bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risking safety and rights: online sex work, crimes and ‘blended safety repertoires’
Authors: Campbell Rosie , Sanders Teela , Scoular Jane , Pitcher Jane , Cunningham Stewart
Published: October 2018

It has been well established that those working in the sex industry are at various risks of violence and crime depending on where they sell sex and the environments in which they work. What sociological research has failed to address is how crime and safety have been affected by the dynamic changing nature of sex work given the dominance of the internet and digital technologies, including the development of new markets such as webcamming. This paper reports the most comprehensive findings on the internet‐based sex market in the UK demonstrating types of crimes experienced by internet‐based sex workers and the strategies of risk management that sex workers adopt, building on our article in the British Journal of Sociology in 2007. We present the concept of ‘blended safety repertoires’ to explain how sex workers, particularly independent escorts, are using a range of traditional techniques alongside digitally enabled strategies to keep themselves safe. We contribute a deeper understanding of why sex workers who work indoors rarely report crimes to the police, reflecting the dilemmas experienced. Our findings highlight how legal and policy changes which seek to ban online adult services advertising and sex work related content within online spaces would have direct impact on the safety strategies online sex workers employ and would further undermine their safety. These findings occur in a context where aspects of sex work are quasi‐criminalized through the brothel keeping legislation. We conclude that the legal and policy failure to recognize sex work as a form of employment, contributes to the stigmatization of sex work and prevents individuals working together. Current UK policy disallows a framework for employment laws and health and safety standards to regulate sex work, leaving sex workers in the shadow economy, their safety at risk in a quasi‐legal system. In light of the strong evidence that the internet makes sex work safer, we argue that decriminalisation as a rights based model of regulation is most appropriate.
What drives variation in spending for breast cancer patients within geographic regions?
Authors: Sinaiko Anna D. , Chien Alyna T. , Hassett Michael J. , Kakani Pragya , Rodin Danielle , Meyers David J. , Fraile Belen , Rosenthal Meredith B. , Landrum Mary Beth
Published: October 2018

Objective

To estimate and describe factors driving variation in spending for breast cancer patients within geographic region.

Data Source

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database from 2009‐2013.

Study Design

The proportion of variation in monthly medical spending within geographic region attributed to patient and physician factors was estimated using multilevel regression models with individual patient and physician random effects. Using sequential models, we estimated the contribution of differences in patient and disease characteristics or use of cancer treatment modalities to patient‐level and physician‐level variance in spending. Services associated with high spending physicians were estimated using linear regression.

Data Extraction Method

A total of 20 818 women with a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010‐2011.

Principal Findings

We observed substantial between‐patient and between‐provider variation in spending following diagnosis and at the end‐of‐life. Immediately following diagnosis, 48% of between‐patient and 31% of between‐physician variation were driven by differences in delivery of cancer treatment modalities to similar patients. At the end‐of‐life, patients of high spending physicians had twice as many inpatient days, double the chemotherapy spending, and slightly more hospice days.

Conclusions

Similar patients receive very different treatments, which yield significant differences in spending. Efforts to reduce unwanted variation may need to target treatment choices within patient‐doctor discussions.
Optogenetic inhibition of medial prefrontal cortex projections to the nucleus accumbens core and methyl supplementation via L‐Methionine attenuates cocaine‐primed reinstatement
Authors: WRIGHT Katherine N. , DOSSAT Amanda M. , STRONG Caroline E. , SAILER Lindsay L. , PAVLOCK Samantha M. , KABBAJ Mohamed
Published: October 2018

DNA methylation has been identified as a powerful and activity‐dependent regulator of changes in the brain that may underlie neuroadaptations in response to various types of stimuli, including exposure to drugs of abuse. Indeed, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are critically important for reinstated cocaine‐seeking in a rodent model of cocaine relapse. This circuitry undergoes several epigenetic modifications following cocaine exposure, including changes in DNA methylation that are associated with drug‐seeking behavior. We have previously shown that methyl supplementation via L‐Methionine (MET) administration attenuates cocaine‐seeking behavior and reverses expression and methylation patterns of the immediate early gene c‐fos, suggesting that MET may act by altering the excitability of this circuitry during cocaine reinstatement. In the current study, male rats were microinjected with an adeno‐associated virus overexpressing halorhodopsin in the mPFC, optical fibers were surgically implanted into the NAc, and the rats were given injections of MET daily. Rats underwent acquisition of cocaine self‐administration (0.75 mg/kg/infusion, 2‐h sessions) followed by extinction training in the absence of drug‐paired cues. Two reinstatement tests were conducted: cue‐induced reinstatement without optogenetic manipulations and cocaine‐primed reinstatement with optogenetic inhibition of mPFC‐to‐NAc projections. There were no group differences before the cocaine‐primed reinstatement session, and all groups showed robust cue‐induced reinstatement. Both rats treated with MET and rats that received mPFC‐to‐NAc inhibition showed an abolishment of cocaine‐primed reinstatement, suggesting that systemic methyl supplementation may act through this critical circuity.
Documenting a threatened rock art site on Soqotra, Yemen
Authors: Jansen van Rensburg Julian , Al‐Orqbi Ahmed Saeed Ahmed , Salem Esmail Mohammed Ahmed
Published: October 2018

During ongoing archaeological fieldwork on Soqotra, Yemen, by the Soqotra Heritage Project, a poorly recorded rock art site on the north coast of the island was identified and documented. A systematic survey of this rock art site has revealed an extensive corpus of 187 rock art motifs that include feet, cupules, a ship, various geometric patterns, and cruciform shapes that bear striking similarities to motifs found in other rock art sites throughout the island. This site is now known to be the second largest petroglyph site found on Soqotra. Unfortunately, the entire site is currently under imminent threat from development.
No association with cardiac death after sepsis: A nationwide observational cohort study
Authors: De Geer Lina , Oscarsson Tibblin Anna , Fredrikson Mats , Walther Sten M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Cardiac dysfunction is a well‐known complication of sepsis, but its long‐term consequences and implications for patients remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate cardiac outcome in sepsis by assessing causes of death up to 2 years after treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a nationwide register‐based cohort collected from the Swedish Intensive Care Registry.

Methods

A cohort of 13 669 sepsis and septic shock ICU patients from 2008 to 2014 was collected together with a non‐septic control group, matched regarding age, sex and severity of illness (n = 6582), and all without preceding severe cardiac disease. For a large proportion of the severe sepsis and septic shock patients (n = 7087), no matches were found. Information on causes of death up to 2 years after ICU admission was sought in the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's Cause of Death Registry.

Results

Intensive Care Unit mortality was nearly identical in a matched comparison of sepsis patients to controls (24% in both groups) but higher in more severely ill sepsis patients for whom no matches were found (33% vs 24%, P < 0.001). There was no association of sepsis to cardiac deaths in the first month (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.87 to 1.20, P = 0.76) nor up to 2 years after ICU admission (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.82 to 1.25, P = 0.94) in an adjusted between‐group comparison.

Conclusions

There was no association with an increased risk of death related to cardiac disease in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock when compared to other ICU patients with similar severity of illness.
Exploring Sex Differences in the Attenuation of Ethanol Drinking by Naltrexone in Dependent Rats During Early and Protracted Abstinence
Authors: Matzeu Alessandra , Terenius Lars , Martin‐Fardon Remi
Published: October 2018

Background

Despite considerable efforts, few drugs are available for the treatment of alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) use disorder (AUD). EtOH directly or indirectly modulates several aspects of the central nervous system, including neurotransmitter/neuromodulator systems. Relapse vulnerability is a challenge for the treatment of EtOH addiction. EtOH withdrawal symptoms create motivational states that lead to compulsive EtOH drinking and relapse even after long periods of abstinence. Among the therapeutics to treat AUD, naltrexone (NTX) is a pharmacological treatment for relapse. The present study evaluated the effect of NTX on EtOH drinking in male and female EtOH‐dependent rats during abstinence.

Methods

Wistar rats (males and females) were first trained to orally self‐administer 10% EtOH. Half of the rats were then made dependent by chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) vapor exposure, and the other half were exposed to air. Using this model, rats exhibit somatic and motivational signs of withdrawal. At the end of EtOH vapor (or air) exposure, the rats were tested for the effects of NTX (10 mg/kg, oral) on EtOH self‐administration at 3 abstinence time points: acute abstinence (A‐Abst, 8 hours), late abstinence (L‐Abst, 2 weeks), and protracted abstinence (P‐Abst, 6 weeks).

Results

NTX decreased EtOH intake in nondependent rats, regardless of sex and abstinence time point. In postdependent rats, NTX decreased EtOH intake only at a delayed abstinence time point (P‐Abst) in males, whereas it similarly reduced EtOH drinking in females at all abstinence time points.

Conclusions

The therapeutic efficacy of NTX depends on the time of intervention during abstinence and is different between males and females. The data further suggest that EtOH dependence causes different neuroadaptations in male and female rats, reflected by differential effects of NTX. The results underscore the significance of considering the duration of EtOH abstinence and sex as a biological variable as important factors when developing pharmacotherapies for AUD.
Liver Injury, Endotoxemia, and Their Relationship to Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Alcohol‐Preferring Rats
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Paroni Sterbini Francesco , Petito Valentina , Rocca Stefano , Cubeddu Tiziana , Graziani Cristina , Arena Vincenzo , Vassallo Gabriele A. , Mosoni Carolina , Lopetuso Loris , Lorrai Irene , Maccioni Paola , Masucci Luca , Martini Cecilia , Gasbarrini Antonio , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Colombo Giancarlo , Addolorato Giovanni
Published: October 2018

Background

There is strong evidence that alcoholism leads to dysbiosis in both humans and animals. However, it is unclear how changes in the intestinal microbiota (IM) relate to ethanol (EtOH)‐induced disruption of gut–liver homeostasis. We investigated this issue using selectively bred Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats, a validated animal model of excessive EtOH consumption.

Methods

Independent groups of male adult sP rats were exposed to the standard, home‐cage 2‐bottle “EtOH (10% v/v) versus water” choice regimen with unlimited access for 24 h/d (Group Et) for 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 (T3) consecutive months. Control groups (Group Ct) were composed of matched‐age EtOH‐naïve sP rats. We obtained samples from each rat at the end of each experimental time, and we used blood and colon tissues for intestinal barrier integrity and/or liver pathology assessments and used stool samples for IM analysis with 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.

Results

Rats in Group Et developed hepatic steatosis and elevated serum transaminases and endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels but no other liver pathological changes (i.e., necrosis/inflammation) or systemic inflammation. While we did not find any apparent alteration of the intestinal colonic mucosa, we found that rats in Group Et exhibited significant changes in IM composition compared to the rats in Group Ct. These changes were sustained throughout T1, T2, and T3. In particular, Ruminococcus, Coprococcus, and Streptococcus were the differentially abundant microbial genera at T3. The KEGG Ortholog profile revealed that IM functional modules, such as biosynthesis, transport, and export of LPS, were also enriched in Group Et rats at T3.

Conclusions

We showed that chronic, voluntary EtOH consumption induced liver injury and endotoxemia together with dysbiotic changes in sP rats. This work sets the stage for improving our knowledge of the prevention and treatment of EtOH‐related diseases.
Alcohol Dehydrogenases, Aldehyde Dehydrogenases, and Alcohol Use Disorders: A Critical Review
Authors: Edenberg Howard J. , McClintick Jeanette N.
Published: October 2018

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are complex traits, meaning that variations in many genes contribute to the risk, as does the environment. Although the total genetic contribution to risk is substantial, most individual variations make only very small contributions. By far the strongest contributors are functional variations in 2 genes involved in alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) metabolism. A functional variant in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) is protective in people of European and Asian descent, and a different functional variant in the same gene is protective in those of African descent. A strongly protective variant in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is essentially only found in Asians. This highlights the need to study a wide range of populations. The likely mechanism of protection against heavy drinking and AUDs in both cases is alteration in the rate of metabolism of EtOH that at least transiently elevates acetaldehyde. Other ADH and ALDH variants, including functional variations in ADH1C, have also been implicated in affecting drinking behavior and risk for alcoholism. The pattern of linkage disequilibrium in the ADH region and the differences among populations complicate analyses, particularly of regulatory variants. This critical review focuses upon the ADH and ALDH genes as they affect AUDs.
Vascular surgery trends in Australia: 2001–2015: less open surgery, less limb loss and more endovascular intervention
Authors: Wright Melissa Anne , Steffens Daniel , Huilgol Ravi Lee
Published: October 2018

Background

The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Australia is currently poorly characterized. The risk factor profile for PAD is changing with the population ageing, diabetes increasing and smoking rates declining. The management of PAD is also evolving, with advances in medical management and endovascular technique. The trends in PAD prevalence and surgical management have implications for preventative medicine, the Australian health system and vascular surgery. We report and analyse trends in PAD surgical intervention performed between 2001 and 2015.

Methods

Data was extracted from the National Hospital Morbidity Database procedural item code records. Procedural numbers of endovascular lower extremity revascularization (LER); open LER; minor and major lower extremity amputations (LEA) between 2001 and 2015 in adults ≥45 years were included. Results were population‐adjusted and age‐stratified using census information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to analyse changes in intervention rates. Linear regression analyses were performed to calculate the average annual change in procedures per capita (100 000).

Results

From 2001 and 2015, per capita (100 000 population) volume of endovascular LER increased 89%, open LER decreased 70%, major LEA decreased 65% and minor LEA increased 14%. The most remarkable changes were in the ≥85‐year‐old cohort, with endovascular procedures per capita increasing 188%; coinciding with both open LER and major LEA decreasing by 73% between 2001 and 2015.

Conclusions

Australian hospital data between 2001 and 2015 shows that endovascular LER interventions and minor LEA have significantly increased per capita in Australians ≥45 years. In contrast, both open LER and major LEA rates have significantly decreased in the same cohort.
Personality Traits and Types in Relation to Career Success: An Empirical Comparison Using the Big Five
Authors: Semeijn J.H. , van der Heijden B.I.J.M. , De Beuckelaer A.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is twofold: First, it discusses and derives personality types based on Big Five traits. Second, it compares their associations with career success. After deriving both a statistical and content‐wise meaningful two‐type solution referring to a resilient and a distressed profile, the explanatory value for both objective (i.e., promotions and income) and subjective career success (i.e., self‐reported career success and career satisfaction) is tested for both traits and types. For objective career success, only traits appeared to be relevant predictors. For subjective career success, types appeared to have explanatory value as well, next to traits. This study concludes with a short discussion of its implications and possible further research avenues.
Editorial: severe outcomes are rare in pregnancy with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Hagstrom Hannes , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Grønbæk et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14925 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14972.
Letter: microwave vs radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria
Authors: Zhang Yao‐Ming , Zhou Zhen‐Tao , Liu Gao‐Min
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is link to Liu et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14929 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14984.
Editorial: predicting hepatic encephalopathy after TIPSS—is multimodal cerebral MRI the answer?
Authors: Armstrong Matthew J. , Tripathi Dhiraj
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Rudler et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14938 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14993.
Editorial: hepatocellular carcinoma in non‐cirrhotic NASH—a troubling reality
Authors: Boyle Marie , Anstee Quentin M.
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Stine et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14937.
Letter: long‐term treatment of severe bile acid diarrhoea—obeticholic acid can normalise SeHCAT retention. Authors’ reply
Authors: Damsgaard Brian , Dalby Helene R. , Krogh Klaus , Jørgensen Simon M. D. , Arveschough Anne Kirstine , Agnholt Jørgen , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Jørgensen Søren Peter
Published: October 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Damsgaard et al and Walters papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14533 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14979.
Nutritive evaluation of spent green and black tea leaf silages by in vitro gas production characteristics, ruminal degradability and post‐ruminal digestibility assessed with inhibitory activity of their tannins
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Hirano Yoshiaki , Kita Kazumi , Jayanegara Anuraga , Yokota Hiro‐omi
Published: October 2018

Spent tea leaf contains high levels of crude protein, suggesting that it may be used as an alternative source for ruminant feeding. We assessed the nutritive characteristics of spent green tea leaf silage (GTS) and black tea leaf silages (BTS) in comparison with soybean meal (SBM) and alfalfa hay cube (AHC) using in vitro assay. The effects of tannin on the nutritive characteristics were also evaluated by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a tannin‐binding agent. The amount of gas production was greater for SBM, followed by AHC, GTS, and BTS. A significant improvement in gas production upon addition of PEG was observed only for BTS. Ruminal protein degradability and post‐ruminal digestibility was higher for SBM, followed by AHC, GTS, and BTS. The presence of PEG significantly increased ruminal degradability and post‐ruminal protein digestibility for GTS and BTS, but not for AHC. The increment of protein digestibility by PEG was much greater for BTS than for GTS, indicating that GTS tannins suppress protein digestibility slightly, whereas BTS tannins do so strongly. According to these results, GTS but not BTS has a potential as an alternative to AHC as a ruminant feedstuff.
Population pharmacokinetic modelling of intravenous paracetamol in fit older people displays extensive unexplained variability
Authors: Mian P. , van Esdonk M. J. , Olkkola K. T. , de Winter B. C. M. , Liukas A. , Spriet I. , Tibboel D. , Petrovic M. , Koch B. C. P. , Allegaert K.
Published: October 2018

Aims

Paracetamol is the analgesic most used by older people. The physiological changes occurring with ageing influence the pharmacokinetics (PK) of paracetamol and its variability. We performed a population PK‐analysis to describe the PK of intravenous (IV) paracetamol in fit older people. Simulations were performed to illustrate target attainment and variability of paracetamol exposure following current dosing regimens (1000 mg every 6 h, every 8 h) using steady‐state concentration (Css‐mean) of 10 mg l–1 as target for effective analgesia.

Methods

A population PK‐analysis, using NONMEM 7.2, was performed based on 601 concentrations of paracetamol from 30 fit older people (median age 77.3 years, range [61.8–88.5], body weight 79 kg [60–107]). All had received an IV paracetamol dose of 1000 mg (over 15 min) after elective knee surgery.

Results

A two‐compartment PK‐model best described the data. Volume of distribution of paracetamol increased exponentially with body weight. Clearance was not influenced by any covariate. Simulations of the standardized dosing regimens resulted in a Css of 9.2 mg l–1 and 7.2 mg l–1, for every 6 h and every 8 h respectively. Variability in paracetamol PK resulted in Css above 5.4 and 4.1 mg l–1, respectively, in 90% of the population and above 15.5 and 11.7, respectively, in 10% at these dosing regimens.

Conclusions

The target concentration was achieved in the average patient with 1000 mg every 6 h, while every 8 h resulted in underdosing for the majority of the population. Furthermore, due to a large (unexplained) interindividual variability in paracetamol PK a relevant proportion of the fit older people remained either under‐ or over exposed.
Signalling pathways involved in p47phox‐dependent reactive oxygen species in platelets of endotoxemic rats
Authors: Lopes Pires Maria E. , Antunes Naime Ana C. , Oliveira Jessica G. F. , Anhe Gabriel F. , Garraud Oliver , Cognasse Fabrice , Antunes Edson , Marcondes Sisi
Published: October 2018

Thrombocytopenia during sepsis is associated with a less favourable clinical outcome. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by different cell types contributes to sepsis. Platelets generate ROS, but the upstream pathways of NADPH oxidase activation are not completely understood. Here, we designed experiments in washed platelets from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated rats to investigate the p47phox activation and ROS generation, and its modulation by c‐Src family kinase (c‐Src), phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase G (PKG). Rats were injected intraperitoneally with LPS (1 mg/kg), and at 48 hours thereafter, arterial blood was collected and washed platelets were obtained. Washed platelets were pre‐incubated with different inhibitors and subsequently activated or not with ADP. Flow cytometry, Western blotting and ELISA were performed. We found that LPS significantly increased the p47phox phosphorylation and ROS generation compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The enhanced ROS production in the LPS group was unaffected by the non‐selective SFKs inhibitor PP2, the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin or the Akt inhibitor PPI‐1. The cyclic GMP levels were 115% higher in activated platelets of LPS compared with the saline group (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the LPS group, the sGC inhibitor ODQ, the PKG inhibitor Rp‐8‐Br and the PKC inhibitor GF109203X abrogated the increased p47phox phosphorylation and reduced the ROS levels. In conclusion, selective inhibitors of cGMP‐PKG and PKC‐p47phox pathways that regulate ROS generation by LPS in platelets may help control the redox balance in sepsis improving the survival of patients.
Placental nitric oxide formation and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation underlie pravastatin effects against angiogenic imbalance, hypertension in pregnancy and intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Chimini Jessica Sabbatine , Possomato‐Vieira Jose Sergio , da Silva Maria Luiza Santos , Dias‐Junior Carlos A.
Published: October 2018

Pre‐eclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are frequently associated with foeto‐placental growth restriction, and that may be triggered by angiogenic imbalance and endothelial dysfunction. Impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability seems to be involved in these pathophysiological changes observed in hypertensive pregnancy. Pravastatin has shown efficacy and to be safe during hypertension in pregnancy. However, NO involvement in pravastatin effects during maternal hypertension and foeto‐placental development is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine pravastatin effects on placental NO formation, endothelium‐dependent vasodilation, systolic blood pressure and foeto‐placental development in hypertensive pregnant rats. Biochemical determinants of angiogenesis and oxidative stress were also assessed. Pregnant rats were distributed into four groups: normal pregnancy (Norm‐Preg), pregnancy+pravastatin (Preg‐Prava), hypertensive pregnancy (HTN‐Preg) and hypertensive pregnancy+pravastatin (HTN‐Preg+Prava). Our results showed that pravastatin treatment blunts hypertension and foeto‐placental growth restriction. Also, increases in placental NO levels were found in the HTN‐Preg+Prava group. Pravastatin prevents impaired endothelium‐dependent acetylcholine‐induced vasodilation, exacerbated contractile response to phenylephrine and increases in oxidative stress in the HTN‐Preg+Prava group. Increased soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1‐to‐placental growth factor (sFlt‐1/PlGF) ratio is reversed by pravastatin treatment in the HTN‐Preg+Prava group. We conclude that NO formation and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation underlie pleiotropic effects associated with pravastatin treatment against hypertension in pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction, vascular dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance.
Cross‐cultural differences in the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and health behaviour among men in Hong Kong
Authors: Rochelle Tina L.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Examine differences in the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and engagement in health behaviour among a cross‐cultural sample of Hong Kong Chinese, mainland Chinese, Caucasian, and South Asian men living in Hong Kong.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

A community sample of 495 Hong Kong Chinese (n = 161), mainland Chinese (n = 107), Caucasian (n = 122), and South Asian (n = 105) men enrolled in the study. Ages ranged from 18 to 81 years (M = 39.87). Participants completed self‐report measures of conformity to masculine norms, health behaviour, social support, and job stress.

Results

Younger age was predictive of greater engagement in health behaviour among all men. Stronger conformity to masculine norms was predictive of engagement with health behaviour among Hong Kong, mainland Chinese, and Caucasian men, but not South Asian men. Social support was negatively predictive of engagement in health behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese, mainland Chinese, and South Asian men, suggesting that greater levels of social support may hinder engagement in health behaviour in some men. Job stress had a negative impact on engagement with health behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese and South Asian men only.

Conclusions

Present findings demonstrate the need for a broader examination of the relationship between masculinity and health behaviour, focusing not only on the negative, but also the positive impact that masculinity can have on men's health behaviour. Findings are discussed in terms of their implication on men's health and health promotion.

Statement of contribution

What is already known about this subject?

Men around the globe have higher mortality and morbidity across all leading diseases.

Explanations have focused on men's poor health‐seeking behaviour and how this impedes on health.

The pursuit of masculinity is thought to contribute to poor health outcomes in men.

What does this study add?

Conformity to masculine norms was predictive of engagement in health behaviour.

This is one of few studies cross‐culturally examining masculinity and health in a Chinese context.

Findings provide examples of how conformity can support engagement in health behaviour.
The mesic savannas of the Bateke Plateau: carbon stocks and floristic composition
Authors: Nieto‐Quintano Paula , Mitchard Edward T. A. , Odende Roland , Batsa Mouwembe Marcelle A. , Rayden Tim , Ryan Casey M.
Published: October 2018

The Bateke Plateau in the Republic of Congo is one of the last frontiers for ecology, with little known about its floristics and physiognomy. Despite occupying 89,800 km2and its importance for local livelihoods, its ecology and ecosystem functions are poorly understood. Situated on Kalahari sands, the Bateke has a complex evolutionary history, mainly isolated from other savannas for much of its past, with currently unresolved ecological implications. Here, we assess the biomass and floristic diversity of this savanna. We established four 25‐ha permanent sample plots at two savanna sites; inventoried all trees; assessed biomass and species composition of shrubs, forbs and grasses; and characterized the soils. Total plant carbon stocks (aboveground and belowground) were only 6.5 ± 0.3 MgC/ha, despite precipitation of 1600 mm/yr. Over half the biomass was grass, with the remainder divided between trees and shrubs. The carbon stock of the system is mostly contained in the top layer of the soil (16.7 ± 0.9 MgC/ha in 0–20 cm depth). We identified 49 plant species (4 trees, 13 shrubs, 4 sedges, 17 forbs, and 11 grass species), with an average species richness of 23 per plot. There is tree hyperdominance ofHymenocardia acida(Phyllanthaceae) and a richer herbaceous species composition dominated byLoudetia simplexandHyparrhenia diplandra. The low carbon stocks and tree biodiversity, compared to other African savannas, are surprising considering the high rainfall. We speculate it is due to low nutrient soils, high fire frequency, and the effect of a temporally variable and restricted connection to the main southern African savanna complex.
Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for mental health in youth: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vohra Sunita , Punja Salima , Sibinga Erica , Baydala Lola , Wikman Erik , Singhal Anthony , Dolcos Florin , Van Vliet K. Jessica
Published: October 2018

Background

Mental illness is among the most common causes of morbidity, mortality, and disability in childhood. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown significant benefit in mental health; however, evidence of its effectiveness in youth is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy ofMBSRplus usual care versus usual care alone for reducing mental health symptoms in youth.

Methods

A two‐arm, mixed methods, randomized cluster‐controlled trial of 12–18 year olds who were residents ofCASAHouse, a voluntary residential treatment program for adolescents, between January 2011 and March 2013 (clinicaltrials.gov,NCT01307943).

Interventions

Treatment terms were randomized to usual care, orMBSRplus usual care, which included eightMBSRsessions of 2 hr/week.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was impact on emotions and behavior at the end of the program, using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC‐2). Secondary outcomes included perceived stress levels, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.

Results

A total of 85 participants were randomized to either theMBSRarm (n = 45) or control arm (n = 40). Significant differences in favor ofMBSRwere found on Teacher ratings of the Internalizing Problems (p = .038) and Adaptive Skills subscales (p = .022) on theBASC‐2. No significant differences were found on other outcomes. A post hoc analysis found that theMBSRarm had a significantly shorter time to discharge (p = .02).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate thatMBSRis effective for improved coping with internalizing problems and adaptive emotional skills in our sample. Future studies should focus on larger, longer‐term studies in youth.
Phosphorylation of serine/arginine‐rich splicing factor 1 at tyrosine 19 promotes cell proliferation in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Xu Liting , Zhang Han , Mei Mei , Du Chaohao , Huang Xiahe , Li Jing , Wang Yingchun , Bao Shilai , Zheng Huyong
Published: October 2018

Serine/arginine‐rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) has been linked to various human cancers including pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Our previous study has shown that SRSF1 potentially contributes to leukemogenesis; however, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, leukemic cells were isolated from pediatric ALL bone marrow samples, followed by immunoprecipitation assays and mass spectrometry analysis specific to SRSF1. Subcellular localization of the SRSF1 protein and its mutants were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Cell growth, colony formation, cell apoptosis, and the cell cycle were investigated using stable leukemic cell lines generated with lentivirus‐mediated overexpressed WT or mutant plasmids. Cytotoxicity of the Tie2 kinase inhibitor was also evaluated. Our results showed the phosphorylation of SRSF1 at tyrosine 19 (Tyr‐19) was identified in newly diagnosed ALL samples, but not in complete remission or normal control samples. Compared to the SRSF1 WT cells, the missense mutants of the Tyr‐19 phosphorylation affected the subcellular localization of SRSF1. In addition, the Tyr‐19 phosphorylation of SRSF1 also led to increased cell proliferation and enhanced colony‐forming properties by promoting the cell cycle. Remarkably, we further identified the kinase Tie2 as a potential therapeutic target in leukemia cells. In conclusion, we identify for the first time that the phosphorylation state of SRSF1 is linked to different phases in pediatric ALL. The Tyr‐19 phosphorylation of SRSF1 disrupts its subcellular localization and promotes proliferation in leukemia cells by driving cell‐cycle progression. Inhibitors targeting Tie2 kinase that could catalyze Tyr‐19 phosphorylation of SRSF1 offer a promising therapeutic target for treatment of pediatric ALL.
Grounding Childhood (Trans)National Identities in the Everyday
Authors: Varvantakis Christos , Dragonas Thalia , Askouni Nelly , Nolas Sevasti‐Melissa
Published: October 2018

This paper engages with the lived and experiential aspects of (trans)national identities in childhood, through the exploration of an ethnographic biography of a Greek‐Albanian boy in Athens. Through a grounded ethnographic approach, we examine the ways in which he experiences and negotiates his (trans)national identity. Our analysis demonstrates the everyday subtle and sophisticated understanding of the complexities and contradictions of national identities, and the child's own positioning within that. In conclusion, we suggest that interdisciplinary approaches should be assumed in the study of (trans)national identities in childhood, and ones that are grounded in children's own meaning making of their experiences of such identities.
Mucinous breast carcinoma metastatic to parotid gland: Report of a case diagnosed by fine needle aspiration
Authors: Agarwal Radhika , Rana Deepika , Gupta Latika , Singh Meeta , Jain Shyama , Rathi Arun Kumar
Published: October 2018

This case report highlights the importance of clinical history as well as considering the diagnosis of metastases prior to primary parotid malignancy. FNAC with knowledge of complete clinical background gives conclusive results in diagnosis of such lesions.
The relation between infant freezing and the development of internalizing symptoms in adolescence: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Niermann Hannah C. M. , Tyborowska Anna , Cillessen Antonius H. N. , van Donkelaar Marjolein M. , Lammertink Femke , Gunnar Megan R. , Franke Barbara , Figner Bernd , Roelofs Karin
Published: October 2018

Given the long‐lasting detrimental effects of internalizing symptoms, there is great need for detecting early risk markers. One promising marker is freezing behavior. Whereas initial freezing reactions are essential for coping with threat, prolonged freezing has been associated with internalizing psychopathology. However, it remains unknown whether early life alterations in freezing reactions predict changes in internalizing symptoms during adolescent development. In a longitudinal study (N = 116), we tested prospectively whether observed freezing in infancy predicted the development of internalizing symptoms from childhood through late adolescence (until age 17). Both longer and absent infant freezing behavior during a standard challenge (robot‐confrontation task) were associated with internalizing symptoms in adolescence. Specifically, absent infant freezing predicted a relative increase in internalizing symptoms consistently across development from relatively low symptom levels in childhood to relatively high levels in late adolescence. Longer infant freezing also predicted a relative increase in internalizing symptoms, but only up until early adolescence. This latter effect was moderated by peer stress and was followed by a later decrease in internalizing symptoms. The findings suggest that early deviations in defensive freezing responses signal risk for internalizing symptoms and may constitute important markers in future stress vulnerability and resilience studies.
Medial gastrocnemius volume and echo‐intensity after botulinum neurotoxin A interventions in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Schless Simon‐Henri , Cenni Francesco , Bar‐On Lynn , Hanssen Britta , Kalkman Barbara , O'brien Thomas , Aertbeliën Erwin , Van Campenhout Anja , Molenaers Guy , Desloovere Kaat
Published: October 2018

Aim

This cross‐sectional investigation evaluated whether recurrent botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) interventions to the medial gastrocnemius have an influence on muscle morphology, beyond Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.

Method

A cohort of typically developing children (n=67; 43 males, 24 females; median age 9y 11mo [range 7y 10mo–11y 6mo]), a cohort of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) naive to BoNT‐A interventions (No‐BoNT‐A; n=19; 10 males, nine females; median age 9y 3mo [range 8y 5mo–10y 10mo]) and a cohort of children with spastic CP with a minimum of three recurrent BoNT‐A interventions to the medial gastrocnemius (BoNT‐A; n=19; 13 males, six females; median age 9y 8mo [range 7y 3mo–10y 7mo]) were recruited. Three‐dimensional freehand ultrasound was used to estimate medial gastrocnemius volume normalized to body mass and echo‐intensity.

Results

Normalized medial gastrocnemius volume and echo‐intensity significantly differed between the two spastic CP cohorts (p≤0.05), with the BoNT‐A cohort having larger alterations. Associations between normalized medial gastrocnemius volume and echo‐intensity were highest in the No‐BoNT‐A cohort, followed by the BoNT‐A cohort. Multiple regression analyses revealed that both GMFCS level and BoNT‐A intervention history were significantly associated with smaller normalized medial gastrocnemius volume and higher echo‐intensity.

Interpretation

Recurrent BoNT‐A interventions may induce alterations to medial gastrocnemius volume and echo‐intensity beyond the natural history of the spastic CP pathology.

What this paper adds

In spastic cerebral palsy, medial gastrocnemius volumes are smaller and echo‐intensities higher compared with typical development.

Alterations after botulinum neurotoxin A intervention (BoNT‐A) are larger than in no BoNT‐A intervention.

Gross Motor Function Classification System level and BoNT‐A history significantly associate with medial gastrocnemius and echo‐intensity alterations.
Parent report on quality of life in post‐haemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Authors: Whitelaw Andrew
Published: October 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Gigi et al. on pages 343–349 of this issue.
Developing a foot ulcer risk model: what is needed to do this in a real‐world primary care setting?
Authors: Heald A. , Lunt M. , Rutter M. K. , Anderson S. G. , Cortes G. , Edmonds M. , Jude E. , Boulton A. , Dunn G.
Published: October 2018

Aim

To determine how routinely collected data can inform a risk model to predict de novo foot ulcer presentation in the primary care setting.

Methods

Data were available on 15 727 individuals without foot ulcers and 1125 individuals with new foot ulcers over a 12‐year follow‐up in UK primary care. We examined known risk factors and added putative risk factors in our logistic model.

Results

People with foot ulcers were 4.2 years older (95% CI 3.1–5.2) than those without, and had higher HbA1c % (mean 7.9 ± 1.9 vs 7.5 ± 1.7) / HbA1c mmol/mol (63 ± 21 vs 59 ± 19) (p<0.0001) concentration [+0.45 (95% CI 0.33–0.56), creatinine level [+6.9 μmol/L (95% CI 4.1–9.8)] and Townsend score [+0.055 (95% CI 0.033–0.077)]. Absence of monofilament sensation was more common in people with foot ulcers (28% vs 21%; P<0.0001), as was absence of foot pulses (6.4% vs 4.8%; P=0.017). There was no difference between people with or without foot ulcers in smoking status, gender, history of stroke or foot deformity, although foot deformity was extremely rare (0.4% in people with foot ulcers, 0.6% in people without foot ulcers). Combining risk factors in a single logistic regression model gave modest predictive power, with an area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve of 0.65 (95% CI 0.62–0.67). The prevalence of ulceration in the bottom decile of risk was 1.8% and in the top decile it was 13.4% (compared with an overall prevalence of 6.5%); thus, the presence of all six risk factors gave a relative risk of 7.4 for development of a foot ulcer over 12 years.

Conclusion

We have made some progress towards defining a variable set that can be used to create a foot ulcer prediction model. More accurate determination of foot deformity/pedal circulation in primary care may improve the predictive value of such a future risk model, as will identification of additional risk variables.
Dentists′ knowledge of dental trauma based on the International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines: A survey in South Brazil
Authors: Hartmann Rafael Chies , Rossetti Bárbara Romagna , Siqueira Pinheiro Lucas , Poli de Figueiredo José Antonio , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero , S. Gomes Maximiliano , Gutierrez de Borba Maristela
Published: October 2018

Background/Aim

Dental trauma is a public health issue with a high prevalence in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of dentists in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, of the management of traumatic dental injuries, using the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) Guidelines as a reference.

Materials and Methods

An electronic questionnaire investigating personal and professional characteristics and 12 questions about dento‐alveolar trauma, was sent to all registered dentists of the Regional Council of Dentistry of Rio Grande do Sul (n=14 753). The respondents were grouped according to the sociodemographic and professional profiles and the data were evaluated by the Student‐T test or one‐way ANOVA, with Tukey's post‐hoc, with α = 5%.

Results

A total of 1414 dentists responded to the survey (9.59% response rate). The overall mean self‐reported knowledge of dental trauma was 5.87 ± 1.57, of a maximum possible score of 12. Some factors associated with a higher knowledge of the IADT guidelines were: female gender, previous clinical experience, years from qualification, self‐reported knowledge, and academic postgraduate degree. Dentists who are specialized in endodontics (6.58 ± 1.63) and pediatric dentistry (6.05 ± 1.44) achieved higher levels of knowledge on dental trauma. Analysis of the characteristics (gender, location, and proportion of specialists) of the respondents confirmed that they were representative of the target population.

Conclusion

The overall level of knowledge of dentists from Rio Grande do Sul of the IADT guidelines is moderate. These results highlight the need for continuing education on dento‐alveolar trauma in this population.
ECVET and ECTS credit equivalency in higher education – A bridge too far?
Authors: Ryan Cathal , Bergin Michael , Titze Sylvia , Ruf Wolfgang , Kunz Stefan , Wells John S. G.
Published: October 2018

The implementation within Europe of a credit system for vocational education and training known as ECVET is a European Commission priority. The potential for permeability between the ECVET and European Credit Transfer and accumulation System (ECTS) was foreseen in the Recommendation to establish ECVET in 2009, while the Bruges Communique of 2010 called for the promotion of flexible links between vocational and higher education and increased coherence between ECVET and ECTS. To this end a significant number of EU‐funded projects were undertaken to explore compatibility between ECVET and ECTS. This article reviews the findings of these projects and reflects on their success in terms of achieving this policy goal. These bridging projects identified several points of compatibility between the two credit systems and produced valuable tools and frameworks to facilitate such permeability. Achieving credit equivalency between ECVET and ECTS does not appear feasible, rather the evidence points to using a learning outcomes‐based equivalency framework. However, this article calls into question the sustainability of these project results with regard to the lack of success in translating these findings into practice and the lack of co‐ordinated efforts to implement these findings at a national or pan European level.
Corporate Governance Disclosure Index–Executive Pay Nexus: The Moderating Effect of Governance Mechanisms
Authors: Elmagrhi Mohamed H. , Ntim Collins G. , Wang Yan , Abdou Hussein A. , Zalata Alaa M.
Published: October 2018

This paper first employs principal component analysis technique to develop and introduce an alternative UK corporate governance disclosure index to the US‐centric ones. Second, we then investigate whether this new corporate governance disclosure index can determine the level of executive pay (including CEOs, CFOs, and all executive directors) in UK listed firms, and consequently ascertain whether the governance mechanisms can moderate the pay‐for‐performance sensitivity. Employing data on corporate governance, executive pay and performance from 2008 to 2013, we find that, on average, better‐governed firms tend to pay their executives lower compared with their poorly‐governed counterparts. Additionally, our findings suggest that the pay‐for‐performance sensitivity is generally positive, but improves in firms with high corporate governance quality, implying that the pay‐for‐performance sensitivity is contingent on the quality of internal governance structures. We interpret our findings within the predictions of optimal contracting theory and managerial power hypothesis.