infants. Secondary aims were to investigate the influence of alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AAG) on the concentration–time profiles and to determine the efficacy and adverse event profile of the epidural regimen.

Methods/Materials:  Thirty‐one infants aged 40–63 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) undergoing hernia repair or abdominal surgery received an epidural injection of 1.5 mg·kg−1 bupivacaine (0.25%) or ropivacaine (0.2%) followed 2 h later by an infusion of 0.2 mg·kg−1·h−1 in those undergoing abdominal surgery. Total and unbound concentrations of bupivacaine and ropivacaine were analyzed using nonmem. Hourly pain scores and adverse effects were recorded.

Results:  Bupivacaine data were available from 11 infants (five had infusions) and ropivacaine from 13 infants (four had infusions). Alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein and total bupivacaine and ropivacaine concentrations accumulated during infusions, but unbound concentrations did not. Maximum unbound concentrations for bupivacaine and ropivacaine were 0.12 mg·l−1 (bupivacaine) and 0.13 mg·l−1 (ropivacaine). Typical clearance/bioavailability estimates of total (unbound) bupivacaine were 0.215 (4.65) l·h−1·kg−1 and of total (unbound) ropivacaine were 0.288 (3.31) l·h−1·kg−1. Pain scores requiring pain team referral occurred once with bupivacaine and four times with ropivacaine. No toxicity was observed.

Conclusions:  Epidural infusions of 0.2 mg−1·kg−1·h−1 bupivacaine or ropivacaine appeared to be well tolerated and efficacious in this population. No accumulation of unbound drug concentrations occurred.
Ocular lesions following suspected lightning injury in a horse
Authors: Evans Paige M. , Armour Micki D. , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: December 2011

Purpose  To describe the gross and histopathological ocular findings in a horse following suspected lightning injury.

Methods  The eyes of a 2‐year‐old thoroughbred gelding were clinically and histopathologically evaluated following a severe lightning storm following euthanasia because of visual impairment.

Results  Severe corneal edema and hydrops were noted clinically oculus dexter. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed bilateral symmetrical raised hyporeflective peripapillary geographic lesions. Histopathologic evaluation revealed corneal edema in the right eye with normal corneal endothelium. Posterior segment evaluation revealed localized, pericentral choroidal lesions characterized by the presence of hemorrhage, early fibrosis, and minimal lymphoplasmacytic, neutrophilic, and histiocytic inflammation with spindle cell proliferation. The retinas overlying the choroidal lesions were necrotic and mostly absent. Peripheral to the focal lesion, the retina abruptly returned to normal architecture peripheral to a zone of apoptotic photoreceptors. Centrally, swollen axons extended into the optic disc.

Conclusions  There have been few descriptions of ocular lesions in animals following suspected lightning injury. We believe these findings to be unique because of the type of thermal injury that may be characteristic of lightening injury. We do not know whether these lesions would have progressed over time.
Effect of exposure to non‐esterified fatty acid on progressive deterioration of insulin secretion in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Morita S. , Shimajiri Y. , Sakagashira S. , Furuta M. , Sanke T.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 980–985 (2012)

Aim  The aim of the study was to determine whether fasting serum non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) could be associated with long‐term progressive deterioration of insulin secretion in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Seventy‐seven Japanese patients with Type 2 diabetes (mean BMI 23.3 kg/m2) were followed for 10 years. We measured fasting C‐peptide level every 1–2 years. By using the slope of regression line between fasting C‐peptide level and duration, we calculated its individual annual decline as an index of insulin secretion. During the follow‐up periods of C‐peptide, the patients were evaluated for fasting serum non‐esterified fatty acid, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and HbA1c levels for the last 8 years. We excluded patients who had renal dysfunction or anti‐insulin antibodies from among the insulin‐treated patients. Association between the individual annual decline of fasting C‐peptide level and related factors were evaluated.

Results  The mean individual annual decline of fasting serum C‐peptide level was −0.013 ± 0.027 nmol/l/year. Fasting serum non‐esterified fatty acid level had no significant difference between the first and the last 2 years of the 8‐year observation period of non‐esterified fatty acid. Using multiple regression analysis, mean fasting serum non‐esterified fatty acid level was associated with the individual annual decline of fasting serum C‐peptide level (standardized regression coefficient −0.358, P = 0.0056), although other related factors, including HbA1c level, were not associated.

Conclusions  Mean fasting serum non‐esterified fatty acid level during an 8‐year observation was independently associated with long‐term progressive deterioration of insulin secretion in Japanese patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Caregivers of school children with epilepsy: findings of a phenomenological study
Authors: Roberts Jillian , Whiting Cheryl
Published: December 2011

Epilepsy is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurological disorders among children. Epilepsy is continuously linked with academic underachievement and social challenges. Despite the implications that these difficulties have for a child's educational success, little is known of how children with epilepsy experience school. Understanding how to best support and accommodate these children can contribute to their positive adaptation and quality of life. The purpose of this phenomenological study by Jillian Roberts and Cheryl Whiting of the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is to understand the school experiences of children with epilepsy. Data was gathered through open‐ended, semi‐structured interviews. The caregivers' narratives were transcribed and analysed to elicit the essential experiences of school children with epilepsy. Five categories were elicited from the families' narratives: (1) health‐related issues, (2) family coping, (3) academic experience, (4) social belonging, and (5) awareness. This information will be particularly useful for teachers and allied professionals serving the needs of children with epilepsy – as well as those with other chronic health conditions.
Everyone Playing in Class: a group play provision for enhancing the emotional well‐being of children in school
Authors: Woolf Alison
Published: December 2011

‘Everyone Playing in Class’ is an unstructured free play based provision for small classes or groups. The intervention involves training staff in attachment theory, presenting up‐to‐date research findings on the role of play in emotional well‐being and relationship building, as well as teaching reflective communication skills. In this article Alison Woolf, who is a Member of British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT), describes how these weekly class play sessions can provide experiences that are beneficial for staff and for pupils. The essential elements that create the therapeutic intervention are described and explored, and set in context through their relationship to SEAL. The ethical considerations of school staff providing therapeutic opportunities are considered. Results of pre‐ and post‐intervention assessments are given, and the responses of staff and pupils to the sessions are summarised. Results show improvements for pupils in the areas of self‐esteem and of social development. Most significantly the results demonstrate an increase in the staff's ability to understand and respond to the children in their class.
Considering the role of traditional and specialist schools: do school experiences impact the emotional well‐being and self‐esteem of adults with dyslexia?
Authors: Nalavany Blace Arthur , Carawan Lena W. , Brown Lashaunda J.
Published: December 2011

While increasing attention is being paid to the influence of specialist and traditional school settings on the emotional well‐being and self‐esteem of children with dyslexia, there appears to be a need for more attention to how different educational settings may impact adulthood. To respond to this gap, this study by assistant professors Blace A. Nalavany and Lena W. Carawan, and graduate student Lashaunda J. Brown, all at East Carolina University, explores how the role of traditional and specialist school settings may have long‐term effects in adulthood. The findings reveal that educational experiences have a compelling impact on the emotional health and self‐esteem of adults with dyslexia. Implications reveal that there are important lessons to learn from specialist schools that can benefit traditional school settings.
Nobody tells you how to be a SENCo
Authors: Rosen‐Webb Sarah M.
Published: December 2011

The ways in which SENCos identify themselves and how they enact the SENCo role is the focus of this research by Sarah Rosen‐Webb, an associate tutor and course coordinator at Middlesex University. Who becomes a SENCo and how different individuals develop their SENCo role is explored through the study of the career pathways of nine SENCos in nine secondary schools in England. Data from semi‐structured interviews and completion of Diamond Nine activities were coded and analysed using grounded theory procedures. Recommendations arising from this research indicate that recruitment initiatives and development programmes need to be alert to the dynamics between management and teaching roles of SENCos, and to be careful in maintaining a balance between management training and specialist teacher training.
How Can We Study Heroism? Integrating Persons, Situations and Communities
Authors: Jayawickreme Eranda , Di Stefano Paul
Published: December 2011

Heroism—an individual's commitment to a noble purpose, usually aimed at furthering the welfare of others, and involving the willingness to accept the consequences of achieving that purpose—has received little attention from political psychologists, even though a person is arguably as liable to act heroically as she is to act in a morally reprehensible manner. Specifically, important questions remain in how heroes can be identified beforehand and how such behavior can be successfully studied and promoted. We posit that recent work in genocide studies, positive psychology, personality psychology, ecological psychology, and moral psychology provides new and promising directions for better understanding heroic behavior. These developments can provide the tools for understanding the complex interplay of factors—including traits, situations, and communal beliefs—motivating heroic behavior.
Where To From Here for the Psychology of Social Change? Future Directions for Theory and Practice
Authors: Subašić Emina , Reynolds Katherine J. , Reicher Stephen D. , Klandermans Bert
Published: December 2011

For a vibrant and viable psychology of social change it is necessary to examine its place and contribution to the societal processes it seeks to understand, explain, and (potentially) affect. In this article, we first consider the impact that research and theorizing on social change (should) have and related issues of how we communicate about our work (and to whom) and dilemmas around researchers being active participants in the change process. Second, we consider emerging trends in the field and comment on meta‐theoretical and “meta‐methodological” issues in going forward, including the interaction between individual and society, having theoretical models of the person that allow us to account for such an interaction, as well as rethinking our methodology and ways of “doing” psychology to better reflect people's experiences of mobilization and participation. In line with the proposed rethinking of our theories and methods, the final section introduces a new paradigm for investigating the nexus of social change and leadership dynamics. The overall aim of the article is to reflect on key questions and dilemmas facing the field and provide some starting points for debating and shaping its future.
Fighting Fair: Adaptive Marital Conflict Strategies as Predictors of Future Adolescent Peer and Romantic Relationship Quality
Authors: Miga Erin M. , Gdula Julie Ann , Allen Joseph P.
Published: December 2011

This study examined the associations between reasoning during inter‐parental conflict and autonomous adolescent conflict negotiation with peers over time. Participants included 133 adolescents and their parents, peers, and romantic partners in a multi‐method, multiple reporter, longitudinal study. Inter‐parental reasoning at adolescent age of 13 predicted greater autonomy and relatedness in observed adolescent–peer conflict one year later and lower levels of autonomy undermining during observed romantic partner conflict five years later. Inter‐parental reasoning also predicted greater satisfaction and affection in adolescent romantic relationships seven years later. Findings suggest that autonomy‐promoting behaviors exhibited in the inter‐parental context may influence adolescents' own more autonomous approaches to subsequent peer and romantic conflict. Possible explanatory models are discussed, including social learning theory and attachment theory.
The Developmental Progression of Understanding of Mind during a Hiding Game
Authors: Nelson P. Brooke , Adamson Lauren B. , Bakeman Roger
Published: December 2011

In this longitudinal study, 52 typically developing preschoolers engaged in a hiding game with their mothers when children were 42‐, 54‐, and 66‐months old. Children's understanding of mind, positive affect, and engagement with the task were rated, and mothers' utterances were coded for role and content. Analyses confirmed that some facets of children's understanding of mind developed sequentially; specifically, they expressed an understanding of knowledge access before an understanding of deception and false beliefs, and expressed an understanding of deception before an understanding of false beliefs. Children's understanding of mind increased across visits and positively correlated with false belief task performance. Results suggest that mothers may tailor the content of their utterances to the child's growing expertise, but the role of mothers' utterances did not change. Observing preschoolers engaged in a playful hiding game revealed that children's understanding of mind not only increased with age but also developed sequentially.
Temperament as a Moderator of the Effects of Parental Depressive Symptoms on Child Behavior Problems
Authors: Jessee Allison , Mangelsdorf Sarah C. , Shigeto Aya , Wong Maria S.
Published: December 2011

Parental depressive symptomatology has consistently been linked to child maladjustment, but these effects are not universal. This investigation examined the role of child temperament as a moderator of the effects of parental depression on behavior problems in five‐year‐old children. Parents reported on their own depressive symptoms, and both parents and teachers reported on child behavior. Temperament was assessed by both parent‐report and structured observation. Results indicated significant associations between behavior problems and both depressive symptoms (maternal and paternal) and child temperament (effortful control and negative affect). Child surgency moderated the effects of both maternal and paternal depressive symptoms on child behavior problems. Child negative affect and incongruous negative emotionality moderated the effects of maternal depressive symptoms on child behavior problems. These findings point to the importance of examining multiple factors within the family system to further understand the processes of child development.
A Plea for Semantic Localism
Authors: Rayo Agustín
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this paper is to defend a conception of language that does not rely on linguistic meanings, and use it to address the Sorites and Liar paradoxes.
The First Law of Petropolitics
Authors: Wacziarg Romain
Published: December 2011

We examine empirically the relationship between crude oil prices and the ebb and flow of democratic institutions, in order to test the hypothesis that high oil prices undermine democracy and sustain autocracy. We use a variety of time series and panel data methods over a wide range of country subsamples and time periods, finding strictly no evidence in favour of this so‐called ‘First Law of Petropolitics’ (Friedman 2006).
Childhood personality types: vulnerability and adaptation over time
Authors: De Clercq Barbara , Rettew David , Althoff Robert R. , De Bolle Marleen
Published: December 2011

Background:  Substantial evidence suggests that a Five‐Factor Model personality assessment generates a valid description of childhood individual differences and relates to a range of psychological outcomes. Less is known, however, about naturally occurring profiles of personality and their links to psychopathology. The current study explores whether childhood personality characteristics tend to cluster in particular personality profiles that show unique associations with psychopathology and quality of life across time.

Methods:  Latent class analysis was conducted on maternal rated general personality of a Flemish childhood community sample (N = 477; mean age 10.6 years). The associations of latent class membership probability with psychopathology and quality of life 2 years later were examined, using a multi‐informant perspective.

Results:  Four distinguishable latent classes were found, representing a Moderate, a Protected, an Undercontrolled and a Vulnerable childhood personality type. Each of these types showed unique associations with childhood outcomes across raters.

Conclusions:  Four different personality types can be delineated at young age and have a significant value in understanding vulnerability and adaptation over time.
The association of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and D2 with depressive symptoms in childhood – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tolppanen Anna‐Maija , Sayers Adrian , Fraser William D. , Lewis Glyn , Zammit Stanley , Lawlor Debbie A.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Depression in adolescence is common and early onset predicts worse outcome in adulthood. Studies in adults have suggested a link between higher total 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and lower risk of depression.

Objectives:  To investigate (a) the association between serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 concentrations and depressive symptoms in children, and (b) whether the associations of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 are different from, and independent of, each other.

Methods:  Prospective cohort study with serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 concentrations measured at mean age of 9.8 years and depressive symptoms assessed with the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire by a trained interviewer at the mean ages of 10.6 years (n = 2,759) and 13.8 years (n = 2,752).

Results:  Higher concentrations of 25(OH)D3 assessed at mean age 9.8 years were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms at age 13.8 years [adjusted risk ratio (RR; 95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.90 (0.86–0.95)], but not at age 10.6 years [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.98 (0.93–1.03)] and with increased odds of decreasing symptoms between age 10.6 and 13.8 years [adjusted RR (95% CI): 1.08 (1.01–1.16)]. Serum 25(OH)D2 concentrations were not associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:  This is the first study in children to suggest that the association between 25(OH)D3 concentrations and depression emerges in childhood. The association is independent of a wide range of potential confounding factors, and appears to be stronger with greater time separation between assessment of 25(OH)D3 and assessment of depressive symptoms. Confirmation of our findings in large prospective studies and trials would be valuable.
Operation profile of zebrafish guanylate cyclase‐activating protein 3
Authors: Fries Ramona , Scholten Alexander , Säftel Werner , Koch Karl‐Wilhelm
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 54–65.

The expression pattern and property profile of the neuronal Ca2+ sensor guanylate cyclase‐activating protein 3 (zGCAP3) was studied by immunochemical approaches, biophysical methods and enzymatic assays. Using affinity purified antibodies immunoreactivity towards zGCAP3 was weakly detected in the outer and strongly in the inner segments of cone cells as well as in the outer plexiform layer, to a lesser degree also in the inner plexiform and ganglion cell layer of the zebrafish retina. This cellular distribution was independent of a dark/light cycle. Some neuronal Ca2+ sensors are acylated (mainly myristoylated) at the amino‐terminus. Probing larval and adult stages of the developing zebrafish retina indicated that zGCAP3 was first expressed in a non‐myristoylated form, but was finally present in the adult retina as a myristoylated protein. While zGCAP3 did not undergo a classical Ca2+‐myristoyl switch as investigated by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, myristoylation had two main other consequences: it enhanced the Ca2+‐sensitivity of the Ca2+‐induced conformational change and it stabilized the protein conformation. Differences between myristoylated and non‐myristoylated zGCAP3 were also observed in modulating the kinetic and catalytic parameters of the GCAP‐target, a membrane bound guanylate cyclase. Thus, the stabilizing effect of the myristoyl group is apparently less important in the larval than in the adult fish.
The biogeographic legacy of an imperilled taxon provides a foundation for assessing lineage diversification, demography and conservation genetics
Authors: Malaney Jason L. , Frey Jennifer K. , Cook Joseph A.
Published: December 2011

Aim  To test alternative biogeographic hypotheses related to the diversification of a montane mammal (Zapus hudsonius luteus) endemic to the American Southwest.

Location  South‐western United States.

Methods  We used statistical phylogeographic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (1512 bp; two genes) from 93 individuals from six geographic regions to test diversification hypotheses. Species distribution models of climate and fossil records were integrated to assess contemporary and historical distributions and barriers to gene flow. We calculated dates of divergence and examined historical demography using coalescent simulations.

Results  We documented monophyly of Z. h. luteus represented by 19 segregated haplotypes. Predicted current distribution generally coincided with known localities, while predicted paleodistributions suggested that this lineage was widespread throughout lower elevations of the American Southwest and on the Edwards Plateau (as documented by the fossil record). Population size did not change substantially during a westward shift in range that occurred in the last 100 k generations. Results supported fragmentation of a common ancestor during the Holocene as the most plausible explanation for genetic structure.

Main conclusions  Monophyletic Z. h. luteus reflects fragmentation of a common ancestor with recent (Holocene) upslope colonization of disjunct montane areas. We refute the hypotheses of in situ divergence or origins from a Colorado Piedmont ancestor. Instead, westward colonization from the Edwards Plateau during the Wisconsin followed by Holocene fragmentation, which serves as a generalized biogeographic hypothesis for species associated with mesic graminoid habitats in the American Southwest. Further exploration of these signatures using independent nuclear DNA is warranted. Key conservation implications are (1) Z. h. luteus is a monophyletic lineage on an independent evolutionary trajectory; (2) Z. h. luteus shared a recent common ancestor with Z. h. pallidus (not Z. h. preblei); (3) mtDNA does not reflect recent population declines; and (4) coalescent simulations and species distribution models reflect Holocene fragmentation.
Evaluating abdominal oedema during experimental sepsis using an isotope technique
Authors: Lattuada Marco , Maripuu Enn , Segerstad Carl Hard af , Lundqvist Hans , Hedenstierna Göran
Published: December 2011

Purpose:  Abdominal oedema is common in sepsis. A technique for the study of such oedema may guide in the fluid regime of these patients.

Procedures:  We modified a double‐isotope technique to evaluate abdominal organ oedema and fluid extravasation in 24 healthy or endotoxin‐exposed (‘septic’) piglets. Two different markers were used: red blood cells (RBC) labelled with Technetium‐99m (99mTc) and Transferrin labelled with Indium111 (111In). Images were acquired on a dual‐head gamma camera. Microscopic evaluation of tissue biopsies was performed to compare data with the isotope technique.

Results:  No 99mTc activity was measured in the plasma fraction in blood sampled after labelling. Similarly, after molecular size gel chromatography, 111In activity was exclusively found in the high molecular fraction of the plasma. Extravasation of transferrin, indicating the degree of abdominal oedema, was 4·06 times higher in the LPS group compared to the healthy controls (P<0·0001). Abdominal free fluid, studied in 3 animals, had as high 111In activity as in plasma, but no 99mTc activity. Intestinal lymphatic vessel size was higher in LPS (3·7 ± 1·1 μm) compared to control animals (0·6 + 0·2 μm; P<0·001) and oedema correlated to villus diameter (R2 = 0·918) and lymphatic diameter (R2 = 0·758). A correlation between a normalized index of oedema formation (NI) and intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) was also found: NI = 0·46*IAP−3·3 (R2 = 0·56).

Conclusions:  The technique enables almost continuous recording of abdominal oedema formation and may be a valuable tool in experimental research, with the potential to be applied in the clinic.
The effect of interval training combined with thigh cuffs pressure on maximal and submaximal exercise performance
Authors: Keramidas Michail E. , Kounalakis Stylianos N. , Geladas Nickos D.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of interval training combined with a thigh cuffs pressure of +90 mmHg on maximal and submaximal cycling performance. Twenty untrained individuals were assigned either to a control (CON) or to an experimental (CUFF) training group. Both groups trained 3 days per week for 6 weeks at the same relative intensity; each training session consisted of 2‐min work bout at 90% of : 2‐min active recovery bout at 50% of . An incremental exercise test to exhaustion, a 6‐min constant‐power test at 80% of (Sub80) and a maximal constant‐power test to exhaustion (TF150) were performed pre‐ and post‐training. Despite the unchanged , both groups significantly increased peak power output (CON: ∼12%, CUFF: ∼20%) that was accompanied by higher deoxygenation (ΔStO2) measured with near‐infrared muscle spectroscopy. These changes were more pronounced in the CUFF group. Moreover, both groups reduced during the Sub80 test without concomitant changes in ΔStO2. TF150 was enhanced in both groups. Thus, an interval exercise training protocol under moderate restricted blood flow conditions does not provide any additive effect on maximal and submaximal cycling performance. However, it seems to induce peripheral muscular adaptations, despite the lower absolute training intensity.
Moral Hazard, Targeting and Contract Duration in Agri‐Environmental Policy
Authors: Fraser Rob
Published: December 2011

This article extends the multi‐period agri‐environmental contract model of Fraser (Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol. 55, (2004) pp. 525–540) to include a more realistic specification of the inter‐temporal penalties for non‐compliance, and therefore of the inter‐temporal moral hazard problem in agri‐environmental policy design. It is shown that a farmer has an unambiguous preference for cheating early over cheating late in the contract period based on differences in the expected cost of compliance. It is then shown how the principal can make use of this unambiguous preference to target monitoring resources intertemporally, and in so doing, to encourage full contract duration compliance.
Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for a Tuberculosis Cattle Vaccine
Authors: Bennett Richard , Balcombe Kelvin
Published: December 2011

We use contingent valuation (CV) and choice experiment (CE) methods to assess cattle farmers’ attitudes to and willingness to pay (WTP) for a bovine tuberculosis (bTB) cattle vaccine, to help inform vaccine development and policy. A survey questionnaire was administered by means of telephone interviews to a stratified sample of 300 cattle farmers in annually bTB‐tested areas in England and Wales. Farmers felt that bTB was a major risk for the cattle industry and that there was a high risk of their cattle getting the disease. The CE estimate produced a mean WTP of £35 per animal per single dose for a vaccine that is 90% effective at reducing the risk of a bTB breakdown and an estimated £55 for such a vaccine backed by 100% insurance of loss if a breakdown should occur. The CV estimate produced a mean WTP of nearly £17 per dose/per animal/per year for a vaccine (including 100% insurance) which, given the average lifespan of cattle, is comparable to the CE estimate. These WTP estimates are substantially higher than the expected cost of a vaccine which suggests that farmers in high risk bTB ‘hotspot’ areas perceive a substantial net benefit from buying the vaccine.
2011 European Association of the Study of the Liver hepatitis C virus clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Calvaruso Vincenza , Craxì Antonio
Published: December 2011

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of liver transplantation in Europe and is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of the chronic nature of the disease, estimates suggest that the burden on healthcare will increase dramatically for this entity. Clinical care of patients with HCV‐related liver disease has advanced considerably in the last two decades, thanks to increasing knowledge about the mechanisms of the disease, development of diagnostic procedures, and advances in therapeutic and preventive approaches. HCV RNA testing, HCV genotyping and staging of liver disease are essential for the diagnosis and the management of HCV therapy. Furthermore, the important role of host polymorphisms of the IL28B gene on virological response to treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) alpha and ribavirin (RBV) has recently been clearly demonstrated. In relation to treatment, although numerous drugs for HCV are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development, the current standard of care (SoC) is the combination of PEG‐IFN‐α and RBV for chronic hepatitis C. With SoC, a sustained viral response (SVR) is achieved in approximately 45% of patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and in approximately 80% of patients infected with HCV genotypes 2 and 3. The EASL HCV guidelines recommend treating all naïve patients with compensated disease from HCV without contraindications to treatment and strongly suggest initiating SoC promptly in patients with advanced fibrosis. Further recommendations on monitoring treatment efficacy, treatment duration, dose reduction indications and the role of co‐factors are provided.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C – are interferons really necessary?
Authors: Ferenci Peter
Published: December 2011

Due to the side effect profile of pegylated interferons interferon treatment has become the holy grail of drug development for chronic hepatitis C. The precise role of interferon in treatment of hepatitis C is not fully understood, besides its antiviral effects interferon is an immune modulator. Nevertheless, recent proof of concept studies indicated, that cure of chronic hepatitis C can be achieved without interferon. Various compounds achieved this goal, like the polymerase inhibitor PSI 7977, the combination of NS5a inhibitor (daclatasvir) and a protease inhibitor (asunaprevir) and the cyclophillin antagonist alisporivir. Various other combinations are investigated currently. Providing that phase 3 studies will confirm these exciting data, direct acting antivirals or host targets will replace peginterferon/ribavirin combination therapy.
Boceprevir and telaprevir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: safety management in clinical practice
Authors: Hézode Christophe
Published: December 2011

Effective management of adverse events (AEs) is important to prevent treatment discontinuation and optimize hepatitis C virus infection eradication rates. The addition of direct‐acting antiviral agents, telaprevir (TVR) or boceprevir to pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) represents a new era of therapy associated with an improvement in treatment response rates and an impairment of the safety profile compared to PEG‐IFN/RBV. An increase in the frequency and severity of anaemia was reported in clinical trials for both drugs, and skin disorders including rash and pruritus occurred more frequently with the TVR‐based regimen. These AEs are generally manageable and do not lead to early discontinuation. The management of anaemia has not been clearly established, and the impact of RBV dose reductions and erythropoietin alpha use on treatment efficacy and safety must be clarified. The management of rashes, which were mild and moderate in more than 90% of the cases, is well planned, does not require TVR discontinuation and can be treated using emollients and topical corticosteroids. However, approximately 5% of rashes were severe, and a few cases were classified as severe cutaneous adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation.
Phase III results in Genotype 1 naïve patients: predictors of response with boceprevir and telaprevir combined with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
Authors: Kwo Paul Y.
Published: December 2011

The addition of telaprevir or boceprevir to pegylated interferon (PEG‐INF) and ribavirin (RBV) has improved sustained viral response (SVR) rates in genotype‐1‐infected individuals. The recent publication of Phase III trials has made it possible to examine pretreatment and on‐treatment predictors of response in genotype 1 naïve patients. Both telaprevir‐ and boceprevir‐based therapy improve SVR rates in most treatment groups including individuals who are difficult‐to‐treat such as those with a high viral load, Black patients and those with advanced fibrosis. Although data sets were not complete, patients with IL28B CT and TT genotype appear to significantly improve when these agents are combined with PEG‐INF and RBV. The presence of the IL‐28B CC genotype appears to be predictive for a short duration of therapy. On‐treatment viral response is also predictive of the SVR: approximately half of the patients are successfully treated with short duration and response‐guided therapy.
What's new in HCV genotype 2 treatment
Authors: Mangia Alessandra , Mottola Leonardo
Published: December 2011

Genotype 2 (HCV‐2) accounts for 8% of the patients with chronic hepatitis C virus in Europe. Because of the favourable response to interferon (IFN)‐based treatment, this group is considered an ‘easy‐to‐treat’ genotype along with HCV‐3. However, experimental and clinical data suggest possible differences between HCV‐2 and ‐3. Recently, subtle differences in treatment efficacy have also been shown in response‐guided treatment studies. In these studies, the duration of pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) treatment was tailored according to treatment response. Although SVR rates were similar between HCV‐2 and HCV‐3 patients after a rapid virological response (RVR), in the absence of RVR, the rates were lower in HCV‐3 than in HCV‐2. The triple combination treatment, including direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) that will be commercialized in the coming months might increase SVR rates in this particular subgroup of patients. According to existing results, telaprevir might be beneficial in HCV‐2 but not in HCV‐3 patients. A nucleotide analogue polymerase inhibitor, PSI‐7977 by Pharmasett has been shown to be active against both. The role of the IL28B polymorphism as a predictor of response to the current standard of care (SoC), PEG‐IFN and RBV treatment is the subject of debate, but this mainly seems to be because of the small size of the samples in the studies performed so far. Existing results suggest that the genetic evaluation of IL28B may be useful in patients with HCV‐2 for predicting response in patients without RVR.