bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative evaluation of an NHS Weight Management Programme for obese patients in Liverpool
Authors: Webb Richard , Davies Ian , Johnson Brian , Abayomi Julie
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The increasing prevalence of obesity in the UK has been of concern for some time. This is particularly true in Liverpool and in response the Liverpool Weight Management Programme (LWMP) was devised. It offers a service involving dietitians and other expert agencies working towards facilitating dietary and lifestyle changes in obese NHS patients in Liverpool via a 12-week education programme. This qualitative study aims to investigate patients' experiences of the LWMP.

Design/methodology/approach

– Informed volunteers participated in focus groups exploring their experiences following the programme. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed following a thematic approach utilising constant comparison analysis to allow a qualitative view of the LWMP to be formed.

Findings

– Participants described an increase in immediate self-confidence during the LWMP, as opposed to coercion and pressure experienced elsewhere. The results also show the implementation of dietary changes by participants and favourable opinions towards both the group settings and patient-centred care. Participants also positively described the LWMP regarding the programmes social approach and aspects of programme content; however, there were issues with over-dependence on healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals also need to recognise that long-term empowerment may still be lacking and that follow-up support and the effectiveness of some areas of programme content need to be considered to ensure patients benefit from sustainable weight management.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses an identified need for qualitative research in the area of health service weight management programmes and highlights the importance of long-term support in empowering patients by exploring their lived experience of the LWMP.
An effective data processing flow for the acoustic reflection image logging
Authors: Li Junxiao , Tao Guo , Zhang Kuo , Wang Bing , Wang Hua
Published: February 2014

Recent studies have revealed the great potential of acoustic reflection logging in detecting near borehole fractures and vugs. The new design of acoustic reflection imaging tool with a closest spacing of 10.6m and a certain degree of phase steering makes it easier to extract the reflection signals from the borehole mode waves. For field applications of the tool, we had developed the corresponding processing software: Acoustic Reflection Imaging. In this paper, we have further developed an effective data processing flow by employing multi‐scale slowness‐time‐coherence for reflection wave extraction and incorporating reverse time migration for imaging complicated subtle structures with the strong effects of borehole environment. Applications of the processing flow to synthetic data of acoustic reflection logging in a fractured formation model and interface model with fluid filled borehole generated by 2D finite difference method, and to the physical modelling data from a laboratory water tank, as well as to the field data from two wells in a western Chinese oil field, demonstrate the validity and capability of our multi‐scale slowness‐time‐coherence and reverse time migration algorithms.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Eryngium maritimum
Authors: Isermann Maike , Rooney Paul
Published: February 2014

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Eryngium maritimum L. (Sea Holly) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.

Eryngium maritimum is a native perennial hemicryptophyte, with a large taproot, spiny and leathery leaves and a pale bluish inflorescence. It has a more or less continuous distribution in suitable habitats along the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland up to about 55° N, but it is more scattered further north. On the west coast, it is found south of the Hebrides, and on the east coast, with some exceptions, south of Yorkshire. In Europe, it has a wide, but mainly southern temperate, European distribution along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and the Black and Azov Seas. Its northern distribution limit is at c. 60° N.

Eryngium maritimum grows typically on sand and shingle beaches, foredunes and yellow dunes, as well as in semi‐fixed grey dunes. Its habitats have full sunlight and are more or less dry. It occurs in many coastal plant communities from the beach inland, and because of its wide European distribution, it occurs with members of several different biogeographical species groups.

Protected from grazing by its spininess and sclerophylly, E. maritimum is nevertheless vulnerable to direct damage by trampling. It supports few insect herbivores, probably because of chemical defences. Historically, it has had a great number of medicinal uses.

Eryngium maritimum is unable to withstand competition from faster and more densely growing plant species. In many coastal regions, in both temperate and mediterranean parts of Europe, it is one of the rarest and most threatened plant species, mainly because of habitat loss and land‐use changes.
Distribution of a consortium between unicellular algae and the N2 fixing cyanobacterium UCYN‐A in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Krupke Andreas , Lavik Gaute , Halm Hannah , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Amann Rudolf I. , Kuypers Marcel M. M.
Published: February 2014

The globally abundant, uncultured unicellular cyanobacterium UCYN‐A was recently discovered living in association with a eukaryotic cell closely related to a prymnesiophyte. Here, we established a double CAtalysed Reporter Deposition‐Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (CARD‐FISH) approach to identify both partners and provided quantitative information on their distribution and abundance across distinct water masses along a transect in the North Atlantic Ocean. The N2 fixation activity coincided with the detection of UCYN‐A cells and was only observed in oligotrophic (< 0.067  μM and < 0.04  μM) and warm (> 18°C) surface waters. Parallel 16S ribosomal RNA gene analyses among unicellular diazotrophs indicated that only UCYN‐A cells were present. UCYN‐A cells were associated with an algal partner or non‐associated using the double CARD‐FISH approach. We demonstrated that UCYN‐A cells living in association with Haptophyta were the dominant form (87.0 ± 6.1%), whereas non‐associated UCYN‐A cells represented only a minor fraction (5.2 ± 3.9%). Interestingly, UCYN‐A cells were also detected living in association with unknown single‐celled eukaryotes in small amounts (7.8 ± 5.2%), presumably Alveolata. The proposed ecological niche of UCYN‐A as an oligotrophic, mesophilic and obligate symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing microorganism is evident for the North Atlantic Ocean.
The transcriptional response of prokaryotes to phytoplankton‐derived dissolved organic matter in seawater
Authors: Beier Sara , Rivers Adam R. , Moran Mary Ann , Obernosterer Ingrid
Published: February 2014

To better understand the functional responses in prokaryotes to dissolved organic matter (DOM), we compared the transcriptional pattern of natural prokaryotic communities grown in continuous cultures on seawater amended with phytoplankton‐derived DOM. Metatranscriptomic reads were classified taxonomically (by genomic binning) and functionally (using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes), and the relative gene expression of individual taxa (genome bins) was compared with the total community response. In the first experiment comparing seawater and seawater amended with diatom‐derived DOM, metatranscriptomes revealed pronounced differences in pathways involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the second experiment comparing seawater amended with cyanobacteria‐ and diatom‐derived DOM, metatranscriptomes had similar functional profiles, likely reflecting more similar DOM regimes in this experimental setup. Among the five most abundant taxa investigated in more detail, two featured pronounced differences in transcript abundance between treatments suggesting that they were specialized in the use of only one of the two DOM regimes. However, these two taxa were less involved in carbohydrate metabolism than others and had few genes that were significantly regulated in response to the DOM source. Our results indicate that both substrate composition and the competitive interplay of community members were decisive for the functional response of a microbial system.
Mining booms and the exchange rate
Authors: Freebairn John
Published: February 2014

The balance of payments identity linking the current account to net domestic investment and foreign capital inflows is used as a framework to assess the effects of a mining boom on the exchange rate. The exchange rate response is found to vary with whether the boom is generated by an increase in global demand or an increase in domestic supply, and the response varies over time as the boom moves through investment and production stages. Also, the exchange rate response depends on the mix of resident and nonresident investment funds, the share of the investment domestically sourced and the distribution of windfall income and its expenditure. A key result is the absence of a simple relationship between the terms of trade and the exchange rate.
A modified production possibility frontier for efficient forestry management under the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme
Authors: Hale Todd , Kahui Viktoria , Farhat Daniel
Published: February 2014

Carbon sequestered through increased forest biomass provides a low cost means to curb emissions and has become a major focus of New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme. We present a forest planning optimisation model where land use is governed by forest owners maximising the returns to both timber harvest and carbon sequestration. By varying carbon prices, we model efficient trade‐offs between the two forest activities along a modified production possibility frontier for four distinct wood supply regions in New Zealand. Results show that while more productive regions such as the Central North Island (CNI) and Northland have a greater capacity as a carbon sink, it is the less productive regions that have a comparative advantage in carbon sequestration in terms of a lower cost of wood production revenue foregone. However, moderate increases in carbon uptake can be achieved in theCNIat low opportunity cost by subtle changes in forestry management. The implication for policy‐makers is that initial increases in carbon sequestration will be achieved at the lowest cost to society by favouring high volume timber production in some productive woodland areas and/or by more carbon farming in less productive areas.
A review of the protection of sources of drinking water in China
Authors: Wang Henian , Yu Xinxiao
Published: February 2014

Water is a natural resource key to human and environmental health. China has suffered serious contamination of its water sources in the past decade, which has had severe consequences on the water supplies of millions of residents. Frequent polluting accidents and the amount of wastewater discharged have caused concern for the safety of drinking water. Fortunately, those at various levels of government have realized the importance of protecting the sources of drinking water and confirmed a list of 175 nationally important sources. Measures have also been adopted to control water pollution, including infrastructural, physical, chemical, ecological, administrative, and legal measures. While helpful, some areas in need of more attention are rural water, groundwater, agricultural pollution, and domestic sewage. Based on the lessons learned from experiences in developed countries, we offer some suggestions for improving, inter alia, funding, legal construction, management, and awareness‐raising, as well as present proposals for the future protection of our sources of drinking water. Future work should focus on water quality standards, quantitative research, high technology and legislation.
The Role of Homocysteine‐Lowering B‐Vitamins in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Debreceni Balazs , Debreceni Laszlo
Published: February 2014

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in the Western world. The effort of research should aim at the primary prevention of CVD. Alongside statin therapy, which is maintained to be an effective method of CVD prevention, there are alternative methods such as vitamin B substitution therapy with folic acid (FA), and vitamins B12 and B6. B‐vitamins may inhibit atherogenesis by decreasing the plasma level of homocysteine (Hcy)—a suspected etiological factor for atherosclerosis—and by other mechanisms, primarily through their antioxidant properties. Although Hcy‐lowering vitamin trials have failed to demonstrate beneficial effects of B‐vitamins in the prevention of CVD, a meta‐analysis and stratification of a number of large vitamin trials have suggested their effectiveness in cardiovascular prevention (CVP) in some aspects. Furthermore, interpretation of the results from these large vitamin trials has been troubled by statin/aspirin therapy, which was applied along with the vitamin substitution, and FA fortification, both of which obscured the separate effects of vitamins in CVP. Recent research results have accentuated a new approach to vitamin therapy for CVP. Studies undertaken with the aim of primary prevention have shown that vitamin B substitution may be effective in the primary prevention of CVD and may also be an option in the secondary prevention of disease if statin therapy is accompanied by serious adverse effects. Further investigations are needed to determine the validity of vitamin substitution therapy before its introduction in the protocol of CVD prevention.
Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction: An Intervention to Enhance the Effectiveness of Nurses' Coping With Work‐Related Stress
Authors: Smith Sarah A.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

This critical literature review explored the current state of the science regarding mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) as a potential intervention to improve the ability of nurses to effectively cope with stress.

Methods

Literature sources include searches from EBSCOhost, Gale PowerSearch, ProQuest, PubMed Medline, Google Scholar, Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, and reference lists from relevant articles.

Findings

Empirical evidence regarding utilizing MBSR with nurses and other healthcare professionals suggests several positive benefits including decreased stress, burnout, and anxiety; and increased empathy, focus, and mood.

Conclusions

Nurse use of MBSR may be a key intervention to help improve nurses' ability to cope with stress and ultimately improve the quality of patient care provided.
Bipolar or borderline: a clinical overview
Authors: Ghaemi S. N. , Dalley S. , Catania C. , Barroilhet S.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To examine the empirical literature on diagnostic validators in borderline personality and bipolar illness.

Method

Using principles of evidence‐based medicine, the highest levels of evidence were emphasized in interpretation of similarities or differences between bipolar illness and borderline personality on the five standard diagnostic validators in psychiatric nosology: symptoms, course, genetics, treatment response, and neurobiology.

Results

Bipolar illness and borderline personality were found to be similar in the nosological validator of symptoms of mood lability and impulsivity, but differed notably on all other diagnostic validators, especially the course validator of past sexual abuse and the genetic validator of a bipolar family history. They also differ notably in the symptom validator of parasuicidal self‐harm. Treatment response and neurobiological differences were also present and consistent.

Conclusion

This review of the literature indicates that these two conditions, bipolar illness and borderline personality, are different and can be distinguished. The much stronger biological and genetic evidence for bipolar illness in particular suggests that the two conditions can be reasonably seen as different kinds of clinical entities, namely a biological disease versus a psychosocially caused clinical picture. If this interpretation is correct, similarities between the two conditions, such as mood lability and impulsivity, are superficial, while differences are profound. Further, true comorbidity may be much less common than often presumed.
Obsessive–compulsive symptoms in at‐risk mental states for psychosis: associations with clinical impairment and cognitive function
Authors: Zink M. , Schirmbeck F. , Rausch F. , Eifler S. , Elkin H. , Solojenkina X. , Englisch S. , Wagner M. , Maier W. , Lautenschlager M. , Heinz A. , Gudlowski Y. , Janssen B. , Gaebel W. , Michel T. M. , Schneider F. , Lambert M. , Naber D. , Juckel G. , Krueger‐Oezguerdal S. , Wobrock T. , Hasan A. , Riedel M. , Müller H. , Klosterkötter J. , Bechdolf A.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) constitute a major comorbidity in schizophrenia. Prevalence estimations of OCS for patients with at‐risk mental states (ARMS) for psychosis vary largely. It is unclear how ARMS patients with or without comorbid OCS differ regarding general psychosocial functioning, psychotic and affective symptoms and neurocognitive abilities.

Method

At‐risk mental states patients (n = 233) from the interventional trial PREVENT (Secondary Prevention of Schizophrenia) were stratified according to the presence or absence of comorbid OCS and compared on several clinical variables.

Results

Patients, who fulfilled the criteria for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) or presented with subclinical OCS (ARMSposOCS sample), did not significantly differ from patients without OCS (ARMSnegOCS) with regard to gender, age, premorbid verbal intelligence and levels of education. Furthermore, similar severity of depressive syndromes, basic cognitive, attenuated psychotic and brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms were found. However, ARMSposOCS patients showed more impairment of psychosocial functioning and higher general psychopathology. In contrast, they scored higher in cognitive tasks measuring working memory and immediate verbal memory.

Conclusion

Findings extend upon previous results due to the multidimensional assessment. Subsequent longitudinal studies might elucidate how comorbid OCS influence differential treatment response, especially to cognitive behavioural interventions and the transition rates to psychosis.
Connecting endangered brown bear subpopulations in the Cantabrian Range (north‐western Spain)
Authors: Mateo‐Sánchez M. C. , Cushman S. A. , Saura S.
Published: February 2014

The viability of many species depends on functional connectivity of their populations through dispersal across broad landscapes. This is particularly the case for the endangered brown bear in north‐western Spain, with a total population of about 200 individuals in two subpopulations that are separated by a wide gap with low permeability. Our goal in this paper is to use state‐of‐the‐art connectivity modeling approaches to provide detailed and quantitative guidance for conservation planning efforts aimed at improving landscape permeability for brown bears in Spain, with a particular focus on alleviating the barrier effect of transportation infrastructure. We predicted a regional connectivity network for brown bear by combining a multiscale habitat suitability model with factorial least‐cost path density analysis. We found that the current composition and configuration of the landscape considerably constrain brown bear movements, creating a narrow bottleneck that limits flow of individuals between the two subpopulations. We identified key locations along the predicted corridors where efforts to increase road and railway permeability should be prioritized. The results provide a foundation for the development of spatially optimal management strategies to enhance connectivity within and between the subpopulations and to mitigate the impact of potential barriers to movement.
Mycosis fungoides: An important differential diagnosis for acquired palmoplantar keratoderma
Authors: Kim Janet , Foster Rachael , Lam Minh , Kumarasinghe Sujith Prasad
Published: February 2014

Mycosis fungoides is the most common subtype of primary cutaneous lymphoma and has several clinical variants. We report a 74‐year‐old man presenting with an acquired palmoplantar keratoderma initially diagnosed and treated as psoriasis with suboptimal improvement. Several months later the patient developed patches and plaques that were histologically consistent with mycosis fungoides. These lesions were ameliorated with the treatment of the underlying mycosis fungoides and the palmoplantar keratoderma resolved promptly with radiotherapy. This case highlights the importance of considering mycosis fungoides as an infrequent but serious cause of acquired palmoplantar keratoderma.
Size, Democracy, and the Economic Costs of Running the Political System
Authors: Blom‐Hansen Jens , Houlberg Kurt , Serritzlew Søren
Published: February 2014

The search for the optimal size of political systems is one of the most enduring in political thought. Given the validity of arguments for and against small units, one might expect variation in rearrangements of unit sizes. However, the reform trend is uniform: units, often at the local level, are amalgamated to harvest scale effects. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the argument on economies of scale in the economic costs of running political systems. Our testing ground is a recent Danish reform. It allows us to avoid endogeneity problems often facing researchers of size reforms. The reform was directed by the central government and constitutes an exogenous shock to 239 municipalities, whereas 32 municipalities were left untouched. We thus have a quasi‐experiment with pre‐ and posttreatment observations for both an experiment and a control group. Our findings show that scale effects, measured as administrative costs per inhabitant, are considerable.
Immigration, Latinos, and White Partisan Politics: The New Democratic Defection
Authors: Hajnal Zoltan , Rivera Michael U.
Published: February 2014

Immigration is profoundly changing the racial demographics of America. In this article, we seek to understand if and how immigration and increasing racial diversity are shaping the partisan politics of individual white Americans. We show that whites’ views on immigration and Latinos are strongly related to their core political identities and vote choices. Using a range of different surveys, we find that, all else equal, whites with more anti‐immigrant views or more negative views of Latinos are less apt to identify as Democrats and less likely to favor Democratic candidates. This rightward shift harkens back to an earlier period of white defection from the Democratic Party and highlights the enduring but shifting impact of race on American politics.
Positive magnetic resonance imaging findings in the asymptomatic wrist
Authors: Couzens Greg , Daunt Nick , Crawford Ross , Ross Mark
Published: February 2014

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being increasingly utilized to define pathology and guide treatment in patients presenting with wrist pain. The clinical relevance of MRI identified or confirmed pathology has not been established, and the prevalence of asymptomatic MRI pathology is not known.

Methods

Twenty volunteers with no previous wrist injury or symptoms underwent bilateral MRI wrist studies in this exploratory diagnostic study. The scans were reported by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist and an experienced wrist surgeon, with a consensus reached on each report.

Results

There were 3.15 positive MRI findings per wrist. There were 126 positive findings (range 1–6 per wrist). Sixty‐eight ganglia were identified. Eleven ligament tears or perforations were also identified. Increased joint fluid was seen at many sites, most frequently adjacent to the piso‐triquetral joint.

Conclusion

The accuracy of MRI in identifying triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, intercarpal ligament tears and carpal bone osteonecrosis is rapidly being refined. Positive MRI findings are common and may be coincidental in patients with wrist pain. MRI findings need to be correlated closely with clinical examination and history.
Human chorionic gonadotropin, angiogenic factors, and preeclampsia risk: a nested case–control study
Authors: Åsvold Bjørn O. , Eskild Anne , Vatten Lars J.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To study whether human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations during pregnancy or combinations of human chorionic gonadotropin and other angiogenic factors, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 and placental growth factor (PlGF), are associated with preeclampsia risk.

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

Population cohort of pregnant women.

Sample

A total of 121 cases of preterm (<37 weeks) and 158 cases of term preeclampsia (≥37 weeks of gestation) and 356 women without preeclampsia (controls).

Methods

Women with preeclampsia were identified by linkage to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 and PlGF were measured in maternal serum samples collected in each trimester of pregnancy.

Main outcome measures

Odds ratios of preterm and term preeclampsia.

Results

High human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations (highest quartile) in the first trimester were associated with reduced risk for preterm preeclampsia (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.9), compared with low human chorionic gonadotropin (lowest quartile), whereas high human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations in the second trimester were associated with increased risk for preterm preeclampsia (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.8–8.9). High human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations in the third trimester were associated with increased risk for term preeclampsia (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.8–13.3). Concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin above the median value combined with PlGF below the median in the second trimester were associated with very high risk for preterm preeclampsia (OR 36.9, 95% CI 8.2–165.8).

Conclusions

The results suggest an important role of human chorionic gonadotropin in the pathophysiological processes that lead to preeclampsia. The combined association of human chorionic gonadotropin and PlGF indicates a possible synergism between underlying biological pathways.
Interaction of rumen bacteria as assumed by colonization patterns on untreated and alkali‐treated rice straw
Authors: Koike Satoshi , Yabuki Hiroyoshi , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: February 2014

Colonization patterns of representative rumen bacteria were compared between untreated rice straw (UTS) and sodium hydroxide‐treated rice straw (SHTS). UTS and SHTS were incubated in the rumen of sheep for 10 min, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h using the nylon bag method. The population sizes of 13 representative bacterial species or groups were quantified by real‐time PCR. The total bacterial population size (abundance) was similar in both UTS and SHTS. Fibrobacter succinogenes showed a higher population size compared to other fibrolytic species and was detected at a higher level in SHTS (3.7%) than in UTS (2.6%). Ruminococcus albus and Ruminococcus flavefaciens were also detected at higher levels in SHTS (0.15% and 0.29%) than in UTS (0.03% and 0.18%). Population sizes of non‐fibrolytic species, such as Selenomonas ruminantium, Anaerovibrio lipolytica and Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens were higher in UTS than in SHTS. Coefficient of determination (r2) on population changes between bacterial species or groups were higher in UTS than in SHTS, suggesting the necessity of stronger bacterial interactions for UTS digestion. Therefore, not only colonization of fibrolytic species, but also synergistic interactions between different bacterial species may be key to the ruminal digestion of rice straw.
High‐sensitivity detection of short‐chain fatty acids in porcine ileal, cecal, portal and abdominal blood by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Tsukahara Takamitsu , Matsukawa Noriko , Tomonaga Shozo , Inoue Ryo , Ushida Kazunari , Ochiai Kuniyasu
Published: February 2014

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA), such as acetate, propionate and n‐butyrate, are the main end‐products of fermentation in the large intestine. SCFA are rapidly absorbed from the large intestinal mucosa to provide energy to the host. In this study, high‐sensitivity detection of SCFA was demonstrated in blood using the gas chromatometry with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Few studies have measured SCFA in porcine blood. Therefore, SCFA concentrations in the ileal (IV), cecal (CV), portal (PV) and abdominal (AV) vein blood, urine (Ur) and saliva (Sa) were measured by GC‐MS. All body fluids were collected from four 5‐month‐old pigs. Cecal (CD) and ileal (ID) digesta, and cecal (CM) and ileal (IM) mucosa were also collected and their corresponding SCFA concentrations were measured using ion‐exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography. GC‐MS analyses were successful to determine the SCFA concentrations in the porcine body fluids. n‐Butyrate concentration was surprisingly high in CV and its proportion remained higher in CV than that in CD and CM. Acetate showed a constantly high proportion in all porcine body fluids. Propionate was detected at a relatively high proportion in CV, IV and PV, but was low in AV.
Stratified doubly robust estimators for the average causal effect
Authors: Hattori Satoshi , Henmi Masayuki
Published: February 2014

Suppose we are interested in estimating the average causal effect from an observational study. A doubly robust estimator, which is a hybrid of the outcome regression and propensity score weighting, is more robust than estimators obtained by either of them in the sense that, if at least one of the two models holds, the doubly robust estimator is consistent. However, a doubly robust estimator may still suffer from model misspecification since it is not consistent if neither of them is correctly specified. In this article, we propose an alternative estimator, called the stratified doubly robust estimator, by further combining propensity score stratification with outcome regression and propensity score weighting. This estimator allows two candidate models for the propensity score and is more robust than existing doubly robust estimators in the sense that it is consistent either if the outcome regression holds or if one of the two models for the propensity score holds. Asymptotic properties are examined and finite sample performance of the proposed estimator is investigated by simulation studies. Our proposed method is illustrated with the Tone study, which is a community survey conducted in Japan.
Outcome of overt stroke in sickle cell anaemia, a single institution's experience
Authors: Majumdar Suvankar , Miller Morgan , Khan Majid , Gordon Catherine , Forsythe Amy , Smith Mary G. , Megason Gail , Iyer Rathi
Published: February 2014

Stroke is a traumatic complication in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) that is associated with significant morbidity and a risk of recurrent overt stroke of 2·2–6·4 events per 100 patient‐years. A retrospective study was performed on all paediatric SCA patients diagnosed with a history of overt stroke between 1997 and 2010. A total of 31 children with SCA had new onset overt stroke. The mean age of the active patients (n = 27) was 17·9 years (range 6·8–27·6 years) with a total period of observation of 305 patient‐years. Twenty‐two of 27 (81%) were receiving long term red blood cell transfusions and 16 (59%) were taking the anti‐platelet agent, aspirin, since diagnosis of the stroke. Two of 27 (7%) patients had a second overt stroke with an overall risk of recurrent stroke of 0·66/100 patient‐years (one stroke was ischaemic and the other haemorrhagic). In patients taking aspirin with 180 patient‐years of follow up, the recurrence rate of haemorrhagic stroke was 0·58/100 patient‐years. We have an excellent outcome for overt stroke in paediatric SCA patients with a low rate of recurrent stroke. Further studies are needed to determine the risk‐benefit ratio of aspirin therapy in the prevention of recurrent stroke in paediatric SCA.
Integrin β3 mediates cerebrovascular remodelling through Src/ClC‐3 volume‐regulated Cl− channel signalling pathway
Authors: Zeng Jia‐Wei , Wang Xiao‐Guang , Ma Ming‐Ming , Lv Xiao‐Fei , Liu Jie , Zhou Jia‐Guo , Guan Yong‐Yuan
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

Cerebrovascular remodelling is one of the important risk factors of stroke. The underlying mechanisms are unclear. Integrin β3 and volume‐regulated ClC‐3 Cl− channels have recently been implicated as important contributors to vascular cell proliferation. Therefore, we investigated the role of integrin β3 in cerebrovascular remodelling and related Cl− signalling pathway.

Experimental Approach

Cl− currents were recorded using a patch clamp technique. The expression of integrin β3 in hypertensive animals was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemisty. Immunoprecipitation, cDNA and siRNA transfection were employed to investigate the integrin β3/Src/ClC‐3 signalling.

Key Results

Integrin β3 expression was up‐regulated in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats, 2‐kidney 2‐clip hypertensive rats and angiotensin II‐infused hypertensive mice. Integrin β3 expression was positively correlated with medial cross‐sectional area and ClC‐3 expression in the basilar artery of 2‐kidney 2‐clip hypertensive rats. Knockdown of integrin β3 inhibited the proliferation of rat basilar vascular smooth muscle cells induced by angiotensin II. Co‐immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments revealed a physical interaction between integrin β3, Src and ClC‐3 protein. The integrin β3/Src/ClC‐3 signalling pathway was shown to be involved in the activation of volume‐regulated chloride channels induced by both hypo‐osmotic stress and angiotensin II. Tyrosine 284 within a concensus Src phosphorylation site was the key point for ClC‐3 channel activation. ClC‐3 knockout significantly attenuated angiotensin II‐induced cerebrovascular remodelling.

Conclusions and Implications

Integrin β3 mediates cerebrovascular remodelling during hypertension via Src/ClC‐3 signalling pathway.
Effects of a new advanced glycation inhibitor, LR‐90, on mitigating arterial stiffening and improving arterial elasticity and compliance in a diabetic rat model: aortic impedance analysis
Authors: Satheesan S , Figarola J L , Dabbs T , Rahbar S , Ermel R
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

We determined the effects of treatment with LR‐90, an inhibitor of advanced glycation end products, on the mechanical properties of the arterial system in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats, using aortic impedance analysis, and further investigated the effects of LR‐90 on the progression of aortic pathology.

Experimental Approach

STZ‐induced diabetic rats were treated with or without LR‐90 (50 mg L‐1 in drinking water) for 8 weeks and compared with control groups. Arterial BP measurements, various metabolic parameters, aortic histopathology, collagen cross‐linking, AGE accumulation, and RAGE protein expression in aortic tissue were determined. Pulsatile parameters were evaluated using a standard Fourier series expansion technique and impulse response function of the filtered aortic input impedance spectra.

Key Results

LR‐90 reduced glycated haemoglobin and triglycerides levels, although it had no effect on the glycaemic status. LR‐90 did not affect arterial BP, but prevented the diabetes‐induced increase in peripheral resistance and variations in aortic distensibility, as it reduced aortic characteristic impedance by 21%. LR‐90 also prevented the elevation in wave reflection factor, as indicated by a 22.5% reduction and an associated increase of 23.5% in wave transit time, suggesting it prevents the augmentation of the systolic load of the left ventricle. Moreover, LR‐90 inhibited collagen cross‐linking and the accumulation of AGE and RAGE in the vasculature of diabetic rats.

Conclusions and Implications

Treatment with LR‐90 may impart significant protection against diabetes‐induced aortic stiffening and cardiac hypertrophy and provides an additional therapeutic option for treatment of AGE associated diabetic complications.
The histone acetylranseferase hMOF acetylates Nrf2 and regulates anti‐drug responses in human non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Ye Xiangyun , Tang Naiwang , Shen Shengping , Li Ziming , Niu Xiaomin , Lu Shun , Xu Ling
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

The histone acetyltransferase MOF is a member of the MYST family. In mammals, MOF plays critical roles by acetylating histone H4 at K16 and non‐histone substrates such as p53. Here we have investigated the role of MOF in human lung cancer and possible new substrates of hMOF.

Experimental Approach

Samples of human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were used to correlate MOF with clinicopathological parameters and NF–E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) downstream genes. 293T‐cells were used to study interactions between MOF and Nrf2, and acetylation of Nrf2 by MOF. Mouse embryonic fibroblast and A549 cells were utilized to assess involvement of MOF in antioxidative and anti‐drug responses. A549 cells were used to analysis the role of MOF in anti‐drug response in vitro and in vivo.

Key Results

hMOF was overexpressed in human NSCLC tissues and was associated with large tumour size, advanced disease stage and metastasis, and with poor prognosis. hMOF levels were positively correlated with Nrf2‐downstream genes. MOF/hMOF physically interacted with and acetylated Nrf2 at Lys588. MOF‐mediated acetylation increased nuclear retention of Nrf2 and transcription of its downstream genes. Importantly, MOF/hMOF was essential for anti‐oxidative and anti‐drug responses in vitro and regulated tumour growth and drug resistance in vivo in an Nrf2‐dependent manner.

Conclusion and Implications

hMOF was overexpressed in human NSCLC and was a predictor of poor survival. hMOF‐mediated Nrf2 acetylation and nuclear retention are essential for anti‐oxidative and anti‐drug responses. hMOF may provide a therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.
Heteromers of μ‐δ opioid receptors: new pharmacology and novel therapeutic possibilities
Authors: Fujita Wakako , Gomes Ivone , Devi Lakshmi A
Published: February 2014

Several studies suggest that heteromerization between μ (MOP) and δ (DOP) opioid receptors modulates the signalling properties of the individual receptors. For example, whereas activation of MOP receptors by an agonist induces G protein‐mediated signalling, the same agonist induces β‐arrestin‐mediated signalling in the context of the MOP‐DOP receptor heteromer. Moreover, heteromer‐mediated signalling is allosterically modulated by a combination of MOP and DOP receptor ligands. This has implications in analgesia given that morphine‐induced antinociception can be potentiated by DOP receptor ligands. Recently reagents selectively targeting the MOP‐DOP receptor heteromer such as bivalent ligands, antibodies or membrane permeable peptides have been generated; these reagents are enabling studies to elucidate the contribution of endogenously expressed heteromers to analgesia as well as to the development of side‐effects associated with chronic opioid use. Recent advances in drug screening technology have led to the identification of a MOP‐DOP receptor heteromer‐biased agonist that activates both G protein‐mediated and β‐arrestin‐mediated signalling. Moreover, this heteromer‐biased agonist exhibits potent antinociceptive activity but with reduced side‐effects, suggesting that ligands targeting the MOP‐DOP receptor heteromer form a basis for the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of pain. In this review, we summarize findings regarding the biological and functional characteristics of the MOP‐DOP receptor heteromer and the in vitro and in vivo properties of heteromer‐selective ligands.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Changes in injury‐related hospital emergency department presentations associated with the imposition of regulatory versus voluntary licensing conditions on licensed venues in two cities
Authors: Miller Peter , Curtis Ashlee , Palmer Darren , Busija Lucy , Tindall Jennifer , Droste Nicolas , Gillham Karen , Coomber Kerri , Wiggers John
Published: February 2014

Introduction and Aims

Regulatory and collaborative intervention strategies have been developed to reduce the harms associated with alcohol consumption on licensed venues around the world, but there remains little research evidence regarding their comparative effectiveness. This paper describes concurrent changes in the number of night‐time injury‐related hospital emergency department presentations in two cities that implemented either a collaborative voluntary approach to reducing harms associated with licensed premises (Geelong) or a regulatory approach (Newcastle).

Design and Methods

This paper reports findings from Dealing with Alcohol‐Related problems in the Night‐Time Economy project. Data were drawn from injury‐specific International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision codes for injuries (S and T codes) presenting during high‐alcohol risk times (midnight—5.59 am, Saturday and Sunday mornings) at the emergency departments in Geelong Hospital and Newcastle (John Hunter Hospital and the Calvary Mater Hospital), before and after the introduction of licensing conditions between the years of 2005 and 2011. Time‐series, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average analyses were conducted on the data obtained from patients' medical records.

Results

Significant reductions in injury‐related presentations during high‐alcohol risk times were found for Newcastle since the imposition of regulatory licensing conditions (344 attendances per year, P < 0.001). None of the interventions deployed in Geelong (e.g. identification scanners, police operations, radio networks or closed‐circuit television) were associated with reductions in emergency department presentations.

Discussion and Conclusions

The data suggest that mandatory interventions based on trading hours restrictions were associated with reduced emergency department injury presentations in high‐alcohol hours than voluntary interventions. [Miller P, Curtis A, Palmer D, Busija L, Tindall J, Droste N, Gillham K, Coomber K, Wiggers J. Changes in injury‐related hospital emergency department presentations associated with the imposition of regulatory versus voluntary licensing conditions on licensed venues in two cities. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:314–322]*
Gender differences in associations of neighbourhood disadvantage with alcohol's harms to others: A cross‐sectional study from the USA
Authors: Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Greenfield Thomas K.
Published: February 2014

Introduction and Aims

To examine whether alcohol's harms to others are more prevalent in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods and whether men or women are at differential risk in these neighbourhoods.

Design and Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data from 2000 and 2005 National Alcohol Surveys were linked to geo‐referenced indicators of neighbourhood disadvantage from the US 2000 Decennial Census. The pooled sample included 10 121 adults (54% female; average age 44.4 years; 69% White; 13% African‐American; 13% Hispanic). A dichotomous indicator denoted neighbourhoods based on the top quartile on a five‐item measure of disadvantage (alpha = 0.90). We examined past‐year family problems due to someone else's drinking (marriage difficulties and/or financial trouble) and victimisation by someone who had been drinking (having property vandalised and/or being pushed, hit or assaulted).

Results

During the prior 12 months, 6% of women and 3% of men experienced family problems from someone else's drinking, and 4% of women and 7% of men reported being victimised by drinkers. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for individual‐level socioeconomic status and other demographic characteristics showed the relationship between neighbourhood disadvantage and harms from someone else's drinking was moderated by gender, with significantly higher odds of family problems in disadvantaged neighbourhoods for men but not for women, as well as significantly higher odds of crime victimisation in disadvantaged neighbourhoods for women but not men.

Discussion and Conclusions

Experiences of harms from someone else's drinking in disadvantaged neighbourhoods vary for men and women. Targeted intervention strategies are needed to reduce alcohol's harm to others. [Karriker‐Jaffe KJ, Greenfield TK. Gender differences in associations of neighbourhood disadvantage with alcohol's harms to others: A cross‐sectional study from the USA. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:296–303]
Tobacco and alcohol use among Arab adults in Israel: Findings from a nationwide study
Authors: Lawental Maayan , Shoham Meyrav , Ron Pnina , Azaiza Faisal
Published: February 2014

Objective

This comprehensive study focuses exclusively on adult Arabs in Israel and is aimed at examining tobacco and alcohol use rates and their predictors.

Methods

One thousand and two hundred Arab adults were randomly sampled via cluster sampling and interviewed using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Forty‐four per cent of respondents reported tobacco use while 39% reported alcohol use. There were notable gender gaps in use, as well as differences between Muslims and Christians. Odds of using both tobacco and alcohol increased with having a greater tendency towards risk‐taking and more time spent partying. Odds of alcohol use also increased with having positive attitudes towards use, lower perceived risk and greater intention to use.

Conclusions

These findings add a more complete understanding to the phenomenon of tobacco and alcohol use among Arab adults in Israel and carry important implications for future research and practice. [Lawental M, Shoham M, Ron P, Azaiza F. Tobacco and alcohol use among Arab adults in Israel: Findings from a nationwide study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:327–332]