bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutamate levels control HT22 murine hippocampal cell death by regulating biphasic patterns of Erk1/2 activation: role of metabolic glutamate receptor 5
Authors: Sato Kazunori , Yamanaka Yuki , Asakura Yasuharu , Nedachi Taku
Published: November 2015

Extracellular glutamate concentration is a critical determinant of neuronal cell fate. We recently demonstrated that HT22 murine hippocampal cell viability was reduced by exposure to high concentrations of glutamate, whereas low concentrations promoted cell survival. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 activation by glutamate is important for both glutamate-induced cell death and survival. In this study, we investigated the role of glutamate-induced or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced Erk1/2 activation in HT22 cell fate determination. Glutamate and H2O2 treatment similarly induced early (<1 h) Erk1/2 phosphorylation regardless of concentration. On the other hand, persistent Erk1/2 phosphorylation (16–24 h) was observed only in the presence of excess glutamate. Only the latter contributed to glutamate-induced cell death, which involved metabolic glutamate receptor 5. Our findings suggest that glutamate concentration modulates two distinct phases of Erk1/2 activation, which can explain the glutamate concentration-dependent determination of HT22 cell fate.
Visible emission spectroscopy of highly charged tungsten ions in LHD: I. Survey of new visible emission lines
Authors: Shinohara M , Fujii K , Kato D , Nakamura N , Goto M , Morita S , Hasuo M
Published: November 2015

We found 12 unknown visible emission lines from the core plasma of large helical device with highly charged tungsten ions accumulated. The observation was made with our home-built échelle spectrometer, which covers the wavelength range of 450–715 nm with a wavelength resolution of <0.05 nm for two lines of sight; one line passes both the core and edge plasmas and the other passes only the edge plasma. These emission lines are attributed to highly charged tungsten ions because (1) they were observed only after a tungsten pellet was injected into the plasma, (2) they were observed only from the core plasma where the electron temperature is 1 keV, (3) they show line broadenings that are close to the Doppler widths of tungsten ions with 1 keV temperature and (4) the wavelengths of some of these emission lines are close to the calculation results for tungsten ions in the charge state of 25–28.
Biosecurity in the age of Big Data: a conversation with the FBI
Authors: Kozminski Keith G.
Published: November 2015

New scientific frontiers and emerging technologies within the life sciences pose many global challenges to society. Big Data is a premier example, especially with respect to individual, national, and international security. Here a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation discusses the security implications of Big Data and the need for security in the life sciences.
The role of functional data in interpreting the effects of genetic variation
Authors: Young David L. , Fields Stanley
Published: November 2015

Progress in DNA-sequencing technologies has provided a catalogue of millions of DNA variants in the human population, but characterization of the functional effects of these variants has lagged far behind. For example, sequencing of tumor samples is driving an urgent need to classify whether or not mutations seen in cancers affect disease progression or treatment effectiveness or instead are benign. Furthermore, mutations can interact with genetic background and with environmental effects. A new approach, termed deep mutational scanning, has enabled the quantitative assessment of the effects of thousands of mutations in a protein. However, this type of experiment is carried out in model organisms, tissue culture, or in vitro; typically addresses only a single biochemical function of a protein; and is generally performed under a single condition. The current challenge lies in using these functional data to generate useful models for the phenotypic consequences of genetic variation in humans.
Low braking index of PSR J1734−3333: an interaction between fall-back disc and magnetic field?
Authors: Chen Wen-Cong , Li Xiang-Dong
Published: November 2015

Recent timing observation reported that the radio pulsar PSR J1734−3333 with a rotating period P = 1.17 s is slowing down with a period derivative $\dot{P}=2.28\times 10^{-12}\ \rm s\,s^{-1}$. Its derived braking index n = 0.9 ± 0.2 is the lowest value among young radio pulsars with the measured braking indices. In this Letter, we attempt to investigate the influence of the braking torque caused by the interaction between the fall-back disc and the strong magnetic field of the pulsar on the spin evolution of PSR J1734−3333. Analytical result show that this braking torque is obviously far more than that by magnetic dipole radiation for pulsars with spin period of >0.1 s, and play an important role during the spin-down of the pulsars. Our simulated results indicate that, for some typical neutron star parameters, the braking index and the period derivative approximately in agreement with the measured value of PSR J1734−3333 if the material inflow rate in the fall-back disc is 2 × 1017 g s− 1. In addition, our scenario can account for the measured braking indices of four young pulsars. However, our predicted X-ray luminosity are one to two order of magnitude higher than the observation. We proposed that this discrepancy may originate from the instability of fall-back disc.
A possible correlation between planetary radius and orbital period for small planets
Authors: Helled Ravit , Lozovsky Michael , Zucker Shay
Published: November 2015

We suggest the existence of a correlation between the planetary radius and orbital period for planets with radii smaller than 4 R⊕. Using the Kepler data, we find a correlation coefficient of 0.5120, and suggest that the correlation is not caused solely by survey incompleteness. While the correlation coefficient could change depending on the statistical analysis, the statistical significance of the correlation is robust. Further analysis shows that the correlation originates from two contributing factors. One seems to be a power-law dependence between the two quantities for intermediate periods (3–100 d), and the other is a dearth of planets with radii larger than 2 R⊕ in short periods. This correlation may provide important constraints for small-planet formation theories and for understanding the dynamical evolution of planetary systems.
Systematic Review and Meta-analyses Investigating Whether Risk Stratification Explains Lower Rates of Coronary Angiography Among Women With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Worrall-Carter Linda , McEvedy Samantha , Kuhn Lisa , Scruth Elizabeth , MacIsaac Andrew , Rahman Muhammad Aziz
Published: November 2015

Background:

Guidelines recommend that all non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) patients with high-risk features receive a coronary angiogram. We hypothesised that the widely reported gender disparity in the use of angiography might be the result of women more frequently being stratified into the lower-risk category.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to review studies reporting risk stratification of NSTEACS patients by gender, compare risk profiles, and assess impact on use of coronary angiography.

Methods:

PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were searched on June 17, 2014, using MeSH terms/subheadings and/or key words with no further limits. The search revealed 1230 articles, of which 25 met our objective.

Results:

Among the 28 risk-stratified populations described in the 25 articles, women were more likely to be stratified as high-risk in 13 studies; men were more likely to be stratified as high-risk in 3 studies. After meta-analyses, women had a 23% higher odds of being stratified as high-risk than did men (P= .001). Lower-risk patients were more likely to receive an angiogram in 15 study populations.

Conclusions:

Contrary to our hypothesis, this review showed that women with NSTEACS are more likely than men to be considered high-risk when stratified using a range of risk assessment methods. Lower rates of angiography in women form part of a broader treatment-risk paradox, which may involve gender bias in the selection of patients for invasive therapy.
Socioeconomic and Behavioral Characteristics Associated With Metabolic Syndrome Among Overweight/Obese School-age Children
Authors: Ham Ok Kyung
Published: November 2015

Background:

Obesity in children comprises a significant public health concern in Korea. As with increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among children, risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) have also increased in this population.

Objective:

The purpose was to examine behavioral and socioeconomic factors that were associated with biomarkers of MetS among overweight/obese school-age children.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a convenience sample of 75 overweight/obese school-age children participated. Socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and physiologic examinations were studied. The data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance and logistic regression.

Results:

Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 27.8% of our population. Severe stress was significantly associated with elevated systolic blood pressure (P < .05). Among the family characteristics, children’s perception of family income (wealthy and very wealthy) and mother’s education level (high school or less) were associated with diagnoses of MetS in children (P < .05).

Conclusions:

The results indicated that certain socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics were associated with risk factors of MetS, and therefore, interventions to modify these risk factors are needed to promote the healthy development of overweight/obese school-age children.
Novel Multidisciplinary Management of a Retropharyngeal Hematoma With Pulmonary Stenting
Authors: Cox Steven T. , Zimmerman Eric , Collins Drew , Richmond Nicholas L. , Simoff Michael
Published: November 2015

Retropharyngeal hematomas (RHs) represents a rare airway obstruction that requires timely intervention to avoid a fatal outcome. Further complicating this malady, RHs of massive proportions can complicate the decision of management selection. After comprehensive literature search, there has been no mention of pulmonary stenting as an intervention for RH. The following case presentation will demonstrate the importance of multidisciplinary management of a 60-year-old presenting with a RH causing airway obstruction, with the use of a novel approach. Airway stenting is a novel, conservative approach for successfully managing patients presenting with massive RH.
Interactions among culturally diverse personnel: an analysis of individual difference variables
Authors: Moeller Miriam , Harvey Michael , Maley Jane F.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate attitudes toward interacting with foreign nationals from emerging and developed markets. Differences in attitudes are assessed using liability-of-foreignness factors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Purposive sample collected at a private university in Australia; hierarchical linear modeling approach examines differences across regions of Australia, Asia, Middle East, Europe, and North America; Type 2 moderated mediation procedures.

Findings

– Findings argue for variations across individual difference variables relative to the inclination to interact with emerging markets foreign nationals. Europeans’ willingness to interact with emerging market foreign nationals is diminished with high levels of tendency to stereotype, whereas North Americans’ willingness to interact with developed market foreign nationals is enhanced with high levels of tendency to stereotype.

Research limitations/implications

– Use of self-reported measures may limit validity and generalizability; cross-sectional data; common method variance.

Practical implications

– A greater consideration of cultural diversity inherent in the workforce allows for diminished adjustment difficulties. Acknowledgment and contextualization of diversity is not an option but a necessity upon which organizations must act to reach their fullest potential in respective foreign locations.

Social implications

– Supports greater respect for social and cultural beliefs, norms, and values. Respect has implications for relationships and performance.

Originality/value

– Content presents diversity issues within global organizations on their quest to employ global talent.
Lebanese perceptions of the glass ceiling
Authors: Rishani Mayssa , Mallah Mohamad , Houssami Sarwat , Ismail Hussein
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present insights regarding the barriers that prevent women in Lebanon reaching parity with men in senior leadership positions. The paper also portrays men and women’s varying perceptions regarding these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 129 participants at a Lebanese university took part in the study. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS. Frequencies andχ2-tests were conducted.

Findings

– The findings suggest that women are more likely to be discriminated against and are thus more likely to be underrepresented in top leadership positions. Organizational and cultural barriers were considered to cause this discrimination. Women were more likely than men to believe that women face more barriers while climbing the career ladder. Men were more likely than women to believe that organizations are the parties responsible for this underrepresentation, more so than the surrounding culture. Surprisingly, a sound proportion of women believed that men are more competent at occupying top management positions in Lebanon.

Originality/value

– This is one of the few studies to explore Lebanese perceptions on the workplace’s glass ceiling. Further, it examines the differences in opinions between males and females on women in the workplace, which has not been previously studied. This research contributes further to the existing body of knowledge on women in management in Lebanon and the Middle Eastern region, which is generally small in quantity.
Are two views better than one? Investigating three-quarter view facial composites
Authors: Ness Hayley , Hancock Peter J.B. , Bowie Leslie , Bruce Vicki , Pike Graham
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The introduction of a three-quarter-view database in the PRO-fit facial-composite system has enabled an investigation into the effects of image view in face construction. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of constructing full-face and three-quarter-view composites under different encoding conditions. It also examines the potential value of three-quarter-view composites that can be generated automatically from a front-view composite. The authors also investigate whether there is an identification benefit for presenting full-face and three-quarter composites together.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three experiments examine the impact of encoding conditions on composite construction and presentation of composites at the evaluation stage.

Findings

– The work revealed that while standard full-face composites perform well when all views of the face have been encoded, care should be taken when a person has only seen one view. When a witness has seen a side view of a suspect, a three-quarter-view composite should be constructed. Also, it would be beneficial for a witness to construct two composites of a suspect, one in full-face view and one in a three-quarter-view, particularly when the witness has only encoded one view. No benefit emerged for use of three-quarter-view composites generated automatically.

Research limitations/implications

– This is the first study to examine viewpoint in facial composite construction. While a great deal of research has examined viewpoint dependency in face recognition tasks, composite construction is a reconstruction task involving both recall and recognition. The results indicate that there is a viewpoint effect that is similar to that described in the recognition literature. However, more research is needed in this area.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this research are that it is extremely important for facial composite operators in the field (police operators) to know who will make a good likeness of the target. Research such as this which examines real-life issues is incredibly important. This research shows that if a witness has seen all views of a perpetrator’s face then standard composite construction using a full-face view will work well. However, if they have only seen a single view then it will not.

Social implications

– There are obvious wider societal implications for any research which deals with eyewitness memory and the potential identification of perpetrators.

Originality/value

– No research to date has formally examined the impact of viewpoint in facial-composite construction.
Climate for innovation, performance, and job satisfaction of local police in Spain
Authors: García-Buades María Esther , Ramis-Palmer Carmen , Manassero-Mas María Antonia
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which climate for innovation, supportive climate, and rules climate influence job performance and satisfaction of local police (LP) officers in Spain. By integrating multiple climates simultaneously into a single study the authors assess the added value of climate for innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Participants included 175 LP officers who completed a questionnaire including measures of climate (FOCUS-93), job satisfaction, and perceived performance.

Findings

– Multiple regression analyses showed that developing a climate for innovation has a positive impact on police satisfaction and perceived performance beyond that of well-established climates. Climate for innovation emerges as the main predictor of job satisfaction, while it provides a small, significant increment of explained variance in perceived performance.

Practical implications

– Policy makers should enable participation of officers in the innovating process, thus improving the quality of change and creating a better work environment.

Originality/value

– Building on the competing values framework (Quinn and Rohrbaugh, 1983), this research is a contribution towards understanding how different climate types combine and relate to each other to account for officers’ behaviours and outcomes.
Police transformational leadership and organizational commitment
Authors: Shim Hee S. , Jo Youngoh , Hoover Larry T.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the relation between police transformational leadership and organizational commitment is mediated by organizational culture. Drawing on the competing values framework (Quinn, 1988), four types of cultural orientations (group, developmental, hierarchical, and rational) are analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 358 South Korean police officers are surveyed. Using competing values as multiple mediators, a parallel four mediator model is estimated. Bias-corrected bootstrapping methods are employed to consider the small sample size, as well as the possible non-normal distribution of specific indirect effects.

Findings

– The linkage between transformational leadership and commitment appears to be fully mediated by group culture. Interestingly, multiple individual officer characteristics, duty type, and departmental size do not impact respective constructs overall.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of cross-sectional data hinders causal ordering among constructs included.

Practical implications

– Given the full mediation relationships among the three constructs, it is advisable to develop more nuanced leadership training programs optimized for fostering “considerate and supportive leaders” who have been known to impact group culture.

Originality/value

– Including two understudied police organizational correlates (i.e. transformational leadership and organizational culture), this study accounts for the mediating role of organizational culture in the transformational leadership-commitment link with multiple variables frequently used in previous research being controlled.
Comparing campus and city police human resource and select community outreach policies and practices
Authors: Perez Nicholas Michael , Bromley Max
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the nature of campus police and city police in the areas of human resource and select community policing practices and policies. This comparison serves as an update to the work of Bromley and Reaves (1998a, b) and Bromley (2003).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper utilizes the Bureau of Justice Statistics Campus Police Reports from 2012 and the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Reports from 2007 and 2013 to provide a comparison between campus and city departments in matters of human resource and community outreach policies and practices, paying special attention to demographics, salary, education, training, pre-employment screening, collective bargaining, community-policing, and special programs utilized.

Findings

– The data suggest that, while differences do exist between campus and city practices, there are a substantial number of similarities between the two. In some areas, such as workforce diversity, campus police are somewhat ahead of their city counterparts. These findings indicate that campus departments are a primary piece of the larger law enforcement community.

Originality/value

– Overall, the comparisons continue to reinforce the notion that campus departments are part of the larger law enforcement community. This information may provide insights for both campus and city police executives, as well as to top-level executives at institutions of higher education.
Effects of antenatal exercise in overweight and obese pregnant women on maternal and perinatal outcomes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Seneviratne SN , Jiang Y , Derraik JGB , McCowan LME , Parry GK , Biggs JB , Craigie S , Gusso S , Peres G , Rodrigues RO , Ekeroma A , Cutfield WS , Hofman PL
Published: November 2015

Objective

To assess whether antenatal exercise in overweight/obese women would improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Design

Two‐arm parallel randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Home‐based intervention in Auckland, New Zealand.

Population and sample

Pregnant women with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2.

Methods

Participants were randomised to a 16‐week moderate‐intensity stationary cycling programme from 20 weeks of gestation, or to a control group with no exercise intervention.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was offspring birthweight. Perinatal and maternal outcomes were assessed, with the latter including weight gain, aerobic fitness, quality of life, pregnancy outcomes, and postnatal body composition. Exercise compliance was recorded with heart rate monitors.

Results

Seventy‐five participants were randomised in the study (intervention 38, control 37). Offspring birthweight (adjusted mean difference 104 g; P = 0.35) and perinatal outcomes were similar between groups. Aerobic fitness improved in the intervention group compared with controls (48.0‐second improvement in test time to target heart rate; P = 0.019). There was no difference in weight gain, quality of life, pregnancy outcomes or postnatal maternal body composition between groups. However, compliance with exercise protocol was poor, with an average of 33% of exercise sessions completed. Sensitivity analyses showed that greater compliance was associated with improved fitness (increased test time (P = 0.002), greater VO2 peak (P = 0.015), and lower resting heart rate (P = 0.014)), reduced postnatal adiposity (reduced fat mass (P = 0.007) and body mass index (P = 0.035)) and better physical quality of life (P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Maternal non‐weight‐bearing moderate‐intensity exercise in pregnancy improved fitness but did not affect birthweight or clinical outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

Moderate‐intensity exercise in overweight/obese pregnant women improved fitness but had no clinical effects.
Recombinant Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus with arthropod‐specific neurotoxin gene RjAa17f from Rhopalurus junceus enhances the virulence against the host larvae
Authors: Yu Huan , Zhou Bin , Meng Jiao , Xu Jian , Liu Tong‐Xian , Wang Dun
Published: November 2015

A recombinant Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) expressing the insect‐selective neurotoxin (RjAa17f) from Cuban scorpion Rhopalurus junceus was constructed by replacing the UDP‐glucosyltransferase gene (egt) using λ‐red homologous recombination system. Another egt deleted control HearNPV was constructed in a similar way by inserting egfp gene into the egt locus. One‐step viral growth curve and viral DNA replication curve analysis confirmed that the recombination did not affect the viral growth and DNA replication in host cells. There is no discernable difference in occlusion‐body morphogenesis between RjAa17f‐HearNPV, Egfp‐HearNPV and HZ8‐HearNPV, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. However, the insecticidal activity of RjAa17f‐HearNPV is enhanced against the third instar H. armigera larvae according to the bioassay on virulence comparison. There is a dramatic reduction (56.9%) in median lethal dose (LD50) and also a reduction (13.4%) in median survival time (ST50) for the recombinant RjAa17f‐HearNPV compared to the HZ8‐HearNPV, but only a 27.5% reduction in LD50 and 10.1% reduction in ST50 value when Egfp‐HearNPV is compared with HZ8‐HearNPV. The daily diet consumption analysis showed that the RjAa17f‐HearNPV was able to inhibit the infected larvae feeding compared with the egt minus HearNPV. These results demonstrated that this novel recombinant RjAa17f‐HearNPV could improve the insecticidal effect against its host insects and RjAa17f could be a considerable candidate for other recombinant baculovirus constructions.
Retrospective complication rate comparison between surgical techniques in paediatric cochlear implantation
Authors: Bruijnzeel H. , Ziylan F. , Cattani G. , Grolman W. , Topsakal V.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To compare paediatric complication occurrence between the Mastoidectomy with Posterior Tympanotomy and the SupraMeatal Approach for cochlear implantation.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Children receiving a cochlear implant before 5 years of age between 1996 and 2014 in our tertiary center.

Participants

A total of 144 patients receiving a cochlear implant (121 by Mastoidectomy with Posterior Tympanotomy and 23 by SupraMeatal Approach) operated on 165 ears (129 and 39 respectively).

Main outcome measures

The severity (minor or major) using Cohen and Hoffman criteria and time of occurrence of complications (intraoperative, early postoperative or late postoperative) were identified. Intraoperative surgical challenges were correlated to complication occurrence.

Results

The mean age at implantation was 2.13 ± 1.14 years old. Patients operated by the SupraMeatal Approach (1.27 ± 0.69 years old) were significantly (P < .001) younger than those receiving a cochlear implant by Mastoidectomy with Posterior Tympanotomy Approach (2.40 ± 1.12). Most complications were minor (Mastoidectomy with Posterior Tympanotomy Approach: 64.0%; SupraMeatal Approach: 73.1%) and occurred early postoperatively (Mastoidectomy with Posterior Tympanotomy Approach: 61.5%; SupraMeatal Approach: 76.9%). More overall complications occurred in SupraMeatal compared to Mastoidectomy with Posterior Tympanotomy Approach cases (61.5% versus 20.6%; P < .001). Younger SupraMeatal Approach cohort patients (6 – 12 and 18 – 24 months; P < .008 and P = .016) most often developed these complications. When looking at specific complications, more infectious complications occurred in patients receiving a cochlear implant through the SupraMeatal Approach (P < .05). Logistic regression showed that the surgical technique and not the age at implantation was responsible for the documented complications. No relationship between complications and intraoperative difficulties was identified.

Conclusion

In our institution, cochlear implantation in young patients through the SupraMeatal Approach resulted in significantly more (infectious) complications than those operated through the Mastoidectomy with Posterior Tympanotomy Approach. Outcomes from our institution recommends using the Mastoidectomy with Posterior Tympanotomy Approach when opting for a cochlear implant surgical technique in young children who are more prone to develop infectious complications.
Association of myeloperoxidase levels with cardiometabolic factors and renal function in prepubertal children
Authors: Correia‐Costa Liane , Sousa Teresa , Morato Manuela , Cosme Dina , Afonso Joana , Moura Cláudia , Mota Cláudia , Areias José Carlos , Guerra António , Schaefer Franz , Caldas Afonso Alberto , Barros Henrique , Albino‐Teixeira António , Azevedo Ana
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme linking obesity and cardiovascular (CV) risk in adults, has rarely been studied in young children and no studies assessed its association with renal function. We sought to explore a possible association between serum MPO levels, obesity, CV risk factors and renal function in prepubertal children.

Materials/Methods

Cross‐sectional evaluation of 309 children aged 8–9 years (161 normal weight, 148 overweight/obese), members of the birth cohort Generation
I (Portugal). Anthropometrics (body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and % body fat mass (%BFM) by bioelectrical impedance analysis), 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured. Insulin resistance was estimated by the HOMA index (considering serum fasting glucose and insulin determinations). Serum MPO levels were assessed by immunoenzymatic assay.

Results

MPO levels were positively associated with obesity indices (BMI z‐score, WHtR and %BFM). Higher MPO levels were associated with higher 24‐h and night‐time mean arterial pressure, with nondipping and with higher values of insulin resistance. In normal weight children, the endothelial function, as evaluated indirectly by PWV, was an independent predictor of MPO levels. In overweight/obese children, estimated glomerular filtration rate increased significantly across tertiles of MPO (Ptrend = 0·031) and this association held after adjustment for age, sex, neutrophil and monocyte counts and CV risk factors.

Conclusions

Our results reinforce the role of MPO as a risk marker in obesity and related CV morbidities in young children. MPO levels associate with the dipping pattern and PWV and, among overweight/obese children, an association exists between MPO and renal function.
Youth Depression Alleviation‐Augmentation with an anti‐inflammatory agent (YoDA‐A): protocol and rationale for a placebo‐controlled randomized trial of rosuvastatin and aspirin
Authors: Quinn Amelia L. , Dean Olivia M. , Davey Christopher G. , Kerr Melissa , Harrigan Susy M. , Cotton Sue M. , Chanen Andrew M. , Dodd Seetal , Ratheesh Aswin , Amminger G. Paul , Phelan Mark , Williams Amber , Mackinnon Andrew , Giorlando Francesco , Baird Shelley , Rice Simon , O'Shea Melissa , Schäfer Miriam R. , Mullen Edward , Hetrick Sarah , McGorry Patrick , Berk Michael
Published: November 2015

Aim

There is growing support for the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). This has led to the development of novel strategies targeting inflammation in the treatment of depression. Rosuvastatin and aspirin have well‐documented, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of the Youth Depression Alleviation: Augmentation with an anti‐inflammatory agent (YoDA‐A) study is to determine whether individuals receiving adjunctive anti‐inflammatory agents, aspirin and rosuvastatin experience a reduction in the severity of MDD compared with individuals receiving placebo.

Methods

YoDA‐A is a 12‐week triple‐blind, randomized controlled trial funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia. Participants aged 15–25, with moderate‐to‐severe MDD, are allocated to receive either 10 mg/day rosuvastatin, 100 mg/day aspirin, or placebo, in addition to treatment as usual. Participants are assessed at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, 12 and 26. The primary outcome is change in the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) from baseline to week 12.

Results

The study is planned to be completed in 2017. At date of publication, 85 participants have been recruited.

Conclusion

Timely and targeted intervention for youth MDD is crucial. Given the paucity of new agents to treat youth MDD, adjunctive trials are not only pragmatic and ‘real‐world’, but additionally aim to target shortfalls in conventional medications. This study has the potential to first provide two new adjunctive treatment options for youth MDD; aspirin and rosuvastatin. Second, this study will serve as proof of principle of the role of inflammation in MDD.
The Effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy in Reducing Adolescent Mental Health Risk and Family Adjustment Difficulties in anIrish Context
Authors: Hartnett Dan , Carr Alan , Sexton Thomas
Published: November 2015

To evaluate the effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) 42 cases were randomized toFFTand 55 to a waiting‐list control group. Minimization procedures controlled the effects of potentially confounding baseline variables. Cases were treated by a team of five therapists who implementedFFTwith a moderate degree of fidelity. Rates of clinical recovery were significantly higher in theFFTgroup than in the control group. Compared to the comparison group, parents in theFFTgroup reported significantly greater improvement in adolescent problems on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and both parents and adolescents reported improvements in family adjustment on the Systemic Clinical Outcomes and Routine Evaluation (SCORE). In addition, 93% of youth and families in the treatment condition completedFFT. Improvements shown immediately after treatment were sustained at 3‐month follow‐up. Results provide a current demonstration ofFFT's effectiveness for youth with behavior problems in community‐based settings, expand our understanding of the range of positive outcomes ofFFTto include mental health risk and family‐defined problem severity and impact, and suggests that it is an effective intervention when implemented in an Irish context.
Historical geography as an international discipline 1975–2015
Authors: Baker Alan R H
Published: November 2015

This paper was delivered by invitation as the opening plenary address at the 16th International Conference of Historical Geographers held at the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) in London, UK, 5–10 July 2015. That series of conferences had its origins in a British‐Canadian symposium held in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, in 1975. Coincidentally, the Journal of Historical Geography was also founded in 1975. This paper assesses the contributions of the ICHG and of the JHG to the internationalisation of historical geography during the first 40 years of their existences. It provides some reflections not only on their significant, positive, contributions but also on the problems raised by their structures, breadth of coverage, costs, and use only of the English language. It concludes by acknowledging the role of other international gatherings of historical geographers and of other journals of historical geography.
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing in invasive breast cancer: should histological grade, type and oestrogen receptor status influence the decision to repeat testing?
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Pigera Marian , Shin Sandra J , D'Alfonso Timothy , Ellis Ian O , Lee Andrew H S
Published: November 2015

Aims

The recent American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing in breast cancer recommend repeat testing based on tumour grade, tumour type, and hormone receptor status. The aim of this study was to test the value of these criteria.

Methods and results

HER2 status was concordant in the core biopsies and excision specimens in 392 of 400 invasive carcinomas. The major reasons for discordance were amplification around the cut‐off for positivity and tumour heterogeneity. Of 116 grade 3 carcinomas that were HER2‐negative in the core biopsy, four were HER2‐positive in the excision specimen. Three of these four either showed borderline negative amplification in the core biopsy or were heterogeneous. None of the 55 grade 1 carcinomas were HER2‐positive. Review of repeat testing of HER2 in routine practice suggested that it may also be of value for multifocal tumours and if recommended by the person assessing the in‐situ hybridization.

Conclusions

Mandatory repeat HER2 testing of grade 3 HER2‐negative carcinomas is not appropriate. This is particularly true if repeat testing is performed after borderline negative amplification in the core biopsy or in HER2‐negative heterogeneous carcinomas.
On Silencing and Systematicity: The Challenge of the Drowning Case
Authors: McGowan Mary Kate , Walder‐Biesanz Ilana , Rezaian Morvareed , Emerson Chloe
Published: November 2015

Silencing is a speech‐related harm. We here focus on one particular account of silencing offered by Jennifer Hornsby and Rae Langton. According to this account, silencing is systematically generated, illocutionary‐communicative failure (of a very specific sort). We here raise an apparent challenge to that account. In particular, we offer an example—the drowning case—that meets these conditions of silencing but does not intuitively seem to be an instance of it. First, we explore several conditions one might add to the Hornsby‐Langton account, but we argue that none are satisfactory. Then, we further explore the systematicity condition, which is insufficiently characterized in the current literature. Although we explore several promising ways to further characterize this condition, we ultimately conclude that more work needs to be done. Consequently, because this systematicity condition is under‐specified, the Hornsby‐Langton account of silencing is incomplete.
PredyCLU: a prediction system for chronic leg ulcers based on fuzzy logic; part I – exploring the venous side
Authors: de Franciscis Stefano , Fregola Salvatore , Gallo Alessandro , Argirò Giuseppe , Barbetta Andrea , Buffone Gianluca , Caliò Francesco G , De Caridi Giovanni , Amato Bruno , Serra Raffaele
Published: November 2015

Chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) are a common occurrence in the western population and are associated with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. They also cause a substantial burden on the health budget. The pathogenesis of leg ulceration is quite heterogeneous, and chronic venous ulceration (CVU) is the most common manifestation representing the main complication of chronic venous disease (CVD). Prevention strategies and early identification of the risk represent the best form of management. Fuzzy logic is a flexible mathematical system that has proved to be a powerful tool for decision‐making systems and pattern classification systems in medicine. In this study, we have elaborated a computerised prediction system for chronic leg ulcers (PredyCLU) based on fuzzy logic, which was retrospectively applied on a multicentre population of 77 patients with CVD. This evaluation system produced reliable risk score patterns and served effectively as a stratification risk tool in patients with CVD who were at the risk of developing CVUs.
High‐Temperature Isothermal Oxidation of Ultra‐High Temperature Ceramics Using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis
Authors: Miller‐Oana Melia , Corral Erica L.
Published: November 2015

Oxidation of ZrB2 + SiC composites is investigated using isothermal measurements to study the effects of temperature, time, and gas flow on oxidation behavior and microstructural evolution. A test method called dynamic nonequilibrium thermal gravimetric analysis (DNE‐TGA), which eliminates oxidation during the heating ramp, has been developed to monitor mass change from the onset of an isothermal hold period (15 min) as a function temperature (1000°C–1600°C) and gas flow (50 and 200 mL/min). In comparing isothermal to nonisothermal TGA measurements, the scale thicknesses from isothermal tests are up to 4 times greater, indicating that oxidation kinetics are faster for isothermal testing, where the oxide scale thickness is 110 μm after 15 min at 1600°C in air. Isothermal oxidation followed parabolic kinetics with a mass gain that is temperature dependent from 1000°C–1600°C. The mass gain increased from ~5 to 45 g/m2 and parabolic rate constants increased from 0.037 to 2.2 g2/m4·s over this temperature range. The effect of flow velocity on oxidation is not significant under the given laminar flow environment where the gas boundary layer is calculated to be 4 mm. These values are consistent with diffusion of oxygen through the glass‐ceramic surface layer as rate limiting.
Age‐ and Sex‐Related Differences in Efficacy With an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker and a Calcium Channel Blocker in Asian Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Hoshide Satoshi
Published: November 2015

Overseas guidelines to manage hypertension recommend selecting different drugs depending on age, but no studies have investigated the relationship between drug selection and age‐ and sex‐related differences, although such information may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. The Azilsartan Circadian and Sleep Pressure––the First Study (ACS1) trial was a multicentered, randomized, open‐label, two‐parallel group study comparing the effects of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (azilsartan) and a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine). The present study is a post hoc analysis of ACS1 to investigate age‐ and sex‐related differences in the antihypertensive effects between azilsartan and amlodipine. Azilsartan significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure in male patients younger than 60 years compared with amlodipine, but amlodipine significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in female patients 60 years and older compared with azilsartan. A randomized controlled trial to evaluate cardiovascular outcomes will demonstrate whether a diastolic blood pressure–lowering effect with azilsartan is significantly effective in male patients younger than 60 years.
Barriers to guideline‐compliant psoriasis care: analyses and concepts
Authors: Eissing L. , Radtke M.A. , Zander N. , Augustin M.
Published: November 2015

Despite the availability of effective therapeutics and evidence‐based treatment guidelines, a substantial proportion of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis does not receive appropriate care. This under‐provision of health care may cause further worsening of health, remarkable limitations of the patient's quality of life, and indirect costs for the health care system. In order to provide guideline‐compliant care for every psoriasis patient, it is important to identify barriers obstructing optimal care. Studies have identified various barriers on the physician's and on the patient's side; however, respective studies approached only single barriers, and not all of them in the context of psoriasis. Other publications that describe barriers systematically did not focus on psoriasis either. The objective of this literature review was to identify barriers and facilitators, based on studies analysing quality of care and single barriers, resulting in a comprehensive model of causal factors. Our analyses revealed three categories of barriers – patient‐related, physician‐related and external factors: On the patient side, we found non‐adherence to therapies to be an important barrier, often in close association with psychiatric factors. Barriers on the physician's side predominantly are incomplete knowledge of the guidelines as well as the complexity of psoriasis comorbidity. In some countries, payment for patients with complex disease status is poor and inconsistent reimbursement regulations potentially interfere with optimal care. The current analysis indicates that most barriers are interdependent. Thus, measures approaching related barriers simultaneously are required. To improve care for psoriasis patients, further studies systematically addressing all potentially relevant barriers in conjoint are needed.
Comparison of health‐related quality of life between patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease and patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Lee Suk Jeong , Son Heesook
Published: November 2015

Aim

This study compared health‐related quality of life in patients with early to mid‐stage chronic kidney disease.

Methods

This study utilized a comparative descriptive design. Patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were recruited from a hospital in Korea. Information from patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease was obtained from Korean national survey data. A total of 75 pairs were matched using the propensity score method. Health‐related quality of life was compared using the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions questionnaire.

Results

Only 4% of patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease are aware of their disease. These patients have decreased mobility and ability to perform their usual activities (χ2 = 10.77, P = 0.001; χ2 = 7.22, P = 0.007, respectively). However, they have lower levels of anxiety and depression than patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (χ2 = 13.37, P < 0.001). The European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions utility scores do not differ between the two patient groups.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that more effective management programs are needed to improve health‐related quality of life in patients at all stages of chronic kidney disease. Educational intervention in asymptomatic patients is important to increase awareness and early detection of chronic kidney disease.
Oestradiol Regulates Neuropeptide Y Release and Gene Coupling with the GABAergic and Glutamatergic Synapses in the Adult Female Rat Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Velíšková J. , Iacobas D. , Iacobas S. , Sidyelyeva G. , Chachua T. , Velíšek L.
Published: November 2015

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an endogenous modulator of neuronal activity affecting both GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission. Previously, we found that oestradiol modifies the number of NPY immunoreactive neurones in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. In the present study, we investigated which oestrogen receptor type is responsible for these changes in the number of NPY‐positive neurones. Furthermore, we determined the effects of oestrogen receptor activation on NPY release. Finally, we examined the contribution of oestrogen toward the remodelling of the GABAergic and glutamatergic gene networks in terms of coupling with Npy gene expression in ovariectomised rats. We found that activation of either oestrogen receptor type (ERα or ERβ) increases the number of NPY‐immunopositive neurones and enhances NPY release in the dentate gyrus. We also found that, compared to oestrogen‐lacking ovariectomised rats, oestrogen replacement increases the probability of synergistic/antagonistic coupling between the Npy and GABAergic synapse genes, whereas the glutamatergic synapse genes are less likely to be coupled with Npy under similar conditions. The data together suggest that oestrogens play a critical role in the regulation of NPY system activity and are also involved in the coupling/uncoupling of the Npy gene with the GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses in the female rat dentate gyrus.