bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ventilator-induced Lung Injury Is Mediated by the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Kuipers Maria T. , Aslami Hamid , Janczy John R. , van der Sluijs Koenraad F. , Vlaar Alexander P. J. , Wolthuis Esther K. , Choi Goda , Roelofs Joris J. T. H. , Flavell Richard A. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Bresser Paul , Leemans Jaklien C. , van der Poll Tom , Schultz Marcus J. , Wieland Catharina W.
Published: April 2012

Background

The innate immune response is important in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) but the exact pathways involved are not elucidated. The authors studied the role of the intracellular danger sensor NLRP3 inflammasome.

Methods

NLRP3 inflammasome gene expression was analyzed in respiratory epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages obtained from ventilated patients (n = 40). In addition, wild-type and NLRP3 inflammasome deficient mice were randomized to low tidal volume (approximately 7.5 ml/kg) and high tidal volume (approximately 15 ml/kg) ventilation. The presence of uric acid in lung lavage, activation of caspase-1, and NLRP3 inflammasome gene expression in lung tissue were investigated. Moreover, mice were pretreated with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, glibenclamide, or vehicle before start of mechanical ventilation. VILI endpoints were relative lung weights, total protein in lavage fluid, neutrophil influx, and pulmonary and systemic cytokine and chemokine concentrations. Data represent mean ± SD.

Results

Mechanical ventilation up-regulated messenger RNA expression levels of NLRP3 in alveolar macrophages (1.0 ± 0 vs. 1.70 ± 1.65, P less than 0.05). In mice, mechanical ventilation increased both NLRP3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein messenger RNA levels, respectively (1.08 ± 0.55 vs. 3.98 ± 2.89; P less than 0.001 and 0.95 ± 0.53 vs. 6.0 ± 3.55; P less than 0.001), activated caspase-1, and increased uric acid levels (6.36 ± 1.85 vs. 41.9 ± 32.0, P less than 0.001). NLRP3 inflammasome deficient mice displayed less VILI due to high tidal volume mechanical ventilation compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, treatment with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist or glibenclamide reduced VILI.

Conclusions

Mechanical ventilation induced a NLRP3 inflammasome dependent pulmonary inflammatory response. NLRP3 inflammasome deficiency partially protected mice from VILI.
High-volume Hemofiltration in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Rimmelé Thomas , Kellum John A. , Warner David S.
Published: April 2012

High-volume hemofiltration is an extracorporeal therapy that has been available in the intensive care unit for more than 10 yr. Recent improvements in technology have made its clinical application easier and safer. However, the definition, indications, and management of this technique are still unclear, and considerable controversy and confusion remain. The aim of this review is to analyze the available data while taking into account the distinction between two very different clinical situations: acute kidney injury requiring renal support, and severe inflammatory states where blood purification has been suggested as an adjuvant therapy. For patients with acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy, the two largest multicenter studies performed to date established that high ultrafiltration flow rates are not necessary. Conversely, much experimental and some clinical evidence suggest that high-volume hemofiltration can be beneficial for the subset of critically ill patients with severe inflammatory states such as septic shock.
The nonlinear evolution and approximate scaling of directionally spread wave groups on deep water
Authors: Adcock Thomas A. A. , Gibbs Richard H. , Taylor Paul H.
Published: April 2012

The evolution of steep waves in the open ocean is nonlinear. In narrow-banded but directionally spread seas, this nonlinearity does not produce significant extra elevation but does lead to a large change in the shape of the wave group, causing, relative to linear evolution, contraction in the mean wave direction and lateral expansion. We use the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) to derive an approximate analytical relationship for these changes in group shape. This shows excellent agreement with the numerical results both for the NLSE and for the full water wave equations. We also consider the application of scaling laws from the NLSE in terms of wave steepness and bandwidth to solutions of the full water wave equations. We investigate these numerically. While some aspects of water wave evolution do not scale, the major changes that a wave group undergoes as it evolves scale very well.
Determinants of reproductive success across sequential episodes of sexual selection in a firefly
Authors: South A. , Lewis S. M.
Published: April 2012

Because females often mate with multiple males, it is critical to expand our view of sexual selection to encompass pre-, peri- and post-copulatory episodes to understand how selection drives trait evolution. In
Photinus
fireflies, females preferentially respond to males based on their bioluminescent courtship signals, but previous work has shown that male paternity success is negatively correlated with flash attractiveness. Here, we experimentally manipulated both the attractiveness of the courtship signal visible to female
Photinus greeni
fireflies before mating and male nuptial gift size to determine how these traits might each influence mate acceptance and paternity share. We also measured pericopulatory behaviours to examine their influence on male reproductive success. Firefly males with larger spermatophores experienced dual benefits in terms of both higher mate acceptance and increased paternity share. We found no effect of courtship signal attractiveness or pericopulatory behaviour on male reproductive success. Taken together with previous results, this suggests a possible trade-off for males between producing an attractive courtship signal and investing in nuptial gifts. By integrating multiple episodes of sexual selection, this study extends our understanding of sexual selection in
Photinus
fireflies and provides insight into the evolution of male traits in other polyandrous species.
Spatiotopic perceptual maps in humans: evidence from motion adaptation
Authors: Turi Marco , Burr David
Published: April 2012

How our perceptual experience of the world remains stable and continuous despite the frequent repositioning eye movements remains very much a mystery. One possibility is that our brain actively constructs a
spatiotopic
representation of the world, which is anchored in external—or at least head-centred—coordinates. In this study, we show that the
positional motion aftereffect
(the change in apparent position after adaptation to motion) is spatially selective in external rather than retinal coordinates, whereas the classic motion aftereffect (the illusion of motion after prolonged inspection of a moving source) is selective in retinotopic coordinates. The results provide clear evidence for a spatiotopic map in humans: one which can be influenced by image motion.
Microbial Contamination of DateRutabCollected from the Markets of Al-Hofuf City in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hamad Siddig H. , Saleh Farag A. , Al-Otaibi Mutlag M.
Published: April 2012

The microbial contamination of 60 samples from six date cultivars in therutabstage purchased from different retail outlets in AL-Hofuf City, Saudi Arabia was studied. All samples were found contaminated with aerobic mesophilic bacteria at loads in the order 102to 105 cfu/cm2with some significant differences among varieties that can be attributed to differences in the weather conditions duringrutabseason. Also all samples, except only one, were contaminated with molds and yeasts at loads in the order 102to 103 cfu/cm2. Potentially pathogenicStaphylococcus aureuswas detected in 57 samples andA. flavus/parasiticusin 13 samples, while coliforms were detected in 39 samples.
Comparing Health-Related Quality of Life of Cancer Patients under Chemotherapy and of Their Caregivers
Authors: Vrettos Ioannis , Kamposioras Konstantinos , Kontodimopoulos Nick , Pappa Evelina , Georgiadou Elissavet , Haritos Dionysios , Papadopoulos Angelos A. , Niakas Dimitris
Published: April 2012

Introduction. Cancer is a major disorder physically and psychologically affecting both patients and their caregivers. In this study, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patient-caregiver dyads during the period of chemotherapy was assessed.Material and Methods. Two hundred twenty-two cancer patient-caregiver dyads were enrolled in the study, which was conducted from October 2008 to March 2009. HRQoL was evaluated with EQ-5D.Results. The mean age of the sample was 57.4 and 48.9 for patients and caregivers, respectively. The EQ-5D descriptive system indicates that female patients more frequently experience anxiety and depression than male patients. Male and higher-education caregivers had higher VAS scores, while demographic factors did not seem to influence patients’ HRQoL. Anxiety and depression of caregivers were correlated with patients’ problems in self-care and usual activities.Conclusions. Quality of life is highly influenced during the period of chemotherapy for both patients and caregivers and is often under reported. Interventions that can improve HRQoL, especially in the domain of mental health for both cancer patients and their caregivers, need to be implemented.
A Study on L-Asparaginase ofNocardia levisMK-VL_113
Authors: Kavitha Alapati , Vijayalakshmi Muvva
Published: April 2012

An enzyme-based drug, L-asparaginase, was produced byNocardia levisMK-VL_113 isolated from laterite soils of Guntur region. Cultural parameters affecting the production of L-asparaginase by the strain were optimized. Maximal yields of L-asparaginase were recorded from 3-day-old culture grown in modified asparagine-glycerol salts broth with initial pH 7.0 at temperature30∘C. Glycerol (2%) and yeast extract (1.5%) served as good carbon and nitrogen sources for L-asparaginase production, respectively. Cell-disrupting agents like EDTA slightly enhanced the productivity of L-asparaginase. Ours is the first paper on the production of L-asparaginase byN. levis.
Fast Hearing-Threshold Estimation Using Multiple Auditory Steady-State Responses with Narrow-Band Chirps and Adaptive Stimulus Patterns
Authors: Mühler Roland , Mentzel Katrin , Verhey Jesko
Published: April 2012

This paper describes the estimation of hearing thresholds in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired subjects on the basis of multiple-frequency auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs). The ASSR was measured using two new techniques: (i) adaptive stimulus patterns and (ii) narrow-band chirp stimuli. ASSR thresholds in 16 normal-hearing and 16 hearing-impaired adults were obtained simultaneously at both ears at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000?Hz, using a multiple-frequency stimulus built up of four one-octave-wide narrow-band chirps with a repetition rate of 40?Hz. A statistical test in the frequency domain was used to detect the response. The recording of the steady-state responses was controlled in eight independent recording channels with an adaptive, semiautomatic algorithm. The average differences between the behavioural hearing thresholds and the ASSR threshold estimate were 10, 8, 13, and 15?dB for test frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000?Hz, respectively. The average overall test duration of 18.6 minutes for the threshold estimations at the four frequencies and both ears demonstrates the benefit of an adaptive recording algorithm and the efficiency of optimised narrow-band chirp stimuli.
High Prevalence ofCandidaYeast in Milk Samples from Cows Suffering from Mastitis in Poland
Authors: Dworecka-Kaszak Bozena , Krutkiewicz Alicja , Szopa Daniel , Kleczkowski Miroslaw , Biegańska Malgorzata
Published: April 2012

Mastitis is an economically important disease in which fungi belonging to the genusCandidamay participate as etiological agents. This study focused on determining the frequency of fungal isolation and differentiation of fungal species isolated from milk of mastitic cows. Sixty-six milk samples from mastitic cows were studied, and 55 strains of fungi were isolated. Seven different species classified asCandidawere identified basing on phenotypic properties, and the dominating species wasC. parapsilosis. Genomic DNA was isolated and amplified in PCR with ITS1 and NL2 primers. Amplification products were digested with restriction enzymesHpaII andEcoRI. Amplification of DNA with ITS1 and NL2 primers resulted in products of different sizes. Comparison of product sizes in restriction fragment PCR REA confirmed differences among species. Strains grouped together on the basis of phenotype characteristics differed in restriction fragment profiles. None of the investigated species showed similar genetic profiles.
Microvascular Guidance: A Challenge to Support the Development of Vascularised Tissue Engineering Construct
Authors: Sukmana Irza
Published: April 2012

The guidance of endothelial cell organization into a capillary network has been a long-standing challenge in tissue engineering. Some research efforts have been made to develop methods to promote capillary networks inside engineered tissue constructs. Capillary and vascular networks that would mimic blood microvessel function can be used to subsequently facilitate oxygen and nutrient transfer as well as waste removal. Vascularization of engineering tissue construct is one of the most favorable strategies to overpass nutrient and oxygen supply limitation, which is often the major hurdle in developing thick and complex tissue and artificial organ. This paper addresses recent advances and future challenges in developing three-dimensional culture systems to promote tissue construct vascularization allowing mimicking blood microvessel development and function encounteredin vivo. Bioreactors systems that have been used to create fully vascularized functional tissue constructs will also be outlined.
Cognitive Competence as a Positive Youth Development Construct: A Conceptual Review
Authors: Sun Rachel C. F. , Hui Eadaoin K. P.
Published: April 2012

This paper focuses on discussing critical thinking and creative thinking as the core cognitive competence. It reviews and compares several theories of thinking, highlights the features of critical thinking and creative thinking, and delineates their interrelationships. It discusses cognitive competence as a positive youth development construct by linking its relationships with adolescent development and its contributions to adolescents' learning and wellbeing. Critical thinking and creative thinking are translated into self-regulated cognitive skills for adolescents to master and capitalize on, so as to facilitate knowledge construction, task completion, problem solving, and decision making. Ways of fostering these thinking skills, cognitive competence, and ultimately positive youth development are discussed.
Isotopic and Elemental Determination in Some Romanian Apple Fruit Juices
Authors: Magdas Dana Alina , Dehelean Adriana , Puscas Romulus
Published: April 2012

H, C, O stable isotope ratios and the content of some heavy elements of 31 Romanian single-strength organic apple juices collected from four Transylvanian areas are discussed in this study. The aim of this study was to measure the2H/1H,18O/16O,13C/12C ratios of these juices and their elemental profile and to establish a database of authentic values to be used for adulteration and authenticity testing. Our results have shown mean values ofδ18O=-4.2‰andδDδ-46.5‰, respectively, for apples from Transylvania and at the same time the mean value ofδ13C=-28.2‰. The content of Cd, Pb, U, Zn, As was below the acceptable limits stipulated in US-EPA standard for drinking water. Cu and Cr limits exceeded for one single juice; Ni content for some apple juices from Maramures, Alba, and Cluj was higher than the acceptable value.
Evaluation of correlation between dose and clinical outcomes in subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy
Authors: Orange J S , Belohradsky B H , Berger M , Borte M , Hagan J , Jolles S , Wasserman R L , Baggish J S , Saunders R , Grimbacher B
Published: April 2012

The importance of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G concentration in IgG replacement therapy for primary immunodeficiency diseases is established in certain settings. Generally, IgG is infused via the intravenous (IVIG) or subcutaneous (SCIG) route. For IVIG infusion, published data demonstrate that higher IgG doses and trough levels provide patients with improved protection from infection. The same conclusions are not yet accepted for SCIG; data from two recent Phase III studies and a recent post-hoc analysis, however, suggest the same correlation between higher SCIG dose and serum IgG concentration and decreased incidence of infection seen with IVIG. Other measures of clinical efficacy have not been considered similarly. Thus, combined analyses of these and other published SCIG studies were performed; a full comparison of the 13 studies was, however, limited by non-standardized definitions and reporting. Despite these limitations, our analyses indicate that certain clinical outcomes improve at higher SCIG doses and associated higher serum IgG concentrations, and suggest that there might be opportunity to improve patient outcomes via SCIG dose adjustment.
Short wheat challenge is a reproducible in-vivo assay to detect immune response to gluten
Authors: Camarca A , Radano G , Di Mase R , Terrone G , Maurano F , Auricchio S , Troncone R , Greco L , Gianfrani C
Published: April 2012

It has been reported that interferon (IFN)-γ-secreting T cells reactive to gluten can be detected in the peripheral blood of individuals with treated coeliac disease (CD) after a short consumption of wheat-containing food. By contrast, very little is known about the reproducibility of this in-vivo procedure in the same patient cohort which underwent two, or more, gluten consumptions. Fourteen coeliac patients in remission consumed wheat bread for 3 days; 13 underwent a second gluten challenge after a wash-out of 3–10 months on a strict gluten-free diet. Immune reactivity to gluten was analysed in peripheral blood by detecting IFN-γ before and 6 days after commencing a gluten diet. Gliadin-specific IFN-γ-secreting CD4+ T cells increased significantly on day 6 of the first challenge. These cells resulted as prevalently human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ restricted and with a phenotype of gut homing, as suggested by the expression of β7-integrin. Similarly, reactiveness to gliadin was observed after the second wheat consumption, although with an individual variability of responses at each challenge. Our findings confirmed that the short wheat challenge is a non-invasive approach to investigate the gluten-related immune response in peripheral blood of subjects intolerant to gluten. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the in-vivo procedure can be reproduced in the same subject cohort after a gluten wash-out of at least 3 months. Our study has important implications for the application of this procedure to clinical practice.
Susceptibility to autoimmune myocarditis is associated with intrinsic differences in CD4+ T cells
Authors: Chen P , Baldeviano G C , Ligons D L , Talor M V , Barin J G , Rose N R , Cihakova D
Published: April 2012

A.SW and B10.S mice share the same major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype (H-2s). However, A.SW mice are susceptible to experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) and develop severe disease after immunization with myosin, whereas B10.S mice are resistant. We found that naive A.SW mice have intrinsically increased total CD4+ T cell counts and increased proportions of CD4+ T cells in their spleens compared to B10.S mice. Among total CD4+ T cells, naive A.SW mice have a lower relative frequency of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+)CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). A.SW mice also had a higher proportion of CD4+ T cells and a lower proportion of Tregs in their hearts and spleen during EAM, with greater T cell activation and proliferation, compared to B10.S mice. These differences in the T cell compartment were not antigen-specific, as ovalbumin/complete Freund's adjuvant (OVA/CFA) or CFA immunization elicited the same differences in CD4+ T cells and Tregs between A.SW and B10.S mice. Moreover, A.SW mice had more T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and B10.S had more Th1 cells in their hearts. The higher percentage of CD4+ T cells and their enhanced potential to differentiate towards the Th17 pathway was also observed in naive A.SW mice. Interleukin (IL)-6 is required for Th17 induction. Interestingly, IL-6Rα expression was greater on naive A.SW CD4+ T cells, compared to B10.S CD4+ T cells, indicating that this intrinsic difference, together with a relatively lower Treg proportion of CD4+ T cells, might lead to heightened Th17 responses and greater susceptibility to autoimmunity in A.SW mice.
K/B×N serum transfer arthritis is delayed and less severe in leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-deficient mice
Authors: Upadhyay A , Senyschyn D , Santos L , Gu R , Carroll G J , Jazayeri J A
Published: April 2012

This study is investigating the role of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the development of inflammation and joint damage in the mouse K/B×N serum transfer arthritis model. LIF knock-out (LIF−/−) mice were generated by mating heterozygote females (LIF+/−) with heterozygote males. Arthritis was induced in 8–20-week-old LIF knock-out mice (LIF−/−) by intraperitoneal injection of pooled K/B×N sera (50 µl) on days 0 and 2. Clinical disease was scored daily for 6 days. Safranin-O and haematoxylin-stained sections were scored for synovitis, joint space exudate, cartilage degradation and bone damage. RNA was extracted from ankle joints and used to investigate gene expression levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, LIF, LIF receptor, oncostatin M (OSM), OSM receptor, IL-6 and their common receptor subunit gp130 by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). The results show that wild-type mice developed severe clinically overt polyarthritis. In contrast, LIF−/− mice showed a more than 50% reduction in clinical arthritis severity. Significantly lower histological scores were observed in LIF−/− mice compared to wild-type disease controls. LIF−/− mice had histopathological scores that were similar to normal healthy mice. IL-6 subfamily cytokine and receptor subunit expression remained unchanged. The expression levels for IL-6 were reduced significantly in all the diseased mice, whether wild-type or LIF−/− mice (P < 0·001), compared to healthy wild-type mice. We conclude that LIF contributes to the development of disease in the K/B×N serum transfer model of arthritis. These results provide further evidence for the role of LIF in inflammation and cartilage bone resorption and provide impetus to test the effects of LIF blockade as a therapeutic strategy in rheumatoid arthritis.
Pain management in patients with haemophilia: a European survey
Authors: HOLSTEIN K. , KLAMROTH R. , RICHARDS M. , CARVALHO M. , PÉREZ‐GARRIDO R. , GRINGERI A. ,   for THE EUROPEAN HAEMOPHILIA THERAPY STANDARDIZATION BOARD
Published: April 2012

Summary.  There are no evidence‐based guidelines on pain management in people with haemophilia (PWH), who may suffer acute, disabling pain from haemarthroses and chronic arthropathic pain. To review evidence and to investigate current clinical practice in pain assessment and management in PWH the European Haemophilia Therapy Standardisation Board undertook a literature review and a survey in 22 Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTC), using a questionnaire and seven clinical scenarios. Consensus was sought on pain assessment and management in PWH. Few clinical studies on pain management in PWH were identified. The HTCs care for 1678 children (47% severe haemophilia, 84% on prophylaxis, 17% with arthropathy and 8% with chronic pain) and 5103 adults (44% severe haemophilia, 40% on prophylaxis, 67% with arthropathy and 35% with chronic pain). Analgesics are prescribed by HTCs in 80% of cases (median; range 0–100%) and in 10% (median; range 0–80%) are bought over the counter. Pain and analgesic use are assessed when reported by patients and at check‐ups. Only eight centres use a specific pain scale and/or have specific pain guidelines. Two HTCs arrange regular consultations with pain specialists. For acute pain, the preferred first‐line drug is paracetamol for children, and paracetamol or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for adults. Children with chronic pain are treated with paracetamol or NSAIDs, whereas adults usually receive Cox‐2 inhibitors. Second‐line therapy is heterogeneous. There is little published evidence to guide pain assessment and management in PWH, and clinical practice varies considerably across Europe. General and specific recommendations are needed.
Effect of Ageing on Post‐Lesion Oestradiol Treatment on Mouse Cholinergic Neurones In Vivo
Authors: Kőszegi Z. , Ábrahám I. M.
Published: April 2012

A single 17β‐oestradiol (E2) treatment reduces the loss in cholinergic fibre density in the cortex after NMDA lesion into the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) of the basal forebrain (BF) in young female mice. In the present study, we examined whether age influences this protective effect of E2 on cholinergic neurones in male and female mice. Gonad‐intact young and aged animals of both sexes were treated with E2 after unilateral NMDA lesion into the NBM. NMDA lesion elicited ipsilateral cholinergic cell loss in the NBM and ipsilateral fibre loss in the somatosensory cortex to the same extent, irrespective of age or sex. A single E2 injection performed 1 h post‐lesion did not affect the cholinergic cell loss but reduced the loss of fibres in the ipsilateral cortex in young male and female mice. By contrast, E2 did not have an effect on the NMDA‐induced cholinergic cell and fibre loss in aged male or female mice. The oestrous stage of young female mice did not alter the number of cholinergic cells/fibres or the protective effect of E2 on cholinergic fibres after NMDA injection. Our results show that E2 has a protective action on BF cholinergic fibres in young males and females, although the treatment potential of E2 declines with age.
Infection with Wolbachia protects mosquitoes against Plasmodium‐induced mortality in a natural system
Authors: ZÉLÉ F. , NICOT A. , DURON O. , RIVERO A.
Published: April 2012

In recent years, there has been a shift in the one host‐one parasite paradigm with the realization that, in the field, most hosts are coinfected with multiple parasites. Coinfections are particularly relevant when the host is a vector of diseases, because multiple infections can have drastic consequences for parasite transmission at both the ecological and evolutionary timescales. Wolbachia pipientis is the most common parasitic microorganism in insects, and as such, it is of special interest for understanding the role of coinfections in the outcome of parasite infections. Here, we investigate whether Wolbachia can modulate the effect of Plasmodium on what is, arguably, the most important component of the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes: their longevity. For this purpose, and in contrast to recent studies that have focused on mosquito–Plasmodium and/or mosquito–Wolbachia combinations not found in nature, we work on a Wolbachia–mosquito–Plasmodium triad with a common evolutionary history. Our results show that Wolbachia protects mosquitoes from Plasmodium‐induced mortality. The results are consistent across two different strains of Wolbachia and repeatable across two different experimental blocks. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such an effect has been shown for Plasmodium‐infected mosquitoes and, in particular, in a natural Wolbachia–host combination. We discuss different mechanistic and evolutionary explanations for these results as well as their consequences for Plasmodium transmission.
Profile of infants born to drug‐using mothers: A state‐wide audit
Authors: Abdel‐Latif Mohamed E , Oei Julee , Craig Fiona , Lui Kei ,   NSW and ACT NAS Epidemiology Group
Published: April 2012

Aims:  To ascertain the characteristics and short‐term outcomes of infants born to illicit drug‐using mothers in public hospitals in the state of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory during 2004.

Methods:  Patients were identified retrospectively by hospital records searches using ICD‐10 morbidity codes and records of local Drug and Alcohol Services. Records were reviewed on site. All public hospitals (n= 101) with obstetric services were included.

Results:  A total of 879 (1.4%, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–1.5%) drug‐using mothers were identified from 62 682 confinements. Opiates (46.8%), amphetamines (23.0%) and polydrug (16.4%) exposure were most common. There were eight stillbirths. Among these 871 infants, prematurity (23.6%) and low birthweight (27.1%) were common and 51.1% were admitted to nurseries for further care. Two infants died. Major congenital anomalies were detected in 15 infants. Pharmacological treatment for withdrawal was required for 202 (23.2%), and 143 (70.8%) infants were discharged home on medication. Infants who completed inpatient pharmacological treatment were hospitalised longer (median 26.0 vs. 12.0 days) and were more likely to be premature (37.3 vs. 14.0%). Child‐at‐risk notifications affected 40.6% of the infants, and 7.6% were fostered prior to discharge. A total of 333 (38.2%) infants were breastfed at discharge.

Conclusions:  Our regional study highlights a substantial prevalence of drug use in pregnancy with considerable adverse perinatal and hospital outcomes in infants born to these mothers. Coordinated health care and resources are needed to support these mother–infant pairs because of their social, medical and mental‐health issues.
NICU‐only versus universal screening for newborn hearing loss: Population audit
Authors: Barker Melinda J , Hughes Elizabeth K , Wake Melissa
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Targeted newborn hearing screening for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) may be considered when resources preclude universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS). However, process outcomes have not been compared between stand‐alone NICU hearing screening programs and NICU screening within a full UNHS program.

Methods:  Comparison of two consecutive hearing screening programs delivered under similar conditions in the four NICUs in Victoria, Australia. All NICU infants were eligible for pre‐discharge automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) hearing screening. Capture, referral and diagnostic data were collected for all NICU infants during the NICU‐only (April 2003–February 2005) and subsequent UNHS (April 2005–June 2006) programs.

Results:  4704 eligible infants were admitted during the 23‐month NICU‐only period, and 3160 during the 15‐month UNHS period. Double AABR using ALGO 3i equipment was planned for both programs but, due to clinician concern about this high‐risk clinical population, the NICU‐only protocol was amended to single AABR using AccuScreen equipment. Capture rates were 71.1% (NICU‐only) vs. 95.4% (UNHS) (P < 0.001), successful follow‐up rates were 85.8% vs. 96% (P= 0.004), and mean corrected age at the first audiology appointment was 51.5 vs. 40.2 days (P= 0.05).

Conclusions:  NICU screening offered within a larger UNHS program outperformed the stand‐alone NICU hearing screening program on all measured parameters. Greater resourcing might address shortcomings of the stand‐alone program but would also reduce its potential savings. The high loss to follow‐up also argues against the often‐advocated approach of referring all NICU infants for diagnostic audiologic testing, bypassing hearing screening altogether.
Cisplatin plus etoposide versus other platin‐based regimens for patients with extensive small‐cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised, controlled trials
Authors: Jiang L. , Yang K.‐H. , Guan Q.‐L. , Mi D.‐H. , Wang J.
Published: April 2012

Aim

To determine whether the cisplatin plus etoposide (EP) combination was more efficacious and less toxic than other platinum‐based regimens for patients with extensive‐stage small‐cell lung cancer.

Methods

We performed an extensive literature search (from their inception to July 2010). Two reviewers independently assessed search results and methodological quality of included studies. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and relative risks (RRs) were calculated according to a random‐effects model.

Results

Twelve randomised, controlled trials involving seven different platinum‐based chemotherapy regimens were included into this meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis showed that compared with EP regimen, irinotecan plus cisplatin (IP) might decrease the risk of death (HR = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78–0.97, P = 0.01) (five trials), unlike the sensitivity analysis (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.81–1.02, P = 0.12), progression‐free survival (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.86–1.05, P = 0.28) and overall response rate (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.93–1.24) that were not superior for IP. IP regimen produced more non‐haematological toxicities and less haematological toxicities. One trial found that etoposide + cisplatin + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide and cisplatin + etoposide + ifosfamide regimen might prolong the overall survival respectively. Etoposide + cisplatin + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide regimen also might improve progression‐free survival but with high rate of haematological toxicities. None of the other trials included in the study demonstrated a significant improvement in survival.

Conclusions

There is no strong evidence that any clinical advantage for extensive small‐cell lung carcinoma patients requiring chemotherapy when comparing EP with other platin‐based regimens, with exception of IP that might prolong overall survival. The decision to prescribe which chemotherapy should take into consideration both cost and treatment preference.
A romantic delusion: de Clerambault's syndrome in dementia
Authors: Cipriani Gabriele , Logi Chiara , Di Fiorino Andrea
Published: April 2012

Erotromania (also known as de Clerambault's syndrome) is a rare disorder in which an individual has a delusional belief that a person of a socially higher standing falls in love with her/him. It has rarely been described in older people, but many cases have been reported in conjunction with psychiatric and neurological disorders. The purpose of this paper was to examine the phenomenon of erotomania in people with dementia. We carried out a search of electronic databases for literature on this subject. The search terms used were: erotomania, de Clerambault's syndrome, erotomanic delusion and dementia. The literature on erotomania in the course of dementia consists mostly of case reports and small samples of patients. Misinterpretation of events is common in brain disease, especially with diffuse or multifocal disorders, but erotomania has rarely been reported in dementia. The relationship between dementia and de Clerambault's syndrome remains uncertain. Erotic delusion arising late in life should be thoroughly investigated to rule out organicity.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 383–387.
Effect of oral health dental state and risk of malnutrition in elderly people
Authors: Lopez‐Jornet Pia , Saura‐Perez Manuel , Llevat‐Espinosa Nieves
Published: April 2012

Aim:  To determine the risk of malnutrition in both institutionalized and non‐institutionalized elderly people of the region of Murcia in Spain.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out on 465 participants (213 men and 252 women) aged 65 years or older, and representative of the population of the region of Murcia in Spain. The nutritional condition was determined with the Mini Nutritional Assessment screening tool. The following clinical oral health variables were recorded: number of teeth in the mouth, use of removable dentures and hygiene.

Results:  The prevalence of malnutrition was 7% in the study population, whereas the risk of malnutrition was 49%. A greater prevalence was recorded in the older and in the institutionalized participants. There were no significant differences in terms of malnutrition or the risk of malnutrition between the participants with or without dentures or between the dentate or edentulous participants.

Conclusions:  Age and institutionalization are parameters to be taken into account for detecting the risk of malnutrition in elderly people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 43–49.
How are tree species distributed in climatic space? A simple and general pattern
Authors: Boucher‐Lalonde Véronique , Morin Antoine , Currie David J.
Published: April 2012

Aim Although many factors undoubtedly affect species geographic distributions, can a single, simple model nonetheless capture most of the spatial variation in the probability of presence/absence in a large set of species? For 482 North American tree species that occur east of the Rocky Mountains, we investigated the shape(s) of the relationship between the probability of occupancy of a given location and macroclimate, and its consistency among species and regions.

Location North America.

Methods Using Little's tree range maps, we tested four hypothetical shapes of response relating occupancy to climate: (1) high occupancy of all suitable climates; (2) threshold response (i.e. unsuitable climates exclude species, but within the thresholds, species presence is independent of climate); (3) occupancy is a bivariate normal function of annual temperature and precipitation; and (4) asymmetric limitation (i.e. abiotic factors set abrupt range limits in stressful climates only). Finally, we compared observed climatic niches with the occupancy of similar climates on off‐shore islands as well as west of the Rockies.

Results (a) Species' distributions in climatic space do not have strong thresholds, nor are they systematically skewed towards less stressful climates. (b) Occupancy can generally be described by a bivariate normal function of temperature and precipitation, with little or no interaction between the two variables. This model, averaged over all species, accounts for 82% of the spatial variation in the probability of occupancy of a given area. (c) Occupied geographic ranges are typically ringed by unoccupied, but climatically suitable areas. (d) Observed climatic niche positions are largely conserved between regions.

Main conclusions We conclude that, despite the complexities of species histories and biologies, to a first approximation most of the variation in their geographic distributions relates to climate, in similar ways for nearly all species.
THE PARADOX OF DEBT AND MINSKY'S FINANCIAL INSTABILITY HYPOTHESIS
Authors: Ryoo Soon
Published: April 2012

Some authors have claimed that the paradox of debt invalidates Minsky's theory of financial instability. Their theoretical frameworks are radically different from Minsky's in several aspects. Important Minskian elements, the role of margins of safety as a basis of financial decisions and the effects of asset prices on debt dynamics, among others, are absent in the critics' frameworks. We maintain that the thrust of the paradox of debt‐based criticism to Minsky's theory has been exaggerated and key insights of Minsky's theory of financial instability can be formalized in an alternative macroeconomic framework. We provide a stock‐flow consistent model of Minskian long waves.
Transnational religious networks: sexuality and the changing power geometries of the Anglican Communion
Authors: Valentine Gill , Vanderbeck Robert M , Sadgrove Joanna , Andersson Johan , Ward Kevin
Published: April 2012

This paper focuses on the response of the global Anglican Communion to the issue of homosexuality, drawing on case studies of parishes in three different national contexts (UK, USA and South Africa). It traces some of the complex connections (e.g. through flows of money, resources and discourses) between places differently located within this transnational religious network to identify a complex geometry of power. Through its attention to the deployment of racist, disablist, colonial and sexist discourses in debates about homosexuality, this paper contributes to geographies of difference by showing how prejudices can intersect in complex ways to facilitate but also to undo or cancel each other out. The conclusion reflects on issues of authority, the meaning of ‘communion’ and how local insights might be scaled‐up to imagine a practical response to the institutional crisis about homosexuality in the global Anglican Communion. In doing so, the paper contributes to understanding how differences may be reconciled within a transnational religious context.
Effects of Vegetation Cover, Presence of a Native Ant Species, and Human Disturbance on Colonization by Argentine Ants
Authors: FITZGERALD KATHERINE , GORDON DEBORAH M.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  The spread of non‐native invasive species is affected by human activity, vegetation cover, weather, and interaction with native species. We analyzed data from a 17‐year study of the distribution of the non‐native Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) and the native winter ant (Prenolepis imparis) in a preserve in northern California (U.S.A.). We conducted logistic regressions and used model selection to determine whether the following variables were associated with changes in the distribution of each species: presence of conspecifics at neighboring sites, distance to development (e.g., roads, buildings, and landscaped areas), proportion of vegetation cover taller than 0.75 m, elevation, distance to water, presence of both species at a site, temperature, and rainfall. Argentine ants colonized unoccupied sites from neighboring sites, but the probability of appearance and persistence decreased as distance to development, vegetation cover, and elevation increased. Winter ants appeared and persisted in sites with relatively high vegetation cover (i.e., highly shaded sites). Presence of the 2 species was negatively associated in sites with high vegetation cover (more winter ants) and sites near development (more Argentine ants). Probability of colonization of Argentine ants decreased where winter ants were most persistent. At sites near development within the preserve, abundant Argentine ant populations may be excluding winter ants. The high abundance of Argentine ants at these sites may be due to immigration from suburban areas outside the preserve, which are high‐quality habitat for Argentine ants. In the interior of the preserve, distance from development, low‐quality habitat, and interaction with winter ants may in combination exclude Argentine ants. Interactions among the variables we examined were associated with low probabilities of Argentine ant colonization in the preserve.
Market Expansion and Productivity Growth: Do New Domestic Markets Matter as Much as New International Markets?
Authors: Baldwin John , Yan Beiling
Published: April 2012

This paper asks how market expansion contributes to productivity growth. It investigates whether entry to both new international markets and new domestic markets is associated with greater productivity growth. It also examines whether exit from export markets is necessarily associated with deteriorating performance or whether it too can lead to success if associated with movements to new markets. Finally, the paper drills down into the strategic stance of firms that move to new markets to examine the strategic differences that set them apart from their compatriots that do not find themselves able to adapt.
Social Efficiency of Entry with Market Leaders
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit
Published: April 2012

We offer a new perspective to the social efficiency of entry by considering an industry with a quantity‐setting leader and free entry of followers. We show that entry with homogeneous products can be socially insufficient instead of excessive. In a closed economy, entry is always socially insufficient in the absence of scale economies, and it is socially insufficient in the presence of scale economies if the marginal cost difference between the leader and the followers is large. In an open economy with the foreign leader, entry is always socially insufficient. Thus, we show that entry regulation may not be justified in oligopolistic industries with market leaders.
Patent Settlements as a Barrier to Entry
Authors: Duchêne Anne , Serfes Konstantinos
Published: April 2012

We formulate a model of entry with two incumbent firms—a patent holder and an infringer—and a potential entrant, with asymmetric information about the validity of the infringed patent (patent strength) between incumbent firms and the entrant. Within this framework we show that patent settlements between the incumbent firms can be mutually beneficial even when the cost of trial is zero and the settlement agreement takes the form of a simple fixed license fee. For patents of intermediate strength, settlements are a tool for entry deterrence. The two parties agree on a high settlement amount which sends a
credible
signal to “outsiders” that the patent is not weak and therefore entry will not be profitable. This provides a novel explanation for the role of settlements and to the recent observation of high license fees negotiated in settlement agreements. It suggests that firms should disclose the settlement amount if they want to keep out further entrants. We also show that even nonreverse settlements that entail only a fixed fee can be anticompetitive because they are used to block entry.
Multiproduct Firms in Hotelling’s Spatial Competition
Authors: Tabuchi Takatoshi
Published: April 2012

Oligopoly models are usually analyzed in the context of two firms, anticipating that market outcomes would be qualitatively similar in the case of three or more firms. The literature on Hotelling’s location‐then‐price competition is not an exception. In this paper, we show that the main finding of brand bunching in Hotelling’s duopoly no longer holds once three or more firms are allowed to enter the market. That is, in oligopoly with three or more firms, firms proliferate brands.
Developmental Associations Between Adolescent Alcohol Use and Dating Aggression
Authors: McNaughton Reyes Heathe Luz , Foshee Vangie A. , Bauer Daniel J. , Ennett Susan T.
Published: April 2012

Although numerous studies have established a link between alcohol use and partner violence in adulthood, little research has examined this relation during adolescence. The current study used multivariate growth models to examine relations between alcohol use and dating aggression across Grades 8 through 12, controlling for shared risk factors (common causes) that predict both behaviors. Associations between trajectories of alcohol use and dating aggression were reduced substantially when common causes were controlled. Concurrent associations between the two behaviors were significant across nearly all grades but no evidence was found for prospective connections from prior alcohol use to subsequent dating aggression or vice versa. Findings suggest that prevention efforts should target common causes of alcohol use and dating aggression.
Cosmopolitanism, Globalization, and Islamic Piety Movements in Mauritius
Authors: EISENLOHR PATRICK
Published: April 2012

For many Mauritian Muslims the participation in transnational piety movements is inseparably linked to what they consider to be modern and cosmopolitan lifestyles. Taking the growth of Islamic idioms and movements among Mauritian Muslims as an example, in this paper I argue for a more complex understanding of the links between contemporary Islamic piety movements and current trends of globalization. Moreover, the Mauritian state also encourages the growth of transnational religious networks as part of a policy of encouraging “ancestral cultures” in which major, standardized religious traditions have a central place. The example suggests that the intersection of processes at a global scale with state policies towards religion plays a key role in the emergence of religiously grounded cosmopolitanism in the contemporary world.