bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No association between prenatal exposure to psychotropics and intelligence at age five
Authors: Eriksen Hanne‐Lise Falgreen , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Pedersen Lars Henning , Mortensen Erik Lykke
Published: February 2015

Objective

To examine associations between prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)/anxiolytics and intelligence assessed with a standard clinical intelligence test at age 5 years.

Design

Longitudinal follow‐up study.

Setting

Denmark, 2003–2008.

Population/sample

A total of 1780 women and their children sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort.

Methods

Self‐reported information on use of SSRI and anxiolytics was obtained from the Danish National Birth Cohort at the time of consent and from two prenatal interviews. Intelligence was assessed at age 5 years, and parental education, maternal intelligence quotient (IQ), maternal smoking and alcohol consumption in pregnancy, the child's age at testing, sex, and tester were included in the full model. The IQ of 13 medication‐exposed children was compared with the IQ of 19 children whose mothers had untreated depression and 1748 control children.

Main outcome measure

Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised.

Results

In unadjusted analyses, children of mothers who used antidepressants or anxiolytics during pregnancy had higher verbal IQ; this association, however, was insignificant after adjustment for potentially confounding maternal and child factors.

Conclusion

No consistent associations between IQ and fetal exposure to antidepressants and anxiolytics were observed, but the study had low statistical power, and there is an obvious need to conduct long‐term follow‐up studies with comprehensive cognitive assessment and sufficiently large samples of adolescent or adult offspring.
Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide, retinal microglia and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in the optic nerve crush model
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Chen Shida , Zhang Xiulan , Huang Wenbin , Jonas Jost B.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on the activation of retinal microglia cells (RMGCs) and survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in an optic nerve crush (ONC) model.

Methods

Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats underwent a standardized ONC and either received an intravitreal injection of TA (TA group) or of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS, PBS group) in the right eyes. At 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after the ONC, the animals were killed. The retinas were examined by immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, Western blot or retrograde labelling of RGCs by fluorogold injected into the superior colliculi.

Results

The TA group as compared to the PBS control group showed a significantly (p < 0.0001) lower density of activated RMGCs, at 14 days [4.2 ± 1.6 versus 9.3 ± 2.2 cells/high‐power microscopic field (HPF)] and at 28 days (2.3 ± 1.1 versus 4.4 ± 1.5 cells/HPF), and with a significantly lower expression of inflammatory factors. Central density of RGCs as stained by haematoxylin–eosin or by fluorogold was significantly (all p < 0.05) more reduced in the PBS group than in the TA group at days 14 and 28 after baseline. The survival rate (cell density in the study eye as compared to cell density in the contralateral unaffected eye) was significantly higher in the TA group than in the PBS group on days 14 (58% versus 45%; p = 0.003) and 28 (52% versus 41%; p = 0.022).

Conclusions

Intravitreal TA as compared to intravitreal PBS was associated with a lower density of activated RMGCs and a higher density of surviving RGCs in an ONC model.
Influence of the vitreomacular interface on the efficacy of intravitreal therapy for uveitis‐associated cystoid macular oedema
Authors: Munk Marion R. , Ram Radha , Rademaker Alfred , Liu Dachao , Setlur Vikram , Chau Felix , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Goldstein Debra A.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of the vitreomacular interface (VMI) on treatment efficacy of intravitreal therapy in uveitic cystoid macular oedema (CME).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of CME resolution, CME recurrence rate and monthly course of central retinal thickness (CRT), retinal volume (RV) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after intravitreal injection with respect to the VMI configuration on spectral‐domain OCT using chi‐squared test and repeated measures anova adjusted for confounding covariates epiretinal membrane, administered drug and subretinal fluid.

Results

Fifty‐nine eyes of 53 patients (mean age: 47.4 ± 16.9 years) were included. VMI status had no effect on complete CME resolution rate (p = 0.16, corrected p‐value: 0.32), time until resolution (p = 0.09, corrected p‐value: 0.27) or CME relapse rate (p = 0.29, corrected p‐value: 0.29). Change over time did not differ among the VMI configuration groups for BVCA (p = 0.82) and RV (p = 0.18), but CRT decrease was greater and faster in the posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) group compared to the posterior vitreous attachment (PVA) and vitreous macular adhesion (VMA) groups (p = 0.04). Also, the percentage of patients experiencing a ≥ 20% CRT thickness decrease after intravitreal injection was greater in the PVD group (83%) compared to the VMA (64%) and the PVA (16%) group (p = 0.027), however, not after correction for multiple testing (corrected p‐value: 0.11).

Conclusion

The VMI configuration seems to be a factor contributing to treatment efficacy in uveitic CME in terms of CRT decrease, although BCVA outcome did not differ according to VMI status.
An investigation into exposure of pigs to lead from contaminated zinc oxide in 2007–2008
Authors: MacLachlan DJ , Dixon F , Klim E , Lutze J , Matisons M , Moir D , Smith G
Published: February 2015

Background

High levels of lead, up to 3.3 mg/kg fresh weight, were detected in pig liver in Western Australia at the beginning of 2008. This followed the detection of lead at above the maximum level (ML) in a pig liver through the National Residue Survey (NRS). The contamination source was traced back to a zinc oxide feed additive used early post‐weaning that contained in excess of 8% lead.

Methods and Results

Confirmation of the source of lead contamination was obtained by comparing lead isotope ratios for the zinc oxide and the pig livers. The investigation demonstrated the importance of verifying the safety of feed and feed ingredients prior to incorporation in feed. Retrospective analysis of NRS data indicated that the level of lead needed to trigger an investigation for intensively housed pigs should be considerably lower than the ML. As a result, investigations in Australia will now be conducted when levels of lead in pig liver exceed 0.1 mg/kg fresh weight.

Conclusions

Despite the potential for small amounts of non‐compliant kidney and liver to enter the human food chain, there was no significant increase in the risk to consumers.
Tooth wear, body mass index and management options for edentulous black flying‐foxes (Pteropus alecto Gould) in the Townsville district, north Queensland, Australia
Authors: Luly J , Buettner P , Parsons J , Thiriet D , Gyuris E
Published: February 2015

Objective

We investigated the relationship between a body mass index and tooth wear in the black flying‐fox (Pteropus alecto Gould) to provide guidance on management of edentulous individuals by wildlife carers and veterinarians.

Methods

Flying‐foxes brought into care because of injury were weighed, their forearms measured and the state of their teeth evaluated. Measurements were analysed by Chi‐square, ANOVA, t‐tests and regression to identify any relationship between the body mass index and the condition of canine and molar teeth, as well as in relation to sex and season.

Results

There was no statistically significant relationship between a bat's dentition state and the body mass index being used.

Conclusions

In Townsville, the black flying‐fox appears to experience a rapid decline in dental condition over time. Despite this, there is little indication that loss of teeth results in a decline in body condition. We attribute this to the dominance of floral foods in the bats' diet in Townsville and a lesser importance of hard fruit that requires intact dentition for consumption. Edentulousness on its own is not sufficient reason to euthanase black flying‐foxes in either Townsville or similar relatively dry localities where blossom dominates the flying‐fox diet.
Ricolinostat (ACY‐1215) induced inhibition of aggresome formation accelerates carfilzomib‐induced multiple myeloma cell death
Authors: Mishima Yuko , Santo Loredana , Eda Homare , Cirstea Diana , Nemani Neeharika , Yee Andrew J. , O'Donnell Elizabeth , Selig Martin Karl , Quayle Steven N. , Arastu‐Kapur Shirin , Kirk Christopher , Boise Lawrence H. , Jones Simon S. , Raje Noopur
Published: February 2015

Proteasome inhibition induces the accumulation of aggregated misfolded/ubiquitinated proteins in the aggresome; conversely, histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibition blocks aggresome formation. Although this rationale has been the basis of proteasome inhibitor (PI) and HDAC6 inhibitor combination studies, the role of disruption of aggresome formation by HDAC6 inhibition has not yet been studied in multiple myeloma (MM). The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of carfilzomib (CFZ) in combination with a selective HDAC6 inhibitor (ricolinostat) in MM cells with respect to the aggresome‐proteolysis pathway. We observed that combination treatment of CFZ with ricolinostat triggered synergistic anti‐MM effects, even in bortezomib‐resistant cells. Immunofluorescent staining showed that CFZ increased the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and protein aggregates in the cytoplasm, as well as the engulfment of aggregated ubiquitinated proteins by autophagosomes, which was blocked by ricolinostat. Electron microscopy imaging showed increased autophagy triggered by CFZ, which was inhibited by the addition of ACY‐1215. Finally, an in vivo mouse xenograft study confirmed a decrease in tumour volume, associated with apoptosis, following treatment with CFZ in combination with ricolinostat. Our results suggest that ricolinostat inhibits aggresome formation, caused by CFZ‐induced inhibition of the proteasome pathway, resulting in enhanced apoptosis in MM cells.
Haematopoietic and immune defects associated with GATA2 mutation
Authors: Collin Matthew , Dickinson Rachel , Bigley Venetia
Published: February 2015

Heterozygous familial or sporadic GATA2 mutations cause a multifaceted disorder, encompassing susceptibility to infection, pulmonary dysfunction, autoimmunity, lymphoedema and malignancy. Although often healthy in childhood, carriers of defective GATA2 alleles develop progressive loss of mononuclear cells (dendritic cells, monocytes, B and Natural Killer lymphocytes), elevated FLT3 ligand, and a 90% risk of clinical complications, including progression to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) by 60 years of age. Premature death may occur from childhood due to infection, pulmonary dysfunction, solid malignancy and MDS/acute myeloid leukaemia. GATA2 mutations include frameshifts, amino acid substitutions, insertions and deletions scattered throughout the gene but concentrated in the region encoding the two zinc finger domains. Mutations appear to cause haplo‐insufficiency, which is known to impair haematopoietic stem cell survival in animal models. Management includes genetic counselling, prevention of infection, cancer surveillance, haematopoietic monitoring and, ultimately, stem cell transplantation upon the development of MDS or another life‐threatening complication.
Salvage radical prostatectomy for recurrent prostate cancer: verification of European Association of Urology guideline criteria
Authors: Mandel Philipp , Steuber Thomas , Ahyai Sascha , Kriegmair Maximilian , Schiffmann Jonas , Boehm Katharina , Heinzer Hans , Michl Uwe , Schlomm Thorsten , Haese Alexander , Huland Hartwig , Graefen Markus , Tilki Derya
Published: February 2015

Objective

To analyse oncological and functional outcomes of salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) in patients with recurrent prostate cancer and to compare outcomes of patients within and outside the European Association of Urology (EAU) guideline criteria (organ‐confined prostate cancer ≤T2b, Gleason score ≤7 and preoperative PSA level <10 ng/mL) for SRP.

Patients and Methods

In all, 55 patients who underwent SRP from January 2007 to December 2012 were retrospectively analysed. Kaplan–Meier curves assessed time to biochemical recurrence (BCR), metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and cancer‐specific survival. Cox regressions addressed factors influencing BCR and MFS. BCR was defined as a PSA level of >0.2 ng/mL and rising, continence as the use of 0–1 safety pad/day, and potency as a five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function score of ≥18.

Results

The median follow‐up was 36 months. After SRP, 42.0% of the patients experienced BCR, 15.9% developed metastasis, and 5.5% died from prostate cancer. Patients fulfilling the EAU guideline criteria were less likely to have positive lymph nodes (LNs) and had significantly better BCR‐free survival (5‐year BCR‐free survival 73.9% vs 11.6%; P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy as primary treatment (P = 0.03) and presence of positive LNs at SRP (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with worse BCR‐free survival. The presence of positive LNs or Gleason score >7 at SRP were independently associated with metastasis. The urinary continence rate at 1 year after SRP was 74%. Seven patients (12.7%) had complications ≥III (Clavien grade).

Conclusion

SRP is a safe procedure providing good cancer control and reasonable urinary continence. Oncological outcomes are significantly better in patients who met the EAU guideline recommendations.
Quantitative relationship between liver fat content and metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents
Authors: Zhang Hongxi , Yang Huiping , Lai Can , Xu Xiaoqin , Huang Ke , Fu Junfen
Published: February 2015

Objective

Previous studies have shown a significant association between quantified liver fat content (LFC) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults, but the nature of this association in obese paediatric populations is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantitative relationship of LFC to MetS and its individual components in obese children and adolescents.

Design

A population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Patients and measurements

One hundred and eighty‐nine Chinese obese paediatric subjects aged 5–16 years were enrolled. Measurements included MetS components, as defined by the Chinese‐specific version of the International Diabetes Foundation MetS criteria (MetS‐CHN2012), and LFC using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

LFC was significantly higher in subjects with MetS [median 9·7% (interquartile range 4·5–19·9%)] than without MetS [5·7% (2·0–12·8%)] (P < 0·01). LFC was also positively associated with the total number of MetS components (P for trend <0·01). In analyses adjusted for traditional risk factors, increasing levels of LFC were associated with a greater risk of MetS, hypertriglyceridaemia and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0·05 for all associations), but were not associated with risk of hyperglycaemia or hypertension.

Conclusions

In obese Chinese paediatric patients, quantitative measures of LFC are positively associated with the risk of MetS, hypertriglyceridaemia and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, independent of traditional risk factors. These findings suggest that quantitatively measured LFC may be a clinically useful marker for identifying obese paediatric who are at increased risk of developing MetS and its components.
Plasma zinc α2‐glycoprotein levels are elevated in smokers and correlated with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Tsai Jaw‐Shiun , Chen Su‐Chiu , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Lue Bee‐Horng , Lee Long‐Teng , Chiu Tai‐Yuan , Chen Ching‐Yu , Guo Fei‐Ran , Chuang Lee‐Ming
Published: February 2015

Background

Smoking is a strong risk factor of metabolic syndrome. Zinc α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG) is a protein involved in metabolic syndrome. This study aims to investigate the effect of smoking on plasma ZAG levels and its relations to metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods

A group of 41 cigarette smokers and 47 non‐smokers were enrolled. ZAG levels were measured to correlate to participants’ demographic and metabolic parameters.

Results

Plasma ZAG levels of smokers were higher than those of controls (P < 0·0001). Plasma ZAG levels were positively correlated with male gender (P = 0·0002), number of cigarettes smoked per day (P < 0·0001), smoking duration in years (P < 0·0001), smoking index (P < 0·0001) and nicotine dependence score (P < 0·0001). In the multiple regression analysis, smoking was a strong independent factor affecting plasma ZAG levels (P = 0·0034). Plasma ZAG levels elevated progressively with the number of metabolic syndrome components (P = 0·0143). In the multiple regression analysis, plasma ZAG was an independent factor for metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Plasma ZAG levels are high in smokers and correlate with metabolic syndrome. Our results indicate ZAG is an independent risk factor, but also interacted with smoking, for the metabolic syndrome.
Cocaine self‐administration enhances excitatory responses of pyramidal neurons in the rat medial prefrontal cortex to human immunodeficiency virus‐1 Tat
Authors: Wayman Wesley N. , Chen Lihua , Napier T. Celeste , Hu Xiu‐Ti
Published: February 2015

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a critical role in reward‐motivated behaviors. Repeated cocaine exposure dysregulates the dorsal mPFC, and this is thought to contribute to cocaine‐seeking and relapse of abstinent abusers. Neuropathology of the mPFC also occurs in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive individuals, and this is exaggerated in those who also abuse cocaine. The impact of the comorbid condition on mPFC neuronal function is unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a behavioral and electrophysiological study utilising adult male rats that self‐administered cocaine by pressing a lever for 14 once‐daily operant sessions. Saline‐yoked (SAL‐yoked) rats served as controls. Cue reactivity (CR) was used to indicate drug‐seeking, assessed by re‐exposing the rats to cocaine‐paired cues wherein non‐reinforced lever pressing was quantified 1 day (CR1) and 18–21 days (CR2) after the 14th operant session. Only cocaine self‐administration (COC‐SA) rats showed CR. One day after CR2, brain slices were prepared for electrophysiological assessment. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of dorsal (prelimbic) mPFC pyramidal neurons from COC‐SA rats showed a significant increase in firing evoked by depolarizing currents as compared with those from SAL‐yoked control rats. Bath application of the toxic HIV‐1 protein transactivator of transcription (Tat) also depolarized neuronal membranes and increased evoked firing. The Tat‐induced excitation was greater in the neurons from withdrawn COC‐SA rats than in controls. Tat also reduced spike amplitude, and this co‐varied with cocaine‐seeking during CR2. Taken together, these novel findings provide support at the neuronal level for the concept that the increased excitability of mPFC pyramidal neurons following cocaine self‐administration drives drug‐seeking and augments the neuropathophysiology caused by HIV‐1 Tat.
Different cerebrospinal fluid levels of Alzheimer‐type biomarker Aβ42 between general paresis and asymptomatic neurosyphilis
Authors: Luo X. , Shi H. , Hou L. , Zhong X. , Chen X. , Zhang Y. , Zheng D. , Tan Y. , Hu G. , Mu N. , Chen J. , Fang Y. , He H. , Ning Y.
Published: February 2015

Background and purpose

Neurosyphilis is a neurological disease that involves infection of the central nervous system with Treponema pallidum. With increases in unsafe sexual behaviour, syphilis has re‐emerged worldwide. To explore the amyloid and tau metabolism in neurosyphilis patients in different stages, the levels of Alzheimer‐type biomarkers in general paresis (GP) and asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS) patients in comparison to patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal controls (NCs) were investigated.

Methods

β‐amyloid peptide 1‐42 (Aβ42) and Aβ 1‐40 (Aβ40), tau hyperphosphorylated at threonine 181 (p‐tau181) and total tau (t‐tau) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits in 44 patients with GP, 10 patients with ANS, 45 patients with AD and 39 NCs.

Results

Alzheimer's disease patients had lower CSF Aβ42 levels combined with higher CSF t‐tau and p‐tau181 levels than other groups (all P < 0.001). The CSF Aβ42 levels decreased in GP compared to ANS and NCs (P < 0.001). CSF Aβ40, t‐tau and p‐tau181 levels were not different between the GP, ANS or NC groups.

Conclusions

Our research has demonstrated that GP, ANS and AD patients are characterized by distinct patterns of the CSF biomarkers Aβ and tau. The distinct CSF Aβ pattern in GP suggests the existence of abnormal Aβ metabolism. Furthermore, different levels of CSF Aβ will be helpful for the differentiation between different stages of neurosyphilis.
Losses of soil carbon by converting tropical forest to plantations: erosion and decomposition estimated by δ13C
Authors: Guillaume Thomas , Damris Muhammad , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: February 2015

Indonesia lost more tropical forest than all of Brazil in 2012, mainly driven by the rubber, oil palm, and timber industries. Nonetheless, the effects of converting forest to oil palm and rubber plantations on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks remain unclear. We analyzed SOC losses after lowland rainforest conversion to oil palm, intensive rubber, and extensive rubber plantations in Jambi Province on Sumatra Island. The focus was on two processes: (1) erosion and (2) decomposition of soil organic matter. Carbon contents in the Ah horizon under oil palm and rubber plantations were strongly reduced up to 70% and 62%, respectively. The decrease was lower under extensive rubber plantations (41%). On average, converting forest to plantations led to a loss of 10 Mg C ha−1 after about 15 years of conversion. The C content in the subsoil was similar under the forest and the plantations. We therefore assumed that a shift to higher δ13C values in plantation subsoil corresponds to the losses from the upper soil layer by erosion. Erosion was estimated by comparing the δ13C profiles in the soils under forest and under plantations. The estimated erosion was the strongest in oil palm (35 ± 8 cm) and rubber (33 ± 10 cm) plantations. The 13C enrichment of SOC used as a proxy of its turnover indicates a decrease of SOC decomposition rate in the Ah horizon under oil palm plantations after forest conversion. Nonetheless, based on the lack of C input from litter, we expect further losses of SOC in oil palm plantations, which are a less sustainable land use compared to rubber plantations. We conclude that δ13C depth profiles may be a powerful tool to disentangle soil erosion and SOC mineralization after the conversion of natural ecosystems conversion to intensive plantations when soils show gradual increase of δ13C values with depth.
The many faces of information technology interruptions: a taxonomy and preliminary investigation of their performance effects
Authors: Addas Shamel , Pinsonneault Alain
Published: February 2015

Despite the growing importance of information technology (IT) interruptions for individual work, very little is known about their nature and consequences. This paper develops a taxonomy that classifies interruptions based on the relevance and structure of their content, and propositions that relate different interruption types to individual performance. A qualitative approach combining the use of log diaries of professional workers and semi‐structured interviews with product development workers provide a preliminary validation of the taxonomy and propositions and allow for the discovery of a continuum of interruption events that fall in‐between the extreme types in the taxonomy. The results show that some IT interruptions have positive effects on individual performance, whilst others have negative effects, or both. The taxonomy developed in the paper allows for a better understanding of the nature of different types of IT interruption and their consequences on individual work. By showing that different types of interruptions have different effects, the paper helps to explain and shed light on the inconsistent results of past research.
Antibacterial, antifungal and in vitro antileukaemia activity of metal complexes with thiosemicarbazones
Authors: Pahontu Elena , Julea Felicia , Rosu Tudor , Purcarea Victor , Chumakov Yurie , Petrenco Petru , Gulea Aurelian
Published: February 2015

1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐benzoyl‐5‐pyrazolone 4‐ethyl‐thiosemicarbazone (HL) and its copper(II), vanadium(V) and nickel(II) complexes: [Cu(L)(Cl)]·C2H5OH·(1), [Cu(L)2]·H2O (2), [Cu(L)(Br)]·H2O·CH3OH (3), [Cu(L)(NO3)]·2C2H5OH (4), [VO2(L)]·2H2O (5), [Ni(L)2]·H2O (6), were synthesized and characterized. The ligand has been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The tridentate nature of the ligand is evident from the IR spectra. The copper(II), vanadium(V) and nickel(II) complexes have been characterized by different physico‐chemical techniques such as molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurements and electronic, infrared and electron paramagnetic resonance spectral studies. The structures of the ligand and its copper(II) (2, 4), and vanadium(V) (5) complexes have been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The composition of the coordination polyhedron of the central atom in 2, 4 and 5 is different. The tetrahedral coordination geometry of Cu was found in complex 2 while in complex 4, it is square planar, in complex 5 the coordination polyhedron of the central ion is distorted square pyramid. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the complexes against Escherichia coli, Salmonella abony, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and the antifungal activity against Candida albicans strains was higher for the metal complexes than for free ligand. The effect of the free ligand and its metal complexes on the proliferation of HL‐60 cells was tested.
Prediction of risk for hepatocellular carcinoma by response of serum α‐fetoprotein to entecavir therapy
Authors: Yang Sung Wook , Kim Gi Hyun , Chung Jung Wha , Sohn Hyung Rae , Lee Sang Soo , Hong Sukho , Chung Seong Min , Jang Eun Sun , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Kim Jin‐Wook
Published: February 2015

Background and Aims

Serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) is frequently elevated in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who do not have hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Entecavir (ETV) treatment reduces AFP levels in these patients, but the clinical significance of AFP response to ETV has not been fully studied. The aims of this study were to elucidate the temporal response of AFP to ETV therapy and to determine the relationship between AFP response and the subsequent development of HCC.

Methods

All consecutive nucleos(t)ide‐naïve CHB patients who started ETV therapy between March 2007 and February 2009 were selected from an electronic medical record database at a tertiary referral center (BESTCare). Clinical, biochemical, and virologic parameters were evaluated in relation to the serial AFP levels tested during ETV treatment.

Results

Among the 244 enrolled patients, 66 had elevated AFP levels before ETV therapy. Low serum albumin was a significant predictor for elevated AFP. During 12 months of ETV therapy, AFP levels normalized in approximately three fourths of these patients. The decrease in AFP was delayed in patients with high baseline hepatitis B virus titers and in patients who subsequently developed HCC during ETV therapy. Incidence of HCC was similar regardless of baseline AFP levels. Among patients with elevated AFP, however, HCC developed exclusively in the subgroup where elevated AFP persisted for more than 6 months of ETV therapy.

Conclusions

Delayed AFP response to ETV may serve as an indicator of high HCC risk.
Recycling Construction and Demolition Wastes as Building Materials: A Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Guignot Sylvain , Touzé Solène , Von der Weid Frédéric , Ménard Yannick , Villeneuve Jacques
Published: February 2015

The present study addresses the topic of recycling materials from construction and demolition (C&D) wastes by proposing an environmental comparison between two recycling schemes for gravel wastes. The first scheme is the baseline process, and leads to direct most of the gravel to road construction. The second scheme relies on an innovative technology for the processing of gravel, based on electrical fragmentation, which leads to a clear separation between the aggregate contained in the gravel and the cement paste. The purity of the obtained materials opens new recycling outlets—as part of high‐quality structural concrete for the aggregate and as a substitute to natural minerals in clinker kilns for the cement paste. This shift towards more‐specific outlets for the materials found in reclaimed gravel carries significant modifications in the overall handling of C&D wastes and in the supply of natural and non‐natural materials for road construction and concrete formulation. The environmental implications of these modifications are evaluated according to a life cycle assessment methodology, which specifically addresses the influence of the distances and modalities of transportation of wastes to the crushing processes, as well as of natural and recycled aggregate to construction and demolition sites. The results point out significant environmental gains for the alternative recycling scheme, in all the considered impact categories and whatever the implemented scenarios. These gains are modulated by the various transport distances of the heavy materials heeded in the global system.
Mathematics interventions for children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a research synthesis
Authors: Lemons C. J. , Powell S. R. , King S. A. , Davidson K. A.
Published: February 2015

Background

Many children and adolescents with Down syndrome fail to achieve proficiency in mathematics. Researchers have suggested that tailoring interventions based on the behavioural phenotype may enhance efficacy.

Method

The research questions that guided this review were (1) what types of mathematics interventions have been empirically evaluated with children and adolescents with Down syndrome?; (2) do the studies demonstrate sufficient methodological rigor?; (3) is there evidence of efficacy for the evaluated mathematics interventions?; and (4) to what extent have researchers considered aspects of the behavioural phenotype in selecting, designing and/or implementing mathematics interventions for children and adolescents with Down syndrome? Nine studies published between 1989 and 2012 were identified for inclusion.

Results

Interventions predominantly focused on early mathematics skills and reported positive outcomes. However, no study met criteria for methodological rigor. Further, no authors explicitly considered the behavioural phenotype.

Conclusions

Additional research using rigorous experimental designs is needed to evaluate the efficacy of mathematics interventions for children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Suggestions for considering the behavioural phenotype in future research are provided.
From service quality in organisations to self‐determination at home
Authors: Martínez‐Tur V. , Moliner C. , Peñarroja V. , Gracia E. , Peiró J. M.
Published: February 2015

Background

In our proposed model, family members' perceptions of service quality in organisations improve communication about self‐determination. In turn, family perceptions of communication openness have a positive relationship with self‐determination attitudes of family members. Finally, these attitudes predict self‐determination behaviours of individuals with intellectual disability, as reported by family members.

Method

We tested this model with a sample of 625 family members (196 using ‘day care services’ and 429 using ‘occupational services’).

Results

Multi‐sample structural equation modelling (SEM) supported the model. Communication and attitudes fully mediated the link from service quality to self‐determination behaviours.

Conclusions

Improving family members' perceptions of service quality and opening channels of communication between professionals and family members are useful strategies to facilitate parents' positive attitudes and increase the frequency of self‐determination behaviours at home.
Analysis of full‐length mitochondrial DNA D‐loop sequences from Macaca fascicularis of different geographical origin reveals novel haplotypes
Authors: Badhan Anjna , Eichstaedt Christina A. , Almond Neil M. , Knapp Leslie A. , Rose Nicola J.
Published: February 2015

Background

Cynomolgus macaques are indigenous to Asia occupying a range of geographical areas. A non‐indigenous population established on Mauritius approximately 500 years ago. Mauritian cynomolgus macaques are recognised as having low genetic diversity compared to Indonesian macaques, from which they originated. As cynomolgus macaques are widely used as a biomedical model, there have been many studies of their genetic relationships. However, population diversity and relationships have only been assessed through analysis of either the hypervariable region I or II separately within the D‐loop region of the mitochondrial genome in these macaques.

Methods

Using sequencing, we defined haplotypes encompassing the full D‐loop sequence for Mauritian and Indonesian cynomolgus macaques.

Results

We evaluated the haplotype relationships by constructing a median‐joining network based on full‐length D‐loop sequences, which has not been reported previously.

Conclusion

Our data allow a complete D‐loop haplotype, including a hereto unreported polymorphic region, to be defined to aid the resolution of populations of cynomolgus macaques and which highlights the value in analysing both D‐loop hypervariable regions in concert.
A review of nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and ability to communicate the risks and benefits of complementary and alternative medicine
Authors: Chang Hsiao‐Yun , Chang Huai‐Lu
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

This study reviewed existing literature to investigate how frequently nurses include complementary and alternative forms of medicine in their clinical practice. In so doing, we investigated nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine as well as their ability to communicate the risks and benefits of these therapies with patients.

Background

Little information is available concerning nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine or how they incorporate these therapies into their practice. In addition, little is known about the ability of nurses to communicate the risks and benefits of complementary and alternative medicine to their patients.

Study design

This study used a scoping review method to map and synthesise existing literature.

Data sources

Both electronic and manual searches were used to identify relevant studies published between January 2007 and January 2014.

Review methods

The review was conducted in five stages: (1) identification of research question(s), (2) locate studies, (3) selection of studies, (4) charting of data, and (5) collating, summarising, and reporting of results.

Results

Fifteen papers met the inclusion criteria for this review, among which 53·7% referenced how frequently nurses include complementary and alternative medicine in their practice. We found that 66·4% of nurses had positive attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine; however, 77·4% did not possess a comprehensive understanding of the associated risks and benefits. In addition, nearly half of the respondents (47·3–67·7%) reported feeling uncomfortable discussing complementary and alternative medicine therapies with their patients.

Conclusion

The lack of knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine among nurses is a cause for concern, particularly in light of its widespread application.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings from this study suggest that health care professionals need to promote evidence informed decision‐making in complementary and alternative medicine practice and be knowledgeable enough to discuss complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Without involvement of complementary and alternative medicine communication on the part of our profession, we may put our patients at risk of uninformed and without medical guidance.
Nurses' and personal care assistants' role in improving the relocation of older people into nursing homes
Authors: Ellis Julie M , Rawson Helen
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

This article presents findings from a study that explored nurses' and personal care assistants' role in improving the relocation of older people into a nursing home.

Background

Suggestions for improving the relocation process for older people moving into a nursing home have been the outcomes of studies that have interviewed residents and their families. However, the views of nurses and personal care assistants working in nursing homes have not been previously explored.

Design

An exploratory, descriptive qualitative research design.

Methods

Individual interviews were conducted with 20 care staff (seven registered nurses, five enrolled nurses and eight personal care assistants) employed at four nursing homes.

Findings

Using thematic analysis, two key themes were identified: ‘What it's like for them’ – highlighted staffs' awareness of the advantages, disadvantages and meaning of relocation, and focused on staffing and nursing care; other services provided and the environment. The second theme – ‘We can make it better’, revealed suggestions for improving the relocation process, and included spending time with new residents and the importance of a person‐centred approach to care.

Conclusion

Care staff have an important role in improving the relocation process of older people into a nursing home, as well as contributing to the discussion on this important clinical topic.

Relevance to clinical practice

Challenging care staff to acknowledge the importance of their role in helping older people settle into a nursing home is a key requirement of nursing practice in aged care. Nursing practice guidelines, with a focus on person‐centred care, on how to manage the relocation process for an older person and their family are required for this aspect of nursing home care. Education of staff on relocation policies and procedures is essential to ensure that residents and their families are supported through this process.
Rewarding Trading Skills without Inducing Gambling
Authors: MAKAROV IGOR , PLANTIN GUILLAUME
Published: February 2015

This paper develops a model of active asset management in which fund managers may forgo alpha‐generating strategies, preferring instead to make negative‐alpha trades that enable them to temporarily manipulate investors' perceptions of their skills. We show that such trades are optimally generated by taking on hidden tail risk, and are more likely to occur when fund managers are impatient and when their trading skills are scalable, and generate a high profit per unit of risk. We propose long‐term contracts that deter this behavior by dynamically adjusting the dates on which the manager is compensated in response to her cumulative performance.
Market Expectations Following Catastrophes: An Examination of Insurance Broker Returns
Authors: Ragin Marc A. , Halek Martin
Published: February 2015

We investigate the effect major catastrophes are expected to have on equilibrium price and quantity in the insurance market. In particular, we examine whether investors expect total industry revenue to increase following a disaster's shock to insurers’ financial capital. Rather than examine insurers directly, we study insurance brokers, who earn commissions on premium revenue but do not pay losses following a disaster. We conduct an event study on insurance broker stock returns surrounding the 43 largest insured‐loss catastrophes since 1970. We find that brokers earn positive abnormal returns on the day of the event, and that these returns are sustained following the top 20 largest events. We then investigate factors influencing these returns and find that returns are positively related to the size of the loss and negatively related to existing insurer capital. From this, we conclude that catastrophe shocks are expected to increase net industry revenue, benefiting brokers most immediately. This investor response is consistent with economic theories of a negative relationship between capital and insurance prices and price‐inelastic demand for commercial insurance.
Melatonin‐mediated inhibition of Purkinje neuron P‐type Ca2+ channels in vitro induces neuronal hyperexcitability through the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐dependent protein kinase C delta pathway
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Li Hua , Pu Yicheng , Gong Shan , Liu Chunfeng , Jiang Xinghong , Tao Jin
Published: February 2015

Although melatonin receptors are widely expressed in the mammalian central nervous system and peripheral tissues, there are limited data regarding the functions of melatonin in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Here, we identified a novel functional role of melatonin in modulating P‐type Ca2+ channels and action‐potential firing in rat Purkinje neurons. Melatonin at 0.1 μm reversibly decreased peak currents (IBa) by 32.9%. This effect was melatonin receptor 1 (MTR1) dependent and was associated with a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of inactivation. Pertussis toxin pretreatment, intracellular application of QEHA peptide, and a selective antibody raised against the Gβ subunit prevented the inhibitory effects of melatonin. Pretreatment with phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors abolished the melatonin‐induced decrease in IBa. Surprisingly, melatonin responses were not regulated by Akt, a common downstream target of PI3K. Melatonin treatment significantly increased protein kinase C (PKC) activity 2.1‐fold. Antagonists of PKC, but not of protein kinase A, abolished the melatonin‐induced decrease in IBa. Melatonin application increased the membrane abundance of PKCδ, and PKCδ inhibition (either pharmacologically or genetically) abolished the melatonin‐induced IBa response. Functionally, melatonin increased spontaneous action‐potential firing by 53.0%; knockdown of MTR1 and blockade of P‐type channels abolished this effect. Thus, our results suggest that melatonin inhibits P‐type channels through MTR1 activation, which is coupled sequentially to the βγ subunits of Gi/o‐protein and to downstream PI3K‐dependent PKCδ signaling. This likely contributes to its physiological functions, including spontaneous firing of cerebellar Purkinje neurons.
A Critique of an Epistemic Intellectual Culture: Cartesianism, Normativism and Modern Crises
Authors: Arponen V. P. J.
Published: February 2015

The so‐called epistemological turn of theDescartes‐Locke‐Kant tradition (Rorty) is a hallmark of modern philosophy. The broad family of normativism constitutes one major response to theCartesian heritage building upon some version of the idea that human knowledge, action and sociality build fundamentally upon some form of social agreement and standards. Representationalism and theCartesian picture more generally have been challenged by normativists but this paper argues that, even where these challenges by normativism have been taken to heart, our intellectual culture remains fundamentally epistemic in certain problematic senses. Two problems are highlighted: first, normativism remains functionallyCartesian, for human action and sociality appear as processes driven by the shared understandings by competent contributors (regardless of how these are constructed naturalistically), and second, normativism is unable to account for forms of human action and sociality other than those occurring in the relatively small worlds of normatively regulated conceptual spaces of mutual access and listening. These points are illustrated by an applied discussion of the blind spots of normativist accounts of the emerging environmental and the on‐going economic crises.
Milk and serum concentration of ceftiofur following intramammary infusion in goats
Authors: Garrett E. F. , Dirikolu L. , Grover G. S.
Published: February 2015

Five dairy goats were used to determine the milk and serum concentrations along with elimination characteristics of ceftiofur following intramammary administration. One udder half of each goat was infused twice with 125 mg ceftiofur with a 24‐h interval between infusions. Milk samples were collected at 1, 2, 8, and 12 h after the last infusion and then every 12 h for a total of 7 days. Blood was collected from each animal at 3, 8, 12, and 24 h after infusion and then every 24 h for 6 days. Following a washout period of 1 week, the experiment was repeated using the opposite udder half. The elimination half‐life of ceftiofur from the mammary gland was 4.7 h. The concentration of ceftiofur was greater than published MIC90 values for Staphylococcus spp. bacteria for 24 h. Ceftiofur was absorbed into systemic circulation from the mammary gland. The maximum concentration was 552 ng/mL at 3 h after infusion, and the serum elimination half‐life was 10 h. Intramammary infusion of 125 mg ceftiofur every 24 h can be expected to maintain drug concentration in milk above published MIC90 for Staphylococcus spp.
Sexual dimorphism in bite force in the grey mouse lemur
Authors: Thomas P. , Pouydebat E. , Hardy I. , Aujard F. , Ross C. F. , Herrel A.
Published: February 2015

Sexual dimorphism is thought to be the result of sexual selection, food competition and/or niche differentiation, or simply the result of differential growth between the sexes. Despite the fact that sexual dimorphism is common among primates, lemurs are thought to be largely monomorphic. Yet, females of the species Microcebus are known to be larger than males. Here, we investigate if dimorphism in head dimensions is present in a colony of captive grey mouse lemurs Microcebus murinus. Moreover, we test whether any observed shape dimorphism is associated with differences in bite force between the sexes. Our results show that male and female grey mouse lemurs are indeed sexually dimorphic in head dimensions, with females having taller and wider heads than males. Moreover, we confirm previous observations that females are heavier than males. Bite force was principally determined by head dimensions and age in our dataset, and differed between sexes, with females biting harder than males. These data suggest a potential role for niche dimorphism in driving the observed shape and performance dimorphism as female reproductive output may depend upon the ability of animals to obtain resources that are difficult to ingest.
Microbial dynamics in glacier forefield soils show succession is not just skin deep
Authors: Edwards Arwyn , Cook Sophie
Published: February 2015

All over the world, glaciers are receding. One key consequence of glacier area loss is the creation of new terrestrial habitats. This presents an experimental opportunity to study both community formation and the implications of glacier loss for terrestrial ecosystems. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Rime et al. () describe how microbial communities are structured according to soil depth and development in the forefield of Damma glacier in Switzerland. The study provides insights into the contrasting structures of microbial communities at different stages of soil development. An important strength of the study is the integration of soil depth into the paradigm of primary succession, a feature which has rarely been considered by other studies. These findings underscore the importance of studying the interactions between microbial communities and glaciers at a time when Earth's glacial systems are experiencing profound change.