bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Works in Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation
Authors: Weisburd David , Farrington David P. , Gill Charlotte ,   With Mimi Ajzenstadt, Trevor Bennett, Kate Bowers, Michael S. Caudy, Katy Holloway, Shane Johnson, Friedrich Lösel, Jacqueline Mallender, Amanda Perry, Liansheng Larry Tang, Faye Taxman, Cody Telep, Rory Tierney, Maria M. Ttofi, Carolyn Watson, David B. Wilson, and Alese Wooditch
Published: May 2017

Research Summary

Just four decades ago, the predominant narrative in crime prevention and rehabilitation was that nothing works. Since that time, criminologists have accumulated a wide body of evidence about programs and practices in systematic reviews. In this article, we summarize what is known in seven broad criminal justice areas by drawing on 118 systematic reviews. Although not everything works, through our “review of reviews,” we provide persuasive evidence of the effectiveness of programs, policies, and practices across a variety of intervention areas.

Policy Implications

It is time to abandon the idea that “nothing works,” not only in corrections but also in developmental, community, and situational prevention; sentencing; policing; and drug treatment. Nevertheless, key gaps remain in our knowledge base. The results of systematic reviews should provide more specific guidance to practitioners. In many areas few randomized evaluations have been conducted. Finally, researchers, through their studies and systematic reviews, must pay more attention to cost–benefit analysis, qualitative research, and descriptive validity.
Overlapping Hot Spots?
Authors: Haberman Cory P.
Published: May 2017

Research Summary

In this study, the extent to which hot spots of different crime types overlapped spatially in Philadelphia, PA, were examined. Multiple techniques were used to identify crime hot spots for 11 different crime types. Univariate and bivariate statistics also were used to quantify the extent to which hot spots across the 11 crime types overlapped spatially. Hot spots of different crime types were not found to overlap much.

Policy Implications

The results raise concerns regarding the resource efficiency of hot‐spots policing for addressing all crime types. Police commanders will need to consider how the extent to which hot spots overlap in their jurisdiction should be incorporated into their strategic plans to meet their organizational goals. Furthermore, if police departments plan to use hot‐spots policing to address all crime types, then many local criminal justice systems would need an infusion of resources.
Baseline dimensional psychopathology and future mood disorder onset: findings from the Dutch Bipolar Offspring Study
Authors: Mesman E. , Nolen W. A. , Keijsers L. , Hillegers M. H. J.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To identify the early signs of mood disorder development, specifically bipolar disorder (BD), in a population at familial risk for BD.

Method

The sample included 107 Dutch adolescent bipolar offspring (age 12–21) followed into adulthood (age 22–32). Lifetime DSM‐IV axis I diagnoses were examined at baseline, 1‐, 5‐, and 12‐ year follow‐up. Symptoms were assessed at baseline on a 3‐point Likert scale at baseline with the K‐SADS‐PL and were analyzed using symptom and sum scores. As observed in previous studies, BD typically starts with other mood disorders. Therefore, the sample was stratified in offspring with a mood diagnosis (n = 29) and without (n = 78) at baseline.

Results

Subthreshold manic experiences proved the strongest predictor of BD conversion (n = 10; HR2.16, CI95% 1.23–3.78). At symptom level, elated mood, decreased need of sleep, racing thoughts, suicidal ideation, and middle insomnia were significantly associated with BD conversion. Depressive symptoms proved the strongest predictor for first mood episode onset (n = 28; HR1.27, CI95% 1.02–1.58).

Conclusion

This study extends our knowledge of prodromal manifestations of BD in a high‐risk population. Although preliminary, findings of this study provide potential targets for early identification and underscore the importance of detailed assessment of manic symptomatology in bipolar offspring.
Separating effects of species identity and species richness on predation, pathogen dissemination and resistance to invasive species in tropical ant communities
Authors: Rizali Akhmad , Tscharntke Teja , Buchori Damayanti , Clough Yann
Published: May 2017

Ants are abundant in natural and managed tropical ecosystems and can have an impact on herbivorous arthropods, as well as plant pathogens. Although it has been shown for plants that the diversity of communities can result in improved ecosystem functioning, it remains uncertain how the species richness of ants affects multiple ecosystem services and disservices.

In the present study, we used experimentally enhanced natural gradients in ant species richness on 100 cacao trees in a plantation aiming to analyze the effect of ant species identity and species richness on predation pressure and the incidence of cacao pod borer (CPB), as well as the spread of black pod disease (BPD).

Ant species richness did not significantly improve predation of experimentally exposed insects, and was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of CPB. However, the incidence of BPD was higher in ant species rich trees, presumably because more ant species were pathogen vectors. The identity of the dominant ant species affected the incidence of CPB and BPD, as well as predation pressure.

Although both ant species richness and identity affected ecosystem services and disservices delivered by the ant community, the results of the present study suggest that the identity of dominant ants is the main driver for ecosystem services in these systems.
Testicular Structure and Seminal Pathway in the Yellowtail Tetra Astyanax altiparanae (Characiforms: Characidae)
Authors: de Siqueira‐Silva D. H. , Dos Santos‐Silva A. P. , Bashiyo‐Silva C. , Rodrigues M. S. , Vicentini C. A. , Ninhaus‐Silveira A. , Veríssimo‐Silveira R.
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to describe testicular and its main ducts structure in the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae, contributing to the knowledge of the region in which semen is produced, storage and released, focusing mainly on the dynamic of germinal epithelium and Sertoli cells during germ cell maturation. Ten sexually mature male A. altiparanae had their testes processed according to the routine protocols to optical microscopy. Moreover, spermatic ducts and tubular compartment of the testes of three specimens were perfused with vinyl resin for gross anatomy and scanning electron microscopy. Astyanax altiparanae testes are paired organs, separated for most of their extension, joining posteriorly in a spermatic duct formed by a squamous simple epithelium. Seminiferous compartment presents anastomosing tubular type organisation, and spermatogonia spread along its extent. Spermatogenesis is of cystic type, and there is no main testicular duct. Spermatogenesis develops in ‘waves’, from posterior to anterior part of the gonad. Thus, while sperm is storage posteriorly, spermatogenesis keeps maturing germ cells anteriorly, making the germinal epithelium very dynamic, holding Sertoli cells that change their function as a cystic envelope to produce secretions of the seminal fluid and store sperm. Such kind of development is thought to be responsible by the high prolificacy of this species.
Response of the waterbird community to floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) cover at Ngamo dam, Antelope Park, Zimbabwe.
Authors: Simbanegavi Tafadzwa T. , Ndagurwa Hilton G. T. , Mundava Josphine , Mundy Peter J.
Published: May 2017

Little is known on the influence of invasive aquatic weeds on afro‐tropical waterbird communities. We used bird counts in sites of varying floating pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides cover to explore the relationship between the weed and the waterbird community dynamics at Ngamo dam, Antelope Park, Zimbabwe. Waterbird communities in low‐to‐medium weed cover sites were more diverse and abundant compared to sites of high weed cover. In addition to supporting birds such as African Jacana which are able to forage within dense aquatic plants, high weed cover sites were associated with birds whose diets include invertebrates and fish which are likely more abundant and diverse in these sites. In contrast, low‐to‐medium weed cover sites were associated with bird species such as Common Moorhen, Great Egret, Pied Kingfisher and African Fish Eagle which require accessible open water and forage for diving, swimming or wading. The increased bird abundance in low‐to‐medium weed cover sites also likely increases prey for predatory birds. Thus, the negative changes in the waterbird community composition, abundance and diversity in response to increasing floating pennywort cover reflects species‐specific tolerances to floating pennywort and its influence on accessible open water, foraging sites and prey availability.
Is there genetic connectivity among the critically endangered White‐winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) populations from South Africa and Ethiopia?
Authors: Dalton Desire L. , Smit‐Robinson Hanneline A. , Vermaak Elaine , Jarvis Erin , Kotze Antoinette
Published: May 2017

The White‐winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) is known to occur in the highland marshes of Ethiopia, as well as almost 4000 km in South Africa. The White‐winged Flufftail is listed globally as Critically Endangered. In South Africa the population is estimated to be <50 birds. These birds are severely threatened by habitat destruction. Thus far, no genetic studies have been conducted on S. ayresi to confirm genetic connectivity between the South African and Ethiopian populations. In this study, analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear markers was conducted for White‐winged Flufftail samples from South African and Ethiopian birds, as well as Red‐chested Flufftail (Sarothrura rufa) for species comparison. Analyses of the DNA regions identified three variations between the two populations, supporting the hypothesis that these two populations are not different species or subspecies but are rather one migrating population with different seasonal occupied ranges. However, these results do not exclude the possibility of additional breeding and nonbreeding sites. Low genetic diversity in the populations of White‐winged Flufftails was observed, which needs to be further elucidated with fast evolving co‐dominant markers such as microsatellites, as this low diversity may ultimately contribute to the extinction of the species.
Faunistic data and biogeography of terrestrial isopods from Tunisian wetlands
Authors: Khemaissia Hajer , Jelassi Raja , Souty‐Grosset Catherine , Nasri‐Ammar Karima
Published: May 2017

In Tunisia, while wetlands are considered as remarkable habitats for their faunal and floral diversity, few studies on the biogeography and the diversity of terrestrial isopods were performed. To fill this gap, we carried out a field study in the supralittoral zone of 146 Tunisian wetlands belonging to eight types (lagoon, river, lake, sebkha, dam, hill reservoir, beach and chott) and to five bioclimatic zones (humid, subhumid, semi‐arid, arid and Saharan). Field work was carried out in spring 2010. Terrestrial isopods were collected in the morning by hand search each time with the same sampling effort. During the study, 22 species of terrestrial isopods belonging to nine families were collected. Porcellio variabilis, Porcellio laevis, Chaetophiloscia elongata and Armadillidium pelagicum are the most common species identified. From the northern to the southern regions, a gradual decrease in species richness has been shown. The identified species belonged to different biogeographical categories: Mediterranean, Mediterranean‐Atlantic, North Africa with circum‐Sicilian islands, semi‐arid and Saharan species. Some of these species are endemic to Tunisia (Porcellio dominici) or to North Africa (Armadillidium sulcatum, Armadillidium tunisiense, Porcellio marginenotatus and P. variabilis). Terrestrial isopod species differ according to wetland type and bioclimatic zone.
Patterns of anaphylaxis after diagnostic workup: A follow‐up study of 226 patients with suspected anaphylaxis
Authors: Oropeza A. Ruiz , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Broesby‐Olsen S. , Kristensen T. , Møller M. B. , Vestergaard H. , Kjaer H. F. , Halken S. , Lassen A. , Mortz C. G.
Published: May 2017

Background

Most published studies on anaphylaxis are retrospective or register based. Data on subsequent diagnostic workup are sparse. We aimed to characterize patients seen with suspected anaphylaxis at the emergency care setting (ECS), after subsequent diagnostic workup at our Allergy Center (AC).

Methods

Prospective study including patients from the ECS, Odense University Hospital, during May 2013‐April 2014. Possible anaphylaxis cases were daily identified based on a broad search profile including history and symptoms in patient records, diagnostic codes and pharmacological treatments. At the AC, all patients were evaluated according to international guidelines.

Results

Among 226 patients with suspected anaphylaxis, the diagnosis was confirmed in 124 (54.9%) after diagnostic workup; 118 of the 124 fulfilled WAO/EAACI criteria of anaphylaxis at the ECS, while six were found among 46 patients with clinical suspicion but not fulfilling the WAO/EAACI criteria at the ECS. The estimated incidence rate of anaphylaxis was 26 cases per 100 000 person‐years and the one‐year period prevalence was 0.04%. The most common elicitor was drugs (41.1%) followed by venom (27.4%) and food (20.6%). In 13 patients (10.5%), no elicitor could be identified. Mastocytosis was diagnosed in 7.7% of adult patients and was significantly associated with severe anaphylaxis. Atopic diseases were significantly associated only with food‐induced anaphylaxis. Cofactors were present in 58.1% and were significantly associated with severe anaphylaxis.

Conclusion

A broad search profile in the ECS and subsequent diagnostic workup is important for identification and classification of patients with anaphylaxis. Evaluation of comorbidities and cofactors is important.
Changes in patient quality of life during oral immunotherapy for food allergy
Authors: Rigbi N. Epstein , Goldberg M. R. , Levy M. B. , Nachshon L. , Golobov K. , Elizur A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Quality of life (QOL) is impaired in patients with food allergy and improves following oral immunotherapy (OIT). However, the treatment itself is prolonged and demanding. We examined changes in patient QOL during OIT for food allergy.

Methods

The FAQLQ‐PF was administered to children aged 4‐12 years undergoing OIT for milk, peanut, or egg allergy, at the beginning and after 4 months of treatment. Patients were categorized as improved, unchanged, or diminished FAQLQ‐PF (>0.5 point decrease, a change of ≤0.5 points, or >0.5 increase, respectively) and compared. Food‐allergic patients not undergoing OIT served as controls.

Results

The Food Anxiety, Social and Dietary Limitation, and total FAQLQ‐PF scores improved significantly during the study period (P=.001, P=.018, and P=.01, respectively) in treated but not in control patients, while the Emotional Impact did not. The change in the FAQLQ‐PF was independent of the maximal tolerated dose at baseline or following four months of treatment, the pace of dose increase, or the number or severity of reactions experienced. The total FAQLQ‐PF score was inversely associated with the score at baseline on multivariate analysis (regression coefficient=−0.56, P<.001). That was driven primarily by improvement in QOL scores in patients with high score (worse QOL) at baseline. Some patients with low FAQLQ‐PF score (better QOL) at baseline deteriorated.

Conclusions

QOL of patients with food allergy improves in some but deteriorates in others during OIT. Patients with impaired QOL at baseline improve significantly despite the treatment burden. Some patients with better QOL at baseline might deteriorate during OIT.
RETRACTED: Effect of magnesium on arrhythmia incidence in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Alireza , Towfighi Farshad , Jafari Naser
Published: May 2017

Background

Cardiac arrhythmia after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a common complication of cardiac surgery. The effect of serum magnesium, hypomagnesaemia treatment and prophylactic administration of magnesium in the development and prevention of arrhythmias is controversial and there are many different ideas. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of magnesium in cardiac arrhythmia after CABG surgery.

Methods

The clinical trial enrolled 250 patients who underwent CABG. Based on the initial serum levels of magnesium, patients were divided into two groups: hypomagnesium and normomagnesium. Based on bioethics committee requirements, patients in the hypo‐magnesium group received magnesium treatments until they attained normal magnesium blood levels. Both groups underwent CABG with normal blood levels of magnesium. After surgery, each group was randomly divided into two subgroups: one subgroup received a bolus dose of magnesium sulphate (30 mg/kg in 5 min) and the other subgroup received a placebo. Subgroups were under observation in the intensive care unit for 3 days and arrhythmias were recorded. Data from all four subgroups were analysed statistically and interpreted.

Results

The results of this study showed that the occurrence of arrhythmia was not significantly different among subgroups (P > 0.05). There was no significant relationship between blood levels of magnesium and arrhythmia during the 3 days post‐surgery (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that magnesium sulphate administration did not significantly improve the incidence of arrhythmias in hypo‐ and normo‐magnesium patients after CABG. There was no significant correlation between post‐operative serum levels of magnesium and arrhythmia during 3 days.
The Hematocrit Affects the Volume of Plasma Treated With Coupled Plasma Filtration and Adsorption With Predilution
Authors: Finazzi Stefano , Garbero Elena , Trussardi Giampietro , Bertolini Guido
Published: May 2017

Coupled plasma filtration and adsorption (CPFA) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique proposed for the treatment of septic‐shock. By removing pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators from plasma, CPFA is supposed to have a therapeutic effect on the abnormal inflammatory response seen in this condition. Recently, blood predilution with citrate solution has been adopted to prevent clotting in the CPFA circuit—one of the main problems of the technique. Taking into account the patient's hematocrit, we worked out a formula for the volume of plasma effectively treated by CPFA after predilution. Neglecting this effect, as is commonly done, introduces significant distortions in the estimation of the volume, possibly causing under‐treatment. The distortion is stronger when the hematocrit and the predilution fraction are large and weaker when both values shrink. By correctly indicating the daily dose of plasma adsorption received by patients, this formula is essential for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of CPFA and, subsequently, establishing its optimal doses.
Effect of probiotic supplementation and genotype on growth performance, carcass traits, hematological parameters and immunity of growing rabbits under hot environmental conditions
Authors: Fathi Moataz , Abdelsalam Magdy , Al‐Homidan Ibrahim , Ebeid Tarek , El‐Zarei Mohamed , Abou‐Emera Osama
Published: May 2017

The effect of dietary inclusion of probiotics and genetic groups on rabbit performance under hot environmental conditions was studied. A total of 80 rabbits aged 8 weeks were distributed into a completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, including four genetic groups and three concentrations of dietary probiotic (0, 200 and 400 g/t feed). The utilized probiotic contained 4 × 109 colony‐forming units/g of Bacillus subtilis. Jabali local breed (J), imported Spanish V‐line (V) and their crossbreds (¼J¾V and ¾J¼V) were included in the current study. Final weight and body weight gain were not significantly affected by dietary probiotic levels or genetic group. The feed conversion ratio was better for purebreds than that of crossbreds. A significant improvement in percentage of dressed carcass, mid and hind parts was recorded for rabbits fed a diet containing 400 g probiotic/t feed compared with those fed a basal diet or low probiotic level. Probiotic supplementation had a significant decrease in serum cholesterol. Rabbits given 400 g probiotic/t feed had higher hemoglobin, red blood cells and platelets. Adding 400 g probiotic/t feed to rabbit's diet significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved cell‐mediated immunity compared to the other treatments 48 h post‐injection.
Morphology and ontogenetic changes in otoliths of the mesopelagic fishes Ceratoscopelus maderensis (Myctophidae), Vinciguerria attenuata and V. poweriae (Phosichthyidae) from the Strait of Messina (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Jawad Laith A. , Sabatino Giuseppe , Ibáñez Ana L. , Andaloro Franco , Battaglia Pietro
Published: May 2017

Fish otoliths morphology is an important aid in taxonomic, phylogenetic, palaeoichthyological and dietary studies. This study compares the morphology of the otoliths of the myctophid species, Ceratoscopelus maderensis, and two phosichthyid species, Vinciguerria attenuata and V. poweriae, collected from the Strait of Messina in the central Mediterranean Sea to identify the most appropriate taxonomical characters that separate these species. Ontogenetic changes in the otoliths of the studied fishes are evident. The sagitta of the juvenile C. maderensis is the most similar to the adult otoliths, while otoliths of the juvenile V. poweriae are the least similar to the adult otoliths. A discussion on possible geographical variations in otolith's morphology is provided by comparing our results with sagitta's images of C. maderensis, V. attenuata and V. poweriae in other studies.
Association between the zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) gene and the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder across diagnostic boundaries
Authors: Baek Ji Hyun , Ha Kyooseob , Kim Yongkang , Yang So Yung , Cho Eun‐Young , Choi Yujin , Ryu Seunghyong , Lee Yu‐Sang , Park Taesung , Hong Kyung Sue
Published: May 2017

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to determine the role of genetic variations within the zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) gene, a candidate for a psychosis risk‐conferring gene, in the development of schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BP) in the Korean population.

Methods

A total of 921 patients with SZ, bipolar I (BP‐I) and II (BP‐II) disorder, and 502 control subjects participated in the study. Twenty‐one tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genomic region of ZNF804A and seven reference SNPs based on previous reports were genotyped. We applied logistic regression analyses under additive, dominant and recessive models.

Results

Fifteen of the 28 SNPs showed a nominally significant association with at least one diagnostic group. However, none of these associations remained significant after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. As the trend of association was observed mostly in SZ and BP‐I with similar patterns, we performed a post hoc analysis for the combined SZ and BP‐I group. Five SNPs (rs2369595, rs6755404, rs10931156, rs12476147 and rs1366842) showed a significant association with an FDR‐corrected P of <.05.

Conclusions

This study supports a possible role of ZNF804A in the common susceptibility of major psychoses, and identified additional candidate variants of the gene in the Korean population.
Psychiatric and physical comorbidities and their impact on the course of bipolar disorder: A prospective, naturalistic 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Amann Benedikt L , Radua Joaquim , Wunsch Christian , König Barbara , Simhandl Christian
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to increase the available evidence on how physical and psychiatric comorbidities influence the long‐term outcome in bipolar I and II disorder.

Methods

We examined the prevalence of comorbid physical (metabolic, cardiovascular, thyroid, and neurological) diseases and psychiatric (neurotic, stress‐related, somatoform, and personality) disorders and their impact on the risk of relapse in bipolar disorder. A total of 284 consecutively admitted patients with ICD‐10 bipolar I (n=161) and II (n=123) disorder were followed up naturalistically over a period of 4 years.

Results

Globally, 22.0% patients had metabolic, 18.8% cardiovascular, 18.8% thyroid, and 7.6% neurological diseases; 15.5% had neurotic, stress‐related, and somatoform disorders; 12.0% had personality disorders; and 52.9% had nicotine dependence. We did not find any effect of comorbid metabolic, cardiovascular or neurological diseases or psychiatric disorders on the relapse risk. However, the presence of thyroid diseases, and especially hypothyroidism, was associated with an increased risk of manic relapse in bipolar disorder I (thyroid disease: hazard ratio [HR]=2.7; P=.003; hypothyroidism: HR=3.7;, P<.001). Among patients with hypothyroidism, higher blood levels of baseline thyroid‐stimulating hormone (bTSH) were also associated with an increased risk of manic relapse (HR=1.07 per milli‐international units per liter; P=.011), whereas blood levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3) or free thyroxine (fT4) were not found to have an influence.

Conclusions

Our data underline the negative long‐term impact of thyroid diseases, and especially hypothyroidism with high blood levels of bTSH, on bipolar disorder with more manic episodes, and the importance of its detection and treatment.
Blood donors' perceptions, motivators and deterrents in Sub‐Saharan Africa – a scoping review of evidence
Authors: Asamoah‐Akuoko Lucy , Hassall Oliver W. , Bates Imelda , Ullum Henrik
Published: May 2017

Achieving an adequate blood supply in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) through donor mobilization and retention is crucial. Factors that motivate or deter blood donors vary according to beliefs and social norms. Understanding the factors that influence blood donation behaviour in SSA is vital to developing effective strategies to address blood donor motivation and retention. This review of 35 studies from 16 SSA countries collates available evidence concerning the perceptions, motivators and deterrents that influence blood donors in SSA. The review revealed a common understanding that blood and blood donation save lives. The main deterrent to blood donation was fear due to lack of knowledge and discouraging spiritual, religious and cultural perceptions of blood donation. The main motivators for blood donation were altruism, donating blood for family and incentives. The findings support the need for targeted, culturally sensitive education, recruitment and retention strategies to improve the blood supply in SSA.
Perioperative adverse events in patients on continued anticoagulation undergoing photoselective vaporisation of the prostate with the 180‐W Greenlight lithium triborate laser
Authors: Knapp Georgia L. , Chalasani Venu , Woo Henry H.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To compare perioperative factors and adverse events (AEs) in men undergoing photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) with or without continued anticoagulation therapy.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective review of a PVP database of men treated with the 180‐W lithium triborate (LBO) laser from 2010 to 2016. Of 373 men, 59 underwent PVP with continued anticoagulant therapy, which was defined as treatment with heparin, warfarin, clopidogrel, dipyridamol or new oral anticoagulant drugs. Perioperative factors and AEs occurring within 90 days of surgery were analysed.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of perioperative AEs between those receiving and not receiving anticoagulation therapy (30.5% vs 19.9%, P = 0.07). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of high‐grade Clavien–Dindo events in men who continued anticoagulation during PVP (P = 0.01). No men required blood transfusion. There was no difference in operative times and energy utilisation between the groups. In all, 53 of the 59 men in the anticoagulation group had a high‐grade American Society of Anesthesiologists score, compared to 27 of the 272 men in the control group. The anticoagulation group were also significantly older. The anticoagulation group had a significantly longer length of hospital stay and duration of catheterisation compared to the controls.

Conclusions

While continued anticoagulation therapy is not associated with an overall increase in perioperative AEs, it is associated with an increased rate of high‐grade Clavien–Dindo events. The findings of this study suggest that there should be caution in extrapolating results about the safety profile of earlier generation lasers to the current 180‐W LBO laser for patients on anticoagulation.
Hospital volume and perioperative outcomes for radical cystectomy: a population study
Authors: Udovicich Cristian , Perera Marlon , Huq Molla , Wong Lih‐Ming , Lenaghan Daniel
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the association between hospital volume and perioperative outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) using state population data for a contemporary Australian cohort.

Patients and Methods

Patients undergoing RC for urothelial malignancy in the state of Victoria, Australia between July 2003 and June 2014 were identified using the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED). Hospitals were divided into tertiles according to their caseload per year. Hospitals performing <4 RCs/year were defined as low‐volume hospitals (LVH), 4–10 RCs/year as medium‐volume hospitals (MVH), and >10 RCs/year as high‐volume hospitals (HVH). Perioperative outcomes derived included: in‐hospital mortality (IHM), prolonged length of stay (LOS; >14 days), prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) admission (>24 h), and requirement for blood transfusion. The relationship between hospital volume and perioperative outcomes was assessed using logistic regression.

Results

During the 11‐year study period, 803 patients underwent RC for bladder cancer. The overall IHM rate was 2.2% (LVH 3.7%, MVH 2.5%, HVH 0.9%). Other outcomes observed were prolonged LOS (45%), prolonged ICU admission (31%) and requirement for blood transfusion (56%). On multivariate analysis, LVH was found to be associated with increased IHM (odds ratio [OR] 5.74, P = 0.04) and prolonged ICU admission (OR 11.58, P < 0.001) when compared to HVH. There was a lower rate of prolonged LOS for LVH (OR 0.60, P = 0.01). No significant relationship was identified for LVH and blood transfusion.

Conclusion

Perioperative outcomes in Victoria are comparable to international standards. Our results add further population study evidence to the volume–outcome relationship in RC. There was a significant association between LVH and both IHM and prolonged ICU admission. This subgroup of patients would appear to benefit from transfer of care to a HVH. The role of centralisation of RC in Australia should be further considered.
Citation indices for social media articles in urology
Authors: Calopedos Ross J. S. , Garcia Cindy , Rashid Prem , Murphy Declan G. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Woo Henry H.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the impact of publications on urological participation in social media (SoMe) by virtue of citations in the urological and non‐urological literature.

Materials and Methods

On 15 March 2016, a PubMed search was undertaken using the names of the major SoMe platforms in current use and associated with the field of urology. The search term ‘urolog*’ was used to specifically capture articles that could be associated with ‘urology’, ‘urologist’ or ‘urological’. Exclusion criteria for analysis included non‐English language articles, articles published for the first time online in any form after 1 March 2015, articles irrelevant to the topic of SoMe, and letters of correspondence. Included articles were then searched in Google Scholar and citations analysed to determine if citations were from the urological literature or non‐urological literature. Citations from non‐urological journals were considered to be as such even if authored by urologists and on the subject of urology and SoMe.

Results

Prior to exclusions as defined in the methods, our PubMed search yielded 232 articles of which 17 were non‐English language and 66 had been published after 1 March 2015. Allowing for 12 months after the most recent articles were published, we found that the mean number of total citations in any journal was 20.8. There were more citations in journals not specific to urology, with 8.3 citations in urological journals, compared to 12.6 citations in non‐urological journals.

Conclusion

Urological SoMe journal articles are highly cited, particularly in the non‐urological literature. It is likely that the magnitude of citations has positively contributed to the impact factors of the almost all journals publishing these manuscripts.
High‐latitude vegetation and climate changes during the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition inferred from a palynological record from Lake El'gygytgyn, NE Russian Arctic
Authors: Zhao Wenwei , Tarasov Pavel E. , Lozhkin Anatoly V. , Anderson Patricia M. , Andreev Andrei A. , Korzun Julie A. , Melles Martin , Nedorubova Ekaterina Y. , Wennrich Volker
Published: May 2017

A continuous pollen record from Lake El'gygytgyn (northeastern Russian Arctic) provides detailed information concerning the regional vegetation and climate history during the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition (MPT), between 1091 ka (end of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 32) and 715 ka (end of MIS 18). Pollen‐based qualitative vegetation reconstruction along with biome reconstruction indicate that the interglacial regional vegetation history during the MPT is characterized by a gradual replacement of forest and shrub vegetation by open herbaceous communities (i.e. tundra/cold steppe). The pollen spectra reveal seven vegetation successions that have clearly distinguishable glacial‐interglacial cycles. These successions are represented by the intervals of cold deciduous forest (CLDE) biome scores changing from high to low, which are basically in phase with the variations of obliquity from maxima to minima. The dominating influence of obliquity forcing on vegetation successions contradicts with the stronger power of eccentricity, as demonstrated by the result of wavelet analysis based on landscape openness reconstruction. This discrepancy shows that a single index is insufficient for catching signals of all the impacting factors. Comparisons with vegetation and environmental changes in the Asian interior suggest that global cooling during the MPT was probably the key force driving long‐term aridification in the Arctic region. The accelerated aridification after MIS 24–22 was probably caused by the additional effect of the Tibetan Plateau uplift, which played an important role on intensification of the Siberian High and westerly jet systems.
Order Matters: Children's Evaluation of Underinformative Teachers Depends on Context
Authors: Gweon Hyowon , Asaba Mika
Published: May 2017

The ability to evaluate “sins of omission”—true but pragmatically misleading, underinformative pedagogy—is critical for learning. This study reveals a developmental change in children's evaluation of underinformative teachers and investigates the nature of their limitations. Participants rated a fully informative teacher and an underinformative teacher in two different orders. Six‐ and 7‐year‐olds (N = 28) successfully distinguished the teachers regardless of the order (Experiment 1), whereas 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds (N = 82) succeeded only when the fully informative teacher came first (Experiments 2 and 3). After seeing both teachers, 4‐year‐olds (N = 32) successfully preferred the fully informative teacher (Experiment 4). These results are discussed in light of developmental work in pragmatic implicature, suggesting that young children might struggle with spontaneously generating relevant alternatives for evaluating underinformative pedagogy.
A homozygous potentially pathogenic variant in the PAXBP1 gene in a large family with global developmental delay and myopathic hypotonia
Authors: Alharby E. , Albalawi A.M. , Nasir A. , Alhijji S.A. , Mahmood A. , Ramzan K. , Abdusamad F. , Aljohani A. , Abdelsalam O. , Eldardear A. , Basit S.
Published: May 2017

PAX binding protein 1 (PAXBP1) is an adaptor protein linking the transcription factor PAX3 and PAX7 to the histone methylation machinery. PAXBP1 is a nuclear protein and its high expression is known in brain cerebellar hemisphere and cerebellum. Moreover, it is also found in abundance in muscle precursor cells that are involved in myogenesis and skeletal muscles formation. Whole genome SNP genotyping and exome sequencing in a family with distinct syndrome of global developmental delay and hypotonia mapped the disease locus to the chromosome 21q22.11 and identified a homozygous missense variant (c.1612C>T) in the PAXBP1 gene, respectively. This variant is predicted to change the highly conserved strongly basic arginine at position 538 in the PAX7 binding domain of PAXBP1 to a neutral cysteine (p.Arg538Cys) residue.

Arg538 is highly conserved and the variant is predicted to be deleterious by variety of in silico tools. Furthermore, protein modeling studies showed that in the mutant protein (Cys538), the shorter cysteine is incapable of forming hydrogen bond with the side chain of nearby Asp517 due to its reduced size and lower polarizability. As a consequence, a slight local perturbation of the loop conformation in the PAX7 binding domain of the PAXBP1 protein was observed. Our findings suggest that the pathogenic variant in PAX binding protein underlies distinct syndrome of global developmental delay and myopathic hypotonia. This clinical report should prompt a search for mutations in PAXBP1 in patients presenting with developmental delay and hypotonia. Moreover, these results imply that establishment of PAXBP1 targets and its spatiotemporal interaction will help in understanding of development of cerebellar and will provide basis for developing therapeutic approaches.
Roles of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in intracerebral hemorrhage‐induced secondary brain injury in rats
Authors: Duan Xiao‐Chun , Wang Wei , Feng Dong‐Xia , Yin Jia , Zuo Gang , Chen Dong‐Dong , Chen Zhou‐Qing , Li Hai‐Ying , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the roles of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)‐induced secondary brain injury (SBI) in rats.

Methods

Autophagy inducer (rapamycin) and inhibitor (3‐methyladenine), as well as ER stress activator (tunicamycin, TM) and inhibitor (tauroursodeoxycholic acid, TUDCA), were used. Bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of autophagosome‐lysosome fusion, was used to assess autophagic flux.

Results

Autophagy and ER stress were enhanced in the week after ICH. At 6 hours after ICH, autophagy was excessive, while the autophagic flux was damaged at 72 hours and return to be intact at 7 days after ICH. At 6 hours after ICH, ER stress induction by TM could enhance autophagy and lead to caspase 12‐mediated apoptosis and neuronal degeneration, which was further aggravated by autophagy induction. At 7 days after ICH, ER stress inhibition by TUDCA still could suppress ICH‐induced SBI. And, the effects of TUDCA were enhanced by autophagy induction.

Conclusions

At 6 hours after ICH, excessive autophagy may participate in ER stress‐induced brain injury; at 7 days after ICH, autophagy could enhance the protection of ER stress inhibitor possibly via clearing up the cell rubbish generated due to the early‐stage damaged autophagic flux.
Corruption or professional dignity: An ethical examination of the phenomenon of “red envelopes” (monetary gifts) in medical practice in China
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wang Lijie , Yang Chengshang
Published: May 2017

In the medical practice in China, giving and taking “red envelopes” (monetary gifts) is a common phenomenon although few openly admit it. This paper, based on our empirical study including data collected from interviews and questionnaires with medical professionals and patients, attempts to explore why “red envelopes” have become a serious problem in the physician‐patient relationship and how the situation can be improved. Previous studies show that scholars tend to correlate the spread of “red envelopes” in health care sector to the commercialization trend, the general erosion of traditional values, and the lowering of the moral level in the medical field. However, in this paper, the authors argue that medical professionals’ choice of taking “red envelopes” is actually more a way to compensate for their problematic self‐image and marred dignity in real practice. Medical professionals in China as a whole are in an embarrassing situation where the work pressure and income, and the sense of pride that used to be part of their profession are not comparable to each other. Under this circumstance, we believe that the effective way to deal with the “red envelopes” issue does not lie solely in introducing more stringent regulations or granting medical professionals higher payments, but rather in protecting and enhancing the professional dignity of all those working in healthcare. And on top of that, there must also be effort to cultivate a more favorable moral environment.
A gender assessment of Malawi's National Nutrition Policy and Strategic Plan 2007–2012
Authors: Mkandawire Elizabeth , Hendriks Sheryl L. , Mkandawire‐Vahlmu Lucy
Published: May 2017

Nutrition policies tend to concentrate on women, overlooking the important role men can play as allies in achieving positive nutrition outcomes. This article applies an integrated framework for gender analysis to assess the extent to which Malawi's National Nutrition Policy and Strategic Plan (2007–2012) is gender responsive. The study found that the Policy and Strategic Plan were not gender responsive and did not adequately integrate gender considerations. The authors propose the promotion of a conducive environment for men's participation in maternal and child health by applying a more gender‐responsive approach to nutrition policy. The findings could assist developing countries seeking to accelerate progress in reducing undernutrition to meet national, continental and international commitments on gender equality, nutrition and development.
Interspecific host discrimination and intrinsic competition between Aphelinus asychis and Aphidius gifuensis in Myzus persicae
Authors: Liang Qi‐Fu , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: May 2017

Aphelinus asychis Walker (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) are solitary kionobiont endoparasitoids, which can parasitize the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). We determined the influence of oviposition sequence and various time intervals (0, 24, 48, and 72 h) between two ovipositions on self‐ and conspecific discrimination and interspecific intrinsic competition between A. asychis and A. gifuensis. When offered unparasitized M. persicae and those parasitized by the other parasitoid species, the two parasitoid species oviposited more often in unparasitized hosts. Aphelinus asychis and A. gifuensis could, however, not avoid to multiparasitize hosts parasitized by the other species. Both parasitoid species had a limited interspecific discrimination ability through ovipositor insertion to detect internal cues. Aphidius gifuensis most often out‐competed A. asychis. The outcome of this interspecific competition was not influenced by oviposition sequence or time intervals between two ovipositions. Aphidius gifuensis eliminated competitors by physical combat at the first instar and probably by physiological suppression in later stages; A. asychis possibly used physiological suppression in all larval stages.
Short‐term fasting promotes insulin expression in rat hypothalamus
Authors: Dakic Tamara B. , Jevdjovic Tanja V. , Peric Mina I. , Bjelobaba Ivana M. , Markelic Milica B. , Milutinovic Bojana S. , Lakic Iva V. , Jasnic Nebojsa I. , Djordjevic Jelena D. , Vujovic Predrag Z.
Published: May 2017

In the hypothalamus, insulin takes on many roles involved in energy homoeostasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine hypothalamic insulin expression during the initial phase of the metabolic response to fasting. Hypothalamic insulin content was assessed by both radioimmunoassay and Western blot. The relative expression of insulin mRNA was examined by qPCR. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the distribution of insulin immunopositivity in the hypothalamus. After 6‐h fasting, both glucose and insulin levels were decreased in serum but not in the cerebrospinal fluid. Our study showed for the first time that, while the concentration of circulating glucose and insulin decreased, both insulin mRNA expression and insulin content in the hypothalamic parenchyma were increased after short‐term fasting. Increased insulin immunopositivity was detected specifically in the neurons of the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus and in the ependymal cells of fasting animals. These novel findings point to the complexity of mechanisms regulating insulin expression in the CNS in general and in the hypothalamus in particular.
Anterior cingulate cortex supports effort allocation towards a qualitatively preferred option
Authors: Hart Evan E. , Gerson Julian O. , Zoken Yael , Garcia Marisella , Izquierdo Alicia
Published: May 2017

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is known to be involved in effortful choice, yet its role in cost‐benefit evaluation of qualitatively different rewards (more/less preferred), beyond magnitude differences (larger/smaller), is poorly understood. Selecting between qualitatively different options is a decision type commonly faced by humans. Here, we assessed the role of ACC on a task that has primarily been used to probe striatal function in motivation. Rats were trained to stable performance on a progressive ratio schedule for sucrose pellets and were then given sham surgeries (control) or excitotoxic NMDA lesions of ACC. Subsequently, a choice was introduced: chow was concurrently available while animals could work for the preferred sucrose pellets. ACC lesions produced a significant decrease in lever presses for sucrose pellets compared to control, whereas chow consumption was unaffected. Lesions had no effect on sucrose pellet preference when both options were freely available. When laboratory chow was not concurrently available, ACC‐lesioned rats exhibited similar lever pressing as controls. During a test under specific satiety for sucrose pellets, ACC‐lesioned rats also showed intact devaluation effects. The effects of ACC lesions in our task are not mediated by decreased appetite, a change in food preference, a failure to update value or a learning deficit. Taken together, we found that ACC lesions decreased effort for a qualitatively preferred option. These results are discussed with reference to effects of striatal manipulations and our recent report of a role for basolateral amygdala in effortful choice.