bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The emergence and reduction of bias in letters of recommendation
Authors: Morgan Whitney Botsford , Elder Katherine B. , King Eden B.
Published: October 2013

Despite the widespread use of letters of recommendation (LORs) in selection systems, research has largely failed to consider the potential emergence of bias in interpretations of LORs. The present study fills this void by examining both race and gender bias in evaluations of LORs and assessing the efficacy of elaboration as a strategy for reducing such bias. Undergraduate students (n = 423) rated four LORs that varied with regard to applicant race and gender. Results suggest that bias does exist in evaluations of LORs, but that requiring raters to expand on their evaluations (i.e., elaborate) reduces this bias. Implications include elaboration as a strategy organizations can implement to reduce bias from emerging when relying on LORs as a selection tool.
Estimating the degree of failed understanding: a possible role for online technology
Authors: Grabe M. , Holfeld B.
Published: October 2013

Accurate identification of what a learner does not know is essential for efficient self‐directed learning. The accuracy of this awareness, often described as calibration, has been operationalized in several ways. Calibration data are often collected in applied settings by having students predict a future examination score. This method is efficient but not a direct measurement of the awareness of specific strengths and weaknesses. Online technology allows a practical way to collect more specific, local data; that is, the accuracy of confidence ratings for individual assessment items. These two methods of estimating calibration, global and local, were contrasted as predictors of performance in an introductory college course. Both measures were demonstrated to be significant and unique predictors of future examination performance. Online study environments requiring certitude judgments for study questions and offering immediate opportunities for review may offer the means for improving the efficiency of self‐directed learning.
Listening strategy use and influential factors in Web‐based computer assisted language learning
Authors: Chen L. , Zhang R. , Liu C.
Published: October 2013

This study investigates second and foreign language (L2) learners' listening strategy use and factors that influence their strategy use in a Web‐based computer assisted language learning (CALL) system. A strategy inventory, a factor questionnaire and a standardized listening test were used to collect data from a group of 82 Chinese students enrolled in a required course in college English. A descriptive statistical analysis measures the frequency of these learners' use of overall strategies and strategy types. A multiple regression analysis identifies factors and their interactions that influence the learners' use of listening strategies. t‐tests examine the characteristics and proficiency levels that affect the overall listening strategies and strategy types used by these learners. The results show that cognitive and metacognitive strategies are used most frequently. They also reveal that motivation, learning anxiety and learning styles significantly affect the learners' use of various listening strategies. The results of this study provide directions for future research into the listening strategies employed in Web‐based CALL and suggest ways for strategy instruction that may improve listening comprehension for L2 learners with different characteristics in Web‐based CALL.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of the Relationship Between Contact Force and Left Atrial Scar Formation After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SOHNS CHRISTIAN , KARIM RASHED , HARRISON JAMES , ARUJUNA ARUNA , LINTON NICK , SENNETT RICHARD , LAMBERT HENDRIK , LEO GIOVANNI , WILLIAMS STEVEN , RAZAVI REZA , WRIGHT MATT , SCHAEFFTER TOBIAS , O'NEILL MARK , RHODE KAWAL
Published: October 2013

Left Atrial Scar Formation After Contact Force‐Guided AF Ablation

Background

Catheter contact force (CF) is an important determinant of radiofrequency (RF) lesion quality during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows good visualization of ablation lesions.

Objective

This study describes a new technique to examine the relationship between CF during RF delivery and LGE signal intensity (SI) following PVI.

Methods

Six patients underwent PVI for paroxysmal AF using a CF‐sensing catheter and following preprocedural MRI. During ablation, CF‐time integral (FTI) and position was documented for each RF application. All patients underwent repeat LGE MRI 3 months later. The LGE SIs were projected onto a MRI‐derived 3‐dimensional left atrial (LA) shell and a CF map was generated on the same shell. The entire LA surface was divided into 5 mm2 segments. Force and LGE maps were fused and compared for each 5 mm2 zone. An effective lesion was defined when MRI‐defined scar occupied >90% of a 5 mm2 analysis zone.

Results

Acute PVI was achieved in 100%. Two hundred sixty‐eight RF lesions were tagged on the LA shells and given a lesion‐specific FTI. Increasing FTI correlated with increased LGE SI, which was greater when the FTI was > 1,200 gs. Below an FTI of 1,200 gs, an increment in the FTI resulted in only a small increment in scar, whereas above 1,200 gs an increment in the FTI resulted in a large change of scar.

Conclusion

There is a correlation between FTI and LGE SI in MRI following AF ablation. Real‐time FTI maps are feasible and may prevent inadequate lesion formation.
Changes in Hypertension Treatment in the Yaroslavl Region of Russia: Improvements Observed Between 2 Cross‐Sectional Surveys
Authors: Mozheyko Maria , Eregin Sergey , Vigdorchik Alexey , Tobe Sheldon , Campbell Norman , Riahi Farhad , Hughes David
Published: October 2013

This prospective before‐and‐after survey of hypertensive patients visiting government‐run outpatient health facilities in the Yaroslavl Region of Russia assessed blood pressure (BP)–related endpoints following initiation of a comprehensive health system improvement program for hypertension. Two cross‐sectional surveys, one at baseline and the other approximately 1 year after program initiation, evaluated the primary measure of BP control rate. Secondary measures included mean BP levels and distribution, cardiovascular risk factors, and associated conditions, heart rate levels, and antihypertensive therapy. From the 2011 survey (n=1794) to the 2012 survey (n=2992), BP control rate (<140/90 mm Hg) significantly increased from 16.8% to 23.0%, reflecting a 37% relative improvement (P<.0001). Mean BP level was significantly reduced from 151/90 mm Hg to 147/88 mm Hg (P<.0001). Severe uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP ≥180 mm Hg) was reduced from 9.7% to 6.4% (P<.0001). Implementing a guidelines‐based treatment protocol with medical and patient education programs resulted in physician behavior change and improved patient BP control.
Distinct human T‐lymphocyte responses triggered by Porphyromonas gingivalis capsular serotypes
Authors: Vernal Rolando , Diaz‐Guerra Eva , Silva Augusto , Sanz Mariano , Garcia‐Sanz Jose A.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Porphyromonas gingivalis can synthesize an extracellular capsule and different serotypes have been described based on capsular antigenicity. On dendritic cells (DCs), the type of capsule present plays a role on the strength of the developed immune response. This study aimed to investigate the T‐lymphocyte responses when stimulated with autologous mature DCs exposed to different P. gingivalis K‐serotypes.

Materials and Methods

Naïve CD4+T‐lymphocytes were obtained from healthy subjects and stimulated with autologous DCs primed with increasing multiplicity of infections of the different P. gingivalis K‐serotypes. The Th1, Th2, Th17 and T‐regulatory cytokines and transcription factor levels were quantified.

Results

Distinct types of response were detected when T‐lymphocytes were stimulated by DCs primed with the different P. gingivalis K‐serotypes. T‐lymphocytes stimulated by K1 or K2‐primed DCs elicited higher levels of Th1 and Th17‐associated cytokines, T‐bet and RORC2 than T‐lymphocytes stimulated with DCs primed with the other serotypes. Conversely, the serotypes K3‐K5 induced higher levels of Th2‐associated cytokines and GATA‐3 than the others.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that DCs primed with the different P. gingivalis K‐serotypes elicited distinct T‐cell responses. Strains K1 (W83) and K2 (HG184) induced a Th1/Th17 pattern of immune response and K3 (A7A1‐28), K4 (ATCC®49417™), and K5 (HG1690) a Th2 response.
Family income in early childhood and subsequent attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Larsson Henrik , Sariaslan Amir , Långström Niklas , D'Onofrio Brian , Lichtenstein Paul
Published: October 2013

Background

Studies have found negative associations between socioeconomic position and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it remains unclear if this association is causal.
The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which the association between family income in early childhood and subsequent ADHD depends on measured and unmeasured selection factors.

Methods

A total of 811,803 individuals born in Sweden between 1992 and 2000 were included in this nationwide population‐based cohort study. Diagnosis of ADHD was assessed via the Swedish national Patient Register and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Annual family income during offspring's first 5 years in life was collected prospectively from the Swedish Integrated Database for Labour Market Research and divided into quartiles by (lower) family disposable income. We predicted ADHD from family income while controlling for covariates and also comparing differently exposed cousins and siblings to control for unmeasured familial confounding.

Results

The crude analyses suggested that children exposed to lower income levels were at increased risk for ADHD (HRQuartile1 = 2.52; 95% CI, 2.42–2.63; HRQuartile2 = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.45–1.58; HRQuartile3 = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14–1.15). This dose‐dependent association decreased after adjustment for measured covariates (HRQuartile1 = 2.09; 95% CI, 2.00–2.19; HRQuartile2 = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.30–1.42; HRQuartile3 = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08–1.18). Although the association was attenuated in cousin comparisons (HRQuartile1 = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.40–1.84; HRQuartile2 = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.12–1.45; HRQuartile3 = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01–1.28) and sibling comparison models (HRQuartile1 = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.07–1.75; HRQuartile2 = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12–1.68; HRQuartile3 = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04–1.45), it remained statistically significant across all levels of decreased disposable family income.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that low family income in early childhood was associated with increased likelihood of ADHD. The link remained even after controlling for unmeasured selection factors, highlighting family income in early childhood as a marker of causal factors for ADHD.
Research Review: Epidemiological modelling of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010
Authors: Erskine Holly E. , Ferrari Alize J. , Nelson Paul , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Flaxman Abraham D. , Vos Theo , Whiteford Harvey A. , Scott James G.
Published: October 2013

Background

The most recent Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2010) is the first to include attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD) for burden quantification. We present the epidemiological profiles of ADHD and CD across three time periods for 21 world regions.

Methods

A systematic review of global epidemiology was conducted for each disorder (based on a literature search of the Medline, PsycInfo and EMBASE databases). A Bayesian metaregression tool was used to derive prevalence estimates by age and sex in three time periods (1990, 2005 and 2010) for 21 world regions including those with little or no data. Prior expert knowledge and covariates were applied to each model to adjust suboptimal data. Final prevalence output for ADHD were adjusted to reflect an equivalent value if studies had measured point prevalence using multiple informants while final prevalence output for CD were adjusted to reflect a value equivalent to CD only.

Results

Prevalence was pooled for males and females aged 5–19 years with no difference found in global prevalence between the three time periods. Male prevalence of ADHD in 2010 was 2.2% (2.0–2.3) while female prevalence was 0.7% (0.6–0.7). Male prevalence of CD in 2010 was 3.6% (3.3–4.0) while female prevalence was 1.5% (1.4–1.7). ADHD and CD were estimated to be present worldwide with ADHD prevalence showing some regional variation while CD prevalence remained relatively consistent worldwide.

Conclusions

We present the first prevalence estimates of both ADHD and CD globally and for all world regions. Data were sparse with large parts of the world having no estimates of either disorder. Epidemiological studies are urgently needed in certain parts of the world. Our findings directly informed burden quantification for GBD 2010. As mental disorders gained increased recognition after the first GBD study in 1990, the inclusion of ADHD and CD in GBD 2010 ensures their importance will be recognized alongside other childhood disorders.
Functional outcomes of child and adolescent oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in young adult men
Authors: Burke Jeffrey D. , Rowe Richard , Boylan Khrista
Published: October 2013

Background

Oppositional defiant disorder(ODD) is considered to be a disorder of childhood, yet evidence suggests that prevalence rates of the disorder are stable into late adolescence and trajectories of symptoms persist into young adulthood. Functional outcomes associated with ODD through childhood and adolescence include conflict within families, poor peer relationships, peer rejection, and academic difficulties. Little examination of functional outcomes in adulthood associated with ODD has been undertaken.

Method

Data for the present analyses come from a clinic referred sample of 177 boys aged 7–12 followed up annually to age 18 and again at age 24. Annual parental report of psychopathology through adolescence was used to predict self‐reported functional outcomes at 24.

Results

Controlling for parent reported symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Conduct disorder (CD), depression and anxiety, ODD symptoms from childhood through adolescence predicted poorer age 24 functioning with peers, poorer romantic relationships, a poorer paternal relationship, and having nobody who would provide a recommendation for a job. CD symptoms predicted workplace problems, poor maternal relationship, lower academic attainment, and violent injuries. Only parent reported ODD symptoms and child reported CD symptoms predicted a composite of poor adult outcomes.

Conclusion

Oppositional defiant disorder is a disorder that significantly interferes with functioning, particularly in social or interpersonal relationships. The persistence of impairment associated with ODD into young adulthood calls for a reconsideration of ODD as a disorder limited to childhood.
Practitioner Review: Social (pragmatic) communication disorder conceptualization, evidence and clinical implications
Authors: Norbury Courtenay F.
Published: October 2013

Background

DSM‐5 sees the introduction of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD), characterized by persistent difficulties using verbal and nonverbal communication for social purposes, in the absence of restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours. There is currently much confusion about the precise diagnostic criteria forSPCDand how this disorder relates to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), previous descriptions of pragmatic language impairment (PLI) and more specific language disorders (LD).

Method

Proposed criteria forSPCDare outlined. A selective review of the evidence considers whether these criteria form a cohesive and distinct diagnostic entity. Approaches to assessment and intervention are discussed.

Results

Implementing the new diagnosis is currently challenged by a lack of well‐validated and reliable assessment measures, and observed continuities betweenSPCDand other neurodevelopmental disorders. High rates of comorbidity betweenSPCDand other seemingly disparate disorders (including conduct disorder,ADHDand disorders of known genetic origin) raise questions about the utility of this diagnostic category.

Conclusions

SPCDis probably best conceptualized as a dimensional symptom profile that may be present across a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, although there is an urgent need to investigate the latent structure ofSPCDusing consistent diagnostic criteria. In addition, social communication and aspects of pragmatic language may be dissociated, with the latter heavily influenced by structural language attainments. Finally, there is a dearth of reliable and culturally valid assessment measures with which to make a differential diagnosis, and few rigorously tested intervention programmes. The implications for research and clinical practice are outlined.
Callous‐unemotional traits in children and mechanisms of impaired eye contact during expressions of love: a treatment target?
Authors: Dadds Mark R. , Allen Jennifer L. , McGregor Kimberley , Woolgar Matthew , Viding Essi , Scott Stephen
Published: October 2013

Background

We previously hypothesised that the early development of psychopathy is associated with a failure to attend to the eyes of attachment figures, and we have presented preliminary data from a parent–child ‘love’ scenario in support of this. Here, we confirm the association in a larger sample and test mechanisms of impaired eye contact during expressions of love in control and behaviourally disturbed children.

Methods

Oppositional defiant disorder children, assessed for callous‐unemotional (CU) traits, and controls, were observed in a brief interaction task where the mother was asked to show love to her child. Eye contact and affection were measured for each dyad.

Results

As predicted, there were no group differences in affection and eye contact expressed by mothers; levels of CU traits predicted low levels of eye contact towards their mothers across all groups of children. As expected, low eye contact was correlated with psychopathic fearlessness in their fathers, and maternal reports of negative feelings towards the child. Independent observations showed that child's behaviour largely drives the low eye contact associated with CU traits, and low eye contact was not associated with independent observations of the quality of attachment‐related behaviours in mothers.

Conclusions

Impaired eye contact is a unique characteristic of children with CU traits; these impairments are largely independent of maternal behaviour, but associated with psychopathic traits in the fathers. These impairments should be tested for functional significance and amenability to change in longitudinal and treatment studies.
Sitagliptin improves albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mori Hiroko , Okada Yosuke , Arao Tadashi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of sitagliptin on microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

A total of 85 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age >20 years, <80 years, hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] <8.4%) were randomized to patients taking sitagliptin 50 mg or other oral glucose‐lowering agents. The following parameters were evaluated at 0, 3 and 6 months after the treatment: bodyweight, blood pressure, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin excretion. The primary outcome was changes in urinary albumin excretion at 6 months.

Results

Significant and comparable falls in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose were found in both groups. However, sitagliptin significantly reduced urinary albumin excretion within 6 months, especially in patients with high urinary albumin at baseline. A total of 27 patients with normoalbuminuria showed a reduction in urinary albumin excretion, suggesting that sitagliptin prevents the development of albuminuria. A total of 15 patients with albuminuria showed a reduction in urinary albumin excretion, suggesting the beneficial effect of sitagliptin in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy. There was a significant correlation between improvement of proteinuria and that of diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

The results suggested that sitagliptin improved albuminuria, in addition to improving glucose. The mechanism of the reduction of albuminuria by sitagliptin could be a direct effect, as well as an increase in active glucagon‐like peptide‐1, independently affecting blood pressure, bodyweight and glucose metabolism. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN no. #000010871).
Fracture is additionally attributed to hyperhomocysteinemia in men and premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Jianbo , Zhang Hongman , Yan Lingfei , Xie Min , Chen Jiawei
Published: October 2013

Aims/Introduction

Data on hyperhomocysteinemia in relation to fractures in diabetes are limited. We aimed to explore the relationship between plasma total homocysteine concentrations and fractures in men and premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Diabetic and control participants (n = 292) were enrolled in a cross‐sectional hospital‐based study. Bone mineral density and fractures were documented by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and X‐ray film, respectively. Plasma total homocysteine concentrations were measured using fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Risk factors for low bone mineral density or fractures and determinants of homocysteine were obtained from blood samples and the interviewer questionnaire.

Results

Plasma total homocysteine levels were higher in diabetic participants with fractures than without (8.6 [2.1] μmol/L vs 10.3 [3.0] μmol/L, P = 0.000). Diabetic participants with fractures had similar bone mineral densities as control participants. The association of homocysteine with the fracture was independent of possible risk factors for fractures (e.g., age, duration of diabetes, glycated hemoglobin, body mass index, thiazolidenediones and retinopathy) and determinants of homocysteine concentration (e.g., age, sex, serum folate and vitamin B12, renal status and biguanide use; odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.03, P = 0.020). Furthermore, per increase of 5.0 μmol/L plasma homocysteine was related to the fracture, after controlling for per unit increase of other factors (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.78, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Plasma total homocysteine concentration is independently associated with occurrence of fractures in men and premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Future prospective studies are warranted to clarify the relationship.
Stem cells in the skin and their role in oncogenesis
Authors: Singh R. , Chen C. , Phelps R.G. , Elston D.M.
Published: October 2013

Stem cells generate great interest because they hold the promise for treatment of various incurable diseases. Several distinct stem cell populations have been identified in each organ, including the skin. As the skin is the largest organ in the body and is easily accessible, cutaneous stem cells have raised significant hopes for being a rich source of easily available multipotent stem cells. Genetic alterations and mutations in stem cells are being proposed as initiation step in multiple cancers. Small populations of oncogenic stem cells termed as cancer stem cells or tumour‐initiating cells have been identified in multiple tumours, including squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas that can sustain tumour growth, underlie its malignant behaviour and initiate distant metastases. These cells are controlled and regulated by the same pathways that are also responsible for maintenance and differentiation of normal stem cells. Developing a targeted therapy against the oncogenic stem cells and dysregulated members of the signalling pathways may be the key to understanding and treating skin cancers like melanomas, for which we still do not have an effective treatment.
Increased expression of IL‐17A and limited involvement of IL‐23 in patients with palmo‐plantar (PP) pustular psoriasis or PP pustulosis; results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Nigen S. , Langley R.G. , Lynde C.W. , Tan J. , Fuentes‐Duculan J. , Krueger J.G.
Published: October 2013

Background

Palmo‐plantar pustular psoriasis (PPPP) and palmo‐plantar pustulosis (PPP) are chronic skin diseases with significant impact on quality of life.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to study the efficacy of ustekinumab in PPPP and PPP and gain more knowledge on the pathophysiology and the role of the interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) signalling pathway in these diseases.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with either PPPP (20) or PPP (13) and seven volunteers with normal palmo‐plantar skin were recruited. Patients with PPP or PPPP were randomised (1 : 1) to receive either an anti IL‐12/IL‐23 antibody (ustekinumab 45 mg) or placebo at day 0 and week 4 with subsequent placebo cross‐over to ustekinumab at week 16. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients randomized to ustekinumab achieving a 50% improvement in the Palmo‐Plantar Pustular Area and Severity Index (PPPASI‐50) as compared to placebo. Skin biopsies of the palms and soles of normal subjects and patients with PPP or PPPP were performed and analysed by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients randomised to ustekinumab as compared to those randomised to placebo achieving PPPASI‐50 at week 16 for patients with PPPP (10%, 20%; P = 1.000) or PPP (20%, 37.5%; P = 1.000) respectively. Compared to normal subjects an 89‐fold increase in IL‐17A expression was found in palms/soles of patients with PPPP (P = 0.006) and a 190‐fold increase for patients with PPP (P = 0.051). There were no statistically significant changes in cytokine expression at week 16 in the palms and soles of patients with PPP or PPPP.

Conclusion

Taken together these results suggest that ustekinumab at a dose of 45 mg has limited efficacy in PPPP and PPP. IL‐17A may have a more important role than IL‐23 in patients with PPPP and PPP. Conclusions are limited by the small sample size of this study.
Relationship between the interleukin‐6‐174 gene and mannose‐binding lectin codon 54 gene polymorphisms and condyloma acuminatum
Authors: Aydogan K. , Ozakin C. , Saricaoglu H. , Sigirli D. , Oral B.
Published: October 2013

Background

Several genes encoding different Th1 and Th2 cytokines may play crucial roles in host susceptibility to Condyloma acuminatum (CA). Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a serum lectin that mediates complement activation, and it is a member of innate immune system. MBL gene polymorphisms are considered to be associated with several infectious diseases.

Objective

In this study, we investigated the association between cytokines and MBL gene polymorphisms with CA.

Methods

Forty patients with CA and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. These patients had not responded to at least a therapy modality and all patients had recurrent lesions. Polymorphism of cytokine [Th1 cytokines; tumour necrosis factor‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ, Th2 cytokine; IL‐6, T regulatory/suppressor cytokines; IL‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β] genes studies were performed by Polymerase chain reaction sequence‐specific primers method and MBL genotyping were studied by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Results

With the aid of agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis, we categorized subjects into two main clusters (cluster 1; formed by the majority of patients with CA, cluster 2; formed by the majority of healthy controls), which were found to have significantly different distributions of IL‐6 and MBL genotypes. Frequencies of IL‐6 (‐174) G/G (P < 0.001) and MBL AA (P < 0.001) polymorphisms were significantly greater in the cluster 1. In contrast, significantly lower frequencies of the IL‐6 G/C (P = 0.046) genotype and MBL AB (P < 0.001) genotype were observed in cluster 1.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the IL‐6 G/G and MBL AA gene polymorphisms are potential risk factors and that the IL‐6 G/C and MBL AB polymorphisms are a protective factor for occurrence and recurrence of CA.
Botulinum toxin B in the treatment of craniofacial hyperhidrosis
Authors: Karlqvist M. , Rosell K. , Rystedt A. , Hymnelius K. , Swartling C.
Published: October 2013

Background

Hyperhidrosis affects up to 3% of the population and negatively affects patients' quality of life. Craniofacial hyperhidrosis is a common complaint which has been successfully treated with botulinum toxin B (Btx B) since 2004 at our hidrosis clinics.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and clinical effect of Btx B in craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

Methods

The dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was monitored before and after treatment in 38 patients with craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Sweating before and after treatment was monitored by measuring trans epidermal water loss and by collecting gravimetric data. Global Assessment of Therapy in a 5‐grade scale was captured.

Results

DLQI scores were significantly improved at follow‐up 2–4 weeks posttreatment and sweating was significantly reduced. DLQI scores before treatment were 13 ± 1 (mean ± SD) and posttreatment 5 ± 1 which was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). Sweating before treatment monitored with trans epidermal water loss was 52 ± 31 g/m2/h which decreased to 18 ± 7 g/m2/h (P < 0.001) posttreatment. Gravimetric data yielded a sweat rate of 0.07 ± 0.08 mg/min at baseline, which consequently dropped to 0.02 ± 0.05 mg/min (P < 0.05) posttreatment. Regarding the Global Assessment of Therapy 87% of the patients were satisfied (score 4–5) with the treatment result. In a 2‐year follow‐up, 74% returned for further treatments after a median time of 5 months. Side‐effects were mild and most commonly reported was stiffness of the forehead and the eyebrows.

Conclusions

In this prospective, uncontrolled study Btx B seems to be both a safe and effective treatment in craniofacial hyperhidrosis improving quality of life and reducing extreme sweating.
Treatment of earlobe keloids by surgical excision and cryosurgery
Authors: Litrowski N. , Boullie M.C. , Dehesdin D. , De Barros A. , Joly P.
Published: October 2013

Background

The long‐term results of keloid treatments remain poor.

Objective

To assess the long‐term efficacy of a technique combining surgical excision and immediate cryosurgery in patients with ear keloids.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed between January 2001 and June 2011. All patients referred for treatment of an ear keloid and undergoing subsequent surgical excision followed by immediate freezing of the postoperative wound using cryosurgery were included. The primary end‐point was the number of patients who achieved major flattening of the keloid (defined as a reduction of more than 80% of the keloid) at the time of the study after a minimum follow‐up of 24 months after treatment.

Results

Sixty‐six patients with a total of 97 keloids were included. Median follow‐up time after treatment was 43 months. ‘Major’ flattening was observed in 69 keloids (71%). Fifty‐six of these lesions (81%) were treated with one session and 13 (19%) required a second session after keloid recurrence. Fifteen lesions (15%) were considered ‘treatment failure’, including 11 keloids in eight patients who were lost to follow‐up and four keloids which achieved less than 30% reduction of their surface. Thirteen other keloids were evaluated as displaying significant or moderate improvement. Treatment side‐effects were partial amputation of the ear lobe in three patients with a very large keloid of the ear lobe and hypopigmentation in five patients.

Limitation

Retrospective study.

Conclusion

The combination of surgical excision and cryosurgery can be considered for the treatment of large ear keloids.
Cuticular hydrocarbon divergence in the jewel wasp Nasonia: evolutionary shifts in chemical communication channels?
Authors: Buellesbach J. , Gadau J. , Beukeboom L. W. , Echinger F. , Raychoudhury R. , Werren J. H. , Schmitt T.
Published: October 2013

The evolution and maintenance of intraspecific communication channels constitute a key feature of chemical signalling and sexual communication. However, how divergent chemical communication channels evolve while maintaining their integrity for both sender and receiver is poorly understood. In this study, we compare male and female cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles in the jewel wasp genus Nasonia, analyse their chemical divergence and investigate their role as species‐specific sexual signalling cues. Males and females of all four Nasonia species showed unique, nonoverlapping CHC profiles unambiguously separating them. Surprisingly, male and female phylogenies based on the chemical distances between their CHC profiles differed dramatically, where only male CHC divergence parallels the molecular phylogeny of Nasonia. In particular, N. giraulti female CHC profiles were the most divergent from all other species and very different from its most closely related sibling species N. oneida. Furthermore, although our behavioural assays indicate that female CHC profiles can generally be perceived as sexual cues attracting males in Nasonia, this function has apparently been lost in the highly divergent female N. giraulti CHC profiles. Curiously, N. giraulti males are still attracted to heterospecific, but not to conspecific female CHC profiles. We suggest that this striking discrepancy has been caused by an extensive evolutionary shift in female N. giraulti CHC profiles, which are no longer used as conspecific recognition cues. Our study constitutes the first report of an apparent abandonment of a sexual recognition cue that the receiver did not adapt to.
Variation in costs of parasite resistance among natural host populations
Authors: Auld S. K. J. R. , Penczykowski R. M. , Housley Ochs J. , Grippi D. C. , Hall S. R. , Duffy M. A.
Published: October 2013

Organisms that can resist parasitic infection often have lower fitness in the absence of parasites. These costs of resistance can mediate host evolution during parasite epidemics. For example, large epidemics will select for increased host resistance. In contrast, small epidemics (or no disease) can select for increased host susceptibility when costly resistance allows more susceptible hosts to outcompete their resistant counterparts. Despite their importance for evolution in host populations, costs of resistance (which are also known as resistance trade‐offs) have mainly been examined in laboratory‐based host–parasite systems. Very few examples come from field‐collected hosts. Furthermore, little is known about how resistance trade‐offs vary across natural populations. We addressed these gaps using the freshwater crustacean Daphnia dentifera and its natural yeast parasite, Metschnikowia bicuspidata. We found a cost of resistance in two of the five populations we studied – those with the most genetic variation in resistance and the smallest epidemics in the previous year. However, yeast epidemics in the current year did not alter slopes of these trade‐offs before and after epidemics. In contrast, the no‐cost populations showed little variation in resistance, possibly because large yeast epidemics eroded that variation in the previous year. Consequently, our results demonstrate variation in costs of resistance in wild host populations. This variation has important implications for host evolution during epidemics in nature.
Sexual selection in a hermaphroditic plant through female reproductive success
Authors: Dai C. , Galloway L. F.
Published: October 2013

Sexual selection is well accepted as a mechanism of shaping traits in animals. However, whether and how floral traits are sexually selected in hermaphroditic plants remains less clear. Here, we use Passiflora incarnata to address how floral traits that affect pollination success are selected via female function. We manipulated the ecological context by limiting pollination and adding resources to expand the phenotypic distribution and alter the intensity of sexual selection. Total sexual selection favoured lower style deflexion because of its impact on pollen receipt and subsequent seed number. However, total selection on style deflexion was not significant, indicating additional selection on style deflexion through routes other than mating. Limited pollination and enhanced resources were expected to alter the distribution of pollen deposition and seed production and therefore intensify the Bateman gradient – the relationship between pollen receipt and seed production. Indeed, the Bateman gradient was strongest when pollination was limited, suggesting potential for sexual selection to influence floral trait evolution under these conditions. Overall, we found floral traits may be shaped by sexual selection through female reproductive success in this hermaphroditic plant. These results support manipulations to enhance the variance in mating as a mechanism to understand patterns of sexual selection.
Protection against a fungal pathogen conferred by the aphid facultative endosymbionts Rickettsia and Spiroplasma is expressed in multiple host genotypes and species and is not influenced by co‐infection with another symbiont
Authors: Łukasik P. , Guo H. , van Asch M. , Ferrari J. , Godfray H. C. J.
Published: October 2013

Many insects harbour facultative endosymbiotic bacteria, often more than one type at a time. These symbionts can have major effects on their hosts' biology, which may be modulated by the presence of other symbiont species and by the host's genetic background. We investigated these effects by transferring two sets of facultative endosymbionts (one Hamiltonella and Rickettsia, the other Hamiltonella and Spiroplasma) from naturally double‐infected pea aphid hosts into five novel host genotypes of two aphid species. The symbionts were transferred either together or separately. We then measured aphid fecundity and susceptibility to an entomopathogenic fungus. The pathogen‐protective phenotype conferred by the symbionts Rickettsia and Spiroplasma varied among host genotypes, but was not influenced by co‐infection with Hamiltonella. Fecundity varied across single and double infections and between symbiont types, aphid genotypes and species. Some host genotypes benefit from harbouring more than one symbiont type.
Mix‐planting pubescent and glabrous cassava affects abundance of Typhlodromalus aripo and its prey mite Mononychellus tanajoa
Authors: Onzo A. , Hanna R. , Toko M.
Published: October 2013

There is an increasing awareness that vegetation diversity can affect herbivore and natural enemy abundance and that plants can play a major role in directly manipulating natural enemy abundance for protection against herbivore attacks. Using data from cassava fields, we aimed at (i) testing the capacity of the predatory mite Typhlodromalus aripo to control the herbivorous mite Mononychellus tanajoa in a chemical exclusion trial; and (ii) testing, based on the differential preference by T. aripo for cassava cultivars, how combinations of two morphologically different cassava cultivars with differential suitability to the predator can improve its population densities on the non‐favourable cultivar, thereby reducing M. tanajoa densities with subsequent increases in cassava yield. The study was conducted in a cassava field in Benin, West Africa. The experiments confirmed that T. aripo effectively suppresses M. tanajoa populations on both cultivars and showed, in the no‐predator‐exclusion experiments, that cultivar combinations have significant effects on M. tanajoa and T. aripo densities. Indeed, T. aripo load on the non‐preferred cultivar was lowest in subplots where the proportion of T. aripo‐preferred cultivar was also low, while, and as expected, M. tanajoa load on the non‐preferred cultivar showed decreasing trends with increasing T. aripo densities. The possible mechanisms by which cultivar mixing could increase predator load on the non‐favourable cultivar were discussed. Our data showed that appropriate cultivar combinations effectively compensate for morphologically related differences in natural enemy abundance on a normally predator‐deficient cultivar, resulting in lower pest densities on the non‐favourable cultivar. In practical terms, this strategy could, in part, enhance adoption of cultivars that do not support sufficient levels of natural enemies for pest control.
Screening of natural products in the laboratory and the field for control of pollen beetles
Authors: Dorn B. , Jossi W. , Humphrys C. , Hiltbrunner J.
Published: October 2013

Pollen beetles, Meligethes spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), are among the most damaging pests of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Increasing populations of pyrethroid‐resistant pollen beetles coupled with the prohibition of synthetic pest control products in organic farming means that other direct control methods are needed. A laboratory study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effect of natural products, combinations of natural products and additives as well as natural and synthetic insecticides on mortality of pollen beetles. In addition, field trials under both integrated and organic production were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of six natural products, nine combinations of natural products, two synthetic insecticides (integrated‐production trials only), two natural insecticides and two additives to reduce pollen beetles. The laboratory trial, using both a curative and preventive approach, showed that two of the eight natural products (lavender oil and stone meal) caused a mortality of over 98% within the first day of application. The other natural products were only partially effective compared with the untreated control. In the field trials, the natural products reduced the number of pollen beetles 1 day after application compared with the untreated control in both trial years and production systems. Promising substances were stone meal, Silico‐Sec and liquid manure. Nevertheless, the efficacy was not consistent, and no effect on oilseed rape yield was observed. In spite of this, these products have the potential to control pollen beetles under field conditions with comparable effects to synthetic insecticides. Further research should therefore focus on timing and frequency of applications as well as on the formulation of the natural products to increase the persistency of the products under field conditions.
Susceptibility of Chrysochus auratus, a natural enemy of spreading dogbane, to insecticides used in wild blueberry production
Authors: Crozier H. L. , Cutler G. C.
Published: October 2013

Insect pest management in wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) usually involves insecticidal sprays, which may have detrimental effects on non‐target beneficial insects. Dogbane beetle (Chrysochus auratus Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) feeds almost exclusively on spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium L.), an increasing weed problem in wild blueberry production. Because C. auratus is an important natural enemy of spreading dogbane, we assessed its susceptibility to several insecticides it may be exposed to during insect pest management. In laboratory bioassays, we found adult dogbane beetles were highly susceptible to field rates of phosmet (Imidan) and acetamiprid (Assail) by direct topical contact and ingestion of treated foliage, whereas no mortality was seen with spirotetramat (Movento) and chlorantraniliprole (Altacor). Topical applications of spinetoram (Delegate) did not cause significant mortality of beetles, but high mortality to beetles was found when they ingested spinetoram‐treated foliage. The results suggest that while some insecticides used in blueberry management will be hazardous to C. auratus, options are available that will cause little harm to this natural enemy.
Does dust result in mite outbreaks in apple orchards?
Authors: Pringle K. L. , Heunis J. M. , de Villiers M.
Published: October 2013

The effect of dust on phytophagous mite numbers was examined in five apple orchards situated in the dry, inland apple producing Ceres area, South Africa. The study was conducted over three seasons. The season with the most dust had the least number of mites. There was no relationship between the amount of dust on leaves and mite numbers from different orchards. Of the 15 correlations between the amount of dust on individual trees and the number of mites on these trees, two were marginally not significant and one was highly significant, but negative. Therefore, seasons during which there is a lot of dust did not result in mite outbreaks nor did dusty orchards harbour elevated mite population levels, and trees with a lot of dust did not necessarily harbour more mites than trees with less dust. However, if there is enough dust to cause stress to the trees, phytophagous mite outbreaks could occur.
Can cancer registries show whether treatment is contributing to survival increases for melanoma of the skin at a population level?
Authors: Shahnam Adel , Roder David M. , Tracey Elizabeth A. , Neuhaus Susan J. , Brown Michael P. , Sorich Michael J.
Published: October 2013

Rationale, aims and objectives

It is uncertain whether survival increases from melanoma recorded by some population registries include a treatment effect. The US Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) programme has good data quality control, large numbers of cases enabling high statistical precision and summary stage plus thickness, which we consider to be a best‐case population registry scenario to investigate potential for a treatment effect. We have investigated SEER data to indicate whether survivals increases are fully attributable to earlier diagnosis and other non‐treatment factors.

Methods

Through relative survival regression, the effects of diagnostic period on 5‐year excess mortality were investigated, adjusting for socio‐demographic factors, lesion sub‐site, histology, thickness and stage at diagnosis in 1990–2009 (n = 99 690 cases).

Results

The reduction in excess mortality (95% confidence interval) between 1990–1999 and 2000–2009 was 31 (20–41)% for localised melanoma, 18 (12–22)% for regional melanoma and 3 (–5–10)% for melanomas with distant spread. Younger age was predictive of a greater percentage reduction. Treatment benefits are inferred from the higher survivals in 2000–2009 but uncertainty remains due to incomplete data to adjust for non‐treatment factors and a lack of treatment data.

Conclusions

Registries should use new information systems to collect more complete data on stage, other prognostic indicators, co‐morbidities and treatment, to provide more definitive and detailed information on population effects of cancer control.