bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glorified Fantasies and Masterpieces of Deception on Importing Las Vegas into the ‘New South Africa’
Authors: Fu Albert S. , Murray Martin J.
Published: March 2013

With the end of apartheid, Johannesburg and other South African cities are now part of a new global race to become ‘world‐class’ tourist and business centers. At the center of this development is the importation of Vegas‐style spectacle by local entrepreneurs, firms and other city boosters who create fantasyscapes such as the Emperor's Palace and GrandWest. Financed and run by South African impresarios — whose luxurious empires transcend the continent — these resorts represent not only the globalization of gaming but the way in which South African cities see themselves within the worldwide urban hierarchy. As such, this article seeks to untangle the global and local aspects of importing fantasy into the ‘new South Africa’.
Who is willing to participate? Dissatisfied democrats, stealth democrats and populists in the United Kingdom
Authors: Webb Paul
Published: March 2013

This article demonstrates that two quite distinctive types of political disaffection – ‘dissatisfied democratic’ and ‘stealth democratic’ – exist among British citizens, with the former being more prevalent. While both types manifest low trust in political elites, the dissatisfied democrat is politically interested, efficacious and desires greater political participation, while the contrary is generally true of the stealth democrat. However, stealth democrats are favourably disposed towards direct democracy, which can be attributed to the populist nature of stealth democratic attitudes. Even so, when given the opportunity to take part in a national referendum, neither stealth democrats nor dissatisfied democrats showed much inclination to vote.
Existential Risk Prevention as Global Priority
Authors: Bostrom Nick
Published: March 2013

Existential risks are those that threaten the entire future of humanity. Many theories of value imply that even relatively small reductions in net existential risk have enormous expected value. Despite their importance, issues surrounding human‐extinction risks and related hazards remain poorly understood. In this article, I clarify the concept of existential risk and develop an improved classification scheme. I discuss the relation between existential risks and basic issues in axiology, and show how existential risk reduction (via the maxipok rule) can serve as a strongly action‐guiding principle for utilitarian concerns. I also show how the notion of existential risk suggests a new way of thinking about the ideal of sustainability.

Policy Implications

 Existential risk is a concept that can focus long‐term global efforts and sustainability concerns.

 The biggest existential risks are anthropogenic and related to potential future technologies.

 A moral case can be made that existential risk reduction is strictly more important than any other global public good.

 Sustainability should be reconceptualised in dynamic terms, as aiming for a sustainable trajectory rather than a sustainable state.

 Some small existential risks can be mitigated today directly (e.g. asteroids) or indirectly (by building resilience and reserves to increase survivability in a range of extreme scenarios) but it is more important to build capacity to improve humanity’s ability to deal with the larger existential risks that will arise later in this century. This will require collective wisdom, technology foresight, and the ability when necessary to mobilise a strong global coordinated response to anticipated existential risks.

 Perhaps the most cost‐effective way to reduce existential risks today is to fund analysis of a wide range of existential risks and potential mitigation strategies, with a long‐term perspective.
Reduced amyloid‐β degradation in early Alzheimer's disease but not in the APPswePS1dE9 and 3xTg‐AD mouse models
Authors: Stargardt Anita , Gillis Judith , Kamphuis Willem , Wiemhoefer Anne , Kooijman Lieneke , Raspe Marcel , Benckhuijsen Willemien , Drijfhout Jan W. , M. Hol Elly , Reits Eric
Published: March 2013

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is hallmarked by amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides accumulation and aggregation in extracellular plaques, preceded by intracellular accumulation. We examined whether intracellular Aβ can be cleared by cytosolic peptidases and whether this capacity is affected during progression of sporadic AD (sAD) in humans and in the commonly used APPswePS1dE9 and 3xTg‐AD mouse models. A quenched Aβ peptide that becomes fluorescent upon degradation was used to screen for Aβ‐degrading cytoplasmic peptidases cleaving the aggregation‐prone KLVFF region of the peptide. In addition, this quenched peptide was used to analyze Aβ‐degrading capacity in the hippocampus of sAD patients with different Braak stages as well as APPswePS1dE9 and 3xTg‐AD mice. Insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) was found to be the main peptidase that degrades cytoplasmic, monomeric Aβ. Oligomerization of Aβ prevents its clearance by IDE. Intriguingly, the Aβ‐degrading capacity decreases already during the earliest Braak stages of sAD, and this decline correlates with IDE protein levels, but not with mRNA levels. This suggests that decreased IDE levels could contribute to early sAD. In contrast to the human data, the commonly used APPswePS1dE9 and 3xTg‐AD mouse models do not show altered Aβ degradation and IDE levels with AD progression, raising doubts whether mouse models that overproduce Aβ peptides are representative for human sAD.
Evaluation of Autonomic Functions by Heart Rate Variability after Stenting in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Alici Gokhan , Ozkan Birol , Acar Goksel , Sahin Muslum , Yazicioglu Mehmet Vefik , Bulut Mustafa , Kiraz Osman Gazi , Esen Ali Metin
Published: March 2013

Objective

Although carotid stenting is an effective treatment for severe carotid stenosis, it has been associated with alterations in autonomic functions during or shortly after the procedure. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an established tool for the asessment of autonumic functions. In this study, our aim was to investigate the relation between the alterations in autonomic functions and HRV by Holter monitoring parameters.

Methods

Patients (19 male, 8 female) that are suitable for carotid artery stenting, without a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, severe coronary artery or valvular heart disease, were enrolled to our study. Short‐term HRV analysis recordings were obtained at the beginning, and after the procedure. The square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), total frequency, low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), normalized units LF (LFnu), normalized units HF (HFnu), LF/HF ratios were analyzed. Results were statistically analysed by using Wilcoxon test.

Results

Total frequency did not show any significant changes after the procedure (1101 ± 829, 981 ± 855). While RMSSD and HFnu values significantly increased respectively (23 ± 12/33 ± 22, and 22 ± 10/35 ± 10, p < 0.05) after the procedure, HF values increased nonsignificantly after the procedure (82 ± 92/92 ± 108). LF, LFnu, and LF/HF values were significantly decreased after the procedure. (228 ± 166/112 ± 100, 70 ± 15/55 ± 18, 4 ± 2.5/2.1 ± 2, respectively, p < 0.05)

Conclusions

While RMSSD and HF are used as markers of vagal activity, LF is a marker of sympathetic modulation and LF/HF ratio shows sympathovagal balance. In our study, we showed that carotid artery stenting is associated with increase in parasympathetic activation, and this finding is demonstrated by HRV parameters.
Pathophysiology of Exercise Heart Rate Recovery: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Pierpont Gordon L. , Adabag Selcuk , Yannopoulos Demetri
Published: March 2013

Expanded use of exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) has renewed interest in the pathophysiology of heart rate control. This study uses basic physiologic principles to construct a unique model capable of describing the full time course of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity during HRR. The model is tested in a new study of 22 diverse subjects undergoing both maximal and submaximal treadmill exercise. Based on this analysis, prolongation of HRR involves changes within the sinus node, changes in sympathetic function, in parasympathetic function, and in the central mechanisms regulating autonomic balance. The methods may provide unique insight into alterations in autonomic control in health and disease.
A story superiority effect for disgust, fear, embarrassment, and pride
Authors: Nelson Nicole L. , Hudspeth Kate , Russell James A.
Published: March 2013

Past studies found that, for preschoolers, a story specifying a situational cause and behavioural consequence is a better cue to fear and disgust than is the facial expression of those two emotions, but the facial expressions used were static. Two studies (Study 1: N = 68, 36–68 months; Study 2: N = 72, 49–90 months) tested whether this effect could be reversed when the expressions were dynamic and included facial, postural, and vocal cues. Children freely labelled emotions in three conditions: story, still face, and dynamic expression. Story remained a better cue than still face or dynamic expression for fear and disgust and also for the later emerging emotions of embarrassment and pride.
A randomized phase I/II trial of HQK‐1001, an oral fetal globin gene inducer, in β‐thalassaemia intermedia and HbE/β‐thalassaemia
Authors: Fucharoen Suthat , Inati Adlette , Siritanaratku Noppadol , Thein Swee L. , Wargin William C. , Koussa Suzanne , Taher Ali , Chaneim Nattawara , Boosalis Michael , Berenson Ronald , Perrine Susan P.
Published: March 2013

β‐thalassaemia intermedia (BTI) syndromes cause haemolytic anaemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, and widespread complications. Higher fetal globin expression within genotypes reduces globin imbalance and ameliorates anaemia. Sodium 2,2 dimethylbutyrate (HQK‐1001), an orally bioavailable short‐chain fatty acid derivative, induces γ‐globin expression experimentally and is well‐tolerated in normal subjects. Accordingly, a randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled, Phase I/II trial was performed in 21 adult BTI patients (14 with HbE/β0 thalassaemia and seven with β+/β0 thalassaemia intermedia, to determine effective doses for fetal globin induction, safety, and tolerability. HQK‐1001 or placebo were administered once daily for 8 weeks at four dose levels (10, 20, 30, or 40 mg/kg per day), and subjects were monitored for laboratory and clinical events. Pharmacokinetic profiles demonstrated a t1/2 of 10–12 h. Adverse events with HQK‐1001 treatment were not significantly different from placebo treatment. The 20 mg/kg treatment doses increased median HbF above baseline levels by 6·6% and 4·4 g/l (P < 0·01) in 8/9 subjects; total haemoglobin (Hb) increased by a mean of 11 g/l in 4/9 subjects. These findings identified a safe oral therapeutic which induces fetal globin in BTI. Further investigation of HQK‐1001 with longer dosing to definitively evaluate its haematological potential appears warranted.
Beneficial effects of a novel agonist of the adenosine A2A receptor on monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary hypertension in rats
Authors: Alencar Allan K N , Pereira Sharlene L , Montagnoli Tadeu L , Maia Rodolfo C , Kümmerle Arthur E , Landgraf Sharon S , Caruso‐Neves Celso , Ferraz Emanuelle B , Tesch Roberta , Nascimento José H M , de Sant'Anna Carlos M R , Fraga Carlos A M , Barreiro Eliezer J , Sudo Roberto T , Zapata‐Sudo Gisele
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by enhanced pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular hypertrophy and increased right ventricular systolic pressure. Here, we investigated the effects of a N‐acylhydrazone derivative, 3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl‐N‐methyl‐benzoylhydrazide (LASSBio‐1359), on monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced pulmonary hypertension in rats.

Experimental Approach

PAH was induced in male Wistar rats by a single i.p. injection of MCT (60 mg·kg−1) and 2 weeks later, oral LASSBio‐1359 (50 mg·kg−1) or vehicle was given once daily for 14 days. Echocardiography was used to measure cardiac function and pulmonary artery dimensions, with histological assay of vascular collagen. Studies of binding to human recombinant adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A3) and of docking with A2A receptors were also performed.

Key Results

MCT administration induced changes in vascular and ventricular structure and function, characteristic of PAH. These changes were reversed by treatment with LASSBio‐1359. MCT also induced endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary artery, as measured by diminished relaxation of pre‐contracted arterial rings, and this dysfunction was reversed by LASSBio‐1359. In pulmonary artery rings from normal Wistar rats, LASSBio‐1359 induced relaxation, which was decreased by the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, ZM 241385. In adenosine receptor binding studies, LASSBio‐1359 showed most affinity for the A2A receptor and in the docking analyses, binding modes of LASSBio‐1359 and the A2A receptor agonist, CGS21680, were very similar.

Conclusion and Implications

In rats with MCT‐induced PAH, structural and functional changes in heart and pulmonary artery were reversed by treatment with oral LASSBio‐1359, most probably through the activation of adenosine A2A receptors.
Activation of mitochondrial function and Hb expression in non‐haematopoietic cells by an EPO inducer ameliorates ischaemic diseases in mice
Authors: Hsu Pei‐Lun , Horng Lin‐Yea , Peng Kang‐Yung , Wu Chia‐Ling , Sung Hui‐Ching , Wu Rong‐Tsun
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Many organs suffer from ischaemic injuries that reduce their ability to generate sufficient energy, which is required for functional maintenance and repair. Erythropoietin (EPO) ameliorates ischaemic injuries by pleiotropic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of a small molecule EH‐201, and found it as a potent EPO inducer and its effect in non‐haematopoietic cells for therapeutic potential in ischemic disorders.

Experimental Approach

Mice kidney slices, primary hepatocytes, primary cardiomyocytes and C2C12 myoblasts were treated with EH‐201. The effects of this treatment on EPO, Hb expression and mitochondrial biogenesis were analysed. In vivo, doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathic mice were treated with EH‐201. The mice were subjected to an endurance test, electrocardiography and echocardiography, and a histological examination of the isolated hearts was performed. EH‐201 was also administered to cisplatin‐induced nephropathic mice.

Key Results

In non‐haematopoietic cells, EH‐201 was potent at inducing EPO. EH‐201 also stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and enhanced the expression of Hb by a mechanism dependent on EPO‐mediated signalling. In mechanistic studies, using EPO and EPO receptor‐neutralizing antibodies, we confirmed that EH‐201 enhances EPO‐EPOR autocrine activity. EH‐201 robustly increased the endurance performance activity of healthy and cardiomyopathic mice during hypoxic stress, enhanced myocardial mitochondrial biogenesis and Hb expression, and also improved cardiac function. EH‐201 ameliorated anaemia and renal dysfunction in nephropathic mice.

Conclusions and Implications

The enhancement and recovery of cellular functions through the stimulation of mitochondrial activity and Hb production in non‐haematopoietic cells by an inducer of endogenous EPO has potential as a therapeutic strategy for ischaemic diseases.
Taking Shape: Supporting Preschoolers' Acquisition of Geometric Knowledge Through Guided Play
Authors: Fisher Kelly R. , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy , Newcombe Nora , Golinkoff Roberta M.
Published: March 2013

Shape knowledge, a key aspect of school readiness, is part of early mathematical learning. Variations in how children are exposed to shapes may affect the pace of their learning and the nature of their shape knowledge. Building on evidence suggesting that child‐centered, playful learning programs facilitate learning more than other methods, 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children (N = 70) were taught the properties of four geometric shapes using guided play, free play, or didactic instruction. Results revealed that children taught shapes in the guided play condition showed improved shape knowledge compared to the other groups, an effect that was still evident after 1 week. Findings suggest that scaffolding techniques that heighten engagement, direct exploration, and facilitate “sense‐making,” such as guided play, undergird shape learning.
Early Childhood Housing Instability and School Readiness
Authors: Ziol‐Guest Kathleen M. , McKenna Claire C.
Published: March 2013

This study assesses the consequences of housing instability during the first 5 years of a child's life for a host of school readiness outcomes. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (n = 2,810), this study examines the relation between multiple moves and children's language and literacy and behavior problems at age 5. The moderating role of poverty is further tested in this relation. The findings show that moving three or more times in a child's first 5 years is significantly associated with increases in attention problems, and internalizing and externalizing behavior, but only among poor children.
Involvement of high mobility group box 1 and the therapeutic effect of recombinant thrombomodulin in a mouse model of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Kudo D , Toyama M , Aoyagi T , Akahori Y , Yamamoto H , Ishii K , Kanno E , Maruyama R , Kaku M , Kushimoto S , Kawakami K
Published: March 2013

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is accompanied by severe lung inflammation induced by various diseases. Despite the severity of the symptoms, therapeutic strategies have been ineffective. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which was identified originally as a DNA binding protein, has been proposed as a mediator of acute lung injury. In addition to its anti-coagulant activity, recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM) possesses an ability to suppress the inflammatory response through neutralizing HMGB1. T regulatory (Treg) cells in the lungs are reported to modify innate immune responses during resolution of acute lung injury. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of rTM, and the contribution of Treg cells to this effect, in a mouse model of severe ARDS. C57BL/6 mice received sequential intratracheal administration of α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which resulted in the development of severe ARDS. HMGB1 levels in the lungs increased to a higher level in ARDS mice compared to those in mice treated with LPS alone. HMGB1 was expressed in the infiltrating neutrophils and macrophages in lungs. Treg cells were reduced significantly in the lungs of ARDS mice compared to those in mice treated with LPS alone. rTM administration prolonged the survival time and ameliorated the development of ARDS, which was associated with increased Treg cells and synthesis of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the lungs. These results suggest that HMGB1 is involved in the development of severe ARDS and rTM shows therapeutic effects through promoting the accumulation of Treg cells at the inflammatory sites.
Lack of activity of 15-epi-lipoxin A4 on FPR2/ALX and CysLT1 receptors in interleukin-8-driven human neutrophil function
Authors: Planagumà A , Domenech T , Jover I , Ramos I , Sentellas S , Malhotra R , Miralpeix M
Published: March 2013

Neutrophil recruitment and survival are important control points in the development and resolution of inflammatory processes. 15-epi-lipoxin (LX)A4 interaction with formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2)/ALX receptor is suggested to enhance anti-inflammatory neutrophil functions and mediate resolution of airway inflammation. However, it has been reported that 15-epi-LXA4 analogues can also bind to cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1) and that the CysLT1 antagonist MK-571 binds to FPR2/ALX, so cross-reactivity between FPR2/ALX and CysLT1 ligands cannot be discarded. It is not well established whether the resolution properties reported for 15-epi-LXA4 are mediated through FPR2/ALX, or if other receptors such as CysLT1 may also be involved. Evaluation of specific FPR2/ALX ligands and CysLT1 antagonists in functional biochemical and cellular assays were performed to establish a role for both receptors in 15-epi-LXA4-mediated signalling and function. In our study, a FPR2/ALX synthetic peptide (WKYMVm) and a small molecule FPR2/ALX agonist (compound 43) induced FPR2/ALX-mediated signalling, enhancing guanosine triphosphate-gamma (GTPγ) binding and decreasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, whereas 15-epi-LXA4 was inactive. Furthermore, 15-epi-LXA4 showed neither binding affinity nor signalling towards CysLT1. In neutrophils, 15-epi-LXA4 showed a moderate reduction of interleukin (IL)-8-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis but no effect on neutrophil survival was observed. In addition, CysLT1 antagonists were inactive in FPR2/ALX signalling or neutrophil assays. In conclusion, 15-epi-LXA4 is not a functional agonist or an antagonist of FPR2/ALX or CysLT1, shows no effect on IL-8-induced neutrophil survival and produces only moderate inhibition in IL-8-mediated neutrophil migration. Our data do not support an anti-inflammatory role of 15-epi-LXA4- FPR2/ALX interaction in IL-8-induced neutrophil inflammation.
Short‐ and long‐term impact of body mass index on laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Denost Q. , Quintane L. , Buscail E. , Martenot M. , Laurent C. , Rullier E.
Published: March 2013

Aim  Obesity is associated with increased technical difficulty in laparoscopic surgery. However, its impact has been measured mainly for colectomy but not specifically for rectal excision. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on technical feasibility and oncological outcome of laparoscopic rectal excision for cancer.

Method  A total of 490 patients treated by laparoscopic rectal excision for rectal cancer from January 1999 to June 2010 were included. Seventy per cent had had preoperative radiochemotherapy. Patients were separated into four groups according to BMI (kg/m2): < 20, 20–25, 25–30 and ≥ 30. The impact of BMI on conversion, surgical morbidity, quality of excision (Quirke mesorectal grade and circumferential resection margin) and long‐term oncological outcome was determined.

Results  Among the 490 patients BMI was < 20 in 43, 20–25 in 223, 25–30 in 177 and ≥ 30 in 47. Mortality (overall 1%) and morbidity (overall 19%) were similar between the groups. Conversion in the four groups was 5%, 14%, 23% and 32% (P = 0.001). The quality of mesorectal excision and circumferential margins did not differ between the groups. The 5‐year local recurrence rates (0%, 4.6%, 5.3% and 5.9% respectively; P = 0.823) and the overall and disease‐free survival were not significantly influenced by BMI.

Conclusion  In laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer, BMI influenced the risk of conversion but not surgical morbidity, quality of surgery and survival. This suggests that all patients, including obese patients, are suitable for laparoscopic surgery.
Medical students' child oral‐health‐related knowledge, practices and attitudes
Authors: AlYousef Y. , Damiano P. , Weber‐Gasparoni K. , Qian F. , Murph J. , Nothwehr F.
Published: March 2013

Objective

This study evaluated medical interns' oral health knowledge, and other factors influencing their ability and willingness to perform oral‐health‐related practices for high‐caries‐risk children.

Methods

A 15‐item survey was emailed to all eligible graduating fifth‐year medical students at King Khalid University Hospital to address these areas of interest. Chi‐square statistics and logistic regression models were used to analyse data.

Results

One‐hundred and twenty‐one (49%) usable surveys were returned from two mailings. On questions regarding comfort levels when performing oral‐health‐related practices on children under age 3, physicians noted high levels of comfort with all specified oral health practices. Regarding satisfaction of students with medical training, the majority of respondents (87.5%) rated their medical training as fair or poor in preparing them for oral health assessments compared to only 35%, 29% and 7% of respondents giving fair or poor ratings to child abuse identification, caring for special needs patients and primary care paediatric practice, respectively. Additionally, although 90% of respondents noted that the role of primary physicians in counselling/referring children with oral health was important, 60% did not agree with the AAPD and AAP guidelines that state that all children should be referred to a dentist by 12 months of age. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed several statistically significant variables that predict the likelihood of performing various oral‐health‐related practices. The choice of public‐health‐oriented future clinical goals, the level of oral health knowledge, how interns rated their oral health training in medical school and the average number of children seen per week, all – to varying degrees – proved important predicator variables for the likelihood of performing them once in practice.

Conclusions

More oral‐health‐related training of medical students seems warranted and could improve their interest in providing oral‐health‐related screening and referrals in practice. Increasing student exposure to child patients and increasing exposures to oral health knowledge and problems could be targeted towards students interested in primary care and public health to use resources most efficiently in the effort to combat the growing caries levels amongst young children in Saudi Arabia.
Long‐term follow‐up study on patients with Miyoshi phenotype of distal muscular dystrophy
Authors: Linssen W. H. J. P. , de Voogt W. G. , Krahn M. , Bernard R. , Levy N. , Wokke J. H. J. , Ginjaar H. B. , de Visser M.
Published: March 2013

Background and purpose

To describe the long‐term follow‐up of a cohort of 22 patients with the Miyoshi phenotype of distal muscular dystrophy (MMD).

Methods

A long‐term clinical follow‐up study was conducted. Patients were genotyped for dysferlin (MMD1) or anoctamin 5 (MMD3) mutations. Patients also underwent cardiological evaluation.

Results

There were 10 patients with MMD1, eight patients with MMD3 and four patients with linkage to chromosome 10 (MMD2). All patients deteriorated over 5.7 (range: 4.2–6.6) years of follow‐up. Weakness increased significantly (P < 0.035) in all but the neck extensor, serratus anterior, and wrist flexor and extensor muscles. The decrease of strength was most pronounced in the iliopsoas (15%), toe extensors (15%), anterior tibial and peroneal muscles (10%). Patients with MMD1 showed early onset of the disease (mean 22 years) with typically symmetrical distribution of weakness starting in the calf muscles. Patients with MMD1 had a worse clinical course compared with patients with MMD3. Ninety percent of the former had to make use of a wheelchair within 15 years after onset of the disease, whereas patients with MMD3, who have a significantly later onset (mean 35 years) of asymmetrical calf muscle weakness and atrophy, remained ambulant during the first 15 years of their disease. None of the patients with MMD2 became fully confined to the wheelchair. None of the 22 MMD phenotype patients had heart disease.

Conclusions

Patients with MMD1 have a worse clinical course compared with patients with MMD3. There are no cardiological abnormalities in all MMD categories.
Prognosis and prognostic factors in non‐traumatic acute‐onset compressive mononeuropathies – radial and peroneal mononeuropathies
Authors: Bsteh G. , Wanschitz J. V. , Gruber H. , Seppi K. , Löscher W. N.
Published: March 2013

Background and purpose

Little is known about the natural history of non‐traumatic compressive mononeuropathies. To improve patient management, prognostic factors and outcome in patients with non‐traumatic peroneal and radial mononeuropathies were studied.

Methods

Retrospective clinical, electrophysiological and sonographic data of patients with non‐traumatic peroneal and radial mononeuropathies were evaluated. Clinical, electrophysiological and sonographic evaluations had to take place 2–12 weeks after symptom onset and follow‐up had to be for >6 months.

Results

Twenty‐five patients with peroneal mononeuropathy and 58 with radial mononeuropathy were included. Mean follow‐up was 8.9 ± 2.4 months. Approximately 90% of patients recovered to a muscle strength of British Medical Research Council grade 4 or 5. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed conduction block on nerve conduction studies, younger age and less severe initial weakness as indicators for a good prognosis. Peripheral nerve ultrasound was not prognostic in the 40 patients where it was available.

Conclusions

The present study shows a good prognosis for spontaneous recovery after non‐traumatic acute‐onset compressive peroneal and radial mononeuropathies. Patients with denervation on needle electromyography, older age and severe initial weakness have a poorer prognosis and should be closely monitored to facilitate timely surgery whenever weakness persists. Peripheral nerve ultrasound seems to be of limited prognostic value in these mononeuropathies.
Intramodality and intermodality agreement in radiography and computed tomography of equine distal limb fractures
Authors: Crijns C. P. , Martens A. , Bergman H.‐J. , van der Veen H. , Duchateau L. , van Bree H. J. J. , Gielen I. M. V. L.
Published: March 2013

Reasons for performing study

Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly accessible in equine referral hospitals.

Objectives

To document the level of agreement within and between radiography and CT in characterising equine distal limb fractures.

Study design

Retrospective descriptive study.

Methods

Images from horses that underwent radiographic and CT evaluation for suspected distal limb fractures were reviewed, including 27 horses and 3 negative controls. Using Cohen's kappa and weighted kappa analysis, the level of agreement among 4 observers for a predefined set of diagnostic characteristics for radiography and CT separately and for the level of agreement between the 2 imaging modalities were documented.

Results and conclusions

Both CT and radiography had very good intramodality agreement in identifying fractures, but intermodality agreement was lower. There was good intermodality and intramodality agreement for anatomical localisation and the identification of fracture displacement. Agreement for articular involvement, fracture comminution and fracture fragment number was towards the lower limit of good agreement. There was poor to fair intermodality agreement regarding fracture orientation, fracture width and coalescing cracks; intramodality agreement was higher for CT than for radiography for these features.

Potential relevance

Further studies, including comparisons with surgical and/or post mortem findings, are required to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT and radiography in the diagnosis and characterisation of equine distal limb fractures.
Evaluating the performance of banking under risk regulations: a slacks‐based Data Envelopment Analysis assessment framework
Authors: Yang Chih‐Ching
Published: March 2013

Despite increasing deregulation and globalization in financial markets worldwide, banking is still one of the most regulated industries in many countries. The contribution of the present article is to introduce a slacks‐based Data Envelopment Analysis assessment framework for assessing bank efficiency and soundness in a risk regulation setting, which is missing from the banking performance literature. Two main sub‐processes within the service flow of a typical bank are considered – the primary banking business for making profit and dealing with the compliance requirements of risk regulations. A Data Envelopment Analysis model is applied to measure the performance of the two sub‐processes, that is, profit‐making efficiency and risk‐controlling efficiency. The research framework and models are applied to an empirical study of the banking sector in Taiwan covering the period 2007 – 2010. We demonstrate how to use the empirical results to monitor the efficiency status for individual banks from 1 year to another, providing an early warning for those with low efficiency. Our empirical results show that there is considerable potential for efficiency improvement in Taiwan's banking industry, and the room for risk‐controlling efficiency improvement is even larger. The two efficiency estimates are positively correlated with each other, and both have been improved year by year. However, an economic recession can lower efficiency estimates.
Experimental study on damage evolution of rock under uniform and concentrated loading conditions using digital image correlation
Authors: Song H. , Zhang H. , Fu D. , Kang Y. , Huang G. , Qu C. , Cai Z.
Published: March 2013

Damage evolution and crack propagation in sandstone specimens have been observed by digital image correlation method. To investigate deformation and failure process of rock under different loading conditions, uniaxial compression and indentation tests were performed. Through the experiment, displacement and strain fields are simultaneously obtained that can visually display the distribution, mode and evolution of deformation and cracking in rock. Experimental results show that the damage distributes diffusely in rock at early loading stage, and the measured apparent strain increasingly concentrates with loading because of the nucleation of crack; propagation of the crack leads to the eventual failure of the specimen. Damage factor is calculated on the basis of deviation of apparent strain, and localization factor is presented to describe the level of deformation localization. The combined use of two factors can well represent the damage evolution of rock under compression.
Landscape influences on climate‐related lake shrinkage at high latitudes
Authors: Roach Jennifer K. , Griffith Brad , Verbyla David
Published: March 2013

Climate‐related declines in lake area have been identified across circumpolar regions and have been characterized by substantial spatial heterogeneity. An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying lake area trends is necessary to predict where change is most likely to occur and to identify implications for high latitude reservoirs of carbon. Here, using a population of ca. 2300 lakes with statistically significant increasing and decreasing lake area trends spanning longitudinal and latitudinal gradients of ca. 1000 km in Alaska, we present evidence for a mechanism of lake area decline that involves the loss of surface water to groundwater systems. We show that lakes with significant declines in lake area were more likely to be located: (1) in burned areas; (2) on coarser, well‐drained soils; and (3) farther from rivers compared to lakes that were increasing. These results indicate that postfire processes such as permafrost degradation, which also results from a warming climate, may promote lake drainage, particularly in coarse‐textured soils and farther from rivers where overland flooding is less likely and downslope flow paths and negative hydraulic gradients between surface water and groundwater systems are more common. Movement of surface water to groundwater systems may lead to a deepening of subsurface flow paths and longer hydraulic residence time which has been linked to increased soil respiration and CO2 release to the atmosphere. By quantifying relationships between statewide coarse resolution maps of landscape characteristics and spatially heterogeneous responses of lakes to environmental change, we provide a means to identify at‐risk lakes and landscapes and plan for a changing climate.
Causality and Headache Triggers
Authors: Turner Dana P. , Smitherman Todd A. , Martin Vincent T. , Penzien Donald B. , Houle Timothy T.
Published: March 2013

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the conditions necessary to assign causal status to headache triggers.

Background

The term “headache trigger” is commonly used to label any stimulus that is assumed to cause headaches. However, the assumptions required for determining if a given stimulus in fact has a causal‐type relationship in eliciting headaches have not been explicated.

Methods

A synthesis and application of Rubin's Causal Model is applied to the context of headache causes. From this application, the conditions necessary to infer that 1 event (trigger) causes another (headache) are outlined using basic assumptions and examples from relevant literature.

Results

Although many conditions must be satisfied for a causal attribution, 3 basic assumptions are identified for determining causality in headache triggers: (1) constancy of the sufferer, (2) constancy of the trigger effect, and (3) constancy of the trigger presentation. A valid evaluation of a potential trigger's effect can only be undertaken once these 3 basic assumptions are satisfied during formal or informal studies of headache triggers.

Conclusions

Evaluating these assumptions is extremely difficult or infeasible in clinical practice, and satisfying them during natural experimentation is unlikely. Researchers, practitioners, and headache sufferers are encouraged to avoid natural experimentation to determine the causal effects of headache triggers. Instead, formal experimental designs or retrospective diary studies using advanced statistical modeling techniques provide the best approaches to satisfy the required assumptions and inform causal statements about headache triggers.
Diagnostic and prognostic implications of the PAX8–PPARγ translocation in thyroid carcinomas—a TMA‐based study of 226 cases
Authors: Boos Laura A , Dettmer Matthias , Schmitt Anja , Rudolph Thomas , Steinert Hans , Moch Holger , Sobrinho‐Simões Manuel , Komminoth Paul , Perren Aurel
Published: March 2013

Aims

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) has been a diagnostic challenge for decades. The PAX8–PPARγ rearrangement has been detected in FTC and classic papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). The aims of this study were to assess the presence of PAX8–PPARγ by using tissue microarrays in a large cohort of different thyroid neoplasms, and to assess its diagnostic and prognostic implications.

Methods and results

Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for PAX8–PPARγ was performed on 226 thyroid tumours, comprising FTCs (n = 59), PTCs (n = 126), poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDs; n = 34), follicular thyroid adenomas (FTAs; n = 5), and follicular tumours of unknown malignant potential (FTUMPs; n = 2). PAX8–PPARγ was detected in 12% of FTCs, 1% of PTCs, 7% of PDs, and in both cases of FTUMP. There was no correlation between the extent of capsular or vascular invasion and PAX8–PPARγ, or between lymph node or haematogenous metastasis and PAX8–PPARγ. Overall survival (OS), tumour‐specific survival (TSS) and relapse‐free‐survival (RFS) were not influenced by PAX8–PPARγ.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the presence of PAX8–PPARγ in PDs and FTUMPs, whereas in FTCs and PTCs the prevalence of PAX8–PPARγ is lower than previously reported. PAX8–PPARγ did not correlate with invasiveness or affect prognosis in any tumour type.
CD4 T cells in immunity and immunotherapy of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Monsonego Alon , Nemirovsky Anna , Harpaz Idan
Published: March 2013

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, with prevalence progressively increasing with aging. Pathological hallmarks of the disease include accumulation of amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) peptides and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain associated with glial activation and synaptotoxicity. In addition, AD involves peripheral and brain endogenous inflammatory processes that appear to enhance disease progression. More than a decade ago a new therapeutic paradigm emerged for AD, namely the activation of the adaptive immune system directly against the self‐peptide Aβ, aimed at lowering its accumulation in the brain. This was the first time that a brain peptide was used to vaccinate human subjects in a manner similar to classic viral or bacterial vaccines. The vaccination approach has taken several forms, from initially active to passive and then back to modified active vaccines. As the first two approaches to date failed to show sufficient efficacy, the last is presently being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials. The present review summarizes the immunogenic characteristics of Aβ in humans and mice and discusses past, present and future Aβ‐based immunotherapeutic approaches for AD. We emphasize potential pathogenic and beneficial roles of CD4 T cells in light of the pathogenesis and the general decline in T‐cell responsiveness evident in the disease.
Labour provisions in preferential trade agreements: Current practice and outlook
Authors: SIROËN Jean‐Marc
Published: March 2013

While the WTO and Doha Development Round do not deal with labour issues – they leave this to the ILO – the main countries that conclude free trade agreements incorporate labour provisions, which vary in terms of stringency. Sanctions are rarely used, and fears that “social clauses” would serve protectionist purposes have proved to be unfounded. Labour provisions are designed to meet a variety of sometimes conflicting goals, by means of different mechanisms aimed at improving labour practices and promoting Decent Work; the author makes a number of suggestions in this regard.
Case of acquired idiopathic cold‐induced hyperhidrosis
Authors: Tsuge Ayako , Kaneko Satoshi , Wate Reika , Yamazaki Fumikazu , Kusaka Hirofumi
Published: March 2013

We report the case of a 76‐year‐old man with a 10‐year history of cold‐induced sweating. He noticed excessive sweating in winter starting at the age of 66 years. The sweat appeared shortly after exposure to a cold environment, and was limited to his neck, chest and arms. Piloerection was also noticed in the sweating areas. The results from a heat‐induced sweating test and axon reflex sweating test, as well as the histology of his sweat glands, were normal. The heart/mediastinum ratio of 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake was reduced, suggesting underlying pathomechanisms of incidental Lewy body disease. The cold‐induced sweating and elevation of plasma noradrenaline were inhibited by clonidine and amitriptyline. These results suggest the possibility of misconnection of afferent inputs under a cold environment to efferent pathways of heat‐induced sweating.
Consumer acceptability and understanding of front‐of‐pack nutrition labels
Authors: Mejean C. , Macouillard P. , Péneau S. , Hercberg S. , Castetbon K.
Published: March 2013

Background

Front‐of‐pack (FOP) nutrition labelling has been proposed as a tool for helping consumers make healthy choices. Before determining its effects on consumer behaviour, factors involved in its use must be elucidated, i.e. understanding and acceptability on the part of the consumer. Among five FOP labels, we sought to determine which formats were most easily understood and accepted by a large sample of adults.

Methods

Among 39 370 adults who participated in the French Nutrinet‐Santé cohort study, understanding and indicators of acceptability (attitude, liking, visual attractiveness and perceived cognitive workload) were measured for five FOP labels: The currently used ‘multiple traffic lights’ (MTL) and ‘simple traffic lights’ (STL), and the ‘colour range’ logo (CR), the ‘green tick’ and the PNNS logo. We investigated the contribution of the different elements to consumer perception of FOP labels using multiple correspondence analyses.

Results

Over half of the sample population showed a high level of understanding and perceived no discomfort in terms of the different logos. Label formats were positioned along an acceptability gradient ranging from acceptance to rejection, consisting of ‘liking’, ‘attractiveness’ and indicators of perceived cognitive workload. MTL was significantly more often liked and was viewed as reliable and informative. MTL, STL and the green tick performed better than the CR and PNNS logos in terms of ease of identification and comprehension. CR was clearly the least appreciated and it had the most complex format.

Conclusions

Consumers prefer FOP labels which give complete, reliable and simplified information on the nutrient quality of foods.
Comparing the effectiveness of a multi‐component weight loss intervention in adults with and without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Spanos D. , Hankey C. , Boyle S. , Melville C.
Published: March 2013

Background

The prevalence of obesity in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) is rising, although the evidence base for its treatment in this population group is minimal. Weight management interventions that are accessible to adults with ID will reduce the inequalities that they frequently experience in health services. This short report compared the effectiveness of weight management in those with and without ID who completed nine sessions of a multi‐component weight management programme.

Methods

TAKE 5 is a 16‐week multi‐component weight management intervention for adults with ID and obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg m–2]. This intervention is an adaption of the weight management programme provided by the Glasgow & Clyde Weight Management Service (GCWMS) for adults without ID and obesity (National Health Service based). Fifty‐two participants of the TAKE 5 programme were individually matched by baseline characteristics (sex, age and BMI) with two participants without ID of the GCWMS programme. Comparisons in terms of weight and BMI change and rate of weight loss were made for those who attended all nine sessions.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in the amount of weight loss (median: −3.6 versus −3.8 kg, respectively, P = 0.4), change in BMI (median: −1.5 versus −1.4 kg m–2, P = 0.9), success of achieving 5% weight loss (41.3% versus 36.8%, P = 0.9) and rate of weight loss across the 16‐week intervention.

Conclusions

A multi‐component weight loss intervention can be equally effective for adults with and without ID and obesity.
Does the Production of an Airbag Injure more People than the Airbag Saves in Traffic?
Authors: Baumann Henrikke , Arvidsson Rickard , Tong Hui , Wang Ying
Published: March 2013

Social life cycle assessment (S‐LCA) has been discussed for some years in the LCA community. We raise two points of criticism against current S‐LCA approaches. First, the development of S‐LCA methodology has not, to date, been based on experience with actual case studies. Second, for social impacts to be meaningfully assessed in a life cycle perspective, social indicators need to be unambiguously interpreted in all social contexts along the life cycle. We here discuss an empirically based approach to S‐LCA, illustrated by a case study of an automobile airbag system. The aim of the case study is to compare the injuries and lives lost during the product life cycle of the airbag system (excluding waste handling impacts) with the injuries prevented and lives saved during its use. The indicator used for assessing social impacts in this study is disability‐adjusted life years (DALY). The results from this study indicate that the purpose of an airbag system, which is to save lives and prevent injuries, is justified also in a life cycle perspective.