bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Missing Persons in Cyprus: Heavy Equipment Methods and Techniques for Complex Well Excavations
Authors: Ceker Deren , Stevens William D.
Published: August 2015

This technical note presents the methods and techniques developed by the Bi‐communal Forensic Team (BCFT) of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) used to excavate and exhume the remains of missing persons, many of whom were buried in deep wells at sites across the island of Cyprus during the conflict period of the 1960s and 1970s. A total of 493 Turkish Cypriots and 1508 Greek Cypriots were officially reported missing by the two communities as a result of the conflict. Since the team's formation, in 2005, the BCFT has excavated 114 wells, resulting in the recovery of 195 missing individuals from 35 of these well excavations. The standard excavation approach used by the BCFT, especially for deep well recovery, consists of “ramp,” “pocket,” and “pool” components. These excavation features enable CMP archaeologists to excavate deep wells safely and efficiently while simultaneously permitting time for thorough documentation and unimpeded recovery of human remains. The team uses three variants of this approach to cope with the variety of geological, physical, and hydrological contexts faced in Cyprus’ wells, including hard and soft landforms, the presence or absence of water, and limitations imposed by surrounding infrastructure. The “terracing”, “double‐ramp”, and “single‐ramp” variations are detailed with respect to the environmental contexts which prescribe their use. The BCFT's general procedures for human remains recovery and standard well safety protocols conclude the article.
Head and neck cancers and the elderly: A growing challenge
Authors: Vlantis Alexander Chris
Published: August 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to highlight the growing challenge of an ageing population carrying an increasing cancer burden using head and neck cancers as an illustration.

Patients and Methods

Literature was reviewed and local statistics obtained.

Results

Globally, while the population has increased by 6 per cent in the past 5 years, the 75+ year age group had doubled from 7 per cent to 14 per cent. One of the main risk factors for developing cancer is age. Age‐standardized incidence rates increase the most in the 75+ year age group, in which, using the UK for example, approximately 35 per cent of all cancer is diagnosed. At the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong, 88 per cent of head and neck cancer patients undergoing surgery have a comorbidity, and 37 per cent of these patients are 65 years or older.

Conclusions

The global population is increasing, the number of elderly is increasing and the number of elderly with cancer is increasing. Elderly patients often have comorbidities and require an additional set of resources for their management, thus it is vital to ensure that the right patient gets the right treatment at the correct level of intensity. Cancer treatment recommendations and assumptions should not be based on age, but on effective assessments that indicate who will tolerate what treatment.
Sphincter‐saving anorectoplasty for correction of anorectal malformations
Authors: Eltayeb Almoutaz A. , Shehata Ghaidaa A.
Published: August 2015

Aim

Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) popularized by de Vries and Peña has become the preferred technique for surgical correction of anorectal malformations (ARM). Despite performing a technically perfect operation, it involves midline division of the sphincter with a subset of patients requiring significant lifelong bowel management for constipation or incontinence. Pratap et al. introduced sphincter‐saving anorectoplasty (SSARP) trying to spare the sphincter. The aim of this study is to preserve the neurophysiological function of the sphincter through SSARP in ARM patients and evaluate the outcome of these patients through this approach.

Patients and Methods

This prospective study conducted on ARM cases presented with high or intermediate anomalies. Patients with sacral agenesis and rectovesical fistula were excluded from the study. All patients underwent pre and postoperative electrophysiological studies of the external anal sphincter. Also a guide wire was introduced through the middle of the sphincter under sonographic guidance in all patients immediately before the operation.

Results

During the study period from January 2011 to September 2014 18 cases underwent surgical correction with SSARP technique. Their age ranged from 6 months to 5 years and weight ranged from 7 kg to 20 kg. The total duration of the SSARP procedure ranged from 65 to 90 min. There were no intra‐operative complications or mortality. No conversion to classic PSARP approach was necessary in any case. During the follow‐up period no recurrent urethral fistula or urinary retention was observed.

Conclusion

SSARP technique is a safe and effective approach in correction of ARM with acceptable postoperative complications.
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting with thyroid nodule and Addisonian crisis: Tumour‐to‐tumour metastasis
Authors: Lo Xina , Tam Tsz‐Kim , Cheung Sai‐Yin , Leong Heng‐Tat
Published: August 2015

Metastasis to the thyroid gland is uncommon. More infrequent is metastasis occurring within a primary thyroid carcinoma. We report a rare case presenting as an enlarging primary thyroid tumour, harbouring metastatic renal cell carcinoma within. The primary thyroid tumour was only identified after thyroidectomy. The pathology of metastatic disease into a thyroid neoplasm is demonstrated with a brief review of the literature.
Glomangiomyoma of the kidney
Authors: Lee Lee‐Fung , Ngai Ho‐Yin
Published: August 2015

Glomus tumours arising from the kidney are rare. In the present study, we report on a 58‐year‐old Chinese woman with a benign renal glomus tumour, which was excised by laparoscopic wedge resection. Microscopic and immunohistochemical analyses were compatible with the reported features of renal glomus tumour in the literature.
Rheology of Rice Flour Dough with Gum Arabic: Small and Large‐Deformation Studies, Sensory Assessment and Modeling
Authors: Shanthilal J. , Bhattacharya Suvendu
Published: August 2015

The absence of gluten protein makes the rice flour doughs difficult to handle when flattened/sheeted products are to be prepared. The rheological, sensory and microstructural changes in rice flour doughs having gum Arabic (0% to 5%, w/w) and moisture contents (44% to 50%) were studied for improving the dough handling characteristics. Rheological parameters like storage modulus (G′) and complex viscosity (η*) decreased with an increase in moisture content while loss angle (δ) increased. A power‐law type equation was suitable to relate angular frequency (ω) with G′, G″, and η* (0.814 ≤ r ≤ 0.999, P ≤ 0.01). An increase in gum and moisture contents increased δ from 6.9° to 15.5° but decreased the energy required for compression/flattening. The 6‐element spring‐dashpot model was suitable (r ≥ 0.991, P ≤ 0.01) for creep curves. The sensory panel had the opinion that dough with a low to moderate hardness between 3 and 4, and stickiness of ≤3.5 was suitable for the purpose of flattening in relation to the preparation of sheeted/flattened products; the appropriate condition for dough formulation was with the moisture and gum contents of 47.0% to 47.9% and 1.55% to 2.25%, respectively to offer the desirability index between 0.50 and 0.52. The microstructure of the rice flour dough in the absence of gum Arabic appeared to possess loosely bound flour particles. The presence of gum provided a coating on flour particles to yield dough having good cohesive microstructure.
Attentional Bias and Approach/Avoidance Tendencies Do Not Predict Relapse or Time to Relapse in Alcohol Dependency
Authors: Snelleman Michelle , Schoenmakers Tim Michaël , van de Mheen Dike
Published: August 2015

Background

Implicit processes such as attentional bias (AB) and automatic approach/avoidance tendencies (AA) play a role in substance use disorders. Whether these processes can predict a relapse in alcohol‐dependent patients is still unclear and must be examined in more detail than has been done previously. We aimed to establish whether AB and AA measured during treatment would predict relapse in alcohol‐dependent patients. We also investigated whether these implicit processes predicted time to relapse better than a more common binary relapse variable.

Methods

A total of 50 alcohol‐dependent outpatients undergoing treatment completed the study. Patients completed the Addiction Stroop Task, which assesses AB, and the relevant Stimulus–Response Compatibility Task, which measures AA. Time to relapse was assessed 1, 2, and 3 months after the bias assessment.

Results

Twenty patients (40%) relapsed during the follow‐up period. The average time to relapse was 40 days after the first session. Overall, participants had an AB for alcohol‐related stimuli and a tendency to avoid these stimuli. Neither relapse nor time to relapse was predicted by either bias type.

Conclusions

Although both AB and avoidance tendencies were present in our sample, these measures did not predict relapse or time to relapse in an outpatient alcohol‐dependent sample in the following 3 months. Future research should focus on studying the predictive value of these biases in the short term, for example, using ecological momentary assessment techniques to assess implicit processes shortly before a relapse.
Corticotropin Releasing Factor Binding Protein and CRF2 Receptors in the Ventral Tegmental Area: Modulation of Ethanol Binge Drinking in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Albrechet‐Souza Lucas , Hwa Lara S. , Han Xiao , Zhang Eric Y. , DeBold Joseph F. , Miczek Klaus A.
Published: August 2015

Background

Most studies with corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and ethanol (EtOH) consumption have focused on CRF type 1 (CRF1) receptors; less is known about other components of the CRF system, such as the CRF type 2 (CRF2) receptors and the CRF binding protein (CRFBP). In humans, several nucleotide polymorphisms in the CRFBP gene have been associated with EtOH abuse.

Methods

The role of the CRFBP within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) was investigated in C57BL/6J mice exposed to an EtOH binge drinking paradigm (drinking in the dark [DID]), or to a dependence‐producing drinking protocol (2‐bottle choice, intermittent access to alcohol [IAA]) for 4 weeks. Potential interactions between VTA CRFBP and CRF2 receptors on EtOH binge drinking were also assessed. Mice were microinjected with the CRFBP antagonist CRF fragment 6–33 (CRF6–33) into the VTA or CeA, or with the CRF2 antagonist astressin‐2B (A2B) alone or in combination with CRF6–33 into the VTA, and had access to 20% (w/v) EtOH for 4 hours (DID). Separate cohorts of mice received vehicle and doses of CRF6–33 into the VTA or CeA and had access to EtOH/water for 24 hours (IAA). Blood EtOH concentrations (BECs) were measured, and signs of withdrawal by handling‐induced convulsions were determined.

Results

Intra‐VTA CRF6–33 and A2B reduced EtOH intake dose dependently in mice during DID. Furthermore, a combination of a subeffective dose of CRF6–33 and a lower dose of A2B promoted additive effects in attenuating EtOH binge drinking. Intra‐VTA CRF6–33 did not affect EtOH consumption in mice given IAA, and intra‐CeA CRF6–33 did not change alcohol consumption in both models of drinking. DID and IAA promoted pharmacologically relevant BECs; however, only mice given IAA exhibited convulsive events during withdrawal.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that VTA CRFBP is involved in the initial stages of escalated EtOH drinking by mechanisms that may involve CRF2 receptors.
Alcohol Intoxication Impairs Mesopic Rod and Cone Temporal Processing in Social Drinkers
Authors: Zhuang Xiaohua , Kang Para , King Andrea , Cao Dingcai
Published: August 2015

Background

Alcohol‐related driving accidents and fatalities occur most frequently at nighttime and at dawn, that is, a mesopic lighting condition in which visual processing depends on both rod and cone photoreceptors. The temporal functions of the rod and cone pathways are critical for driving in this lighting condition. However, how alcohol influences the temporal functions in the rod and cone pathways at mesopic light levels is inconclusive. To address this, this study investigated whether an acute intoxicating dose of alcohol impairs rod‐ and/or cone‐mediated critical fusion frequency (CFF; the lowest frequency of which an intermittent or flickering light stimulus is perceived as steady).

Methods

In Experiment I, we measured the CFFs for 3 types of visual stimuli (rod stimulus alone, cone stimulus alone, and the mixture of both stimuli types), under 3 illuminant light levels (dim illuminance: 2 Td; low illuminance: 20 Td; and medium illuminance: 80 Td) in moderate–heavy social drinkers before and after they consumed an intoxicating dose of alcohol (0.8 g/kg) compared with a placebo beverage. In Experiment II, we examined whether the illuminance level (dark vs. light) of the visual area surrounding the test stimuli alters alcohol's effect on the temporal processing of rods and cones.

Results

The results showed that compared with placebo, alcohol significantly reduced CFFs of all stimulus types at all illuminance levels. Furthermore, alcohol intoxication produced a larger impairment on rod‐pathway‐mediated CFFs under light versus dark surround.

Conclusions

These results indicate that alcohol intake slows down rod and cone‐pathway‐mediated temporal processing. Further research may elucidate whether this effect may play a role in alcohol‐related injury and accidents, which often occur under low‐light conditions.
The role of inflammation in suicidal behaviour
Authors: Brundin L. , Erhardt S. , Bryleva E. Y. , Achtyes E. D. , Postolache T. T.
Published: August 2015

Objective

Over the past decade, clinical data have accumulated showing that inflammation might contribute to the pathophysiology of suicide. To evaluate the associations and to identify the support for pathways linking inflammatory processes with suicidal behaviour, a comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken.

Method

The search terms ‘cytokine’, ‘risk factors’, ‘kynurenine’, ‘asthma’, ‘allergy’, ‘autoimmunity’, ‘traumatic brain injury’, ‘infection’ along with the terms ‘inflammation’ and ‘suicide’ were entered into PubMed, and a thorough analysis of the publications and their reference lists was performed.

Results

The effects of inflammation on mood and behaviour could partially be mediated by kynurenine pathway metabolites, modulating neuroinflammation and glutamate neurotransmission. At the same time, the triggers of the inflammatory changes documented in suicidal patients may be attributed to diverse mechanisms such as autoimmunity, neurotropic pathogens, stress or traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

Targeting the inflammatory system might provide novel therapeutic approaches as well as potential biomarkers to identify patients at increased risk. For the goal of improved detection and treatment of suicidal individuals to be achieved, we need to develop a detailed understanding of the origin, mechanisms and outcomes of inflammation in suicidal behaviour.
Tree response and mountain pine beetle attack preference, reproduction and emergence timing in mixed whitebark and lodgepole pine stands
Authors: Bentz Barbara J. , Boone Celia , Raffa Kenneth F.
Published: August 2015

Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is an important disturbance agent in Pinus ecosystems of western North America, historically causing significant tree mortality. Most recorded outbreaks have occurred in mid elevation lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). In warm years, tree mortality also occurs at higher elevations in mixed species stands.

Mountain pine beetle's relative preference for and performance in Pinus species that either commonly or less frequently encounter this insect has received little direct testing. Further, knowledge of the relative proportions of secondary compounds, which can differ among Pinus species and play important roles in attack rates and outcomes, is important to understanding host suitability.

We monitored mountain pine beetle attacks, adult emergence timing and reproductive capacity in lodgepole and whitebark (Pinus albicaulis) pines growing in mixed stands at relatively high elevation. Phloem monoterpene chemistry of trees prior to and during attack was compared within and between species.

Although beetles attacked lodgepole pine more frequently, lodgepole pines also resisted attacks more frequently. Overall, there were equal numbers of lethal attacks between species. Brood production and adult emergence timing did not differ between tree species.

The relative composition of secondary compounds differed by tree species, although both species contained compounds that affect mountain pine beetle attack and reproductive success.
F12‐46C/T polymorphism as modifier of the clinical phenotype of hereditary angioedema
Authors: Speletas M. , Szilágyi Á. , Csuka D. , Koutsostathis N. , Psarros F. , Moldovan D. , Magerl M. , Kompoti M. , Varga L. , Maurer M. , Farkas H. , Germenis A. E.
Published: August 2015

The factors influencing the heterogeneous clinical manifestation of hereditary angioedema due to C1‐INH deficiency (C1‐INH‐HAE) represent one of the oldest unsolved problems of the disease. Considering that factor XII (FXII) levels may affect bradykinin production, we investigated the contribution of the functional promoter polymorphism F12‐46C/T in disease phenotype. We studied 258 C1‐INH‐HAE patients from 113 European families, and we explored possible associations of F12‐46C/T with clinical features and the SERPING1 mutational status. Given that our cohort consisted of related subjects, we implemented generalized estimating equations (GEEs), an extension of the generalized linear model accounting for the within‐subject correlation. F12‐46C/T carriers exhibited a significantly delayed disease onset (P < 0.001) and did not need long‐term treatment (P = 0.02). In a GEE linear regression model, the presence of F12‐46C/T was significantly associated with a 7‐year delay in disease onset (P < 0.0001) regardless of SERPING1 mutational status. It is concluded that F12‐46C/T carriage acts as an independent modifier of C1‐INH‐HAE severity.
Preoperative abdominal muscle elongation with botulinum toxin A for complex incisional ventral hernia repair
Authors: Farooque Faisal , Jacombs Anita S. W. , Roussos Emmanouel , Read John W. , Dardano Anthony N. , Edye Michael , Ibrahim Nabeel
Published: August 2015

Background

Surgical repair of recurrent abdominal incisional hernia(s) can be challenging due to complex operative conditions, intense post‐operative pain, potential respiratory compromise and lateral muscle traction predisposing to early recurrence. We report our preliminary results with botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection causing flaccid paralysis (relaxation) of the lateral abdominal wall muscles prior to surgery.

Methods

A prospective pilot study measured the effect of preoperative BTA prior to elective repair of recurrent abdominal hernias. Under ultrasound control, 2 weeks prior to surgery, 50 units of BTA was injected into the external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles at three sites on each side of the lateral abdominal wall (total dose 300 units). Pre‐ and post‐BTA abdominal computed tomography measured changes in abdominal wall muscle thickness and length. All hernias were repaired with laparoscopic or laparoscopic‐assisted mesh techniques in a single or two‐staged procedure.

Results

Eight patients received BTA injections which were tolerated with no complications. Post‐BTA preoperative computed tomography showed a significant increase in mean length of lateral abdominal wall from 18.5 cm pre‐BTA to 21.3 cm post‐BTA (P = 0.017) with a mean unstretched length gain of 2.8 cm per side (range 0.8–6.0 cm). All hernias were surgically reduced with mesh with no early recurrence.

Conclusion

Preoperative BTA injection prior to complex abdominal hernia repair is a safe procedure that causes flaccid relaxation, elongation and thinning of the lateral abdominal muscles and decrease in hernia defect. Although further evaluation is required, BTA injections may be a useful adjunct to surgical repair of complex incisional hernias.
The clinical presentation of acute bacterial meningitis varies with age, sex and duration of illness
Authors: Johansson Kostenniemi Urban , Norman David , Borgström Malin , Silfverdal Sven Arne
Published: August 2015

Aim

This Swedish study reviewed differences in clinical presentation and laboratory findings of acute bacterial meningitis in children aged one month to 17 years in Västerbotten County, Sweden.

Methods

A register‐based study was performed for the period 1986 to 2013 using the Västerbotten County Council's patient registration and laboratory records at the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Umeå University Hospital. The medical records were reviewed to extract data and confirm the diagnosis.

Results

We found 103 cases of acute bacterial meningitis, and Haemophilus influenzae was the most common pathogen, causing 40.8% of all cases, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae at 30.1% and Neisseria meningitidis at 9.7%. Significant differences in clinical presentation and laboratory findings were found. Younger children were more unwell than older ones and had more diffuse symptoms on admission. In addition, important sex‐related differences were found that might explain the higher case fatality rates for boys than girls. For example, boys tended to have a higher disturbance in the blood–brain barrier, which is known to be a negative prognostic factor.

Conclusion

This study showed that clinical presentation for acute bacterial meningitis varied with age and sex and, to a lesser extent, on the duration of the illness.
The mouth apparatus of Lithodes maja (Crustacea: Decapoda) – form, function and biological role
Authors: Jaszkowiak Katja , Keiler Jonas , Wirkner Christian S. , Richter Stefan
Published: August 2015

Being able to utilize many different food resources is probably an important aspect of the success of decapod crustaceans which fill a wide range of various ecological niches worldwide. The phenomenon is facilitated by the complex mouth apparatus found in this group, whose representatives possess six pairs of mouthparts– mandibles, maxillae 1, and maxillae 2 and three maxillipeds, the first three pairs of thoracic appendages which are also specialized to food manipulation. These six pairs are able to perform a number of movements for transporting, aligning, crushing and cutting. Studies into the functional morphology of mouthparts have already been carried out in some decapod species. This study focuses on Lithodes maja, a species of the hitherto understudied king crabs (Lithodidae), chosen on the grounds of their remarkable evolutionary history as ‘derived hermit crabs’. Individuals were filmed while being presented with different kinds of food. To obtain structural information on the individual mouthpart elements as naturally arranged in relation to one another, the shape of the mouthparts was 3D‐reconstructed from micro‐CT scans. These data were complemented by scanning electron microscopy, to analyse the surface structures in detail. There is evidence that the various elements of the mouthparts of L. maja can be sorted into six functional groups: (i) transporting mouthpart elements, (ii) aligning/sorting mouthpart elements, (iii) clutching/holding mouthpart elements, (iv) tearing/cutting/crushing mouthpart elements, (v) current‐generating mouthpart elements and (vi) grooming mouthpart elements. According to our 3D reconstruction, there only seem to be minor differences in morphology and relative position between the mouthparts of L. maja and those of the closely related species, Pagurus bernhardus.
Late‐onset recurrent mania as a manifestation of Wallenberg syndrome: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Das Piyush , Chopra Amit , Rai Abhishek , Kuppuswamy Preetha Sharone
Published: August 2015

Objective

The aim of the present case report was to describe the late onset of recurrent mania in a patient after ischemic injury to the cerebellum and dorsolateral medulla.

Methods

We studied an 86‐year‐old male with no prior psychiatric history who developed recurrent episodes of mania following a brain stroke. Additionally, he had neurological symptom constellation typical of Wallenberg syndrome.

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed infarction in the inferomedial right cerebellar hemisphere and the right dorsolateral medulla in the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) distribution. He was successfully managed with a combination of antipsychotic and mood‐stabilizer medications.

Conclusions

Post‐stroke mania may be one of the rare manifestations of Wallenberg syndrome. This case adds to the emerging literature on cerebellar involvement in mood regulation and pathology of mania.
Abnormal gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors in the lymphocytes of patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Pandey Ghanshyam N , Ren Xinguo , Rizavi Hooriyah S , Zhang Hui
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Abnormalities of protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines and their soluble receptors have been reported in plasma of patients with bipolar disorder (BP). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the mRNA expression of membrane‐bound receptors for proinflammatory cytokines will be altered in the lymphocytes of patients with BP.

Methods

We determined protein and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and mRNA expression of their receptors in the lymphocytes from 29 drug‐free, hospitalized patients with BP and 30 drug‐free normal control subjects. The subjects were diagnosed according to DSM‐IV criteria. Plasma protein levels of cytokines were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); mRNA levels in lymphocytes were determined by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method.

Results

We found that mean mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and their receptors TNFR1, IL‐1R1, and the antagonist IL‐1RA were significantly higher in the lymphocytes of patients with BP compared with normal controls.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the observed abnormalities of membrane‐bound cytokine receptors may alter the functional response of cytokines in BP and that the mRNA levels of these receptors could be a potential biomarker.
New Tacrine Hybrids with Natural‐Based Cysteine Derivatives as Multitargeted Drugs for Potential Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Keri Rangappa S. , Quintanova Catarina , Chaves Sílvia , Silva Diana F. , Cardoso Sandra M. , Santos M. Amélia
Published: August 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating age‐dependent neurodegenerative disorder. The main hallmarks are impairment of cholinergic system and accumulation in brain of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) aggregates, which have been associated with oxidative damage and dyshomeostasis of redox‐active biometals. The absence of an efficient treatment that could delay or cure AD has been attributed to the complexity and multifactorial nature of this disease. With this in mind and the recent interest on natural‐based drugs, we have explored a set of natural‐based hybrid compounds by conjugation of a tacrine moiety with an S‐allylcysteine (garlic constituent) or S‐propargylcysteine moiety aimed at improving the cholinergic system and neuroprotective capacity. The docking modeling studies allowed the selection of linkers to optimize the bimodal drug interaction with acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) active site. The compounds were evaluated for some representative biological properties, including AChE activity and Aβ aggregation inhibition, as well as for their neuroprotective activity to Aβ‐ and ROS‐induced cellular toxicity. The most promising results were achieved by compounds 9d for the AChE inhibition and 9l for the remarkable prevention of superoxide production and Aβ‐induced cellular toxicity.
An Evaluation of the Effect of Child‐Directed Television Food Advertising Regulation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Silva Andres , Higgins Lindsey M. , Hussein Mohamud
Published: August 2015

Faced with increasing rates of childhood obesity, the U.K. government has recently introduced stricter regulations to reduce children's exposure to advertising of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). The purpose of our paper is to quantify the impact of HFSS regulations on household expenditures in the three sequential “phases” that reflect the evolution of the U.K. regulatory regime: a period of no regulation, a period of voluntary self‐regulation at company level, and the current coregulation implemented by the industry code of practice. Results suggest that coregulation is the only regulatory mechanism that leads to a significant reduction in advertising expenditures. The reduction in total advertising of £11.4 million is composed of an £15.2 million decrease in television (TV) HFSS advertising expenditures. This decline in TV advertising is partially compensated by other media, which translates to a change in household HFSS food and drink expenditures. However, self‐regulation and coregulation lead to reduction on HFSS expenditure. As a result of regulation, households without children decrease HFSS drink expenditures by £5.2 per capita (per quarter), while households with children decrease per capita HFSS food expenditures by £14.9 and HFSS drink expenditures by £5.6 (per quarter).
Disrupted Topological Organization of Resting‐State Functional Brain Network in Subcortical Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yi Li‐Ye , Liang Xia , Liu Da‐Ming , Sun Bo , Ying Sun , Yang Dong‐Bo , Li Qing‐Bin , Jiang Chuan‐Lu , Han Ying
Published: August 2015

Aims

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated both structural and functional abnormalities in widespread brain regions in patients with subcortical vascular mild cognitive impairment (svMCI). However, whether and how these changes alter functional brain network organization remains largely unknown.

Methods

We recruited 21 patients with svMCI and 26 healthy control (HC) subjects who underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. Graph theory‐based network analyses were used to investigate alterations in the topological organization of functional brain networks.

Results

Compared with the HC individuals, the patients with svMCI showed disrupted global network topology with significantly increased path length and modularity. Modular structure was also impaired in the svMCI patients with a notable rearrangement of the executive control module, where the parietal regions were split out and grouped as a separate module. The svMCI patients also revealed deficits in the intra‐ and/or intermodule connectivity of several brain regions. Specifically, the within‐module degree was decreased in the middle cingulate gyrus while it was increased in the left anterior insula, medial prefrontal cortex and cuneus. Additionally, increased intermodule connectivity was observed in the inferior and superior parietal gyrus, which was associated with worse cognitive performance in the svMCI patients.

Conclusion

Together, our results indicate that svMCI patients exhibit dysregulation of the topological organization of functional brain networks, which has important implications for understanding the pathophysiological mechanism of svMCI.
NF‐κB Signaling is Involved in the Effects of Intranasally Engrafted Human Neural Stem Cells on Neurofunctional Improvements in Neonatal Rat Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Ji Gang , Liu Ming , Zhao Xiong‐Fei , Liu Xiao‐Yan , Guo Qi‐Lin , Guan Zhu‐Fei , Zhou Hou‐Guang , Guo Jing‐Chun
Published: August 2015

Aim

Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common neurological disease in infants with persistent neurobehavioral impairments. Studies found that neural stem cell (NSC) therapy benefits HIE rats; however, the mechanisms underlying are still unclear. The current study investigated the efficacy and molecular events of human embryonic neural stem cells (hNSCs) in neonatal hypoxic–ischemic (HI) rats.

Methods

PKH‐26‐labeled hNSCs were intranasally delivered to P7 Sprague Dawley rats 24 h after HI. Neurobehavioral tests were performed at the indicated time after delivery: righting reflex and gait testing at D1, 3, 5, and 7; grid walking at D7 and 14; social choice test (SCT) at D28; and Morris water maze from D35 to 40. Protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. Brain damage was assessed by cresyl violet staining and MBP staining. hNSC distribution and differentiation were observed by in vivo bioluminescence imaging and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

(1) hNSCs migrated extensively into brain areas within 24 h after the delivery, survived even at D42 with the majority in ipsi‐hemisphere, and could be co‐labeled with NeuN or GFAP. (2) hNSCs reduced the upregulation in cytosolic IL‐1β, p‐IκBα, and NF‐κB p65 levels, whereas enhanced nuclear p65 expression in HI rats at D3 after the delivery. (3) hNSCs decreased HI‐induced brain tissue loss and white matter injury at D42 after the delivery. (4) hNSCs improved neurological outcomes in HI rats in the tests of righting reflex (within 3 days), gait (D5), grid (D7), SCT (D28), and water maze (D42).

Conclusion

Intranasal delivery of hNSCs could prevent HI‐induced brain injury and improve neurobehavioral outcomes in neonatal HI rats, which is possibly related to the modulation of NF‐κB signaling.
Transanal anorectal stricturoplasty using the Heineke–Mikulicz principle: a novel technique
Authors: Lee S. W. , Niec R. , Melnitchouk N. , Samdani T.
Published: August 2015

Aim

Current surgical options for the treatment of rectal stricture are either technically difficult or result in a high rate of recurrence. We describe the results of a simple and potentially effective technique of transanal stricturoplasty using the Heineke–Mikulicz principle.

Method

The medical records and a prospectively maintained database of patients with rectal stricture were searched. Those who underwent transanal stricturoplasty for an anorectal stricture from 2007 to 2013 were studied retrospectively. Morbidity, length of hospital stay and the rates of success and recurrence were recorded.

Results

Fifteen patients with a symptomatic rectal stricture who failed dilatation underwent transanal stricturoplasty. The types of stricture included strictures in Crohn's disease (n = 7) and anastomotic stricture after stapled ileoanal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis (n = 4), after stapled hemorrhoidopexy (n = 3) and after low anterior resection for rectal cancer (n =1). The median (range) distance of the stricture from the dentate line was 4 (0–6) cm. Recurrence of symptoms after anal dilatation occurred at a median of 3 (1–4) weeks. The median follow up after transanal stricturoplasty was 21 (6–88) months. Two patients had symptomatic recurrence at 12 months and both underwent a repeat transanal stricturoplasty, resulting in persistent patency of the strictured area at the time of the last follow up, 10 and 26 months, respectively, after repeat transanal stricturoplasty. The remaining 13 had a satisfactory result.

Conclusion

Despite the retrospective nature of this report and the small sample size and short follow up, the results strongly suggest that transanal Heineke–Mikulicz‐type stricturoplasty is a promising treatment for this important condition. This operation is easy to perform and may result in success.
Safety, efficacy and glucose turnover of reduced prandial boluses during closed‐loop therapy in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elleri D. , Biagioni M. , Allen J. M. , Kumareswaran K. , Leelarathna L. , Caldwell K. , Nodale M. , Wilinska M. E. , Haidar A. , Calhoun P. , Kollman C. , Jackson N. C. , Umpleby A. M. , Acerini C. L. , Dunger D. B. , Hovorka R.
Published: August 2015

Aims

To evaluate safety, efficacy and glucose turnover during closed‐loop with meal announcement using reduced prandial insulin boluses in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

We conducted a randomized crossover study comparing closed‐loop therapy with standard prandial insulin boluses versus closed‐loop therapy with prandial boluses reduced by 25%. Eight adolescents with T1D [3 males; mean (standard deviation) age 15.9 (1.5) years, glycated haemoglobin 74 (17) mmol/mol; median (interquartile range) total daily dose 0.9 (0.7, 1.1) IU/kg/day] were studied on two 36‐h‐long visits. In random order, subjects received closed‐loop therapy with either standard or reduced insulin boluses administered with main meals (50–80 g carbohydrates) but not with snacks (15–30 g carbohydrates). Stable‐label tracer dilution methodology measured total glucose appearance (Ra_total) and glucose disposal (Rd).

Results

The median (interquartile range) time spent in target (3.9–10 mmol/l) was similar between the two interventions [74 (66, 84)% vs 80 (65, 96)%; p = 0.87] as was time spent above 10 mmol/l [21.8 (16.3, 33.5)% vs 18.0 (4.1, 34.2)%; p = 0.87] and below 3.9 mmol/l [0 (0, 1.5)% vs 0 (0, 1.8)%; p = 0.88]. Mean plasma glucose was identical during the two interventions [8.4 (0.9) mmol/l; p = 0.98]. Hypoglycaemia occurred once 1.5 h post‐meal during closed‐loop therapy with standard bolus. Overall insulin delivery was lower with reduced prandial boluses [61.9 (55.2, 75.0) vs 72.5 (63.6, 80.3) IU; p = 0.01] and resulted in lower mean plasma insulin concentration [186 (171, 260) vs 252 (198, 336) pmol/l; p = 0.002]. Lower plasma insulin was also documented overnight [160 (136, 192) vs 191 (133, 252) pmol/l; p = 0.01, pooled nights]. Ra_total was similar [26.3 (21.9, 28.0) vs 25.4 (21.0, 29.2) µmol/kg/min; p = 0.19] during the two interventions as was Rd [25.8 (21.0, 26.9) vs 25.2 (21.2, 28.8) µmol/kg/min; p = 0.46].

Conclusions

A 25% reduction in prandial boluses during closed‐loop therapy maintains similar glucose control in adolescents with T1D whilst lowering overall plasma insulin levels. It remains unclear whether closed‐loop therapy with a 25% reduction in prandial boluses would prevent postprandial hypoglycaemia.
Incremental Utility of Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography for the Assessment of Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture Location, Orifice Geometry, and Complex Intracardiac Flow
Authors: Avsar Sahin , Keskin Muhammed , Velibey Yalcin , Kemaloglu Oz Tugba , Guvenc Tolga S. , Guzelburc Ozge , Bozbay Mehmet
Published: August 2015

Mini‐Abstract

We present a patient with acute left ventricular free wall rupture and pseudoaneurysm formation after myocardial infarction. We review the accuracy and incremental utility of real time handheld 3‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for the assessment of left ventricular rupture location, orifice geometry, and complex intracardiac flow.
Left Ventricular Side Obstructive Pannus Formation after Rheumatic Mitral Valve Replacement with Preservation of the Subvalvular Apparatus
Authors: Kalçık Macit , Yesin Mahmut , Gündüz Sabahattin , Gürsoy Mustafa Ozan , Bayam Emrah , Özkan Mehmet
Published: August 2015

Mini Abstract

The preservation of the subvalvular apparatus (SVA) during mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery due to rheumatic valve disease remains controversial. The presence of intense fibrosis and calcification in rheumatic valves may promote impingement of the pannus tissue on the prosthesis and cause obstruction of the mitral inflow tract. Here we present an obstructive left ventricular side mitral pannus tissue image in a patient who had undergone rheumatic MVR with the preservation of SVA.
Assessing the role of large herbivores in the structuring and functioning of freshwater and marine angiosperm ecosystems
Authors: Bakker Elisabeth S. , Pagès Jordi F. , Arthur Rohan , Alcoverro Teresa
Published: August 2015

While large herbivores can have strong impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, much less is known of their role in aquatic systems. We reviewed the literature to determine: 1) which large herbivores (> 10 kg) have a (semi‐)aquatic lifestyle and are important consumers of submerged vascular plants, 2) their impact on submerged plant abundance and species composition, and 3) their ecosystem functions.

We grouped herbivores according to diet, habitat selection and movement ecology: 1) Fully aquatic species, either resident or migratory (manatees, dugongs, turtles), 2) Semi‐aquatic species that live both in water and on land, either resident or migratory (swans), 3) Resident semi‐aquatic species that live in water and forage mainly on land (hippopotamuses, beavers, capybara), 4) Resident terrestrial species with relatively large home ranges that frequent aquatic habitats (cervids, water buffalo, lowland tapir).

Fully aquatic species and swans have the strongest impact on submerged plant abundance and species composition. They may maintain grazing lawns. Because they sometimes target belowground parts, their activity can result in local collapse of plant beds. Semi‐aquatic species and turtles serve as important aquatic–terrestrial linkages, by transporting nutrients across ecosystem boundaries. Hippopotamuses and beavers are important geomorphological engineers, capable of altering the land and hydrology at landscape scales. Migratory species and terrestrial species with large home ranges are potentially important dispersal vectors of plant propagules and nutrients. Clearly, large aquatic herbivores have strong impacts on associated species and can be critical ecosystem engineers of aquatic systems, with the ability to modify direct and indirect functional pathways in ecosystems. While global populations of large aquatic herbivores are declining, some show remarkable local recoveries with dramatic consequences for the systems they inhabit. A better understanding of these functional roles will help set priorities for the effective management of large aquatic herbivores along with the plant habitats they rely on.
The Effects of Founder and Family Ownership on Hired CEOs’ Incentives and Firm Performance
Authors: Jaskiewicz Peter , Block Joern H. , Combs James G. , Miller Danny
Published: August 2015

Although large owners monitor managers effectively, they differ in important ways. Whereas founder owners focus on firm performance, family owners also pursue socioemotional goals. We leverage this distinction to theorize that family owners offer hired CEOs more incentive pay—to attract nonfamily CEOs, signal good governance, and achieve better firm performance. Without socioemotional wealth distractions, founder owners do not need high incentives and overusing them is counterproductive. Bayesian regressions using a panel of 335 S&P 500 firms support our theory. A key implication is that founder and family owners approach governance differently and these differences affect firm performance.
Morbidity and mortality associated with a Standardbred yearling sale
Authors: Weese J. S.
Published: August 2015

In the 2‐week period following a Standardbred yearling sale, 5 horses from the sale died or were subjected to euthanasia. Three were confirmed as equine herpesvirus type 1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM), while EHM was suspected in 2. Clinical abnormalities were reported in 77 of 177 (43.5%) other yearlings during the 14‐day period after the sale; however, no diagnostic testing was performed. Eleven secondary cases of suspected EHM in horses in contact with yearlings purchased at the sale were identified. No cases of EHM were identified associated with the same sale in 2003; however, there was no difference in morbidity with clinical abnormalities reported in 39/96 (41%) horses sold that year (P = 0.70). Yearling sales have an inherent risk of pathogen exposure and illness is common in purchased horses. Disease in these horses could have been associated with a wide range of respiratory pathogens; however, the incidence of confirmed or suspected primary and secondary EHM cases associated with the 2002 yearling sale highlight the potential for significant outbreaks of disease.
Biochemical characterization and selective inhibition of β‐carotene cis–trans isomerase D27 and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase CCD8 on the strigolactone biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Harrison Peter J. , Newgas Sophie A. , Descombes Flora , Shepherd Sarah A. , Thompson Andrew J. , Bugg Timothy D. H.
Published: August 2015

The first three enzymatic steps of the strigolactone biosynthetic pathway catalysed by β‐carotene cis–trans isomerase Dwarf27 (D27) from Oryza sativa and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases CCD7 and CCD8 from Arabidopsis thaliana have been reconstituted in vitro, and kinetic assays have been developed for each enzyme, in order to develop selective enzyme inhibitors. Recombinant OsD27 shows a UV‐visible λmax at 422 nm and is inactivated by silver(I) acetate, consistent with the presence of an iron–sulfur cluster that is used in catalysis. OsD27 and AtCCD7 are not inhibited by hydroxamic acids that cause shoot branching in planta, but OsD27 is partially inhibited by terpene‐like hydroxamic acids. The reaction catalysed by AtCCD8 is shown to be a two‐step kinetic mechanism using pre‐steady‐state kinetic analysis. Kinetic evidence is presented for acid–base catalysis in the CCD8 catalytic cycle and the existence of an essential cysteine residue in the CCD8 active site. AtCCD8 is inhibited in a time‐dependent fashion by hydroxamic acids D2, D4, D5 and D6 (> 95% inhibition at 100 μm) that cause a shoot branching phenotype in A. thaliana, and selective inhibition of CCD8 is observed using hydroxamic acids D13H and D15 (82%, 71% inhibition at 10 μm). The enzyme inhibition data imply that the biochemical basis of the shoot branching phenotype is due to inhibition of CCD8.
Effect of thrombus aspiration on postprocedural outcomes in elderly patients with acute ST‐elevation myocardial ınfarction
Authors: Emre Ender , Ural Ertan , Kahraman Göksel , Bildirici Ulas , Kilic Teoman , Bozyel Serdar , Onuk Raşik , Akbulut Tayyar , Ural Dilek
Published: August 2015

Aim

The effects of thrombus aspiration (TA) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been evaluated in several studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate postprocedural outcomes in elderly STEMI patients who have a tendency for vasoconstruction and decreased coronary flow reserve.

Methods

A total of 124 patients (aged ≥65 years) with STEMI who underwent primary PCI (71.2% men, 29.8% women, mean age 74 ± 7 years) were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to intervention with and without TA. Acute angiographic, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic results were compared between the two groups.

Results

TA was carried out in 42 patients (33.8%). Baseline clinical characteristics and predischarge echocardiographic features did not differ between TA(+) and TA(–) patients (ejection fraction 37.26 ± 8.91 vs 38.53 ± 11.18, P = 0.558, wall motion index 1.69 ± 0.38 vs 1.76 ± 0.37, P = 0.316, septal E′ 0.058 ± 0.022 vs 0.053 ± 0.015, P = 0.267, E/E′ 11.82 ± 4.30 vs 13.12 ± 5.09, P = 0.370). Acute angiographic and electrocardiographic results did not differ between the two groups, but were slightly better in the thrombectomy group than those without TA corrected TIMI frame count (31.63 ± 16.33 vs 34.97 ± 15.81, P = 0.197, TIMI‐3 88.1% vs 79.3%, P = 0.223, ST segment resolution 81.3% vs 70.3%, P = 0.250).

Conclusions

Thrombectomy during primary PCI has no effect on postprocedural outcomes in an elderly group with STEMI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.