bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caramel as a Model System for Evaluating the Roles of Mechanical Properties and Oral Processing on Sensory Perception of Texture
Authors: Wagoner Ty B. , Luck Paige J. , Foegeding E. Allen
Published: January 2016

Food formulation can have a significant impact on texture perception during oral processing. We hypothesized that slight modifications to caramel formulations would significantly alter mechanical and masticatory parameters, which can be used to explain differences in texture perception. A multidisciplinary approach was applied by evaluating relationships among mechanical properties, sensory texture, and oral processing. Caramels were utilized as a highly adhesive and cohesive model system and the formulation was adjusted to generate distinct differences in sensory hardness and adhesiveness. Descriptive analysis was used to determine sensory texture, and mechanical properties were evaluated by oscillatory rheology, creep recovery, and pressure sensitive tack measurements. Oral processing was measured by determining activity of anterior temporalis and masseter muscles via electromyography and tracking jaw movement during chewing. The substitution of agar or gelatin for corn syrup at 0.6% w/w of the total formulation resulted in increased sensory hardness and decreased adhesiveness. Creep recovery and pressure sensitive tack testing were more effective at differentiating among treatments than oscillatory rheology. Hardness correlated inversely with creep compliance, and both stickiness and tooth adhesiveness correlated with pressure sensitive adhesive force. Harder samples, despite being less adhesive, were associated with increased muscle activity and jaw movement during mastication. Tooth packing, not linked with any mechanical property, correlated with altered jaw movement. The combination of material properties and oral processing parameters were able to explain all sensory texture differences in a highly adhesive food.
Risk for Opioid Misuse Among Emergency Department Cancer Patients
Authors: Reyes‐Gibby Cielito C. , Anderson Karen O. , Todd Knox H.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

One of the most challenging areas of emergency medicine practice is the management and treatment of severe and persistent pain, including cancer‐related pain. Emergency departments (EDs) in the United States frequently provide care for patients with cancer and an increasing concern is the potential for opioid misuse in this patient group. The authors determined the risk for opioid misuse among ED cancer patients with pain and assessed demographic and clinical factors associated with increased misuse risk. The Texas state prescription monitoring program was also queried for evidence of multiple opioid prescriptions for comparing low‐ and high‐risk groups.

Methods

The Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain–Revised (SOAPP‐R) was administered to assess risk for opioid misuse among cancer patients presenting to the ED of a comprehensive cancer center in the United States. Eligibility criteria included: 1) presentation for treatment of chronic cancer‐related pain while taking a prescribed schedule II opioid for analgesia, 2) age of 18 years or older, 3) ability to speak English, and 4) ability to understand the study and give written informed consent.

Results

Of 934 ED patients screened for the study, 290 were eligible and 209 participated (72% response rate). On the basis of the recommended SOAPP‐R cutoff score of 18, a total of 71 of the 209 patients (34%) were categorized as having a high risk of misuse. Of note, 15% and 4% of all patients reported past or current use of illicit substances, respectively. The total number of annual opioid prescriptions (17.8 vs. 12.6; p = 0.023) differed between the high‐ versus low‐risk groups. Multivariable analyses showed that depression (odds ratio [OR] = 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45 to 6.48; p = 0.003), poor coping (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.13; p = 0.001), and illicit substance use (OR = 28.30, 95% CI = 2.97 to 269.24; p = 0.029) were significantly associated with high risk of opioid misuse.

Conclusions

The risk of opioid misuse among cancer patients is substantial. Screening for opioid misuse in the ED is feasible.
Developing a core outcome measurement set for clinical trials in acute diarrhoea
Authors: Karas Jacek , Ashkenazi Shai , Guarino Alfredo , Lo Vecchio Andrea , Shamir Raanan , Vandenplas Yvan , Szajewska Hania ,   the Consensus Group on Outcome Measures Made in Paediatric Enteral Nutrition Clinical Trials (COMMENT)
Published: January 2016

Aim

The Working Group on Acute Diarrhoea, part of The Consensus Group on Outcome Measures Made in Paediatric Enteral Nutrition Clinical Trials, previously developed a core outcome set for clinical trials on acute diarrhoea. This study aimed to create a core outcome measurement set to complement it.

Methods

The study had three phases. The first identified how the literature defined core outcome measures in clinical trials on acute diarrhoea and measured outcomes. The second phase used a questionnaire to seek the views of 109 leading researchers and clinicians in this specialist field. The third phase achieved a consensus on the core outcome measurement set.

Results

First, we identified 52 different measurement instruments or definitions. A questionnaire was then used to ask our experts what they thought were the most valid core outcome measurement instruments or definitions for each measure and 53 (49%) responded. Core outcome measurement instruments were then developed, including definitions of diarrhoea and acute gastroenteritis, diarrhoea duration, dehydration, the need for hospitalisation, discharge criteria and duration of hospitalisation.

Conclusion

The outcome measurement set can be used to evaluate therapeutic or preventive strategies and can be recommended for use in future acute diarrhoea trials.
A Log-Rank-Type Test to Compare Net Survival Distributions
Authors: Grafféo Nathalie , Castell Fabienne , Belot Aurélien , Giorgi Roch
Published: January 2016

In population-based cancer studies, it is often interesting to compare cancer survival between different populations. However, in such studies, the exact causes of death are often unavailable or unreliable. Net survival methods were developed to overcome this difficulty. Net survival is the survival that would be observed if the disease under study was the only possible cause of death. The Pohar-Perme estimator (PPE) is a nonparametric consistent estimator of net survival. In this article, we present a log-rank-type test for comparing net survival functions (as estimated by PPE) between several groups. We put the test within the counting process framework to introduce the inverse probability weighting procedure as required by the PPE. We built a stratified version to control for categorical covariates that affect the outcome. We performed simulation studies to evaluate the performance of this test and worked an application on real data.
A Three-Groups Model for High-Throughput Survival Screens
Authors: Shaby Benjamin A. , Skibinski Gaia , Ando Michael , LaDow Eva S. , Finkbeiner Steven
Published: January 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive deterioration of motor neurons in the cortex and spinal cord. Using an automated robotic microscope platform that enables the longitudinal tracking of thousands of single neurons, we examine the effects a large library of compounds on modulating the survival of primary neurons expressing a mutation known to cause ALS. The goal of our analysis is to identify the few potentially beneficial compounds among the many assayed, the vast majority of which do not extend neuronal survival. This resembles the large-scale simultaneous inference scenario familiar from microarray analysis, but transferred to the survival analysis setting due to the novel experimental setup. We apply a three-component mixture model to censored survival times of thousands of individual neurons subjected to hundreds of different compounds. The shrinkage induced by our model significantly improves performance in simulations relative to performing treatment-wise survival analysis and subsequent multiple testing adjustment. Our analysis identified compounds that provide insight into potential novel therapeutic strategies for ALS.
Testosterone modulates endothelial progenitor cells in rat corpus cavernosum
Authors: Hwang Insang , Lee Hyun‐Suk , Yu Ho Song , Kim Mi Eun , Lee Jun Sik , Park Kwangsung
Published: January 2016

Objective

To investigate the effects of testosterone on cavernosal endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in a castrated rat model.

Materials and methods

In all, 45 male Sprague–Dawley rats (12‐weeks old) were divided into control, surgical castration, and castration with testosterone replacement groups. The rats were castrated under ketamine anaesthesia, and testosterone was administered by daily subcutaneous injection of 3 mg/kg testosterone propionate. The corpus cavernosum was obtained after perfusion with 10 mL saline via the abdominal aorta 4 weeks later. The expression of EPC‐specific markers [cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34), fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk1), and vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin] was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

CD34+/Flk1+ and CD34+/VE‐cadherin+ cells were detected in the cavernosal sinusoidal endothelial space. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CD34 and Flk1 double positive cells (EPCs) comprised ≈3.79% of the corpus cavernosum in normal rats. The percentage of EPC marker‐positive cells decreased significantly in the castration group (2.8%; P < 0.05) and was restored to 3.56% after testosterone supplementation. Confocal microscopy revealed that the numbers of CD34+/Flk1+ and CD34+/VE‐cadherin+ cells decreased in castrated rats compared with controls, but were similar to control levels in rats receiving testosterone replacement.

Conclusions

The EPC markers were expressed in the cavernosal sinusoidal endothelial space, and the numbers of resident EPCs were regulated by testosterone. These results suggest that testosterone replacement therapy may improve erectile function by modulating EPCs in patients with hypogonadism.
The impact of the 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology consensus guidelines on Gleason grading – a matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Berg Kasper D. , Thomsen Frederik B. , Nerstrøm Camilla , Røder Martin A. , Iversen Peter , Toft Birgitte G. , Vainer Ben , Brasso Klaus
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To investigate whether the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 2005 revision of the Gleason grading system has influenced the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP), as the new guideline implies that some prostate cancers previously graded as Gleason score 6 (3 + 3) are now considered as 7 (3 + 4).

Patients and methods

A matched‐pair analysis was conducted. In all, 215 patients with Gleason score 6 or 7 (3 + 4) prostate cancer on biopsy who underwent RP before 31 December 2005 (pre‐ISUP group), were matched 1:1 by biopsy Gleason score, clinical tumour category, PSA level, and margin status to patients undergoing RP between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2011 (post‐ISUP group). Patients were followed until BCR defined as a PSA level of ≥0.2 ng/mL. Risk of BCR was analysed in a competing‐risk model.

Results

The median follow‐up was 9.5 years in the pre‐ISUP group and 4.8 years in the post‐ISUP group. The 5‐year cumulative incidences of BCR were 34.0% and 13.9% in the pre‐ISUP and post‐ISUP groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The difference in cumulative incidence applied to both patients with Gleason score 6 (P < 0.001) and 7 (3 + 4) (P = 0.004). There was no difference in the 5‐year cumulative incidence of BCR between patients with pre‐ISUP Gleason score 6 and post‐ISUP Gleason score 7 (3 + 4) (P = 0.34). In a multiple Cox‐proportional hazard regression model, ISUP 2005 grading was a strong prognostic factor for BCR within 5 years of RP (hazard ratio 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.54; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The revision of the Gleason grading system has reduced the risk of BCR after RP in patients with biopsy Gleason score 6 and 7 (3 + 4). This may have consequences when comparing outcomes across studies and historical periods and may affect future treatment recommendations.
Mapping Bushmeat Hunting Pressure in Central Africa
Authors: Ziegler Stefan , Fa John E. , Wohlfart Christian , Streit Bruno , Jacob Stefanie , Wegmann Martin
Published: January 2016

Hunting and trade of wild animals for their meat (bushmeat), especially mammals, is commonplace in tropical forests worldwide. In West and Central Africa, bushmeat extraction has increased substantially during recent decades. Currently, such levels of hunting pose a major threat to native wildlife. In this paper, we compiled published data on hunting offtake of mammals, from a number of studies conducted between 1990 and 2007 in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of Congo. From these data sources, we estimated annual extraction rates of all hunted species and analyzed the relationship between environmental and anthropogenic variables surrounding each hunting rate and levels of bushmeat extraction. We defined hunting pressure as a function of bushmeat offtake and number of hunted species and confirm that hunting pressure is significantly correlated with road density, distance to protected areas and population density. These correlations are then used to map hunting pressure across the Congo Basin. We show that predicted risk areas show a patchy distribution throughout the study region and that many protected areas are located in high‐risk areas. We suggest that such a map can be used to identify areas of greatest impact of hunting to guide large‐scale conservation planning initiatives for central Africa.
Short‐term Dynamics and the Effects of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Physiognomic Groups in a Hurricane‐impacted Lower Montane Tropical Forest
Authors: Luke Denneko , McLaren Kurt , Wilson Byron
Published: January 2016

We assessed the short‐term effects of biotic (density, plant size) and abiotic factors (light), on the dynamics of physiognomically different plant groups (palms, tree ferns, lianas, and trees) in a hurricane‐impacted tropical wet montane forest, John Crow Mountains, Jamaica. All plants ≥2 cm (dbh) found within 45, 25 × 25 m permanent sample plots (2.8125 ha), established according to a randomized block design along an elevation gradient, were tagged and measured (dbh) in 2006 and re‐assessed in 2012 after Hurricane Dean (2007). Hemispheric light was measured in 2007 and 2008. Tree and liana size class distributions changed due to high mortality in the smallest size classes and their densities declined; however, palm and tree fern density remained unchanged. The dynamics of trees were only related to tree fern and liana dynamics (e.g., tree mortality was negatively related to liana recruitment etc.). Although pre‐ and posthurricane light was related to palm density and the density of the other plant groups, respectively, there were no significant changes in light. Tree survivorship increased with increasing dbh while posthurricane light and overall density influenced the growth and survivorship of tree species. Species importance value did not change, suggesting that direct regeneration may be the model of forest recovery following this small‐scale disturbance. Over the short term, tree species showed life history trade‐offs that aid species coexistence after this moderate/low disturbance event. Our study highlights that hurricanes with low impacts can have differential short‐ and possibly long‐term effects on different plant groups.
Precipitation and elephants, not fire, shape tree community composition in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Authors: Rugemalila Deusdedith M. , Anderson Todd M. , Holdo Ricardo M.
Published: January 2016

Savannas are spatially diverse, variable and are susceptible to high rates of disturbance from fire and herbivory. There is significant interest in woody cover dynamics in relation to disturbance regimes. Less effort has been devoted to understand processes that drive tree community composition. In this study, tree species composition data collected at the landscape scale in the Serengeti were used to identify key environmental factors driving variation in species composition. A system of 38 plots clustered within 10 sites spanning the mean annual precipitation (MAP) gradient was used to assess the relative role of bottom‐up (precipitation, soil nutrients and soil texture) vs. top‐down factors (fire and elephant herbivory) on tree community composition. We developed candidate models relating tree species composition (based on multivariate community analysis) to different combinations of plot‐level environmental covariates. Results suggest that tree community composition is largely driven by MAP and is associated with elephant population density. Strikingly, we found no evidence that fire influences species compositional turnover. In a second analysis, we used structural equation model (SEM) to explore the possible direction of association between elephant density and tree species composition. We compared a model that included elephant effects on composition to one that included community composition effects on elephant density. Results suggest that variation in elephant population density across space is more likely to drive tree community composition and not vice versa. We propose that precipitation and herbivory, rather than fire, determine tree species composition in Serengeti Acacia tree community.
Methylation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene Promoter in Preschoolers: Links With Internalizing Behavior Problems
Authors: Parade Stephanie H. , Ridout Kathryn K. , Seifer Ronald , Armstrong David A. , Marsit Carmen J. , McWilliams Melissa A. , Tyrka Audrey R.
Published: January 2016

Accumulating evidence suggests that early adversity is linked to methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene, NR3C1, which is a key regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Yet no prior work has considered the contribution of methylation of NR3C1 to emerging behavior problems and psychopathology in childhood. This study examined the links between methylation of NR3C1 and behavior problems in preschoolers. Data were drawn from a sample of preschoolers with early adversity (n = 171). Children ranged in age from 3 to 5 years, were racially and ethnically diverse, and nearly all qualified for public assistance. Seventy‐one children had child welfare documentation of moderate to severe maltreatment in the past 6 months. Structured record review and interviews in the home were used to assess early adversity. Parents reported on child internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Methylation of NR3C1 at exons 1D, 1F, and 1H were measured via sodium bisulfite pyrosequencing from saliva DNA. Methylation of NR3C1 at exons 1D and 1F was positively associated with internalizing (r = .21, p < .01 and r = .23, p < .01, respectively), but not externalizing, behavior problems. Furthermore, NR3C1 methylation mediated effects of early adversity on internalizing behavior problems. These results suggest that methylation of NR3C1 contributes to psychopathology in young children, and NR3C1 methylation from saliva DNA is salient to behavioral outcomes.
Epigenetic Patterns Modulate the Connection Between Developmental Dynamics of Parenting and Offspring Psychosocial Adjustment
Authors: Naumova Oksana Yu. , Hein Sascha , Suderman Matthew , Barbot Baptiste , Lee Maria , Raefski Adam , Dobrynin Pavel V. , Brown Pamela J. , Szyf Moshe , Luthar Suniya S. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: January 2016

This study attempted to establish and quantify the connections between parenting, offspring psychosocial adjustment, and the epigenome. The participants, 35 African American young adults (19 females and 16 males; age = 17–29.5 years), represented a subsample of a 3‐wave longitudinal 15‐year study on the developmental trajectories of low‐income urban mother–offspring dyads. Mothers were assessed on their perceptions of maternal stress at each wave. Offspring were assessed on their perceptions of maternal parenting at each wave and on their adaptive and maladaptive behavior at the last wave. Genome‐wide DNA methylation in peripheral T lymphocytes at the third wave was assayed using Methyl Binding Domain(MBD) sequencing. Statistically significant associations were identified between the change in offspring's perception of parenting from middle childhood to adulthood and the DNA methylation in offspring's adult genomes. Specifically, the slope of perceived parental rejection across the 3 time points was related to an increase in methylation, or a potential downregulation, of 565 genes thought to be involved in the control of a broad spectrum of biological functions generally related to cellular signaling. A subset of these epigenetic marks, clustered in 23 genes, some of which participate in the development and functioning of the CNS, were in turn associated with psychosocial adjustment as captured by interpersonal relationships and emotional self‐evaluation. This appears to be one of the first investigations of the modulating role of the methylome in associations between developmental dynamics of parenting throughout the formative years of child and adolescent development and psychosocial adjustment in adulthood.
Parenting, Socioeconomic Status Risk, and Later Young Adult Health: Exploration of Opposing Indirect Effects via DNA Methylation
Authors: Beach Steven R. H. , Lei Man‐Kit , Brody Gene H. , Kim Sangjin , Barton Allen W. , Dogan Meesha V. , Philibert Robert A.
Published: January 2016

A sample of 398 African American youth, residing in rural counties with high poverty and unemployment, were followed from ages 11 to 19. Protective parenting was associated with better health, whereas elevated socioeconomic status (SES) risk was associated with poorer health at age 19. Genome‐wide epigenetic variation assessed in young adulthood (age 19), was associated with both SES risk and protective parenting. Three categories of genes were identified whose methylation was associated with parenting, SES risk, and young adult health. Methylation was a significant mediator of the impact of parenting and SES risk on young adult health. Variation in mononuclear white blood cell types was also examined and controlled, showing that it did not account for observed effects of parenting and SES risk on health.
We've Come a Long Way, Baby (But We're Not There Yet): Gender Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Liben Lynn S.
Published: January 2016

Gender has long been, and continues to be, a powerful predictor of developmental experiences and outcomes. Observations drawn from personal history, developmental science, and life beyond the academy show that historically, gender constraints have diminished in some ways, but remain robust in others. Reviewed are children's constructive processes that—in interaction with the embedding ecology—foster the emergence and persistence of gendered phenomena. Reviews of interventions designed to increase girls’ science participation demonstrate the need to evaluate both intended and unintended program consequences. Discussion of the single‐sex schooling debate shows the importance of foundational conceptualizations of gender, and illuminates research‐to‐policy processes. After identifying newly emerging gender conceptualizations, the concluding section highlights the need to consider how gender conceptualizations do and should affect science and society.
Serotonin Transporter Gene (SLC6A4) Methylation Associates With Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Stay and 3‐Month‐Old Temperament in Preterm Infants
Authors: Montirosso Rosario , Provenzi Livio , Fumagalli Monica , Sirgiovanni Ida , Giorda Roberto , Pozzoli Uberto , Beri Silvana , Menozzi Giorgia , Tronick Ed , Morandi Francesco , Mosca Fabio , Borgatti Renato
Published: January 2016

Preterm birth and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay are early adverse stressful experiences, which may result in an altered temperamental profile. The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), which has been linked to infant temperament, is susceptible to epigenetic regulation associated with early stressful experience. This study examined a moderation model in which the exposure to NICU‐related stress and SLC6A4 methylation moderated infant temperament at 3 months of age. SLC6A4 methylation at 20 CpG sites was quantified in preterm infants (N = 48) and full‐term infants (N = 30) from Italian middle‐class families. Results suggested that in preterm infants NICU‐related stress might be associated with alterations of serotonergic tone as a consequence of SLC6A4 methylation, which in turn, might associate with temperamental difficulties assessed at 3 months of age.
Norovirus in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals: cytokines and viral shedding
Authors: Newman K L , Moe C L , Kirby A E , Flanders W D , Parkos C A , Leon J S
Published: January 2016

Noroviruses (NoV) are the most common cause of epidemic gastroenteritis world-wide. NoV infections are often asymptomatic, although individuals still shed large amounts of NoV in their stool. Understanding the differences between asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals would help in elucidating mechanisms of NoV pathogenesis. Our goal was to compare the serum cytokine responses and faecal viral RNA titres of asymptomatic and symptomatic NoV-infected individuals. We tested serum samples from infected subjects (n = 26; 19 symptomatic, seven asymptomatic) from two human challenge studies of GI.1 NoV for 16 cytokines. Samples from prechallenge and days 1-4 post-challenge were tested for these cytokines. Cytokine levels were compared to stool NoV RNA titres quantified previously by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR). While both symptomatic and asymptomatic groups had similar patterns of cytokine responses, the symptomatic group generally exhibited a greater elevation of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines and IL-8 post-challenge compared to the asymptomatic group (all P < 0·01). Daily viral RNA titre was associated positively with daily IL-6 concentration and negatively with daily IL-12p40 concentration (all P < 0·05). Symptoms were not associated significantly with daily viral RNA titre, duration of viral shedding or cumulative shedding. Symptomatic individuals, compared to asymptomatic, have greater immune system activation, as measured by serum cytokines, but they do not have greater viral burden, as measured by titre and shedding, suggesting that symptoms may be immune-mediated in NoV infection.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on measures of arterial stiffness: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rodríguez Alexander J. , Scott David , Srikanth Velandai , Ebeling Peter
Published: January 2016

Background

Low vitamin D has been associated with poor arterial compliance in observational studies. Arterial stiffness has prognostic value for cardiovascular disease risk. The aim of this systematic review was to clarify the literature surrounding the use of vitamin D to ameliorate arterial stiffness.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the MEDLINE, Scopus and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled clinical trials investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pulse wave velocity (PWV) and/or augmentation index (AI) as indicators of arterial stiffness. We meta‐analysed data and calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using inverse‐variance models on RevMan v5.3 software. Study quality was assessed using a modified Jadad scale.

Results

A total of 607 unique records were identified, of which 18 satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study quality was high, ranging from 9 to 12 (of 13). Study design in terms of vitamin D dosing protocol (range: 1000–5700 IU/day), follow‐up times (range: 1–12 months), sample size (range: n = 29–183) and recruitment strategies varied markedly. Thirteen studies had data for meta‐analysis. Vitamin D was associated with nonsignificant reductions in PWV [SMD = −0·10; 95% CI: −0·24, 0·04; P = 0·17; n = 806 from ten studies] and AI [−0·15; −0·32, 0·02; 0·08; n = 551 from eight studies].

Discussion

There is inconsistent evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplementation improves indicators of arterial stiffness. This may be attributable to the heterogeneity in study design. Therefore, large and well‐designed randomized studies are required to determine the casual relationships between vitamin D and arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk.
HSMNR belongs to the most frequent types of hereditary neuropathy in the Czech Republic and is twice more frequent than HMSNL
Authors: Šafka Brožková D. , Haberlová J. , Mazanec R. , Laštůvková J. , Seeman P.
Published: January 2016

Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type Russe (HMSNR), also called CMT4G, is an autosomal recessive inherited peripheral neuropathy (IPN) caused by a founder mutation in the HK1 gene. HMSNR affects only patients with Roma origin, similar to the better known HMSN type Lom clarified earlier. By testing IPN patients with Roma origin, we realized that HMSNR affects surprisingly many patients in the Czech Republic. HMSNR is one of the most frequent types of IPN in this country and appears to be twice more frequent than HMSNL. Pronounced lower limb atrophies and severe deformities often lead to walking inability in even young patients, but hands are usually only mildly affected even after many years of disease duration. The group of 20 patients with HMSNR presented here is the first report about the prevalence of HMSNR from central Europe.
Hereditary truncating mutations of DNA repair and other genes in BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2‐negatively tested breast cancer patients
Authors: Lhota F. , Zemankova P. , Kleiblova P. , Soukupova J. , Vocka M. , Stranecky V. , Janatova M. , Hartmannova H. , Hodanova K. , Kmoch S. , Kleibl Z.
Published: January 2016

Hereditary breast cancer comprises a minor but clinically meaningful breast cancer (BC) subgroup. Mutations in the major BC‐susceptibility genes are important prognostic and predictive markers; however, their carriers represent only 25% of high‐risk BC patients. To further characterize variants influencing BC risk, we performed SOLiD sequencing of 581 genes in 325 BC patients (negatively tested in previous BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 analyses). In 105 (32%) patients, we identified and confirmed 127 truncating variants (89 unique; nonsense, frameshift indels, and splice site), 19 patients harbored more than one truncation. Forty‐six (36 unique) truncating variants in 25 DNA repair genes were found in 41 (12%) patients, including 16 variants in the Fanconi anemia (FA) genes. The most frequent variant in FA genes was c.1096_1099dupATTA in FANCL that also show a borderline association with increased BC risk in subsequent analysis of enlarged groups of BC patients and controls. Another 81 (53 unique) truncating variants were identified in 48 non‐DNA repair genes in 74 patients (23%) including 16 patients carrying variants in genes coding proteins of estrogen metabolism/signaling. Our results highlight the importance of mutations in the FA genes' family, and indicate that estrogen metabolism genes may reveal a novel candidate genetic component for BC susceptibility.
User evaluation of patient counselling, combining nurse consultation and eHealth in hand eczema
Authors: Mollerup Annette , Harboe Gitte , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: January 2016

Background and objective

This study reports the findings from a user evaluation of a counselling programme for hand eczema patients in which face‐to‐face encounters were supplemented with user access to a new website.

Patients and methods

Patients treated for hand eczema in two different settings were included consecutively. Website utilization was examined by use of the transaction log. Comparisons were made between participants who used the website and those who did not. The patients' perspectives were explored by the use of interviews.

Results

Among potential website users (n = 140), 88 patients (63%) had an average of 5.1 site visits. At follow‐up, the website users had improved more in quality of life (p = 0.014), current burden of disease (p = 0.053), and itching (p = 0.042). The website users reported more changes in habits than did the non‐website users (p = 0.024). No differences in clinical severity of hand eczema were found. The interviewees were generally satisfied with the counselling and the website. The strict log‐on procedures were considered to be an obstacle to using the site. The consecutive inclusion of participants was considered to be a barrier to engagement in the dialogue forum.

Conclusions

The website users benefited from the website, although this was not substantiated by clinical measurements. The trial design partly hampered website utilization. An initial feasibility study could have been warranted.
The rationale for targeting TGF‐β in chronic liver diseases
Authors: Giannelli Gianluigi , Mikulits Wolfgang , Dooley Steven , Fabregat Isabel , Moustakas Aristidis , ten Dijke Peter , Portincasa Piero , Winter Peter , Janssen Richard , Leporatti Stefano , Herrera Blanca , Sanchez Aranzazu
Published: January 2016

Background

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β is a pluripotent cytokine that displays several tissue‐specific biological activities. In the liver, TGF‐β is considered a fundamental molecule, controlling organ size and growth by limiting hepatocyte proliferation. It is involved in fibrogenesis and, therefore, in worsening liver damage, as well as in triggering the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TGF‐β is known to act as an oncosuppressor and also as a tumour promoter in HCC, but its role is still unclear.

Design

In this review, we discuss the potential role of TGF‐β in regulating the tumoural progression of HCC, and therefore the rationale for targeting this molecule in patients with HCC.

Results

A considerable amount of experimental preclinical evidence suggests that TGF‐β is a promising druggable target in patients with HCC. To support this hypothesis, a phase II clinical trial is currently ongoing using a TGF‐β pathway inhibitor, and results will soon be available.

Conclusions

The identification of new TGF‐β related biomarkers will help to select those patients most likely to benefit from therapy aimed at inhibiting the TGF‐β pathway. New formulations that may provide a more controlled and sustained delivery of the drug will improve the therapeutic success of such treatments.
An Analysis of the Comprehensive Implementation of Strategic Plans in Emerging Economies: The United Arab Emirates as a Case Study
Authors: Elbanna Said , Fadol Yasir
Published: January 2016

Despite the potentially important impact of strategy implementation on organizational performance, relatively little has been discovered so far about its antecedents and consequences. This study aims to help fill this gap by exploring the antecedents and consequences of the comprehensiveness of strategic plan implementation. Out of 500 questionnaires, 231 usable ones were collected from United Arab Emirates (UAE) public organizations. We find that our three factors of strategy formulation, namely, adoption of intended mode of strategy, enhancing employees' participation, and minimizing political behavior significantly influence the comprehensiveness of strategic plan implementation, which in turn has a significant positive impact on the effectiveness of strategic planning. We discuss our empirical results, the potential influence of culture, implications for both theory and practice, the limitations of the research and several avenues for future study.
Contemporary evolution and the dynamics of invasion in crop–wild hybrids with heritable variation for two weedy life–histories
Authors: Campbell Lesley G. , Teitel Zachary , Miriti Maria N.
Published: January 2016

Gene flow in crop–wild complexes between phenotypically differentiated ancestors may transfer adaptive genetic variation that alters the fecundity and, potentially, the population growth (λ) of weeds. We created biotypes with potentially invasive traits, early flowering or long leaves, in wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) and F5crop–wild hybrid (R. sativus × R. raphanistrum) backgrounds and compared them to randomly mated populations, to provide the first experimental estimate of long‐term fitness consequences of weedy life‐history variation. Using a life table response experiment design, we modeledλof experimental, field populations in Pellston,MI, and assessed the relative success of alternative weed strategies and the contributions of individual vital rates (germination, survival, seed production) to differences inλamong experimental populations. Growth rates (λ) were most influenced by seed production, a trait altered by hybridization and selection, compared to other vital rates. More seeds were produced by wild than hybrid populations and by long‐leafed than early‐flowering lineages. Although we did not detect a biotype by selection treatment effect on lambda, lineages also exhibited contrasting germination and survival strategies. Identifying life‐history traits affecting population growth contributes to our understanding of which portions of the crop genome are most likely to introgress into weed populations.
Shifts in the climate space of temperate cyprinid fishes due to climate change are coupled with altered body sizes and growth rates
Authors: Ruiz‐Navarro Ana , Gillingham Phillipa K. , Britton J. Robert
Published: January 2016

Predictions of species responses to climate change often focus on distribution shifts, although responses can also include shifts in body sizes and population demographics. Here, shifts in the distributional ranges (‘climate space’), body sizes (as maximum theoretical body sizes, L∞) and growth rates (as rate at which L∞ is reached, K) were predicted for five fishes of the Cyprinidae family in a temperate region over eight climate change projections. Great Britain was the model area, and the model species were Rutilus rutilus, Leuciscus leuciscus, Squalius cephalus, Gobio gobio and Abramis brama. Ensemble models predicted that the species' climate spaces would shift in all modelled projections, with the most drastic changes occurring under high emissions; all range centroids shifted in a north‐westerly direction. Predicted climate space expanded for R. rutilus and A. brama, contracted for S. cephalus, and for L. leuciscus and G. gobio, expanded under low‐emission scenarios but contracted under high emissions, suggesting the presence of some climate‐distribution thresholds. For R. rutilus, A. brama, S. cephalus and G. gobio, shifts in their climate space were coupled with predicted shifts to significantly smaller maximum body sizes and/or faster growth rates, aligning strongly to aspects of temperature‐body size theory. These predicted shifts in L∞ and K had considerable consequences for size‐at‐age per species, suggesting substantial alterations in population age structures and abundances. Thus, when predicting climate change outcomes for species, outputs that couple shifts in climate space with altered body sizes and growth rates provide considerable insights into the population and community consequences, especially for species that cannot easily track their thermal niches.
Assessing and understanding the environmental changes in the Doubegue watershed (Burkina Faso) by combining temporal study of land use changes and stakeholders' knowledge
Authors: Robert Elodie
Published: January 2016

Since the 1980s, the Bagre region (Burkina Faso) has witnessed significant environmental changes mainly due to anthropogenic causes (arrival of new population groups, demographic increase, reservoir creation, exacerbation of conflict linked to land ownership, and land and agrarian reform), and secondarily to climatic perturbations. For a comprehensive understanding of these environmental changes, and their causes and impacts in the Doubegue watershed, it is necessary to combine different analytical tools. An original methodology, which combines remote sensing and field survey, is proposed. A temporal study of land use change was conducted to identify areas at risk and ongoing processes. At the same time, a survey was carried out to study the local population's knowledge concerning changes to the resources of vegetation, water and soil. The analysis of a time series of satellite images reveals environmental changes mainly in the central area of the watershed, since the 1990s in particular, with an increase in cropped and bare soils. The survey also highlights reduction in vegetation cover, a decrease in soil quality and changes in the river system. In addition, stakeholders link the degradation of vegetation cover to changes in the river system. Finally, to reduce degradation of resources (vegetation, water and soil), actions are being developed and/or sought by the population and by organisations in the region.
Predicting emerging care‐need with simple functional indicators: Findings from a national cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Chung , Chen Li‐Ching , Wang Jiun‐Yi
Published: January 2016

Aim

To evaluate the predictive abilities of single items and their combinations in the instrumental activities of daily living and Nagi scales to predict emerging care‐need of older adults.

Methods

We analyzed the 1999 (baseline) and 2003 (end‐point) datasets of the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging. After excluding the proxy respondents, incomplete data or those who had care‐need at baseline, 2521 of the 2890 participants (aged ≥65 years at baseline) were included in data analysis. Care‐need was defined as a person receiving formal or informal care, or having any activities of daily living dependency. The predictive abilities of the items in instrumental activities of daily living or Nagi scale, singly or in combination to predict emerging care‐need during the subsequent 4 years were evaluated by the improvement in values of Nagelkerke R2, Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion in logistic regression models.

Results

The single item “doing heavy housework” showed the best predictive abilities among all others. When combined this item with “walking 200 m,” the two‐item indicator significantly improved the predictive abilities. However, no three‐item combined indicator improved the predictive abilities.

Conclusions

The two‐item indicator that combines “doing heavy housework” and “walking 200 m” from the instrumental activities of daily living and Nagi scales showed superior ability to predict emerging care‐need of older Taiwanese. The indicator could serve as the foundation for developing a scale to predict emerging care‐need of older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 375–381.
The consumption of two or more fall risk‐increasing drugs rather than polypharmacy is associated with falls
Authors: Zia Anam , Kamaruzzaman Shahrul B , Tan Maw P
Published: January 2016

Aim

The presemt study aimed to determine the association between the risk of recurrent and injurious falls with polypharmacy, fall risk‐increasing drugs (FRID) and FRID count among community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

Participants (n = 202) were aged ≥65 years with two or more falls or one injurious fall in the past year, whereas controls (n = 156) included volunteers aged ≥65 years with no falls in the past year. A detailed medication history was obtained alongside demographic data. Polypharmacy was defined as “regular use of five or more prescription drugs.” FRID were identified as cardiovascular agents, central nervous system drugs, analgesics and endocrine drugs; multiple FRID were defined as two or more FRID. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders.

Results

The use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs was independently associated with an increased risk of falls. Univariate analyses showed both polypharmacy (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.39–3.56; P = 0.001) and the use of two or more FRID (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.9–4.5; P = 0.0001) were significantly more likely amongst fallers. After adjustment for age, sex and comorbidities, blood pressure, and physical performance scores, polypharmacy was no longer associated with falls (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.9–2.9; P = 0.102), whereas the consumption of two or more FRID remained a significant predictor for falls (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4–5.3; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Among high risk fallers, the use of two or more FRID was an independent risk factor for falls instead of polypharmacy. Our findings will inform clinical practice in terms of medication reviews among older adults at higher risk of falls. Future intervention studies will seek to confirm whether avoidance or withdrawal of multiple FRID reduces the risk of future falls. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 463–470.
Wedding Intersectionality Theory and Identity Work in Organizations: South African Indian Women Negotiating Managerial Identity
Authors: Carrim Nasima Mohamed Hoosen , Nkomo Stella M.
Published: January 2016

This paper addresses the continuing tension between focusing on identities and categories rather than processes and systems in intersectionality research, based on a study of the identity work of South African Indian women managers. We wed intersectionality theory with extant understandings of managerial identity work in organizations to demonstrate the dynamic interaction between both identities and categories and the institutionalized processes and systems by which they are formed, shaped and reshaped over time. Specifically, we demonstrate through life story interviews of 13 South African women managers how an individual's managerial identity is not formed solely by personal and social identities in the workplace but by the socio‐historical political and cultural contexts within which individuals and groups are embedded. These contexts shape not only the racio‐ethnic and gender identities of individuals but also the processes of racialization, gendering and culturalization that create and reinforce particular social locations in society and in the workplace.
Analysis of Wellbore Skin Samples—Typology, Composition, and Hydraulic Properties
Authors: Houben Georg J. , Halisch Matthias , Kaufhold Stephan , Weidner Christoph , Sander Jürgen , Reich Morris
Published: January 2016

The presence of a wellbore skin layer, formed during the drilling process, is a major impediment for the energy‐efficient use of water wells. Many models exist that predict its potential impacts on well hydraulics, but so far its relevant hydraulic parameters were only estimates or, at best, model results. Here, we present data on the typology, thickness, composition, and hydraulic properties obtained from the sampling of excavated dewatering wells in lignite surface mines and from inclined core drilling into the annulus of an abandoned water well. Despite the limited number of samples, several types of skin were identified. Both surface cake filtration and particle straining in the aquifer occur. The presence of microcracks may be a determining feature for the hydraulic conductivity of skin layers. In the case of the well‐developed water supply well, no skin layer was detected. The observed types and properties of wellbore skin samples can be used to test the many mathematical skin models.