bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of CYP2E1 and CYP2U1 Proteins in Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex: Influence of Alcoholism and Smoking
Authors: Toselli Francesca , Booth Depaz Iris M. , Worrall Simon , Etheridge Naomi , Dodd Peter R. , Wilce Peter A. , Gillam Elizabeth M. J.
Published: April 2015

Background

The tissue‐specific expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP, P450) in the human brain may influence the therapeutic response to, and side effects of, neuroactive drugs including alcohol. However, the distribution of many P450s, especially poorly characterized CYP2 forms, within specific regions of the brain remains obscure, partly due to the paucity of available tissue and difficulty in discriminating between related P450s with available antibodies.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the expression of CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP2J2, CYP2S1, CYP2U1, and CYP2W1 proteins in human prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala (AMG) by immunoblotting with antibodies for which the P450 form specificity had been enhanced by affinity purification. These brain regions were selected as they mediate the addictive effects of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, substances known to modulate P450 expression in other tissues. PFC and AMG samples from alcoholic smokers, alcoholic nonsmokers, nonalcoholic smokers, and nonalcoholic nonsmokers were studied to assess the effect of alcohol use and smoking on the expression of these proteins.

Results

Of the P450s studied, CYP2E1 and CYP2U1 were expressed in all samples analyzed (n = 26 and 22 for CYP2E1 and CYP2U1, respectively), and elevated in alcoholics. CYP2U1 expression was also slightly increased in smokers. Expression of both P450s was increased in AMG compared to PFC of the same individuals.

Conclusions

This is the first report of CYP2E1 and CYP2U1 protein expression in human AMG. Our results suggest that CYP2U1 expression may be modulated by alcohol and tobacco, with potential consequent effects on the metabolism of drugs and endogenous chemicals by this enzyme.
Simultaneous Versus Concurrent Use of Alcohol and Cannabis in the National Alcohol Survey
Authors: Subbaraman Meenakshi S. , Kerr William C.
Published: April 2015

Background

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug among those who drink, yet no study has directly compared those who use cannabis and alcohol simultaneously versus concurrently (i.e., separately) in the adult general population. Here, we assess differences in demographics, alcohol‐related social consequences, harms to self, and drunk driving across simultaneous, concurrent, and alcohol‐only using groups.

Methods

Secondary analyses of the 2005 and 2010 National Alcohol Survey (N = 8,626; 4,522 female, 4,104 male), a Computer Assisted Telephone Interview survey of individuals aged 18 and older from all 50 states and DC. Blacks and Hispanics are over‐sampled. Data were collected using list‐assisted Random Digit Dialing. Multinomial and multivariable logistic regressions were used for analyses.

Results

The prevalence of simultaneous use was almost twice as high as concurrent use, implying that individuals who use both cannabis and alcohol tend to use them at the same time. Furthermore, simultaneous use was associated with increased frequency and quantity of alcohol use. Simultaneous use was also the most detrimental: compared to alcohol only, simultaneous use approximately doubled the odds of drunk driving, social consequences, and harms to self. The magnitudes of differences in problems remained when comparing drunk driving among simultaneous users to concurrent users.

Conclusions

The overall set of results is particularly important to bear in mind when studying and/or treating problems among alcohol/cannabis co‐users because they demonstrate that in the general population, co‐users are a heterogeneous group who experience different likelihoods of problems relative to co‐use patterns.
Prognostic value of interim FDG‐PET in Hodgkin lymphoma: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Adams Hugo J. A. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. , Kwee Thomas C.
Published: April 2015

This study aimed to systematically review and meta‐analyse the value of interim 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in predicting treatment failure in Hodgkin lymphoma. MEDLINE was systematically searched for original studies that used standardized international criteria for interim FDG‐PET interpretation. Included studies were methodologically assessed. Summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) analysis was performed, and pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity in diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) across studies was assessed and potential sources for inter‐study heterogeneity were explored using subgroup analyses. Ten studies, comprising a total of 1389 Hodgkin lymphoma patients, were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of interim FDG‐PET for predicting treatment failure ranged between 0·0–81·5%, 72·2–96·6%, 0·0–86·0% and 84·4–98·6%, respectively. The area under the sROC curve was 0·877. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 70·8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 64·7–76·4%] and 89·9% (95% CI: 88·0–91·6%). There was heterogeneity in DORs across individual studies (I2 = 72·7). The overall prognostic value of interim FDG‐PET appears to be moderate for excluding and relatively high for identifying treatment failure in Hodgkin lymphoma. However, interim FDG‐PET cannot yet be implemented in routine clinical practice due to moderate‐quality evidence and inter‐study heterogeneity that cannot be fully explained yet.
La fluidité de l'espace montréalais : étude sur la diffusion de la diversité ethnoculturelle à Montréal entre 2001 et 2006
Authors: Leloup Xavier
Published: April 2015

The recent increase in ethno‐cultural diversity has raised numerous questions in countries of immigration. One of them focuses on the processes and mechanisms that lead to the creation of integrated or multiethnic neighbourhoods. To address it, various models were elaborated to explain the phenomenon. We will first recall the main features of these various models. Afterward, we test the hypothesis proposed by Germain and Poirier to explain the evolution of ethno‐cultural diversity in Montreal. This hypothesis supposes that it has evolved in a context where fluidity was central. Our aim is to propose an empirical test of this hypothesis using several methods (i.e., spatial analysis tools, regression model, and structural equation modeling). The results confirm the “fluidity” hypothesis, even if they also stress a stratification process between the various minority groups linked to neighbourhood socio‐demographic characteristics.
Osseoconductivity of a Specific Streptavidin–Biotin–Fibronectin Surface Coating of Biotinylated Titanium Implants – A Rabbit Animal Study
Authors: Kämmerer Peer W , Lehnert Michael , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Kumar Vinay V , Hagmann Sebastien , Alshihri Abdulmonem , Frerich Bernhard , Veith Michael
Published: April 2015

Background

Biofunctionalized implant surfaces may accelerate bony integration and increase long‐term stability.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the osseous reaction toward biomimetic titanium implants surfaces coated with quasicovalent immobilized fibronectin in an in vivo animal model.

Materials and Methods

A total of 84 implants (uncoated [control 1,n = 36], streptavidin–biotin coated [test 1,n = 24], streptavidin–biotin–fibronectin coated [test 2,n = 24]) were inserted 1 mm supracortically in the proximal tibia of 12 rabbits. The samples were examined after 3 and 6 weeks. Total bone‐implant contact (tBIC; %), bone‐implant contact in the cortical (cBIC; %) and in the spongious bone (sBIC; %) as well as the percentage of linear bone fill (PLF; %) were evaluated.

Results

After 3 weeks, streptavidin–biotin–fibronectin implants had a significant highersBIC(p = .043) andPLF(p = .007) compared with the uncoated samples. After 6 weeks, this difference was significant fortBIC(p = .016) andcBIC(p < .001). Additionally, uncoated screws showed a significant higher sBIC when compared with the fibronectin coating (p < .001). Streptavidin–biotin‐coated implants showed less bone growth at both time points of all examined parameters when compared with their counterparts (allp < .001).

Conclusions

Quasicovalent immobilization of biotinylated fibronectin with the streptavidin–biotin–fibronectin system on smooth surface titanium shows a beneficial faster osseous healing in vivo. Besides, an antifouling effect of the streptavidin–biotin coating was proven.
Accounting for Complementarity to Maximize Monitoring Power for Species Management
Authors: TULLOCH AYESHA I. T. , CHADÈS IADINE , POSSINGHAM HUGH P.
Published: April 2015

To choose among conservation actions that may benefit many species, managers need to monitor the consequences of those actions. Decisions about which species to monitor from a suite of different species being managed are hindered by natural variability in populations and uncertainty in several factors: the ability of the monitoring to detect a change, the likelihood of the management action being successful for a species, and how representative species are of one another. However, the literature provides little guidance about how to account for these uncertainties when deciding which species to monitor to determine whether the management actions are delivering outcomes. We devised an approach that applies decision science and selects the best complementary suite of species to monitor to meet specific conservation objectives. We created an index for indicator selection that accounts for the likelihood of successfully detecting a real trend due to a management action and whether that signal provides information about other species. We illustrated the benefit of our approach by analyzing a monitoring program for invasive predator management aimed at recovering 14 native Australian mammals of conservation concern. Our method selected the species that provided more monitoring power at lower cost relative to the current strategy and traditional approaches that consider only a subset of the important considerations. Our benefit function accounted for natural variability in species growth rates, uncertainty in the responses of species to the prescribed action, and how well species represent others. Monitoring programs that ignore uncertainty, likelihood of detecting change, and complementarity between species will be more costly and less efficient and may waste funding that could otherwise be used for management.

Contabilización de la Complementariedad para Maximizar el Poder de Monitoreo para el Manejo de Especies
Improving effectiveness of systematic conservation planning with density data
Authors: Veloz Samuel , Salas Leonardo , Altman Bob , Alexander John , Jongsomjit Dennis , Elliott Nathan , Ballard Grant
Published: April 2015

Systematic conservation planning aims to design networks of protected areas that meet conservation goals across large landscapes. The optimal design of these conservation networks is most frequently based on the modeled habitat suitability or probability of occurrence of species, despite evidence that model predictions may not be highly correlated with species density. We hypothesized that conservation networks designed using species density distributions more efficiently conserve populations of all species considered than networks designed using probability of occurrence models. To test this hypothesis, we used the Zonation conservation prioritization algorithm to evaluate conservation network designs based on probability of occurrence versus density models for 26 land bird species in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. We assessed the efficacy of each conservation network based on predicted species densities and predicted species diversity. High‐density model Zonation rankings protected more individuals per species when networks protected the highest priority 10‐40% of the landscape. Compared with density‐based models, the occurrence‐based models protected more individuals in the lowest 50% priority areas of the landscape. The 2 approaches conserved species diversity in similar ways: predicted diversity was higher in higher priority locations in both conservation networks. We conclude that both density and probability of occurrence models can be useful for setting conservation priorities but that density‐based models are best suited for identifying the highest priority areas. Developing methods to aggregate species count data from unrelated monitoring efforts and making these data widely available through ecoinformatics portals such as the Avian Knowledge Network will enable species count data to be more widely incorporated into systematic conservation planning efforts.
DETERMINANTS OF FINANCIAL DISTRESS IN LARGE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM U.S. BANK HOLDING COMPANIES
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Xie Li , Lu Xiangyun , Zhang Zhuang
Published: April 2015

We investigate determinants of financial distress in large financial institutions based on the Distance‐to‐Default and Z‐Scores measures. Using data of U.S. bank holding companies (BHCs), we find that the housing price index is a consistently significant factor across all BHCs and the non‐performing loan ratio is the most powerful indicator for financial distress. Short‐term wholesale funding is also a reliable default risk indicator. We additionally find that all the three regulatory capital requirements are very important for controlling default risk, particularly in the post‐crisis period. (JEL C53, G14, G21, G28)
THE EFFICIENCY IMPLICATIONS OF USING PROPORTIONAL EVALUATIONS TO SHAPE THE TEACHING WORKFORCE
Authors: Koedel Cory , Li Jiaxi
Published: April 2015

We examine the efficiency implications of imposing proportionality in teacher evaluation systems. Proportional evaluations force comparisons to be between equally circumstanced teachers. We contrast proportional evaluations with global evaluations, which compare teachers to each other regardless of teaching circumstance. We consider a policy where administrators use teacher ratings to help shape the workforce and define efficiency in terms of student achievement. Our analysis shows that proportionality can be imposed in teacher evaluation systems without efficiency costs under a wide range of evaluation and estimation conditions. Proportionality is efficiency enhancing in some cases. These findings are notable given that proportional evaluations offer a number of other policy benefits. (JEL I20, J48)
Giving Direction and Clarity to Conservation Leadership
Authors: Bruyere Brett L.
Published: April 2015

Conservation leadership is a term without a widely shared understanding of its scope and meaning. In this article, the author shares perspectives based on interviews, literature, and a survey to begin to identify strategies that define conservation leadership. Results indicate that some elements of conservation leadership are similar to strategies of effective leadership more broadly. Conservation leadership also includes distinguishing aspects, however, such as conflict management and partnership‐building. The purpose of this article is to provide some initial thoughts and ideas to address “What is conservation leadership?” The outcomes of this work can assist those in leadership positions and those who teach conservation leadership by defining the skills and strategies necessary to be effective in conservation leadership roles.
Translations of Gender Equality among Rural Arsi Oromo in Ethiopia
Authors: Tolo Østebø Marit
Published: April 2015

How are global policies on women's rights and gender equality translated into local contexts and who are the translators in this process? This article describes and analyses contradictory and competing translations of gender equality in two districts in Ethiopia. Two main strands of translations are identified: ‘gender experts’ in the government's gender machinery emphasize the importance of changing the gendered division of labour while the ‘grassroots’ underscore the importance of collaborative work and mutual agreement through conjugal dialogue. Although these translations are similar in terms of their focus on labour, they represent fundamentally different visions of gender equality, the first reflecting a vision of equality as sameness, the latter ideals of gender complementarity. Rather than presenting one or both translations as examples of resistance against or misinterpretation of gender equality, I argue that contemporary theories of translation and discursively informed theories on global norm diffusion offer perspectives that allow us to recognize the potential of contestations in meaning creation. This opens up the translational space as the ‘grassroots’ are recognized as translators.
Filling the Institutional Void in Rural Land Markets in Southern China: Is there Room for Spontaneous Change from Below?
Authors: Yep Ray
Published: April 2015

Deng Xiaoping's market reforms have unleashed an irresistible drive towards urban expansion in China over the last three decades. Yet despite the relentless expansion of urban boundaries and the rapid growth of a property market in China, land transactions that involve the surrender of land leases by Chinese peasants are conducted in an unstable institutional setting. Increasingly, people are questioning the existing regulatory framework for rural land transactions, with the result that an institutional void is threatening to open up. This article focuses on one of the most important spontaneous efforts to fill this void in recent years: the Nanhai land‐based shareholding cooperative experiment in southern China. This is a story of institutional change at the grassroots level. The article identifies the source of institutional entrepreneurship, evaluates the dynamics of the insider‐driven process, and explains how and why the experiment is failing. An ineffective monitoring mechanism, growing conflict over the allocation of returns, a changing social landscape, and pecuniary temptation all play a role, while the ad hoc nature of the experiment also fails to instill the confidence and stability necessary for long‐term investment.
Kin selection and the Evolution of Mutualisms between Species
Authors: Zink Andrew G.
Published: April 2015

Hamilton's theory of kin selection has revolutionized and inspired fifty years of additional theories and experiments on social evolution. Whereas Hamilton's broader intent was to explain the evolutionary stability of cooperation, his focus on shared genetic history appears to have limited the application of his theory to populations within a single species rather than across interacting species. The evolutionary mechanisms for cooperation between species require both spatial and temporal correlations among interacting partners for the benefits to be not only predictable but of sufficient duration to be reliably delivered. As a consequence when the benefits returned by mutualistic partners are redirected to individuals other than the original donor, cooperation usually becomes unstable and parasitism may evolve. However, theoretically, such redirection of mutualistic benefits may actually reinforce, rather than undermine, mutualisms between species when the recipients of these redirected benefits are genetically related to the original donor. Here, I review the few mathematical models that have used Hamilton's theory of kin selection to predict the evolution of mutualisms between species. I go on to examine the applicability of these models to the most well‐studied case of mutualism, pollinating seed predators, where the role of kin selection may have been previously overlooked. Future detailed studies of the direct, and indirect, benefits of mutualism are likely to reveal additional possibilities for applying Hamilton's theory of kin selection to mutualisms between species.
Short‐crack modelling of the effect of corrosion pits on the fatigue limit of 12% Cr steel
Authors: Härkegård G.
Published: April 2015

Comprehensive data on the fatigue limit of smooth uncorroded specimens and specimens with single corrosion pits of a 12% Cr steel for steam‐turbine blades have been generated by means of ultrasonic fatigue testing. The threshold for fatigue‐crack growth has also been determined. Available (short‐)crack models due to El Haddad and Härkegård and Smith and Miller generally yield safe predictions for the fatigue limit of the pitted specimens, whereas Murakami's √area model yields inconsistent predictions in the present case.
Prevalence of fear of falling in older adults, and its associations with clinical, functional and psychosocial factors: The Frailty in Brazilian Older People‐Rio de Janeiro Study
Authors: Malini Flávia Moura , Lourenço Roberto Alves , Lopes Claudia S
Published: April 2015

Aim

The present study estimated the prevalence of fear of falling in older adults, and its associations with clinical, functional and psychosocial factors.

Methods

Data from the Research Network Frailty in Brazilian Older People, specifically the Rio de Janeiro Study involving participants aged 65 years and older residing in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were analyzed. Fear of falling was assessed by the Brazilian version of Falls Efficacy Scale‐International. The following variables were assessed: history of falls, fracture after fall, number of comorbidities, number of medications, hospitalization in the previous year, use of walking support device, functional dependency in activities of daily living (including instrumental activities), hearing and visual impairments, hand grip strength, walking speed, self‐rated health, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, living alone, social support, and activity level. Associations were evaluated by multiple logistic regression.

Results

Among the 742 participants, 51.9% had a fear of falling, which was more prevalent in women and older participants. Fear of falling was associated with a history of one to two falls (odds ratio [OR] 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–3.36), three or more falls (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.10–6.70), use of seven or more medications (OR 1.70, 95%CI 1.04–2.80), hearing impairment (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.10–2.49), functional dependence in activities of daily living (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07–2.79), diminished gait speed (OR 1.64 95% CI 1.04–2.58), fair self‐rated health (OR 1.89, 95% CI, 1.30–2.74), poor/very poor self‐rated health (OR 4.92, 95% CI 1.49–16.27) and depressive symptoms (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.63).

Conclusions

The prevalence of fear of falling was high in this population, and was associated with history of falls, use of seven or more medications, hearing impairment, functional dependency in activities of daily living, diminished walking speed, fair and poor/very poor self‐rated health and depressive symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 336–344.
Gender, educational and ethnic differences in active life expectancy among older Singaporeans
Authors: Chan Angelique , Malhotra Rahul , Matchar David B , Ma Stefan , Saito Yasuhiko
Published: April 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to compute total life expectancy (TLE), active life expectancy (ALE) and inactive life expectancy among older Singaporeans by gender, education and ethnicity.

Methods

Data from a longitudinal survey of older Singaporeans were used. No difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living was considered as “active.” Transition probabilities across health states (active/inactive/dead) were assessed to develop multistate life tables, which estimated TLE, ALE and inactive life expectancy.

Results

At age 60 years, women, versus men, had significantly higher TLE (25.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 24.0–27.8 vs 21.6, 95% CI 20.1–23.1), but similar ALE (18.1, 95% CI 17.0–19.2 vs 18.9, 95% CI 17.7–20.2). Those with high (secondary or higher), versus low (primary or less), education had significantly higher TLE (28.5, 95% CI 25.0–32.0 vs 22.5, 95% CI 21.1–23.9) and ALE (23.5, 95% CI 21.2–25.7 vs 17.1, 95% CI 16.1–18.0) at age 60 years. Those of Chinese, versus non‐Chinese, ethnicity had significantly higher ALE at age 60 years (19.4, 95% CI 18.4–20.3 vs 15.0, 95% CI 13.4–16.7).

Conclusion

Unlike Western nations, there was no gender difference in ALE among older adults in Singapore. However, difference in ALE by education among older Singaporeans was similar to that observed in Western societies. Policies focusing specifically on improving women's health at all ages, in addition to policies that increase population education levels, are promising approaches to improving ALE. Recognizing ethnic differences in ALE will help target policies that increase ALE in multicultural societies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 466‐473.
Effects of two physical exercise protocols on physical performance related to falls in the oldest old: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ansai Juliana Hotta , Aurichio Thais Rabiatt , Gonçalves Raquel , Rebelatto José Rubens
Published: April 2015

Aim

To compare the effects of 16‐week multicomponent and resistance training, and 6‐week detraining on physical variables related to a higher risk of falls in very old people.

Methods

A randomized, three‐arm, controlled trial was carried out. A total of 69 community‐dwelling older adults aged 80 years and older were allocated to three groups: control, multicomponent training and resistance training. They were assessed at baseline, after 16‐week training and 6‐week detraining. The control group did not perform any intervention. The multicomponent group performed protocol consisting of warm‐up, aerobic, strength, balance and cool‐down exercises. The resistance group underwent strength exercises using six adapted machines. The training sessions had progressive intensity, lasted 16 weeks and 12 included three 1‐h sessions per week. The assessment consisted of anamneses, five‐repetition sit‐to‐stand, one‐leg standing, tandem and dual task tests. For statistical analysis, α = 0.05 was used.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups and assessments in any variable when analyzed by intention to treat. However, when analyzed, the older adults who adhered to the training, the multicomponent group, had a significant improvement in the sit‐to‐stand and the one‐leg standing (right support) tests. There was a significant main effect between times on the one‐leg standing (left support) test.

Conclusion

In very old people, multicomponent training seems to be more beneficial and presents fewer adverse events when the adherence to protocol is higher. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 492‐499.
Smoking is a predictor of adverse pathological features at radical prostatectomy: Results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital database
Authors: Zapata Daniel F , Howard Lauren E , Aronson William J , Kane Christopher J , Terris Martha K , Amling Christopher L , Cooperberg Matthew R , Freedland Stephen J
Published: April 2015

Objective

To test the relationship of smoking and aggressive prostate cancer in men undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 2290 men who underwent radical prostatectomy from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital database from 2000 to 2013 was carried out. There were 1592 (70%) non‐smokers and 698 (30%) smokers at radical prostatectomy. Logistic regression was used to examine whether smoking predicted Gleason score (≥4 + 3), margin status, extracapsular extension or seminal vesicle invasion. Linear regression was used to test the relationship between smoking and tumor volume.

Results

Smokers were younger, more likely to be black, had lower body mass index, higher pathological Gleason score, more positive margins and extracapsular extension (all P < 0.05) versus non‐smokers. On crude analysis, smoking was associated with positive margins (odds ratio 1.32; P = 0.003) and extracapsular extension (odds ratio 1.26; P = 0.036). After adjusting for multiple clinical factors, smoking remained associated with a 19–35% increased risk of every adverse feature studied, though only the association with extracapsular extension reached significance. On multivariable analysis, a trend for smokers to have larger tumor volumes (geometric mean 5.8 vs 5.3 g; P = 0.062) was found.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, there seems to be a trend for smokers to have worse pathological features compared with non‐/former smokers. If confirmed in future studies, smoking should be considered a modifiable risk factor for aggressive prostate cancer.
Morphological effects of mitomycin C on urothelial responses to experimentally‐induced urethral stricture in rats
Authors: Chang In Youb , Kim Jin Nam , Kim Sun‐Ouck , Han Misook , Huh Jung‐Sik , Maeng Young Hee , Yoon Sang Pil
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To analyze the urothelial responses to mitomycin C treatment after urethral injury in rats, as the urothelium might play a role in the pathogenesis of urethral stricture.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 5/group): negative control, positive control without further treatment, experimental control treated with sodium hyaluronate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and experimental treated with mitomycin C after internal urethrotomy.

Results

Compared with negative controls, positive controls showed a significant increase in cell proliferation and DNA damage accompanied by a considerable decrease in DNA repair in the urothelium, which resulted in urethral stricture. Experimental controls showed a significant increase in cell proliferation, DNA damage and DNA repair compared with negative controls. The mitomycin C‐treated group showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation and DNA damage, but a considerable increase in DNA repair compared with the positive and experimental control groups. DNA damage was immediately increased after urethral injury, but DNA repair and cell proliferation showed belated and upregulated expression after mitomycin C treatment.

Conclusions

Mitomycin C could induce healthy re‐epithelialization without severe damage in the urothelium. This finding might support the possibility of using mitomycin C as an adjuvant therapy for urethral strictures, and it might also suggest a urothelial role in the process of urethral stricture after urethral injury.
Acute intermittent porphyria symptoms during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Ahangari A. , Bäckström T. , Innala E. , Andersson C. , Turkmen S.
Published: April 2015

Background

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), a life‐threatening form of the disease, is accompanied by several pain, mental and physical symptoms.

Aims

In this study, we evaluated the cyclicity of AIP and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in 32 women with DNA‐diagnosed AIP during their menstrual cycles, in northern Sweden.

Methods

The cyclicity of AIP symptoms and differences in them between the follicular and luteal phases, and the cyclicity of each symptom in each individual woman in different phases of her menstrual cycle were analysed with a prospective daily rating questionnaire. PMS symptoms were also evaluated in the patients on a daily rating scale.

Results

Of the 32 women, 30 showed significant cyclicity in at least one AIP or PMS symptom (P < 0.05–0.001). Back pain (10/32) was the most frequent AIP pain symptom and sweet craving (10/15) was the most frequent PMS symptom. Pelvic pain (F = 4.823, P = 0.036), irritability (F = 7.399, P = 0.011), cheerfulness (F = 5.563, P = 0.025), sexual desire (F = 8.298, P = 0.007), friendliness (F = 6.157, P = 0.019), breast tenderness (F = 21.888, P = 0.000) and abdominal swelling (F = 16.982, P = 0.000) showed significant cyclicity. Pelvic pain and abdominal swelling (rs = 0.337, P < 0.001) showed the strongest correlation. The age of women with latent AIP was strongly correlated with abdominal swelling during the luteal phase (rs = 0.493, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the symptoms of AIP patients change during their menstrual cycles.
Long‐term effectiveness of a community‐based model of care in Māori and Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: a 4‐year follow up of the DElay Future End Stage Nephropathy due to Diabetes (DEFEND) study
Authors: Tan J. , Manley P. , Gamble G. , Collins J. , Bagg W. , Hotu C. , Braatvedt G. ,   DEFEND investigators
Published: April 2015

Background/Aim

The Delay Future End Stage Nephropathy due to Diabetes study was a randomised controlled trial of Māori and Pacific patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy, comparing a community‐based model of care with usual care. The intervention group achieved lower blood pressure (BP), proteinuria and less end‐organ damage. After the intervention ended, all patients reverted to usual care, and were followed to review the sustainability of the intervention.

Methods

A retrospective observation of 65 patients (aged 47–75 years) with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease 3/4 and proteinuria (>0.5 g/day) previously randomised to intervention/community care or usual care for 11–21 months. Follow up thereafter was until death, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 10 mL/min/1.73 m2)/dialysis or 1 February 2014. Primary end‐points were death and ESRD/dialysis. Secondary outcomes were annualised glomerular filtration rate decline, non‐fatal vascular events and hospitalisations.

Results

Median (interquartile ranges (IQR)) post‐trial follow up was 49 (21–81) months and similar in both groups. The median (IQR) eGFR decline was −3.1 (−5.5, −2.3) and −5.5 (−7.1, −3.0) mL/min/year in the intervention and usual care groups respectively (P = 0.11). Similar number of deaths, renal and vascular events were observed in both groups. At the end of follow up, the number of prescribed antihypertensive medications was similar (3.4 ± 1.0 vs 3.3 ± 1.4; P = 0.78). There were fewer median (IQR) hospital days (8 (3, 18) vs 15.5 (6, 49) days, P = 0.03) in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Short‐term intensive BP control followed by usual care did not translate into reduction in long‐term mortality or ESRD rates, but was associated with reduced hospitalisations.
Deferring a State Pension — Is it Worthwhile?
Authors: Dagpunar John
Published: April 2015

Good things are meant to come to those who wait. But does the old adage apply to UK residents who defer their state pension? John Dagpunar weighs the pros and cons ahead of a rule change next year

Is it worthwhile? John Dagpunar weighs the pros and cons ahead of a UK rule change next year
Cancer: What's Luck Got to do with it?
Authors: Lucas Joseph E. , Sapiro Guillermo
Published: April 2015

Recent press reports would have you believe that cancer develops randomly, and healthy living makes little difference. But that is a gross misinterpretation of a recent scientific paper, as Joseph E. Lucas and Guillermo Sapiro explain
Abdominal visceral fat accumulation measured by computed tomography associated with an increased risk of gallstone disease
Authors: Sekine Katsunori , Nagata Naoyoshi , Sakamoto Kayo , Arai Tomohiro , Shimbo Takuro , Shinozaki Masafumi , Okubo Hidetaka , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Imbe Koh , Mikami Shintaro , Nozaki Yuichi , Sakurai Toshiyuki , Yokoi Chizu , Kojima Yasushi , Kobayakawa Masao , Yanase Mikio , Akiyama Junichi , Noda Mitsuhiko , Uemura Naomi
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim

Visceral adiposity is a strong determinant of insulin resistance, which decreases cholecystokinin response sensitivity, and increases cholesterol saturation in the gallbladder bile; thus, it potentially relates to gallstone disease development. We aimed to investigate whether visceral fat measured by computed tomography (CT) is a risk factor for gallstone disease.

Methods

A cohort of 717 participants undergoing CT and ultrasonography was analyzed. The associations between body mass index (BMI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area, and gallstone disease were analyzed adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Results

In multivariate analysis, gallstone disease was significantly associated with VAT and SAT areas for both categorical data and trend (P for trend < 0.001, 0.009), but not body mass index (BMI). Among patients with BMI < 25, gallstone disease remained significantly associated with VAT area (P for trend 0.021) and SAT area (P for trend 0.005). Interactions between the obesity indices and being elderly on the risk of gallstone disease were found; specifically BMI (P = 0.005), SAT (P < 0.001), and VAT (P = 0.154). A significant association between all obesity indices and gallstone disease was seen in patients aged < 65 but not among those aged ≥ 65. However, no significant association was noted between the obesity indices and sex.

Conclusions

CT‐measured adipose tissue, rather than BMI, was a better predictor for risk of gallstone disease. This finding applies to younger people or even those with normal body weight, suggesting the importance of abdominal visceral fat accumulation in the development of gallstone disease.
Hospital Elder Life Program in the Real World: The Many Uses of the Hospital Elder Life Program Website
Authors: Chen Pei , Dowal Sarah , Schmitt Eva , Habtemariam Daniel , Hshieh Tammy T. , Victor Ryan , Boockvar Kenneth S. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: April 2015

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) can prevent delirium, a common condition in older hospitalized adults associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In 2011, HELP transitioned to a web‐based dissemination model to provide accessible resources, including implementation materials; information for healthcare professionals, patients, and families; and a searchable reference database. It was hypothesized that, although intended to assist sites to establish HELP, the resources that the HELP website offer might have broader applications. An e‐mail was sent to all HELP website registrants from September 10, 2012, to March 15, 2013, requesting participation in an online survey to examine uses of the resources on the website and to evaluate knowledge diffusion related to these resources. Of 102 responding sites, 73 (72%) completed the survey. Thirty‐nine (53%) had implemented and maintained an active HELP model. Twenty‐six (35%) sites had used the HELP website resources to plan for implementation of the HELP model and 35 (50%) sites to implement and support the program during and after launch. Sites also used the resources for the development of non‐HELP delirium prevention programs and guidelines. Forty‐five sites (61%) used the website resources for educational purposes, targeting healthcare professionals, patients, families, or volunteers. The results demonstrated that HELP resources were used for implementation of HELP and other delirium prevention programs and were also disseminated broadly in innovative educational efforts across the professional and lay communities.
Visual‐motor integration in children with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Lo S. T. , Collin P. J. L. , Hokken‐Koelega A. C. S.
Published: April 2015

Background

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterised by hypotonia, hypogonadism, short stature, obesity, behavioural problems, intellectual disability, and delay in language, social and motor development. There is very limited knowledge about visual‐motor integration in children with PWS.

Method

Seventy‐three children with PWS aged 7–17 years were included. Visual‐motor integration was assessed using the Beery Visual‐motor Integration test at the start of the study and after 2 years. The association between visual‐motor integration and age, gender, genetic subtype and intelligence was assessed.

Results

Children with PWS scored ‘very low’ (−3 standard deviations) in visual‐motor integration and ‘below average’ (−1 standard deviation) in visual perception and motor coordination compared with typically developing children. Visual‐motor integration was higher in children with a deletion (β = −0.170, P = 0.037), in older children (β = 0.222, P = 0.009) and in those with a higher total IQ (β = 0.784, P < 0.001). Visual perception was higher with a deletion (β = −0.193, P = 0.044) and higher IQ (β = −0.618, P < 0.001), but motor coordination was only higher with a higher total IQ (β = 0.429, P = 0.001). Visual perception and motor coordination were not associated with age or gender. There was a trend for visual‐motor integration decline over the 2 year follow‐up period (P = 0.099). Visual perception and motor coordination did not change over the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Visual‐motor integration is very poor in children with PWS. Children scored higher on the time‐limited subtests for visual perception and motor coordination than the combined test for visual‐motor integration. Separation of visual‐motor integration tasks into pure visual or motor tasks and allowing sufficient time to perform the tasks might improve daily activities, both at home and at school.
Morphology of congenital portosystemic shunts involving the right gastric vein in dogs
Authors: White R. N. , Parry A. T.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE

To describe the anatomy of congenital portosystemic shunts involving the right gastric vein in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of a consecutive series of dogs managed for congenital portosystemic shunt.

RESULTS

Twenty‐two dogs met the inclusion criteria of a congenital portosystemic shunt involving the right gastric vein with recorded intraoperative mesenteric portovenography or computed tomography angiography and gross observations at the time of surgery. Of these, 20 (91%) had a shunt that entered the pre‐hepatic caudal vena cava at the level of the epiploic foramen and two (9%) had a shunt that entered the post‐hepatic caudal vena cava at the level of the diaphragm. Shunts entering the pre‐hepatic caudal vena cava could be further classified into three consistent subdivisions.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The morphology of each shunt type described appeared to be a result of an abnormal communication between the left gastric vein and the caudal vena cava, the presence or absence of an abnormal communication between the splenic, left gastric and portal veins and the subsequent development of preferential blood flow through essentially normal portal vessels within the portal venous system. The abnormal communication (shunt) was through the left gastric vein and not the right gastric vein, as might have been expected. This information may help with surgical planning in cases undergoing shunt closure surgery.
Spatiotemporal resource partitioning of water sources by African carnivores on Namibian commercial farmlands
Authors: Edwards S. , Gange A. C. , Wiesel I.
Published: April 2015

Interspecific competition often occurs when sympatric carnivores compete for the same, limited resources, although the degree of competition between species pairs may vary with biotic factors such as body size, diet and population density. Avoidance of dominant competitors along the axes of space and time is a potential mechanism for reducing chances of direct encounters between species. However, when resources are essential and spatially fixed, options for spatial partitioning may be limited. We examined resource partitioning within a guild of eight carnivore species at water sources across two commercial farmlands in southwest Namibia. In this semi‐desert environment, surface water is scarce and farmers are forced to provision water for livestock through artificial means. Camera traps were used to record spatial and temporal activity patterns of carnivore species at artificial and natural permanent water sources. We found that carnivores use either spatial or temporal resource partitioning, with temporal partitioning being most frequently seen. An association was seen between difference in body mass and degree of spatial partitioning, where species pairings with larger differences in body mass showed the greatest degree of partitioning. These results show that while in arid environments water is rare and used by a number of carnivore species, resource partitioning allows a guild of carnivores, including species of conservation concern, to coexist outside of protected areas.
Prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Among Individuals Aged 50 Years and Over and Its Effect on the Quality of Life in a Semi‐Rural Area of Western Turkey
Authors: ARSLANTAS Didem , GOKLER Mehmet E. , UNSAL Alaettin , BAŞESKIOĞLU Barbaros
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The number of individuals with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is increasing as the average age of the men in the community increases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LUTS and to assess the quality of life in men aged 50 years and older in Sivrihisar.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in men aged over 50 years and included 450 subjects. The quality of life was evaluated using the SF‐36 Health‐Related Quality of Life Scale and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to assess the presence and severity of LUTS. The statistical analysis was conducted using Mann–Whitney U‐tests, χ2 tests and logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of LUTS was 78.7%, and the prevalence of moderate to severe LUTS was 32.4%. Comparative analyses between the individuals who had moderate to severe LUTS and those who did not indicated that individuals aged 60 and over, those with a primary school education or below, those without social insurance, those who were current smokers, those having any chronic disease diagnosed by a physician, those with a history of using diuretics, and those with a family history of prostate or bladder disease were associated with a higher prevalence of LUTS. In our study, the quality of life is adversely affected by an increased severity of LUTS.

Conclusion

The prevalence of LUTS was found to be high in the men in this region of Turkey, and the degree of LUTS is inversely correlated with the quality of life.
Maternal buffering of stress response in free‐ranging Pacific harbor seal pups in Alaska
Authors: Di Poi Carole , Atkinson Shannon , Hoover‐Miller Anne , Blundell Gail
Published: April 2015

We examined the effects of maternal buffering in free‐ranging Pacific harbor seal pups during capture and handling research procedures. We predicted that pups held with their mother would benefit from social buffering and exhibit lower cortisol concentrations resulting from capture and handling than dependent pups caught without their mothers and weaned pups. We expected that pups captured with their mother that experienced a short separation would exhibit increased stress‐induced vocal behavior and activity level compared to dependent weaned pups caught alone. The results showed that the presence of the mother significantly buffered the stress response, as measured by reduced serum cortisol concentrations, in pups captured with their mothers as compared to dependent pups captured alone. Cortisol concentrations of mothers with pups initially were higher than nonlactating females, then diminished. Pups showed a significantly higher rate of vocalization soon after maternal separation compared to single pups separated for a longer period of time. Newly separated pups, especially males, showed a high level of activity compared to the other pups. The results provide unique quantitative evidence of the physiology underlying the maternal‐pup bond in a marine mammal, and the role that maternal buffering may play on the stress response of the offspring.