bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High levels of opioid analgesic co‐prescription among methadone maintenance treatment clients in British Columbia, Canada: Results from a population‐level retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nosyk Bohdan , Fischer Benedikt , Sun Huiying , Marsh David C. , Kerr Thomas , Rehm Juergen T. , Anis Aslam H.
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives

The non‐medical use of prescription opioids (PO) has increased dramatically in North America. Special consideration for PO prescription is required for individuals in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Our objective is to describe the prevalence and correlates of PO use among British Columbia (BC) MMT clients from 1996 to 2007.

Methods

This study was based on a linked, population‐level medication dispensation database. All individuals receiving 30 days of continuous MMT for opioid dependence were included in the study. Key measurements included the proportion of clients receiving >7 days of a PO other than methadone during MMT from 1996 to 2007. Factors independently associated with PO co‐prescription during MMT were assessed using generalized linear mixed effects regression.

Results

16,248 individuals with 27,919 MMT episodes at least 30 days in duration were identified for the study period. Among them, 5,552 individuals (34.2%) received a total of 290,543 PO co‐prescriptions during MMT. The majority (74.3%) of all PO dispensations >7 days originated from non‐MMT physicians. The number of PO prescriptions per person‐year nearly doubled between 1996 and 2006, driven by increases in morphine, hydromorphone and oxycodone dispensations. PO co‐prescription was positively associated with female gender, older age, higher levels of medical co‐morbidity as well as higher MMT dosage, adherence, and retention.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

A large proportion of MMT clients in BC received co‐occurring PO prescriptions, often from physicians and pharmacies not delivering MMT. Experimental evidence for the treatment of pain in MMT clients is required to guide clinical practice. (Am J Addict 2014;23:257–264)
Nationwide dissemination of contingency management: The veterans administration initiative
Authors: Petry Nancy M. , DePhilippis Dominick , Rash Carla J. , Drapkin Michelle , McKay James R.
Published: April 2014

Background

Contingency management (CM) is an empirically validated intervention but one not often applied in practice settings in the US.

Objectives

The aim of this article is to describe the veterans administration (VA) nationwide implementation of CM treatment.

Methods

In 2011, the VA called for integration of CM in its intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment clinics. As part of this initiative, the VA funded trainings and ongoing implementation support, and it provided direct funds for reinforcers and other intervention costs.

Results

Over 100 clinics received this funding in 2011, and CM has been implemented in over 70 substance abuse treatment clinics since August 2011.

Conclusions

This training and implementation experience has been highly successful and represents the largest scale training in evidence‐based treatments for substance use disorders in the VA health care system to date.

Scientific Significance

This program may serve as a model for training in evidence‐based treatments. (Am J Addict 2014;23:205–210)
Relationships of behavioral measures of frontal lobe dysfunction with underlying electrophysiology in cocaine‐dependent patients
Authors: Gjini Klevest , Qazi Aisha , Greenwald Mark K. , Sandhu Ravinder , Gooding Diane C. , Boutros Nash N.
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives

Despite evidence that frontal lobe functioning is impaired in cocaine‐dependent individuals, relationships between behavioral measures of frontal dysfunction and electrophysiological measures of inhibition in cocaine use have not been explored.

Methods

Using the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), frontal dysfunction was assessed in a group of abstinent cocaine‐dependent subjects (N = 49) and healthy controls (N = 32). Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and evoked potential (EP)‐based electrophysiological measures of inhibition, we assessed associations between these measures and FrSBe estimates of frontal dysfunction.

Results

Patients had significantly higher FrSBe scores for executive dysfunction, disinhibition, and apathy than controls. Lower TMS‐based resting motor thresholds (ie, hyperexcitability) were significantly associated with higher executive dysfunction scores in the patients.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Relationships between FrSBe scores and TMS‐based measures highlight neurophysiological aberrations underlying frontal lobe dysfunction in cocaine abusers. TMS and EP measures may be useful probes of the intermediary steps between frontal lobe dysfunction and addictive behavior. (Am J Addict 2014;23:265–271)
Alcohol and drug use in groups of cannabis users: Results from a survey on drug use in the Swedish general population
Authors: Berge Jonas , Håkansson Anders , Berglund Mats
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives

Although cannabis is well studied in the scientific literature, relatively little is known about the relationship between the frequency of cannabis use and the use of alcohol and other drugs. The aim of this study was to identify differences between frequent and occasional cannabis users with respect to the use of other illicit drugs, hazardous alcohol use, and unauthorized use of prescription drugs.

Methods

Results from a questionnaire on drug use taken by 22,095 individuals in the Swedish general population were analyzed with a logistic regression model. Active cannabis use was defined as having used cannabis in the past 12 months. Use of cannabis two‐to‐three times per week or more was classified as frequent use.

Results

Cannabis users were more likely to report hazardous alcohol use, use of other illicit drugs, and unauthorized use of prescription drugs than were non‐users. Within the group of active cannabis users, frequent cannabis use, compared to occasional use, was associated with the use of other illicit drugs and negatively associated with hazardous alcohol use.

Discussion and Conclusions

The association between cannabis use and hazardous alcohol use, use of other illicit drugs, and unauthorized use of prescription drugs was expected. However, the negative association between frequent cannabis use and hazardous alcohol use among active cannabis users was surprising. This indicates that frequent cannabis users may differ from more occasional users in clinical needs.

Scientific Significance

These results show a previously unknown characteristic of the association between frequency of cannabis use and hazardous alcohol use in the general population. (Am J Addict 2014;23:272–279)
Implementing substance abuse group therapy clinical trials in real‐world settings: Challenges and strategies for participant recruitment and therapist training in the Women's Recovery Group Study
Authors: Greenfield Shelly F. , Crisafulli Michele A. , Kaufman Julia S. , Freid Cathryn M. , Bailey Genie L. , Connery Hilary S. , Rapoza Michelle , Rodolico John
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives

Open‐enrollment group therapy research is challenged by the participant recruitment necessary to ensure continuous group enrollment. We present successful strategies to overcome the following barriers during the Women's Recovery Group (WRG) two‐site clinical trial (N = 158): maintenance of sample size and balanced gender randomization during continuous enrollment, maintenance of group attendance, and training and retention of therapists over the 24‐month continuous group enrollment.

Methods

To increase recruitment, we targeted referral sources yielding the highest enrollment conversion at each site. Group sessions were consistently held regardless of group size. Therapists were trained in two teams allowing for coverage and uninterrupted treatment over 24 months.

Results

At both sites recruitment and enrollment increased with each successive quarter. Sample size and end date targets were met without disruptions in treatment. Group therapists reported high satisfaction with their training and treatment experiences.

Discussion and Conclusions

These strategies supported targeted enrollment and study duration, stability of open‐enrollment group therapy frame, and therapist retention and satisfaction.

Scientific Significance

Applying these strategies can aid in providing evidence‐based group therapy in both clinical and research settings. (Am J Addict 2014;23:197–204)
Colony attendance and at‐sea distribution of thin‐billed prions during the early breeding season
Authors: Quillfeldt Petra , Phillips Richard A. , Marx Melanie , Masello Juan F.
Published: April 2014

Procellariiform seabirds have extreme life histories; they are very long‐lived, first breed when relatively old, lay single egg clutches, both incubation and chick‐rearing are prolonged and chicks exhibit slow growth. The early part of the breeding season is crucial, when pair bonds are re‐established and partners coordinate their breeding duties, but is a difficult period to study in burrow‐nesting species. Miniature geolocators (Global Location Sensors or GLS loggers) now offer a way to collect data on burrow attendance, as well as determine at‐sea movements. We studied the early breeding season in thin‐billed prions Pachyptila belcheri breeding at New Island, Falkland Islands. Males and females arrived back at the colony at similar times, with peak arrival in the last days of September. However, males spent more time on land during the pre‐laying period, presumably defending and maintaining the burrow and maximising mating opportunities. Males departed later than females, and carried out a significantly shorter pre‐laying exodus. Males took on the first long incubation shift, whereas females returned to sea soon after egg laying. During the pre‐laying exodus and incubation, males and females travelled at similar speeds (> 250 km d−1) and were widely distributed over large areas of the Patagonian Shelf. Inter‐annual differences in oceanographic conditions were stronger during the incubation than during the pre‐laying exodus and were matched by stronger differences in distribution. The study thus suggests that extended trips and flexible distribution enable thin‐billed prions to meet the high energy demands of egg production and incubation despite low productivity in waters around the colony during the early summer.
BSE‐associated polymorphisms in the prion protein gene: an investigation
Authors: Vernerova K. , Tothova L. , Mikova A. , Vodrazka P. , Simek B. , Hanusova L. , Citek J.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the 12‐bp and 23‐bp indel polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) in cattle and to investigate the association between these frequencies and the occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). There was no significant difference in the 12‐bp indel frequency between the BSE animals and control group. For the 23‐bp indel, the BSE animals had a significantly lower + + (insins) genotype frequency and + allele frequency compared with the control animals. The − − / − − genotype frequency in the BSE animals was not significantly higher when compared with the control animals. One − allele increased the risk of BSE by a factor of 1.55 (i.e. by 55%) for the 12‐bp indel and by a factor of 2.10 for the 23‐bp indel. When both indels are considered, one − allele increased the risk of BSE by a factor of 1.54.
Fluoroscopy of Spontaneous Breathing is More Sensitive Than Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Detection of Right Phrenic Nerve Injury During Cryoballoon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LINHART MARKUS , NIELSON ANNIKA , ANDRIÉ RENÉ P. , MITTMANN‐BRAUN ERICA L. , STÖCKIGT FLORIAN , KREUZ JENS , NICKENIG GEORG , SCHRICKEL JAN W. , LICKFETT LARS M.
Published: April 2014

Monitoring of Phrenic Nerve During Cryoballoon Ablation

Introduction

Right phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) is a typical complication of cryoballoon ablation of the right‐sided pulmonary veins (PVs). Phrenic nerve function can be monitored by palpating the abdomen during phrenic nerve pacing from the superior vena cava (SVC pacing) or by fluoroscopy of spontaneous breathing. We sought to compare the sensitivity of these 2 techniques during cryoballoon ablation for detection of PNP.

Methods and Results

A total of 133 patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation were monitored with both SVC pacing and fluoroscopy of spontaneous breathing during ablation of the right superior PV. PNP occurred in 27/133 patients (20.0%). Most patients (89%) had spontaneous recovery of phrenic nerve function at the end of the procedure or on the following day. Three patients were discharged with persistent PNP. All PNP were detected first by fluoroscopic observation of diaphragm movement during spontaneous breathing, while diaphragm could still be stimulated by SVC pacing. In patients with no recovery until discharge, PNP occurred at a significantly earlier time (86 ± 34 seconds vs. 296 ± 159 seconds, P < 0.001). No recovery occurred in 2/4 patients who were ablated with a 23 mm cryoballoon as opposed to 1/23 patients with a 28 mm cryoballoon (P = 0.049).

Conclusion

Fluoroscopic assessment of diaphragm movement during spontaneous breathing is more sensitive for detection PNP as compared to SVC pacing. PNP as assessed by fluoroscopy is frequent (20.0%) and carries a high rate of recovery (89%) until discharge. Early onset of PNP and use of 23 mm cryoballoon are associated with PNP persisting beyond hospital discharge.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Mechanical Mitral Valve: Long‐Term Outcome of Single Procedure of Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation with or without Nonpulmonary Vein Trigger Ablation
Authors: BAI RONG , DI BIASE LUIGI , MOHANTY PRASANT , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , MOHANTY SANGHAMITRA , PUMP AGNES , ELAYI CLAUDE S. , REDDY YERUVA MADHU , FORLEO GIOVANNI B. , HONGO RICHARD , BEHEIRY SALWA , RUSSO ANTONIO DELLO , CASELLA MICHELA , PELARGONIO GEMMA , SANTARELLI PIETRO , HORTON RODNEY , SANCHEZ JAVIER , GALLINGHOUSE JOSEPH , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , MA CHANGSHENG , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA , TONDO CLAUDIO , NATALE ANDREA
Published: April 2014

Long‐Term Outcome of AF Ablation in MMV Patients

Introduction

It is unclear whether extended pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) plus nonpulmonary vein (non‐PV) trigger elimination prevents more arrhythmia recurrence than PVAI alone in patients with mechanical mitral valve (MMV) undergoing AF ablation. This study compared the efficacy and long‐term outcome of 2 ablation strategies—PVAI alone versus extended PVAI plus non‐PV trigger elimination—for the treatment of AF in patients with MMV.

Methods and Results

One hundred and nine consecutive AF patients with MMV were divided into 2 groups: standard PVAI was performed in group 1 (N = 45); in group 2 (N = 64) PVAI was extended to the LA posterior wall, LA septum, and CS; and all non‐PV triggers were eliminated. Patients were followed up for 3 years. At the 12th month, 7 (15.6%) patients in group 1, and 39 (60.9%) patients in group 2 were arrhythmia free (log‐rank P < 0.001). Four patients (8.9%; 3 cases of AT and 1 case of AF) from group 1, and 12 patients (18.8%; 9 cases of AT, and 3 cases of AFL) from group 2 experienced very late recurrence. At 36 ± 7 months follow‐up, the cumulative recurrence after a single procedure was 42/45 (93.3%) in group 1, and 37/64 (57.8%) in group 2 (log‐rank P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared with the standard PVAI alone, a strategy including extended PVAI and non‐PV trigger elimination is associated with a higher 12‐month and long‐term arrhythmia‐free survival in patients with MMV undergoing AF ablation. Very late recurrence may occur years after the initial procedure with focal AT as the most common type of recurrent arrhythmia.
Low serum level of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein in a Japanese patient with maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY3)
Authors: Ohki Tsuyoshi , Utsu Yoshihiko , Morita Shinya , Karim Md. Fazlul , Sato Yoshifumi , Yoshizawa Tatsuya , Yamamura Ken‐ichi , Yamada Kentaro , Kasayama Soji , Yamagata Kazuya
Published: April 2014

High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels in European populations are lower in patients with maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY3) than in those with type 2 diabetes. hs‐CRP levels have been suggested to be useful for discriminating MODY3 from type 2 diabetes. As hs‐CRP levels are influenced by various factors including race and body mass index, it is worthwhile to examine whether hs‐CRP can serve as a biomarker for MODY3 in Japanese. Here we describe the case of a Japanese MODY3 patient with a nonsense mutation in the HNF1A gene. Two measurements showed consistently lower hs‐CRP levels (<0.05 and 0.09 mg/L) than in Japanese patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Hepatic expression of Crp messenger ribonucleic acid was significantly decreased in Hnf1a knockout mice. The hs‐CRP level might be a useful biomarker for MODY3 in both Japanese and European populations.
Jurists, Clerics, and Merchants: The Rise of Learned Law in Medieval Europe and its Impact on Economic Growth
Authors: Schäfer Hans‐Bernd , Wulf Alexander J.
Published: April 2014

Between the years 1200 and 1600, economic development in Catholic Europe gained momentum. By the end of this period, per‐capita income levels were well above the income levels in all other regions of the world. We relate this unique development to the resurrection of Roman law, the rise of canon law, and the establishment of law as a scholarly and scientific discipline taught in universities. We test two competing hypotheses on the impact of these processes on economic growth in medieval Europe. The first conjecture is that the spread of substantive Roman law was conducive to the rise of commerce and economic growth. The second and competing conjecture is that growth occurred not as a result of the reception of substantive Roman law but because of the rational, scientific, and systemic features of Roman and canon law and the training of jurists in the newly established universities (Verwissenschaftlichung). This gave the law throughout Europe an innovative flexibility, which also influenced merchant law (lex mercatoria), and customary law. Using data on the population of more than 200 European cities as a proxy for per‐capita income, we find that an important impact for economic development was not primarily the content of Roman law, but the rise of law faculties in universities and the emergence of a legal method developed by glossators and commentators in their interpretation and systematization of the sources of Roman law (Corpus Juris Civilis, Digests) and canon law. The endeavor to extract general normative conclusions from these sources led to abstraction, methodology, and the rise of law as a scholarly discipline. Wherever law faculties were founded anywhere in Europe, jurists learned new legal concepts and skills that were unknown before and conducive for doing business.
Thaumatotibia leucotreta and the Navel orange: ovipositional preferences and host susceptibility
Authors: Love C. N. , Hill M. P. , Moore S. D.
Published: April 2014

False codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), presents a significant threat to the South African citrus industry. To limit income loss due to direct larval damage or from fruit rejection due to the phytosanitary status of this pest, additional pre‐harvest control techniques are required for Navel oranges, which are known to be susceptible to T. leucotreta damage. A number of Navel orange cultivars have been developed, and differences in female T. leucotreta ovipositional preference and susceptibility of cultivars to larval penetration are known to exist. Navel orange cultivars were grouped according to time of maturity (early, mid‐ and late season). Female T. leucotreta were subjected to choice and no‐choice tests with these cultivars, measured by oviposition. Host susceptibility was tested by allowing neonate T. leucotreta larvae to penetrate the different Navel cultivars. In the early maturing group, Fischer Navels were least preferred for oviposition and the least susceptible to larval penetration. The mid‐ and late season maturing groupings showed limited differences in oviposition preference, although host susceptibility did appear to be an important factor in assessing the vulnerability of fruit to T. leucotreta. Despite being widely planted in South Africa, the mid‐season Palmer Navels were highly susceptible to larval penetration, while for the late season cultivars, Cambria and Glen Ora Late were the least susceptible to T. leucotreta. As a result of these laboratory trials, it is recommended that farmers increase cultivation of Fischer Navels as the principal early season cultivar, avoid Palmer Navels in favour of other mid‐season maturing cultivars and give preference to the late maturing Cambria and Glen Ora Late cultivars, to limit T. leucotreta damage.
Reproductive isolation between two darter species is enhanced and asymmetric in sympatry
Authors: Zhou M. , Fuller R. C.
Published: April 2014

Robust reproductive isolation was found between the rainbow darter Etheostoma caeruleum and the orangethroat darter Etheostoma spectabile, as more offspring were produced when conspecific males and females were crossed as compared with heterospecific crosses. Furthermore, fewer eggs resulted from heterospecific crosses involving sympatric E. spectabile females than those using allopatric E. spectabile females, while a similar pattern was not observed in heterospecific crosses using E. caeruleum females. These results suggest that reinforcement, i.e. selection for pre‐zygotic reproductive barriers driven by reduced hybrid fitness, may have contributed to the evolution and maintenance of reproductive barriers between these potentially hybridizing species in sympatry.
Acute dermatitis in farmed trout: an emerging disease
Authors: Peeler E J , Ryder D , Thrush M A , Mewett J , Hulland J , Feist S W
Published: April 2014

A new skin condition, known as puffy skin disease (PSD), emerged in farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) in 2002. The number of new cases increased considerably from 2006. Clinical signs include white or grey skin patches, which become raised and red with excessive mucous production and scale loss. Fish are inappetant and lose condition. Histologically, the key feature is epithelial hyperplasia. We undertook a questionnaire study of trout farmers in England and Wales to investigate prevalence and risk factors. PSD was reported on 37% (n = 49) of rainbow trout sites, located in 28 river catchments. The increase in cases from 2006 onwards was mirrored by the increase in red mark syndrome (RMS). Prevalence and severity of PSD were highest in the summer months. The presence of PSD was associated with RMS (OR = 9.7, P < 0.001). Sites receiving live rainbow trout in the previous 12 months were considerably more likely to have PSD (OR = 5.3. P < 0.01), which suggests an infectious aetiology. The size of affected fish and prevalence varied between farms, indicating that farm‐level factors are important. Future research should further investigate the aetiology of PSD and practices to manage the disease.
Infections by Renibacterium salmoninarum and Nanophyetus salmincola Chapin are associated with reduced growth of juvenile Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sandell T A , Teel D J , Fisher J , Beckman B , Jacobson K C
Published: April 2014

We examined 1454 juvenile Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), captured in nearshore waters off the coasts of Washington and Oregon (USA) from 1999 to 2004 for infection by Renibacterium salmoninarum, Nanophyetus salmincola Chapin and skin metacercariae. The prevalence and intensities for each of these infections were established for both yearling and subyearling Chinook salmon. Two metrics of salmon growth, weight residuals and plasma levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1, were determined for salmon infected with these pathogens/parasites, both individually and in combination, with uninfected fish used for comparison. Yearling Chinook salmon infected with R. salmoninarum had significantly reduced weight residuals. Chinook salmon infected with skin metacercariae alone did not have significantly reduced growth metrics. Dual infections were not associated with significantly more severe effects on the growth metrics than single infections; the number of triple infections was very low and precluded statistical comparison. Overall, these data suggest that infections by these organisms can be associated with reduced juvenile Chinook salmon growth. Because growth in the first year at sea has been linked to survival for some stocks of Chinook salmon, the infections may therefore play a role in regulating these populations in the Northeast Pacific Ocean.
Adhesion of smooth and rough phenotypes of Flavobacterium psychrophilum to polystyrene surfaces
Authors: Högfors‐Rönnholm E , Norrgård J , Wiklund T
Published: April 2014

Phenotypic smooth cells of the fish pathogenic bacterium Flavobacterium psychrophilum have previously been reported to be more adhesive to polystyrene surfaces than corresponding rough cells. In this study, the adhesion ability of smooth and rough cells of F. psychrophilum to polystyrene surfaces was investigated in detail with a crystal violet staining method. By treating both polystyrene surfaces with fish mucus and carbohydrates and the bacterial cells with carbohydrates, the involvement of lectins in the adhesion process was investigated. Smooth cells showed significantly higher adhesion ability to untreated polystyrene surfaces compared with corresponding rough cells and increasing water hardness had an inhibitory effect on the adhesion. Treatment of polystyrene surfaces with D‐glucose, D‐galactose and fish mucus increased the adhesion ability of smooth cells to polystyrene. Furthermore, treatment of the smooth cells with D‐glucose, D‐galactose and sialic acid decreased the adhesion ability of the cells, indicating that the adhesion is likely mediated by complementary lectins on the surface of the cells. Sodium (meta)periodate treatment of smooth cells also decreased the adhesion ability to polystyrene, suggesting that the lectins, such as the dominating sialic acid‐binding lectin, are probably localized in the extracellular polysaccharides surrounding the cells.
Fish Oil‐Fortified Extruded Snacks: Evaluation of Physical Properties and Oxidative Stability by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Pankyamma Viji , Basu Subrata , Bhadran Sofji Suryaprabha , Chouksey Mithlesh Kumar , Gudipati Venkateswharlu
Published: April 2014

Response surface methodology was employed to study the physical characteristics and oxidative stability of fish oil‐fortified extruded snack. Process temperature (80–140C), feed moisture (12–20%), screw speed (300–400 rpm) and fish oil content (0.5–2.5%) were selected as the independent variables at five levels. A central composite design was developed to study the linear, quadratic and interactive effect of the selected independent variables on responses studied viz. expansion ratio, porosity, hardness, crispness and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values. The physical properties of extruded samples such as expansion ratio, porosity and crispness were mostly influenced by feed moisture followed by fish oil content. Fish oil showed significant interactive effect with temperature on expansion ratio and porosity. The product with fish oil content up to 0.8% was found significantly oxidatively stable and fish oil can therefore be added to improve the nutritive and functional value of extruded snacks.

Practical Applications

The more frequently consumed products like rice‐based extruded snack can be fortified with fish oil, a source of cardioprotective omega‐3 fatty acids without causing undesirable changes in the physical properties. Any change in the feed formulation can influence the physical properties of the extrudate and it is essential to optimize the processing conditions for achieving the acceptable product characteristics. The present study gives an account on the effect of fish oil fortification on the physical properties of an extruded snack. The results of the study will be useful for the food processors to decide on the optimum parameters for developing fish oil‐fortified extruded snack with acceptable product quality characteristics.
Imbalances of CD4+T‐cell subgroups in Crohn's disease and their relationship with disease activity and prognosis
Authors: Chao Kang , Zhang Shenghong , Yao Jiayan , He Yao , Chen Baili , Zeng Zhirong , Zhong Bihui , Chen Minhu
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim

The CD4+ T‐cell subgroups play central pathophysiological roles in Crohn's disease (CD); however, their clinical relevance requires additional clarification and remains controversial. We investigated their balance in Chinese CD patients and explored their clinical significance.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum were collected from 46 Chinese CD patients and 23 healthy donors. Circulating Treg, Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells were flow cytometrically analyzed. Subgroup‐restricted transcription factor expression was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Serum concentrations of the main cytokines produced by each subgroup were measured by cytometric bead arrays or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Lower Treg proportion (6.0 ± 1.2% vs 7.8 ± 1.5%, P = 0.030), FOXP3 mRNA expression (0.58‐fold, P = 0.030), and circulating soluble TGFβ‐1 (19.1 ± 9.9 vs 32.7 ± 16.8 ng/mL, P = 0.038) were observed in CD patients versus controls. The Th1 and Th17 proportions were higher in CD patients (17.8 ± 6.6% vs 7.8 ± 1.5%, P < 0.001; and 3.7 ± 1.8% vs 1.8 ± 0.7%, P = 0.022, respectively), as were transcription factors T‐bet (4.6‐fold, P = 0.043) and RORγt (14‐fold, P < 0.001) and related cytokines (P < 0.05). Th2 proportion, GATA3 mRNA expression, and serum interleukin‐4 concentration in CD patients were similar to controls (P > 0.05). Treg/Th1 and Treg/Th17 ratios were higher in inactive versus active CD patients (0.6 ± 0.4 vs 0.3 ± 0.1, P = 0.022; and 3.7 ± 2.0 vs 1.7 ± 1.4, P = 0.013, respectively). During follow‐up, patients with lower Treg/Th1 and Treg/Th17 ratios were at higher recurrence risk.

Conclusions

Imbalances among Treg, Th1, and Th17 subgroups were found in Chinese CD patients. Treg/Th1 and Treg/Th17 ratios are associated with disease activity and are potential prognostic indicators for predicting CD recurrence.
Effectiveness of local injection of lentivirus‐delivered stathmin1 and stathmin1 shRNA in human gastric cancer xenograft mouse
Authors: Akhtar Javed , Wang Zhou , Yu Che , Zhang Zhi Ping
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim

We have reported previously that RNA interference targeting stathmin1 (STMN1) gene in human gastric cancer cells inhibits proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Based on these observations, in the present study, the possibility that local injection of lentivirus‐delivered stathmin shRNA would induce regression of the established human gastric cancer xenograft in animal model was investigated.

Methods

BALB/c nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit with human gastric cancer cells SGC‐7901(2 × 106 cells in 200 μL phosphate‐buffered saline) to develop a xenograft model of human gastric cancer. When tumor reached suitable size, mice were randomly divided into two groups. STMN1 shRNA group (n = 6) were given local injection of lentivirus‐delivered STMN1 shRNA, and the non‐silencing shRNA group (n = 6) were administered with local injection of lentivirus‐delivered non‐silencing shRNA. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to verify the knockdown of the gene expression in dissected tumor at mRNA and protein level, respectively.

Results

Experimental therapy on the nude mice model bearing subcutaneous tumor of SGC‐7901 cells showed that local administration of STMN1 shRNA effectively regressed the pre‐established tumors. Stathmin shRNA‐treated tumors were significantly regressed as compared with that of the tumor injected with non‐silencing shRNA (P < 0.05). Tumor weight was significantly decreased in STMN1‐treated group as compared with non‐silencing shRNA group (P < 0.05). Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot showed downregulation of STMN1 gene expression in STMN1 shRNA group as compared with non‐silencing shRNA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential use of local injection of lentivirus‐delivered shRNA for the treatment of early localized human gastric carcinoma.
The association of SLC6A4 5‐HTTLPR and TRPV1 945G>C with functional dyspepsia in Korea
Authors: Hwang Sung Wook , Kim Nayoung , Jung Hye‐Kyung , Park Ji Hyun , Choi Yoon Jin , Kim Heebal , Kim Jaemin , Kim Joo Sung , Jung Hyun Chae
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim

The association of various genetic polymorphisms with functional dyspepsia (FD) has been suggested, but the results were still controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of GNB3 825C>T, SLC6A4 5‐HTTLPR, ADRA2A‐1291C>G, CCK‐1R intron 779T>C, and TRPV1 945G>C polymorphisms with FD based on Rome III criteria in Korea.

Methods

Study subjects were prospectively recruited from visitors to Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2009 and 2012. One hundred and twelve FD patients and 269 controls were enrolled.

Results

In SLC6A4 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism, the frequency of S/S genotype was significantly lower than that of L/L + L/S genotype in FD compared to controls (P < 0.05). After stratification according to Helicobacter pylori infection, the S/S genotype was significantly associated with H. pylori‐positive epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) patients (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–0.99; P = 0.048). In TRPV1 945G>C polymorphism, the frequency of C/C genotype was lower in FD compared to controls (P = 0.057). The C carrier and C/C genotype was significantly associated with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and EPS, respectively (adjusted OR 0.47 and 0.43; 95% CI 0.25–0.90 and 0.20–0.93; P = 0.021 and 0.033). After stratification, the significant associations remained in H. pylori‐positive PDS and EPS patients (adjusted OR 0.37 and 0.28; 95% CI 0.16–0.88 and 0.09–0.85; P = 0.024 and 0.025).

Conclusions

The genetic polymorphism of SLC6A4 5‐HTTLPR and TRPV1 945G>C could be one of the pathophysiological factors of FD, especially in the case of H. pylori‐positive patients in Korea.
Accounting for the Material Stock of Nations
Authors: Fishman Tomer , Schandl Heinz , Tanikawa Hiroki , Walker Paul , Krausmann Fridolin
Published: April 2014

National material stock (MS) accounts have been a neglected field of analysis in industrial ecology, possibly because of the difficulty in establishing such accounts. In this research, we propose a novel method to model national MS based on historical material flow data. This enables us to avoid the laborious data work involved with bottom‐up accounts for stocks and to arrive at plausible levels of stock accumulation for nations. We apply the method for the United States and Japan to establish a proof of concept for two very different cases of industrial development. Looking at a period of 75 years (1930–2005), we find that per capita MS has been much higher in the United States for the entire period, but that Japan has experienced much higher growth rates throughout, in line with Japan's late industrial development. By 2005, however, both Japan and the United States arrive at a very similar level of national MS of 310 to 375 tonnes per capita, respectively. This research provides new insight into the relationship between MS and flows in national economies and enables us to extend the debate about material efficiency from a narrow perspective of throughput to a broader perspective of stocks.
Exploring Green Consumers’ Mind‐Set toward Green Product Design and Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Lemke Fred , Luzio João Pedro Pereira
Published: April 2014

Businesses are increasingly interested in exploring the key concepts of industrial ecology (IE), particularly within the context of market‐oriented sustainability. However, few studies have researched how green consumers perceive production as having relevant product design and life cycle assessment (LCA) dimensions. In this article, we explore green consumers’ mind‐set toward such system tools of IE by conducting 18 in‐depth interviews with Brazilian and Portuguese green consumers. We propose a simplified theoretical framework for achieving market‐oriented sustainability based on the multidisciplinary potential between IE and marketing. Our analysis suggests that there are still important gaps between what green consumers demand and what businesses are currently able (or willing) to supply. Our findings support the idea that businesses interested in following IE within the context of market‐oriented sustainability should spend greater effort in understanding the green consumer's production‐related mind‐set. In particular, we propose (1) avoiding consumer skepticism and dissatisfaction with greenwashing and (2) establishing credibility and information transparency. Both seem to act as preconditions to better align the product design and LCA processes with green consumer needs within the emerging paradigm of market‐oriented sustainability.
Estimates of Lost Material Stock of Buildings and Roads Due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Tanikawa Hiroki , Managi Shunsuke , Lwin Cherry Myo
Published: April 2014

This article describes research conducted for the Japanese government in the wake of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck eastern Japan on March 11, 2011. In this study, material stock analysis (MSA) is used to examine the losses of building and infrastructure materials after this disaster. Estimates of the magnitude of material stock that has lost its social function as a result of a disaster can indicate the quantities required for reconstruction, help garner a better understanding of the volumes of waste flows generated by that disaster, and also help in the course of policy deliberations in the recovery of disaster‐stricken areas. Calculations of the lost building and road materials in the five prefectures most affected were undertaken. Analysis in this study is based on the use of geographical information systems (GIS) databases and statistics; it aims to (1) describe in spatial terms what construction materials were lost, (2) estimate the amount of infrastructure material needed to rehabilitate disaster areas, and (3) indicate the amount of lost material stock that should be taken into consideration during government policy deliberations. Our analysis concludes that the material stock losses of buildings and road infrastructure are 31.8  and 2.1 million tonnes, respectively. This research approach and the use of spatial MSA can be useful for urban planners and may also convey more appropriate information about disposal based on the work of municipalities in disaster‐afflicted areas.
Government Regulation, Corporate Board, and Firm Value: Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Wei , Zheng Ying
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the determinants of board composition and its consequences on firm value in China by focusing on the impact of ultimate owner type and financial needs under the institution environment with government intervention and weak investor protection. We find that State‐Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are more likely to choose politically connected directors without professional backgrounds, but non‐SOEs are more likely to have independent directors, or politically connected directors with professional business backgrounds. Appointment of independent directors has no effect on firm value. Due to weak legal investor protection in China, a dominant shareholder can easily remove independent directors, as there is no mature market for directors. Politically connected directors without professional business backgrounds are negatively associated with a firm's value. Although such directors can help a company establish relationships with the government, their firms may suffer due to inferior professionalism.
Do Multiple Directorships Increase Firm Value? Evidence from Independent Directors in Hong Kong
Authors: Lei Adrian C. H. , Deng Jie
Published: April 2014

This paper studies the effect of independent directors’ multiple directorships (MDs) on firm value and examines the countervailing effects of quality and “busyness.” Using a unique panel data set covering all Hong Kong‐listed firms, we find that despite independent directors’ busyness, there is a strong and positive relation between the number of MDs of independent directors and firm value. We also find, however, that the positive effect of MDs declines at higher levels of busyness. We find that the effects of MDs on firm value are stronger under better corporate governance standards. We show that independent non‐executive directors (INEDs) with a CEO position underperform because of busyness. After the requirement of increasing the minimum number of INEDs in Hong Kong from 2004, the quality effect of MDs seems to be reduced, implying the policy may have increased the busyness of some INEDs. Our results are robust to a range of estimation procedures, including alternative MD and firm‐performance measurements, and 2SLS. Our empirical evidence suggests that highly engaged independent directors still improve firm value and supports increasing the minimum requirement for the fraction of independent directors, even under a supply constraint of qualified directors.
Catalpol provides protective effects against cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury in gerbils
Authors: Liu Yan-ru , Li Peng-wei , Suo Jian-jun , Sun Yan , Zhang Bo-ai , Lu Hong , Zhu Hong-can , Zhang Guo-bin
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To investigate the protective effect of catalpol on cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury in gerbils and further explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

A gerbil model of CI/R was prepared by bilateral common carotid occlusion for 10 min followed by 6 h reperfusion. Catalpol (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg per day) was injected intraperitoneally for 3 days before the carotid occlusion. Stroke index was measured during the reperfusion. The contents of endogenous neuropeptides, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and calcitonin gene-related peptide in plasma were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissue homogenate were also examined.

Key findings

The results showed that catalpol significantly improved the stroke index compared with CI/R control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Catalpol significantly increased the activity of SOD at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg (P ≤ 0.05), decreased the brain MDA content and the plasma level of ET-1 at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions

These data suggested that the efficacy of catalpol pretreatment on CI/R injury may be attributed to reduction of free radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation and ET-1 production.
On the Performance of Monetary Policy Committees
Authors: Farvaque Etienne , Stanek Piotr , Vigeant Stéphane
Published: April 2014

This paper examines the influence of the biographical experience of monetary policy committee members on their performance in managing inflation and output volatility. Our sample covers major OECD countries in the 1999 to 2010 period. Using data envelopment analysis, we study the efficiency of monetary policy committees. Then, we look at the determinants of these performances. The results in particular show that (i) in crisis times, a smaller committee is more efficient, (ii) policymakers' background influence the performance, with a positive role for committee members coming from academia, central banks and the financial sector, although the latter lost their edge during the Great Recession. It is also shown that some committees have reduced the inefficiency created by the crisis more rapidly than others.
The Effect of Political Connections on Credit Access: Does the Level of Financial Development Matter?
Authors: Lashitew Addisu A.
Published: April 2014

Although growing evidence indicates that political connections affect firm performance, little is known how institutional factors moderate the process. This paper investigates the effect of political connections on credit access, and the role of financial development in moderating the relationship between the two. The analysis is based on a unique dataset of manufacturing firms that covers dozens of developing and transition countries. The results show that the strength of political connections, measured by the amount of time the firm's senior managers spend with government officials, has a significant positive effect on credit access. Exploiting the cross‐country dimension of the dataset, I then show that the effect of political connections is higher in countries where the banking sector is more concentrated and has higher net interest margin. Furthermore, the effect of political connections is lower in countries that have credit information sharing mechanisms. These results suggest that a competitive banking sector improves efficiency of credit allocation by reducing politically motivated lending.
Do Natural Disasters Enhance Societal Trust?
Authors: Toya Hideki , Skidmore Mark
Published: April 2014

In this article we investigate the relationship between disasters and societal trust. A growing body research suggests that factors such as income inequality, ethnic fractionalization and religious heritage are important determinants of social capital in general and trust in particular. We present new panel data evidence of another important determinant of trust – the frequency of natural disasters. Frequent naturally occurring events such as storms require (and provide opportunity for) societies to work closely together to meet their challenges. While natural disasters can have devastating human and economic impacts, a potential spillover benefit of greater disaster exposure may be a more tightly knit society.
Veto Players Revisited: Internal and External Factors Influencing Policy Production
Authors: West Karleen Jones , Lee Hoon
Published: April 2014

Veto player models generally rely on two assumptions: (1) collective actors like political parties behave as individual actors; and (2) all actors influencing policy production are domestic. Yet these are often violated by empirical reality. Under certain institutions, parties are less cohesive and may not behave as individuals, and international regimes can have considerable influence over legislation. Using data on labor‐law production in Europe, we find that the effects of veto players are conditional on both party cohesion and international regimes. Future conceptualizations of veto players should be more sensitive to both internal and external institutional configurations.