bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients’ views of patient‐centred care: a phenomenological case study in one surgical unit
Authors: Marshall Amy , Kitson Alison , Zeitz Kathryn
Published: March 2012

Aims.  To report a study of patients’ views of patient‐centred care. The study aimed to explore patients’ understanding and conceptualization of patient‐centred care and link it to existing literature on the topic.

Background.  Patient‐centred care currently lacks a widely accepted definition, with much of the literature based on definitions formulated by health professionals and researchers.

Design.  Qualitative research study grounded in phenomenology.

Methods.  Interpersonal interviews were conducted with ten participants who were patients in a surgical ward in a large metropolitan hospital in South Australia in 2010.

Results/findings.  Participants were unfamiliar with the concept of patient‐centred care, but despite this, were able to describe what the term meant to them and what they wanted from their care. Patients equated the type and quality of care they received with the staff that provided it and themes of connectedness, involvement and attentiveness were prevalent in their descriptions of what they wanted from their care.

Conclusion.  Ensuring that patients have a voice in the definition and conceptualization of patient‐centred care is essential and further and regular consultation with patients about their needs and priorities will ensure an integrated approach to patient‐centred care.
Energy density and its variation in space limit species richness of boreal forest birds
Authors: Elo Merja , Roberge Jean‐Michel , Rajasärkkä Ari , Mönkkönen Mikko
Published: March 2012

Aim  An area’s ability to support species may be dependent not only on the total amount of available energy it contains but also on energy density (i.e. available energy per unit area). Acknowledging these two aspects of energy availability may increase mechanistic understanding of how increased energy availability results in increased species richness. We studied the relationship between energy density, its variation in space and boreal forest bird species richness and investigated two possible mechanisms: (1) metabolic constraints of organisms, and (2) increased resource availability for specialists.

Location  Protected areas in Finland’s boreal forest.

Methods  We tested whether bird species richness was best determined by total energy availability in an area or by energy density and its variation within the area, before and after including bird abundance in the models. We evaluated two main explanatory variables: tree growth reflecting the rate of energy production and tree volume as a measure of biomass. In addition, we modelled individual species’ responses to energy density and its variation, and evaluated the prediction of the metabolic constraints hypothesis that small species are limited by energy density whereas large species are limited by total energy availability in the area.

Results  Energy density and its variation were good predictors of species richness: together with abundance they explained 84% of variation in species richness (compared with 74% for abundance alone). Pure metabolic constraints were unlikely to explain this relationship. Instead, the mechanism probably involved increased habitat heterogeneity benefiting specialist species. Total energy availability was also an important factor determining species richness but its effect was indirect via abundance.

Main conclusions  Our results corroborate the importance of energy availability as a driver of species richness in forest bird communities, and they indicate that energy density and its variation in the landscape strongly influence species richness even after accounting for abundance.
Stress ulcer prophylaxis in non‐critically ill patients: a prospective evaluation of current practice in a general surgery department
Authors: Bez Coraline , Perrottet Nancy , Zingg Tobias , Leung Ki En‐Ling , Demartines Nicolas , Pannatier André
Published: March 2012

Rationale, aims and objectives  There is little evidence regarding the benefit of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) outside a critical care setting. Overprescription of SUP is not devoid of risks. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for SUP in a general surgery department.

Method  Data collection was performed prospectively during an 8‐week period on patients hospitalized in a general surgery department (58 beds) by pharmacists. Patients with a PPI prescription for the treatment of ulcers, gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, oesophagitis or epigastric pain were excluded. Patients admitted twice during the study period were not reincluded. The American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists guidelines on SUP were used to assess the appropriateness of de novo PPI prescriptions.

Results  Among 255 patients in the study, 138 (54%) received a prophylaxis with PPI, of which 86 (62%) were de novo PPI prescriptions. A total of 129 patients (94%) received esomeprazole (according to the hospital drug policy). The most frequent dosage was at 40 mg once daily. Use of PPI for SUP was evaluated in 67 patients. A total of 53 patients (79%) had no risk factors for SUP. Twelve and two patients had one or two risk factors, respectively. At discharge, PPI prophylaxis was continued in 33% of patients with a de novo PPI prescription.

Conclusions  This study highlights the overuse of PPIs in non‐intensive care unit patients and the inappropriate continuation of PPI prescriptions at discharge. Treatment recommendations for SUP are needed to restrict PPI use for justified indications.
Photoperiodic Changes in Endocannabinoid Levels and Energetic Responses to Altered Signalling at CB1 Receptors in Siberian Hamsters
Authors: Ho J. M. , Smith N. S. , Adams S. A. , Bradshaw H. B. , Demas G. E.
Published: March 2012

Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) adapt to seasonal environmental conditions with marked changes in body mass, primarily in the form of adiposity. Winter‐like conditions (e.g. short days) are sufficient to decrease body mass by approximately 30% in part via reductions in food intake. The neuroendocrine mechanisms responsible for these changes are not well understood, and homeostatic orexigenic/anorexigenic systems of the hypothalamus provide little explanation. We investigated the potential role of endocannabinoids, which are known modulators of appetite and metabolism, in mediating seasonal changes in energy balance. Specifically, we housed hamsters in long or short days for 0, 3, or 9 weeks and measured endocannabinoid levels in the hypothalamus, brainstem, liver and retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (RWAT). An additional group of males housed in short days for 25 weeks were also compared with long‐day controls. Following 9 weeks in short days, levels of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) were significantly elevated in RWAT and reduced in brainstem, although they returned to long‐day levels by week 25 in short‐day males that had cycled back to summer‐like energy balance. Endocannabinoid levels in these tissues correlated significantly with adiposity and change in body mass. No photoperiodic changes were observed in the hypothalamus or liver; however, sex differences in 2‐AG levels were found in the liver (males > females). We further tested the effects of CB1 receptor signalling on ingestive behaviour. Five daily injections of CB1 antagonist SR141716 significantly reduced food intake and body mass but not food hoarding. Although the CB1 agonist arachidonyl‐2‐chloroethylamide did not appreciably affect either ingestive behaviour, body mass was significantly elevated following 2 days of injections. Taken altogether, these findings demonstrate that endocannabinoid levels vary with sex and photoperiod in a site‐specific manner, and that altered signalling at CB1 receptors affects energy balance in Siberian hamsters.
Variable abnormal physiological motility in the proximal upper gastrointestinal tract in gastroparesis
Authors: Lee A. , Wilding G. , Kuo B.
Published: March 2012

Background  Traditional testing for gastroparesis with gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) likely misses a subset of patients because of the heterogeneous nature of the disease. The primary aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of simultaneously measured transit and pressure abnormalities in patients with gastroparesis. The secondary aim is to assess diagnostic gain realized by measuring antroduodenal pressure and gastric transit with wireless motility capsule (WMC) compared to gastric transit measured by GES. Identification of abnormalities beyond gastric transit delay in gastroparesis may yield novel targets for pharmacological therapies.

Methods  Forty‐three subjects with symptoms of gastroparesis and previous abnormal GES within 2 years were enrolled in the study. Subjects underwent simultaneous GES and WMC to assess gastric transit. Gastric and small bowel pressure profiles were measured by WMC to determine the contribution of pressure to diagnostic gain realized with WMC.

Key Results  Fifty‐one percent of subjects had abnormal GES while 70% of subjects had either abnormal gastric emptying time (GET) or antroduodenal pressure. Gastric emptying time was abnormal in 60% of subjects while gastric or small bowel pressure was abnormal in 47% of subjects. The overall diagnostic gain of WMC compared to GES was 19% (P = 0.04). Seven percent of subjects had abnormal small bowel pressure profiles when both GES and GET were normal.

Conclusions & Inferences  (i) Gastroparesis is a heterogeneous disorder and testing only solid food emptying by scintigraphy may miss a significant amount of pathology. (ii) Measuring complementary aspects of gastric and small bowel function simultaneously results in greater detection of physiologic abnormalities that may underlie patient symptoms.
The gastro‐esophageal reflux barrier: biophysical analysis on 3D models of anatomy from magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Roy S. , Fox M. R. , Curcic J. , Schwizer W. , Pal A.
Published: March 2012

Background  The function and structure of the gastro‐esophageal junction (GEJ) determine its efficacy as a reflux barrier. This study presents a novel methodology for the quantitative assessment of GEJ and proximal gastric morphology from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Based on this data we propose a new conceptualization of the hypothesis that a flap valve mechanism contributes to reflux protection.

Methods  3D models of the GEJ and proximal stomach were reconstructed from MR images in 12 healthy volunteers during respiration and on eating a test meal to maximum satiation. A rotating plane analysis measured the gastro‐esophageal insertion angle and span of contact. An ellipsoid fit provided quantitative assessment of gastric shape and orientation relative to a fixed anatomical reference point. Position of the esophageal insertion on the ‘gastric ellipse’ was noted. An ellipsoid‐cylinder model was designed to analyze the relationships among parameters describing the GEJ morphology.

Key Results  The insertion angle became more acute on expiration, but did not change with meal ingestion. In contrast the span of contact did not vary with respiration, but increased with gastric filling. Changes in gastric morphology with distension further augmented the span of gastro‐esophageal contact in almost 70% of the studies.

Conclusions & Inferences  Novel MR imaging and biophysical analysis of the GEJ and proximal stomach provide a quantitative description of structures contributing to the reflux barrier. Changes in these parameters during respiration and on eating support the hypothesis that structural components of a functional ‘flap valve’ like mechanism contribute to reflux protection.
Development of a rapid, accurate glasshouse bioassay for assessing fusarium wilt disease responses in cultivated Gossypium species
Authors: Becerra Lopez‐Lavalle L. A. , Potter N. , Brubaker C. L.
Published: March 2012

A rapid glasshouse‐based bioassay method to screen large numbers of cotton plants for responses to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov) was developed. Different Fov inoculum concentrations and methods of inoculation were assessed using resistant and susceptible cotton cultivars. Cotton seeds were planted directly into Fov‐inoculated soil. Studies of seed germination, seedling establishment, seedling mortality and fusarium wilt symptoms (i.e. stunting, foliar symptoms and vascular browning) were performed to optimize the bioassay parameters. Growing seedlings in Fov‐inoculated soils at 5 × 104 or 1 × 105 CFU g−1 soil, in individual seedling tubes with 12 h at 28–30°C and 12 h at 15–18°C, gave consistent results when assessing Fov disease responses 6 weeks after inoculation. When fusarium wilt resistance ranks (FWRRs) and vascular browning index (VBI) means of 18 Australian and other cotton cultivars from the Fov glasshouse bioassay were compared against their fusarium field performance ranks (F‐ranks), assessed on adult plants for cotton cultivar release, Pearson’s correlation was highly significant for both comparisons. The level of congruence between field and glasshouse data indicated that this protocol should be an effective tool for large‐scale screening for Fov‐resistance responses in diverse germplasm and breeding populations and for advancing genetic research to develop molecular markers for Fov resistance in cotton.
Photosynthesis and sugar concentration are impaired by the defective active silicon uptake in rice plants infected with Bipolaris oryzae
Authors: Dallagnol L. J. , Rodrigues F. A. , Chaves A. R. M. , Vale F. X. R. , DaMatta F. M.
Published: March 2012

The effect of soluble silicon (Si) on photosynthetic parameters and soluble sugar concentrations was determined in leaves of rice cv. Oochikara and mutant plants of Oochikara defective in active Si uptake [low silicon 1 (lsi1)]. Plants were grown in hydroponic culture amended with 0 (−Si) or 2 mm Si (+Si), under either low or high photon flux density (PFD) and with or without inoculation with Bipolaris oryzae, the causal agent of brown spot of rice. Leaf Si concentration increased by 141 and 435% in +Si cv. Oochikara and by 119 and 251% in +Si lsi1 mutant plants under high and low PFD, respectively, compared with −Si plants. Plant biomass accumulation was improved by Si regardless of PFD, especially plants for cv. Oochikara. Brown spot severity was highest in −Si plants for cv. Oochikara and lsi1 mutant plants under low PFD. In the presence of Si, disease severity in plants grown under both low and high PFD was reduced, except for lsi1 mutant plants under high PFD. Plant inoculation reduced the photosynthetic parameters measured regardless of plant material or Si supply. A decrease of net carbon assimilation rate (A) of inoculated plants under low PFD compared with non‐inoculated plants was associated with damage in the photosynthetic apparatus, except for +Si cv. Oochikara in which stomatal restriction [low water vapour conductance (gs)] contributed to A reduction. Under high PFD, damage to the photosynthetic apparatus of inoculated plants was the main reason for the reduction in A for +Si and −Si lsi1 mutant plants. In addition, for −Si cv. Oochikara, a reduction in gs contributed to reduced A. However, for +Si cv. Oochikara, gs was the limiting factor for A. Inoculated plants of +Si cv. Oochikara had higher A values than +Si lsi1 mutant plants, regardless of environmental conditions. Soluble sugars were not detected in leaf tissues of plants under low PFD. For high PFD, Si improved the hexose concentration in non‐inoculated plants at 144 h after inoculation (hai) for lsi1 mutant plants and from 96 hai onwards for cv. Oochikara compared with −Si plants. However, plant inoculation reduced hexose concentration compared with non‐inoculated plants, mainly in +Si plants, regardless of plant material. Sucrose concentration increased in leaves of cv. Oochikara in the presence of Si whether inoculated or not. For +Si lsi1 mutant plants, sucrose concentration increased only at 48 hai compared with −Si plants, whether inoculated or not. The results of this study show that a minimum Si concentration is needed in leaf tissues of rice plants to avoid the negative impact of B. oryzae infection on photosynthesis and sugar concentration. High leaf Si concentration resulted in an increased soluble sugar concentration and together, but in independent ways, soluble sugar and Si reduced brown spot severity of rice.
Efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar versus unipolar major depression: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Dierckx Bram , Heijnen Willemijn T , van den Broek Walter W , Birkenhäger Tom K
Published: March 2012

Dierckx B, Heijnen WT, van den Broek WW, Birkenhäger TK. Efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar versus unipolar major depression: a meta‐analysis. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 146–150. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Bipolar major depression differs considerably from unipolar major depression with regard to the efficacy of treatment with antidepressants. In bipolar depression, response to treatment with antidepressants is disappointing. Whether response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) differs between bipolar and unipolar depression remains unclear. Therefore, this systematic review investigates the relative efficacy of ECT in both forms of depression.

Methods:  Relevant cohort studies were identified from a systematic search of the PubMed electronic database. Six studies were included in this meta‐analysis.

Results:  In this meta‐analysis, the overall remission rate was 50.9% (n = 402/790) for patients with unipolar depression and 53.2% (n = 168/316) for patients with bipolar major depression. A pooled odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random‐effects meta‐analysis with the Mantel–Haenzel method. This analysis shows similar efficacy of ECT in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.75–1.57).

Conclusion:  ECT appears to be equally effective for both bipolar and unipolar depression and the remission rates are encouraging, especially for bipolar depression.
Grey matter differences in bipolar disorder: a meta‐analysis of voxel‐based morphometry studies
Authors: Selvaraj Sudhakar , Arnone Danilo , Job Dominic , Stanfield Andrew , Farrow Tom FD , Nugent Allison C , Scherk Harald , Gruber Oliver , Chen Xiaohua , Sachdev Perminder S , Dickstein Daniel P , Malhi Gin S , Ha Tae H , Ha Kyooseob , Phillips Mary L , McIntosh Andrew M
Published: March 2012

Selvaraj S, Arnone D, Job D, Stanfield A, Farrow TFD, Nugent AC, Scherk H, Gruber O, Chen X, Sachdev PS, Dickstein DP, Malhi GS, Ha TH, Ha K, Phillips ML, McIntosh AM. Grey matter differences in bipolar disorder: a meta‐analysis of voxel‐based morphometry studies. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 135–145. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Several neuroimaging studies have reported structural brain differences in bipolar disorder using automated methods. While these studies have several advantages over those using region of interest techniques, no study has yet estimated a summary effect size or tested for between‐study heterogeneity. We sought to address this issue using meta‐analytic techniques applied for the first time in bipolar disorder at the level of the individual voxel.

Methods:  A systematic review identified 16 voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) studies comparing individuals with bipolar disorder with unaffected controls, of which eight were included in the meta‐analysis. In order to take account of heterogeneity, summary effect sizes were computed using a random‐effects model with appropriate correction for multiple testing.

Results:  Compared with controls, subjects with bipolar disorder had reduced grey matter in a single cluster encompassing the right ventral prefrontal cortex, insula, temporal cortex, and claustrum. Study heterogeneity was widespread throughout the brain; though the significant cluster of grey matter reduction remained once these extraneous voxels had been removed. We found no evidence of publication bias (Eggers p = 0.63).

Conclusions:  Bipolar disorder is consistently associated with reductions in right prefrontal and temporal lobe grey matter. Reductions elsewhere may be obscured by clinical and methodological heterogeneity.
Effect of oxidative stress on TRPM2 and TRPC3 channels in B lymphoblast cells in bipolar disorder
Authors: Roedding Angela S , Gao Andrew F , Au‐Yeung Wynne , Scarcelli Tiffany , Li Peter P , Warsh Jerry J
Published: March 2012

Roedding AS, Gao AF, Au‐Yeung W, Scarcelli T, Li PP, Warsh JJ. Effect of oxidative stress on TRPM2 and TRPC3 channels in B lymphoblast cells in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 151–161. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Recent findings implicate the calcium‐permeable nonselective ion channels transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin subtype 2 (TRPM2) and canonical subtype 3 (TRPC3) in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD). These channels are involved in calcium and oxidative stress signaling, both of which are disrupted in BD. Thus, we sought to determine if these channels are differentially affected by oxidative stress in cell lines of BD patient origin.

Methods:  B lymphoblast cell lines (BLCLs) from bipolar I disorder (BD‐I) patients (n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 5) were challenged with the oxidative stressor rotenone (2.5 μM and 10 μM) or vehicle for acute (24 hours) and chronic (four days) intervals. Cell viability was measured using propidium iodide, while TRPM2‐ and TRPC3‐mediated calcium fluxes were measured in the presence of their respective activators (H2O2 and 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol) using Fluo‐4. Changes in TRPM2 and TRPC3 expression levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting.

Results:  Cell viability decreased with increasing dose and duration of rotenone treatment, with BD‐I patient BLCLs more susceptible than controls acutely (p < 0.001). A dose‐dependent decrease in TRPC3 protein expression occurred after chronic (24%, p = 0.008) but not acute rotenone treatment. Interestingly, H2O2‐provoked TRPM2‐dependent calcium fluxes revealed an interaction between the effects of stressor addition and diagnostic subject group (p = 0.003).

Conclusions:  These data support an important role for TRPM2 and TRPC3 in sensing and responding to oxidative stress and in transducing oxidative stress signaling to intracellular calcium homeostasis and cellular stress responses, all of which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of BD.
Detection of genes regulated by Lmx1b during limb dorsalization
Authors: Feenstra Jennifer M. , Kanaya Kohei , Pira Charmaine U. , Hoffman Sarah E. , Eppey Richard J. , Oberg Kerby C.
Published: March 2012

Lmx1b is a homeodomain transcription factor that regulates dorsal identity during limb development. Lmx1b knockout (KO) mice develop distal ventral–ventral limbs. Although induction of Lmx1b is linked to Wnt7a expression in the dorsal limb ectoderm, the downstream targets of Lmx1b that accomplish limb dorsalization are unknown. To identify genes targeted by Lmx1b, we compared gene arrays from Lmx1b KO and wild type mouse limbs during limb dorsalization, i.e., 11.5, 12.5, and 13.5 days post coitum. We identified 54 target genes that were differentially expressed in all three stages. Several skeletal targets, including Emx2, Matrilin1 and Matrilin4, demonstrated a loss of scapular expression in the Lmx1b KO mice, supporting a role for Lmx1b in scapula development. Furthermore, the relative abundance of extracellular matrix‐related soft tissue targets regulated by Lmx1b, such as collagens and proteoglycans, suggests a mechanism that includes changes in the extracellular matrix composition to accomplish limb dorsalization. Our study provides the most comprehensive characterization of genes regulated by Lmx1b during limb development to‐date and provides targets for further investigation.
OBIF, an osteoblast induction factor, plays an essential role in bone formation in association with osteoblastogenesis
Authors: Mizuhashi Koji , Kanamoto Takashi , Ito Masako , Moriishi Takeshi , Muranishi Yuki , Omori Yoshihiro , Terada Koji , Komori Toshihisa , Furukawa Takahisa
Published: March 2012

In vertebrate bone formation, the functional mechanisms of transcription factors in osteoblastic differentiation have been relatively well elucidated; however, the exact roles of cell‐extrinsic molecules are less clear. We previously identified human and mouse Obif, an osteoblast induction factor, also known as Tmem119, which encodes a single transmembrane protein. OBIF is predominantly expressed in osteoblasts in mouse. While exogenous Obif expression stimulated osteoblastic differentiation, knockdown of Obif inhibits the osteoblastic differentiation of pre‐osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. In order to investigate an in vivo role of OBIF in bone formation, we generated Obif‐deficient mice by targeted gene disruption. Analyses of micro‐computed tomography (mCT) revealed that Obif−/− mice exhibit significantly reduced cortical thickness in the mid‐shaft of the femur at postnatal day 14 (P14). Furthermore, progressive bone hypoplasia is observed after 8 weeks. The expression levels of osteoblast marker genes, Collagen 1a1, Osteopontin, Runx2, and Osterix, in the calvaria were decreased in Obif−/− mice at P4. These data indicate that Obif plays an essential role in bone formation through regulating osteoblastogenesis.
There's hope in the valley
Authors: Elliott Elizabeth , Latimer Jane , Fitzpatrick James , Oscar June , Carter Maureen
Published: March 2012

Aboriginal women in the remote Fitzroy Valley region in Western Australia's Kimberley were concerned about high rates of alcohol use in pregnancy and its possible impact on child development. They successfully lobbied for restricted access to alcohol in 2007. In 2009 they developed a strategy for the diagnosis and prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and the support of parents and carers of affected children. Aboriginal organisations then partnered with research and clinical groups from Sydney to conduct a FASD prevalence study. This commenced in 2010 following extensive community consultation and receipt of community consent. Data from this study are still being collected and will be used by the community to advocate for improved services and new models of health care. Prevention of FASD is important to optimise health and development for future generations of Aboriginal children and to ensure the transfer of culture and language from one generation to the next.
Endogenous neural precursors influence grafted neural stem cells and contribute to neuroprotection in the parkinsonian rat
Authors: Madhavan Lalitha , Daley Brian F. , Sortwell Caryl E. , Collier Timothy J.
Published: March 2012

Neuroprotective and neurorescue effects after neural stem/precursor cell (NPC) transplantation have been reported, but the mechanisms underlying such phenomena are not well understood. Our recent findings in a rat Parkinson’s disease (PD) model indicate that transplantation of NPCs before a 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) insult can result in nigrostriatal protection which is associated with endogenous NPC proliferation, migration and neurogenesis. Here, we sought to determine whether the observed endogenous NPC response (i) contributes to transplanted NPC‐mediated neuroprotection; and/or (ii) affects graft phenotype and function. Host Fischer 344 rats were administered the antimitotic agent cytosine‐β‐d‐arabinofuranoside (Ara‐C) to eliminate actively proliferating endogenous neural precursors before being transplanted with NPCs and treated with 6‐OHDA to induce nigrostriatal degeneration. Behavioral and histological analyses demonstrate that the neuroprotective response observed in NPC transplanted animals which had not received Ara‐C was significantly attenuated in animals which did receive pre‐transplant Ara‐C. Also, while grafts in Ara‐C‐treated animals showed no decrease in cell number, they exhibited significantly reduced expression of the neural stem cell regulators nestin and sonic hedgehog. In addition, inhibition of the endogenous NPC response resulted in an exaggerated host glial reaction. Overall, the study establishes for the first time that endogenous NPCs contribute to transplanted NPC‐mediated therapeutic effects by affecting both grafted and mature host cells in unique ways. Thus, both endogenous and transplanted NPCs are important in creating an environment suitable for neural protection and rescue, and harnessing their synergistic interaction may lead to the optimization of cell‐based therapies for PD.
Critical Geographies with the State: The Problem of Social Vulnerability and the Politics of Engaged Research
Authors: McGuirk Pauline , O'Neill Phillip
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  State interventions to govern social vulnerability highlight the complexity of contemporary states, marked by neoliberal agenda but also by progressive interventions and the desire for effectiveness. This paper draws on collaborative research with government agencies on social vulnerability in the Hunter region to assess the desirability of undertaking critical geographies with the state. We see states as contested terrains invested with the institutional capacity to mobilise diverse political projects. We argue that critical research in partnership with states is possible, as are mobilisations of the agency of state institutions to promote progressive policy development. The paper explores how we might use engaged research to intersect with the production and circulation of texts, technologies and practices within the state apparatus to achieve desirable change. While critical research with the state involves uncertainties and compromise, with no permanent resolutions, we conclude that states must remain centred in our critical conversations and praxis.

In this paper we advance the case for the critical possibilities of policy‐oriented research with the state. We reflect on experiences of an engaged research project with state government agencies in the NSW Hunter Region involving the production and use of the texts and technologies as state interventions in social vulnerability. Working through the project's reflexive, collaborative methodologies and our use of critical GIS, we highlight the creation of opportunities to change how the components of social vulnerability were conceptualised, contest policymakers’ view of what was “relevant”, and shift framing rationalities and resultant state practices. As such the paper contributes to our knowledge of strategic research practices for pursuing critical, progressive projects with the state. Such engagement involves uncertainties and contingent compromise. Yet, as terrains of contestation wherein diverse political projects are assembled and propelled, states must remain centred in our critical conversations and in our critical praxis.
Wage Effects of On‐the‐Job Training: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Haelermans Carla , Borghans Lex
Published: March 2012

A meta‐analysis is used to study the average wage effects of on‐the‐job training. This study shows that the average reported wage effect of on‐the‐job training, corrected for publication bias, is 2.6 per cent per course. The analyses reveal a substantial heterogeneity between training courses, while wage effects reported in studies based on instrumental variables and panel estimators are substantially lower than estimates based on techniques that do not correct for selectivity issues. Appropriate methodology and the quality of the data turn out to be crucial to determine the wage returns.
Executive function tests in early‐onset psychosis: which one to choose?
Authors: HOLMÉN AINA , JUUHL‐LANGSETH MONICA , THORMODSEN RUNE , SUNDET KJETIL , MELLE INGRID , RUND BJØRN RISHOVD
Published: March 2012

Holmén, A., Juuhl‐Langseth, M., Thormodsen, R., Sundet, K., Melle, I. & Rund, B. R. (2012). Executive function tests in early‐onset psychosis: which one to choose?Scandinavian Journal of Psychology53, 200–205.

People with schizophrenia exhibit executive functioning deficits, an area well investigated in the adult onset schizophrenia (AOS) group, but far less so in early‐onset schizophrenia (EOS). Since EOS in general seems to exhibit poorer cognitive functions and is clinically more compromised than AOS, choice of efficient and sensitive assessment measures is not necessarily the same within the two groups. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was developed for adults when studying treatment effects and uses Mazes (Neuropsychological Assessment Battery [NAB]) to assess executive functioning. We tested 31 adolescents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 66 healthy controls in order to examine how Mazes compares to two other commonly used tests to measure executive functioning, D‐KEFS Color Word Interference Test (Stroop) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Significant discriminating power was found for all three measures. Patients performed 0.8–1.5 SD below controls with Stroop as the most sensitive measure, followed by Mazes and WCST. Mazes was selected by the MATRICS to assess treatment effects in AOS and is shown to be able. We find the instrument also able to separate adolescent patients from controls and thus, it appears a sensible choice in clinical settings. If a more elaborated neuropsychological evaluation of the executive functioning domain is needed, Stroop should be considered a complementary test.
Impact of antiretroviral therapy interruption on plasma biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and lipids: 144‐week final data from the STOPAR study
Authors: Olmo M , Saumoy M , Alonso‐Villaverde C , Peñaranda M , Gutiérrez F , Romeu J , Larrousse M , Curto J , Domingo P , Oteo JA , Vila A , Podzamczer D
Published: March 2012

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate changes in plasma biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and lipids in a CD4‐guided antiretroviral therapy interruption study.

Methods

This was a substudy of a prospective, randomized, multicentre treatment interruption study. At months 12, 24 and 36, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), soluble P‐selectin (sP‐selectin), and tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) were measured using a multiplex cytometric bead‐based assay. Total cholesterol (total‐c), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) and triglycerides (TG) were determined using standard methods.

Results

Fifty‐four patients were included in the study [34 in the treatment continuation (TC) arm and 20 in the treatment interruption (TI) arm]. There were no differences at baseline between the groups, except in CD4 cell count, which was higher in the TI arm (P = 0.026), and MCP‐1, which was higher in the TC arm (P = 0.039). MCP‐1 and sVCAM‐1 were increased relative to baseline at the three study time‐points in the TI arm, with no changes in the TC arm. Soluble CD40L and sP‐selectin were increased at month 36 in both arms, with a greater increase in the TI arm (P = 0.02). t‐PA was increased in both arms at the three time‐points. Total‐c, HDL‐c and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) were decreased in the TI arm at the three time‐points, with no changes in the total‐c/HDL‐c ratio. HIV viral load positively correlated with MCP‐1 at months 12 and 24. Regression analysis showed a significant negative association of HDL‐c with MCP‐1 and sVCAM‐1.

Conclusions

A significant increase in cardiovascular risk biomarkers persisting over the prolonged study period was seen in the TI arm. This factor may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in previous studies.
Body fat distribution in HIV‐infected patients treated for 96 weeks with darunavir/ritonavir monotherapy versus darunavir/ritonavir plus nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: the MONOI‐ANRS136 Substudy
Authors: Valantin MA , Kolta S , Flandre P , Algarte Genin M , Meynard JL , Ponscarme D , Slama L , Cuzin L , de Kerviler E , Inaoui R , Katlama C
Published: March 2012

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate fat tissue distribution in HIV‐infected patients with suppressed viraemia treated with darunavir/ritonavir (darunavir/r) monotherapy versus darunavir/r triple therapy.

Methods

This study was a substudy of the randomized, multicentre, open‐label MONOI‐ANRS 136 trial. Body fat distribution and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline, week 48 and week 96.

Results

In total, 156 patients of the 225 initially enrolled in the MONOI trial participated in this study, 75 in the darunavir/r monotherapy arm and 81 in the darunavir/r triple‐therapy arm. The median limb fat increase from baseline was +0.34 kg [interquartile range (IQR) –0.040 to +1.140 kg; P < 0.001] at week 48 and +0.33 kg (IQR –0.14 to +1.26 kg; P = 0.001) at week 96 in the monotherapy arm, while there was no change (–0.02 kg; IQR –0.53 to +0.52 kg) at week 48 and then an increase of +0.23 kg (IQR –0.45 to +0.87 kg; P = 0.046) at week 96 in the triple‐therapy arm. The two arms differed significantly at week 48 (P = 0.001) but not at week 96. The median increase in trunk fat was +0.73 kg (IQR –0.24 to +1.60 kg; P < 0.001) and 0.60 kg (IQR –0.41 to +1.49 kg; P = 0.03) at week 48 and +1.16 kg (IQR –0.17 to +2.75 kg; P < 0.001) and +0.90 kg (IQR –0.51 to +2.34 kg; P = 0.001) at week 96 in the monotherapy and triple‐therapy arms, respectively, with no difference between arms. At week 96, the only biological change was a glucose level elevation in the monotherapy arm (median +4.0 mg/dL; IQR –4.0 to +7.0 mg/dL) compared with the triple‐therapy arm (P = 0.012).

Conclusions

Overall, body fat tissue increased in patients on darunavir/r monotherapy and triple therapy, with no difference between the arms over 96 weeks. The only difference found was a delayed increase in limb fat tissue in the triple‐therapy arm compared with the monotherapy arm in the first year.
Anticoagulation in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Davie C. A.
Published: March 2012

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Association of halo nevus/i and vitiligo in childhood: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Patrizi A. , Bentivogli M. , Raone B. , Dondi A. , Tabanelli M. , Neri I.
Published: March 2012

Background  Although halo nevus (HN) is frequently observed, the relationship between vitiligo and HN in children has rarely been investigated.

Objectives  To investigate the association between HN and vitiligo in children and understand if HN/HNi might be a risk factor for vitiligo.

Methods  Ninety‐eight patients with only HN/HNi and 27 with HN/HNi and vitiligo were investigated for number and localization of HN/HNi, family history for HN/HNi and vitiligo and personal and family history for autoimmune or other diseases. A follow‐up telephone interview was performed to investigate the evolution of HN/HNi and the possible onset of vitiligo and/or other diseases.

Results  In the HN/HNi and vitiligo group, HN/HNi and vitiligo had started almost simultaneously in 11 children; in nine, the onset of HN/HNi was followed by vitiligo after 6 months to 5 years; seven patients presented vitiligo first and HN/HNi after 3–9 years. Patients with associated vitiligo had, significantly more often, multiple HNi and a positive personal and/or family history of autoimmune thyroiditis compared with those with only HN/HNi. Follow‐up longer than 5 years was available in 54/98 patients with only HN/HNi; two of them, both with multiple HNi, developed vitiligo. After follow‐up, multiple HNi were noticed in 18/52 patients without vitiligo and in 9/11 of those in whom HN/HNi heralded vitiligo (s.s.).

Conclusions  In patients with multiple HNi, the risk of vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases seems to be higher than in pediatric patients with a single HN; clinicians should pay particular attention to children with multiple HNi and personal or family history of autoimmune diseases.
Assessment methods for the evaluation of vitiligo
Authors: Alghamdi K.M. , Kumar A. , Taïeb A. , Ezzedine K.
Published: March 2012

There is no standardized method for assessing vitiligo. In this article, we review the literature from 1981 to 2011 on different vitiligo assessment methods. We aim to classify the techniques available for vitiligo assessment as subjective, semi‐objective or objective; microscopic or macroscopic; and as based on morphometry or colorimetry. Macroscopic morphological measurements include visual assessment, photography in natural or ultraviolet light, photography with computerized image analysis and tristimulus colorimetry or spectrophotometry. Non‐invasive micromorphological methods include confocal laser microscopy (CLM). Subjective methods include clinical evaluation by a dermatologist and a vitiligo disease activity score. Semi‐objective methods include the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and point‐counting methods. Objective methods include software‐based image analysis, tristimulus colorimetry, spectrophotometry and CLM. Morphometry is the measurement of the vitiliginous surface area, whereas colorimetry quantitatively analyses skin colour changes caused by erythema or pigment. Most methods involve morphometry, except for the chromameter method, which assesses colorimetry. Some image analysis software programs can assess both morphometry and colorimetry. The details of these programs (Corel Draw, Image Pro Plus, AutoCad and Photoshop) are discussed in the review. Reflectance confocal microscopy provides real‐time images and has great potential for the non‐invasive assessment of pigmentary lesions. In conclusion, there is no single best method for assessing vitiligo. This review revealed that VASI, the rule of nine and Wood’s lamp are likely to be the best techniques available for assessing the degree of pigmentary lesions and measuring the extent and progression of vitiligo in the clinic and in clinical trials.
Impaired instrumental activities of daily living affect conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia: the Osaki‐Tajiri Project
Authors: OUCHI Yoshitaka , AKANUMA Kyoko , MEGURO Mitsue , KASAI Mari , ISHII Hiroshi , MEGURO Kenichi
Published: March 2012

Aim:  To determine whether impaired instrumental activities of daily living affect conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia for subjects in a community.

Methods:  This is a 7‐year retrospective study that followed 226 randomly selected participants from the Prevalence Study 1998 in Tajiri in northern Japan who had Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5. Instrumental activities of daily living levels were assessed with a 21‐item questionnaire. We analyzed the scores at baseline between the converters to dementia and non‐converters.

Results:  The converters had lower baseline scores on the ‘bed making’ and ‘mode of transportation’ items compared with the non‐converters; the former item was significant after a stepwise logistic regression analysis that excluded age and Mini‐Mental State Examination effects. In gender analysis, female converters had lower baseline scores on the ‘bed making’ and ‘cleaning’ items. For male participants, no items were found to have such an effect.

Conclusions:  We suggest that when individuals with mild cognitive impairment are limited in their performance of instrumental activities of daily living, this is predictive of dementia onset.
Impact of Multiple Types of Childhood Trauma Exposure on Risk of Psychiatric Comorbidity Among Alcoholic Inpatients
Authors: Huang Ming‐Chyi , Schwandt Melanie L. , Ramchandani Vijay A. , George David T. , Heilig Markus
Published: March 2012

Background

This study examined the prevalence of single‐ and multiple‐type childhood trauma exposure (CTE) among alcoholic patients undergoing inpatient detoxification and treatment. The relationships between various types of CTE and lifetime psychiatric comorbidities and suicide attempts were also explored.

Methods

A total of 196 alcoholic inpatients were assessed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) for CTE history.

Results

The overall prevalence of CTE in the entire sample was high (55.1%). Specifically, the prevalence of emotional abuse was 21.4%, physical abuse 31.1%, sexual abuse 24.0%, emotional neglect 20.4%, and physical neglect 19.9%. Regarding multiple types of CTE, 31.7 and 18.9% reported at least 2 and at least 3 CTE types, respectively. Strikingly, among those with at least 1 positive CTQ category, more than half reported 2 or more CTE types. A history of emotional abuse increased the risk of mood disorder, in particular major depressive disorder, as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical abuse contributed to the prediction of suicide attempts, while sexual abuse was associated with a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, PTSD, and multiple comobidities (e.g., anxiety and mood disorder). The number of reported CTE types or the total score of the CTQ predicted an increased risk of having single or multiple psychiatric comorbidities as well as suicide attempts.

Conclusions

We observed high rates of a broad range of CTE types and a trend for CTE‐specific enhancement of risk for various psychiatric outcomes among alcoholic inpatients. Of note, a dose–response relationship between number of CTE types and risk of psychiatric comorbidities as well as suicide attempts was found. We suggest a wide range of CTE should be included when exploring the effects of CTE or developing prevention and treatment strategies among alcoholic subjects.
Weak D caused by a founder deletion in the RHD gene
Authors: Fichou Yann , Chen Jian‐Min , Le Maréchal Cédric , Jamet Déborah , Dupont Isabelle , Chuteau Claude , Durousseau Cécile , Loirat Marie‐Jeanne , Bailly Pascal , Férec Claude
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: The RhD blood group system exemplifies a genotype‐phenotype correlation by virtue of its highly polymorphic and immunogenic nature. Weak D phenotypes are generally thought to result from missense mutations leading to quantitative change of the D antigen in the red blood cell membrane or intracellularly.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Different sets of polymerase chain reaction primers were designed to map and clone a deletion involving RHD Exon 10, which was found in approximately 3% of approximately 2000 RHD hemizygous subjects with D phenotype ambiguity. D antigen density was measured by flow cytometry. Transcript analysis was carried out by 3′‐rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends. Haplotype analysis was performed by microsatellite genotyping.

RESULTS: A 5405‐bp deletion that removed nearly two‐thirds of Intron 9 and almost all of Exon 10 of the RHD gene was characterized. It is predicted to result in the replacement of the last eight amino acids of the wild‐type RhD protein by another four amino acids. The mean RhD antigen density from two deletion carriers was determined to be only 30. A consensus haplotype could be deduced from the deletion carriers based on the microsatellite genotyping data.

CONCLUSION: The currently reported deletion was derived from a common founder. This deletion appears to represent not only the first large deletion associated with weak D but also the weakest of weak D alleles so far reported. This highly unusual genotype‐phenotype relationship may be attributable to the additive effect of three distinct mechanisms that affect mRNA formation, mRNA stability, and RhD/ankyrin‐R interaction, respectively.