bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disordered kalsilite KAlSiO4
Authors: Kremenović Aleksandar , Vulić Predrag
Published: February 2014

The X-ray powder diffraction pattern that corresponds to the disordered state of kalsilite (potassium aluminium orthosilicate), KAlSiO4, is investigated. The directionality of (Al,Si)O4tetrahedra within single six-membered tetrahedral ring building units (S6R) could not be defined. With equal probability for the directionality of each tetrahedra within one S6R [free apex pointing up (U) or down (D)], an undefined sequence of U and D directionalities is needed to describe the S6R building units. The extinction conditions of disordered kalsilite are also different compared to ordered kalsilite within the space groupP63. In disordered kalsilite,h0landhhlreflections withl= 2n+ 1 are systematically absent.
Hydrogen-bonded two- and three-dimensional polymeric structures in the ammonium salts of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, 4-nitrobenzoic acid and 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid
Authors: Smith Graham
Published: February 2014

The structures of ammonium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate, NH4+·C7H3N2O6−, (I), ammonium 4-nitrobenzoate dihydrate, NH4+·C7H4NO4−·2H2O, (II), and ammonium 2,4-dichlorobenzoate hemihydrate, NH4+·C7H3Cl2O2−·0.5H2O, (III), have been determined and their hydrogen-bonded structures are described. All three salts form hydrogen-bonded polymeric structures,viz.three-dimensional in (I) and two-dimensional in (II) and (III). With (I), a primary cation–anion cyclic association is formed [graph setR43(10)] through N—H...O hydrogen bonds, involving a carboxylate group with both O atoms contributing to the hydrogen bonds (denoted O,O′-carboxylate) on one side and a carboxylate group with one O atom involved in two hydrogen bonds (denoted O-carboxylate) on the other. Structure extension involves N—H...O hydrogen bonds to both carboxylate and nitro O-atom acceptors. With structure (II), the primary inter-species interactions and structure extension into layers lying parallel to (001) are through conjoined cyclic hydrogen-bonding motifs,viz.R43(10) (one cation, an O,O′-carboxylate group and two water molecules) and centrosymmetricR42(8) (two cations and two water molecules). The structure of (III) also has conjoinedR43(10) and centrosymmetricR42(8) motifs in the layered structure but these differ in that the first motif involves one cation, an O,O′-carboxylate group, an O-carboxylate group and one water molecule, and the second motif involves two cations and two O-carboxylate groups. The layers lie parallel to (100). The structures of salt hydrates (II) and (III), displaying two-dimensional layered arrays through conjoined hydrogen-bonded nets, provide further illustration of a previously indicated trend among ammonium salts of carboxylic acids, but the anhydrous three-dimensional structure of (I) is inconsistent with that trend.
Novel nonsense GNAS mutation in a 14‐month‐old boy with plate‐like osteoma cutis and medulloblastoma
Authors: Huh Ji Young , Kwon Min‐Jung , Seo Kyu Young , Kim Moon Kyu , Chae Kyu Young , Kim Se Hoon , Ki Chang‐Seok , Yoon Moon Soo , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: February 2014

Plate‐like osteoma cutis (PLOC) is a dermatological disorder characterized by superficial ossification and rarely occurs without any underlying tissue abnormalities or pre‐existing calcification. The hereditary form of PLOC is mainly due to inactivating mutation in the GNAS gene. Inactivating mutation of the GNAS gene is associated with several diseases, which commonly manifest heterotopic ossification and hormonal resistance; however, the development of malignant neoplasm has never been reported. Herein, we report a case of a patient with a novel nonsense mutation in the GNAS gene, who presented with concurrent PLOC and medulloblastoma.
Decreased copper and zinc in sera of Chinese vitiligo patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zeng Qinghai , Yin Jun , Fan Fan , Chen Jing , Zuo Chengxin , Xiang Yaping , Tan Lina , Huang Jinhua , Xiao Rong
Published: February 2014

Abnormalities of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, controversial results exist now on Cu and Zn in serum of vitiligo patients. The purpose of this study is to compare the serum levels of Cu and Zn between vitiligo patients and healthy controls. In the meta‐analysis, 16 studies with a total of 891 vitiligo cases and 1682 healthy controls were included. The levels of serum Cu and Zn were compared between groups of case and control. The serum levels of Cu were significantly lower in vitiligo patients than in healthy controls (Z = 4.04, P < 0.0001; standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.34 to −0.47). The levels of serum Zn were also significantly lower in vitiligo patients than in healthy controls (Z = 4.88, P < 0.00001; SMD, −1.09; 95% CI, −1.51 to −0.64). These results demonstrate that decreased levels of serum Cu and Zn are generally present in Chinese vitiligo patients. This may offer support for clinical administration of oral Cu and Zn supplements.
Molecular evolution of VP3, VP1, 3Cpro and 3Dpol coding regions in coxsackievirus group A type 24 variant isolates from acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in 2011 in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Nidaira Minoru , Kuba Yumani , Saitoh Mika , Taira Katsuya , Maeshiro Noriyuki , Mahoe Yoko , Kyan Hisako , Takara Taketoshi , Okano Sho , Kudaka Jun , Yoshida Hiromu , Oishi Kazunori , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: February 2014

A large acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) outbreak occurred in 2011 in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. Ten strains of coxsackievirus group A type 24 variant (CA24v) were isolated from patients with AHC and full sequence analysis of the VP3, VP1, 3Cpro and 3Dpol coding regions performed. To assess time‐scale evolution, phylogenetic analysis was performed using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method. In addition, similarity plots were constructed and pairwise distance (p‐distance) and positive pressure analyses performed. A phylogenetic tree based on the VP1 coding region showed that the present strains belong to genotype 4 (G4). In addition, the present strains could have divided in about 2010 from the same lineages detected in other countries such as China, India and Australia. The mean rates of molecular evolution of four coding regions were estimated at about 6.15 to 7.86 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year. Similarity plot analyses suggested that nucleotide similarities between the present strains and a prototype strain (EH24/70 strain) were 0.77–0.94. The p‐distance of the present strains was relatively short (<0.01). Only one positive selected site (L25H) was identified in the VP1 protein. These findings suggest that the present CA24v strains causing AHC are genetically related to other AHC strains with rapid evolution and emerged in around 2010.
The significance of the Dewar valence photoisomer as a UV radiation‐induced DNA photoproduct in marine microbial communities
Authors: Meador Jarah A. , Baldwin Amy J. , Pakulski J. Dean , Jeffrey Wade H. , Mitchell David L. , Douki Thierry
Published: February 2014

Induction of pyrimidine dimers in DNA by solar UV radiation has drastic effects on microorganisms. To better define the nature of these DNA photoproducts in marine bacterioplankton and eukaryotes, a study was performed during a cruise along a latitudinal transect in the Pacific Ocean. The frequency of all possible cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, pyrimidine (6‐4) pyrimidone photoproducts (64PPs) and their related Dewar valence isomers (DEWs) was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Studied samples were bacterioplankton and eukaryotic fractions isolated from sea water either collected before sunrise or exposed to ambient sunlight from sunrise to sunset. Isolated DNA dosimeters were also exposed to daily sunlight for comparison purposes. A first major result was the observation in all samples of large amounts of DEWs, a class of photoproducts rarely considered outside photochemical studies. Evidence was obtained for a major role of UVA in the formation of these photoisomerization products of 64PPs. Considerations on the ratio between the different classes of photoproducts in basal and induced DNA damage suggests that photoenzymatic repair (PER) is an important DNA repair mechanism used by marine microorganisms occupying surface seawater in the open ocean. This result emphasizes the biological role of DEWs which are very poor substrate for PER.
Dimensions of the endometrial cavity and intrauterine device expulsion or removal for displacement: a nested case–control study
Authors: Liang H , Li L , Yuan W , Zou Y , Gao E‐S , Duffy JMN , Wu S‐C
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the dimensions of the uterine cavity in relation to the expulsion, or removal for displacement, of intrauterine devices (IUDs) MLCu375 and TCu380A.

Design

A case–control study nested in a multicentre clinical trial.

Setting

Eighteen family planning clinics in China.

Population

Forty‐eight pairs of TCu380A users and 118 pairs of MLCu375 users.

Methods

The women were classified as cases if IUD expulsion or displacement occurred during the first year of follow‐up after insertion. One control was randomly selected for each case matched by IUD model, centre, age, service provider for insertion, and date of insertion. Axial length of the uterine cavity (LUC) and the largest transverse diameter of the coronal section of the uterine cavity (LTD) were measured using abdominal ultrasound. We used multivariate conditional logistic regressions to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of expulsions or displacements among women with different sizes of uterine cavity according to the quartile of LUC and LTD, respectively.

Results

Among MLCu375 users, women with LTD ≥ 27 mm had a higher risk of expulsion or displacement (aOR 2.40; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.02–5.63), after adjusting for the volume of menstrual flow, dysmenorrhoea, parity, uterine position, MLCu375 type, and LUC. Among TCu380A users, the association between LTD ≥ 37 mm and expulsion or displacement (aOR 4.98; 95% CI 1.01–22.49) was statistically significant, after adjusting for LUC and potential confounding factors.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that LTD should be considered when making the decision of which IUD model to use.
Crystallization in Lactose Refining—A Review
Authors: Wong Shin Yee , Hartel Richard W.
Published: February 2014

In the dairy industry, crystallization is an important separation process used in the refining of lactose from whey solutions. In the refining operation, lactose crystals are separated from the whey solution through nucleation, growth, and/or aggregation. The rate of crystallization is determined by the combined effect of crystallizer design, processing parameters, and impurities on the kinetics of the process. This review summarizes studies on lactose crystallization, including the mechanism, theory of crystallization, and the impact of various factors affecting the crystallization kinetics. In addition, an overview of the industrial crystallization operation highlights the problems faced by the lactose manufacturer. The approaches that are beneficial to the lactose manufacturer for process optimization or improvement are summarized in this review. Over the years, much knowledge has been acquired through extensive research. However, the industrial crystallization process is still far from optimized. Therefore, future effort should focus on transferring the new knowledge and technology to the dairy industry.
FTY720 enhances chemosensitivity of colon cancer cells to doxorubicin and etoposide via the modulation of P‐glycoprotein and multidrug resistance protein 1
Authors: Xing Ying , Wang Zhi Hong , Ma Dong Hong , Han Ying
Published: February 2014

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of FTY720 on inducing cell growth inhibition and enhancing the cytotoxicity of anti‐cancer drugs in the human colon cancer cell line HCT‐8 and its multidrug‐resistant cell line HCT‐8/5‐fluorouracil (HCT‐8/5‐Fu).

Methods

Cell viability and apoptosis after being treated with FTY720 alone or in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) and etoposide (VP16) were tested in HCT‐8 and HCT‐8/5‐Fu cells. The changes in P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) were determined at the mRNA and functional levels.

Results

FTY720 showed anti‐proliferative activity against cancer cells in a dose‐dependent and time‐dependent manner and could enhance the cytotoxicity of DOX and VP16 in both HCT‐8 and HCT‐8/5‐Fu cell lines. In addition, treatment with FTY720 resulted in the promotion of VP16‐induced cell apoptosis and an increased accumulation of intracellular DOX and two specific fluorescent substrates of P‐gp and MRP1 through the inhibition of efflux and the suppression of gene expression.

Conclusion

FTY720 exerts its chemosensitization effect in HCT‐8 and HCT‐8/5‐Fu cell lines by promoting cell apoptosis and inhibiting P‐gp and MRP1, which could be applied as a potential co‐adjuvant therapeutic modality.
Pattern of subcutaneous fat during follow‐up of a cohort of North Indian children with Kawasaki disease: a preliminary study
Authors: Suthar Renu , Singh Surjit , Bhalla Anil Kumar , Attri Savita Verma
Published: February 2014

Aim

Kawasaki disease (KD) has been associated with abnormal lipid profiles. The latter, in turn, have been linked to changes in subcutaneous fat. In this comparative cross‐sectional study we have quantified distribution of subcutaneous fat during follow‐up of a cohort of North Indian children with KD.

Method

We compared 35 KD children (at least 2 years after disease) and 33 healthy controls. Study parameters included weight, height and skinfold thickness (SFT) over biceps, triceps, midaxillary, subscapular, medial calf and suprailiac areas. Waist and hip circumferences were also recorded. All parameters were measured four times at 6‐monthly intervals using standardized techniques. Serum lipids were assayed in the study group.

Results

Study children were enrolled 3.7 ± 2.5 years after KD and mean age at enrolment was 8.26 ± 3.65 years. Suprailiac SFT measured higher in boys with KD (P ≤ 0.05). Biceps SFT was higher in the study group, but the difference was not significant. Other SFT were not affected. Waist and hip circumference was higher in the study group than controls (P ≤ 0.05). Waist/hip circumference ratio was not affected. Serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and triglycerides were higher in the study group as compared to historical controls (95.60 ± 36.12 and 129.40 ± 64.62 mg/dL vs. 80.10 ± 2.20 and 91.1 ± 29.85; P ≤ 0.05). Total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels remained unaffected.

Conclusion

Children with KD (especially boys) had increased subcutaneous fat deposition in the suprailiac region and waist, during follow‐up. Serum LDL‐C and triglycerides were elevated. KD children may have a tendency to develop central obesity. Further studies, with longer follow‐up, would be necessary to show whether this has implications for development of coronary artery disease later in life.
A prospective study of anti‐tumor necrosis factor therapy in South African rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Pettipher Clive , Rudolph Riana , Musenge Eustasius , Tikly Mohammed
Published: February 2014

Objective

To quantify primary and secondary anti‐tumour necrosis factor inadequate response (aTNF‐IR) and intolerance in South Africans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 1 year.

Methods

Rheumatologists from nine independent private practices monitored RA patients commencing on aTNF therapy (incident cases) or already on aTNF therapy (prevalent cases). Observations at baseline and quarterly intervals recorded discontinuation of therapy for either lack of response or adverse effects.

Results

Of the 98 patients screened, 86 were eligible to participate. Mean time from onset of symptoms of RA to start of aTNF treatment was 9.7 years (range: 0.5–32 years). Only 58 (67.4%) continued on aTNF therapy at 12 months, including five judged to have an aTNF‐IR. Overall 12 patients had a secondary aTNF‐IR with seven discontinuing for this reason. Seven patients discontinued due to adverse events, four due to funding problems and 10 were lost to follow‐up. Infections were the most common adverse events, but only two stopped treatment as a result. No cases of active tuberculosis (TB) were recorded, despite nine patients having a positive tuberculin skin test and one, a past history of pulmonary TB.

Conclusions

Almost a third of patients discontinued aTNF therapy over the 1‐year period, with infections and inadequate response to treatment being the main reasons for discontinuation. The study highlights the need for biologics with alternative modes of action for patients with moderate to severe RA in South Africa.
The contribution of visceral fat to improved insulin signaling in Ames dwarf mice
Authors: Menon Vinal , Zhi Xu , Hossain Tanvir , Bartke Andrzej , Spong Adam , Gesing Adam , Masternak Michal M.
Published: February 2014

Ames dwarf (Prop1df, df/df) mice are characterized by growth hormone (GH), prolactin, and thyrotropin deficiency, remarkable extension of longevity and increased insulin sensitivity with low levels of fasting insulin and glucose. Plasma levels of anti‐inflammatory adiponectin are increased in df/df mice, while pro‐inflammatory IL‐6 is decreased in plasma and epididymal fat. This represents an important shift in the balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory adipokines in adipose tissue, which was not exposed to GH signals during development or adult life. To determine the role of adipose tissue in the control of insulin signaling in these long‐living mutants, we examined the effects of surgical removal of visceral (epididymal and perinephric) adipose tissue. Comparison of the results obtained in df/df mice and their normal (N) siblings indicated different effects of visceral fat removal (VFR) on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The analysis of the expression of genes related to insulin signaling indicated that VFR improved insulin action in skeletal muscle in N mice. Interestingly, this surgical intervention did not improve insulin signaling in df/df mice skeletal muscle but caused suppression of the signal in subcutaneous fat. We conclude that altered profile of adipokines secreted by visceral fat of Ames dwarf mice may act as a key contributor to increased insulin sensitivity and extended longevity of these animals.
Nicotine Administration in the Cholinergic Basal Forebrain Increases Alcohol Consumption in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Sharma Rishi , Sahota Pradeep , Thakkar Mahesh M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Alcohol and nicotine are the most commonly abused drugs. The frequent co‐morbidity of alcohol and nicotine addiction has led to the hypothesis that they may act via a common substrate: the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) especially α4β2 and α7 subtypes, the most prevalent nAChRs in the brain. Compelling evidence suggests that alcohol enhances the function of α4β2 subtype. The FDA approved smoking cessation drug, varenicline (“Chantix”), a partial agonist of α4β2 nAChR subtype, reduces alcohol self‐administration and alcohol craving in humans and rodents. The cholinergic basal forebrain (BF) controls various functions including arousal, attention, and cognition, and there is a predominance of α4β2 and α7 subtypes. We have shown that the BF has an important role in mediating the effects of alcohol and local infusion of nicotine in the BF activates nucleus accumbens. Does BF have any role in mediating the effect of nicotine on alcohol consumption? This study was designed to address this question.

Methods

Under standard surgical procedure, C57BL/6J mice were stereotaxically implanted with bilateral stainless steel guide cannula above the BF. Following post operative recovery and habituation, the animals were exposed to the “drinking‐in‐the‐dark” paradigm whereby alcohol (20%) was presented for 2 hours daily for 3 days. On the fourth day, nicotine or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) was microinjected bilaterally in the BF. After 1 hour, mice were exposed to alcohol and allowed to self‐administer for 4 hours. The effect of BF nicotine infusion on sucrose consumption was also examined. On completion, mice were euthanized, brain removed and processed to localize the BF injection sites.

Results

As compared with the ACSF, bilateral nicotine injections into the BF significantly (p < 0.05; n = 5/group) increased alcohol consumption. Sucrose consumption remained unaffected.

Conclusions

Based on our results, we believe that the BF may have an important role in nicotine–alcohol co‐use.
Chronic Ethanol Feeding Induces Subset Loss and Hyporesponsiveness in Skin T Cells
Authors: Parlet Corey P. , Waldschmidt Thomas J. , Schlueter Annette J.
Published: February 2014

Background

Chronic alcoholism is associated with increased incidence and severity of cutaneous infection. Skin‐resident T cells orchestrate numerous immunological functions that are critically involved in both tissue homeostasis and cutaneous immunity. The impact of chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure on skin T cells has not previously been examined; given their important role in maintaining the immune barrier function of the skin further study is warranted.

Methods

Mice were administered EtOH in the drinking water for 12 to 16 weeks. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate impact of EtOH feeding on skin T cell numbers, rates of proliferation, and apoptosis as well as activation marker expression and cytokine production after ex vivo stimulation.

Results

Chronic EtOH feeding caused a baseline reduction in dendritic epidermal T cell (DETC) numbers that corresponded with reduced expression of the activation marker JAML following phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)/ionomycin stimulation. Chronic EtOH feeding did not alter total numbers of dermal T cells, but specific subset loss was observed in Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) as well as CD3hi, Vγ3+ and CD3int, Vγ3− dermal γδ T cells. EtOH‐induced dysfunction in the latter population, which represents prototypical interleukin‐17 (IL‐17)‐producing dermal γδT17s, was made evident by diminished IL‐17 production following anti‐CD3 stimulation. Additionally, the capacity of lymph node γδ T cells to produce IL‐17 following anti‐CD3 and PMA/ionomycin stimulation was impaired by chronic EtOH feeding.

Conclusions

Chronic EtOH feeding induced defects in both numbers and function of multiple skin T cell subsets. The decreased density and poor responsiveness of DETCs and γδT17 cells in particular would be expected to compromise immune effector mechanisms necessary to maintain a protective barrier and restrict pathogen invasion. These findings demonstrate the sensitivity of skin T cells to EtOH and provide new mechanisms to help explain the propensity of alcoholics to suffer skin infection.
What was learned: studies by the consortium for research inECT(CORE) 1997–2011
Authors: Fink M.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To review the findings of the four‐hospital collaborative studies of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in unipolar depressed patients known asCOREbetween 1997 and 2011. Unipolar depressed patients were treated with bilateralECT, and on remission were randomly assigned to a fixed schedule continuationECTor to combined lithium and nortriptyline for 6 months. A second study compared three electrode placements in unipolar and bipolar depressed patients.

Method

Nineteen published reports were reviewed. The findings are compared with those of a parallel multi‐hospital study ofECTled by a Columbia University Collaboration (CUC) team that studied right unilateralECTin a similar population with similar inclusion/exclusion and remission criteria. SuccessfulECTwas followed by placebo, nortriptyline alone, or combined lithium, and nortriptyline.

Results

Relapse rates after remission were similar with fixed scheduleECTas with medications. Predictors of outcome (psychosis, suicide risk, polarity, melancholia, atypical depression, age) and technical aspects (electrode placement, seizure threshold, speed of response) are discussed,

Conclusion

The findings offer criteria to optimize the selection of patients, the technique, and outcome ofECTfor unipolar and bipolar depressed patients. ContinuationECTis an effective alternative to continuation treatment with lithium and nortriptyline. Bilateral electrode placement is more efficient than alternative placements.ECTrelieves both bipolar and unipolar depression.
Computerized versus in‐person brief intervention for drug misuse: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Schwartz Robert P. , Gryczynski Jan , Mitchell Shannon Gwin , Gonzales Arturo , Moseley Ana , Peterson Thomas R. , Ondersma Steven J. , O'Grady Kevin E.
Published: February 2014

Background and Aims

Several studies have found that brief interventions (BIs) for drug misuse have superior effectiveness to no‐treatment controls. However, many health centers do not provide BIs for drug use consistently due to insufficient behavioral health staff capacity. Computerized BIs for drug use are a promising approach, but their effectiveness compared with in‐person BIs has not been established. This study compared the effectiveness of a computerized brief intervention (CBI) to an in‐person brief intervention (IBI) delivered by a behavioral health counselor.

Methods

Two‐arm randomized clinical trial, conducted in two health centers in New Mexico, United States. Participants were 360 adult primary care patients with moderate‐risk drug scores on the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) who were randomly assigned on a 1 : 1 basis to a computerized brief intervention (CBI) or to an in‐person brief intervention (IBI) delivered by a behavioral health counselor. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up, and included the ASSIST and drug testing on hair samples.

Results

The IBI and CBI conditions did not differ at 3 months on global ASSIST drug scores [b = −1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −4.37, 0.80] or drug‐positive hair tests [odds ratio (OR) = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.47, 2.02]. There was a statistically significant advantage of CBI over IBI in substance‐specific ASSIST scores for marijuana (b = −1.73; 95% CI = −2.91, −0.55; Cohen's d = 0.26; P = 0.004) and cocaine (b = −4.48; 95% CI = −8.26, −0.71; Cohen's d = 0.50; P = 0.021) at 3 months.

Conclusions

Computerized brief intervention can be an effective alternative to in‐person brief intervention for addressing moderate drug use in primary care.
Tobacco use among Norwegian adolescents: from cigarettes to snus
Authors: Pedersen Willy , von Soest Tilmann
Published: February 2014

Aims

To: (i) investigate the development of smoking and snus use among Norwegian adolescents, and (ii) describe the users in each group.

Design

Two population‐based surveys with identical procedures in 2002 (response rate 91.0%) and 2010 (response rate 84.3%).

Setting

Norway.

Participants

A total of 6217 respondents, aged 16–17 years.

Measurements

Data were collected on smoking and snus use, socio‐demographic factors, school adjustment, social network, sport activities, alcohol and cannabis use and depression symptoms.

Findings

Prevalence of daily smoking fell from 23.6% in 2002 to 6.8% in 2010 (P < 0.001), while the prevalence of daily snus use increased from 4.3 to 11.9% (P < 0.001). Dual daily use of cigarettes and snus remained at 1%. The relative proportion of non‐daily smokers using snus increased steeply. Both snus users and smokers reported more adverse socio‐economic backgrounds, less favourable school adjustment and higher levels of alcohol intoxication and cannabis use than non‐users of tobacco. However, snus users were better adjusted to school and used cannabis less often than smokers.

Conclusions

Adolescent smoking prevalence has fallen dramatically in Norway, accompanied by a smaller increase in snus use. Young snus users in Norway have many of the same risk factors as smokers, but to a lesser degree.
Hypoxic blackwater event severely impacts Murray crayfish (Euastacus armatus) populations in the Murray River, Australia
Authors: McCarthy Bernard , Zukowski Sylvia , Whiterod Nick , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Beesley Leah , King Alison
Published: February 2014

Prolonged flooding in 2010/11 ended a decade of drought and produced a large‐scale hypoxic blackwater event across the southern Murray‐Darling Basin, Australia. The hypoxic conditions caused fish kills and Murray crayfish Euastacus armatus to emerge from the water onto the river banks to avoid the poor water quality. This study examined the medium‐term impact of this blackwater event on Murray crayfish populations in the Murray River, where approximately 1800 km of the main channel were affected by hypoxia. Murray crayfish populations were surveyed in July 2012, along a 1100‐km section of the Murray River at 10 sites affected by hypoxic blackwater and six sites that were not affected, and data were compared with surveys of the same sites undertaken in July 2010, four months before the hypoxic blackwater event (before‐after‐control‐impact experimental design). Murray crayfish abundance in 2012 (post‐blackwater) was significantly lower at blackwater affected sites (81% reduction from 2010), but not at non‐affected sites. The hypoxic blackwater impacted Murray crayfish of both sexes and all size‐classes in a similar manner. The results demonstrate that prolonged periods of hypoxia can markedly impact populations of the long‐lived and slow‐growing Murray crayfish despite the species ability to emerge from hypoxic water. The findings highlight important challenges for the management of both the recreational fishery for this species and riverine flows in relation to hypoxic blackwater events.
Buffering against food availability? The physical environment has little influence on breeding performance of fairy prions (Pachyptila turtur)
Authors: Manno Katharina , Loh Graeme , Van Heezik Yolanda
Published: February 2014

The breeding performance of seabirds is constrained by the availability of marine‐based prey, which may be influenced by competition with other seabirds, and environmental conditions. Fairy prion (Pachyptila turtur) populations have declined substantially in New Zealand since the introduction of mammalian predators; remaining small populations provide an opportunity to examine the effect of environmental factors on reproductive success in the absence of competition. Using 11 years of nest monitoring data and eight years of chick measurements we investigated (i) the link between physical environmental factors, breeding success rates and chick fledging size, and (ii) the relationship between chick fledging size and likelihood of natal‐colony recapture. Despite annual variations in the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and sea surface temperatures (SST), breeding success and chick fledging weights remained similar throughout the entire period, possibly due to the use of behavioural buffering mechanisms by parents. Fledgling wing lengths differed among years, and were predicted by early winter and early spring values of the SOI and late spring and summer SSTs. In years of high SOI and high SST, fairy prions fledged with longer wings, possibly due to increased availability of the euphausiid Nyctiphanes australis, their main prey. River flows and rainfall were unrelated to breeding success or chick measurements: the influence of freshwater on the marine system at this locality acts at smaller timescales than those studied here. Using the 2004 and 2005 cohorts, there was no link between fledging size and likelihood of recapture, except for the 2005 cohort which had unusually low 6‐year recapture rates, and shorter‐than‐average wing lengths. A combination of low sea temperatures and an El Niño event in 2005 may have led to a reduction in euphausiid availability, ultimately affecting post‐fledging survival.
Introduction of a university‐based counselling service for older adults
Authors: Bhar Sunil S. , Silver Mark
Published: February 2014

Aim

Despite the growing number of older adults in Australia, many do not access counselling, partly because of the lack of trained mental health professionals for older people. This paper describes an innovative solution for providing counselling services to older adults, and geropsychology training to postgraduate psychology students.

Method

A university‐based counselling clinic for older adults was described – an outreach service for older adults living in the community or in residential aged care facilities in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.

Results

Over its first 13 months, the clinic provided a total of 266 sessions of counselling to 57 clients (41 living in residential aged care), and involved six postgraduate students.

Conclusion

This paper describes the potential benefits of the clinic for clients and students and the resources needed to support this model of service delivery. Thus, it provides a blueprint for other universities for developing similar services for older adults.
Randomized blinded control trial into tourniquet tolerance in awake volunteers
Authors: Lim Eugene , Shukla Lipi , Barker Anthony , Trotter Dean J.
Published: February 2014

Background

The ability to tolerate a tourniquet is often the limiting factor to elective and emergent procedures of the upper limb performed under local anaesthesia. This study aims to demonstrate that upper limb tourniquets are more predictably and better tolerated when inflated to 200 mmHg than to the traditional inflation pressure of 250 mmHg in awake, unsedated subjects.

Methods

Forty healthy volunteers were randomized to have a tourniquet applied at either 200 or 250 mmHg for 20 min. Vital signs and pain scores were measured pre‐test, at intervals throughout the time the tourniquet was inflated and post‐deflation until the parameters normalized. Grip strength was measured pre‐test, immediately post‐deflation of the tourniquet and every 2 min until return of normal strength.

Results

All subjects were able to tolerate a tourniquet inflated for the allocated 20 min irrespective of the inflation pressure; however, there was a statistically significant lower average pain score in the group where the tourniquet was inflated to 200 mmHg compared with 250 mmHg. There was a quicker return of normal grip strength, although this was not shown to be statistically significant.

Conclusions

Tourniquets inflated to 200 mmHg are better tolerated in awake, unsedated subjects that would allow predictably short procedures of the hand, wrist and forearm to be performed under local anaesthesia. It represents a pilot study prior to a further clinical study investigating the efficacy of tourniquets inflated to a lower pressure in maintaining an effective bloodless field.
How growth due to infant nutrition influences obesity and later disease risk
Authors: Brands Brigitte , Demmelmair Hans , Koletzko Berthold ,   for the EarlyNutrition Project
Published: February 2014

Infant nutrition has a major impact on immediate outcomes and long‐term health and later disease risks, such as obesity and related disorders, a phenomenon referred to as ‘metabolic programming’. This review discusses the currently postulated hypotheses and mechanisms investigated by the EarlyNutrition project.

Conclusion

Rapid weight gain in the first 2 years of life, most notably mediated by diary protein, affects the insulin‐like growth factor metabolic pathways. Epigenetic processes seem to play a role.
The Boom and the Bust: Can Theories from Social Psychology and Related Disciplines Account for One Country's Economic Crisis?
Authors: Thórisdóttir Hulda , Karólínudóttir Karen Erla
Published: February 2014

The Icelandic economy collapsed dramatically in the fall of 2008, making the country one of the first victims of the sharp economic downturn that hit most of the West. The Icelandic crisis may serve as an especially illuminating case study of the psychology of economic booms and busts. We offer an analysis of the buildup and aftermath of the economic crisis in Iceland using theories and findings from social psychology and related disciplines. During the buildup, at the national level we focus on strong national identity, high levels of trust, and system justification. At the group level, we discuss homogeneity of bank employees, group identity, and organizational culture. At the individual level the focus is on motivated reasoning and cognitive heuristics. During the aftermath at the national level, the primary focus is on collective action and the ascent of women into power. At the individual level we discuss changes in values, and report on a study in which we examined people's perceptions of what caused the crisis and how it relates to political ideology. We conclude by considering several behaviors not accounted for in our analysis and some policy implications that can be gleaned from the analysis.
Dual PDE3/4 and PDE4 Inhibitors: Novel Treatments For COPD and Other Inflammatory Airway Diseases
Authors: Abbott‐Banner Katharine H. , Page Clive P.
Published: February 2014

Selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 and dual PDE3/4 inhibitors have attracted considerable interest as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of respiratory diseases, largely by virtue of their anti‐inflammatory (PDE4) and bifunctional bronchodilator/anti‐inflammatory (PDE3/4) effects. Many of these agents have, however, failed in early development for various reasons, including dose‐limiting side effects when administered orally and lack of sufficient activity when inhaled. Indeed, only one selective PDE4 inhibitor, the orally active roflumilast‐n‐oxide, has to date received marketing authorization. The majority of the compounds that have failed were, however, orally administered and non‐selective for either PDE3 (A,B) or PDE4 (A,B,C,D) subtypes. Developing an inhaled dual PDE3/4 inhibitor that is rapidly cleared from the systemic circulation, potentially with subtype specificity, may represent one strategy to improve the therapeutic index and also exhibit enhanced efficacy versus inhibition of either PDE3 or PDE4 alone, given the potential positive interactions with regard to anti‐inflammatory and bronchodilator effects that have been observed pre‐clinically with dual inhibition of PDE3 and PDE4 compared with inhibition of either isozyme alone. This MiniReview will summarize recent clinical data obtained with PDE inhibitors and the potential for these drugs to treat COPD and other inflammatory airways diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Simplified Acute Physiology Score II/Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Prediction of the Mortality and Later Development of Complications in Poisoned Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Alizadeh Afshin Mohammad , Hassanian‐Moghaddam Hossein , Shadnia Shahin , Zamani Nasim , Mehrpour Omid
Published: February 2014

We aimed to determine the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II in poisoned patients admitted to the poisoning ICU and compare them to see which is a more sensitive and specific system for prognostication of the mortality and complications in these patients. Between February 2013 and July 2013, all patients referring to our centre with any poisoning mandating ICU admission were prospectively included. On ICU arrival, a questionnaire containing the demographic data, parameters of the APACHE II and SAPS II scores, the sum of the scores, complications during the stay and the patients' final outcome (compete recovery versus death) was filled for every single patient. A total of 195 patients were evaluated. Forty‐two patients (21.5%) died. Mean SAPS and APACHE scores were 41 ± 16 and 15 ± 6, respectively. Mean SAPS and APACHE scores were significantly different between the survivors and non‐survivors. Both scores could successfully prognosticate the development of the complications (p = 0.07 and 0.013, respectively). APACHE II was a better score in prediction of both mortality and later complications in the setting of poisoning ICU. APACHE >22 has a good specificity in determining the mortality and development of further complications in poisoned patients admitted to the medical toxicology ICUs. SAPS II score >59 and >43 can predict the risk of mortality and later complications in these patients, as well.
High Antibiotic Consumption: A Characterization of Heavy Users in Spain
Authors: Malo Sara , José Rabanaque María , Feja Cristina , Jesús Lallana María , Aguilar Isabel , Bjerrum Lars
Published: February 2014

Heavy antibiotic users are those individuals with the highest exposure to antibiotics. They play an important role as contributors to the increasing risk of antimicrobial resistance. We applied different methods to identify and characterize the group of heavy antibiotic users in Spain as well as their exposure to antibiotics. Data on outpatient prescribing of antimicrobials (ATC J01) in 2010 were obtained from a prescription database covering Aragón (northeastern Spain). The antimicrobial consumption at the individual level was analysed both according to the volume of DDD and the number of packages purchased per year. Heavy antibiotic users were identified according to Lorenz curves and characterized by age, gender, and their antimicrobial prescription profile. Lorenz curves demonstrated substantial differences in the individual use of antimicrobials. Heavy antibiotic users (5% of individuals with highest consumption) were responsible for 21% of the total DDD consumed and received ≥6 packages per year. Elderly adults (≥60 years) and small children (0–9 years) were those exposed to the highest volume of antibiotics and with the most frequent exposure, respectively. Heavy users received a high proportion of antibiotics not recommended as first choice in primary health care. In conclusion, heavy antibiotic users consisted mainly of children and old adults. Inappropriate overuse of antibiotics (high quantity, high frequency, and inappropriate antibiotic choice) leads to a substantial risk of the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, and interventions to reduce overuse of antibiotics should therefore primarily be targeted children and elderly people.
Evidence of increased centrally enhanced bladder compliance with ageing in a mouse model
Authors: Smith Phillip P. , DeAngelis Anthony , Simon Richard
Published: February 2014

Objective

To test the hypothesis that ageing is associated with increasing neurogenic enhancement of bladder filling compliance.

Materials and Methods

Female B6 mice (aged 2, 12, 22 and 26 months) underwent cystometry while alive and immediately after death. Bladder compliance was calculated from pressure‐time data. Pressure data were transformed using Fast Fourier Transform to obtain power spectra of bladder pressure variations attributable to contractile activity during filling in both alive and dead mice. A cut‐off frequency (CF) was determined for each mouse, above which any power content would be primarily neurogenic. Compliance and power spectra results were compared among age groups, and correlations sought.

Results

A reversible loss of bladder compliance and non‐voiding contractile (NVC) activity followed abolition of voiding reflexes in female colony mice in all age groups. Bladder filling compliance increased with age in urethane‐anaesthetised and post‐mortem conditions, and more so in the former. Power below the CF did not significantly vary with age. Neurogenic power increased with age, and significantly correlated with compliance.

Conclusions

An increase in neurogenic power during filling accompanies increased centrally mediated compliance enhancement with age. A bladder control model in which brain processes related to micturition may compensate for age‐associated changes; thereby preserving voiding function is suggested. Urinary dysfunction could be viewed as the result of homeostatic failure rather than strictly end‐organ pathology.
The role of δ‐opioid receptors in learning and memory underlying the development of addiction
Authors: Klenowski Paul , Morgan Michael , Bartlett Selena E
Published: February 2014

Opioids are important endogenous ligands that exist in both invertebrates and vertebrates and signal by activation of opioid receptors to produce analgesia and reward or pleasure. The μ‐opioid receptor is the best known of the opioid receptors and mediates the acute analgesic effects of opiates, while the δ‐opioid receptor (DOR) has been less well studied and has been linked to effects that follow from chronic use of opiates such as stress, inflammation and anxiety. Recently, DORs have been shown to play an essential role in emotions and increasing evidence points to a role in learning actions and outcomes. The process of learning and memory in addiction has been proposed to involve strengthening of specific brain circuits when a drug is paired with a context or environment. The DOR is highly expressed in the hippocampus, amygdala, striatum and other basal ganglia structures known to participate in learning and memory. In this review, we will focus on the role of the DOR and its potential role in learning and memory underlying the development of addiction.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Assessment of re‐aggregated human pancreatic islets for secondary drug screening
Authors: Ramachandran K , Peng X , Bokvist K , Stehno‐Bittel L
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

Insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic islets is a pivotal assay in developing novel insulin secretagogues, given its good correlation with in vivo efficacy. Because the supply of human islets is limited, this assay is typically run with rodent islets, which do not address species differences and are low‐throughput, because of the size matching or volume normalization required. Here we have evaluated the suitability of human re‐aggregated islets for this assay.

Experimental Approach

We generated re‐aggregated human islets of a consistent size, using micromolds and compared their responses with those of native human and rat islets, to known secretagogues and inhibitors of insulin release.

Key Results

Insulin secretion from rat islets, human islets and human re‐aggregated cell clusters was concentration‐dependently increased by glucose. The calcium channel agonist, Bay K 8644, stimulated insulin secretion in native rat islets and human re‐aggregated islets, but not native human islets. Glibenclamide and tolbutamide were more effective and potent in re‐aggregated human clusters compared with the other two preparations. Rat islets outperformed both human preparations of islets in response to caffeine, carbachol and glucagon‐like peptide‐1. Re‐aggregated human islet clusters were more sensitive to somatostatin, diazoxide and sodium azide, but rodent islets were more sensitive to nifedipine.

Conclusions and Implications

Human re‐aggregated clusters of islet cells, of a constant size were more responsive to all compounds tested than native human islets. Importantly, the assay variability was less in the re‐aggregated cluster preparations, which suggests that such re‐aggregated cells could be useful for drug development.