bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cumulative effect of trawl fishing on a multispecies fish assemblage in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Foster Scott D. , Dunstan Piers K. , Althaus Franziska , Williams Alan
Published: September 2014

Understanding the effect of anthropogenic pressure on animal assemblages over time is a challenging problem that integrates human activities and community ecology. Our ability to make informed decisions for managing pressures depends on estimating their ecological effects, and a rigorous and objective approach should be used. There are three requirements for this type of approach to be successful: sufficient biological and ecological data, congruent data describing human activity and an appropriate statistical method that can link the ecological information to the pressures.

In this work, we explore the effects of cumulative bottom‐trawl fishing on fish assemblages over a 20‐year period. The analysis captures assemblage responses during the early period of the fishery's development and shows the changes in the abundance of many species as a small and coherent set of ‘archetypical’ responses to cumulative pressure.

The effect of the cumulative pressure is heterogeneous: some archetypical responses show consistent decline with increased fishing effort, some are less sensitive, and some show an increase in abundance.

Some, but not all, archetypical response groups are composed of species with similar ecological and life‐history traits. Most obviously, the archetype showing greatest decline in abundance is made up of species that have the highest mean values of generation time, oldest age at maturity and longest life span.

Applications of the methods include identifying spatially explicit system‐level trade‐offs – between species, species groups (archetypes) and fishery subareas – for ecosystem‐based management.

Synthesis and applications The impact of fishing pressure, accumulated over time, induces heterogeneous patterns of change in fish assemblage composition. The patterns of change are grouped into ‘archetypical response groups’ to provide an interpretable and robust description. The composition of the species groups show that life‐history traits are indicative but do not always provide a complete description of how a species might respond to the pressure.
Maternal near‐miss case reviews: the UK approach
Authors: Knight M , Lewis G , Acosta CD , Kurinczuk JJ
Published: September 2014

The UK has a well‐established programme of Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and a national system for research into near‐miss maternal morbidities, the UK Obstetric Surveillance System. The addition of a programme of near‐miss case reviews, the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Morbidity, permits a complete examination of the incidence, risk factors, care and outcomes of the severest complications in pregnancy, and enables the lessons learnt to improve future care to be identified more quickly. This in turn allows for more rapid inclusion of recommendations into national guidance and hence the potential of better health for both women and babies.
Causes of and factors associated with stillbirth in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic literature review
Authors: Aminu M , Unkels R , Mdegela M , Utz B , Adaji S , van den Broek N
Published: September 2014

Background

Annually, 2.6 million stillbirths occur worldwide, 98% in developing countries. It is crucial that we understand causes and contributing factors.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting factors associated with and cause(s) of stillbirth in low‐ and middle‐income countries (2000–13). Narrative synthesis to compare similarities and differences between studies with similar outcome categories.

Main results

A total of 142 studies with 2.1% from low‐income settings were investigated; most report on stillbirths occurring at health facility level. Definition of stillbirth varied; 10.6% of studies (mainly upper middle‐income countries) used a cut‐off point of ≥22 weeks of gestation and 32.4% (mainly lower income countries) used ≥28 weeks of gestation. Factors reported to be associated with stillbirth include poverty and lack of education, maternal age (>35 or <20 years), parity (1, ≥5), lack of antenatal care, prematurity, low birthweight, and previous stillbirth. The most frequently reported cause of stillbirth was maternal factors (8–50%) including syphilis, positive HIV status with low CD4 count, malaria and diabetes. Congenital anomalies are reported to account for 2.1–33.3% of stillbirths, placental causes (7.4–42%), asphyxia and birth trauma (3.1–25%), umbilical problems (2.9–33.3%), and amniotic and uterine factors (6.5–10.7%). Seven different classification systems were identified but applied in only 22% of studies that could have used a classification system. A high percentage of stillbirths remain ‘unclassified’ (3.8–57.4%).

Conclusion

To build capacity for perinatal death audit, clear guidelines and a suitable classification system to assign cause of death must be developed. Existing classification systems may need to be adapted. Better data and more data are urgently needed.
Cause of and contributing factors to maternal deaths; a cross‐sectional study using verbal autopsy in four districts in Bangladesh
Authors: Halim A , Utz B , Biswas A , Rahman F , van den Broek N
Published: September 2014

Verbal autopsy used at community level is an accepted method to identify cause of death and factors contributing to death. Maternal deaths occurring in four districts in Bangladesh over a period of 24 months were identified and community health workers were trained to conduct a verbal autopsy. Of 571 maternal deaths identified almost half (273, 47.8%) occurred at facility level, 97 (17.0%) died en route to a healthcare facility and 201 (35.2%) maternal deaths occurred at home. The majority of maternal deaths occurred in the postpartum period (78.8%) in the first 6 hours after giving birth (41.6% of all postpartum deaths). Women who had accessed care at a healthcare facility were less likely to die in the first 6 hours when compared with women who died at home (relative risk 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.56–0.88) 70.4% (402) of deaths were classified as direct maternal deaths, 12.4% (71) as indirect and 13.8% (79) as unspecified. The most common cause of death was haemorrhage (38%), followed by eclampsia (20%) and sepsis (8.1%). Almost three out of four women who died had sought care for complications during the index pregnancy. Most mothers who died in Bangladesh had accessed care. It is now crucial that the quality of care received at health facility level is improved. This includes a refocus on strengthening healthcare providers' knowledge and skills to recognise and manage complications and provide emergency obstetric care. The enabling environment must be in place as well as ensuring a fully functional referral pathway between healthcare facilities.
An essentialism perspective on intercultural processes
Authors: Chao Melody M. , Kung Franki Y. H.
Published: September 2014

Essentialist theories are the beliefs that there are immutable essences underlying observed differences between social groups (e.g. racial group, cultural group). This paper reviews the intergroup dynamics and intrapersonal processes associated with essentialism. It also explores the interplay between the two. By explicating the intricate relationship between these psychological processes, the current paper aims to advance our understanding of intergroup relations and identify their implications for the study of multiculturalism. We posit that although the commonly observed negative intergroup outcomes, such as prejudices and biases, can be the byproducts of basic cognitive processes associated with essentialist theories, the social power dynamics in a given society also play important roles in shaping the relationships between essentialism and intergroup outcomes. We then discuss the implications of this understanding to our increasingly multicultural world.
Dietary recommendations for obese pregnant women: current questions and controversies
Authors: Poston Lucilla , Patel Nashita
Published: September 2014

With the increasing prevalence of obesity, maternal obesity is now one of the most common high‐risk obstetric conditions. Obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are important modifiable risk factors for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal obesity, associated with neonatal adiposity and high birthweight, has been implicated in increased risk of childhood obesity. Considerable effort has been directed towards improving clinical outcomes by lifestyle change in pregnant obese women, but there is at present no evidence‐based intervention of adequate efficacy which can be recommended. The focus has been on preventing excessive weight gain, but studies have lacked the power to address effects on clinical outcomes; therefore preventing clinical practice translation. Adequately powered intervention studies devised to reduce neonatal adiposity by improvement of maternal glucose homeostasis, are needed to inform the optimal dietary and/or physical activity regimen.
Putting ethics and economic rationality together: an Aristotelian and philosophical approach
Authors: Queiroz Regina Maria da Cruz
Published: September 2014

The gap between economic rationality, as embedded in utility maximization, and ethical rationality, identified with a set of rules that prescribe the right course of action, has been a challenging issue for economists, philosophers, and business ethicists. Despite the difference and the noncompetition between a scientific economic approach of economics and business ethics, and a behavioral and philosophical one, we highlight the importance of the Aristotelian concept of prudence or phronesis applied to business activity. Phronesis allows for a conceptualization of rationality that can be simultaneously applied to economics and ethics. It also allows conceiving the intrinsically ethical nature of economic rationality. This relationship requires an appropriate education and the intervention of the state.
Ecology of grazing lawns in Africa
Authors: Hempson Gareth P. , Archibald Sally , Bond William J. , Ellis Roger P. , Grant Cornelia C. , Kruger Fred J. , Kruger Laurence M. , Moxley Courtney , Owen‐Smith Norman , Peel Mike J. S. , Smit Izak P. J. , Vickers Karen J.
Published: September 2014

Grazing lawns are a distinct grassland community type, characterised by short‐stature and with their persistence and spread promoted by grazing. In Africa, they reveal a long co‐evolutionary history of grasses and large mammal grazers. The attractiveness to grazers of a low‐biomass sward lies in the relatively high quality of forage, largely due to the low proportion of stem material in the sward; this encourages repeat grazing that concomitantly suppresses tall‐grass growth forms that would otherwise outcompete lawn species for light. Regular grazing that prevents shading and maintains sward quality is thus the cornerstone of grazing lawn dynamics. The strong interplay between abiotic conditions and disturbance factors, which are central to grazing lawn existence, can also cause these systems to be highly dynamic. Here we identify differences in growth form among grazing lawn grass species, and assess how compositional differences among lawn types, as well as environmental variables, influence their maintenance requirements (i.e. grazing frequency) and vulnerability to degradation. We also make a clear distinction between the processes of lawn establishment and lawn maintenance. Rainfall, soil nutrient status, grazer community composition and fire regime have strong and interactive influences on both processes. However, factors that concentrate grazing pressure (e.g. nutrient hotspots and sodic sites) have more bearing on where lawns establish. Similarly, we discuss the relevance of enhanced rates of nitrogen cycling and of sodium levels to lawn maintenance. Grazer community composition and density has considerable significance to grazing lawn dynamics; not all grazers are adapted to foraging on short‐grass swards, and differences in body size and relative mouth dimensions determine which species are able to convert tall‐grass swards into grazing lawns under different conditions. Hence, we evaluate the roles of different grazers in lawn dynamics, as well as the benefits that grazer populations derive from having access to grazing lawns. The effects of grazing lawns can extend well beyond their borders, due to their influence on grazer densities, behaviour and movements as well as fire spread, intensity and frequency. Variation in the area and proportion of a landscape that is grazing lawn can thus have a profound impact on system dynamics. We provide a conceptual model that summarises grazing lawn dynamics, and identify a rainfall range where we predict grazing lawns to be most prevalent. We also examine the biodiversity associated with grazing lawn systems, and consider their functional contribution to the conservation of this biodiversity. Finally, we assess the utility of grazing lawns as a resource in a rangeland context.
Flooding and schools: experiences in Hull in 2007
Authors: Convery Ian , Carroll Bob , Balogh Ruth
Published: September 2014

Hull, a city in the East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom, suffered severe flooding in June 2007, affecting some 8,600 households and most schools. Despite the potential for damage in such disasters, no studies of the effects of floods on teachers and schools in the UK appear to have been published previously. This study analysed the impacts of the floods on teachers in Hull in two stages: first through correspondence with Hull City Council and a mailed questionnaire to 91 head teachers of primary, secondary, and special schools; and second, through in‐depth interviews with head teachers from six flooded schools, representing different degrees of flood experience, and a questionnaire completed by eight teachers from the same schools. The findings reveal the importance and the complexity of the role of the school in the wider community in a time of crisis. The study highlights issues concerning preparedness for floods, support for schools, and flood protection for schools.
Ducking for cover in the ‘blame game’: news framing of the findings of two reports into the 2010–11 Queensland floods
Authors: Ewart Jacqui , McLean Hamish
Published: September 2014

After a disaster, the media typically focus on who is to blame. However, relatively little is known about how the narrative of blame plays out in media coverage of the release of official disaster reports. This paper examines coverage by two Australian newspapers (The Courier‐Mail and The Australian) of the release of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry's Interim Report and its Final Report to identify whether and how the news frame of blame was used. Given the absence of blame in the Final Report, the newspapers resorted to the frame of ‘failure’ in news and feature articles, while continuing to raise questions in editorials and opinion pieces about who was to blame. This study argues that situating coverage of the report within the news frame of failure and questioning who was to blame for the disaster limited the media's ability to facilitate a discussion about the prevention of similar disasters in the future.
Assessment of Quality of Fetal Heart Views by 3D/4D Ultrasonography Using Spatio‐Temporal Image Correlation in the Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy
Authors: Rocha Luciane Alves , Rolo Liliam Cristine , Barros Fernanda Silveira Bello , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: September 2014

Objective

To assess the quality of fetal heart views by three‐dimensional/four‐dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasonography using spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

This prospective and cross‐sectional study was conducted at a single referral service for the screening of congenital heart diseases (CHDs), with pregnant women at 20–30 weeks' gestation with a normal fetal heart. 3D/4D STIC were obtained from the fetal heart screening in the following views: four‐chamber (4C), left and right ventricular outflow tracts (LVOT and RVOT), 3 vessels and trachea (3VT), aortic arch (AA), and ductal arch (DA). We categorized the images as satisfactory or unsatisfactory and performed McNemar's test to evaluate the differences between the two‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography and 3D/4D STIC techniques. The inter‐observer concordance was obtained by kappa coefficient.

Results

The rate of satisfactory fetal heart views using 3D/4D STIC was 54% by using 4 planes (4C, RVOT, LVOT, and 3VT) and 14% by using 6 planes (4C, RVOT, LVOT, 3VT, AA, and DA). In contrast, 100% of the 2D echocardiography images were satisfactory (McNemar's test, P < 0.001). We observed moderate inter‐observer concordance to both 4‐ and 6 planes (κ = 0.56 and 0.43, respectively).

Conclusion

The quality of the main fetal heart views by 3D/4D STIC still present some limitations compared with the 2D echocardiography.
Metabolic phenotypes of obesity influence triglyceride and inflammation homoeostasis
Authors: Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Alcala‐Diaz Juan F. , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Garcia‐Rios Antonio , Gomez‐Delgado Francisco , Marin‐Hinojosa Carmen , Rodriguez‐Cantalejo Fernando , Delgado‐Casado Nieves , Perez‐Caballero Ana I. , Fuentes‐Jimenez Francisco J. , Camargo Antonio , Tinahones Francisco J. , Ordovas Jose M. , Perez‐Jimenez Francisco , Lopez‐Miranda Jose
Published: September 2014

Background

We examined the degree of postprandial triglyceride (TG) response over the day, representing a highly dynamic state, with continuous metabolic adaptations, among normal‐weight, overweight and obese patients, according to their metabolically healthy or abnormal status.

Materials and methods

A total of 1002 patients from the CORDIOPREV clinical trial (NCT00924937) were submitted to an oral fat load test meal with 0·7 g fat/kg body weight (12% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 43% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 10% protein and 25% carbohydrates). Serial blood test analysing lipid fractions and inflammation markers (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP)) were drawn at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h during postprandial state. We explored the dynamic response according to six body size phenotypes: (i) normal weight, metabolically healthy; (ii) normal weight, metabolically abnormal; (iii) overweight, metabolically healthy; (iv) overweight, metabolically abnormal; (v) obese, metabolically healthy; and (vi) obese, metabolically abnormal.

Results

Metabolically healthy patients displayed lower postprandial response of plasma TG and large triacylglycerol‐rich lipoproteins (TRLs)‐TG, compared with those metabolically abnormal, independently whether or not they were obese (P < 0·001 and P < 0·001, respectively). Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of TG and AUC of large TRLs‐TG were greater in the group of metabolically abnormal compared with the group of metabolically healthy (P < 0·001 and P < 0·001, respectively). Interestingly, metabolically abnormal subjects displayed higher postprandial response of plasma hs‐CRP than did the subgroup of normal, overweight and obese, metabolically healthy patients (P < 0·001).

Conclusions

Our findings showed that certain types of the metabolic phenotypes of obesity are more favourable modulating phenotypic flexibility after a dynamic fat load test, through TG metabolism and inflammation homoeostasis. To identify, these phenotypes may be the best strategy for personalized treatment of obesity.
Carotid atherosclerotic plaque stenosis: the stabilizing role of statins
Authors: Artom Nathan , Montecucco Fabrizio , Dallegri Franco , Pende Aldo
Published: September 2014

Background

Both pathophysiology and treatments of carotid atherosclerotic plaque stenosis represent two interesting fields of strong scientific investigation. Among different drugs, safety and efficacy of statin treatment have been widely investigated and proved.

Materials and methods

This narrative review is based on the material searched for and obtained via MEDLINE and PubMed up to March 2014. The search terms we used were: ‘carotid plaque, intima‐media thickness, plaque burden, stroke’ in combination with ‘statins, pleiotropic effects, HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors, lipid‐lowering drugs’.

Results

Carotid stenosis represents both a useful parameter to evaluate the atherosclerotic burden and a target for therapeutic (medical or surgical) decisions. Statins do not only improve the lipid profile, but also induce some ‘pleiotropic’ anti‐inflammatory activities that contribute to carotid plaque stabilization. Statin‐mediated protective activities are under active investigation at subclinical levels with the potential benefit of advanced imaging techniques. However, considering that some new techniques (excepted B‐mode ultrasound) remain quite expensive, they can have for the moment an important role in research, but not in the clinical field.

Conclusions

Emerging evidence suggests that statin treatment improves carotid atherosclerosis, inducing a partial regression of plaque inflammation and size. Innovative imaging techniques might also ameliorate the identification of patients at high risk of cerebrovascular and coronary events, for which preventive statin treatments might be essential.
Race‐based rejection sensitivity partially accounts for the relationship between racial discrimination and distressing attenuated positive psychotic symptoms
Authors: Anglin Deidre M. , Greenspoon Michelle , Lighty Quenesha , Ellman Lauren M.
Published: September 2014

Aim

Self‐reported experiences of racial discrimination have been associated with a continuum of psychotic experiences in racial and ethnic minority populations; however, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are not yet clear. Race‐based rejection sensitivity (RS‐race) has been associated with thought intrusions about being the target of racial discrimination; therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether RS‐race accounts for the relationship between racial discrimination and psychotic‐like experiences in racial and ethnic minority populations.

Methods

A sample of 644 young adults from a US urban, predominantly immigrant, and racial and ethnic minority population was administered a self‐report inventory of psychosis risk (i.e. Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) ), providing a dimensional assessment of the total number of attenuated positive psychotic symptoms experienced as distressing (APPS‐distress). Participants also completed the Experiences of Discrimination Questionnaire and the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire‐Race.

Results

Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that RS‐race and racial discrimination were both significantly related to higher levels of APPS‐distress. Bootstrapping analyses of indirect effects indicated that RS‐race partially accounted for the relationship between racial discrimination and APPS‐distress.

Conclusion

Although the cross‐sectional nature of the data limits conclusions about causal inference, our findings do suggest that racial discrimination and RS‐race may both be important for understanding risk for distress in the psychotic spectrum among racial and ethnic minority young adults. Some individuals who report racial discrimination may be more vulnerable to APPS‐distress in part because they are anxiously anticipating being racially slighted, and this should be explored further in prospective clinical high‐risk studies.
Sensory‐specific modulation of adult neurogenesis in sensory structures is associated with the type of stem cell present in the neurogenic niche of the zebrafish brain
Authors: Lindsey Benjamin W. , Di Donato Sabrina , Kaslin Jan , Tropepe Vincent
Published: September 2014

Teleost fishes retain populations of adult stem/progenitor cells within multiple primary sensory processing structures of the mature brain. Though it has commonly been thought that their ability to give rise to adult‐born neurons is mainly associated with continuous growth throughout life, whether a relationship exists between the processing function of these structures and the addition of new neurons remains unexplored. We investigated the ultrastructural organisation and modality‐specific neurogenic plasticity of niches located in chemosensory (olfactory bulb, vagal lobe) and visual processing (periventricular grey zone, torus longitudinalis) structures of the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cytoarchitecture of sensory niches includes many of the same cellular morphologies described in forebrain niches. We demonstrate that cells with a radial‐glial phenotype are present in chemosensory niches, while the niche of the caudal tectum contains putative neuroepithelial‐like cells instead. This was supported by immunohistochemical evidence showing an absence of glial markers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein, glutamine synthetase, and S100β in the tectum. By exposing animals to sensory assays we further illustrate that stem/progenitor cells and their neuronal progeny within sensory structures respond to modality‐specific stimulation at distinct stages in the process of adult neurogenesis – chemosensory niches at the level of neuronal survival and visual niches in the size of the stem/progenitor population. Our data suggest that the adult brain has the capacity for sensory‐specific modulation of adult neurogenesis and that this property may be associated with the type of stem cell present in the niche.
The effects of light and noise from urban development on biodiversity: Implications for protected areas in Australia
Authors: Newport Jenny , Shorthouse David J. , Manning Adrian D.
Published: September 2014

Global population growth and associated urban development are having profound effects on biodiversity. Two major outcomes of expanding development that affect wildlife are light and noise pollution. In this paper, we review literature reporting the effects of light and noise on biodiversity, and assess implications for conservation planning in Australia. Our results clearly indicate that light and noise pollution have the potential to affect the physiology, behaviour and reproduction of a range of animal taxa. Types of effects include changes in foraging and reproductive behaviours, reduction in animal fitness, increased risk of predation and reduced reproductive success. These could have flow‐on consequences at the population and ecosystem levels. We found a significant gap in knowledge of the impact of these pollutants on Australian fauna. To reduce the effect of light and noise pollution, there needs to be careful planning of urban areas in relation to protected areas, and for biodiversity more generally. Potential measures include strategically planning the types of development and associated human activities adjacent to protected areas, and the use of shields and barriers, such as covers for lights or the use of dense native vegetation screens, while still allowing movement of animals. Changes in government standards and regulations could also help to reduce the impacts of light and noise pollution.
Seagrass rehabilitation off metropolitan Adelaide: a case study of loss, action, failure and success
Authors: Tanner Jason E. , Irving Andrew D. , Fernandes Milena , Fotheringham Doug , McArdle Alicia , Murray‐Jones Sue
Published: September 2014

Heavy losses of 6200 ha of seagrass off the Adelaide metropolitan coast since 1949 have had substantial implications for beach management, fisheries and biodiversity. Here, we describe for managers some promising initial trials to develop a cost‐effective method to rehabilitate some of these lost seagrasses.
Homology modelling and virtual screening of P‐protein in a quest for novel antimelanogenic agent and In vitro assessments
Authors: Morya Vivek K. , Dung Nguyen H. , Singh Birendra K. , Lee Hyang‐Bok , Kim Eun‐ki
Published: September 2014

An adequate knowledge on molecular mechanism of melanogenesis provides an opportunity to find the novel molecular targets for the discovery and development of new cosmetics. Among various genes, the OCA2 is being essential for proper melanin synthesis, and mutation or deletion of this gene leads to oculocutaneous albinism type 2. Thus, for this study, the product of this gene, that is P‐protein, was targeted in quest for novel inhibitors as antimelanogenic agents. Based on pattern search of amino acid sequence and homology analysis, the protein structure was modelled. The role of this protein has been predicted as a tyrosine transporter of melanosomes. Thus, the molecular library was generated on the basis of tyrosine transporter inhibitor. Based on the dock score, 20 molecules have been considered as putative inhibitors for P‐protein. Among these compounds, five molecules (compound #1, #4, #8, #13 and #17) were found to be quite effective as antimelanogenic without having any toxicity. Further investigations to establish the mechanism of action, the indirect methods such as tyrosinase assay, analysis for eumelanin and pheomelanins and investigation of mRNA levels were being carried out. The results from the studies offered a new lead in antimelanogenic therapy and may be very useful for further optimization work in developing them as novel depigmenting agents.
Loss of cell invasiveness through PKC‐mediated syndecan‐1 downregulation in melanoma cells under anchorage independency
Authors: Wang ChiaChen , Tseng TingTing , Jhang Yaoyun , Tseng JenChih , Hsieh ChiaoHui , Wu Wen‐guey , Lee ShaoChen
Published: September 2014

Anchorage‐independent survival is one of the key features for malignant tumor cells. Whether specific gene alterations contributed by anchorage independency would further affect metastatic phenotypes of melanoma cells was unclear. We adapted suspension culture of melanoma cells to establish anchorage independency. The suspended melanoma cells lost their invasive abilities in vitro. Specific loss of laminin‐binding ability in suspended melanoma cells was observed, which was correlated with downregulation of syndecan‐1 as revealed by microarray and validated by qPCR and Western blot. Modulation of syndecan‐1 expression level affected laminin binding, transwell migration and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 secretion in melanoma cells. SDC1 expression and transwell migration were correlated with activity or level of protein kinase Cδ as evidence by specific inhibitors and shRNA transfection. In this study, we compared metastatic phenotypes and gene expressions of adherent and suspended melanoma cells. The anchorage independency led to protein kinase Cδ‐mediated syndecan‐1 downregulation, which contributed to loss of laminin‐binding ability, reduced metalloproteinase‐2 secretion and loss of invasiveness.
Identifying species at extinction risk using global models of anthropogenic impact
Authors: Peters Howard , O'Leary Bethan C. , Hawkins Julie P. , Roberts Callum M.
Published: September 2014

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species employs a robust, standardized approach to assess extinction threat focussed on taxa approaching an end‐point in population decline. Used alone, we argue this enforces a reactive approach to conservation. Species not assessed as threatened but which occur predominantly in areas with high levels of anthropogenic impact may require proactive conservation management to prevent loss. We matched distribution and bathymetric range data from the global Red List assessment of 632 species of marine cone snails with human impacts and projected ocean thermal stress and aragonite saturation (a proxy for ocean acidification). Our results show 67 species categorized as ‘Least Concern’ have 70% or more of their occupancy in places subject to high and very high levels of human impact with 18 highly restricted species (range <100 km2) living exclusively in such places. Using a range‐rarity scoring method we identified where clusters of endemic species are subject to all three stressors: high human impact, declining aragonite saturation levels and elevated thermal stress. Our approach reinforces Red List threatened status, highlights candidate species for reassessment, contributes important evidential data to minimize data deficiency and identifies regions and species for proactive conservation.
Rifabutin‐based High‐dose Proton‐pump Inhibitor and Amoxicillin Triple Regimen as the Rescue treatment for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Lim Hyun Chul , Lee Yong Jae , An Byoungrak , Lee Seung Woo , Lee Yong Chan , Moon Byung Soo
Published: September 2014

Background

Rifabutin has been known to be effective in multidrug‐resistant Helicobacter pylori‐harboring patients undergoing treatment failure for H. pylori infection.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of 7‐day treatment regimen consisting rifabutin daily but increasing the dose of amoxicillin and lansoprazole in patients who have failed first and second eradication and to assess the side effect profiles in South Korea.

Methods

From December 2007 to May 2013, 59 H. pylori‐infected patients with two previous eradication failures were enrolled for this study prospectively. The eligible patients were randomly assigned to either group A or B. Group A received lansoprazole 30 mg bid, amoxicillin 1.0 g tid and rifabutin 150 mg bid during 7 days, whereas group B received lansoprazole 60 mg bid, amoxicillin 1.0 g tid and rifabutin 150 mg bid during 7 days.

Results

In group A, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 25 (78.1%) of the 32 patients in the ITT analysis and in 25 (80.6%) of the 31 patients in the PP analysis. In group B, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 26 (96.3%) of the 27 patients in the ITT analysis and in 27 (100%) of the 26 patients in the PP analysis. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the eradication rates in PP analysis (p = .047), whereas a marginally statistical significance was found in terms of the eradication rates in ITT analysis (p = .051). Reported side effects were mild, and treatment was well tolerated. No major changes in physical examination or in standard laboratory parameters were observed after treatment.

Conclusions

Rifabutin‐based high‐dose proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI)‐combined therapy as empirical rescue treatment is more effective than standard dose PPI‐combined rifabutin‐based therapy, safe and best tolerable in third‐line therapy in the Korean population. The key to successful rescue therapy with rifabutin–amoxicillin–PPI regimen may be to increase doses of PPI.
Pathological findings in spontaneous pneumothorax specimens: does the incidence of unexpected clinically significant findings justify routine histological examination?
Authors: Sauter Jennifer L , Butnor Kelly J
Published: September 2014

Aims

The utility of routine histological examination of clinically primary spontaneous pneumothorax (SPTX) specimens has been questioned. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the clinical significance of unexpectedSPTXhistopathological findings, to determine whether such findings justify routine histological examination ofSPTXspecimens.

Methods and results

Records and slides from allSPTXresections at our institution from 2002–2012 were reviewed. Clinically significant unexpected histological findings were identified in 8.3% of 72 patients, including: one patient with lung cancer, one with endometriosis, one with Birt–Hogg–Dubé (BHD) syndrome, and three with ‘bong lung’. Detection ofBHDsyndrome has the potential to avert advanced renal carcinoma by identifying individuals who should undergo periodic abdominalCTscreening. The cost of treating a case of advanced renal carcinoma far exceeds that of histologically examining allSPTXspecimens received in a 10‐year period at our institution.

Conclusions

Gross examination alone is an inadequate evaluation ofSPTXspecimens. This is the first study to demonstrate that routine histological examination ofSPTXspecimens is justified, in that it discloses unexpected findings that are clinically significant and impact on patient management.
HIV status and viral loads among men testing positive for rectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, 2011–2013
Authors: Taylor MM , Newman DR , Gonzalez J , Skinner J , Khurana R , Mickey T
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Men diagnosed with rectal gonorrhoea (GC) and chlamydia (CT) have engaged in unprotected receptive anal intercourse. We reviewed the HIV positivity and HIV viral loads (VLs) of men who had rectal GC and CT testing to evaluate potential HIV acquisition and transmission risk.

Methods

Rectal GC and CT testing data for men attending the Maricopa County STD clinic during the period from 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2013 were cross‐matched with HIV surveillance data to identify men with HIV coinfection. We examined HIV status, HIV diagnosis date, and the values of VL collected nearest to the date of reported rectal infection.

Results

During the 2‐year time period, 1591 men were tested for rectal GC and CT. Of the men tested, 506 (31.8%) were positive for GC (13.2%), CT (12.2%) or both (6.4%); 119 (23.5%) of those with rectal GC or CT were coinfected with HIV. Among the 275 men with HIV at the time of rectal testing, 54 (19.6%) had no reported VL; 63 (22.9%) had an undetectable VL (< 20 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) and 158 (57.4%) had a detectable VL collected within 1 year of rectal diagnosis. Mean VL was higher among HIV and rectal GC/CT coinfected cases compared with men with HIV alone (174 316 vs. 57 717 copies/mL, respectively; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Approximately one‐third of men undergoing rectal testing were positive for GC or CT and one‐quarter of men with rectal GC or CT also had HIV infection. Of the HIV‐infected men tested for rectal GC or CT, more than half had a detectable VL collected near the time of rectal testing, demonstrating a risk for transmitting HIV.
Routine CD4 cell count monitoring seldom contributes to clinical decision‐making on antiretroviral therapy in virologically suppressed HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Chow EPF , Read TRH , Chen MY , Fehler G , Bradshaw CS , Fairley CK
Published: September 2014

Objectives

In Australia, CD4 cell count is monitored approximately every 6 months in HIV‐infected patients during antiretroviral therapy (ART). The aim of this study was to determine if routine CD4 monitoring contributed to decisions on changes to ART, and to estimate how reduced CD4 monitoring could contribute to cost savings in Australia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis investigating all HIV‐infected patients who attended the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) in Australia from 1 April 2011 to 1 October 2013. We reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients who changed or stopped antiretroviral regimens during this time period to determine whether CD4 cell count could have contributed to this clinical decision.

Results

Among 1004 patients with HIV infection on ART, none [95% confidence interval (CI) 0–2.3%] of the 162 clinical decisions to change or stop treatment were influenced by CD4 cell counts. Reducing the current biannual CD4 monitoring strategy to annually could potentially save ∼AU$ 1.5 million (US$ 1.4 million) each year in Australia [i.e. ∼AU$ 74 700 (US$ 67 700) could be saved per 1000 HIV‐infected patients during ART].

Conclusions

Routine CD4 monitoring in HIV‐infected patients during ART could be reduced from biannually to annually, as it rarely influences clinical decisions in patients' management. Not only could this avoid patients being unnecessarily anxious about normal fluctuations in their CD4 counts but it would also result in cost savings.
A Hot Topic – Heat Waves and Stroke
Authors: Chan Fiona , Francis Oliver , Dodd Lizzie , Mahdi Zain , Koblar Simon A.
Published: September 2014

Following a heat wave in January 2014 in Adelaide, state capital of South Australia, we asked the question whether extreme heat was associated with an increase in stroke incidence. We found in the literature that the association between stroke presentation to hospital and meteorological factors has long been a topic of debate and subject to numerous studies. The literature indicated that an association between heat waves and an increase in admissions for stroke was unlikely in Australia and the United States. We suggest that it may be inappropriate to generalize this conclusion to other countries and rural areas. In view of the global climate change debate, we suggest that prospective studies be focused in developing countries and rural areas to assess the real impact of extreme heat on respective populations to better inform stroke physicians and health policy makers.
Accountable and Under Control? Explaining Governments' Selection of Management Board Representatives
Authors: Buess Michael
Published: September 2014

The role of national representatives on the management boards (MBs) of European Union agencies (EUAs) is crucial in two respects. From a democratic point of view, national MB representatives' accountability may constitute a possible additional source of legitimacy for these technocratic bodies. From the perspective of European integration, their relationship with national institutions tells us about the status of EUAs and the extent to which their MBs constitute an intergovernmental control tool in the hands of the Member States. Contrary to their formal design, the collected data suggest that MBs have a rather supranational, technocratic character. With regard to their contribution to EUAs' democratic accountability, although the general level of accountability is high, the findings are more diverse. However, rather than reflecting control intentions by the Member States, different levels of accountability can best be explained by functional and institutional rather than strategic factors.
The Shepherd's Crook Sign: A New Neuroimaging Pareidolia in Joubert Syndrome
Authors: Manley Andrew T. , Maertens Paul M.
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

By pareidolically recognizing specific patterns indicative of particular diseases, neuroimagers reinforce their mnemonic strategies and improve their neuroimaging diagnostic skills. Joubert Syndrome (JS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized clinically by mental retardation, episodes of abnormal deep and rapid breathing, abnormal eye movements, and ataxia. Many neuroimaging signs characteristic of JS have been reported.

METHODS

In retrospective case study, two consanguineous neonates diagnosed with JS were evaluated with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and neurosonography.

RESULTS

Both cranial ultrasound and MRI of the brain showed the characteristic molar tooth sign. There was a shepherd's crook in the sagittal views of the posterior fossa where the shaft of the crook is made by the brainstem and the pons. The arc of the crook is made by the abnormal superior cerebellar peduncle and cerebellar hemisphere. By ultrasound, the shepherd's crook sign was seen through the posterior fontanelle only. CT imaging also showed the shepherd's crook sign.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroimaging diagnosis of JS, which already involves the pareidolical recognition of specific patterns indicative of the disease, can be improved by recognition of the shepherd's crook sign on MRI, CT, and cranial ultrasound.
The authenticating discourses of mining heritage tourism in Cornwall and Wales
Authors: Coupland Bethan , Coupland Nikolas
Published: September 2014

Heritage tourism commonly involves displays designed to represent and commemorate a valued cultural past. Our particular focus in this paper is mining heritage, and how it has been developed in Wales and Cornwall to reflect their rather different, but culturally and nationally defining, industrial histories. From some historical and critical perspectives, heritage is still a controversial concept involving simulation and commercialisation, which is often perceived as inauthentic. Yet heritage sites like Geevor in Cornwall and Big Pit in Wales, our two empirical foci, are promoted largely in terms of their authentic value. Visitors can ‘experience the past’, e.g. by going underground, being guided by ‘real miners’ and engaging with material artefacts of mining, not merely observe it. We draw on recent critical perspectives that move beyond essentialising conceptions of (in)authenticity, to analyse the competing claims to authenticity that we see in the promotional and interpretive discourses of mining heritage. We argue that, at the two sites, such discourses are organised within four frames, which we refer to as material, cultural, performative and recreational. Each frame defines a social dimension in which authenticity can be experienced. Together, the four frames provide a productive means of discursively managing the competing priorities that lie at the heart of heritage tourism.
Corruption and Development Policy (Drawing Upon the Recent Indian Debate)
Authors: BARDHAN PRANAB
Published: September 2014

There is a substantial theoretical literature now on the factors determining the incidence of corruption, suggesting some policies to fight it, but we do not have a great deal of empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these policies. This paper is a brief overview, drawing upon some of the salient features of the literature and with several examples from the Indian case where corruption has become a major issue of public debate, to make remarks that may be more generally relevant for policies in developing countries.
Estimating the treatment cascade of chronic hepatitis B and C in Greece using a telephone survey
Authors: Papatheodoridis G. , Sypsa V. , Kantzanou M. , Nikolakopoulos I. , Hatzakis A.
Published: September 2014

Accurate diagnosis and treatment rates for chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections are usually missing. Aim of this study was to estimate the HBV and HCV treatment cascade (proportion and absolute numbers of tested, aware/unaware, infected and treated) in Greek adults. A telephone survey was conducted in a sample representative of the Greek adult general population. Prevalence rates were age‐standardized for the Greek adult population and corrected for high‐risk individuals not included in the survey. Of the 9974 participants, 5255 (52.7%) had been tested for HBV and 2062 (20.7%) for HCV with the proportion varying according to age and being higher in middle‐age groups (P < 0.001). HBsAg was reported positive in 111/5255 (2.11%) and anti‐HCV in 26/2062 (1.26%) tested cases. The age‐adjusted prevalence was estimated to be 2.39% for HBV and 1.79% for HCV. Taking into account individuals at high risk for viral hepatitis not included in the survey, the ‘true’ prevalence was estimated to be 2.58% for HBV and 1.87% for HCV. Anti‐HBV and anti‐HCV treatment had been taken by 36/111 (32.4%) chronic HBV and 15/26 (57.7%) chronic HCV patients. In conclusion, almost 50% of chronic HBV and 80% of chronic HCV patients in Greece may be unaware of their infection, while only 32% or 58% of diagnosed chronic HBV or HCV patients, respectively, have been ever treated. Therefore, intensive efforts are required to improve the efficacy of screening for HBV and particularly for HCV as well as to reduce the barriers to treatment among diagnosed patients.