bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secretory Factors From Rat Adipose Tissue Explants Promote Adipogenesis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Li Jie , Qiao Xiangchen , Yu Mei , Li Feng , Wang Hang , Guo Weihua , Tian Weidong
Published: September 2013

Adipogenic differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) is known to be affected by many promoting and inhibiting factors, and correlated with surrounding cells and extracellular matrix. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of secreted biological molecules from adipose tissue explants on the growth of ASCs. In this study, ASCs were isolated and the secretory factors from adipose tissue explants (SFAE) were prepared from adipose tissue explants. The multilineage differentiation potential of ASCs was determined using different inductive media. The influence of SFAE on the colony formation and proliferation of ASCs was determined using colony‐forming efficiency assay and Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, respectively. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were performed to analyze the beneficial effect of SFAE on the adipogenesis and angiogenesis of ASCs. Utilizing gelatin scaffold, the influence of SFAE on ASCs was investigated in vivo. Subsequently, cell/gelatin constructs were cultured in a subcutaneous pocket on a rat dorsum for 2 and 9 weeks, and the resultant samples were histologically evaluated. Results showed that ASCs derived from adipose explants can differentiate along multiple lineages in vitro. Utilizing SFAE, the proliferation and colony‐forming efficiency of ASCs were inhibited, while the expression of adipogenesis markers such as C/EBPβ, PPARγ2, and LPL, as well as angiogenesis factor VEGF‐A were promoted. Moreover, the beneficial effect of SFAE on adipogenesis was revealed in vivo. In conclusion, our results suggested that SFAE has beneficial influence on adipogenesis and angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.
Clinical Results and Pump Analysis of the Gyro Pump for Long‐Term Extracorporeal Life Support
Authors: Terasaki Takamitsu , Takano Tamaki , Michinaga Yuuki , Yokokawa Michihiro , Wada Yuko , Seto Tatsuichirou , Fukui Daisuke , Amano Jun
Published: September 2013

Rescuing patients in severe cardiac failure with extracorporeal support remains challenging. The Gyro pump is a centrifugal blood pump and was now used for cardiopulmonary bypass, although it was originally developed for long‐term cardiac assist. Little is known about clinical experiences using this pump. Here, we report on the clinical results of long‐term extracorporeal life support for over 4 days using the Gyro pump with Excelung, a hollow fiber oxygenator coated with silicone and heparin. Seven patients underwent extracorporeal life support with 15 pump and oxygenator combinations. Gyro and Excelung were used for venoarterial extracorporeal support in six patients and for right ventricular support in one patient. Patient characteristics, pump driving conditions, and blood chemistry were obtained retrospectively. All pumps were subsequently disassembled and examined macroscopically, with 6 of 15 pumps also examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The patient mortality rate was 57.1%. Mean duration of support was 10.5 ± 7.2 days per pump and oxygenator combination. Lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase were generally maintained below 1000 and 100 IU/L, respectively, after the first 4 days of pump driving. Thrombi were found in two pumps, one used without anticoagulation and the other driven at a very slow rotational speed. SEM revealed no wear in the male bearings and very low wear and deformation (0.02 ± 0.03 mm) in the female bearings. The combination of Gyro and Excelung may be applicable for long‐term biventricular and right ventricular support, although proper anticoagulation should be administrated to avoid thrombus formation inside the pump.
The influence of individual, group, and relative self‐esteem on outcome for patients undergoing group cognitive‐behavioural therapy treatment
Authors: Parker Thomas J. , Page Andrew C. , Hooke Geoff R.
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Despite a strong association between individual self‐esteem and treatment outcome in group cognitive‐behavioural therapy (GCBT), no study has investigated how patient outcomes might be influenced by an individual's self‐esteem relative to other group members.

Design

The study comprised a retrospective examination of patients' data and used a multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of treatment outcome. Patients' pre‐treatment self‐esteem scores were assessed on a continuum and assigned to be low, medium, or high. Therapy groups were assigned to be either low, balanced or high self‐esteem groups based on averaged self‐esteem scores of participants.

Methods

In this study, 3,878 patients who had completed a 10‐day intensive cognitive behavioural group therapy programme at a private psychiatric facility were included in the study. The Rosenberg Self‐Esteem measure was chosen to assess self‐esteem. The three subscales of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were used as the outcome measures.

Results

Patient outcomes were influenced by pre‐treatment self‐esteem scores, such that higher initial self‐esteem was associated with better treatment outcomes. Low group self‐esteem was predictive of significantly better outcomes for depression, relative to higher self‐esteem groups. Additionally, the combined influence of high individual self‐esteem and low group self‐esteem was associated with significantly enhanced depression improvement.

Conclusions

High self‐esteem patients perform better on outcome measures following completion of GCBT. Low self‐esteem groups show greater improvement in depression symptoms. Similar results for depression are achieved when patients with high self‐esteem complete treatment in low self‐esteem groups.

Practitioner points

Patients with higher pre‐treatment self‐esteem perform better on outcome measures compared to individuals with lower self‐esteem.

Low self‐esteem groups perform better with respect to depression improvement. Similar results are found when high self‐esteem patients complete treatment in low self‐esteem groups.

The study was a retrospective examination of patients' data and not a manipulation study; therefore, cause and effect relationships were not able to be determined.

The generalizability of the finding to patients in other health settings remains to be determined.
Single‐cell PCR analysis of murine embryonic stem cells cultured on different substrates highlights heterogeneous expression of stem cell markers
Authors: Franzin Chiara , Piccoli Martina , Serena Elena , Bertin Enrica , Urbani Luca , Luni Camilla , Pasqualetto Valerie , Eaton Simon , Elvassore Nicola , De Coppi Paolo , Pozzobon Michela
Published: September 2013

Background Information

In the last few years, recent evidence has revealed that inside an apparently homogeneous cell population there indeed appears to be heterogeneity. This is particularly true for embryonic stem (ES) cells where markers of pluripotency are dynamically expressed within the single cells. In this work, we have designed and tested a new set of primers for multiplex PCR detection of pluripotency markers expression, and have applied it to perform a single‐cell analysis in murine ES cells cultured on three different substrates that could play an important role in controlling cell behaviour and fate: (i) mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeder layer, as the standard method for ES cells culture; (ii) Matrigel coating; (iii) micropatterned hydrogel.

Results

Compared with population analysis, using a single‐cell approach, we were able to evaluate not only the number of cells that maintained the expression of a specific gene but, most importantly, how many cells co‐expressed different markers. We found that micropatterned hydrogel seems to represent a good alternative to MEF, as the expression of stemness markers is better preserved than in Matrigel culture.

Conclusions

This single‐cell assay allows for the assessment of the stemness maintenance at a single‐cell level in terms of gene expression profile, and can be applied in stem cell research to characterise freshly isolated and cultured cells, or to standardise, for instance, the method of culture closely linked to the transcriptional activity and the differentiation potential.
Polydactyly: phenotypes, genetics and classification
Authors: Malik S.
Published: September 2013

Polydactyly is one of the most common hereditary limb malformations featuring additional digits in hands and/or feet. It constituted the highest proportion among the congenital limb defects in various epidemiological surveys. Polydactyly, primarily presenting as an additional pre‐axial or post‐axial digit of autopod, is a highly heterogeneous condition and depicts broad inter‐ and intra‐familial clinical variability. There is a plethora of polydactyly classification methods reported in the medical literature which approach the heterogeneity in polydactyly in various ways. In this communication, well‐characterized, non‐syndromic polydactylies in humans are reviewed. The cardinal features, phenotypic variability and molecular advances of each type have been presented. Polydactyly at cellular and developmental levels is mainly a failure in the control of digit number. Interestingly, GLI3 and SHH (ZRS/SHH enhancer), two antagonistic factors known to modulate digit number and identity during development, have also been implicated in polydactyly. Mutations in GLI3 and ZRS/SHH cause overlapping polydactyly phenotypes highlighting shared molecular cascades in the etiology of additional digits, and thus suggesting the lumping of at least six distinct polydactyly entities. However, owing to the extreme phenotypic and clinical heterogeneity witnessed in polydactyly a substantial genetic heterogeneity is expected across different populations and ethnic groups.
A homozygous mutation in a consanguineous family consolidates the role of ALDH1A3 in autosomal recessive microphthalmia
Authors: Roos L. , Fang M. , Dali C. , Jensen H. , Christoffersen N. , Wu B. , Zhang J. , Xu R. , Harris P. , Xu X. , Grønskov K. , Tümer Z.
Published: September 2013

Anomalies of eye development can lead to the rare eye malformations microphthalmia and anophthalmia (small or absent ocular globes), which are genetically very heterogeneous. Several genes have been associated with microphthalmia and anophthalmia, and exome sequencing has contributed to the identification of new genes. Very recently, homozygous variations within ALDH1A3 have been associated with autosomal recessive microphthalmia with or without cysts or coloboma, and with variable subphenotypes of developmental delay/autism spectrum disorder in eight families. In a consanguineous family where three of the five siblings were affected with microphthalmia/coloboma, we identified a novel homozygous missense mutation in ALDH1A3 using exome sequencing. Of the three affected siblings, one had intellectual disability and one had intellectual disability and autism, while the last one presented with normal development. This study contributes further to the description of the clinical spectrum associated with ALDH1A3 mutations, and illustrates the interfamilial clinical variation observed in individuals with ALDH1A3 mutations.
Trophic Cascades Following the Disease‐Induced Decline of an Apex Predator, the Tasmanian Devil
Authors: HOLLINGS TRACEY , JONES MENNA , MOONEY NICK , MCCALLUM HAMISH
Published: September 2013

As apex predators disappear worldwide, there is escalating evidence of their importance in maintaining the integrity and diversity of the ecosystems they inhabit. The largest extant marsupial carnivore, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is threatened with extinction from a transmissible cancer, devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). The disease, first observed in 1996, has led to apparent population declines in excess of 95% in some areas and has spread to more than 80% of their range. We analyzed a long‐term Tasmania‐wide data set derived from wildlife spotlighting surveys to assess the effects of DFTD‐induced devil decline on populations of other mammals and to examine the relative strength of top–down and bottom–up control of mesopredators between 2 regions with different environmental conditions. Collection of the data began >10 years before DFTD was first observed. A decrease in devil populations was immediate across diseased regions following DFTD arrival, and there has been no indication of population recovery. Feral cats (Felis catus) increased in areas where the disease was present the longest, and feral cat occurrence was significantly and negatively associated with devils. The smallest mesopredator, the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), declined rapidly following DFTD arrival. This result suggests the species was indirectly protected by devils through the suppression of larger predators. Rainfall deficiency was also a significant predictor of their decline. Environmental variables determined the relative importance of top–down control in the population regulation of mesopredators. In landscapes of low rainfall and relatively higher proportions of agriculture and human settlement, top–down forces were dampened and bottom–up forces had the most effect on mesopredators. For herbivore prey species, there was evidence of population differences after DFTD arrival, but undetected environmental factors had greater effects. The unique opportunity to assess population changes over extensive temporal and spatial scales following apex predator loss further demonstrated their role in structuring ecosystems and of productivity in determining the strength of top–down control.

Cascadas Tróficas Después de la Declinación Inducida por Enfermedad de un Depredador Apical, el Demonio de Tasmania
Colesevelam for Type 2 diabetes mellitus: an abridged Cochrane review*
Authors: Ooi C. P. , Loke S. C.
Published: September 2013

Aim

Colesevelam, a second‐generation bile acid sequestrant, may be beneficial in controlling both glycaemia and lipids simultaneously. Our goal was to evaluate the systemic effects of colesevelam on Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Method

The original Cochrane review was conducted using the methodology for the systematic review of interventions of the Cochrane Collaboration in RevMan 5.2. We comprehensively searched the literature in several databases up to January 2012. Two reviewing authors independently selected and extracted the data, and then evaluated the quality of the randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials were selected, which ranged from 8 to 26 weeks in duration. A total of 1450 participants were divided into two groups: those treated with colesevelam and no other anti‐diabetic drug treatments/placebo, or with colesevelam added on to anti‐diabetic drug treatments. The colesevelam added on to anti‐diabetic agents demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the fasting blood glucose (mean difference of –0.82 mmol/l, 95% CI –1.2 to –0.44), HbA1c (mean difference –0.5%, 95% CI –0.6 to –0.4) and LDL cholesterol (mean difference –0.34 mmol/l, 95% CI –0.44 to –0.23). There were no reported data on weight. Non‐severe hypoglycaemic episodes were infrequently observed.

Conclusion

The limited number of studies concerning the treatment with colesevelam added to anti‐diabetic agents showed significant effects on glycaemic control; however, more research on the reduction of cardiovascular risks is required. Furthermore, long‐term data on the health‐related quality of life and all‐cause mortality also need to be investigated.
Phenotypic and genetic divergence within a single whitefish form – detecting the potential for future divergence
Authors: Hirsch Philipp Emanuel , Eckmann Reiner , Oppelt Claus , Behrmann‐Godel Jasminca
Published: September 2013

Human‐induced nutrient input can change the selection regime and lead to the loss of biodiversity. For example, eutrophication caused speciation reversal in polymorphic whitefish populations through a flattening of littoral–pelagic selection gradients. We investigated the current state of phenotypic and genetic diversity in whitefish (Coregonus macrophthalmus)in a newly restored lake whose nutrient load has returned to pre‐eutrophication levels and found that whitefish spawning at different depths varied phenotypically and genetically: individuals spawning at shallower depth had fewer gill rakers, faster growth, and a morphology adapted to benthic feeding, and they showed higher degrees of diet specialization than deeper spawning individuals. Microsatellite analyses complemented the phenotype analyses by demonstrating reproductive isolation along different spawning depths. Our results indicate that whitefish still retain or currently regain phenotypic and genetic diversity, which was lost during eutrophication. Hence, the population documented here has a potential for future divergence because natural selection can target phenotypes specialized along re‐established littoral–pelagic selection gradients. The biodiversity, however, will have better chances to return if managers acknowledge the evolutionary potential within the local whitefish and adapt fishing and stocking measures.
The Efficacy of Systemic Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Externalizing Disorders: A Systematic Review of 47 RCT
Authors: von Sydow Kirsten , Retzlaff Ruediger , Beher Stefan , Haun Markus W. , Schweitzer Jochen
Published: September 2013

Systemic (family) therapy is a widely used psychotherapy approach. However, most systematic efficacy reviews have focused solely on “family‐based treatment” rather than on the theoretic orientation “systemic therapy.” We systematically review trials on the efficacy of systemic therapy for the treatment of childhood and adolescent externalizing disorders. All randomized (or matched) controlled trials (RCT) evaluating systemic/systems‐oriented therapy in various forms (family, individual, group, multi‐family group therapy) with child or adolescent index patients (0–17 years) suffering from mental disorders were identified by data base searches and cross‐references. Inclusion criteria were as follows: index patient diagnosed with a DSM‐ or ICD‐listed mental disorder, and trial published in any language up to the end of 2011. The RCTs were analyzed for their research methodology, interventions applied, and results (postintervention; follow‐up). A total of 47 trials from the United States, Europe, and China, published in English, German, and Mandarin, were identified. A total of 42 of them showed systemic therapy to be efficacious for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, conduct disorders, and substance use disorders. Results were stable across follow‐up periods of up to 14 years. There is a sound evidence base for the efficacy of systemic therapy for children and adolescents (and their families) diagnosed with externalizing disorders.
Threats and opportunities for freshwater conservation under future land use change scenarios in the United States
Authors: Martinuzzi Sebastián , Januchowski‐Hartley Stephanie R. , Pracheil Brenda M. , McIntyre Peter B. , Plantinga Andrew J. , Lewis David J. , Radeloff Volker C.
Published: September 2013

Freshwater ecosystems provide vital resources for humans and support high levels of biodiversity, yet are severely threatened throughout the world. The expansion of human land uses, such as urban and crop cover, typically degrades water quality and reduces freshwater biodiversity, thereby jeopardizing both biodiversity and ecosystem services. Identifying and mitigating future threats to freshwater ecosystems requires forecasting where land use changes are most likely. Our goal was to evaluate the potential consequences of future land use on freshwater ecosystems in the coterminous United States by comparing alternative scenarios of land use change (2001–2051) with current patterns of freshwater biodiversity and water quality risk. Using an econometric model, each of our land use scenarios projected greater changes in watersheds of the eastern half of the country, where freshwater ecosystems already experience higher stress from human activities. Future urban expansion emerged as a major threat in regions with high freshwater biodiversity (e.g., the Southeast) or severe water quality problems (e.g., the Midwest). Our scenarios reflecting environmentally oriented policies had some positive effects. Subsidizing afforestation for carbon sequestration reduced crop cover and increased natural vegetation in areas that are currently stressed by low water quality, while discouraging urban sprawl diminished urban expansion in areas of high biodiversity. On the other hand, we found that increases in crop commodity prices could lead to increased agricultural threats in areas of high freshwater biodiversity. Our analyses illustrate the potential for policy changes and market factors to influence future land use trends in certain regions of the country, with important consequences for freshwater ecosystems. Successful conservation of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services in the United States into the future will require attending to the potential threats and opportunities arising from policies and market changes affecting land use.
Substantial reorganization of China's tropical and subtropical forests: based on the permanent plots
Authors: Zhou Guoyi , Houlton Benjamin Z. , Wang Wantong , Huang Wenjuan , Xiao Yin , Zhang Qianmei , Liu Shizhong , Cao Min , Wang Xihua , Wang Silong , Zhang Yiping , Yan Junhua , Liu Juxiu , Tang Xuli , Zhang Deqiang
Published: September 2013

There is evidence that climate change induced tree mortalities in boreal and temperate forests and increased forest turnover rates (both mortality and recruitment rates) in Amazon forests. However, no study has examined China's tropical and subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests (TEBF) that cover >26% of China's terrestrial land. The sustainability of this biome is vital to the maintenance of local ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, climatic regulation), many of which may influence patterns of atmospheric circulation and composition at regional to global scales. Here, we analyze time‐series data collected from thirteen permanent plots within China's unmanaged TEBF to study whether and how this biome has changed over recent decades. We find that the numbers of individuals and species for shrub and small tree have increased since 1978, whereas the numbers of individuals and species for tree have decreased over this same time period. The shift in species composition is accompanied by a decrease in the mean diameter at breast height (DBH) for all individuals combined. China's TEBF may thereby be transitioning from cohorts of fewer and larger individuals to ones of more and smaller individuals, which shows a unique change pattern differing from the documented. Regional‐scale drying is likely responsible for the biome's reorganization. This biome‐wide reconstitution would deeply impact the regimes of carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation and have implications for the sustainability of economic development in the area.
Carbon emissions performance of commercial logging in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Griscom Bronson , Ellis Peter , Putz Francis E.
Published: September 2013

Adoption of reduced‐impact logging (RIL) methods could reduceCO2emissions by 30–50% across at least 20% of remaining tropical forests. We developed two cost effective and robust indices for comparing the climate benefits (reducedCO2emissions) due toRIL. The indices correct for variability in the volume of commercial timber among concessions. We determined that a correction for variability in terrain slope was not needed. We found that concessions certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC,N = 3), when compared with noncertified concessions (N = 6), did not have lower overallCO2emissions from logging activity (felling, skidding, and hauling). On the other hand,FSCcertified concessions did have lower emissions from one type of logging impact (skidding), and we found evidence of a range of improved practices using other field metrics. One explanation of these results may be thatFSCcriteria and indicators, and associatedRILpractices, were not designed to achieve overall emissions reductions. Also, commonly used field metrics are not reliable proxies for overall logging emissions performance. Furthermore, the simple distinction between certified and noncertified concessions does not fully represent the complex history of investments in improved logging practices. To clarify the relationship betweenRILand emissions reductions, we propose the more explicit term ‘RIL‐C’ to refer to the subset ofRILpractices that can be defined by quantified thresholds and that result in measurable emissions reductions. If tropical forest certification is to be linked withCO2emissions reductions, certification standards need to explicitly requireRIL‐C practices.
Energy requirements and environmental impacts associated with the production of short rotation willow (Salix sp.) chip in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Fionnuala , Devlin Ger , McDonnell Kevin
Published: September 2013

Willow Salix sp. is currently cultivated as a short rotation forestry crop in Ireland as a source of biomass to contribute to renewable energy goals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the energy requirements and environmental impacts associated with willow (Salix sp.) cultivation, harvest, and transport using life cycle assessment (LCA). In this study, only emissions from the production of the willow chip are included, end‐use emissions from combustion are not considered. In this LCA study, three impact categories are considered; acidification potential, eutrophication potential and global warming potential. In addition, the cumulative energy demand and energy ratio of the system are evaluated. The results identify three key processes in the production chain which contribute most to all impact categories considered; maintenance, harvest and transportation of the crop. Sensitivity analysis on the type of fertilizers used, harvesting technologies and transport distances highlights the effects of these management techniques on overall system performance. Replacement of synthetic fertilizer with biosolids results in a reduction in overall energy demand, but raises acidification potential, eutrophication potential and global warming potential. Rod harvesting compares unfavourably in comparison with direct chip harvesting in each of the impact categories considered due to the additional chipping step required. The results show that dedicated truck transport is preferable to tractor‐trailer transport in terms of energy demand and environmental impacts. Finally, willow chip production compares favourably with coal provision in terms of energy ratio and global warming potential, while achieving a higher energy ratio than peat provision but also a higher global warming potential.
Pain reports and pain medication treatment in nursing home residents with and without dementia
Authors: Monroe Todd B , Misra Sumathi K , Habermann Ralf C , Dietrich Mary S , Cowan Ronald L , Simmons Sandra F
Published: September 2013

Aim

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if a diagnosis of dementia influenced pain self‐reports and pain medication use in a group of verbally communicative nursing home (NH) residents.

Methods

The study design was a between groups, cross‐sectional chart audit and a seven‐question structured pain interview comparing outcomes in residents with and without a diagnosis of dementia. The study was carried out at a large metropolitan NH in the southern USA. The participants consisted of 52 long‐stay NH residents capable of self‐consent with at least one order for pain medication (opioid or non‐narcotic) either pro re nata, scheduled or both. Approximately 40% (n = 20) had a diagnosis of dementia.

Results

Although each group had similar pain‐related diagnoses, residents without a dementia diagnosis were significantly more likely to have a medication order for an opioid (OR 4.37,95% CI 1.29–14.73, P = 0.018). Based on self‐reported pain interview responses, no statistically significant differences were identified between the groups for chronic pain symptoms. However, among residents who reported current pain, those with a dementia diagnosis reported greater pain intensity (based on a 0–10 numeric rating scale) than did those without dementia (median 8.0 vs 6.0, respectively; P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Verbally communicative NH residents with mild and moderate cognitive impairment can report their pain symptoms and pain intensity. Nurses in long‐term care might assume that residents with dementia cannot reliably self‐report their pain; however, suffering from untreated severe pain could exacerbate cognitive impairment, worsen functional impairment and severely impair sleep. A brief, focused pain interview might be one method for increasing the detection of moderate to severe pain in verbally communicative NH residents with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 541–548.
Association between physical activity and serum C‐peptide levels among the elderly
Authors: Li Ying , Meng Lu , Miao QianQian , Sato Yasuto
Published: September 2013

Aim

Serum C‐peptide is an active peptide that has important physiological functions and characteristics in the elderly. The present study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity and serum C‐peptide level independent of insulin level among the elderly.

Methods

The study included 1700 elderly participants aged ≥65 years. Stratified analysis of covariance was used to compare serum C‐peptide levels in participants with different physical activity levels. Two separate multiple linear regression models were created to estimate the association between physical activity and serum C‐peptide level.

Results

The results of analysis of covariance stratified by sex, body mass index and serum insulin level showed that those who engaged in vigorous physical activity had lower serum C‐peptide levels than those who engaged in light or no physical activity. Separate multiple linear regression analysis showed that in those with low serum C‐peptide levels (≤0.621 nmol/L), physical activity was significantly positively associated with the serum C‐peptide level. In contrast, physical activity was negatively associated with the serum C‐peptide level among those with serum C‐peptide level >0.621 nmol/L.

Conclusions

The serum C‐peptide level showed a significant two‐way association with physical activity. The present findings suggest that physical activity modification is important for improving serum C‐peptide levels among the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 647–653.
Orally Inhaled Dihydroergotamine: A Review
Authors: Tepper Stewart J.
Published: September 2013

Orally inhalable dihydroergotamine (iDHE), before theUS Food andDrugAdministration in 2013 for consideration for approval for acute treatment of episodic migraine in adults, is a user‐friendly formulation of an older medication. Dihydroergotamine (DHE) has a heterogeneous receptor profile, central penetration, and persistent receptor binding that may account for its clinical prolonged benefits in acute treatment of migraine. The same features may result in the ability ofDHEto reverse central sensitization and allodynia and to maintain efficacy deep into attacks. These characteristics makeDHEparticularly useful in treating migraine upon awakening, prolonged migraine and status migrainosus, menstrually related migraine, and for bridging patients out of medication‐overuse headache/chronic migraine. The inhalable formulation has helpful pharmacokinetics, with a lower maximal serum concentration than intravenousDHEwhich may account for minimal nausea, and less binding to the potentially toxic serotonin2Breceptor. The inhaler itself is designed for delivery of reproducible aliquots of intrapulmonaryDHEwith only nominal need for patient coordination. The inhalable form allows for bypassing the gastrointestinal tract in the setting of migraine nausea or vomiting, and greatly reduces first‐pass effect. No drug‐related serious adverse events were reported during thePhase 3 study ofiDHE. Product taste and nausea were the most common side effects in both thePhase 3 regulatory trial and in the safety extension trial. Limitations for use ofiDHEare those for any ergot or triptan, ie, contraindication in the setting of vascular disease. In addition,iDHEis metabolized by the cytochromeP450 3A4liver enzymatic system. InhalableDHEprovides the promise of a new formulation of a valued medication with important clinical features, useful deep into attacks in a variety of situations.
PRDM16 rs2651899 Variant Is a Risk Factor for Chinese Common Migraine Patients
Authors: An Xing‐Kai , Ma Qi‐Lin , Lin Qing , Zhang Xiao‐Rong , Lu Cong‐Xia , Qu Hong‐Li
Published: September 2013

Objective

Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 3 loci in or near PRDM16 (1p36.32, rs2651899), LRP1 (12q13.3, rs11172113) and TRPM8 (2q37.1, rs10166942) in the population‐based Women's Genome Health Study (WGHS) of migraine, and 2 loci in or near TRPM8 and LRP1 were repeated in European GWAS study. To evaluate whether the same variants are related to migraine in Chinese population, we investigated migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) patients of Chinese Han ethnicity in mainland China.

Methods

A case‐control study in a cohort of 207 migraine cases and 205 ethnically matched controls was conducted by using the dual‐color fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes analysis.

Results

The genotypes of all polymorphisms in 2 groups followed the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. We found significant differences in allele distribution of rs2651899 variant in PRDM16 between MO patients and control subjects (P = .049, OR = 1.335, 95%CI 1.001‐1.782), and there were no difference between MA patients and controls in the frequency of genotype and allele. Also, no significant differences in genotypic and allelic distributions between MA or MO patients and controls were observed in the polymorphisms of rs10166942 of TRPM8 and rs11172113 of LRP1, and there was no significant difference comparing male with female in all loci.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that rs2651899 variant in PRDM16 plays a potential role in Chinese MO migraine susceptibility, and gender may not play a role.
Syndrome‐associated soft tissue tumours
Authors: Coffin Cheryl M , Davis Jessica L , Borinstein Scott C
Published: September 2013

Soft tissue neoplasms may be associated with a variety of genetic disorders and malformation syndromes, especially when they arise in children, adolescents and early adulthood. This review summarizes the principal histopathological types of soft tissue tumours which occur in various syndromes, with an emphasis on pathological features, genetic aspects and considerations for the diagnostic pathologist.
‘Swift, Simple, Effective Justice?’ Identifying the Aims of Penalty Notices for Disorder and Whether these have been Realised in Practice
Authors: Grace Sara
Published: September 2013

Since the introduction of penalty notices for disorder (PNDs), there has been no clear political statement as to the purpose of the scheme. The findings of a grounded analysis of the relevant parliamentary debates, consultation papers and White Papers on PNDs (which have not received any consideration in the literature thus far) are presented, providing an overall thematic framework within which to understand and assess PNDs. The findings of a critical review of 250 PNDs undertaken by the author are considered in light of this framework, to ask whether, and to what extent, PNDs achieve their aims.
A Systematic Literature Review of Doorstep Crime: Are the Crime‐Prevention Strategies More Harmful than the Crime?
Authors: Gorden Caroline , Buchanan Julian
Published: September 2013

Research literature into doorstep crime is limited. This article draws on a focused literature review, to explore existing evidence about the efficacy of crime‐prevention strategies targeting doorstep crime. The findings of the review suggest that doorstep crime strategies to protect older people frequently present offenders as a ‘monstrous figure’; promote home security aids and adaptations; increase vigilance and suspicion; and encourage new doorstep habits. This article examines the nature and development of doorstep crime, and critiques the efficacy of prevention strategies that may, it is argued, risk damaging the older person's quality of life.
Hospital‐based influenza morbidity and mortality surveillance system for influenza‐like illnesses: a comparison with national influenza surveillance systems
Authors: Seo Yu Bin , Song Joon Young , Cheong Hee Jin , Cho Young Duck , Wie Seong‐Heon , Jeong Hye Won , Kim Woo Joo
Published: September 2013

The Hospital‐based Influenza Morbidity and Mortality (HIMM) surveillance system is an emergency room (ER)‐based influenza surveillance system in Korea that was established in 2011. The system was established under the assumption that integrated clinical and virologic surveillance could be performed rapidly and easily at seven tertiary hospitals' ER. Here, we assessed the correlation between data generated from the HIMM surveillance system and the Korean national influenza surveillance systems during the 2011–2012 influenza season using cross‐correlation analysis and found strong correlations. Rapid antigen‐test‐based HIMM surveillance would predict the start of influenza epidemic earlier than pre‐existing influenza‐like‐illness‐based surveillance.
What should social democrats believe?
Authors: Pearce Nick
Published: September 2013

Nick Pearce argues for social democrats to revisit their fundamental values, drawing on the intellectual resources of relational egalitarian, realist and republican thinking to chart a new course for their egalitarian ambitions.
Five myths about Putin's foes
Authors: Judah Ben
Published: September 2013

It's fashionable to see Russia's opposition as the Moscow stirrings of a ‘global middle class’. Forget it, says Ben Judah: Russia's underground is not what it seems.
No resting on laurels
Authors: Maude Francis
Published: September 2013

Francis Maude reflects on modernisation in a contemporary Tory party seeking to be ‘in tune with Britain as it is’.
How “Competitive Pay” Undermines Pay for Performance (and What Companies Can Do to Avoid That)
Authors: O'Byrne Stephen F. , Gressle Mark
Published: September 2013

Almost all proxy statements say that the company's pay programs are designed to achieve pay for performance and to provide competitive pay. While companies assume that these objectives are perfectly compatible, attempts to provide competitive pay often have the effect of undermining pay for performance. As currently practiced, competitive pay means that the company's target pay levels match the pay levels of its peer companies regardless of past performance. By targeting the dollar value of an equity award each year, competitive pay plans effectively reward poor performance in a given year by increasing equity grant shares in the following year—and, conversely, such plans penalize superior performance in one year by reducing the number of shares in the next. Likewise, the target share of the annual incentive award increases with poor performance and decreases with superior performance. In this fashion, the competitive pay approach distorts incentives and weakens the link between cumulative pay and cumulative performance.

The authors show that the focus on competitive pay is a modern development that replaced the sharing formulas that governed executive pay in the first half of the twentieth century. Companies adopt the competitive pay model because they believe it does a better job of achieving the three main objectives of executive pay: strong incentives; retention; and limited shareholder cost. While competitive pay directly addresses retention risk, it can greatly weaken management incentives. Furthermore, boards tends to rely on competitive pay data to set target compensation because they have no meaningful measure of incentive strength and the actual cost to shareholders. Without quantitative measures of incentive strength and shareholder cost, boards run the risk of retaining poor performers and losing superior performers.

Using a case study of Dow Chemical, the authors show how companies can measure the incentive strength of their executive pay plans, and how a simple pay plan using annual grants of performance shares can provide “perfect” pay for performance.
Self‐presentation style in job interviews: the role of personality and culture
Authors: Paulhus Delroy L. , Westlake Bryce G. , Calvez Stryker S. , Harms P. D.
Published: September 2013

Chronic self‐promoters may thrive in job interviews where such behavior is encouraged. In Study 1, 72 participants were videotaped as they simulated the job applicant role. Accountability was manipulated by the expectation of expert versus nonexpert interviewers. As accountability increased, self‐promotion tended to decrease among non‐narcissists but increase among narcissists. Ingratiation showed no interaction or main effects. In Study 2, 222 raters evaluated applicant videos varying in narcissism (high vs. low) and ethnicity (European heritage vs. East Asian heritage). Chronic self‐promoters (i.e., European‐heritage narcissists) were given the most positive evaluations. Detailed behavior analyses indicated that the narcissism advantage was derived primarily from frequent self‐praise and the European‐heritage advantage from use of active ingratiation tactics. In sum, self‐presentation styles that pay off in the (Western) interview context are highly selective.
Geographic variation in thermal and photoperiodic effects on development of zoophytophagous plant bug Nesidiocoris tenuis
Authors: Pazyuk I. M. , Musolin D. L. , Reznik S. Ya.
Published: September 2013

The zoophytophagous plant bug Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) is increasingly used for biological control of various agricultural pests. Its native range includes Southern Europe, North Africa, Southern and South‐Eastern Asia, although only the Mediterranean strains have been studied experimentally. We investigated effects of temperature and photoperiod on nymphal survival and development, rate of female maturation and egg load in two strains of N. tenuis originating from temperate and subtropical regions of South‐Eastern Asia: the ‘Temperate strain’ (from Suwon, Republic of Korea, yearly average air temperature is 13.3°C) and the ‘Subtropical strain’ (from Miyazaki, Japan, yearly average air temperature is 18.2°C). Nymphs and adults were reared on tomato leaflets and fed with eggs of the grain moth Sitotroga cerealella under four temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30°C) and three photoperiods (10, 12 and 14 h of light per day). In spite of long‐term (40–50 generations) rearing under constant laboratory conditions, the studied strains still show a correlation between thermotolerance indices and climate at origin. In particular, at the low temperature of 15°C, survival of nymphs of the Temperate strain was double that of the Subtropical strain, whereas at the higher tested temperatures, survival of the Subtropical strain was not significantly different or even was higher than that of the Temperate strain. The duration of nymphal development in the Temperate strain was significantly shorter than that in the Subtropical strain at 15–25°C, but not at 30°C. In both strains, nymphal survival, duration of nymphal development and rate of female maturation were not significantly dependent on photoperiod, and diapause was not observed under any conditions tested. We conclude that the Subtropical strain of N. tenuis is better adapted to high temperatures, whereas the Temperate strain is more promising for application in greenhouses at medium and low temperatures.
BAYESIAN INFERENCE METHODS FOR UNIVARIATE AND MULTIVARIATE GARCH MODELS: A SURVEY
Authors: Virbickaite Audrone , Ausín M. Concepción , Galeano Pedro
Published: September 2013

This survey reviews the existing literature on the most relevant Bayesian inference methods for univariate and multivariate GARCH models. The advantages and drawbacks of each procedure are outlined as well as the advantages of the Bayesian approach versus classical procedures. The paper makes emphasis on recent Bayesian non‐parametric approaches for GARCH models that avoid imposing arbitrary parametric distributional assumptions. These novel approaches implicitly assume infinite mixture of Gaussian distributions on the standardized returns which have been shown to be more flexible and describe better the uncertainty about future volatilities. Finally, the survey presents an illustration using real data to show the flexibility and usefulness of the non‐parametric approach.
DNA repair gene polymorphisms and risk of head and neck cancer in the Tunisian population
Authors: Khlifi Rim , Kallel Imen , Hammami Bouthaina , Hamza‐Chaffai Amel , Rebai Ahmed
Published: September 2013

Altered activity of DNA repair enzymes may be involved in modulating cancer susceptibility and pathogenesis of head and neck cancer (HNC). We conducted a case–control study to test the association between three common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of XRCC1, ERCC2, and ERCC3 genes with HNC risk in Tunisian patients. To the best of our knowle dge, this is the first report on polymorphisms in XRCC1, ERCC2, and ERCC3 and susceptibility to HNC in our population. The genotype analyses of XRCC1 Arg399Gln, ERCC2 Lys751Gln, and ERCC3 7122 A>G polymorphisms for 169 HNC patients, and 261 controls were performed using the PCR‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism. Stratification of the populations according to smoking and drinking habits and occupational exposure highlighted the importance of tobacco, alcohol, and toxic substance as three risk co‐factors for the development of HNC. Our study suggests that only the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism was associated with the risk of HNC in the Tunisian population (OR = 2.04; P = 0.001). Furthermore, the risk of HNC was associated with XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism stratified by occupational exposure status (OR = 2.29; P = 0.024). However, no statistically significant association was observed between the risk of developing HNC and the ERCC2 Lys751Gln and ERCC3 A>G polymorphisms. These data suggest that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of developing HNC, because it correlates with occupational exposure in Tunisian population.
Measuring Emotion Socialization in Schools
Authors: Horner Christy G. , Wallace Tanner L.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

Understanding how school personnel can best support students' development of communication skills around feelings is critical to long‐term health outcomes. The measurement of emotion socialization in schools facilitates future research in this area; we review existing measures of emotion socialization to assess their applicability to school‐based health studies.

METHODS

A content analysis of four emotion socialization measures was conducted. Inclusion criteria included: high frequency of use in prior research, established documentation of validity and reliability, and sufficient description of measurement procedures.

RESULTS

Four dimensions emerged as particularly salient to a measure's future relevance and applicability to school‐based health studies: (1) methods of measurement; (2) mode and agent of socialization; (3) type of emotion; and (4) structure versus function of socializing behavior.

CONCLUSION

Future measurement strategies should address (1) the structures of emotion socializing processes; (2) diverse socializing agents such as teachers, peers, and administrators; (3) the intended functions of such processes; (4) student perceptions of and responses to such processes; and (5) the complex interactions of these factors across contexts. Strategies attending to these components will permit future studies of school‐based emotion socializing processes to determine how they enhance health and reduce health risks.