bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal comparison of retention in buprenorphine and methadone treatment for opioid dependence in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Burns Lucy , Gisev Natasa , Larney Sarah , Dobbins Timothy , Gibson Amy , Kimber Jo , Larance Briony , Mattick Richard P. , Butler Tony , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims

To examine characteristics of first‐time methadone and buprenorphine clients and factors associated with risk of leaving first treatment in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Design

Retrospective linkage study of opioid substitution therapy (OST) treatment, court, custody and mortality data.

Setting

NSW, Australia.

Participants

First‐time OST entrants (August 2001–December 2010).

Measurements

Characteristics of clients were examined. Time‐dependent Cox models examined factors associated with the risk of leaving first treatment, with demographic, criminographic and treatment variables jointly considered. Interactions between medication and other variables upon risk of leaving treatment were examined.

Findings

There were 15 600 treatment entrants: 7183 (46%) commenced buprenorphine, 8417 (54%) commenced methadone; the proportion entering buprenorphine increased over time. Those starting buprenorphine switched medications more frequently and had more subsequent treatment episodes. Buprenorphine retention was also poorer. On average, 44% spent 3+ months in treatment compared with 70% of those commencing methadone; however, buprenorphine retention for first‐time entrants improved over time, whereas methadone retention did not. Multivariable Cox models indicated that in addition to sex, age, treatment setting and criminographic variables, the risk of leaving a first treatment episode was greater on any given day for those receiving buprenorphine, and was dependent on the year treatment was initiated. There was no interaction between any demographic variables and medication received, suggesting no clear evidence of any particular groups for whom each medication might be better suited in terms of improving retention.

Conclusions

Although retention rates for buprenorphine treatment have improved in New South Wales, Australia, individuals starting methadone treatment still show higher retention rates.
Adolescents’ exposure to tobacco and alcohol content in YouTube music videos
Authors: Cranwell Jo , Murray Rachael , Lewis Sarah , Leonardi‐Bee Jo , Dockrell Martin , Britton John
Published: December 2014

Aims

To quantify tobacco and alcohol content, including branding, in popular contemporary YouTube music videos; and measure adolescent exposure to such content.

Design

Ten‐second interval content analysis of alcohol, tobacco or electronic cigarette imagery in all UK Top 40 YouTube music videos during a 12‐week period in 2013/14; on‐line national survey of adolescent viewing of the 32 most popular high‐content videos.

Setting

Great Britain.

Participants

A total of 2068 adolescents aged 11–18 years who completed an on‐line survey.

Measurements

Occurrence of alcohol, tobacco and electronic cigarette use, implied use, paraphernalia or branding in music videos and proportions and estimated numbers of adolescents who had watched sampled videos.

Findings

Alcohol imagery appeared in 45% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 33–51%] of all videos, tobacco in 22% (95% CI = 13–27%) and electronic cigarettes in 2% (95% CI = 0–4%). Alcohol branding appeared in 7% (95% CI = 2–11%) of videos, tobacco branding in 4% (95% CI = 0–7%) and electronic cigarettes in 1% (95% CI = 0–3%). The most frequently observed alcohol, tobacco and electronic cigarette brands were, respectively, Absolut Tune, Marlboro and E‐Lites. At least one of the 32 most popular music videos containing alcohol or tobacco content had been seen by 81% (95% CI = 79%, 83%) of adolescents surveyed, and of these 87% (95% CI = 85%, 89%) had re‐watched at least one video. The average number of videos seen was 7.1 (95% CI = 6.8, 7.4). Girls were more likely to watch and also re‐watch the videos than boys, P < 0.001.

Conclusions

Popular YouTube music videos watched by a large number of British adolescents, particularly girls, include significant tobacco and alcohol content, including branding.
Genomic regions influencing coat color saturation and facial markings in Fleckvieh cattle
Authors: Mészáros Gábor , Petautschnig Elisabeth , Schwarzenbacher Hermann , Sölkner Johann
Published: December 2014

Genomic regions associated with coat color and pigmented areas of the head were identified for Fleckvieh (dual‐purpose Simmental), a red‐spotted and white‐headed cattle breed. Coat color was measured with a chromameter, implementing the CIELAB color space and resulting in numerical representation of lightness, color intensity, red/green and blue/yellow color components, rather than subjective classification. Single marker regression analyses with fixed effects of the sex and barn were applied, and significant regions were determined with the local false discovery rate methodology. The PMEL and ERBB3 genes on chromosome 5 were in the most significant region for the color measurements. In addition to the blue/yellow color component and color intensity, the AP3B2 gene on chromosome 21 was identified. Its function was confirmed for similar traits in a range of model species. The KIT gene on chromosome 6 was found to be strongly associated with the inhibition of circum‐ocular pigmentation and pigmented spots on the cheek.
Imputation accuracy is robust to cattle reference genome updates
Authors: Milanesi M. , Vicario D. , Stella A. , Valentini A. , Ajmone‐Marsan P. , Biffani S. , Biscarini F. , Jansen G. , Nicolazzi E. L.
Published: December 2014

Genotype imputation is routinely applied in a large number of cattle breeds. Imputation has become a need due to the large number of SNP arrays with variable density (currently, from 2900 to 777 962 SNPs). Although many authors have studied the effect of different statistical methods on imputation accuracy, the impact of a (likely) change in the reference genome assembly on imputation from lower to higher density has not been determined so far. In this work, 1021 Italian Simmental SNP genotypes were remapped on the three most recent reference genome assemblies. Four imputation methods were used to assess the impact of an update in the reference genome. As expected, the four methods behaved differently, with large differences in terms of accuracy. Updating SNP coordinates on the three tested cattle reference genome assemblies determined only a slight variation on imputation results within method.
Genetic diversity of donkey populations from the putative centers of domestication
Authors: Rosenbom S. , Costa V. , Al‐Araimi N. , Kefena E. , Abdel‐Moneim A. S. , Abdalla M. A. , Bakhiet A. , Beja‐Pereira A.
Published: December 2014

Donkey domestication drastically changed ancient transport systems in Africa and Asia, enabling overland circulation of people and goods and influencing the organization of early cities and pastoral societies. Genetic studies based on mtDNA have pointed to the African wild ass as the most probable ancestor of the domestic donkey, but questions regarding its center of origin remain unanswered. Endeavoring to pinpoint the geographical origin of domestic donkey, we assessed levels and patterns of genetic diversity at 15 microsatellite loci from eight populations, representing its three hypothesized centers of origin: northeast Africa, the Near East and the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, we compared the donkey genotypes with those from their wild relative, the African wild ass (Equus africanus somaliensis) to visualize patterns of differentiation among wild and domestic individuals. Obtained results revealed limited variation in levels of unbiased expected heterozygosity across populations in studied geographic regions (ranging from 0.637 in northeast Africa to 0.679 in the Near East). Both allelic richness (Ar) and private allelic richness presented considerably higher values in northeast Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula. By looking at variation at the country level, for each region, we were able to identify Sudan and Yemen as the countries possessing higher allelic richness and, cumulatively, Yemen also presented higher values for private allelic richness. Our results support previously proposed northeast Africa as a putative center of origin, but the high levels of unique diversity in Yemen opens the possibility of considering this region as yet another center of origin for this species.
Fear and Loathing across Party Lines: New Evidence on Group Polarization
Authors: Iyengar Shanto , Westwood Sean J.
Published: December 2014

When defined in terms of social identity and affect toward copartisans and opposing partisans, the polarization of the American electorate has dramatically increased. We document the scope and consequences of affective polarization of partisans using implicit, explicit, and behavioral indicators. Our evidence demonstrates that hostile feelings for the opposing party are ingrained or automatic in voters' minds, and that affective polarization based on party is just as strong as polarization based on race. We further show that party cues exert powerful effects on nonpolitical judgments and behaviors. Partisans discriminate against opposing partisans, doing so to a degree that exceeds discrimination based on race. We note that the willingness of partisans to display open animus for opposing partisans can be attributed to the absence of norms governing the expression of negative sentiment and that increased partisan affect provides an incentive for elites to engage in confrontation rather than cooperation.
A mutation study of sperm head shape and motility in the mouse: lessons for the clinic
Authors: de Boer P. , de Vries M. , Ramos L.
Published: December 2014

Mouse mutants that show effects on sperm head shape, the sperm tail (flagellum), and motility were analysed in a systematic way. This was achieved by grouping mutations in the following classes: manchette, acrosome, Sertoli cell contact, chromatin remodelling, and mutations involved in complex regulations such as protein (de)phosphorylation and RNA stability, and flagellum/motility mutations. For all mutant phenotypes, flagellum function (motility) was affected. Head shape, including the nucleus, was also affected in spermatozoa of most mouse models, though with considerable variation. For the mutants that were categorized in the flagellum/motility group, generally normal head shapes were found, even when the flagellum did not develop or only poorly so. Most mutants are sterile, an occasional one semi‐sterile. For completeness, the influence of the sex chromosomes on sperm phenotype is included. Functionally, the genes involved can be categorized as regulators of spermiogenesis. When extrapolating these data to human sperm samples, in vivo selection for motility would be the tool for weeding out the products of suboptimal spermiogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. The striking dependency of motility on proper sperm head development is not easy to understand, but likely is of evolutionary benefit. Also, sperm competition after mating can never act against the long‐term multi‐generation interest of genetic integrity. Hence, it is plausible to suggest that short‐term haplophase fitness i.e., motility, is developmentally integrated with proper nucleus maturation, including genetic integrity to protect multi‐generation fitness. We hypothesize that, when the prime defect is in flagellum formation, apparently a feedback loop was not necessary as head morphogenesis in these mutants is mostly normal. Extrapolating to human‐assisted reproductive techniques practice, this analysis would supply the arguments for the development of tools to select for motility as a continuous (non‐discrete) parameter.
Embodying Tahrir: bodies and geopolitics in the 2011 Egyptian uprising
Authors: Swanson Nathan W
Published: December 2014

The 2011 Egyptian uprising, which brought an end to Hosni Mubarak's 30‐year presidency, focused attention around the world on Cairo's Tahrir (‘Liberation’) Square. This became a focal point both for demonstrators and the Mubarak regime (not to mention media and commentators worldwide), and the ‘vital signs’ of both the uprising and the regime were frequently read through the events taking place in Tahrir at any given moment. Three years later, any ‘revolution’ remains far from complete, but I suggest that the occupation of Tahrir during 18 days of January and February 2011 can teach us a great deal about the revolutionary potential of the body and the importance of public space in producing new social and political structures through embodied practices. Feminist geographers have illustrated how geopolitical conflicts at the national and international levels create crises for bodies on the ground, and in the context of the Egyptian Uprising, anti‐regime protestors indeed faced manifestations of the same violence on which the regime long rested its security, embodied by security forces and their instruments of inflicting harm and limiting mobility. At the same time, however, we can see in Tahrir the body's potential for creating crises for the state. In this article, I examine the ways in which the body, and groups of bodies, resisted the Mubarak regime and produced Tahrir as a revolutionary space, relying on media accounts, including media live‐blogs that incorporated protestors' reports from the square, and a ‘how‐to‐revolt’ guide circulated by activists.
Contribution of rivaroxaban to the international normalized ratio when switching to warfarin for anticoagulation as determined by simulation studies
Authors: Siegmund Hans‐Ulrich , Burghaus Rolf , Kubitza Dagmar , Coboeken Katrin
Published: December 2014

Aim

This study evaluated the influence of rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily on international normalized ratio (INR) during the co‐administration period when switching from rivaroxaban to warfarin.

Methods

We developed a calibrated coagulation model that was qualified with phase I clinical data. Prothrombin time and INR values were simulated by use of phospholipid concentrations that matched Neoplastin Plus® and Innovin® reagents. To simulate the combined effects of rivaroxaban and warfarin on INR during switching, warfarin initiation was simulated by adjusting the magnitude of the warfarin effect to reach the desired target INRs over the course of 21 days. The warfarin effect values (obtained every 6 h) and the desired rivaroxaban plasma concentrations were used. Nomograms were generated from rivaroxaban induced increases in INR.

Results

The simulation had good prediction quality. Rivaroxaban induced increases in the total INR from the warfarin attributed INR were seen, which increased with rivaroxaban plasma concentration. When the warfarin only INR was 2.0–3.0, the INR contribution of rivaroxaban with Neoplastin Plus® was 0.5–1.2, decreasing to 0.3–0.6 with Innovin® at median trough rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (38 μg l−1).

Conclusions

The data indicate that measuring warfarin induced changes in INR are best performed at trough rivaroxaban concentrations (24 h after rivaroxaban dosing) during the co‐administration period when switching from rivaroxaban to warfarin. Furthermore, Innovin® is preferable to Neoplastin Plus® because of its substantially lower sensitivity to rivaroxaban, thereby reducing the influence of rivaroxaban on the measured INR.
How reliable are case formulations? A systematic literature review
Authors: Flinn Lucinda , Braham Louise , das Nair Roshan
Published: December 2014

Objectives

This systematic literature review investigated the inter‐rater and test–retest reliability of case formulations. We considered the reliability of case formulations across a range of theoretical modalities and the general quality of the primary research studies.

Methods

A systematic search of five electronic databases was conducted in addition to reference list trawling to find studies that assessed the reliability of case formulation. This yielded 18 studies for review. A methodological quality assessment tool was developed to assess the quality of studies, which informed interpretation of the findings.

Results

Results indicated inter‐rater reliability mainly ranging from slight (.1–.4) to substantial (.81–1.0). Some studies highlighted that training and increased experience led to higher levels of agreement. In general, psychodynamic formulations appeared to generate somewhat increased levels of reliability than cognitive or behavioural formulations; however, these studies also included methods that may have served to inflate reliability, for example, pooling the scores of judges. Only one study investigated the test–retest reliability of case formulations yielding support for the stability of formulations over a 3‐month period.

Conclusions

Reliability of case formulations is varied across a range of theoretical modalities, but can be improved; however, further research is required to strengthen our conclusions.

Practitioner points

Clinical implications

The findings from the review evidence some support for case formulation being congruent with the scientist‐practitioner approach.

The reliability of case formulation is likely to be improved through training and clinical experience.

Limitations

The broad inclusion criteria may have introduced heterogeneity into the sample, which may have affected the results.

Studies reviewed were limited to peer‐reviewed journal articles written in the English language, which may represent a source of publication and selection bias.
MicroRNAs as a potential tool in the differential diagnosis of thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei Wei‐Jun , Shen Chen‐Tian , Song Hong‐Jun , Qiu Zhong‐Ling , Luo Quan‐Yong
Published: December 2014

Objective

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, and its incidence has been increasing over the last 30 years. Several studies have suggested that miRNAs may play a significant role in the differential diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid nodules. To systematically evaluate the utility of miRNAs in discriminating malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones on fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published literatures were carried out.

Patients and Design

Three hundred and sixty‐one samples, obtained from 341 patients, were included in the research, and summary sensitivities (SEN), specificities (SPE), positive likelihood ratios, negative likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated. Then, summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROCs) and areas under the SROC curves (AUCs) were calculated to further estimate the overall diagnostic value of miRNAs in thyroid cancer.

Results

The overall pooled SEN, SPE and AUC are 0·75, 0·81 and 0·89, respectively. For multiple miRNAs assays, the pooled SEN, SPE and AUC are 0·87, 0·75 and 0·68, respectively. For single miRNA assays, the corresponding results are 0·71, 0·84 and 0·87, respectively. The corresponding statistical results for differentiating indeterminate FNAB samples are 0·92, 0·68 and 0·86, respectively.

Conclusion

Our current meta‐analysis suggests that miRNAs may serve as a novel diagnostic tool in distinguishing malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones on FNAB specimens. In addition, subgroup analysis suggests that a panel of miRNAs may have a higher sensitivity but a relatively lower specificity than that of single miRNA in distinguishing thyroid nodules.
Micro‐invasive suture trabeculotomy after canaloplasty: preliminary results
Authors: Voykov Bogomil , Szurman Peter , Dimopoulos Spyridon , Ziemssen Focke , Alnahrawy Omar
Published: December 2014

Background

In this study, a conjunctival‐sparing ab interno approach for circumferential trabeculotomy, termed micro‐invasive suture trabeculotomy (MIST) and its preliminary results are presented.

Design

Retrospective case‐series in a university setting.

Participants

A total of 31 patients with open‐angle glaucoma with history of canaloplasty.

Methods

A conjunctival‐sparing ab interno approach for circumferential trabeculotomy, termed MIST.

Main Outcome Measures

Mean decrease of intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of pressure‐lowering medications.

Results

Mean decrease of IOP was 11.1 mmHg (standard deviation [SD], 9.9 mmHg) at 6 months, 12.1 mmHg (SD, 10.5 mmHg) at 12 months and 13.5 mmHg (SD, 11.4 mmHg) at 24 months. The average percent lowering of IOP was 36.7% (SD, 32.8%) at 6 months, 41.4% (SD, 35.9%) at 12 months and 44.6% (SD, 37.7%) at 24 months. The number of pressure‐lowering medications decreased by 1.1 (SD, 1.3) at month 6, by 1.2 (SD, 1.5) at month 12, and by 1.3 (SD, 1.6) at month 24.

Conclusions

MIST is a promising approach for the treatment of open‐angle glaucoma, which is insufficiently controlled with canaloplasty. The procedure achieved significant and sustained lowering of the intraocular pressure and demonstrated an excellent safety profile. The main advantages of the procedure are: easy to learn, fast to perform, and sparing of the conjunctiva for further filtration surgery, if necessary.
A founder EIF2AK4 mutation causes an aggressive form of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Iberian Gypsies
Authors: Tenorio J. , Navas P. , Barrios E. , Fernández L. , Nevado J. , Quezada C.A. , López‐Meseguer M. , Arias P. , Mena R. , Lobo J.L. , Alvarez C. , Heath K. , Escribano‐Subías P. , Lapunzina P.
Published: December 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pathological condition characterized by a persistent and progressive elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance with devastating consequences if untreated. In the past recent years, several genes have been related to PAH, however, the molecular defect remains unknown in a significant proportion of patients with familial PAH (∼20%). During the past few years, we have observed that PAH shows a particular behavior in Iberian Gypsies, with more aggressive course and frequently affecting multiple members of the same family. We studied five Gypsy families in whom at least one individual from each family developed a severe form of PAH and in whom no mutation had been identified in the common genes. We applied SNP‐array‐based homozygosity mapping in three families and obtained, among others, one of which included the gene EIF2AK4, recently reported in patients with PAH from group‐1' pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease (PVOD) and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH). Subsequently, we sequenced EIF2AK4 and found a homozygous mutation in all five families: c.3344C>T(p.P1115L). The majority of our patients required early lung transplantation. Hence, this mutation appeared with a more severe phenotype than previously reported for other EIF2AK4 mutations. The finding of this novel mutation is important for genetic counseling and calculation of population recurrence risks.
Post‐tonsillectomy haemorrhage rates are related to technique for dissection and for haemostasis. An analysis of 15734 patients in the National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden
Authors: Söderman A.‐C. Hessén , Odhagen E. , Ericsson E. , Hemlin C. , Hultcrantz E. , Sunnergren O. , Stalfors J.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To analyse post‐tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) rates related to technique for dissection and haemostasis.

Study Design

Register study from the National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden (NTSRS).

Methods

All patients, subjected to tonsillectomy (TE) without adenoidectomy from 1 March 2009 to 26 April 2013, were included in the study. The surgeon reports data about technique and early PTH, while late PTH is reported by the patient in a questionnaire 30 days after surgery.

Results

15734 patients with complete data concerning technique for dissection and for haemostasis were identified in the NTSRS. Techniques used were cold steel dissection with uni‐ or bipolar diathermy haemostasis (65.3%), diathermy scissors (15.7%), coblation (9.1%), cold steel dissection with cold haemostasis (7.4%) and ultrascision (2.5%). Early and late PTH were reported in 3.2% and 9.4% of the cases, respectively, and return to theatre (RTT) in 2.7%. The rates for PTH and RTT related to technique were analysed. Compared with cold dissection+ cold haemostasis, late PTH rate was 2.8 times higher after cold dissection + hot haemostasis, 3.2 times higher after coblation, 4.3 times higher after diathermy scissors and 5.6 times higher after ultrascision. The risk for RTT was higher for all hot techniques except for coblation, while ultrascision resulted in a lower risk for early PTH.

Conclusions

All hot techniques resulted in a higher risk for late PTH compared with cold steel dissection +cold haemostasis. The risk for RTT was higher for all hot techniques except for coblation, while ultrascision resulted in a lower risk for early PTH. An early PTH was associated with an increased risk for late PTH.
Is it reasonable to use 1 and 8 kHz anchor points in the medico‐legal diagnosis and estimation of noise‐induced hearing loss?
Authors: Ali S. , Morgan M. , Ali U.I.
Published: December 2014

Background

In the United Kingdom, use of 1 and 8 kHz as anchor point frequencies has been recommended for the medico‐legal diagnosis and estimation of noise‐induced hearing loss. There appear to be four assumptions behind the use of 1 and 8 kHz anchor point approach: (i) The frequencies of 1 and 8 kHz are not damaged by noise; therefore, the measured hearing thresholds at the said frequencies solely reflect age‐related hearing loss, even in the noise‐exposed; (ii) The hearing thresholds at 1 and 8 kHz are a valid predictor of the likely age‐related hearing loss thresholds at the other frequencies; (iii) Age and noise damage are always completely additive; (iv) Individual's susceptibility to age and noise damage is not proportionate. Doubts have been expressed in the medical circles about the legitimacy and validity of their use as anchor points.

Objective of review

Is it reasonable to use 1 and 8 kHz anchor points in the medico‐legal diagnosis and estimation of noise‐induced hearing loss?

Type of review

Medico‐legal.

Search strategy

Literature search; Medline, Embase, Internet, and medico‐legal records.

Evaluation method

Equating and comparing the assumptions in the anchor point approach with the information in medical literature.

Results

Based upon the information in medical literature, technical reports, and professional statements, the assumptions behind the use of anchor point approach cannot be reliably substantiated.

Conclusions

‘Carte Blanche’ use of 1 and 8 kHz anchor points is probably unreasonable and may well be unsafe in the medico‐legal diagnosis and estimation of noise‐induced hearing loss.
Methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone are widely used in paint: a multicentre study of paints from five European countries
Authors: Schwensen Jakob F. , Lundov Michael D. , Bossi Rossana , Banerjee Piu , Gimenez‐Arnau Elena , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Lidén Carola , Uter Wolfgang , Yazar Kerem , White Ian R. , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: December 2014

Background

In view of the current epidemic of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone (MI), it is important to clarify the extent of use of MI and related isothiazolinones in paints currently available for the consumer and worker in Europe.

Objectives

To elucidate the use and concentrations of MI, methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and benzisothiazolinone (BIT) in paints on the European retail market.

Methods

Wall paints (n = 71) were randomly purchased in retail outlets in five European countries. The paints were quantitatively analysed for their contents of MI, MCI and BIT by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

MI was found in 93.0% (n = 66) of the paints, with concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 180.9 ppm, MCI in 23.9% (n = 17), ranging from 0.26 to 11.4 ppm, and BIT in 95.8% (n = 68), ranging from 0.1 to 462.5 ppm. High concentrations of MI were found in paints from all five countries. Paints purchased in Denmark and Sweden contained especially high concentrations of BIT.

Conclusion

The use of MI across European countries is extensive. In view of the ongoing epidemic of MI contact allergy, an evaluation of the safety of MI in paints is needed.
Accounting for spatially biased sampling effort in presence‐only species distribution modelling
Authors: Stolar Jessica , Nielsen Scott E.
Published: December 2014

Aim

Presence‐only datasets represent an important source of information on species' distributions. Collections of presence‐only data, however, are often spatially biased, particularly along roads and near urban populations. These biases can lead to inaccurate inferences and predicted distributions. We demonstrate a new approach of accounting for effort bias in presence‐only data by explicitly incorporating sample biases in species distribution modelling.

Location

Alberta, Canada.

Methods

First, we used logistic regression to model sampling effort of recorded rare vascular plants, bryophytes and butterflies in Alberta. Second, we simulated presence/absence data for nine ‘virtual’ species based on three relative occurrence thresholds – common, rare and very rare – for each taxonomic group. We sampled these virtual species using our bias model to represent typical sampling effort characteristic of presence‐only datasets. We then modelled the distributions of these virtual species using logistic regression and attempted to recover their original simulated distributions using a sample weighting term (prior weight) estimated as the inverse of probability of sampling. Bias‐adjusted model estimates were compared to those obtained from random samples and biased samples without adjustment. We also compared prior‐weight adjustment to bias‐file and target‐group background approaches in Maxent.

Results

Sample weighting recovered regression coefficients and mapped predictions estimated from unbiased presence‐only data and improved model predictive accuracy as evaluated by regression and correlation coefficients, sensitivity and specificity. Similar model improvements were achieved using the Maxent bias‐file method, but results were inconsistent for the target‐group background approach.

Main conclusions

These results suggest that sample weighting can be used to account for spatially biased presence‐only datasets in species distribution modelling. The framework presented is potentially widely applicable due to availability of online biodiversity databases and the flexibility of the approach.
Hungry for Justice: Social Mobilization on the Right to Food in India
Authors: Hertel Shareen
Published: December 2014

This article explores the potential and limits of contemporary economic rights‐based social activism by analysing an ongoing ‘Right to Food Campaign’ in India. While social movement theory often positions radical and reform strategies as alternatives, the RTF campaign has adopted a hybrid strategy: it has made a radical legal demand that the right to food be recognized as intrinsic to the right to life, while seeking implementation of this right through reform of existing government feeding programmes. The campaign's dual strategy reflects two distinct logics of human rights: a logic of non‐derogable rights that are immediately actionable (such as the right to life) and a logic of progressive implementation of rights that can only be realized fully over time (such as economic rights). This article draws on original data to demonstrate that the campaign's radical legal demands framed around the non‐derogable right to life have come closer to fulfilment than its reformist demands around progressive implementation. The RTF campaign's relative success in galvanizing legal action on hunger is tempered by ongoing challenges in sustaining grassroots‐level mobilization and influencing public policy implementation.
Arterial pre‐hypertension and hypertension in intracranial versus extracranial cerebrovascular stenosis
Authors: Wang D. , Zhou Y. , Guo Y. , Wang C. , Wang A. , Jin Z. , Gao X. , Wu S. , Zhao X. , Jonas J. B.
Published: December 2014

Background and purpose

Since it has remained unclear whether arterial pre‐hypertension is a risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, potential associations between arterial pre‐hypertension and intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) and extracranial arterial stenosis (ECAS) were assessed.

Methods

The population‐based Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities in Community Study was a sub‐study of employees and retirees of the coal mining industry in China. Our study examined asymptomatic polyvascular abnormalities in a general population and with an age of 40+ years without history of stroke, transient ischaemic attacks and coronary heart disease. ICAS was diagnosed by transcranial Doppler sonography and was defined by peak flow velocity criteria; ECAS was diagnosed by carotid duplex sonography and was defined by the diameter of the common carotid artery or internal carotid artery.

Results

Out of 4422 study participants, 711 (16.1%) subjects showed an asymptomatic ICAS and 292 (6.6%) showed an asymptomatic ECAS. After adjusting for relevant risk factors, higher prevalence of ICAS was significantly associated with higher prevalence of pre‐hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 2.16; P = 0.010] and hypertension (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.53, 2.11; P < 0.001). Stratified by gender, the association was stronger for men than for women. Asymptomatic ECAS was not significantly associated with the prevalence of pre‐hypertension (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.55, 1.10) or of hypertension (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.91, 1.24).

Conclusions

The results suggest that arterial pre‐hypertension in addition to hypertension is associated with a higher prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS, more in men.
Beyond climate: disturbance niche shifts in invasive species
Authors: González‐Moreno Pablo , Diez Jeffrey M. , Richardson David M. , Vilà Montserrat
Published: December 2014

Aim

Analysing how species niches shift between native and introduced ranges is a powerful tool for understanding the determinants of species distributions and for anticipating range expansions by invasive species. Most studies only consider the climatic niche, by correlating widely available presence‐only data with regional climate. However, habitat characteristics and disturbance also shape species niches, thereby potentially confounding shifts attributed only to differences in climate. Here we used presence and abundance data for Oxalis pes‐caprae, a species native to South Africa and invading areas globally, to understand how niche shifts may be influenced by disturbance at habitat and landscape scales in addition to climate.

Locality

Mediterranean climate areas world‐wide.

Methods

We used available presence‐only data and also conducted extensive surveys of the abundance of Oxalis (c. 11,000 plots) across different habitats in South Africa and in the introduced range in the Mediterranean Basin. We extended principal component analysis methods for measuring niche shifts by using Bayesian generalized linear models to identify climatic and disturbance niche shifts.

Results

We found a large climatic niche expansion towards stronger seasonality and lower temperature in the introduced range, but this expansion was greatly reduced when considering only conditions available in both ranges. Oxalis occupied more natural landscapes in the native range that remained unoccupied in the introduced range (‘niche unfilling’). In contrast to the similar abundances in natural and disturbed habitats in its native range, Oxalis was more abundant in disturbed habitats in the introduced range.

Conclusions

The large climatic niche expansion most likely reflects significant plasticity of Oxalis rather than rapid evolution. Furthermore, the unfilling of its disturbance niche in the introduced range suggests high potential for further invasion of natural areas. Together, these findings suggest that the potential for future spread of invasive species may be underestimated by approaches that characterize species niches based only on climate or partial information about their distributions.
Equitable access to developmental surveillance and early intervention – understanding the barriers for children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
Authors: Woolfenden Susan , Posada Natalie , Krchnakova Renata , Crawford Jill , Gilbert John , Jursik Bronwynn , Sarkozy Vanessa , Perkins Deborah , Kemp Lynn
Published: December 2014

Background and objective

Children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are at risk of having developmental problems go undetected prior to starting school, and missing out on early intervention. Our aim was to explore the family and service characteristics, beliefs and experiences that influence the journey of families from CALD backgrounds in accessing developmental surveillance (DS) and early intervention services in south‐eastern Sydney, Australia.

Design, setting and participants

This qualitative study used in‐depth interviews conducted with 13 parents from CALD backgrounds and 27 health and early childhood professionals in Sydney. The Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Service Use (BM) was the underlying theoretical framework for thematic analysis.

Results and discussion

Family and service knowledge about early childhood development (ECD), community attitudes, social isolation and English language proficiency were dominant themes that impacted on the probability of families accessing services in the first place. Those that impeded or facilitated access were resources, extended family and social support, information availability, competing needs, complex service pathways and community engagement. There were variable practices of early detection through DS. Children from CALD backgrounds with developmental problems were perceived to miss out on DS and early intervention despite language delay being a key issue identified by participants.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of increased community and family awareness and professional training in ECD; better coordination of health and early childhood services, with simpler referral pathways to early intervention to prevent children from CALD backgrounds ‘slipping through the net’.
Expression of transforming growth factor‐β after different non‐invasive facial rejuvenation modalities
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , El‐Ammawi Tarek S. , Medhat Walid , Moawad Osama , Mahoney Mỹ G. , Uitto Jouni
Published: December 2014

Background

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a major regulator of the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in human skin as it stimulates fibroblast proliferation and collagen production. Perturbed TGF‐β expression may play a key role in the pathogenesis of skin aging.

Objectives

This study was conducted to objectively evaluate the effects of different modalities of non‐invasive facial rejuvenation on TGF‐β expression and to correlate its level with that of newly synthesized collagen.

Methods

A total of 36 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were divided into six groups. Each group of six patients was subjected to a different non‐invasive modality for the treatment of skin aging, including radiofrequency (RF), Nd:YAG 1320‐nm laser and Er:YAG 2940‐nm laser mini‐peels, intense pulsed light (IPL), mesotherapy injection, and electro‐optical synergy (ELOS). Skin biopsies were obtained before treatment, at the end of treatment, and at three months post‐treatment. In addition, biopsies were obtained from 30 control subjects. Levels of TGF‐β were quantitatively evaluated using computerized image analysis of immunostained sections.

Results

The expression of TGF‐β was statistically significantly increased (P < 0.05) at the end of Nd:YAG 1320‐nm and Er:YAG 2940‐nm mini‐peel treatments compared with baseline levels, and at three months post‐treatment with RF and ELOS compared with pretreatment and end‐of‐treatment levels. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in TGF‐β level in response to IPL or mesotherapy treatments in comparison with baseline. The level of TGF‐β was positively correlated (P < 0.05) to that of newly synthesized collagen at the end of Nd:YAG 1320‐nm laser and Er:YAG 2940‐nm laser mini‐peels, as well as at three months after RF and ELOS treatments.

Conclusions

Radiofrequency, ELOS, and Nd:YAG 1320‐nm laser and Er:YAG 2940‐nm laser mini‐peels resulted in an increase in TGF‐β expression, which may mediate the effects of these modalities in enhancing dermal collagen expression through the activation of fibroblasts and thereby reverse the photoaging of skin.
Panatrophy of Gowers is a rare disease: case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Paliwal Vijay Kumar , Bhargawa Puneet , Gupta Rahul , Saran Jitendra , Mathur Deepak K.
Published: December 2014

Background

Panatrophy of Gowers (PG) is a very rare disorder. It is characterized by a sharply defined and localized area of atrophy involving subcutaneous tissue and, on rare occasions, bone. The etiopathogenesis of this disorder is an enigma. A limited number of patients have been described in single case reports.

Objectives

This article describes the clinical features and histopathological findings of PG with the aim of indicating that PG may not be as rare as it is assumed to be.

Methods

We studied patients with lesions resembling those of PG between the years 2007 and 2012. Diagnoses of PG were based on clinical and histopathological findings.

Results

Four female and three male patients presented with clinically and histologically identical lesions.

Conclusions

This disorder is not as rare as it is assumed to be, probably because it is misdiagnosed as post‐steroid atrophy; thus PG requires more attention. Seven patients with PG are reported here to counteract the supposed rarity of this disorder and to highlight findings of hypopigmentation mimicking steroid‐induced atrophy.
Total body photography for skin cancer screening
Authors: Dengel Lynn T. , Petroni Gina R. , Judge Joshua , Chen David , Acton Scott T. , Schroen Anneke T. , Slingluff Craig L.
Published: December 2014

Background

Total body photography may aid in melanoma screening but is not widely applied due to time and cost. We hypothesized that a near‐simultaneous automated skin photo‐acquisition system would be acceptable to patients and could rapidly obtain total body images that enable visualization of pigmented skin lesions.

Methods

From February to May 2009, a study of 20 volunteers was performed at the University of Virginia to test a prototype 16‐camera imaging booth built by the research team and to guide development of special purpose software. For each participant, images were obtained before and after marking 10 lesions (five “easy” and five “difficult”), and images were evaluated to estimate visualization rates. Imaging logistical challenges were scored by the operator, and participant opinion was assessed by questionnaire.

Results

Average time for image capture was three minutes (range 2–5). All 55 “easy” lesions were visualized (sensitivity 100%, 90% CI 95–100%), and 54/55 “difficult” lesions were visualized (sensitivity 98%, 90% CI 92–100%). Operators and patients graded the imaging process favorably, with challenges identified regarding lighting and positioning.

Conclusions

Rapid‐acquisition automated skin photography is feasible with a low‐cost system, with excellent lesion visualization and participant acceptance. These data provide a basis for employing this method in clinical melanoma screening.
Long pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment for wrinkle reduction and skin laxity: evaluation of new parameters
Authors: Hong Jong Soo , Park Song Youn , Seo Kyle K. , Goo Boncheol L. , Hwang Eun Jung , Park Gyeong Yul , Eun Hee Chul
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Among non‐ablative devices for wrinkle reduction and skin laxity, long pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (LPND) has considerable effectiveness. It can penetrate to deep dermis due to its longer wavelength. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of LPND applying new parameters for skin rejuvenation in Korean subjects.

Methods

A prospective randomized split‐faced study was done (n = 20). Half of the face was treated with three passes of LPND at a spot size of 12 mm, 20–24 J/cm2 fluence, 12 ms width, and frequency of 2 Hz, for three sessions, every four weeks. Outcomes were measured by wrinkle evaluation of blinded investigators, subjects' self‐assessment, objective measurements of elasticity, and skin biopsy.

Results

Four weeks after the final treatment sessions, the average wrinkle grades of the treated side were reduced by 45.1%. Skin elasticity was significantly increased. The increment of collagen and elastic fiber in papillary dermis was confirmed histologically. No adverse reaction was reported. Pain on the treated side was mild without needing anesthesia.

Discussion

The authors studied new parameters for LPND for improvement of wrinkles and skin laxity with fewer treatment sessions without serious complications. Histologic findings corresponded to clinical improvement.

Conclusion

New parameters of LPND can achieve wrinkle improvement with few side effects.
Immune‐mediated diseases: what can be found in the oral cavity?
Authors: Bascones‐Martínez Antonio , García‐García Virginia , Meurman Jukka H. , Requena‐Caballero Luis
Published: December 2014

Immune‐mediated diseases frequently affect oral mucosa, which may often be the first site of clinical manifestation. In this review, we describe the most important oral lesions related to inflammatory disorders and present their management and novel therapies. The review is based on an open PubMed literature search from 1980 to 2012 with relevant keywords. Pemphigus vulgaris, oral lichen planus, cicatricial pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, and linear IgA dermatosis are the immune‐mediated diseases with oral manifestations discussed. Etiology is unknown in most of these diseases, but recently some of them have been found to share common genes. Modern treatment of these diseases is based on drugs that interfere along the pathogenic mechanisms instead of the still commonly used palliative measures. However, the immunomodulatory drugs may also cause oral side effects, complicating the clinical picture. Therefore, consulting dental or oral medicine specialists can be necessary in some cases with various immune‐mediated diseases.
Expression, purification and characterization of an atypical 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin from the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhang L. , Lu Z.
Published: December 2014

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) play important roles in protecting organisms against damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we cloned a cDNA of Bombyx mori peroxiredoxin 5 (BmPrx5), which contained a 565‐bp open reading frame for a 188‐residue protein. Sequence analysis indicated that BmPrx5 belongs to the atypical 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin family. Recombinant BmPrx5 purified from Escherichia coli showed antioxidant activity that removes H2O2 and protects DNA from oxidative damage. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that the level of BmPrx5 mRNA in haemocytes increased early and decreased by 24 h after injection of H2O2 whereas, in the fat body, the transcript level decreased at 6 h and increased at 12 h. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus infection resulted in higher levels of H2O2 in the haemolymph and of BmPrx5 mRNA in haemocytes at 8 h postinfection. These data suggest that BmPrx5 acts as an antioxidant enzyme to protect the silkworm from oxidative damage induced by bacterial infection. Further study is needed to elucidate the exact role of BmPrx5 in the silkworm immune system.