bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of telephone‐delivered cognitive behaviour therapy and befriending on mood disorders in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Doyle Colleen , Bhar Sunil , Fearn Marcia , Ames David , Osborne Debra , You Emily , Gorelik Alex , Dunt David
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The main objectives of this pragmatic randomized controlled trial were to investigate the impact of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and an active social control (befriending) on depression and anxiety symptoms in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Eligible participants were randomly allocated to receive eight weekly telephone interventions of CBT (n = 54) or befriending (n = 56). Repeated‐measures ANOVA was used to assess changes in scores and Cohen's d was used to assess effect sizes.

Results

Significant improvement was observed in anxiety symptoms for the befriending group from baseline (T1) to post‐intervention assessment (T2) and to 8‐week follow‐up assessment (T3), with a small to medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.3). Significant improvement was noted in depression symptoms from T1 to T2 for both groups, but only the CBT group had a significant difference at T3, with a small to medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.4). For secondary outcomes, there was a significant change in COPD symptoms from T1 to T2 for the befriending group; however, at T3 this change was no longer significant. Finally, there was a significant change in general self‐efficacy for both groups between T1 and T2, and T1 and T3.

Conclusion

Cognitive behaviour therapy reduced depression symptoms but not anxiety. Befriending reduced depression symptoms in the short term and anxiety symptoms in both the short term and long term. Further research is needed to demonstrate non‐inferiority of telephone delivery compared with other formats, and to understand the impact of befriending which has the potential to be a cost‐effective support for people with COPD.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Mood disorders are not commonly routinely treated in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Telephone‐administered CBT has been shown to be as effective as face‐to‐face CBT in reducing depression and anxiety.

What does this study add?

Telephone‐administered CBT can reduce depression symptoms in people with COPD.

Telephone‐administered befriending can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in people with COPD.

People with COPD who have mood disorders would prefer to have CBT than befriending.
Potentiation of spinal glutamatergic response in the neuron‐glia interactions underlies the intrathecal IL‐1β‐induced thermal hyperalgesia in rats
Authors: Sung Chun‐Sung , Wen Zhi‐Hong , Feng Chien‐Wei , Chen Chun‐Hong , Huang Shi‐Ying , Chen Nan‐Fu , Chen Wu‐Fu , Wong Chih‐Shung
Published: May 2017

Aims

We previously demonstrated that intrathecal IL‐1β upregulated phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (P‐p38 MAPK) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in microglia and astrocytes in spinal cord, increased nitric oxide (NO) release into cerebrospinal fluid, and induced thermal hyperalgesia in rats. This study investigated the role of spinal glutamatergic response in intrathecal IL‐1β‐induced nociception in rats.

Methods

The pretreatment effects of MK‐801 (5 μg), minocycline (20 μg), and SB203580 (5 μg) on intrathecal IL‐1β (100 ng) in rats were measured by behavior, Western blotting, CSF analysis, and immunofluorescence studies.

Results

IL‐1β increased phosphorylation of NR‐1 (p‐NR1) subunit of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors in neurons and microglia, reduced glutamate transporters (GTs; glutamate/aspartate transporter by 60.9%, glutamate transporter‐1 by 55.0%, excitatory amino acid carrier‐1 by 39.8%; P<.05 for all), and increased glutamate (29%‐133% increase from 1.5 to 12 hours; P<.05) and NO (44%‐101% increase from 4 to 12 hours; P<.05) levels in cerebrospinal fluid. MK‐801 significantly inhibited all the IL‐1β‐induced responses; however, minocycline and SB203580 blocked the IL‐1β‐downregulated GTs and elevated glutamate but not the upregulated p‐NR1.

Conclusion

The enhanced glutamatergic response and neuron‐glia interaction potentiate the intrathecal IL‐1β‐activated P‐p38/iNOS/NO signaling and thermal hyperalgesia.
Post‐Laryngectomy stricture and pharyngocutaneous fistula: Review of techniques in primary pharyngeal reconstruction in laryngectomy
Authors: Walton B. , Vellucci J. , Patel P.B. , Jennings K. , McCammon S. , Underbrink M.P.
Published: May 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to find a correlation between closure technique in pharyngeal closure and outcomes of both pharyngocutaneous fistula and post‐laryngectomy stricture after laryngectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective Chart Review.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a total of 151 patients over a 20‐year period from January 1994 to December of 2013 who underwent primary pharyngeal reconstruction after total laryngectomy specifically looking at the closure technique in relation to pharyngo‐cutaneous fistula (PCF) and post‐laryngectomy stricture postoperatively. Patients were excluded based on secondary pharyngeal closure. Using logistic regression modelling, we performed univariate and multivariate analyses of our data.

Results

The overall PCF and post‐laryngectomy stricture rates were 19.1% and 15.8%. When salvage laryngectomy was excluded, t‐type closure had a significantly lower risk of fistula rate (P=.038) compared to vertical closure. In multivariate analysis, this statistical significance was lost (P=.23); however, non‐salvage t‐type closure remained significantly better than both salvage laryngectomy groups (t‐type, P=.033, vertical, P=.037), while non‐salvage vertical closure had no significant difference from other groups. There was no difference in stricture rate between the two closure techniques (P=.63).

Conclusion

Our study supports the role of t‐type closure decreasing fistula rates in primary pharyngeal reconstruction. Orientation of the pharyngeal closure does not appear to change the risk of post‐laryngectomy stricture formation after total laryngectomy. Salvage laryngectomy with primary pharyngeal reconstruction remains an independent risk factor for fistula formation.
A comparison of attitudes to laryngeal cancer treatment outcomes: A time trade‐off study
Authors: Hamilton D.W. , Pedersen A. , Blanchford H. , Bins J.E. , McMeekin P. , Thomson R. , Paleri V. , Wilson J.A.
Published: May 2017

Design

Time trade‐off choice experiment.

Setting

Two large head and neck cancer centres.

Participants

Patients who have received treatment for head and neck cancer and members of the head and neck cancer multidisciplinary team.

Main outcome measures

Participants were asked to rank the outcome scenarios, assign utility values using time trade‐off and rate the importance of survival on treatment choice.

Results

A total of 49 patients with head and neck cancer and 73 staff members were recruited. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) optimal outcome was the most preferred health state (34 of 49, 69% patients, and 50 of 73, 68% staff), and CRT with complications was least preferred (27 of 49, 55% patients, and 51 of 73, 70% staff). Using time trade‐off, mean utility values were calculated for CRT optimal outcome (0.73 for patients, 0.77 for staff), total laryngectomy (TL) optimal outcome (0.67 for patients, 0.69 for staff), TL outcome with complications (0.46 for patients, 0.51 for staff) and CRT with complications (0.36 for patients, 0.49 for staff). The average survival advantage required for a participant to change their preferred choice was 2.6 years.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that a significant proportion of patients with head and neck cancer and staff members would not choose CRT to manage locally advanced laryngeal cancer. Staff members rated the health states associated with laryngeal cancer treatment higher than patients who have experienced them, and this is particularly evident when considering the poorer outcomes. The head and neck cancer community should develop methods of practice and decision‐making which incorporate elicitation and reporting of patient values as a central principle.
Comprehensive genetic study of cystic fibrosis in Slovak patients in 25 years of genetic diagnostics
Authors: Soltysova Andrea , Tothova Tarova Eva , Ficek Andrej , Baldovic Marian , Polakova Helena , Kayserova Hana , Kadasi Ludevit
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has one of the longest histories in hereditary disease molecular diagnostics. However, identification of causative mutations in the CFTR gene is complicated by over 2000 currently identified mutations; with more still being discovered. Knowledge of mutation spectrum may improve effective routine diagnostics and is obligatory in mutation‐specific treatment.

Objectives

This study presents comprehensive mutation screening of the CFTR gene; with 275 unrelated, clinically confirmed and treated cystic fibrosis (CF) patients diagnosed in 25 years genetic testing in Slovakia.

Methods

Detection of the most common CFTR mutations was performed by ELUCIGENE 29 and ELUCIGENE CF EU2 kits. HRM and dHPLC mutation screening methods with subsequent Sanger sequencing were applied for minor mutation screening, and MLPA analysis for deletion/duplication detection.

Results

A total of 70 different mutations were identified, from which the most common mutation F508del accounted for 60.36% of all disease alleles and 8 mutations have currently been observed only in Slovak patients. Two large deletions identified on chromosomes 2 and 22 were further characterized to identify breakpoints. Based on mutation screening results and neonatal screening we estimated incidence in Slovakian newborns at approximately 1:6000‐7000.

Conclusion

In our study, we identified mutations in 98.54% of all disease chromosomes, while 86.54% were identified using ELUCIGENE kits, 0.54% by MLPA analysis and 11.46% by sequencing analysis. Knowledge of the mutation spectrum in genetically diagnosed patients improves possibilities of genetic counseling and cascade screening in the affected families and Slovak population.
Analysis of the patients with simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Akcam Tevfik Ilker , Kavurmaci Onder , Ergonul Ayse Gul , Aydin Sercan , Turhan Kutsal , Cakan Alpaslan , Cagirici Ufuk
Published: May 2017

Background

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax (SBSP) is an uncommon condition with limited data on its incidence in the literature. In this study, we aimed to describe the bilaterality in both primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax cases, and the clinical approach in simultaneous disease and prognosis of these patients.

Methods

A total of 16 patients who were followed with the diagnosis of bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax between January 2005 and January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP; Group 1, n = 11) and primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP; Group 2, n = 5). Demographic data, underlying lung pathologies, treatments applied, clinical findings and survival data were recorded.

Results

Of the patients in Group 1, four (36.3%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), three (27.3%) had granulomatous lung disease, two (18.2%) had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, one (9.1%) had bronchiectasis and one (9.1%) had hypersensitivity reaction. Of these patients, four had bilateral tube thoracostomy, four had unilateral tube thoracostomy and the remaining three received medical treatment under follow‐up. Of the Group 1 patients, six (54.6%) died during the 72‐month follow‐up period, while only one of these patients had COPD. All patients in Group 2 were treated using bilateral video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery either in the first or the second episode.

Conclusions

These results suggest that simultaneous and bilateral occurrence of SPP is an indicator of an advanced lung pathology with a poor prognosis.
Neuroimaging, cardiovascular physiology, and functional outcomes in infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: Claessens Nathalie H P , Kelly Christopher J , Counsell Serena J , Benders Manon J N L
Published: May 2017

This review integrates data on brain dysmaturation and acquired brain injury using fetal and neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including the contribution of cardiovascular physiology to differences in brain development, and the relationship between brain abnormalities and subsequent neurological impairments in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). The antenatal and neonatal period are critical for optimal brain development; the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to haemodynamic disturbances during this time. Altered cerebral perfusion and decreased cerebral oxygen delivery in the antenatal period can affect functional and structural brain development, while postnatal haemodynamic fluctuations may cause additional injury. In critical CHD, brain dysmaturation and acquired brain injury result from a combination of underlying cardiovascular pathology and surgery performed in the neonatal period. MRI findings in infants with CHD can be used to evaluate potential clinical risk factors for brain abnormalities, and aid prediction of functional outcomes at an early stage. In addition, information on timing of brain dysmaturation and acquired brain injury in CHD has the potential to be used when developing strategies to optimize neurodevelopment.
Use of active video gaming in children with neuromotor dysfunction: a systematic review
Authors: Hickman Robbin , Popescu Lisa , Manzanares Robert , Morris Brendan , Lee Szu‐Ping , Dufek Janet S
Published: May 2017

Aim

To examine current evidence on use of active video gaming (AVG) to improve motor function in children with movement disorders including cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, and Down syndrome.

Method

Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched. Included papers studied the use of AVG for improving movement‐related outcomes in these populations. Parameters studied included health condition, strength of evidence, AVG delivery methods, capacity for individualizing play, outcomes addressed, effectiveness for achieving outcomes, and challenges/limitations.

Results

The 20 extracted articles varied in quality. Studies involved children with six different conditions using AVG in clinical, home, or school settings for 49 different motor outcomes. Dosage varied in frequency and duration. Choice of games played and difficulty level were therapist determined (n=6) or child controlled (n=14). The most common study limitations were small sample sizes and difficulty individualizing treatment. All articles showed improvement in outcomes with AVG, although differences were not consistently significant compared with conventional therapy.

Interpretation

Heterogeneity of measurement tools and target outcomes prevented meta‐analysis or development of formal recommendations. However, AVG is feasible and shows potential for improving outcomes in this population. Additional investigations of dosing variables, utility as a home supplement to clinical care, and outcomes with larger sample sizes are merited.
The social benefits of water and sanitation projects in Northern Colombia: Cost‐Benefit Analysis, the Water Poverty Index and beyond
Authors: Azqueta Diego , Montoya Álvaro
Published: May 2017

Water, and Sanitation projects play an important role in alleviating water‐related poverty in developing countries. There are several methodologies that will not only assess the performance of these projects but will also help to better identify the problem and its characteristics, and to improve the efficiency of the investment. The Water Poverty Index is one of them. It is a very useful tool that helps to measure water stress at the household level in a holistic way, and to identify priorities. It is important, however, to complement it with a Cost‐Benefit Analysis that will take into account the costs of the project. A case study in Northern Colombia illustrates this point.
Does foreign bank entry contribute to financial development? Examining the role of income thresholds
Authors: Gopalan Sasidaran
Published: May 2017

This article examines the relationship between foreign bank entry and financial development in a panel framework covering 57 emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) between 1995 and 2009. Using various measures of financial sector deepening, the article also explores the degree to which the relationship between foreign bank entry and financial sector depth varies by different income thresholds of the EMDEs. The empirical findings suggest that while foreign banks have a direct positive impact in furthering financial depth, the marginal effects of foreign bank entry diminish over time with greater levels of economic development. In other words, the impact of foreign bank entry tends to diminish as the per capita income of the country rises.
Serum adrenomedullin and urinary thromboxane B2 help early categorizing of acute kidney injury in decompensated cirrhotic patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Chih‐Wei , Huang Chia‐Chang , Tsai Hung‐Cheng , Su Yen‐Bo , Huang Shiang‐Fen , Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Hsieh Yun‐Cheng , Li Tzu‐Hao , Tsai Chang‐Youh , Chong Lee‐Won , Ou Shuo‐Ming , Yang Ying‐Ying , Fan Wen‐Chien , Hou Ming‐Chih , Lin Han‐Chieh , Lee Shou‐Dong
Published: May 2017

Aims

Increases in the systemic vasodilator adrenomedullin and the renal vasoconstrictors thromboxane A2 in cirrhotic patients are pathogenic factors for the development of functional acute kidney injury (AKI), including pre‐renal azotemia (PRA) and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), which is associated with high mortality. This study aims to find biomarkers that can diagnose HRS at an early stage, to enable treatment as soon as possible.

Methods

Acute decompensated cirrhotic patients who had been admitted to hospital were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Blood and urinary samples were collected immediately after admission. In addition to initially categorizing AKI cases into PRA, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), and HRS groups, their final diagnosis was adjudicated by a nephrologist and a hepatologist who checked the corrected and misclassification rates for significant biomarkers.

Results

The cut‐off values for serum adrenomedullin and urinary thromboxane B2 (TXB2), when used as predictors for functional AKI (adrenomedullin >283 pg/mL, urinary TXB2>978 [pg/mg urinary creatinine]), for HRS (adrenomedullin >428, urinary TXB2 >1604), and for good terlipressin plus albumin treatment responders (adrenomedullin >490, urinary TXB2 >1863), were observed. Patients with HRS who could be treated, due to high mortality, had significantly higher serum adrenomedullin and urinary TXB2 levels compared to HRS patients receiving standard treatment. In addition to predicting 60‐day mortality, a combination of these two markers further increased diagnostic accuracy for HRS among functional AKI.

Conclusions

Prompt diagnosis of HRS by differentiating it from PRA and ATN can be achieved by using serum adrenomedullin and urinary TXB2 in acute decompensated cirrhotic patients. In combination with severe clinical courses, these two markers are useful to select HRS patients who cannot be treated.
Ultrastructure of cell types within the scolex and cephalic peduncle of the litobothriidean tapeworm, Litobothrium aenigmaticum
Authors: Gallagher Kaitlin , Caira Janine , Cantino Marie
Published: May 2017

Litobothrium aenigmaticum Caira, Jensen, Waeschenbach, & Littlewood 2014 is a cestode species that parasitizes pelagic thresher sharks in Taiwan and the Gulf of California. A previous study using light microscopy suggested the scolex contains four types of unusual tissues, one of which was considered to aid in adhesion of the worm to the mucosa of the spiral intestine. The function of the other tissues was unknown. Also unknown was the function of two laterally paired ducts found extending throughout the length of the worm. The goal of the present study was to use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine the internal anatomy of the scolex and cephalic peduncle of this tapeworm in more detail. Three specimens from Taiwan were examined with TEM and two with light microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the laterally paired ducts were excretory, since they were closely associated with numerous protonephridia. The number of cell types, previously referred to as tissues, in the scolex was expanded to 11 based on a combination of features including cell size, nucleus size, ratio of the maximum diameter of the nucleus to maximum diameter of the whole cell, and types of observed organelles, as well as the presence or absence of cytoplasmic electron‐dense and electron‐lucent vesicles. The cytoplasm of all 11 cell types was found to include electron‐dense vesicles, and all types were periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) positive. This suggests that the electron‐dense vesicles may contain glycoproteins and/or mucoproteins. As all 11 cell types occurred within the region of the scolex that is surrounded by a papilla of host mucosa at the site of tapeworm attachment, we hypothesize that one or more of these cell types may produce a substance that induces this inflammatory reaction. The specific products in the secretory vesicles and how those products are released are still unclear, as are any relationships between or among the cell types in terms of products produced. Further research will be necessary to fully understand the complexity of this organism.
Embryo and early larval stages of the Humboldt Current krill Euphausia mucronata (Crustacea: Euphausiacea)
Authors: Riquelme‐Bugueño Ramiro , Gómez‐Gutiérrez Jaime , Silva‐Aburto Jocelyn , Escribano Rubén , Schneider Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

The Humboldt Current krill, Euphausia mucronata (Crustacea: Euphausiacea), is an endemic and keystone species in the food web of this highly productive eastern border current ecosystem. The morphology and ontogeny of E. mucronata is known from calyptopis I to the adult phase, but the embryonic and early‐life stages (nauplius and metanauplius) of this broadcast spawning species are unknown. We describe the morphology and development time of these life stages to complete the knowledge of its life cycle. Embryos were obtained from purple‐gonad gravid females collected off Dichato, central Chile, during November 2012. Eight gravid females (mean=16 mm total length) were incubated in seawater at 12°C under laboratory conditions. The average development time from single‐cell embryos to the metanauplius stage was 2.2 d and hatching occurred between 20 and 25 h. The average growth rate was 0.35 mm d−1 from the late limb bud to the metanauplius stage (range=0.21–0.48 mm d−1). Embryos of E. mucronata had a mean chorion diameter of 0.460 mm, embryo diameter of 0.343 mm, and perivitelline space of 0.056 mm. Our biological information reported here constitutes a baseline for future ecological studies on distribution and temporal variability of spawning activity and reproductive strategies of E. mucronata in the highly variable and productive Humboldt Current ecosystem.
Effects of optical dopants and laser wavelength on atom probe tomography analyses of borosilicate glasses
Authors: Lu Xiaonan , Schreiber Daniel K. , Neeway James J. , Ryan Joseph V. , Du Jincheng
Published: May 2017

Atom probe tomography (APT) is a novel analytical microscopy method that provides three dimensional elemental mapping with sub‐nanometer spatial resolution and has only recently been applied to insulating glass and ceramic samples. In this paper, we have studied the influence of the optical absorption in glass samples on APT characterization by introducing different transition metal optical dopants to a model borosilicate nuclear waste glass. A systematic comparison is presented of the glass optical properties and the resulting APT data quality in terms of compositional accuracy and the mass spectra quality for two APT systems: one with a green laser (532 nm, LEAP 3000X HR) and one with a UV laser (355 nm, LEAP 4000X HR). These data were also compared to the study of a more complex borosilicate glass (SON68). The results show that the analysis data quality, particularly the compositional accuracy and sample yield, was clearly linked to optical absorption when using a green laser, while for the UV laser optical doping aided in improving data yield but did not have a significant effect on compositional accuracy. Comparisons of data between the LEAP systems suggest that the smaller laser spot size of the LEAP 4000X HR played a more critical role for optimum performance than the optical dopants themselves. The smaller spot size resulted in more accurate composition measurements due to a reduced background level independent of the material's optical properties.
Evaluation of fungal microflora for aflatoxin producing possibility in novel quality Meju fermented with single and/or multiple additions of Nelumbo nucifera, Ginkgo biloba, and Allium sativum extracts
Authors: Shukla Shruti , Park Juyeon , Park Jung Hyun , Kim Min Kyeong , Park Sangje , Dubey Akanksha , Jeon Junhyun , Khang Yongho , Kim Myunghee
Published: May 2017

This study was aimed to evaluate the fungal microflora in Meju samples fermented using single and/or multiple additions of ethanolic extracts from plants, including Nelumbo nucifera leaves, Ginkgo biloba leaves, and Allium sativum cloves, at different concentrations (1 and 10%) and mixtures of these extracts at a 1:1:1 ratio. Fungal species were grouped based on morphological characteristics, and selected fungal strains were identified based on DNA sequence analysis. Aspergillus species were the dominant microflora in Meju samples. A total of 10 fungal strains isolated from the tested Meju products resulted in the identification of five genera, including Agaricaceae, Aspergillus (synonym: Eurotium), Mucor, Penicillium, and Paecilomyces. Further, Meju samples fermented with selected individual and/or multiple ethanolic extracts resulted in the occurence of various fungal strains, including Aspergillus, Mucor, Paecilomyces, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Conversely, Meju samples fermented without ethanolic extracts as a control resulted in the isolation of Aspergillus ruber, which might be capable of producing aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A. The outcome of this study confirms that fermentation of Meju using plant extracts may significantly influence fungal microflora, leading to improved quality of Meju production, because of diminishing effects of the extracts against toxin producing fungal pathogens.

Practical applications

For decades, fermented foods have been used traditionally as health beneficial products in Asian countries including Korea. Contamination of fermented food starter culture, such as soybean‐based Meju, by pathogenic fungi or toxin producing fungi, such as Aspergillus species, has been reported as a severe concern to consumers. Medicinal plants have shown remarkable efficacy to control a number of pathogenic microbes including fungi. In this study, Nelumbo nucifera leaves, Ginkgo biloba leaves, and Allium sativum cloves exhibited significant potential to diminish the growth of toxin producing fungi, suggesting potential application of medicinal plants for the improved quality of Meju production.
Waardenburg syndrome: a rare cause of inherited neuropathy due to SOX10 mutation
Authors: Bogdanova‐Mihaylova Petya , Alexander Michael D. , Murphy Raymond P. J. , Murphy Sinéad M.
Published: May 2017

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare disorder comprising sensorineural deafness and pigmentation abnormalities. Four distinct subtypes are defined based on the presence or absence of additional symptoms. Mutations in six genes have been described in WS. SOX10 mutations are usually associated with a more severe phenotype of WS with peripheral demyelinating neuropathy, central dysmyelinating leukodystrophy, and Hirschsprung disease. Here we report a 32‐year‐old man with a novel heterozygous missense variant in SOX10 gene, who presented with congenital deafness, Hirschsprung disease, iris heterochromia, foot deformity, and intermediate conduction velocity length‐dependent sensorimotor neuropathy. This case highlights that the presence of other non‐neuropathic features in a patient with presumed hereditary neuropathy should alert the clinician to possible atypical rare causes.
DO CRISES INDUCE REFORM? A CRITICAL REVIEW OF CONCEPTION, METHODOLOGY AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE OF THE ‘CRISIS HYPOTHESIS’
Authors: Mahmalat Mounir , Curran Declan
Published: May 2017

The notion that economic crises induce the adoption of reform ranks among the most widely accepted concepts in the political economics literature. However, the underlying mechanism of the so‐called ‘crisis hypothesis’ has yet to be fully understood. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the relevant empirical evidence to date, and scrutinizes the operationalization of the hypothesis’ key concepts: crisis, reform and the political mediation of reform during crises. We argue that the social perception of both crises and the subsequent cost of reform requires consideration of how these concepts are operationalized. As a product of the broader economic and institutional environment, social perceptions largely determine the manner in which the political mediation of reform during crises works. Present‐day methodological approaches fail to adequately reflect social perceptions and consequently compromise the determination of what constitutes both crisis and the cost of reform in the context of the crisis hypothesis. Most notably, the identification of crises by fixed thresholds constructed around macroeconomic variables impedes the interpretation of the hypothesis’ underlying mechanism. A fuller treatment of social perception within the operationalization of the hypothesis’ key concepts can enhance our understanding of how economic crises influence political dynamics in bringing about reform.
The comparative safety of abciximab versus eptifibatide in patients on dialysis undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2)
Authors: Sukul Devraj , Seth Milan , Schreiber Theodore , Hanzel George , Khandelwal Akshay , Cannon Louis A. , Lalonde Thomas A. , Gurm Hitinder S.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the patterns of use and outcomes associated with eptifibatide and abciximab administration among dialysis patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

Contraindicated medications are frequently administered to dialysis patients undergoing PCI often resulting in adverse outcomes. Eptifibatide is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor that is often used during PCI and is contraindicated in dialysis.

Methods

We included dialysis patients who underwent PCI from January 2010 to September 2015 at 47 hospitals in Michigan. We compared outcomes between patients who received eptifibatide compared with abciximab. Both groups required concurrent treatment with unfractionated heparin only. In‐hospital outcomes included repeat PCI, bleeding, major bleeding, need for transfusion, and death. Optimal full matching was used to adjust for non‐random drug administration.

Results

Of 177 963 patients who underwent PCI, 4303 (2.4%) were on dialysis. Among those, 384 (8.9%) received eptifibatide and 100 (2.3%) received abciximab. Prior to matching, patients who received eptifibatide had higher pre‐procedural hemoglobin levels (11.3 g/dL vs. 10.7 g/dL; P < 0.001) and less frequently had a history of myocardial infarction (36.5% vs. 52.0%; P = 0.005). After matching, there were no significant differences in in‐hospital outcomes between eptifibatide and abciximab including transfusion (aOR: 1.15; 95%CI: 0.55‐2.40; P = 0.70), bleeding (1.47; 0.64‐3.40; P = 0.36), major bleeding (4.68; 0.42‐52.3; P = 0.21), repeat PCI (0.38; 0.03‐4.23; P = 0.43), and death (1.53; 0.2‐9.05; P = 0.64).

Conclusions

Despite being contraindicated in dialysis, eptifibatide was used approximately 3.5 times more frequently than abciximab among dialysis patients undergoing PCI but was associated with similar in‐hospital outcomes.
Reward Seeking and Cognitive Control: Using the Dual Systems Model to Predict Adolescent Sexual Behavior
Authors: Wasserman Alexander M. , Crockett Lisa J. , Hoffman Lesa
Published: May 2017

Research has provided support for the dual systems model of adolescent risk taking, but the model has rarely been applied to sexual behavior. Using data from the NICHD SECCYD (N = 958; Mage = 15.07, SD = 0.18), this study examined the effects of cognitive control, reward seeking, and their interaction on sexual behavior. Results of structural equation models revealed that performance on behavioral tasks assessing reward seeking and cognitive control uniquely predicted sexual intercourse, but the interaction between them was not significant. For oral sex, only cognitive control was a significant predictor. The findings provide additional support for the dual systems model, and suggest that reward seeking and cognitive control make unique contributions to adolescent sexual behavior.
Incidence and risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A 7‐year follow‐up study among urban, adult Sri Lankans
Authors: Niriella Madunil A. , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , De Silva Shamila T. , Kasturiratna Anuradhani , Perera Ruwan , Subasinghe Chamila E. , Kodisinghe Kuleesha , Piyaratna Chathura , Rishikesawan Vithiya , Dassanayaka Anuradha S. , De Silva Arjuna P. , Wickramasinghe Rajitha , Takeuchi Fumihiko , Kato Norihiro , de Silva Hithanadura J.
Published: May 2017

Background

This study investigated incidence and risk factors for NAFLD among an adult cohort with 7‐year follow‐up.

Methods

The study population (age‐stratified random sampling, Ragama MOH area) was screened initially in 2007 (aged 35‐64 years) and re‐evaluated in 2014 (aged 42‐71 years). On both occasions assessed by structured interview, anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasound, biochemical and serological tests. NAFLD was diagnosed on ultrasound criteria, safe alcohol consumption and absence of hepatitis B/C markers. Non‐NAFLD controls did not have any ultrasound criteria for NAFLD. An updated case–control genetic association study for 10 selected genetic variants and NAFLD was also performed.

Results

Out of 2985 of the original cohort, 2148 (72.0%) attended follow‐up (1238 [57.6%] women; mean‐age 59.2 [SD‐7.6] years) in 2014, when 1320 (61.5%) were deemed NAFLD subjects. Out of 778 who initially did not have NAFLD and were not heavy drinkers throughout follow‐up, 338 (43.4%) (221 [65.4%] women, mean‐age 57.8 [SD‐8.0] years) had developed NAFLD after 7‐years (annual incidence‐6.2%). Central obesity (OR=3.82 [95%‐CI 2.09‐6.99]), waist increase >5% (OR=2.46 [95%‐CI 1.20‐5.05]) overweight (OR=3.26 [95%‐CI 1.90‐5.60]), weight gain 5%‐10% (OR=5.70 [95%‐CI 2.61‐12.47]), weight gain >10% (OR=16.94 [95%‐CI 6.88‐41.73]), raised plasma triglycerides (OR=1.96 [95%‐CI 1.16‐3.29]) and diabetes (OR=2.14 [95%‐CI 1.13‐4.06]), independently predicted the development of incident NAFLD in multivariate analysis. The updated genetic association study (1362‐cases, 392‐controls) showed replicated association (P=.045, 1‐tailed) with NAFLD at a candidate locus: PNPLA3 (rs738409).

Conclusions

In this community cohort study, the annual incidence of NAFLD was 6.2%. Incident NAFLD was associated with general and central obesity, raised triglycerides and diabetes, and showed a tendency of association with PNPLA3 gene polymorphisms.
Electronic‐based lifestyle interventions in overweight or obese perinatal women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lau Y. , Klainin‐Yobas P. , Htun T. P. , Wong S. N. , Tan K. L. , Ho‐Lim S. T. , Chi C. , Tsai C. , Ong K. W. , Shorey S. , Tam W. S. W.
Published: May 2017

Electronic‐based (e‐based) lifestyle interventions provide potential and cost‐effective delivery of remote interventions for overweight and obese perinatal women. To date, no meta‐analysis has reported the efficacy of maternal and neonatal outcomes. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception up to July 13, 2016, including the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus. Among the 1,145 studies retrieved, 14 randomized controlled trials were selected among 17 publications. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to appraise the quality assessment. The meta‐analyses demonstrated a significant result for limiting gestational weight gain, losing postnatal weight in 1–2 months, increasing self‐reported moderate and vigorous physical activity and reducing caloric intake using diet‐related software. Our review shows that an e‐based lifestyle intervention is an acceptable approach. The findings reveal the variability in intervention methods and provide limited conclusive evidence. Thus, future studies should examine the efficacy and essential components as well as the various approaches using optimal portions of in‐person and phone sessions. Further evaluations comparing the effectiveness of different e‐based lifestyle intervention approaches toward activity‐related and diet‐related outcomes are necessary.
Fiscal regime design elements and relative regime ranking for concessions
Authors: Rao Amit Singh
Published: May 2017

The technological breakthrough in the oil and gas sector has made it possible for the companies to diversify their investment portfolio but it is quite challenging to select a balanced and stable regime to mitigate the country risks associated with investments especially in a volatile price environment. The project economics calculation to evaluate fiscal regime sometimes proves out to be a difficult task for corporate planners to model and make conclusions for investments. It is also a challenge for the government to maximize the revenue from their resources and for the contractor to choose a suitable investment destination. There is a scope in current fiscal analysis literature for a single indicator which can contribute towards the overall comparison of fiscal regimes. This paper will evaluate the design aspects of fiscal terms of a concession regime and will address the generic concern of fiscal regime evaluation through a Relative Fiscal Ranking (The Relative Fiscal Ranking is the evaluation of two or more fiscal regimes benchmarked against the most attractive fiscal regime with desired fiscal terms set/calculated by the investors.) methodology applied on a set of concession regimes. This method will directly establish a unique functionality between the fiscal terms and their attractiveness which will ultimately expose the relative risk associated with fiscal regimes when they are compared against each other. It generates key insights for investment decisions and can help the policy makers and corporate planners to take informed decisions.
Diagnosis and Management of Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease and Renal Tumors in ESRD Patients
Authors: Rahbari‐Oskoui Frederic , O'Neill William Charles
Published: May 2017

The incidence of renal malignancies is markedly increased in end‐stage renal disease and appears to be related to the development of acquired cystic kidney disease. Identification and evaluation of simple cysts, complex cysts, and solid masses in these patients rely on imaging studies, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. While there are no published data to support screening of ESRD patients, this seems appropriate in at least some patients, based on patient characteristics and the presence or absence of acquired cystic kidney disease. The optimal frequency and modality remain to be determined.
Processes in acceptance and commitment therapy and the rehabilitation of chronic fatigue
Authors: Jacobsen Henrik Børsting , Kallestad Håvard , Landrø Nils Inge , Borchgrevink Petter C. , Stiles Tore C.
Published: May 2017

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has never been tested for patients with chronic fatigue. We aimed to test if a 3.5‐week ACT rehabilitation program for patients with chronic fatigue improved quality of life (QoL), fatigue, and psychological flexibility. Further, to test if improvements in QoL and fatigue were associated with improvement in psychological flexibility, and if psychological flexibility explained variance above and beyond maladaptive cognitions typically targeted in CBT for fatigue. Patients (n = 140) who had been on sick leave > 8 weeks due to chronic fatigue received a 3.5‐week non‐controlled inpatient rehabilitation program based on ACT. A physician and a psychologist examined the patients, assessing medication use and SCID‐I diagnoses. Patients completed questionnaires about somatic complaints, psychological complaints, and maladaptive cognitions before and after treatment. At post‐treatment, patients reported improved QoL (p < 0.001; g = 1.07) and less fatigue (p < 0.001; g = 1.08), but not increased psychological flexibility (p = 0.6). Changes in psychological flexibility was associated with improved QoL, but not fatigue, in hierarchical regression analyses. When adjusting for other cognitions, changes in fear‐avoidance cognitions and all‐or‐nothing thoughts, but not psychological flexibility, were associated with improved QoL and fatigue. The ACT‐based treatment improved QoL and reduced fatigue for patients with chronic fatigue with large effect sizes. Improvement was associated with a reduction in fear‐avoidance cognitions and all‐or‐nothing thoughts, but not psychological flexibility.
Preventing recurrent ankle sprains: Is the use of an App more cost‐effective than a printed Booklet? Results of a RCT
Authors: Van Reijen M. , Vriend I. , van Mechelen W. , Verhagen E. A.
Published: May 2017

Recurrent ankle sprains can be reduced by following a neuromuscular training (NMT) program via a printed Booklet or a mobile application. Regarding the high incidence of ankle sprains, cost‐effectiveness regarding implementation can have a large effect on total societal costs. In this economic analysis, we evaluated whether the method of implementing a proven effective NMT program using an App or a Booklet resulted in differences in injury incidence rates leading to costs and hence to differences in cost‐effectiveness. In total, 220 athletes with a previous ankle sprain were recruited for this randomized controlled trial with a follow‐up of 12 months. Half of the athletes used the freely available “Strengthen your ankle” App and the other half received a printed Booklet. After the 8‐week program, athletes were questioned monthly on their recurrent injuries. Primary outcome measures were incidence density of ankle injury and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). During follow‐up, 31 athletes suffered from a recurrent ankle sprain that led to costs resulting in a hazard ratio of 1.13 (95% CI: 0.56‐2.27). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of the App group in comparison with the Booklet group was €361.52. The CE plane shows that there was neither a difference in effects nor in costs between both intervention methods. This study showed that the method of implementing the NMT program using an App or a Booklet led to similar cost‐effectiveness ratios and the same occurrence of recurrent injuries leading to costs. Both the App and the Booklet can be used to prevent recurrent ankle injuries, showing no differences in (cost‐) effectiveness at 12‐month follow‐up.
An error budget for digital soil mapping of cation exchange capacity using proximally sensed electromagnetic induction and remotely sensed γ‐ray spectrometer data
Authors: Huang J. , Bishop T. F. A. , Triantafilis J.
Published: May 2017

The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil is widely used for agricultural assessment as a measure of fertility and an indicator of structural stability; however, its measurement is time‐consuming. Although geostatistical methods have been used, a large number of samples must be collected. Using pedometric methods and incorporating easy‐to‐measure ancillary data into models have improved the efficiency of spatial prediction of soil CEC. However, mapping uncertainty has not been evaluated. In this study, we use an error budget procedure to quantify the relative contributions that model, input and covariate error make to prediction error of a digital map of CEC using gamma‐ray (γ‐ray) spectrometry and apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) data. The error budget uses empirical best linear unbiased prediction (E‐BLUP) and conditional simulation to produce numerous realizations of the data and their underlying errors. Linear mixed models (LMMs) estimated by residual maximum likelihood (REML) are used to create the prediction models. The combined error of model [5.07 cmol(+)/kg] and input error [12.88 cmol(+)/kg] is ~12.93 cmol(+)/kg, which is twice as large as the standard deviation of CEC [6.8 cmol(+)/kg]. The individual covariate errors caused by the γ‐ray [9.64 cmol(+)/kg] and EM error [8.55 cmol(+)/kg] were large. Preprocessing techniques to improve the quality of the γ‐ray data could be considered, whereas the EM error could be reduced by the use of a smaller sampling interval in particular near the edges of the study area and at pedoderm boundaries.
Hard Rules and Bad Memories: College Learners' Accounts of What Makes Learning German Grammar Difficult
Authors: Chavez Monika
Published: May 2017

This questionnaire study analyzed responses of 96 first‐, second‐, third‐, and fourth‐year students of College German to the second part of a two‐part question, namely, (a) what forms of German grammar are particularly difficult, and (b) why so. Response patterns show that word order, adjective endings, the subjunctive, and the gender/number/case complex were found to be particularly challenging. Students' explanations of difficulty predominantly referred to the nature of “rules” (their complexity, number, opacity – or absence, such as in “exceptions”) and the role of memory, especially memorization. Memorization is named as important by learners in all four years of study but becomes less prominent at the higher levels. Further, explanations differed according to the form under discussion. Memorization figured particularly prominently into explanations of why gender/case/number forms are difficult whereas rule complexity was the leading explanation for the challenges of word order and rule opacity for difficulties with the subjunctive. A lack of frequency of occurrence of or meaningful practice with forms featured only marginally. Students' responses imply a mechanistic view of language learning that deviates from both current research and pedagogy.
Efficiency in Second Language Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Schuetze Ulf
Published: May 2017

An ongoing question in second language vocabulary learning is how to optimize the acquisition of words. One approach is the so‐called “spaced repetition technique” that uses intervals to repeat words in a given time frame (Balota et al., ; Leitner, ; Oxford, ; Pimsleur, ; Roediger & Karpicke, ; Schuetze & Weimer‐Stuckmann, 2011). Part of the discussion is on the number of words that can be acquired. Interestingly, within this context a question that has not been explored yet is: Is it more beneficial to increase the number of repetitions (while keeping the number of words constant) or to reduce the number of words (while keeping the number of repetitions constant) in order to improve recall rates? This was the premise of the study carried out with beginning learners of German. Results show that reducing the number of words was not as effective as increasing the number of repetitions, a result that is supported by our understanding of how words are processed in the brain, in particular by the phonological loop (Baddeley, ).