bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentary on “The effectiveness of psychodynamic interventions for people with learning disabilities: a systematic review”
Authors: Brown Hilary
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper is a commentary on “The effectiveness of psychodynamic interventions for people with learning disabilities: a systematic review” by Chris James and James Stacey. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the thesis that standardised ways of evaluating health care interventions may have the inadvertent effect of undermining the case that people with intellectual disabilities should be offered the same opportunities to address their emotional and mental health difficulties as other citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

– The commentary argues that while the evidence base focuses on the outcomes of orthodox one-to-one interventions, sometimes broader “contextual reformulation” and systemic interventions are called for. However, family- or service-based interventions tend not to feature in studies.

Findings

– The commentary illustrates these issues by discussing two case studies, which demonstrate how relational issues tend to be unhelpfully focused on the person with intellectual disabilities to the detriment of family members or direct care staff, who may be struggling to make sense of the person's behaviour or distress.

Originality/value

– The commentary supports the argument put forward in the longer paper and also argues for mental health services to be offered on a non-discriminatory basis to people with intellectual disabilities and to their family members. But it also suggests that one of the additional impacts of service level psychotherapeutic interventions is to re-establish respect for the work of direct care staff whose work is often presented as if it is little more than domestic drudgery when in fact it involves negotiating and responding to people and their issues with great sensitivity and balance.
The effectiveness of psychodynamic interventions for people with learning disabilities: a systematic review
Authors: W. James Chris , M. Stacey James
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Recent governmental policy has emphasised the need for greater choice and inclusion for people with learning disabilities. Accordingly, learning disabilities services are increasingly offering a greater choice of psychological interventions to people with learning disabilities. A growing body of research has examined the use of psychodynamic interventions for people with learning disabilities. The purpose of the this paper is to identify, outline, and evaluate research on the efficacy of psychodynamic approaches with people with learning disabilities and to consider the implications for clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic search identified 13 relevant studies. A qualitative review of these studies was carried out.

Findings

– Overall, the reviewed studies offer some preliminary support for the use of psychodynamic approaches with people with learning disabilities.

Research limitations/implications

– A number of methodological issues are identified (particularly concerning the influence of extraneous variables and the generalisability of findings) and further, larger scale and more robust, research is required.

Practical implications

– Learning disabilities services should consider providing psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with a mild learning disability experiencing mental health, behavioural, and/or offending problems.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an up-to-date, comprehensive review of the literature on the efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with a learning disability that will be of use to services providing therapeutic support to people with a learning disability and to people commissioning those services.
Trends and variations in self-directed support and direct payments for adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Hatton Chris
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide information concerning trends over time and geographical variations in the number of adults with learning disabilities in England using self-directed support (SDS) and direct payments (DPs).

Design/methodology/approach

– Analysis of local authority returns to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (RAP Table SD1) concerning the number of working age adults with learning disabilities accessing SDS and DPs from 2009/2010 to 2011/2012.

Findings

– From 2009/2010 to 2012/2013 there has been a rapid increase in the number of working age adults with learning disabilities using SDS, particularly in the form of council services only, with the number of people using DPs staying largely static. There are wide geographical variations in the likelihood of adults with learning disabilities accessing all forms of SDS/DP.

Originality/value

– This paper analyses trends over time and geographical variations that have not previously been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Transcriptomic analysis of genes in the nitrogen recycling pathway of meat‐type chickens divergently selected for feed efficiency
Authors: Aggrey S. E. , Lee J. , Karnuah A. B. , Rekaya R.
Published: December 2013

The understanding of the dynamics of ammonia detoxification and excretion in uricotelic species is lagging behind ureotelic species. The relative expression of genes involved in nitrogen recycling and feed efficiency in chickens is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the transcriptomics differences in key genes in the nitrogen (N) metabolism and purine biosynthesis pathway in a chicken population divergently selected for low (LRFI) or high (HRFI) residual feed intake at days 35 and 42 using duodenum, liver, pectoralis major (P. major) and kidney. There was a significant positive correlation between RFI and fecal N. The purine salvage pathway was activated in the LRFI compared with HRFI at days 42. The birds in the LRFI population attained greater feed efficiency by having lower FI, increasing their protein retention and producing adequate glutamine to maintain growth compared with the HRFI line. To maintain growth, excess N is deaminated mostly to generate purine nucleotides. Generating purine nucleotides primarily from the purine biosynthesis pathway is energetically costly, and to preserve energy, they preferentially generate nucleotides from the purine salvage pathway. The LRFI birds need to generate sufficient nucleotides to maintain growth despite reduced FI that then results in reduced fecal N.
Reversible abnormality of the splenium in a bipolar patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Authors: Achalia Rashmin , Andrade Chittaranjan
Published: December 2013

Objective

To report reversible abnormality of the splenium in a bipolar patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Methods

We studied a 23‐year‐old male who received oral and parenteral neuroleptics, atypical antipsychotic agents, and mood stabilizers, as well as a course of six electroconvulsive therapy treatments, for an episode of mania. He improved. Five days after discharge on maintenance atypical antipsychotic agents and mood stabilizers, he returned with symptoms suggestive of NMS. Laboratory investigations revealed leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed swelling of the splenium with centrally restricted diffusion; there was no other abnormality. He was defensively treated with antimicrobials, methylprednisolone, and bromocriptine.

Results

Clinical recovery was complete after nine days, and the splenium lesion resolved after four further days; there were no neuropsychiatric sequelae. Nine months later, the patient remains well on maintenance lithium therapy.

Conclusions

This is the first report of an isolated splenial lesion reversing within days of resolution of NMS. The outcome supports the recent literature which suggests that an isolated splenial lesion does not need investigation, and that prognosis depends on the underlying disorder, and not on the presence or absence of the splenial lesion.
Great expectations? Pre‐transplant quality of life expectations and distress after kidney transplantation: A prospective study
Authors: Schulz Torben , Niesing Jan , Homan van der Heide Jaap J. , Westerhuis Ralf , Ploeg Rutger J. , Ranchor Adelita V.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Previous research suggests that prior to kidney transplantation, patients overestimate their post‐transplant quality of life (QoL). The current study aimed to corroborate these findings, identify determinants of QoL overestimation, examine its association with subsequent distress, and clarify the role of optimism.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Physical, psychological, and social QoL expectations, actual QoL, and distress (GHQ‐12) of participants (56% male) were prospectively assessed before (T0; n = 228) and 3 (T1; n = 149), 6 (T2; n = 146), and 12 (T3; n = 114) months after successful transplantation.

Results

Patients who were treated with haemodialysis before transplantation reported greater physical QoL overestimation than those who received treatment with peritoneal dialysis. Neither physical nor social QoL overestimation at T1 was prospectively associated with increased distress at T2 or T3. The interaction between optimism and social QoL overestimation at T1 (β = −.56, p < .001) for distress at T2 was significant, with patients low in optimism experiencing more distress after QoL overestimation.

Conclusions

QoL overestimation is not associated with subsequent distress. Findings suggest that patients low in optimism are more vulnerable to distress following QoL overestimation.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Kidney transplantation improves patients' quality of life.

Prior to kidney transplantation, patients overestimate the scale of this improvement.

What does this study add?

Quality of life overestimation is not associated with subsequent distress.

When optimism is low, kidney transplant recipients experience higher distress following quality of life overestimation.
Primary lysis of eosinophils in severe desquamative asthma
Authors: Persson C.
Published: December 2013

Primary lysis of eosinophils liberates free eosinophil granules (FEGs) releasing toxic proteins in association with bronchial epithelial injury repair. Eosinophil lysis may be significantly pathogenic. Bronchial mucosal FEGs are associated with uncontrolled asthma, severe asthma, aspirin‐sensitive asthma, and lethal asthma. FEGs in the bronchial wall may characterize severe asthma without sputum eosinophilia. Excessive numbers of sputum FEGs occur in severe exacerbations of asthma and are reduced along with clinical improvement. Occurrence of FEGs affects interpretation of other sputum biomarkers including numbers of eosinophils, ECP, and eosinophil‐stained macrophages. Thus, eosinophil lysis produces FEGs as bronchial biomarkers of severe asthma. Blood eosinophils in severe asthma seem primed exhibiting a propensity to lyse that is greater the more severe the asthma. Proclivity of blood eosinophils to lyse also distinguished three levels of severity among children with exacerbations of asthma. Numerous FEGs releasing toxic proteins occur in association with grave derangement and shedding of epithelium in severe asthma. Subepithelial FEGs correlate negatively with intact bronchial epithelium in clinically uncontrolled asthma. Significant correlations between sputum ECP, Creola bodies, and severity of asthma exacerbations have also been demonstrated. Hence, eosinophil lysis apparently causes epithelial desquamation in severe asthma. Exaggerated epithelial repair in turn would contribute to inflammatory and remodelling features of severe asthma. Perseverance of FEGs together with maintained disease activity, despite treatment with ‘eosinophil‐depleting’ steroids and anti‐IL5 biologicals, agrees with the possibility that eosinophil lysis is worthy target for novel anti‐asthma drugs. Priming and lysis of eosinophils, and protein release from FEGs, are regulated and can be targeted. Eosinophil lysis and FEGs belong to the disease picture of severe asthma and need consideration in asthma studies concerned with phenotypes, biomarkers, roles of epithelial injury/repair, and targeting novel drugs.
Lessons from helminth infections: ES-62 highlights new interventional approaches in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pineda M A , Al-Riyami L , Harnett W , Harnett M M
Published: December 2013

Parasitic worms are able to survive in their mammalian host for many years due to their ability to manipulate the immune response by secreting immunomodulatory products. It is increasingly clear that, reflecting the anti-inflammatory actions of such worm-derived immunomodulators, there is an inverse correlation between helminth infection and autoimmune diseases in the developing world. As the decrease in helminth infections due to increased sanitation has correlated with an alarming increase in prevalence of such disorders in industrialized countries, this ‘hygiene hypothesis’ has led to the proposal that worms and their secreted products offer a novel platform for the development of safe and effective strategies for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. In this study we review the anti-inflammatory effects of one such immunomodulator, ES-62 on innate and adaptive immune responses and the mechanisms it exploits to afford protection in the murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As its core mechanism involves targeting of interleukin (IL)-17 responses, which despite being pathogenic in RA are important for combating infection, we discuss how its selective targeting of IL-17 production by T helper type 17 (Th17) and γδ T cells, while leaving that of CD49b+ natural killer (NK and NK T) cells intact, reflects the ability of helminths to modulate the immune system without immunocompromising the host. Exploiting helminth immunomodulatory mechanisms therefore offers the potential for safer therapies than current biologicals, such as ‘IL-17 blockers’, that are not able to discriminate sources of IL-17 and hence present adverse effects that limit their therapeutic potential.
Immunological monitoring of extracorporeal photopheresis after heart transplantation
Authors: Dieterlen M-T , Bittner H B , Pierzchalski A , Dhein S , Mohr F W , Barten M J
Published: December 2013

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used as a prophylactic and therapeutic option to avoid and treat rejection after heart transplantation (HTx). Tolerance-inducing effects of ECP such as up-regulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known, but specific effects of ECP on regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets and dendritic cells (DCs) are lacking. We analysed different subsets of Tregs and DCs as well as the immune balance status during ECP treatment after HTx. Blood samples were collected from HTx patients treated with ECP for prophylaxis (n = 9) or from patients with histologically proven acute cellular rejection (ACR) of grade ≥ 1B (n = 9), as well as from control HTx patients without ECP (HTxC; n = 7). Subsets of Tregs and DCs as well as different cytokine levels were analysed. Almost 80% of the HTx patients showed an effect to ECP treatment with an increase of Tregs and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). The percentage of pDCs before ECP treatment was significantly higher in patients with no ECP effect (26·3% ± 5·6%) compared to patients who showed an effect to ECP (9·8% ± 10·2%; P = 0·011). Analysis of functional subsets of CD4+CD25highCD127low Tregs showed that CD62L-, CD120b- and CD147-positive Tregs did not differ between the groups. CD39-positive Tregs increased during ECP treatment compared to HTxC. ECP-treated patients showed higher levels for T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2 and Th17 cytokines. Cytokine levels were higher in HTx patients with rejection before ECP treatment compared to patients with prophylactic ECP treatment. We recommend a monitoring strategy that includes the quantification and analysis of Tregs, pDCs and the immune balance status before and up to 12 months after starting ECP.
Retrospective analysis of the natural history and management of serpiginous choroiditis in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Toniolo Jason , Hall Anthony J , Sims Jo , Fraser‐Bell Samantha , Khan Jane , Younan Christine , Kent‐Smith Brian , Young Stephanie , Paul Eldho , Lim Lyndell L
Published: December 2013

Background

To examine the prevalence of serpiginous choroidopathy in a predominantly Caucasian community, to examine associations between serpiginous choroiditis and other systemic diseases, and to report on the effect of immunosuppression on the long‐term course of serpiginous choroiditis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study with patients from tertiary care centres and private practices.

Participants

18 patients, mean age 48 years at baseline. One patient was seen only once. Median follow‐up was 69 months (5.8 years, range 0.4–29.7 years).

Methods

Patients were identified using the Australian and New Zealand Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit. A chart analysis was performed for all patients. Three treatment groups were identified: no treatment, prednisolone monotherapy, or combination of prednisolone and immunosuppression. Negative binomial regression was used to calculate incidence rate ratios for patient relapse.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient demographics, clinical features, associated systemic diseases, treatments administered and dates of relapse.

Results

The disease prevalence in Australia and New Zealand is 1 case per 1.5 million people. Five cases (28%) had a positive QuantiFERON. A total of 32 relapses were observed: 14 while receiving no treatment, 11 on prednisolone and 7 on combination therapy. Compared with the no treatment group, the incidence rate ratio for prednisolone monotherapy and combination therapy was 1.29 and 2.92, respectively (95% confidence interval 0.40–4.14 and 0.96–8.88).

Conclusion

Although the confidence intervals indicate that the difference in incidence rate ratios are not significant, these results suggest that there is a group of patients who have a benign course without long‐term immunosuppression or corticosteroid treatment.
Antivascular endothelial growth factors in the treatment of macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Shuangwen , Gao Jianping , Xu Xun
Published: December 2013

Background

Macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion is a major cause of vision loss. Intraocuclar anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor injection is a promising treatment but lacks clinical evidence of its safety and efficacy.

Design

Meta‐analysis.

Participants

Patients from previously reported randomized, controlled trials comparing intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor versus sham injections.

Methods

A comprehensive search in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE was conducted for reports published by April 2013. A meta‐analysis of the retrieved data was conducted in RevMan 5.2 software.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measures were changes in best‐corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness from baseline. Secondary outcome measures were the proportion of eyes changing 15 or more letters on the Early Treatment in Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart, the proportion with neovascularization and changes in the 25‐item Visual Function Questionnaire. Severe adverse events were summarized to assess safety.

Results

Six trials involving a total of 940 eyes were included in the meta‐analysis. The mean difference in 6‐month changes in best‐corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness for the anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor group were 15.2 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (P < 0.00001) and −242.2 μm (P < 0.00001), respectively. Severe adverse event incidence was similar between the groups.

Conclusions

Intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor injections were safe and effective for macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. The efficacy was rapid and robust. Further trials are needed to determine the detailed indications and therapeutic regimens of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatments.
Human diseases caused by germline and somatic abnormalities in microRNA and microRNA‐related genes
Authors: Kawahara Yukio
Published: December 2013

The human genome harbors approximately 2000 genes that encode microRNAs (miRNAs), small non‐coding RNAs of approximately 20–22 nt that mediate post‐transcriptional gene silencing. MiRNAs are generated from long transcripts through stepwise processing by the Drosha/DGCR8, Exportin‐5/RanGTP and Dicer/TRBP complexes. Given that the expression of each individual miRNA is tightly regulated, the altered expression of certain miRNAs plays a pivotal role in human diseases. For instance, germline and somatic mutations in the genes encoding the miRNA processing machinery have been reported in different cancers. Furthermore, certain miRNA genes are encoded within regions that are deleted or duplicated in individuals with chromosomal abnormalities, and the fact that the knockout of these miRNAs in animal models results in lethality or the abnormal development of certain tissues indicates that these miRNA genes contribute to the disease phenotypes. It has also been reported that mutations in miRNA genes or in miRNA‐binding sites, which result in the impairment of tight regulation of target mRNA expression, cause human genetic diseases, although these cases are rare. This is in contrast to the aberrant expression of certain miRNAs that results from the impairment of transcriptional or post‐transcriptional regulation, which has been reported frequently in various human diseases. The present review focuses on human diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding miRNAs and the miRNA processing machinery as well as in miRNA‐binding sites. Furthermore, human diseases caused by chromosomal abnormalities that involve the deletion or duplication of regions harboring genes that encode miRNAs or the miRNA processing machinery are also introduced.
Conversion of stable ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant recipients from mycophenolate mofetil with standard exposure calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) to everolimus with very low exposure CNIs–a short‐term pilot study
Authors: Uchida Junji , Machida Yuichi , Iwai Tomoaki , Kuwabara Nobuyuki , Kabei Kazuya , Naganuma Toshihide , Kumada Norihiko , Kawashima Hidenori , Nakatani Tatsuya
Published: December 2013

Background

A recent report has demonstrated that as with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), everolimus is capable of inhibiting human B‐lymphocyte function and activation including B‐lymphocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and immunoglobulin production in vitro. Everolimus may therefore be used as an immunosuppressant in ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation.

Methods

A three‐month pilot study was performed to examine the efficacy and safety of conversion of stable ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant recipients from MMF with standard exposure calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) to everolimus with very low exposure CNIs. Sixteen recipients were enrolled in the study. The patients without acute rejection by graft biopsy were switched from MMF to everolimus with CNI minimization. At three months after conversion, graft biopsies were performed to check for acute rejection and C4d deposition.

Results

Conversion to everolimus with CNI minimization for three months did not induce acute rejection and C4d deposition in all of the ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant recipients. A slight elevation of anti‐A/B antibody titer occurred in our present study. Everolimus was associated with hyperlipidemia and edema.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that short‐term conversion from MMF to everolimus after one yr post‐transplant may be a safe and effective alternate for ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant recipients requiring temporary discontinuation of MMF.
Fully automated dual‐color dual‐hapten silver in situ hybridization staining for MYC amplification: a diagnostic tool for discriminating secondary angiosarcoma
Authors: Ko Jennifer S. , Billings Steven D. , Lanigan Christopher P. , Buehler Darya , Fernandez Anthony P. , Tubbs Raymond R.
Published: December 2013

Background

MYC amplification occurs in post‐radiation and chronic lymphedema‐associated secondary angiosarcoma and some primary angiosarcomas. In this study, we tested the ability of automated dual‐color dual‐hapten in situ hybridization (DISH) staining to discriminate secondary angiosarcoma from radiation‐associated atypical vascular lesions (AVL), and to correlate with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for MYC amplification.

Methods

Cases of secondary angiosarcoma, including 11 biopsies and 3 excisions from 11 patients, and 5 AVL biopsies from 5 patients, were examined by FISH and DISH. DISH staining was performed using the Dual Color Open Probe software on a Ventana Benchmark XT automated slide stainer. Metallic black silver (MYC) and reference CHR8 red signals were qualitatively and semi‐quantitatively enumerated for tumor nuclei. Small and large clusters of silver signals were recorded as 6 or 12 signals, respectively. MYC amplification was defined as MYC/CHR8 ratio >2.0.

Results

Where tissue was available for both DISH and FISH, all secondary angiosarcoma cases showed MYC amplification (11/11 = 100%) by both DISH and FISH. All AVL were negative for MYC amplification by both techniques (0/5 = 0%).

Conclusion

In the current cohort, use of DISH identified all MYC amplified cases, and distinguished secondary angiosarcoma from AVL. DISH staining may be useful in distinguishing secondary angiosarcoma from AVL in challenging cases.
Bio‐Theoacoustics: Prayer Outdoors and the Reality of the Natural World
Authors: Dahill Lisa E.
Published: December 2013

What does it mean to pray when the Earth—the fabric of our bodies’ lives, and indeed of the incarnation itself—is profoundly endangered from human action? What would Christian prayer look like that was not “losing track of nature” but following its tracks, physically and spiritually immersed in the actual, present, threatened and wild life of the more‐than‐human world? Using categories outlined by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his Ethics, this essay asserts that prayer and worship that take place entirely within the wall‐, speech‐, and screen‐mediated bubble of anthropocentrism risk becoming an abstraction. The essay explores this assertion in three moves: first, it delineates Bonhoeffer's assertion of the “abstraction” created by forms of Christian life in which God is conceived in separation from the world. Next, it shows how these categories—“God” and “world”—come together in prayer outdoors, understood both literally and metaphorically. And finally, it proposes how prayer outdoors might take shape for individuals or communities: a bio‐theoacoustics of prayer for the life of the world.
Provision of dental care in aged care facilities NSW Australia‐ Part 2 as perceived by the carers (care providers)
Authors: Webb Bettine C , Whittle Terry , Schwarz Eli
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To investigate carers' perception of the provision of dental care in aged care facilities (ACFs) New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Background

Carers are responsible for ‘hands‐on, day‐to‐day' care of residents, including dental care, yet there were no specific figures available concerning their role in NSW ACFs.

Materials and Methods

Questionnaires were mailed to 406 NSW directors of nursing (DONs) requesting completion by a carer who was proficient in English and without the influence of the DON. The 23‐item questionnaire was presented in 4 sections, and the data qualitatively analysed.

Results

211 questionnaires were completed and returned, giving a response rate of 52%. Carers were mostly female (91.9%) in the 40–50 and >50 age groups. Oral health training had been received by 66.7% of carers, and although 73.2% thought that their training was adequate, carers in general requested further training. Long waiting periods for government dental services (69.4%) and resident unable to communicate oral health problems (69.2%) were seen as the most frequent barriers to dental care. Almost all carers reported the availability of electric tooth brushes, fluoride gel, disclosing tablets/gel, interdental brushes and the use of a foam mouth prop, while few reported the use of other dental care products.

Conclusion

As carers provided almost all of oral health care for residents, emphasis should be placed on training in geriatric dental care techniques and use of dental products.
Interferon‐α/β for treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in the era of direct‐acting antiviral agents
Authors: Enomoto Masaru , Tamori Akihiro , Murakami Yoshiki , Kawada Norifumi
Published: December 2013

Type I interferons (IFN‐α/β), with or without ribavirin, have been the only agents that can eradicate the hepatitis C virus (HCV). An IFN‐free regimen combining oral direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAA) will be approved soon for genotype 1 patients. Here, we discuss the role of IFN‐α/β in the forthcoming “era of DAA” with consideration of limitations and concerns about IFN‐free therapies. First, the therapeutic efficacy of first‐generation DAA varies among the different subtypes. While the rate of sustained virological response (SVR) is 60–90% among patients with genotype 1b, the rate often falls short of 50% in patients with genotype 1a. IFN and ribavirin can still be indicated for patients with genotype 1a as a platform for combination with DAA. Second, there is concern about the emergence of drug‐resistance resulting from inappropriate use of DAA. The clinical significance of pre‐existing resistant variants has not been elucidated. Drug resistance may affect the efficacy of next‐generation treatments. An IFN and ribavirin backbone in combination with DAA is an effective measure to prevent the emergence of drug resistance and/or to suppress pre‐existing resistant viruses. Third, it remains unknown whether the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will be reduced in patients who achieve SVR with IFN‐free regimens. In contrast, there are many reports in Japan demonstrating the preventive effects of IFN on the development of HCC. When patients do not achieve SVR with first‐generation DAA, low‐dose IFN maintenance therapy is a treatment option until the next‐generation therapy with pan‐genotypic potency and high genetic barrier become available.
High‐Performance Glass Fiber Development for Composite Applications
Authors: Li Hong , Richards Cheryl , Watson James
Published: December 2013

The article provides a review of historical commercial glass fiber development and recent developments of high‐performance glass fibers with improved mechanical performance for glass fiber‐reinforced polymer–matrix composite applications. Glass composition design is outlined in conjunction with theoretical and experimental modeling approaches. Challenges in glass melting and fiber forming are briefly discussed.
Distal renal tubular acidosis associated with Sjogren syndrome
Authors: Lim A. K. H. , Choi M. J.
Published: December 2013

Renal tubular acidosis is a common cause of normal anion gap metabolic acidosis but these disorders can be easily missed or misdiagnosed. We highlight the approach to assessing renal tubular acidosis by discussing a case study with a temporal data set collected over more than 5 weeks. We highlight the principles and the necessary information required for a diagnosis of classic distal renal tubular acidosis. We also briefly review several aspects of type 1 renal tubular acidosis related to autoimmune disease, drugs and thyroid disorders.
Advances in the management of hepatitis C
Authors: Croagh C.M. , Lubel J.
Published: December 2013

Significant advances have recently been made in the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with many of the changes now part of routine clinical practice. These include the use of non‐invasive methods to assess liver fibrosis, interleukin 28B genotype testing to predict interferon responsiveness and the use of new anti‐viral regimens for HCV genotype 1. Two new antiviral agents (boceprevir and telaprevir) have recently become available in Australia. These protease inhibitors are used in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin as triple therapy for genotype 1 HCV. This combination increases sustained virological response from approximately 45–50% to 66–75% in treatment naïve patients. However, these new regimens present novel challenges including complicated treatment algorithms based on virological response, numerous drug interactions and additional side effects especially in patients with advanced fibrosis. The protease inhibitors are the first of many antiviral drugs to become available to treat HCV, heralding the arrival of new agents that will offer greater chances of cure with improved safety and tolerability compared with current therapies.
Introducción: El papel de los pisos nacionales de protección social en la extensión de la seguridad social para todos
Authors: Hagemejer Krzysztof , McKinnon Roddy
Published: December 2013

En junio de 2011 la Conferencia Internacional del Trabajo (CIT) adoptó una resolución y conclusiones relativas a la nueva estrategia de seguridad social de la Organización, que busca respaldar a sus Miembros en la construcción y el mantenimiento de sistemas de seguridad social integrales sobre la base de un enfoque de dos dimensiones: a) la dimensión horizontal que establece, prioritariamente, garantías básicas de seguridad social definidas a escala nacional para ofrecer un piso de protección a todas las personas que lo necesitan lo antes posible, y b) la dimensión vertical que extiende el alcance y el nivel de cobertura de la seguridad social siguiendo las líneas de orientación del Convenio sobre la seguridad social (norma mínima), 1952 (núm. 102), y otras normas de seguridad social para la cobertura del mayor número de personas posible en el plazo más breve posible. En junio de 2012 la CIT concluyó esta estrategia con una nueva norma de trabajo internacional, la Recomendación sobre los pisos de protección social, 2012 (núm. 202). Esta recomendación se considera un avance en materia de política social mundial. El establecimiento de pisos nacionales de protección social podría colmar las brechas presentes en la cobertura de seguridad social y ayudar a los países a luchar con eficacia contra la pobreza y la vulnerabilidad. Este número doble especial ofrece un análisis del proceso que culminó con la adopción de dicha recomendación y aborda las cuestiones prácticas fiscales, legales, políticas e institucionales que deben resolverse para implementar con éxito los objetivos de dicha recomendación.
El Piso de protección social y la gobernanza social mundial: hacia una sinergia de políticas y la cooperación entre las organizaciones internacionales
Authors: Deacon Bob
Published: December 2013

Este artículo analiza la influencia de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) sobre otras organizaciones y organismos internacionales que condujo a la aprobación del concepto de piso de protección social (PPS). En 2012 dicho concepto había sido aprobado por las Naciones Unidas como la Iniciativa PPS de la Junta de Jefes Ejecutivos de las Naciones Unidas, el Banco Mundial en su nueva Estrategia en materia de protección social y trabajo, y por el Grupo de los Veinte (G‐20) en la Cumbre de Cannes. Además, el Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) había acordado trabajar con la OIT para explorar las opciones de crear un espacio fiscal en los países para financiar los PPS. Los Relatores Especiales del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas también habían solicitado en 2012 la creación de un fondo mundial para la protección social que permitiera a los países más pobres desarrollar sus pisos. En 2012 se creó una nueva autoridad de coordinación, la Junta interinstitucional de cooperación en materia de protección social (SPIAC‐B), para facilitar la cooperación entre organismos. Este artículo describe y explica cómo llegaron a producirse estos acontecimientos. Se pregunta si la realidad de una mayor cooperación en la gobernanza social mundial en el ámbito de la protección social es tan efectiva como parece o si hay nuevas contradicciones, mandatos que se superponen y compiten y desacuerdos en políticas a escala mundial.
Una definición de la suficiencia de múltiples variables: desafíos y oportunidades
Authors: Brimblecombe Simon
Published: December 2013

La adopción de la Recomendación sobre los pisos de protección social, 2012 (núm. 202), de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo recalca la importancia de la extensión de la cobertura de seguridad social en todo el mundo. Para que la extensión de la cobertura potencie sus repercusiones positivas, las prestaciones y los servicios, además de cubrir al mayor número posible de personas y de riesgos, deben ser suficientes. Si bien no es fácil, el nivel de cobertura puede definirse y evaluarse. Sin embargo, la definición de una prestación suficiente es aún más difícil y suele basarse en el índice de sustitución que refleja la suficiencia de las prestaciones en efectivo. Habida cuenta de los numerosos objetivos de los regímenes de seguridad social, es necesario –y no sólo adecuado– recurrir a un indicador de la suficiencia que no se limite al nivel de prestaciones en efectivo. En un contexto de restricciones financieras sin precedentes, este artículo examina la importancia de la suficiencia y las razones por las que es necesario un criterio más amplio para evaluar los demás aspectos del suministro de prestaciones y servicios. El artículo explica cómo podrían construirse estos análisis de múltiples variables y cuáles son las dificultades que pueden presentarse. El artículo pretende ampliar el debate evaluando si se cumplen otros objetivos del suministro de prestaciones, como la calidad del servicio, los objetivos del mercado laboral, la seguridad de las prestaciones y la interacción con otras partes interesadas.
CO2‐Tolerant Ceramic Membrane Driven by Electrical Current for Oxygen Production at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Kun , Meng Bo , Tan Xiaoyao , Liu Lihong , Wang Shaobin , Liu Shaomin
Published: December 2013

In this work, an electrochemical oxygen pump ceramic membrane based on Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) electrolyte and La0.6Sr0.4FeO3−δ (LSF) electrode was prepared and characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDX. The area specific resistance of the membranes was measured by impedance spectroscopy. The oxygen electrical permeation behavior of SDC/LSF membrane was investigated under different operating conditions. In consistent with the theoretical prediction from Faraday law, the oxygen flux value observed is closely correlated in quantity with the applied current density. The permeation (or Faraday) efficiency of SDC/LSF membrane could reach above 95% at lower temperatures (600°C–700°C). At 700°C, the oxygen flux through SDC/LSF membrane with 3000 mA/cm2 current density could reach ~9.97 mL/cm2/min. In addition, the prepared SDC/LSF membrane electrical performance was also tested under the presence of CO2. It was found that SDC/LSF membrane has excellent structure and permeation stability against CO2 gas, reflecting its potential applications like oxyfuel technologies and hydrocarbon oxidations.
Moisturizing treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris improves dry skin, but has a modest effect on gene expression regardless of FLG genotype
Authors: Hoppe T. , Winge M.C.G. , Bradley M. , Nordenskjöld M. , Vahlquist A. , Törmä H. , Berne B.
Published: December 2013

Background

Loss‐of‐function mutations in FLG (encoding filaggrin) are a predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (AD) and cause ichthyosis vulgaris (IV). Patients with AD and IV display impaired skin barrier and dry skin, and altered epidermal expression of genes in pro‐inflammatory and lipid metabolic pathways are often evident.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of three different moisturizers on skin barrier function and epidermal gene expression in patients with AD/IV in relation to FLG mutation status.

Methods

Patients (n = 43) were classified according to their FLG status: AD with FLG+/+ (n = 14), AD with FLG+/− (n = 14), and AD/IV with FLG−/− (n = 15). Dryness score and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were monitored on volar forearms, and punch biopsies were taken for analysis of gene expression. Measurements were repeated after 4 weeks of treatment with either of two moisturizers on each forearm.

Results

Treatment with any of the three moisturizers significantly reduced dryness score and TEWL in the group as a whole. FLG−/− patients displayed the largest reduction in dryness score. Only minute changes occurred in the mRNA expression of 15 selected epidermal genes.

Conclusions

Moisturizing treatment improves dry skin and certain aspects of abnormal skin barrier function, especially in patients with AD/IV and dual FLG mutations, but does not normalize the epidermal gene expression profile.
Full‐length cloning and phylogenetic analyses of translationally controlled tumour protein and ferritin genes from the Indian white prawn, Fenneropenaeus indicus (H. Milne Edwards)
Authors: Nayak S , Ramaiah N , Meena R M , Sreepada R A
Published: December 2013

Elucidation, through molecular analyses, of bacterial afflictions in commercially important aquaculture‐reared shrimps is pivotal for the prevention and/or control of disease outbreaks. In this study, we examined the phylogenetic relatedness and compared the possible immune‐related functional roles of both translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) and ferritin genes with previous studies. Both TCTP and ferritin genes were substantially upregulated in the Indian white prawn, Fenneropenaeus indicus (H. Milne Edwards), post‐larvae following bath challenge with the virulent strain of bacteria, Vibrio harveyi D3. Full‐length cloning of these genes by rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends ‐polymerase chain reaction (RACE‐PCR) yielded 727‐base pair (bp)‐long TCTP and 1212‐bp‐long ferritin gene sequences. Their open reading frames (ORFs) were 507 and 510 bp, respectively. The TCTP‐ORF coded for 168 amino acids with three substitutions at positions 37, 141, 155, and the ferritin ORF coded for 170 amino acids with no species‐specific substitutions. Phylogenetic analysis suggested the closest relatedness of both TCTP and ferritin from F. indicus to Chinese white prawn, Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Osbeck). In addition to reporting the full‐length sequences of these immune‐relevant genes, this study highlighted their conserved natures, which perhaps make them important defence‐related proteins in the innate immune system of F. indicus.
Complementary DNA sequences of the constant regions of T‐cell antigen receptors α, β and γ in mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi Basilewsky, and their transcriptional changes after stimulation with Flavobacterium columnare
Authors: Tian J Y , Qi Z T , Wu N , Chang M X , Nie P
Published: December 2013

In this study, the constant‐region genes (Cα, Cβ and Cγ) that encode the T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR) α, β and γ chains were cloned from mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi Basilewsky, an important freshwater fish species in China. The complementary DNA sequences of Cα, Cβ and Cγ were 843, 716 and 906 base pairs (bp) in length and had a 465‐, 289‐ and 360‐bp 3′ untranslated region, encoding 125, 142 and 182 amino acids, respectively. The amino‐acid sequences of the constant regions of mandarin fish TCR α, β and γ chains (encoded by Cα, Cβ and Cγ, respectively) were most similar to those of their teleost counterparts, showing 60% similarity with pufferfish, 48% similarity with Atlantic salmon and 57% similarity with flounder, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the mandarin fish Cα, Cβ and Cγ were clustered, respectively, with their vertebrate counterparts. The mandarin fish Cα, Cβ and Cγ could also be separated into four domains: immunoglobulin; connecting peptide (CP); transmembrane (TM); and cytoplasmic tail. Several conserved features in mammalian TCRs were also found in those of mandarin fish, such as a conserved cysteine residue in the CP domain of Cα, necessary for creating an interchain disulphide bond with the TCR β chain, and a conserved antigen receptor TM motif in Cα and Cβ. Meanwhile, transcripts of Cα, Cβ and Cγ were detectable in all examined organs, with a stronger signal observed in lymphoid organs. In addition, the temporal transcriptional changes for Cα and Cγ were investigated, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 weeks after stimulation with Flavobacterium columnare, in head kidney, spleen, blood, thymus, gill and intestine, using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated stimulation‐dependent up‐regulations in almost all tissues examined, which indicates that T cells may play important roles in preventing mandarin fish from bacterial invasion. In particular, apart from thymus, T cells were distributed mainly in gill and intestine, where striking up‐regulation of Cγ was also observed. These results will facilitate functional studies of teleost TCRs and T cells.
Prenatal exposure to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212‐2 alters migration of early‐born glutamatergic neurons and GABAergic interneurons in the rat cerebral cortex
Authors: Saez Trinidad M. M. , Aronne María P. , Caltana Laura , Brusco Alicia H.
Published: December 2013

The endocannabinoid system, composed of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and synthesis and degradation enzymes, is present since early stages of brain development. During this period, the endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of neural progenitor proliferation and specification as well as the migration and differentiation of pyramidal neurons and interneurons. Marijuana consumption during pregnancy represents a serious risk in relation to the fetal brain development since Δ9‐tetrahidrocannabinol, the main active compound of cannabis, can reach the fetus through placenta and hemato‐encephalic barrier. Cohort studies performed on children and adolescents of mothers who consumed marijuana during pregnancy reported cognitive and comportamental abnormalities. In the present study, we examined the expression of the cannabinoid receptor CB1R during corticogenesis in radially and tangentially migrating post‐mitotic neurons. We found that prenatal exposure to WIN impaired tangential and radial migration of post‐mitotic neurons in the dorsal pallium. In addition, we described alterations of two transcription factors associated with proliferating and newly post‐mitotic glutamatergic cells in the dorsal pallium, Tbr1 and Tbr2, and disruption in the number of Cajal–Retzius cells. The present results contribute to the knowledge of neurobiological substrates that determine neuro‐comportamental changes that will persist through post‐natal life.

image

During corticogenesis, the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in neural progenitor proliferation, specification, neuronal migration, and differentiation. Children prenatally exposed to marijuana have a significant impairment of higher cognitive functions. We showed in the present study that Prenatal WIN55,212‐2 exposure alters radial and tangential migration and induces a delay in glutamatergic neurons differentiation in the embryonic rat cerebral cortex. The present results contribute to the knowledge on neurobiological substrates that determine neurobehavioral changes that will persist through post‐natal life.