bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance and safety of a three‐dimensional 14‐core systematic biopsy method
Authors: Takeshita Hideki , Kawakami Satoru , Numao Noboru , Sakura Mizuaki , Tatokoro Manabu , Yamamoto Shinya , Kijima Toshiki , Komai Yoshinobu , Saito Kazutaka , Koga Fumitaka , Fujii Yasuhisa , Fukui Iwao , Kihara Kazunori
Published: April 2014

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic performance and safety of a three‐dimensional 14‐core biopsy (3D14PBx) method, which is a combination of the transrectal six‐core and transperineal eight‐core biopsy methods.

Patients and Methods

Between December 2005 and August 2010, 1103 men underwent 3D14PBx at our institutions and were analysed prospectively. Biopsy criteria included a PSA level of 2.5–20 ng/mL or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, or both. The primary endpoint of the study was diagnostic performance and the secondary endpoint was safety. We applied recursive partitioning to the entire study cohort to delineate the unique contribution of each sampling site to overall and clinically significant cancer detection.

Results

Prostate cancer was detected in 503 of the 1103 patients (45.6%). Age, family history of prostate cancer, DRE, PSA, percentage of free PSA and prostate volume were associated with the positive biopsy results significantly and independently. Of the 503 cancers detected, 39 (7.8%) were clinically locally advanced (≥cT3a), 348 (69%) had a biopsy Gleason score (GS) of ≥7, and 463 (92%) met the definition of biopsy‐based significant cancer. Recursive partitioning analysis showed that each sampling site contributed uniquely to both the overall and the biopsy‐based significant cancer detection rate of the 3D14PBx method. The overall cancer‐positive rate of each sampling site ranged from 14.5% in the transrectal far lateral base to 22.8% in the transrectal far lateral apex. As of August 2010, 210 patients (42%) had undergone radical prostatectomy, of whom 55 (26%) were found to have pathologically non‐organ‐confined disease, 174 (83%) had prostatectomy GS ≥7 and 185 (88%) met the definition of prostatectomy‐based significant cancer.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective analysis of the diagnostic performance of an extended biopsy method, which is a simplified version of the somewhat redundant super‐extended three‐dimensional 26‐core biopsy. As expected, each sampling site uniquely contributed not only to overall cancer detection, but also to significant cancer detection. 3D14PBx is a feasible systematic biopsy method in men with PSA <20 ng/mL.
High Conservation Value of Forest Fragments for Plant and Frugivore Communities in a Fragmented Forest Landscape in South Africa
Authors: Berens Dana G. , Chama Lackson , Albrecht Jörg , Farwig Nina
Published: April 2014

Fragmentation is a major threat factor for plant–frugivore communities in tropical and subtropical forests. Resulting changes in the distribution of traits within these communities, e.g., a loss in large‐bodied frugivores, may lead to strong changes in plant–frugivore interactions in fragmented forests. Yet, we still lack a thorough understanding of the interplay between forest fragmentation, the trait‐composition of communities and resulting plant–frugivore interactions on a community‐scale. In a fragmented South African landscape comprising different forest categories—i.e., continuous natural forest, forest fragments surrounded by natural grassland, and forest fragments surrounded by sugarcane—we investigated the relationship between communities of fruiting plants and their frugivore visitors in response to forest fragmentation, as well as the interactive effects of forest fragmentation and fruit size of the plants on the number of frugivore visitors and their body size. Neither the fruit size of plant nor the body mass of frugivore communities differed between natural forest sites and forest fragments. Moreover, in‐depth analyses of frugivore assemblages visiting plant species revealed no effect of forest category on the number of frugivore visits or their mean body mass. The number of visits and body mass of frugivores were merely determined by the crop and fruit size of the focal plant species. Overall, our results suggest that frugivory of plant species with differently sized fruits was not reduced in forest fragments. Thus, fragments with high fruit availability may be key elements maintaining the functional connectivity of a heterogeneous forest landscape.
Vitamin D binding protein and vitamin D in human allergen-induced endobronchial inflammation
Authors: Bratke K , Wendt A , Garbe K , Kuepper M , Julius P , Lommatzsch M , Virchow J C
Published: April 2014

Allergic asthma is a chronic disease of the airways associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, a variable degree of airflow obstruction, airway remodelling and a characteristic airway inflammation. Factors of the vitamin D axis, which include vitamin D metabolites and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), have been linked to asthma, but only few data exist about their regulation in the lung during acute allergen-induced airway inflammation. Therefore, we analysed the regulation of factors of the vitamin D axis during the early- and late-phase reaction of allergic asthma. Fifteen patients with mild allergic asthma underwent segmental allergen challenge. VDBP was analysed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] were analysed by a commercial laboratory using the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) technique. VDBP (median 2·3, range 0·2–7·1 μg/ml), 25(OH)D3 (median 0·060, range < 0·002–3·210 ng/ml) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (median < 0·1, range < 0·1–2·8 pg/ml) were significantly elevated in BALF 24 h but not 10 min after allergen challenge. After correction for plasma leakage using the plasma marker protein albumin, VDBP and 25(OH)D3 were still increased significantly while 1,25(OH)2D3 was not. VDBP and 25(OH)D3 were correlated with each other and with the inflammatory response 24 h after allergen challenge. Serum concentrations of all three factors were not influenced by allergen challenge. In conclusion, we report a significant increase in VDBP and 25(OH)D3 in human BALF 24 h after allergen challenge, suggesting a role for these factors in the asthmatic late-phase reaction.
Reaction profile in patch testing with allergens formed during vulcanization of rubber
Authors: Hansson Christer , Pontén Ann , Svedman Cecilia , Bergendorff Ola
Published: April 2014

Background

Vulcanization of rubber changes its allergen pattern.

Objectives

To estimate the contact allergic reactivity profile of users of finished rubber products.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with known contact allergy to rubber accelerators were patch tested with 21 compounds found in chemical analyses of vulcanized rubber products. No diphenylguanidine, p‐phenylenediamine antioxidants or thioureas were included in the study.

Results

Thiuram monosulfides formed during vulcanization showed generally stronger test reactions than the corresponding thiuram disulfides. We also obtained more positive thiuram reactions to the monosulfides than to the disulfides. A positive reaction to a dithiocarbamate was accompanied by a positive reaction to the corresponding thiuram, except for 1 patient. The nitrogen substituents showed only minor differences between the methyl, ethyl and pentamethylene groups, but the butyl derivatives gave, in most cases, a negative response. Dialkylthiocarbamyl benzothiazole sulfides, formed between thiurams and mercaptobenzothiazoles during vulcanization, showed strong test reactions in almost all patients who were sensitive to dithiocarbamates, thiurams, or mercaptobenzothiazoles.

Conclusions

We found thiuram monosulfides to be better markers of thiuram sensitivity than the corresponding disulfides or dithiocarbamates. Surprisingly, the dialkylthiocarbamyl benzothiazole sulfides were good markers of both thiuram and mercaptobenzothiazole sensitivity. This is an unexpected finding that needs to be confirmed in a larger study.
Concentrations and stability of methyl methacrylate, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde and nickel sulfate in commercial patch test allergen preparations
Authors: Siegel Paul D. , Fowler Joseph F. , Law Brandon F. , Warshaw Erin M. , Taylor James S.
Published: April 2014

Background

Epicutaneous patch tests are used to reproduce allergy and diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. Reliable allergen test preparations are required.

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to measure the actual concentrations of nickel(II) sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO4), methyl methacrylate, formaldehyde, and glutaraldehyde, and to compare them with the labelled concentrations, in commercial patch test allergen preparations found in dermatology clinics where patch testing is routinely performed.

Materials and methods

The commercial in‐date and out‐of‐date patch test allergen preparations concentrations of NiSO4, methyl methacrylate, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde from one to three participating clinics were analysed with chromatographic or wet chemical techniques.

Results

NiSO4 and formaldehyde concentrations were at or above the labelled concentrations; however, formaldehyde loss occurred with storage. NiSO4 particulate was uniformly distributed throughout the petrolatum. ‘In‐use’ methyl methacrylate reagent syringes all contained ≤ 56% of the 2% label concentration, with no observable relationship with expiration date. Lower methyl methacrylate cocentrations were consistently measured at the syringe tip end, suggesting loss resulting from methyl methacrylate's volatility. The concentrations of glutaraldehyde patch test allergen preparations ranged from 27% to 45% of the labelled (1% in pet.) concentration, independently of expiration date.

Conclusions

Some false‐negative methyl methacrylate, formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde patch test results may be attributable to instability of the test preparations.
Where do dyes go inside living cells? Predicting uptake, intracellular localisation, and accumulation using QSAR models
Authors: Horobin Richard W
Published: April 2014

Uptake of dyes into living cells and organisms is of concern to several diverse groups of people. These include those not wishing dyes to enter cells (e.g. manufacturers and users of textile dyes, or laboratory workers using dyes as analytical reagents) and those requiring dye entry (e.g. biologists imaging cell contents, or clinicians using photoactive dyes as antitumour drugs). This diversity results in the need to consider an extremely wide range of dyes – and indeed of cells and organisms. An overview of methods for predicting uptake and intracellular localisation is provided, followed by a more detailed account of the concepts and procedures involved in decision‐rule quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. Some of these models permit the prediction of which dyes are likely to enter cells, and which dyes will be excluded. Other models predict where internalised dyes will localise within the live cells. Use of QSAR models to understand intracellular accumulation, redistribution, loss from the cell, and metabolic modification of dyes is also considered. In particular, the relationship of such predictions to toxicity is discussed. An extended case example is provided, describing the modelling of dye binding to nucleic acids in single‐cell systems. A further case example then illustrates dye localisation in multicellular organisms. Finally, conclusions, critiques, and probable future directions concerning the QSAR modelling approach to dye uptake and localisation are given. A summary of key QSAR decision rules in the form of decision logic tabulations is provided.
Designing the Future at One of the Nation's Oldest Schools
Authors: Glendinning Matt
Published: April 2014

Our youngest students will graduate from college in the year 2030. The careers they'll aspire to and the challenges they'll face may not exist yet.

How does a two‐centuries‐old school remain true to its time‐tested philosophy while also creating a culture of innovation, one that will prepare students for the changing world of the future?

Design thinking and design management was used to frame an effective growth strategy for a 230‐year‐old K‐12 day school in the Quaker tradition.
Oviposition acceptance and larval development of Chilo partellus stemborers in drought‐stressed wild and cultivated grasses of East Africa
Authors: Chidawanyika Frank , Midega Charles A.O. , Bruce Toby J.A. , Duncan Frances , Pickett John A. , Khan Zeyaur R.
Published: April 2014

Maternal host choices during oviposition by herbivorous insects determine the fitness of their offspring and may be influenced by environmental changes that can alter host‐plant quality. This is of particular relevance to ‘push‐pull’ cropping systems where host preferences are exploited to manage insect pest populations. We tested how drought stress in maize and companion plants that are used in these systems affect oviposition preference, larval feeding, and development of the spotted stemborer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Five host species were tested (all Poaceae): maize (Zea mays L.), Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach), signal grass [Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich) Stapf], Brachiaria cv. ‘Mulato’, and molasses grass [Melinis minutiflora (Beauv.)]. Under drought stress, maize experienced as much oviposition as control unstressed maize in choice and no‐choice experiments. Similarly, larval leaf damage was not significantly different in drought‐stressed vs. unstressed maize. In contrast, oviposition occurred less on drought‐stressed than on unstressed Napier and signal grass. Oviposition acceptance and leaf damage remained low in both drought‐stressed and unstressed molasses grass and Mulato. Larval survival and development remained high in drought‐stressed maize, but not in Napier, signal, and molasses grass and Mulato, where survival and development were low in both drought‐stressed and unstressed plants. Our results indicate that herbivore responses to drought‐stressed plants depend on the plant species and that drought stress can change host preference and acceptance rankings. In particular, trap‐crops such as Napier grass may not divert oviposition from the main maize crop under drought stress conditions.
A combination of morphological and molecular analyses to distinguish two fungal pathogens causing leaf spots on Cinnamomum burmannii
Authors: Yuelian L. , Fengqiu X.
Published: April 2014

The leaves of Cinnamomum burmannii in Guangdong Province were severely affected by two distinctly different types of spots. The dark spot was round, surrounded by a thin yellow zone at the interface between healthy and affected regions, and had a distinct dark ring. The yellow spot had an irregular shape and a broad yellow halo. The pathogens from the different diseased leaves were isolated and were shown to be of two different strains, both of which caused leaf spot disease in pathogenicity tests. Based on the morphological characteristics and ITS sequence, the strain causing the dark leaf spot was identified as Phyllosticta cirsii, and that causing the yellow leaf spot as Phomopsis cinnamomicola Z.D. Jiang et al. This paper is the first to report two pathogens causing leaf spots on Cinnamomum burmannii.
Becoming a Moral Child amidst China's Moral Crisis: Preschool Discourse and Practices of Sharing in Shanghai
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: April 2014

This article explores the moral development of Chinese children through the discrepancies between the ideologies and practices of adults and children. School educators and parents promote an egalitarian norm of sharing—“share with everyone”—in the hope of cultivating altruism and cooperation, values seen as a corrective to China's universally deplored “moral crisis.” By contrast, young children spontaneously engage in strategic sharing—“extend favors so others can help you”—in their everyday interactions. Such practices resonate with the adult norm ofguanxi(exchange of favors) that is the object of ambivalent attitudes in modern Chinese discourse. This study combined ethnographic and experimental methods to examine children's spontaneous choices and their implication in current discourse, showing how the anthropology of childhood may contribute to a finer‐grained understanding of contemporary Chinese cultural dynamics as well as the conversation between psychological anthropology and developmental psychology on the emergence of prosocial dispositions in cultural processes.
Operative factors associated with short‐term outcome in horses with large colon volvulus: 47 cases from 2006 to 2013
Authors: Gonzalez L. M. , Fogle C. A. , Baker W. T. , Hughes F. E. , Law J. M. , Motsinger‐Reif A. A. , Blikslager A. T.
Published: April 2014

Reasons for performing study

There is an important need for objective parameters that accurately predict the outcome of horses with large colon volvulus.

Objectives

To evaluate the predictive value of a series of histomorphometric parameters on short‐term outcome, as well as the impact of colonic resection on horses with large colon volvulus.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Adult horses admitted to theEquine andFarmAnimalVeterinaryCenter atNorthCarolinaStateUniversity,Peterson andSmith andChinoValleyEquineHospitals between 2006 and 2013 that underwent an exploratory coeliotomy, diagnosed with large colon volvulus of ≥360 degrees, where a pelvic flexure biopsy was obtained, and that recovered from general anaesthesia, were selected for inclusion in the study. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between signalment, histomorphometric measurements of interstitium‐to‐crypt ratio, degree of haemorrhage, percentage loss of luminal and glandular epithelium, as well as colonic resection with short‐term outcome (discharge from the hospital).

Results

Pelvic flexure biopsies from 47 horses with large colon volvulus were evaluated. Factors that were significantly associated with short‐term outcome on univariate logistic regression were Thoroughbred breed (P = 0.04), interstitium‐to‐crypt ratio >1 (P = 0.02) and haemorrhage score ≥3 (P = 0.005). Resection (P = 0.92) was not found to be associated significantly with short‐term outcome. No combined factors increased the likelihood of death in forward stepwise logistic regression modelling. A digitally quantified measurement of haemorrhage area strengthened the association of haemorrhage with nonsurvival in cases of large colon volvulus.

Conclusions

Histomorphometric measurements of interstitium‐to‐crypt ratio and degree of haemorrhage predict short‐term outcome in cases of large colon volvulus. Resection was not associated with short‐term outcome in horses selected for this study. Accurate quantification of mucosal haemorrhage at the time of surgery may improve veterinary surgeons’ prognostic capabilities in horses with large colon volvulus.
OPDA isomerase GST16 is involved in phytohormone detoxification and insect development
Authors: Shabab Mohammed , Khan Sher A. , Vogel Heiko , Heckel David G. , Boland Wilhelm
Published: April 2014

12‐Oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA), a well‐known phytohormone of the jasmonate family, has a reactive α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl structure which easily adds cellular nucleophiles (Michael addition), making OPDA potentially toxic for herbivores. The glutathione S‐transferase GST16 inactivates 12‐OPDA in the insect gut by isomerization to inactive iso‐OPDA. Quantitative tissue expression analysis showed that HarmGST16 transcripts were present in most larval tissues, including those of the midgut, fatbody and Malpighian tubules. Activity assays confirmed the presence of an active enzyme. Interestingly, feeding different diets to Helicoverpa armigera influenced gst16 expression levels in various tissues, and larvae fed wild‐type tobacco leaves had reduced gst16 mRNA levels. The temporal expression of HarmGST16 during larval development was high in the second instar and reduced during the third, fourth and fifth instars. Plant‐mediated RNA interference silencing of HarmGST16 retarded larval growth of H. armigera. Injecting cis‐OPDA into the hemolymph of larvae caused premature pupation. This result, as well as the finding that GST16 influenced the growth of insects, suggests that GST16 may play an important role in larval development.
Environmental cues and extended estuarine residence in seaward migrating eels (Anguilla australis)
Authors: Crook David A. , Macdonald Jed I. , Morrongiello John R. , Belcher Chris A. , Lovett Danny , Walker Adam , Nicol Simon J.
Published: April 2014

Spawning migration by freshwater eels to their marine spawning grounds is widely considered to be direct and rapid; however, emerging evidence suggests that eel migratory behaviour is more complex than previously thought, with potential implications for eel conservation and management.

Over a 5‐year period, we tagged 97 yellow‐phase short‐finned eels Anguilla australis with acoustic transmitters in the freshwater reaches of a south‐eastern Australian river to: (i) examine environmental correlates associated with seaward migration; (ii) test the hypothesis that migration is rapid and direct once initiated and (iii) assess individual variation in behaviour associated with seaward migration.

Twenty‐three of the tagged eels migrated from fresh water into the estuary, whilst the remainder stayed within fresh water. Movement was detected primarily at night and eels entered the estuary throughout the year, with an increase in frequency over summer and following high river flows. Time in the estuary ranged from 1 to 305 days (median: 77 days). Movement into the sea was influenced primarily by the lunar phase, and to a lesser degree by water temperature, and occurred from late summer to early autumn.

The extended residence and complex movements of migrating eels in the estuary suggest that they are considerably more vulnerable to exploitation than would be predicted by the generalised eel migration model of direct movement out to sea.
Ancient DNA sheds new light on the Svalbard foraminiferal fossil record of the last millennium
Authors: Pawłowska J. , Lejzerowicz F. , Esling P. , Szczuciński W. , Zajączkowski M. , Pawlowski J.
Published: April 2014

Recent palaeogenetic studies have demonstrated the occurrence of preserved ancient DNA (aDNA) in various types of fossilised material. Environmental aDNA sequences assigned to modern species have been recovered from marine sediments dating to the Pleistocene. However, the match between the aDNA and the fossil record still needs to be evaluated for the environmental DNA approaches to be fully exploited. Here, we focus on foraminifera in sediments up to one thousand years old retrieved from the Hornsund fjord (Svalbard). We compared the diversity of foraminiferal microfossil assemblages with the diversity of aDNA sequenced from subsurface sediment samples using both cloning and high‐throughput sequencing (HTS). Our study shows that 57% of the species archived in the fossil record were also detected in the aDNA data. However, the relative abundance of aDNA sequence reads and fossil specimens differed considerably. We also found a limited match between the stratigraphic occurrence of some fossil species and their aDNA sequences, especially in the case of rare taxa. The aDNA data comprised a high proportion of non‐fossilised monothalamous species, which are known to dominate in modern foraminiferal communities of the Svalbard region. Our results confirm the relevance of HTS for studying past micro‐eukaryotic diversity and provide insight into its ability to reflect fossil assemblages. Palaeogenetic studies including aDNA analyses of non‐fossilised groups expand the range of palaeoceanographical proxies and therefore may increase the accuracy of palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
Water use and yield of bioenergy poplar in future climates: modelling the interactive effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and climate on productivity and water use
Authors: Oliver Rebecca J. , Blyth Eleanor , Taylor Gail , Finch Jon W.
Published: April 2014

Vegetation exerts large control on global biogeochemical cycles through the processes of photosynthesis and transpiration that exchange CO2 and water between the land and the atmosphere. Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations exert direct effects on vegetation through enhanced photosynthesis and reduced stomatal conductance, and indirect effects through changes in climatic variables that drive these processes. How these direct and indirect CO2 impacts interact with each other to affect plant productivity and water use has not been explicitly analysed and remains unclear, yet is important to fully understand the response of the global carbon cycle to future climate change. Here, we use a set of factorial modelling experiments to quantify the direct and indirect impacts of atmospheric CO2 and their interaction on yield and water use in bioenergy short rotation coppice poplar, in addition to quantifying the impact of other environmental drivers such as soil type. We use the JULES land‐surface model forced with a ten‐member ensemble of projected climate change for 2100 with atmospheric CO2 concentrations representative of the A1B emissions scenario. We show that the simulated response of plant productivity to future climate change was nonadditive in JULES, however this nonadditivity was not apparent for plant transpiration. The responses of both growth and transpiration under all experimental scenarios were highly variable between sites, highlighting the complexity of interactions between direct physiological CO2 effects and indirect climate effects. As a result, no general pattern explaining the response of bioenergy poplar water use and yield to future climate change could be discerned across sites. This study suggests attempts to infer future climate change impacts on the land biosphere from studies that force with either the direct or indirect CO2 effects in isolation from each other may lead to incorrect conclusions in terms of both the direction and magnitude of plant response to future climate change.
Physical performance and quality of life in single and recurrent fallers: Data from the Improving Medication Prescribing to Reduce Risk of Falls study
Authors: Boyé Nicole DA , Mattace‐Raso Francesco US , Van Lieshout Esther MM , Hartholt Klaas A , Van Beeck Ed F , Van der Cammen Tischa JM
Published: April 2014

Aim

Although guidelines regarding falls prevention make a clear distinction between single and recurrent fallers, differences in functional status, physical performance, and quality of life in single and recurrent fallers have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we investigated the differences in functional status, physical performance and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) between single and recurrent fallers.

Methods

From October 2008 to October 2011, 616 community‐dwelling older adults who visited the emergency department as a result of a fall were enrolled. Physical performance was assessed with the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, the Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSS) test, handgrip strength and the tandem stand test. Functional status was measured using the activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living scales. HRQoL was measured using the European Quality of Life five dimensions (EQ‐5D), and the Short Form‐12 version 2. A general linear model was used to compare the means of the scores.

Results

Recurrent falls in community‐dwelling older adults were associated with poorer physical performance as measured by the TUG test (P < 0.001), FTSS test (P = 0.011), handgrip strength (P < 0.001) and tandem stand (P < 0.001), and lower HRQoL scores as measured by the EQ‐5D (P = 0.006) and SF‐12 (P = 0.006 and P = 0.012).

Conclusion

The present findings provide further evidence that recurrent fallers have poorer physical performance and quality of life than single fallers. Recurrent falls might be a symptom of underlying disease and frailty, and reason for further assessment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 350–355.
Impact of cognitive reserve on the progression of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease in Japan
Authors: Osone Akira , Arai Reiko , Hakamada Rina , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: April 2014

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate whether cognitive reserve (CR), referring here to education and premorbid intelligence (IQ), is associated with the risk for progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

A total of 51 patients with MCI and 59 patients with AD were prospectively enrolled for assessment with the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Japanese version of the cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale, the Japanese version of the Nelson Adult Reading Test (JART), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), adjusting for sex, age at diagnosis, age at onset and duration of illness.

Results

SPECT findings showed hypoperfusion in the posterior cingulate gyri and precunei, suggesting that the participants were in the early or mild stage of AD or MCI. Voxel‐based morphometry MRI showed no statistical differences between the two groups in gray matter loss in the entorhinal and hippocampal areas; however, multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant difference in premorbid IQ measured with JART.

Conclusion

Despite the limitations of the cross‐sectional design, the findings suggest that premorbid intellectual function might explain the discrepancy in clinical status between MCI and AD patients with a similar magnitude of brain pathology and comorbid medical disorders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 428–434.
Behavioral and Mind/Body Interventions in Headache: Unanswered Questions and Future Research Directions
Authors: Wells Rebecca E. , Smitherman Todd A. , Seng Elizabeth K. , Houle Timothy T. , Loder Elizabeth W.
Published: April 2014

Background

Many unanswered questions remain regarding behavioral and mind/body interventions in the treatment of primary headache disorders in adults.

Methods

We reviewed the literature to ascertain the most pressing unanswered research questions regarding behavioral and mind/body interventions for headache.

Results

We identify the most pressing unanswered research questions in this field, describe ideal and practical ways to address these questions, and outline steps needed to facilitate these research efforts. We discuss proposed mechanisms of action of behavioral and mind/body interventions and outline goals for future research in this field.

Conclusions

Although challenges arise from the complex nature of the interventions under study, research that adheres to published study design and reporting standards and focuses closely on answering key questions is most likely to lead to progress in achieving these goals.
Cytokeratin 7/19 expression in N‐diethylnitrosamine‐induced mouse hepatocellular lesions: implications for histogenesis
Authors: Santos Nuno P. , Oliveira Paula A. , Arantes‐Rodrigues Regina , Faustino‐Rocha Ana I. , Colaço Aura , Lopes Carlos , Gil da Costa Rui M.
Published: April 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with poor clinical outcome, whose histogenesis is the subject of intense debate. Specifically, expression of cytokeratins (CKs) 7 and 19, associated with aggressive biological behaviour, is proposed to reflect a possible progenitor cell origin or tumour dedifferentiation towards a primitive phenotype. This work addresses that problem by studying CKs 7 and 19 expression in N‐diethylnitrosamine (DEN)‐induced mouse HCCs. ICR mice were divided into six DEN‐exposed and six matched control groups. Samples were taken from each group at consecutive time points. Hyperplastic foci (13 lesions) occurred at 29–40 weeks (groups 8, 10 and 12) with diffuse dysplastic areas (19 lesions) and with one hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) (at 29 weeks). HCCs (4 lesions) were observed 40 weeks after the first DEN administration (group 12). CKs 7 and 19 showed identical expression patterns and located to large, mature hepatocytes, isolated or in small clusters. Hyperplastic foci and the single HCA were consistently negative for both markers, while dysplastic areas and HCCs were positive. These results support the hypothesis that CKs 7 and 19 expression in hepatocellular malignancies results from a dedifferentiation process rather than from a possible progenitor cell origin.
Early effect of dutasteride added to alpha‐1 blocker therapy for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Araki Kazuhiro , Naya Yukio , Inahara Masahiko , Suzuki Fumio , Ota Syo , Tsuji Hirokatsu , Mikami Kazuo , Yanagisawa Mitsuru , Awa Yusuke , Suzuki Hiroyoshi
Published: April 2014

Objective

To investigate the hypothesis that 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitors exert early ameliorative effects on voiding and storage symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptom‐associated benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

This was a prospective study involving the participation of eight outpatient clinics in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The patients received dutasteride (0.5 mg) once daily orally for 24 weeks as an add‐on to their ongoing therapy with an alpha‐1 blocker. The study patients recorded their urinary symptoms every day for 14 days after starting dutasteride. The International Prostate Symptom Score, prostate volume, uroflowmetry results, and residual urine volume were checked at 3 and 6 months after starting dutasteride.

Results

A total of eighty‐eight patients participated in the present study; 74 were eligible for analysis of the early effects of dutasteride. The median age was 69.6 years (range 54–89), the median prostate volume was 50.3 mL (range 24.7–103.3) and the median International Prostate Symptom Score was 17.6 (range 8–35). The proportion of patients with International Prostate Symptom Score improvements (≥3 points, or ≥25%) or 3 points or more decreased International Prostate Symptom Score were defined effective, 37 (50.0%) and 47 (63.5%) experienced improvement at 1 month after administration, respectively.

Conclusion

This is the first prospective clinical study to show the early beneficial effects of 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptom‐associated benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients with severe symptoms were found to be responsive to dutasteride. The influence of the placebo effect was not denied. Further study is necessary.
Do Better Capitalized Banks Lend Less? Long‐Run Panel Evidence from Germany
Authors: Buch Claudia M. , Prieto Esteban
Published: April 2014

Higher capital features prominently in proposals for regulatory reform. But how does increased bank capital affect business loans? The real costs of increased bank capital in terms of reduced loans are widely believed to be substantial. But the negative real‐sector implications need not be severe. In this paper, we take a long‐run perspective by analysing the link between the capitalization of the banking sector and bank loans using panel cointegration models. We study the evolution of the German economy for the past 44 years. Higher bank capital tends to be associated with higher business loan volume, and we find no evidence for a negative effect. This result holds both for pooled regressions as well as for the individual banking groups in Germany.
Sovereign Yield Spreads During the Euro Crisis: Fundamental Factors Versus Redenomination Risk
Authors: Klose Jens , Weigert Benjamin
Published: April 2014

The intensity of the euro crisis has been reflected in significant increases in sovereign bond yields in the most troubled countries. This has triggered a debate over whether this increase can be attributed solely to fundamental factors or whether part of the increase represents redenomination risk that one or more countries will drop out of the European Monetary Union and reintroduce their own national currencies. Using a novel market‐based indicator from the virtual prediction market Intrade, this paper explores whether such systemic risk is present in the yield spreads of nine euro‐area countries. We find that redenomination risk has played a role in the determination of sovereign yields, and that this risk is related to the expected valuations of newly introduced currencies: those of Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Italy are expected to depreciate, while newly introduced currencies of other countries are expected to appreciate following a break‐up of the EMU.

‘Risk premia that are related to fears of the reversibility of the Euro are unacceptable, and they need to be addressed in a fundamental manner.’ (ECB President Mario Draghi, August 2012)

‘Es gibt fundamentale Zweifel der Märkte an der Sicherheit der Währungsunion.’ There are fundamental doubts on the financial markets about the integrity of the [European] monetary union. (Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann, 10 July 2012)
Communications Challenges for Multi‐Tasking Central Banks: Evidence, Implications
Authors: Siklos Pierre L.
Published: April 2014

The communications challenges facing central banks that share macroprudential responsibilities with other agencies are daunting. Central bank surveys and an index of central bank transparency reveal that central banks have adopted the necessary institutional arrangements to communicate effectively a price stability objective. However, their communications strategy is ill suited to dealing with financial stability issues. Recent events require a departure from the pre‐crisis narrative that entailed a predictable relationship between inflation and output gaps, of which financial stability was considered a by‐product. I argue that central banks should adopt a hybrid form of inflation and price level targeting as well as require that macroprudential regulators jointly communicate their determination to act in concert, especially when the financial system is under stress. The current practice of announcing the rationale for the setting of monetary policy instruments is no longer an effective communication strategy when central banks must also evince a concern for financial stability.
What Is a Prime Bank? A Euribor–OIS Spread Perspective
Authors: Taboga Marco
Published: April 2014

Since the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2007, the level and volatility of the Euribor–OIS spreads have increased significantly. According to the literature, this variability is mainly explained by credit and liquidity risk premia. I provide evidence that part of the variability might also be explained by ambiguity in the phrasing of the Euribor survey. The participants in the survey are asked at what rate they believe interbank funds are exchanged between prime banks; given the lack of a clear definition of a prime bank, this question might leave room for subjective judgment. In particular, I find evidence that some of the variability of the Euribor rates might be explained by changes in the survey participants' perception of what a prime bank is. This evidence adds to the difficulties already encountered by previous studies in identifying and measuring exactly the determinants of the Euribor rates. I argue that these difficulties are at odds with the clarity, simplicity and replicability that should be required of a widely used financial benchmark.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule‐Dental Subscale
Authors: Ma Lin , Wang Meng , Jing Quan , Zhao Jizhi , Wan Kuo , Xu Qun
Published: April 2014

Background

The Children's Fear Survey Schedule‐Dental Subscale (CFSS‐DS) is a commonly used questionnaire that measures children's dental fears.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the CFSS‐DS.

Design

The CFSS‐DS was translated into Chinese and administered to children in a dental office. The sample comprised 206 child patients aged 6–10 years, 42 of whom were selected for test–retest analysis. The behaviors of all 206 children were rated during their dental appointments and compared to their questionnaire results.

Results

The internal consistency (Cronbach's α) was 0.85, and the test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation) was 0.71. The Chinese version of the CFSS‐DS showed good criterion validity; children who were uncooperative on the Frankl Scale had higher mean CFSS‐DS scores (Z = 5.79). Through factorization, three factors emerged: (1) dental treatment, (2) hospital personnel, and (3) invasive dental procedures. Girls reported more fear than boys (21.79 vs 19.91), and children who had painful dental experiences reported more fear (30.87 vs 20.00).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the CFSS‐DS is reliable and valid and operates in China as it does in other cultures. Further studies should include school samples to evaluate children who may not go to the dentist.
Status of End‐of‐life Electronic Product Remanufacturing in China
Authors: Tan Quanyin , Zeng Xianlai , Ijomah Winifred L. , Zheng Lixia , Li Jinhui
Published: April 2014

Remanufacturing is an industrial process of returning used or worn‐out products to an “as‐new” functional state with an equal warranty to newly manufactured equivalents. In recent years, remanufacturing has become an emerging research area, a direction toward which China's economic development is tending as well. As the world's fastest‐growing solid waste stream, the handling of end‐of‐life (EOL) electronic products has drawn global concern, and China is no exception. Although it is currently at a preliminary development stage, the remanufacturing of EOL electronic products is rapidly developing, supported by relevant policies. There is a critical need for properly structured management systems, especially when it comes to regulations and standards applicable to EOL electronic products—both at the stage of remanufacturing processes and end products. The status of EOL electronic product remanufacturing in China is reviewed from three perspectives: (1) policies, regulations, and standards; (2) research; and (3) industry. The scope for remanufactured electronic products hereby analyzed mainly covers the following products: cartridge; copier; and information technology (IT) servers. For these, there is an urgent development need of methods and/or tools enabling a standardized remanufacturability assessment. Consumers’ willingness to buy remanufactured products could also be promoted through the improvement and dissemination of knowledge and know‐hows related to remanufacturing. The rapid advances in technology and products, and the falling prices of electronic products, could result in an adverse impact on remanufacturing.
Recent Decreases in Specific Interpretation Biases Predict Decreases in Neuroticism: Evidence From a Longitudinal Study With Young Adult Couples
Authors: Finn Christine , Mitte Kristin , Neyer Franz J.
Published: April 2014

Engaging in a romantic relationship represents one important life experience in young adulthood that has been shown to catalyze age‐related decrease in neuroticism (Neyer & Lehnart, 2007). The current research builds directly on this finding by investigating one process that underlies the partnership effect. We focused on the relationship‐specific interpretation bias (RIB; Finn, Mitte, & Neyer, 2013), which is the tendency to interpret ambiguous partner and relationship scenarios in a negative way. It was expected that the RIB decreases within relationships in young adulthood and that this decrease in turn predicts long‐term declines in neuroticism. A sample of 245 young adult romantic couples was assessed four times across 9 months. Actor and partner effects of changes in the RIB on changes in neuroticism were analyzed using a dyadic dual change model. Recent time‐to‐time decreases in the RIB predicted one's own (actor effect) decline in neuroticism across 9 months. Similarly, there was a trend for a partner effect. We conclude that changes in biased relationship‐specific interpretations reflect one unique process that contributes to the understanding of romantic relationship effects on personality development.
The in-vitro effect of complementary and alternative medicines on cytochrome P450 2C9 activity
Authors: Mooiman Kim D , Goey Andrew K L , Huijbregts Tomy J , Maas-Bakker Roel F , Beijnen Jos H , Schellens Jan H M , Meijerman Irma
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study is to establish the inhibitory effects of 14 commonly used complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) on the metabolism of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates 7-methoxy-4-trifluoromethyl coumarine (MFC) and tolbutamide. CYP2C9 is important for the metabolism of numerous drugs and inhibition of this enzyme by CAM could result in elevated plasma levels of drugs that are CYP2C9 substrates. Especially for anticancer drugs, which have a narrow therapeutic window, small changes in their plasma levels could easily result in clinically relevant toxicities.

Methods

The effects of CAM on CYP2C9-mediated metabolism of MFC were assessed in Supersomes, using the fluorometric CYP2C9 inhibition assay. In human liver microsomes (HLM) the inhibition of CYP2C9-mediated metabolism of tolbutamide was determined, using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Key findings

The results indicated milk thistle as the most potent CYP2C9 inhibitor. For milk thistle, silybin (main constituent of milk thistle) was mainly responsible for the inhibition of CY2C9.

Conclusions

Milk thistle and green tea were confirmed as potent inhibitors of CYP2C9-mediated metabolism of multiple substrates in vitro. Clinical studies with milk thistle are recommended to establish the clinical relevance of the demonstrated CYP2C9 inhibition.
Plasma disposition kinetics of moxidectin after subcutaneous administration to pregnant sheep
Authors: Pérez R. , Núñez M. J. , Palma C. , Riquelme J. , Arboix M.
Published: April 2014

The plasma kinetic profile of moxidectin (MXD) in ewes during the last third of pregnancy was studied after the subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg/kg of body weight (bw). Two groups of sheep (n = 7) that were equally balanced in body weight were used. Group I (control) was maintained unmated, while Group II (pregnant) was estrous‐synchronized and mated with fertile rams. Both groups were maintained under similar conditions regarding management and feeding. When the ewes from Group II fulfilled 120 days of pregnancy, both groups were treated with a subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg of MXD/kg bw. Blood samples were collected at different set times between 1 h and 40 days post‐treatment. After plasma extraction and derivatization, the samples were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. A noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed, and the data were compared using Student's t‐test. The mean pharmacokinetic parameters, including Cmax, Tmax, and the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC), were similar for both groups of sheep. The average of elimination half‐life was significantly lower (P = 0.0023) in the pregnant (11.49 ± 2.2 days) vs. the control (17.89 ± 4.84 days) sheep. Similarly, the mean residence time (MRT) for the pregnant group (20.6 ± 3.8 days) was lower (P = 0.037) than that observed in the control group (27.4 ± 9.1 days). It is concluded that pregnancy produces a significant decrease in mean values of half‐life of elimination of MXD, indicating that pregnancy can increase the rate of elimination of the drug reducing their permanence in the body.