bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeat Neuroimaging of Mild Traumatic Brain‐injured Patients With Acute Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage: Clinical Outcomes and Radiographic Features
Authors: Kreitzer Natalie , Lyons Michael S. , Hart Kim , Lindsell Cristopher J. , Chung Sora , Yick Andrew , Bonomo Jordan
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Emergency department (ED) management of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with any form of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is variable. Since 2000, our center's standard practice has been to obtain a repeat head computed tomography (CT) at least 6 hours after initial imaging. Patients are eligible for discharge if clinical and CT findings are stable. Whether this practice is safe is unknown. This study characterized clinical outcomes in mild TBI patients with acute traumatic ICH seen on initial ED neuroimaging.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients presenting to the ED with blunt mild TBI with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 14 or 15 and stable vital signs, during the period from January 2001 to January 2010. Patients with any ICH on initial head CT and repeat head CT within 24 hours were eligible. Cases were excluded for initial GCS < 14, injury > 24 hours old, pregnancy, concomitant nonminor injuries, and coagulopathy. A single investigator abstracted data from records using a standardized case report form and data dictionary. Primary endpoints included death, neurosurgical procedures, and for discharged patients, return to the ED within 7 days. Differences in proportions were computed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Of 1,011 patients who presented to the ED and had two head CTs within 24 hours, 323 (32%) met inclusion criteria. The median time between CT scans was 6 hours (interquartile range = 5 to 7 hours). A total of 153 (47%) patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage, 132 (41%) patients had subdural hemorrhage, 11 (3%) patients had epidural hemorrhage, 78 (24%) patients had cerebral contusions, and 59 (18%) patients had intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Four of 323 (1.2%, 95% CI = 0.3% to 3.2%) patients died within 2 weeks of injury. Three of the patients who died had been admitted from the ED on their initial visits, and one had been discharged home. There were 206 patients (64%) discharged from the ED, 28 (13.6%) of whom returned to the ED within 1 week. Of the 92 who were hospitalized, three (0.9%, 95% CI = 0.2% to 2.7%) required neurosurgical intervention.

Conclusion

Discharge after a repeat head CT and brief period of observation in the ED allowed early discharge of a cohort of mild TBI patients with traumatic ICH without delayed adverse outcomes. Whether this justifies the cost and radiation exposure involved with this pattern of practice requires further study.
Increases in Emergency Department Occupancy Are Associated With Adverse 30‐day Outcomes
Authors: McCusker Jane , Vadeboncoeur Alain , Lévesque Jean‐Frédéric , Ciampi Antonio , Belzile Eric
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The associations between emergency department (ED) crowding and patient outcomes have not been investigated comprehensively in different types of ED. The study objective was to examine the associations of changes over time in ED occupancy with patient outcomes in a sample of EDs that vary by size and location. A secondary objective was to explore whether the relationship between ED occupancy and patient outcomes differed by ED characteristics (size/type and medical and nursing staffing ratios).

Methods

Using linked administrative databases, the authors constructed a cohort of 677,475 patients who visited one of 42 hospital EDs with complete data for 2005 on ED bed and waiting room occupancy. Crowding was measured with the relative occupancy ratio separately for ED bed and waiting room patients, defined as the ratio of ED occupancy on the day of the index ED visit to the average annual occupancy at that same ED. Multivariable logistic regression (adjusting for patient and ED characteristics) was used to analyze 30‐day outcomes: mortality, return ED visits, and hospital admission at the first return ED visit.

Results

After adjustment for ED and patient characteristics, a 10% increase in ED bed relative occupancy ratio was associated with 3% increases in death and hospital admission at a return visit. A 10% increase in ED waiting room crowding was associated with a small decrease in return visits. There was a stronger association between bed crowding and mortality among larger EDs.

Conclusions

In Quebec EDs, increases in bed occupancy are associated with an increase in the rates of 30‐day adverse outcomes, even after adjustment for patient and ED characteristics. The results raise important concerns about the quality of care during periods of ED crowding.
Practical and Ethical Considerations for Using Social Media in Community Consultation and Public Disclosure Activities
Authors: Galbraith Kyle L.
Published: October 2014

Social media are becoming increasingly integrated into both the clinical and the research dimensions of emergency medicine. They can provide methods for sharing crucial information to targeted individuals or groups in a rapid fashion. As a result, investigators conducting emergency research under the exception from prospective informed consent requirements are beginning to turn to social media platforms as they engage in required community consultation and public disclosure activities before their research begins. At present, there are limited data regarding how effectively social media have been used for performing those consultation and disclosure activities. This article offers investigators four specific areas to consider before using social media in consultation and outreach efforts. First, understand the forms of outreach social media platforms can provide. Second, recognize how those outreach methods relate to the specific goals of community consultation and public disclosure. Third, consider whether or not the intended audiences of community consultation and public disclosure will be available via social media. Finally, think about how social media outreach efforts will be measured and assessed before consultation and disclosure activities are under way.
Heavy metal (monoclonal) bands: A link between cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma and contact allergy to potassium dichromate, nickel and cobalt?
Authors: Tilakaratne Dev , Sidhu Shireen
Published: October 2014

It has been proposed that chronic antigenic stimulation plays a role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). By definition, antigenic stimulation triggers allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It is therefore plausible that chronic ACD could serve as a precursor to CTCL. We report two cases of contact allergy to potassium dichromate, nickel and cobalt, where CTCL was diagnosed in one patient, and a diagnosis of CTCL is imminent in the other. We also review the literature on the diagnostic criteria for CTCL in the setting of ACD and explore potential mechanisms for the progression from ACD tos CTCL.
Allergic contact dermatitis to para‐phenylenediamine
Authors: Jenkins David , Chow Elizabeth T
Published: October 2014

Exposure to hair dye is the most frequent route of sensitisation to para‐phenylenediamine (PPD), a common contact allergen. International studies have examined the profile of PPD, but Australian‐sourced information is lacking. Patients are often dissatisfied with advice to stop dyeing their hair. This study examines patients' characteristics, patch test results and outcomes of PPD allergy from a single Australian centre, through a retrospective analysis of patch test data from 2006 to 2013 at the Liverpool Hospital Dermatology Department. It reviews the science of hair dye allergy, examines alternative hair dyes and investigates strategies for hair dyeing. Of 584 patients, 11 were allergic to PPD. Our PPD allergy prevalence rate of 2% is at the lower end of international reported rates. About half these patients also react to para‐toluenediamine (PTD). Affected patients experience a significant lifestyle disturbance. In all, 78% tried alternative hair dyes after the patch test diagnosis and more than half continued to dye their hair. Alternative non‐PPD hair dyes are available but the marketplace can be confusing. Although some patients are able to tolerate alternative hair dyes, caution is needed as the risk of developing an allergy to other hair dye ingredients, especially PTD, is high.
Increasing testicular temperature by exposure to elevated ambient temperatures restores spermatogenesis in adult Utp14bjsd mutant (jsd) mice
Authors: Comish P. B. , Liang L. Y. , Yamauchi Y. , Weng C. C. , Shetty G. , Naff K. A. , Ward M. A. , Meistrich M. L.
Published: October 2014

Because mutations in the human UTP14C gene are associated with male infertility, we sought to develop a method for fertility restoration in azoospermic mice with a mutation in the orthologous Utp14bjsd (jsd) gene that have spermatogonial arrest. The method is based on our observation that elevation of testicular temperatures restores spermatogonial differentiation in jsd mutant mice. To non‐surgically raise intrascrotal temperatures we placed these mice in incubators at different elevated ambient temperatures. Exposure of jsd/jsd mice to ambient temperatures of 34.5 °C or 35.5 °C for 24 days increased the proportion of tubules with spermatocytes from 0% in untreated controls to over 80%. As those higher temperatures interfere with spermatid differentiation, the mice were then transferred to incubators at 32–32.5 °C for the next 24 days. These environments allowed differentiation to progress, resulting in up to 42% of tubules having late spermatids and about half of the mutant mice having spermatozoa in testicular suspensions. When these spermatozoa were used in intracytoplasmic sperm injection, all gave rise to viable healthy offspring with normal weight gain and fertility. The successful restoration of fertility in Utp14b mutant mice suggests that transient testicular warming might also be useful for spermatogenesis recovery in infertile men with UTP14C gene mutations.
Targeted sequencing using a 47 gene multiple myeloma mutation panel (M3P) in ‐17p high risk disease
Authors: Kortüm Klaus M. , Langer Christian , Monge Jorge , Bruins Laura , Egan Jan B. , Zhu Yuan X. , Shi Chang Xin , Jedlowski Patrick , Schmidt Jessica , Ojha Juhi , Bullinger Lars , Liebisch Peter , Kull Miriam , Champion Mia D. , Van Wier Scott , Ahmann Gregory , Rasche Leo , Knop Stefan , Fonseca Rafael , Einsele Hermann , Stewart A Keith , Braggio Esteban
Published: October 2014

We constructed a multiple myeloma (MM)‐specific gene panel for targeted sequencing and investigated 72 untreated high‐risk (del17p) MM patients. Mutations were identified in 78% of the patients. While the majority of studied genes were mutated at similar frequency to published literature, the prevalence of TP53 mutation was increased (28%) and no mutations were found in FAM46C. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the mutational landscape of del17p high‐risk MM. Additionally, our work demonstrates the practical use of a customized sequencing panel, as an easy, cheap and fast approach to characterize the mutational profile of MM.
A new biomarker quantifies differences in clot microstructure in patients with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Lawrence Matthew J. , Sabra Ahmed , Mills Gavin , Pillai Suresh G. , Abdullah Wendy , Hawkins Karl , Morris Roger H. K. , Davidson Simon J. , D'Silva Lindsay A. , Curtis Daniel J. , Brown Martin R. , Weisel John W. , Williams Phylip R. , Evans Phillip A.
Published: October 2014

This study compared patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) to non‐VTE patients using a biomarker of clot microstructure (df) and clot formation time (TGP). df was the only marker that identified a significant difference (P < 0·001) between the VTE (n = 60) and non‐VTE cohorts (n = 69). The ‘abnormal’ clot microstructures in the VTE patients suggests either inadequate response to anticoagulant therapy or the presence of a procoagulant state not detected by other markers of coagulation (i.e., International Normalized Ratio). Furthermore, elevated values of df in first time VTE patients who later develop a secondary event indicates that df may identify those at risk of recurrence.
Embodied effects are moderated by situational cues: Warmth, threat, and the desire for affiliation
Authors: Fay Adam J. , Maner Jon K.
Published: October 2014

Recent research demonstrates fundamental links between low‐level bodily states and higher order psychological processes. How those links interact with the surrounding social context, however, is not well‐understood. Findings from two experiments indicate that the psychological link between physical warmth and social affiliation depends on the situation in which the warmth is experienced. Participants who had been primed with physical threat (as compared with control conditions) responded to warmth with stronger increases in affiliative motivation. This effect replicated across different threat and warmth primes. These findings support a view in which physical sensations interact dynamically with aspects of the immediate situation to influence the activation and application of higher order social processes. This view implies that many embodied psychological processes could function to help people respond adaptively to situational threats and opportunities.
A randomised controlled trial comparing use of lignocaine periprostatic nerve block alone and combined with diclofenac suppository for patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Ooi Wei Ling , Hawks Cynthia , Tan Andrew H.H. , Hayne Dickon
Published: October 2014

Objective

To examine whether or not the combination of diclofenac suppository with peri‐prostatic nerve block (PPNB) was effective in reducing the degree of pain experienced during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy in a randomised single‐blind placebo‐controlled trial.

Patients and Methods

In all, 96 patients having a planned TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy were randomised into one of the following arms on a 1:1 basis: 10 mL 1% lignocaine PPNB and placebo suppository (control) or 10 mL 1% lignocaine PPNB and 100 mg diclofenac suppository (treatment). Pain scores were recorded using the Numerical Rating Scale for pain (0–10) at the following time‐points: (i) introduction of probe, (ii) during biopsy, (iii) 1 h after biopsy, (iv) later that evening (≈6 h after biopsy) and (v) 1 day after biopsy. Patients were asked about their preferred method for pain control if a repeat TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy was required: local anaesthetic (LA) again or intravenous sedation.

Results

There were no significant differences in age (P = 0.653) or PSA level (P = 0.584) between either study arm. The differences in pain scores between the control and treatment groups were not significant at Time 1 (probe insertion; P = 0.299), Time 2 (biopsy; P = 0.983), Time 4 (evening after; P = 0.231) and Time 5 (1 day after biopsy; P = 0.384). At Time 3 (1 h after biopsy), the control pain scale scores were statistically significantly higher than the treatment pain scale scores (P = 0.044). There was no difference between treatment (87%) and control (80%) groups as to whether they would prefer to repeat the biopsy under LA (P = 0.373).

Conclusion

The use of a diclofenac suppository with PPNB did not show any clinically meaningful effect in decreasing pain or improving tolerability of TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy and is not recommended. PPNB TRUS‐guided biopsy is extremely well tolerated, with >80% of patients electing for subsequent LA biopsy if required.
κ‐opioid receptors are not necessary for the antidepressant treatment of neuropathic pain
Authors: Megat Salim , Bohren Yohann , Doridot Stephane , Gaveriaux‐Ruff Claire , Kieffer Brigitte L , Freund‐Mercier Marie‐José , Yalcin Ipek , Barrot Michel
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose

Tricyclic antidepressants are used clinically as first‐line treatments for neuropathic pain. Opioid receptors participate in this pain‐relieving action, and preclinical studies in receptor‐deficient mice have highlighted a critical role for δ‐, but not μ‐opioid receptors. In this study, we investigated whether κ‐opioid (KOP) receptors have a role in the antiallodynic action of tricyclic antidepressants.

Experimental Approach

We used a model of neuropathic pain induced by unilateral sciatic nerve cuffing. In this model, the mechanical allodynia was evaluated using von Frey filaments. Experiments were conducted in C57BL/6J mice, and in KOP receptor‐deficient mice and their wild‐type littermates. The tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline (5 mg·kg−1) was delivered twice a day for over 2 weeks. Agonists and antagonists of opioid receptors were used to test the selectivity of the KOP receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine (nor‐BNI) in mice with neuropathic pain.

Key Results

After 12 days of treatment, nortriptyline relieved neuropathic allodynia in both wild‐type and KOP receptor‐deficient mice. Surprisingly, acute nor‐BNI reversed the effect of nortriptyline in both wild‐type and KOP receptor‐deficient mice. Further experiments showed that nor‐BNI action was selective for KOP receptors at a late time‐point after its administration (8 h), but not at an early time‐point, when it may also interact with δ‐opioid (DOP) receptors.

Conclusions and Implications

KOP receptors are not necessary for the effect of a tricyclic antidepressant against neuropathic allodynia. These findings together with previous data indicate that the DOP receptor is the only opioid receptor that is necessary for the antiallodynic action of antidepressants.
Spinal blockage of P/Q‐ or N‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels modulates functional and symptomatic changes related to haemorrhagic cystitis in mice
Authors: Silva R B M , Sperotto N D M , Andrade E L , Pereira T C B , Leite C E , de Souza A H , Bogo M R , Morrone F B , Gomez M V , Campos M M
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose

Spinal voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are pivotal regulators of painful and inflammatory alterations, representing attractive therapeutic targets. We examined the effects of epidural administration of the P/Q‐ and N‐type VGCC blockers Tx3‐3 and Phα1β, respectively, isolated from the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, on symptomatic, inflammatory and functional changes allied to mouse cyclophosphamide (CPA)‐induced haemorrhagic cystitis (HC). The effects of P. nigriventer‐derived toxins were compared with those displayed by MVIIC and MVIIA, extracted from the cone snail Conus magus.

Experimental Approach

HC was induced by a single i.p. injection of CPA (300 mg·kg–1). Dose‐ and time‐related effects of spinally administered P/Q and N‐type VGCC blockers were assessed on nociceptive behaviour and macroscopic inflammation elicited by CPA. The effects of toxins were also evaluated on cell migration, cytokine production, oxidative stress, functional cystometry alterations and TRPV1, TRPA1 and NK1 receptor mRNA expression.

Key Results

The spinal blockage of P/Q‐type VGCC by Tx3‐3 and MVIIC or N‐type VGCC by Phα1β attenuated nociceptive and inflammatory events associated with HC, including bladder oxidative stress and cytokine production. CPA produced a slight increase in bladder TRPV1 and TRPA1 mRNA expression, which was reversed by all the toxins tested. Noteworthy, Phα1β strongly prevented bladder neutrophil migration, besides HC‐related functional alterations, and its effects were potentiated by co‐injecting the selective NK1 receptor antagonist CP‐96345.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results shed new light on the role of spinal P/Q and N‐type VGCC in bladder dysfunctions, pointing out Phα1β as a promising alternative for treating complications associated with CPA‐induced HC.
A novel compound VSC2 has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties in microglia and in Parkinson's disease animal model
Authors: Lee Ji Ae , Kim Ji Hyun , Woo Seo Yeon , Son Hyo Jin , Han Se Hee , Jang Bo Ko , Choi Ji Won , Kim Dong Jin , Park Ki Duk , Hwang Onyou
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose

Neuroinflammation through microglial activation is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD), a major neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra. We examined our novel synthetic compound VSC2 for its anti‐inflammatory properties towards development of a PD therapy.

Experimental Approach

We tested the effects of VSC2 on production of various NF‐κB‐dependent proinflammatory molecules and Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant enzymes in BV‐2 microglia and in vivo.

Key Results

The vinyl sulfone compound, VSC2, most effectively suppressed the production of NO in LPS‐activated microglia. It also down‐regulated expression of inducible NOS (iNOS), COX‐2, IL‐1β and TNF‐α and inhibited nuclear translocalization and transcriptional activity of NF‐κB. VSC2 increased total and nuclear Nrf2 levels, induced Nrf2 transcriptional activity and was bound to Keap1 with high affinity. Expression of the Nrf2‐regulated antioxidant enzyme genes NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreducase‐1 (NQO‐1), haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL) were up‐regulated by VSC2. In the MPTP mouse model of PD, oral administration of VSC2 decreased the number of activated microglia in the substantia nigra, lowered the levels of iNOS, COX‐2 and IL‐1β, and protected the dopaminergic neurons. VSC2 also elevated the levels of NQO1, HO‐1, GCL and Nrf2 in the nigrostriatal area.

Conclusions and Implications

VSC2 has both anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties and prevented neuroinflammation in microglia and in an animal model of PD. This suggests VSC2 as a potential candidate for PD therapy.
Postconditioning signalling in the heart: mechanisms and translatability
Authors: Bice Justin S , Baxter Gary F
Published: October 2014

The protective effect of ischaemic postconditioning (short cycles of reperfusion and reocclusion of a previously occluded vessel) was identified over a decade ago commanding intense interest as an approach for modifying reperfusion injury which contributes to infarct size in acute myocardial infarction. Elucidation of the major mechanisms of postconditioning has identified potential pharmacological targets for limitation of reperfusion injury. These include ligands for membrane‐associated receptors, activators of phosphokinase survival signalling pathways and inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. In experimental models, numerous agents that target these mechanisms have shown promise as postconditioning mimetics. Nevertheless, clinical studies of ischaemic postconditioning and pharmacological postconditioning mimetics are equivocal. The majority of experimental research is conducted in animal models which do not fully portray the complexity of risk factors and comorbidities with which patients present and which we now know modify the signalling pathways recruited in postconditioning. Cohort size and power, patient selection, and deficiencies in clinical infarct size estimation may all represent major obstacles to assessing the therapeutic efficacy of postconditioning. Furthermore, chronic treatment of these patients with drugs like ACE inhibitors, statins and nitrates may modify signalling, inhibiting the protective effect of postconditioning mimetics, or conversely induce a maximally protected state wherein no further benefit can be demonstrated. Arguably, successful translation of postconditioning cannot occur until all of these issues are addressed, that is, experimental investigation requires more complex models that better reflect the clinical setting, while clinical investigation requires bigger trials with appropriate patient selection and standardization of clinical infarct size measurements.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
Trading up: the fitness consequences of divorce in monogamous birds
Authors: Culina Antica , Radersma Reinder , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: October 2014

Social and genetic mating systems play an important role in natural and sexual selection, as well as in the dynamics of populations. In socially monogamous species different genetic mating patterns appear when individuals mate outside the breeding pair within a breeding season (extra‐pair mating) or when they change partners between two breeding seasons (widowing or divorce). Divorce can be defined as having occurred when two previously paired individuals are alive during the next breeding season and at least one of them has re‐mated with a new partner. In socially monogamous birds divorce is widespread, but it is not clear whether it is a behavioural adaptation to improve the quality of a mating decision or whether, alternatively, it results as a non‐selected consequence of other processes: existing studies suggest a heterogeneous set of results with respect to this central question. This heterogeneity could result from a number of factors, ranging from the methodological approaches used, to population‐ or species‐specific characters. In this review we use phylogenetic meta‐analyses to assess the evidence that divorce is adaptive (in terms of breeding success) across 64 species of socially monogamous birds. Second, we explore biological and methodological reasons for the heterogeneity in the results of previous studies. Results of our analyses supported the hypothesis that divorce is, in general, an adaptive behavioural strategy as: (1) divorce is triggered by relatively low breeding success; (2) there is a positive change in breeding success as a result of divorce. More specifically, while controlling for methodological moderators, we show that: (i) earlier stages of breeding are better predictors of divorce than later stages (r= 0.231; 95%CI: 0.061–0.391 for clutch size; similar for laying date); (ii) females benefited from divorce more than males in terms of increasing breeding success between successive breeding attempts, with different stages of the breeding cycle improving at different rates (e.g.r= 0.637; 95%CI: 0.328–0.817 for brood‐level measures). We show that the effect size was dependent on the methodological approach used across studies and argue that research on the adaptive nature of divorce should be cautious when designing the study and interpreting the results. Altogether, by providing strong evidence that divorce is an adaptive strategy across monogamous birds, the results of our analysis provide a firm ground for further exploration of external covariates of divorce (e.g. demographic factors) and the mechanisms underlying the differences in the effect sizes of the proximal fitness causes and consequences of divorce.
Identifying the interactional processes in the first assessments in child mental health
Authors: O'Reilly Michelle , Karim Khalid , Stafford Victoria , Hutchby Ian
Published: October 2014

Background

A comprehensive assessment is essential to contemporary practice in child and adolescent mental health. In addition to determining diagnosis and management, it is seen as important for clinical engagement and forming a therapeutic relationship. However, there has been little research on the processes which occur during this interaction, particularly in first assessments.

Method

Twenty‐eight naturally occurring child mental health initial assessments were video recorded and subjected to the basic principles of the conversation analytic method.

Results

Several processes were identified in a typical child and adolescent mental health assessment. These included introductions, reasons for attendance, problem presentation, decision‐making and session closure.

Conclusions

Initial assessments provide a platform for all future engagement with services and an understanding of the processes occurring within this setting is important for the eventual outcomes, particularly in respect to new ways of working such as the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA).
Depletion of regulatory T cells in a hapten-induced inflammation model results in prolonged and increased inflammation driven by T cells
Authors: Christensen A D , Skov S , Kvist P H , Haase C
Published: October 2014

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to play an immunosuppressive role in the response of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), but neither the dynamics of Tregs during the CHS response nor the exaggerated inflammatory response after depletion of Tregs has been characterized in detail. In this study we show that the number of Tregs in the challenged tissue peak at the same time as the ear-swelling reaches its maximum on day 1 after challenge, whereas the number of Tregs in the draining lymph nodes peaks at day 2. As expected, depletion of Tregs by injection of a monoclonal antibody to CD25 prior to sensitization led to a prolonged and sustained inflammatory response which was dependent upon CD8 T cells, and co-stimulatory blockade with cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-immunoglobulin (CTLA-4-Ig) suppressed the exaggerated inflammation. In contrast, blockade of the interleukin (IL)-10-receptor (IL-10R) did not further increase the exaggerated inflammatory response in the Treg-depleted mice. In the absence of Tregs, the response changed from a mainly acute reaction with heavy infiltration of neutrophils to a sustained response with more chronic characteristics (fewer neutrophils and dominated by macrophages). Furthermore, depletion of Tregs enhanced the release of cytokines and chemokines locally in the inflamed ear and augmented serum levels of the systemic inflammatory mediators serum amyloid (SAP) and haptoglobin early in the response.
Angiotensin II in inflammation, immunity and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chang Y , Wei W
Published: October 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that is characterized by increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, independent of the traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Although classically known for its role in the regulation of circulatory homeostasis, angiotensin II (Ang II) is recognized to act as a powerful proinflammatory mediator. Some research has showed that Ang II plays important roles in autoimmune diseases, including RA, systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. Ang II blockers prove effective in reducing inflammation and autoimmunity in rheumatic diseases and their relative safety, together with their effects for reducing the cardiovascular disease risk, suggest that Ang II blockers may at least act as effective adjunctive therapy for disease control in patients with RA. The present review focuses systematically on the potential impact of Ang II and its receptors on inflammation and immunomodulation in patients with RA.
Senior nurses' perspectives on the transfer of opioid substitution treatment clients from clinics to community pharmacy
Authors: Bui Jessica , Day Carolyn , Hanrahan Jane , Winstock Adam , Chaar Betty
Published: October 2014

Introduction and Aims

There is unmet demand for opioid substitution treatment (OST) in New South Wales, Australia, with many public clinics reporting long waitlists. Recently, some community pharmacies have reported a lack of referrals from public clinics. To obtain insight into this apparent contradiction, this study explored the perspectives of senior nurses in public OST clinics regarding client transfers to community pharmacies.

Design and Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine senior nurses from eight (20%) public OST clinics in New South Wales regarding: the nurses' experience in OST provision, factors affecting client transfer, opinions on pharmacy OST services and relationships with community pharmacies. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo was used for initial analysis and coding of the transcripts. Emerging themes were repeatedly analysed and refined by consensus discussion.

Results

Most clinics reported being at or over capacity. Nurse identified barriers to transfer included: difficulty motivating reluctant clients, clients' unwillingness to pay for pharmacy supervised dispensing, lack of convenient pharmacy providers and unstable clients. Despite overall good collaborations with community pharmacies, some aspects could be improved, especially face‐to‐face visits and education around clinic procedures.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study highlights the complex barriers encountered by senior nurses in the transfer of OST clients from clinics to community pharmacies. Improved collaboration with pharmacies and subsidised or standardised dispensing fees may enhance the transfer of clients to pharmacies and improve clinics throughput. [Bui J, Day C, Hanrahan J, Winstock A, Chaar B. Senior nurses' perspectives on the transfer of OST clients from clinics to community pharmacy. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:495–98]
Alcohol‐related emergency department injury presentations in Queensland adolescents and young adults over a 13‐year period
Authors: Hides Leanne , Limbong Jesani , Vallmuur Kirsten , Barker Ruth , Daglish Mark , Young Ross McD.
Published: October 2014

Introduction and Aims

The rate of alcohol‐related emergency department (ED) presentations in young people has increased dramatically in recent decades. Injuries are the most common type of youth alcohol‐related ED presentation, yet little is known about these injuries in young people. This paper describes the characteristics of alcohol‐related ED injury presentations in young people over a 13‐year period and determines if they differ by gender and/or age group (adolescents: 12–17 years; young adults: 18–24 years).

Design and Method

The Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) database collects injury surveillance data at triage in participating EDs throughout Queensland, Australia. A total of 4667 cases of alcohol‐related injuries in young people (aged 12–24 years) were identified in the QISU database between January 1999 and December 2011, using an injury surveillance code and nursing triage text‐based search strategy.

Results

Overall, young people accounted for 38% of all QISU alcohol‐related ED injury presentations in patients aged 12 years or over. The majority of young adults presented with injuries due to violence and falls, whereas adolescents presented due to self‐harm or intoxication without other injury. Males presented with injuries due to violence, whereas females presented with alcohol‐related self‐harm and intoxication.

Discussion and Conclusions

There is a need for more effective ways of identifying the degree of alcohol involvement in injuries among young people presenting to EDs. [Hides L, Limbong J, Vallmuur K, Barker R, Daglish M, Young RMcD. Alcohol‐related emergency department injury presentations in Queensland adolescents and young adults over a 13‐year period. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:177–184]
Native‐range habitats of invasive plants: are they similar to invaded‐range habitats and do they differ according to the geographical direction of invasion?
Authors: Hejda Martin , Chytrý Milan , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr
Published: October 2014

Aim

Habitat types are involved in shaping biological traits of their resident native species and thus they determine, to a large extent, in which habitats particular species will succeed if invading outside their native range. However, the correspondences between habitats that invasive aliens occupy in the native and invaded ranges are poorly known. We explore the relationships between (1) habitats of invasive species in their native and invaded ranges and (2) native‐range habitats and the direction of invasion (from/to Europe; from/to the Old World).

Location

Global.

Methods

Descriptions of native‐ and invaded‐range habitats of 286 invasive species were extracted from the literature and transformed into 12 habitat types. The differences between native‐range habitats according to the direction of invasion and between habitats occupied in the native and invaded ranges were tested by log‐linear models and deletion tests.

Results

Most frequent invaders were species confined to forests (98 species), riparian habitats (80), grasslands (80) and man‐made habitats (73) in their native ranges. Native‐range habitats differed between species invading from and to Europe (110 and 41, respectively) as well as between species invading from and to the Old World (213 and 75, respectively). Grasslands were the most overrepresented native‐range habitat for species invading from Europe compared to species invading Europe; wetlands were the most overrepresented native‐range habitats for species invading the Old World compared to species invading from the Old World. Many species that originated from forests invade grasslands, and, conversely, many grassland species invade open forests.

Main conclusions

European grassland species are much more successful as world‐wide invaders than grassland species from other continents invading Europe, and New World wetland species invading the Old World are more successful than wetland species invading from the Old World. Successful invaders are adapted to a broad spectrum of successional phases ranging from grasslands to forests.
Translocal Householding: Care and Migrant Livelihoods in a Waste‐trading Community of Vietnam's Red River Delta
Authors: Nguyen Minh T.N.
Published: October 2014

This article examines the shifting household organization of care and livelihoods in a community of Vietnam's Red River Delta that has a history of migrating to work in the urban waste trade, and has been doing so increasingly since the socialist country embraced a market economy in the mid‐1980s. In Spring District, household care and livelihood activities have been taking place across the city and the countryside for decades, indicating the degree to which the rural household reflexively opens up its spatial and social boundaries in response to broader processes of change. Their trajectories reveal fluidity in terms not only of spatial mobility but also of the gendered configuration of paid work and care, and complex dynamics between household care practices and the development of waste trading as a particular migrant livelihood activity. The analysis draws on and advances the concept of ‘householding’ emerging from recent discussion of the globalization of social reproduction.
Ezetimibe prevents the formation of oestrogen‐induced cholesterol gallstones in mice
Authors: de Bari Ornella , Wang Helen H. , Portincasa Piero , Paik Chang‐Nyol , Liu Min , Wang David Q.‐H.
Published: October 2014

Background

Oestrogen is an important risk factor for cholesterol cholelithiasis not only in women of childbearing age taking oral contraceptives and postmenopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy, but also in male patients receiving oestrogen therapy for prostatic cancer. In women, hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy markedly increase the risk of developing gallstones. We investigated whether the potent cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe could prevent the formation of oestrogen‐induced cholesterol gallstones in mice.

Design

Following ovariectomy, female AKR mice were implanted subcutaneously with pellets releasing 17β‐estradiol at 6 μg/day and fed a lithogenic diet supplemented with ezetimibe in doses of 0 or 8 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Cholesterol crystallization and gallstone prevalence, lipid concentrations and composition in bile, and biliary lipid output were analysed by physical–chemical methods. Intestinal cholesterol absorption efficiency was determined by faecal dual‐isotope ratio methods.

Results

Ezetimibe inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption, while significantly reducing hepatic secretion of biliary cholesterol. Consequently, bile was desaturated through the formation of numerous unsaturated micelles and gallstones were prevented by ezetimibe in mice exposed to high doses of oestrogen and fed the lithogenic diet. Ezetimibe did not influence mRNA levels of the classical oestrogen receptors α (ERα) and ERβ, as well as a novel oestrogen receptor the G protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in the liver.

Conclusions

Ezetimibe protects against the oestrogen‐mediated lithogenic actions on gallstone formation in mice. Our finding may provide an efficacious novel strategy for the prevention of cholesterol gallstones in high‐risk subjects, especially those exposed to high levels of oestrogen.
Slow fluctuations in eye position and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging brain activity during visual fixation
Authors: Fransson Peter , Flodin Pär , Seimyr Gustaf Öqvist , Pansell Tony
Published: October 2014

The neuronal circuitry that supports voluntary changes in eye position in tasks that require attention‐driven oculo‐motor control is well known. However, less is known about the neuronal basis for eye control during visual fixation. This, together with the fact that visual fixation is one of the most commonly used baseline conditions in resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, prompted us to conduct a study in which we employed resting‐state fMRI and concurrent recordings of eye gaze to investigate the relationship between spontaneous changes in eye position during passive visual fixation and intrinsic brain activity. As a control experiment, we recorded fMRI brain activity related to cued voluntary vertical and horizontal changes in eye position in a block‐related task‐evoked fMRI experiment. Our results for the voluntarily performed changes in eye position elicited brain activity in the bilateral occipitotemporal cortex, supplementary motor cortex and frontal eye fields. In contrast, we show that slow fluctuations in eye position during passive visual fixation are linked to intrinsic brain activity, foremost in midline cortical brain regions located in the posteromedial parietal cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex, brain regions that act as core cortical hubs in the brain's default mode network. Our results suggest that subconscious and sustained changes in behavior are tied to intrinsic brain activity on a moment‐by‐moment basis.
A Long‐Term Perspective on the Determinants of Treasury Bond Stripping Levels
Authors: Bulter Marck , Livingston Miles , Zhou Lei
Published: October 2014

We examine the proportion of individual Treasury bonds held as strips over the entire history of the STRIPS program. First, we document a secular decline in the Treasury bond stripping levels from 1985 to 2010, coincidental with the long‐term decline in the interest rates. This pattern suggests that investors purchase strips to avoid reinvestment risk and to lock in the high interest rates in the 1980s and 1990s. Second, higher coupon and longer maturity bonds are shown to be more heavily stripped. Third, the suspension of new issues of 30‐year bonds from 2001 through 2006 created a gap in the maturity structure of Treasury bonds and induced heavy stripping of 30‐year bonds issued post 2006. Our findings suggest that stripping is motivated by several factors, including interest rate risk management, tax concerns and market completion.
Is diversification rate related to climatic niche width?
Authors: Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Baselga Andrés , Wiens John J.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Diversification rates are critically important for understanding patterns of species richness, both among clades and among regions. However, the ecological correlates of variation in diversification rates remain poorly explored. Here, we test several hypotheses relating diversification rate and niche width across amphibian families (frogs and salamanders).

Location

Global.

Methods

We characterized climatic niches for 5784 amphibian species using databases for species distributions and climate. We estimated the niche width of each family using the range of values for climatic variables across all sampled species, and using the mean of species niche widths. We estimated diversification rates for families given their total number of described species and a time‐calibrated phylogeny. We estimated relationships between variables using phylogenetic comparative methods.

Results

We found a significant positive relationship between family niche width and diversification rate, but a weak relationship between mean species niche width and diversification rate, despite both niche width variables being correlated. In fact, the deviation from this relationship (i.e. residuals of family niche width versus mean species niche width) was the best predictor of diversification rate. The observed relationship between niche width and diversification was independent of clade range size and niche position (e.g. whether clades occurred in tropical or temperate climates) and significantly different from null patterns derived from random sampling effects.

Main conclusions

Our results identify climatic niche width, and especially the relationship between family and species‐level niche widths, as a major correlate of diversification rates among amphibian families. These results suggest that climatic niche divergence among species within clades can be important in explaining large‐scale diversity patterns, possibly even more so than a clade's geographic area or whether it is primarily temperate or tropical.
Factors affecting quality of life of older adults with cancer in Korea
Authors: Yoon Hyunsook , Kim Yojin , Lim Yeon Ok , Lee Hyun Joo , Choi Kyoungwon
Published: October 2014

Aim

The main objective of the present study was to examine the quality of life of older adults with cancer and investigate factors associated with it. Some practical problems experienced by older adults with cancer are introduced, such as changes in work situation, availability of caregivers and financial difficulties relative to medical expenditures.

Methods

A total of 339 patients aged 65 years or older who were treated for five major cancer diseases – colorectal, stomach, lung, liver or kidney cancer – participated in the present study. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. Performance status (physical functioning) was assigned according to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group classification. The Life Orientation Test‐Revised was used to assess future expectations. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of the quality of life of older persons with cancer.

Results

The results showed that physical functioning and optimism were significant predictors of all four functions (physical, role, emotional and social function) and global quality of life of older adults with cancer. Nearly 60% experienced changes in work situation and had financial burden on medical costs.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that efforts to assess physical functioning with more attention and enhance optimism should be emphasized in interventions for older adults with cancer. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15:983–990.