bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Phenomenon of the Urban Mummy
Authors: Harding Brett E. , Wolf Barbara C.
Published: August 2015

The environmental mummification of a body in an urban setting is an unusual event. Florida is known for its high temperatures and humidity, which typically result in the rapid putrefaction of bodies. However, under certain circumstances, Florida's climate provides an environment suitable for mummification, typically in isolated areas. We previously reported a case of a homicide/suicide in a residential neighborhood in which the mummified remains were undetected for several years. We have subsequently encountered two additional cases in which mummified bodies were discovered in urban settings. Presented in the historical context of the environmental conditions and postmortem processes involved in mummification, these cases illustrate the particular constellation of human behaviors and scenarios, as well as environmental conditions, which must coincide for this phenomenon to occur and highlight the necessity of the multidisciplinary approach to the medicolegal investigation of such deaths and the determination of the cause and manner of death.
Blow Flies from Forest Fragments Embedded in Different Land Uses: Implications for Selecting Indicators in Forensic Entomology
Authors: de Souza Mirian S. , Pepinelli Mateus , de Almeida Eduardo C. , Ochoa‐Quintero Jose M. , Roque Fabio O.
Published: August 2015

Given the general expectation that forest loss can alter biodiversity patterns, we hypothesize that blow fly species abundances differ in a gradient of native vegetation cover. This study was conducted in 17 fragments across different landscapes in central Brazil. Different land cover type proportions were used to represent landscape structure. In total, 2334 specimens of nine species of Calliphoridae were collected. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce dimensionality and multicollinearity of the landscape data. The first component explained 70%, and it represented a gradient of forest‐pasture land uses. Alien species showed a wide distribution in different fragments with no clear relationship between the abundance values and the scores of PCA axes, whereas native species occurred only in areas with a predominance of forest cover. Our study revealed that certain native species may be sensitive to forest loss at the landscape scale, and they represent a bioindicator in forensic entomology.
Smartphone Image Acquisition During Postmortem Monocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Lantz Patrick E. , Schoppe Candace H. , Thibault Kirk L. , Porter William T.
Published: August 2015

The medical usefulness of smartphones continues to evolve as third‐party applications exploit and expand on the smartphones’ interface and capabilities. This technical report describes smartphone still‐image capture techniques and video‐sequence recording capabilities during postmortem monocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Using these devices and techniques, practitioners can create photographic documentation of fundal findings, clinically and at autopsy, without the expense of a retinal camera. Smartphone image acquisition of fundal abnormalities can promote ophthalmological telemedicine—especially in regions or countries with limited resources—and facilitate prompt, accurate, and unbiased documentation of retinal hemorrhages in infants and young children.
A Practical Guide for the Formulation of Propositions in the Bayesian Approach to DNA Evidence Interpretation in an Adversarial Environment
Authors: Gittelson Simone , Kalafut Tim , Myers Steven , Taylor Duncan , Hicks Tacha , Taroni Franco , Evett Ian W. , Bright Jo‐Anne , Buckleton John
Published: August 2015

The interpretation of complexDNAprofiles is facilitated by a Bayesian approach. This approach requires the development of a pair of propositions: one aligned to the prosecution case and one to the defense case. This note explores the issue of proposition setting in an adversarial environment by a series of examples. A set of guidelines generalize how to formulate propositions when there is a single person of interest and when there are multiple individuals of interest. Additional explanations cover how to handle multiple defense propositions, relatives, and the transition from subsource level to activity level propositions. The propositions depend on case information and the allegations of each of the parties. The prosecution proposition is usually known. The authors suggest that a sensible proposition is selected for the defense that is consistent with their stance, if available, and consistent with a realistic defense if their position is not known.
Reflections on surgical behaviour
Authors: Galandiuk Susan , Bilchuk Natalia
Published: August 2015

Aim

We herein describe the different aspects of surgical behaviour. How surgeons behave affects every aspect of a surgeon's life: in the operating room, at the patient bedside, in the classroom, in the laboratory and even in public as a role model and leader.

Methods

In the present review, the notion of patient safety has become intertwined with the concept of surgical behaviour. Any type of behaviour by a surgeon that interferes with patient care or the ability of others to provide patient care is deleterious and might have an adverse effect on patient safety.

Results

Disruptive behaviour has been defined as ‘personal conduct, whether verbal or physical, that negatively affects or that potentially may negatively affect patient care’. Bad behaviour does not change; what begins incorrectly, frequently only becomes worse with time. It is a disservice to students and trainees not to give them feedback; that is, correct such behaviour. Although recent changes in training appear to lessen the apprentice nature within surgery, it is still a profession whereby trainees largely learn by example.

Conclusion

We must always remember that we are being observed by others. Surgeons must never fail to provide the most positive role model.
Assessing Socio‐Economic Vulnerability to Climate Change Impacts and Environmental Hazards in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia
Authors: SMITH ERIN F. , KEYS NONI , LIESKE SCOTT N. , SMITH TIMOTHY F.
Published: August 2015

This article systematically reviews and synthesises academic, peer‐reviewed literature to assess the state of knowledge concerning socio‐economic vulnerability to climate change impacts and environmental hazards in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. It focuses upon empirical research that identifies socio‐economic factors associated with vulnerable subpopulations. Using systematic review methods, 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. These articles are analysed according to their general characteristics, the methods used, and the factors reported to be associated with socio‐economic vulnerability. This body of evidence reveals that (1) the majority of the knowledge about socio‐economic vulnerability in New South Wales and Queensland has only recently emerged; (2) more knowledge has been published about Queensland; and (3) extreme temperature is the most researched environmental hazard. Despite increased research activity over time, the number of factors repeatedly demonstrated to influence socio‐economic vulnerability is small. Age, gender, place of residence, and pre‐existing illness were the most commonly reported factors, although the influence of these factors upon socio‐economic vulnerability is complex. There is scope to extend the empirical research base across a broader range of climate‐related hazards and to better link findings from the domains of climate change vulnerability and population health.
Solid‐state fermentation in multi‐well plates to assess pretreatment efficiency of rot fungi on lignocellulose biomass
Authors: Zhou Simeng , Raouche Sana , Grisel Sacha , Navarro David , Sigoillot Jean‐Claude , Herpoël‐Gimbert Isabelle
Published: August 2015

The potential of fungal pretreatment to improve fermentable sugar yields from wheat straw or Miscanthus was investigated. We assessed 63 fungal strains including 53 white‐rot and 10 brown‐rot fungi belonging to the Basidiomycota phylum in an original 12 day small‐scale solid‐state fermentation (SSF) experiment using 24‐well plates. This method offers the convenience of one‐pot processing of samples fromSSFto enzymatic hydrolysis. The comparison of the lignocellulolytic activity profiles of white‐rot fungi and brown‐rot fungi showed different behaviours. The hierarchical clustering according to glucose and reducing sugars released from each biomass after 72 h enzymatic hydrolysis splits the set of fungal strains into three groups: efficient, no‐effect and detrimental‐effect species. The efficient group contained 17 species belonging to seven white‐rot genera and one brown‐rot genus. The yield of sugar released increased significantly (max. 62%) compared with non‐inoculated controls for both substrates.
Evaluation of rheumatoid factor and anti‐citrullinated peptide antibodies in relation to rheumatological manifestations in patients with leprosy from Southern Brazil
Authors: Dionello Carla Fontoura , Rosa Utiyama Shirley Ramos , Radominski Sebastião Cézar , Stahlke Ewalda , Stinghen Servio Tulio , de Messias‐Reason Iara Jose
Published: August 2015

Background

Leprosy patients may present several osteoarticular complaints, which require further evaluation of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, an adequate clinical assessment in addition to testing for rheumatoid factors (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti‐CCP), can be useful in order to establish the correct diagnosis.

Method

In this study, the relation of RF and anti‐CCP with rheumatological manifestations was evaluated in 97 leprosy patients from Southern Brazil. The results were compared to RA patients and healthy controls from the same geographical area and ethnic background.

Results

Neuropathy was observed in 71.1% and arthritis in 35.1% of the leprosy patients. A high frequency of RF positivity was observed among the leprosy patients (41.2%, 40/97), with RF immunoglobulin A (IgA) significantly associated with arthritis (OR = 7.9, 95% CI = 1.5–40.6 P = 0.008). Anti‐CCP was observed in 9.3% (9/97) of the patients, with anti‐CCP2 being the most frequent subtype. Only 4.1% (4/97) of the patients were RF and anti‐CCP concomitantly positive. RF IgM showed a significant association with leprosy when compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001) whereas for anti‐CCP2 no significant results were observed (P = 0.0585). However, both biomarkers showed a strong association with RA when compared to leprosy in patients from the same geographical area and ethnic background (anti‐CCP2 OR = 38.6; 95% CI = 16.49–90.26; P < 0.0001 and RF IgM OR = 4.51; 95% CI = 2.62–7.77; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Due to the similarity of some rheumatological manifestations in leprosy with other inflammatory diseases, such as RA, clinical and laboratorial evaluation of affected patients must be carefully assessed in order to achieve proper diagnosis and treatment.
The efficacy of propofol on emergence agitation – a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jiang S. , Liu J. , Li M. , Ji W. , Liang J.
Published: August 2015

Background

Emergence agitation (EA) is a common, post‐anesthetic complication in pediatric patients following sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the effects of an adjunctive dose of propofol to reduce the incidence of EA in pediatric patients.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify clinical trials focusing on the effects of propofol on EA in children under sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet databases, and other sources were searched. The data were combined to calculate the pooled relative ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD), and relevant 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity and potential publication bias were assessed. The required information size was calculated and a Lan‐DeMets sequential monitoring boundary was constructed to improve the precision of our findings.

Results

Data from 11 studies showed that an adjunctive dose of propofol conveyed a preventive effect on EA, as compared with placebo (RR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.43–0.74; P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the length of stay in the post‐anesthesia care unit between groups (MD = 0.25 min; 95% CI = −2.81 to 2.31; P = 0.85). The required information size was 2297 patients and the Lan‐DeMets sequential monitoring boundary was crossed. However, most of the included studies had a high risk of bias and non‐ignorable inter‐study and clinical heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Future studies on the benefits of adjunct propofol in reducing the incidence of EA are required.
External validation of the Norwegian survival prediction model in trauma after major trauma in Southern Finland
Authors: Raj R. , Brinck T. , Skrifvars M. B. , Handolin L.
Published: August 2015

Background

The Norwegian Survival Prediction Model in Trauma (NORMIT) is a newly developed outcome prediction model for patients with trauma. We aimed to compare the novel NORMIT to the more commonly used Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) in Finnish trauma patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective open‐cohort study, using the trauma registry of Helsinki university hospital's trauma unit, including severely injured patients (new injury severity score > 15) admitted from 2007 to 2011. We used 30‐day in‐hospital mortality as the primary outcome, and discharge functional outcome as a secondary outcome of interest. Model performance was evaluated by comparing discrimination (by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]), using a re‐sample bootstrap technique, and by assessing calibration (GiViTI belt).

Results

We identified 1111 patients fulfilling the study inclusion criteria. Overall mortality was 13% (n = 147). NORMIT showed slightly better discrimination for mortality prediction (AUC = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.80–0.86 vs. AUC = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.75–0.83, P = 0.004) and functional outcome prediction (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.76–0.82 vs. AUC = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.72–0.78, P < 0.001) than TRISS. Calibration testing revealed poor calibration for both NORMIT and TRISS (P < 0.001), by giving too pessimistic predictions (predicted survival significantly lower than actual survival).

Conclusion

NORMIT and TRISS showed good discrimination, but poor calibration, in this mixed cohort of severely injured trauma patients from Southern Finland. We found NORMIT to be a feasible alternative to TRISS for trauma patient outcome prediction, but trauma prediction models with improved calibration are needed.
GABRA2 Alcohol Dependence Risk Allele is Associated with Reduced Expression of Chromosome 4p12 GABAA Subunit Genes in Human Neural Cultures
Authors: Lieberman Richard , Kranzler Henry R. , Joshi Pujan , Shin Dong‐Guk , Covault Jonathan
Published: August 2015

Background

Genetic variation in a region of chromosome 4p12 that includes the GABAA subunit gene GABRA2 has been reproducibly associated with alcohol dependence (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the association are unknown. This study examined correlates of in vitro gene expression of the AD‐associated GABRA2 rs279858*C‐allele in human neural cells using an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model system.

Methods

We examined mRNA expression of chromosome 4p12 GABAA subunit genes (GABRG1, GABRA2, GABRA4, and GABRB1) in 36 human neural cell lines differentiated from iPSCs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and next‐generation RNA sequencing. mRNA expression in adult human brain was examined using the BrainCloud and BRAINEAC data sets.

Results

We found significantly lower levels of GABRA2 mRNA in neural cell cultures derived from rs279858*C‐allele carriers. Levels of GABRA2 RNA were correlated with those of the other 3 chromosome 4p12 GABAA genes, but not other neural genes. Cluster analysis based on the relative RNA levels of the 4 chromosome 4p12 GABAA genes identified 2 distinct clusters of cell lines, a low‐expression cluster associated with rs279858*C‐allele carriers and a high‐expression cluster enriched for the rs279858*T/T genotype. In contrast, there was no association of genotype with chromosome 4p12 GABAA gene expression in postmortem adult cortex in either the BrainCloud or BRAINEAC data sets.

Conclusions

AD‐associated variation in GABRA2 is associated with differential expression of the entire cluster of GABAA subunit genes on chromosome 4p12 in human iPSC‐derived neural cell cultures. The absence of a parallel effect in postmortem human adult brain samples suggests that AD‐associated genotype effects on GABAA expression, although not present in mature cortex, could have effects on regulation of the chromosome 4p12 GABAA cluster during neural development.
Integrating Social‐Contextual and Intrapersonal Mechanisms of “Maturing Out”: Joint Influences of Familial‐Role Transitions and Personality Maturation on Problem‐Drinking Reductions
Authors: Lee Matthew R. , Ellingson Jarrod M. , Sher Kenneth J.
Published: August 2015

Background

“Maturing out” of problem drinking is associated with both role transitions (e.g., getting married) and personality development. However, little is known concerning how these 2 mechanisms jointly influence problem‐drinking desistance. This study investigated whether salutary effects of role transitions and personality occur at different points in young‐adult development and whether they mediate one another's effects.

Methods

Participants were initially recruited as first‐year undergraduates, with family history of alcoholism overrepresented by design (N = 489). Using 4 waves of data at roughly ages 21, 25, 29, and 34, cross‐lagged panel models estimated prospective relations among familial‐role transitions (marriage or parenthood), personality (disinhibition, conscientiousness, and neuroticism), and problem drinking.

Results

Mixed support was found for the prediction of roles being more strongly associated with earlier maturing out of problem drinking and personality being more strongly associated with later maturing out. Regarding mediation, no evidence was found for the expectation that role effects would be mediated by personality. However, results did support mediation of personality effects by role transitions. Specifically, lower disinhibition and higher conscientiousness in emerging adulthood predicted role adoption, which, in turn, predicted later problem‐drinking reductions. Family history of alcoholism also distally influenced these mediation processes.

Conclusions

The differential timing of role and personality effects is consistent with the notion of decreasing contextual influences and increasing intrapersonal influences across development. In light of role incompatibility theory, results suggest that, over the course of development, the association of familial roles with problem drinking may increasingly reflect problem‐drinking effects on role entry (i.e., role selection) and decreasingly reflect role entry effects on problem drinking (i.e., role socialization). As emerging‐adult disinhibition and conscientiousness were associated with an apparent developmental cascade of both direct and indirect effects, findings highlight their potential importance as etiologic mechanisms and intervention targets.
Binge Drinking and Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics Among Mexican Americans Residing on the U.S.–Mexico Border
Authors: Vaeth Patrice A. C. , Caetano Raul , Mills Britain A.
Published: August 2015

Background

This study examines the association between perceived neighborhood violence, perceived neighborhood collective efficacy, and binge drinking among Mexican Americans residing on the U.S.–Mexico border.

Methods

Data were collected from a multistage cluster sample of adult Mexican Americans residing in the U.S.–Mexico border areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas (N = 1,307). The survey weighted response rate was 67%. Face‐to‐face interviews lasting approximately 1 hour were conducted in respondents' homes in English or Spanish. Path analysis was used to test whether collective efficacy mediated the impact of perceived neighborhood violence on binge drinking.

Results

Among 30+‐year‐old women, perceived neighborhood collective efficacy mediated the effects of perceived neighborhood violence on binge drinking in a theoretically predicted way: Lower perceptions of violence predicted an increased perception of collective efficacy, which in turn, predicted less binge drinking. Direct effects of violence perceptions on binge were nonsignificant. Younger 18‐ to 29‐year‐old women showed a similar (but nonsignificant) pattern of effects. Perceived collective efficacy also mediated the effects of perceived violence on binge drinking among men, but in opposite ways for older and younger men. Older men showed the same mediating effect as older women, but the effect reversed among younger men due to a strong, positive relation between collective efficacy and binge drinking. There were also age differences in the direct effect of violence perceptions on binge drinking: Perceptions of violence predicted more binge drinking among young men, but less among older men.

Conclusions

These results highlight the complexity of people's responses to neighborhood characteristics in regard to their drinking. Young men in particular seem to react very differently to perceptions of collective efficacy than other groups. However, among both men and women, collective efficacy may come to play an increasingly important protective role in health outcomes with age.
Early Adolescent Alcohol Use: Are Sipping and Drinking Distinct?
Authors: Wadolowski Monika , Hutchinson Delyse , Bruno Raimondo , Aiken Alexandra , Clare Philip , Slade Tim , Najman Jake , Kypri Kypros , McBride Nyanda , Mattick Richard P.
Published: August 2015

Background

Sipping alcohol is common during early adolescence, but research has ignored the distinction between sipping and drinking whole alcohol beverages, conflating the 2, or else simply classifying “sippers” as abstainers. Research has not addressed whether sippers are different to drinkers, in relation to variables known to be associated with adolescent alcohol consumption, or considered whether sipping and drinking behaviors may have quite different associations.

Methods

Parent–child dyads (N = 1,823) were recruited in 3 states from Australian grade 7 classes. Multinomial logistic analyses compared adolescents who had only had a sip/taste of alcohol (sippers) with adolescents who had consumed at least a whole drink (drinkers) in the past 6 months. The multivariate model assessed a broad range of demographics, parenting practices, peer influences, and adolescent externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and controlled for school clustering.

Results

Compared to drinkers, sippers were less likely to come from 1‐parent households (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35 to 0.98); less likely to come from low‐socioeconomic status (SES) households (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.94); more likely to come from families where parents provide stricter alcohol‐specific rules (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.32), stricter monitoring of the child's activities (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.16), more consistent parenting practices (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.23), and more positive family relationships (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.43); and report having fewer substance‐using peers (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.91) and greater peer disapproval of any substance use (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.42). After adjustment for confounders, the associations with household composition and SES were no longer significant, but the familial and peer associations remained significant in the multivariate analysis, χ2(40) = 1,493.06, p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Sipping alcohol has different associations with known predictors of adolescent alcohol use than drinking whole beverages, and sipping may be a distinct or separable behavior. Future research should better define quantities of early consumption and assess the relationship between early sipping and drinking on long‐term outcomes separately.
The Use of Open‐ and Closed‐Loop Control During Goal‐Directed Force Responses by Children with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Simmons Roger W. , Nguyen Tanya T. , Thomas Jennifer D. , Riley Edward P.
Published: August 2015

Background

Many daily functional activities involve goal‐directed responses based on open‐loop and closed‐loop motor control, yet little is known about how children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure organize and regulate these 2 types of control systems when completing a goal‐directed force response.

Methods

Children with (n = 19) or without (n = 23) heavy prenatal alcohol exposure were required to match a target force (25 and 50% of maximum voluntary force) in a specified target time (200, 800, and 2,000 ms). Target force and produced force were visually displayed on a computer monitor. The analog force–time record was parsed into 2 segments: the period beginning from force initiation to the first reversal in force was designated the open‐loop phase, and the remainder of the response was the closed‐loop phase.

Results

Compared to controls, alcohol‐exposed children produced a significantly shorter duration of open‐loop control, a higher open‐loop phase rate of force development, a shorter time to reach maximum force during the closed‐loop phase, and greater absolute target force error. Increasing target force magnitude did not differentially alter the performance of the clinical group.

Conclusions

The results indicate that alcohol‐exposed children experience deficits in completing goal‐directed force responses that likely stem from an alcohol‐related insult to the central nervous system. Therapeutic exercises should be designed to recalibrate internal timing systems and improve visuomotor integration.
Child oral health‐related quality of life and early childhood caries: a non‐inferiority randomized control trial
Authors: Arrow P , Klobas E
Published: August 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to compare changes in child oral health‐related quality of life (COHRQoL) after treatment for early childhood caries (ECC) using two alternative treatment approaches.

Methods

A randomized control trial with random allocation of parent/child dyads with ECC to test (minimum intervention) or control (standard care). Participating parents completed the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) at baseline and follow‐up. Changes in ECOHIS scores and extent of COHRQoL impacts between and within groups were tested using the chi‐squared statistic for groups, Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test, and matched‐pairs signed‐rank test.

Results

Two hundred and fifty‐four children were randomized (test = 127; control = 127). At baseline, mean ECOHIS score 11.1, sd 8.2; mean age = 3.8 years, sd 0.90; mean dmft = 4.9, sd 4.0; and 59% male. After a mean interval of 11.4 months, 210 children were followed‐up and returned a completed questionnaire (test = 111; control = 99). There was no significant difference in COHRQoL changes between test and control. For all the children combined, there were significantly fewer impacts at follow‐up in the child and family domains and the total ECOHIS, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, p < 0.05.

Conclusions

COHRQoL improved with primary dental care for ECC, and there was no statistically significant difference between test and control in the extent of the improvement.
The moderating effects of perceived emotional benefits on inhalant initiation among American Indian and white youth
Authors: Swaim Randall C.
Published: August 2015

Background

Inhalant use co‐occurs with emotional distress. Inhalant use may be a means of self‐medicating distress, but more recent study focuses on the cognitive appraisal of personal benefits of using substances.

Objectives

Objectives were to determine whether emotional distress variables predict early versus later initiation of inhalant use, whether such relationships differ between American Indian and white youth, and whether perceived emotional benefits of inhalant use moderates the relationship between emotional distress and stage of inhalant initiation.

Methods

Data were from a study of 7–12th grade American Indian youth who live on or near reservations. A total of 856 students from 32 schools surveyed from 2009 to 2012, who reported having used inhalants (American Indian = 683; white = 173), were surveyed about age first use of inhalants, levels of emotional distress, and perceived benefits of inhalant use. SEM models were used to assess study objectives.

Results

Depression and anger did not discriminate between early and later initiation. Lower self‐esteem related to earlier initiation, but only among American Indian students. Perceived emotional benefits of inhalant use did not moderate the relationship between self‐esteem and stage of initiation.

Discussion and Conclusions

Among middle school and high school American Indian and white youth living on or near American Indian reservations, emotional distress is not strongly related to stage of inhalant initiation.

Scientific Significance

These findings raise questions about the timing and strength of relationship between emotional distress and early inhalant initiation. Prospective studies are need to assess this relationship more fully. (Am J Addict 2015;24:554–560)
Inverse Correlation between the Atrial Fibrillatory Rate and the Ventricular Repolarization Time: Observations at Baseline and after an Intravenous Infusion of a Combined Potassium and Sodium Current Blocker
Authors: Edvardsson Nils , Aunes Maria , Frison Lars , Berggren Anders R.
Published: August 2015

Background

The atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) and the ventricular rate and repolarization (QTcF) were studied at baseline and under the influence of the combined potassium and sodium current blocker AZD7009.

Methods

Ninety‐two patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomized to an intravenous infusion of AZD7009 or placebo. The atrial fibrillatory activity in lead V1 was extracted using spatiotemporal QRST cancellation. The exponential decay (ED) characterized the degree of atrial signal organization.

Results

The mean (SD) AFR at baseline was 396  ±  57 (range 253–584) and 410 ± 33 (range 363–469) bpm in patients randomized to AZD7009 and placebo, respectively. The AFR decreased within the first minutes of the AZD7009 infusion and reached its minimum of 235 ± 34 bpm after 18 minutes. On placebo, the AFR was unchanged. On AZD7009, the ED decreased from 1.2 ± 0.3 to reach its lowest level at 0.7 ± 0.2 after 14 minutes. The ventricular rate did not change significantly over time. The AFR was statistically significantly related to the ventricular repolarization at baseline, the QTcF being longer at lower AFR values, and this relationship remained during and after AZD7009. In the full multivariate linear regression model, including age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, QRS duration, heart rate, QTcF, AF episode duration, AF history duration, and right atrial or left atrial size, only QTcF and age were statistically significantly correlated with the AFR. The correlation remained when the uncorrected QT interval was used.

Conclusions

The QTcF was inversely correlated with AFR, both at baseline and during administration of AZD7009. The AFR was not correlated with the ventricular rate.
Outcomes of open partial nephrectomies performed by Australian trainees
Authors: Tucker Paige E. , Rukin Nicholas J. , Kugathasan Gana , Kong Jennifer P. , Wallace David M. A.
Published: August 2015

Background

Partial nephrectomy (PN) has become the standard of care for small renal tumours, with open partial nephrectomy (OPN) being superseded by minimally invasive PN. Advances in minimal access surgery have resulted in fewer relative contraindications, with subsequently fewer OPN being performed. Consequentially, trainees have less opportunity to gain skills and experience in open renal surgery. The aims of this study were to assess the standard of OPN performed by Australian urological trainees and to define whether OPN is a safe and suitable training opportunity.

Method

A retrospective review was undertaken on patients who underwent OPN performed by urology trainees from 2010 to 2014 at two training hospitals in Western Australia. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical and oncological outcomes and morbidity.

Results

Sixty patients underwent OPN, with a mean age of 56 years. Most tumours were single, with mean size 31 mm. Mean operative time was 157 min, with a mean cold ischaemic time of 27 min. Mean pre‐ and post‐operative creatinine levels were equivalent (77 μmol/L). The overall complication rate was 18%, with no documented urinary leaks, and 1.7% blood transfusion rate. Median length of stay was 4 days. There were no oncological positive margins or recurrence after a median follow‐up of 2 years.

Conclusion

Our data support the notion that Australian urological trainees can perform the majority of OPN cases, with equivalent oncological outcomes. We would advocate that when an OPN is being performed, the supervising consultant should use the case as an adjuvant for open renal surgery training.
Bleb‐related infection revisited: a literature review
Authors: Yassin Sanaa A.
Published: August 2015

Bleb‐related infection (BRI) is one of the serious complications of glaucoma filtering surgery. This literature review is aimed at the evaluation of recent studies related to BRI. The review presented and discussed risk factors, and clinical and laboratory diagnosis emphasizing advances in diagnostic techniques to detect and distinguish the disease as well as to initiate immediate intensive antibacterial treatment. Clinical features of recognized prognostic factors of visual outcome were also presented. The studies showed that the prognosis of blebitis is usually good, unless infection has progressed to endophthalmitis that would signify a poorer prognosis. Despite prompt and intensive treatment of patients with bleb‐related endophthalmitis, the outcomes remain unsatisfactory especially with virulent organisms and low initial visual acuity. It has been recommended that early detection and treatment of risk factors and thorough patient education are indispensable in ensuring best prognosis in post‐trabeculectomy patients.
Alcohol during pregnancy worsens acute respiratory infections in children
Authors: Libster Romina , M. Ferolla Fausto , Hijano Diego R. , Acosta Patricio L. , Erviti Anabella , Polack Fernando P. ,   the INFANT Respiratory Network
Published: August 2015

Aim

This study explored whether alcohol consumption during pregnancy increased the risk of life‐threatening respiratory infections in children.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated children under the age of two years admitted to hospitals in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with severe acute respiratory infections during the winters of 2011 and 2012. Information on maternal alcohol consumption during the third trimester of pregnancy was collected using standardised questionnaires and categorised as never, low if it was once a week and high if it was equal or more than once a week.

Results

Of the 3423 children hospitalised with acute respiratory infection, 2089 (63.7%) had respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Alcohol consumption during the last trimester was reported by 398 mothers (12.4%) and categorised as low (n = 210, 6.5%) or high (n = 188, 5.9%). A greater effect on life‐threatening respiratory infection, defined as oxygen saturation of or up to 87%, was observed with higher alcohol intake due to all viruses and specifically RSV in the logistic regression analyses. Alcohol consumption was strongly associated with life‐threatening disease, particularly in boys whose adjusted odds ratio rose from 3.67 to 13.52 when their mothers drank alcohol.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy was associated with life‐threatening respiratory infections in boys.
Recursive partitioning analysis of prognostic factors in post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD): a 120 case single institution series
Authors: Montanari Francesca , Radeski Dejan , Seshan Venkatraman , Alobeid Bachir , Bhagat Govind , O'Connor Owen A.
Published: August 2015

The post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) comprise a heterogeneous group of lymphocytic and plasma cell proliferations occurring in recipients of tissue allografts in the setting of immunosuppression. We describe our experience of 120 patients with PTLD seen between 1990 and 2009, one of the largest series reported by a single institution. Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders characteristics were analysed with regard to paediatric and adult patients, and with regard to the decade of diagnosis, 1990–1999 (pre‐rituximab era) versus 2000–2009 (the rituximab era). We present a new prognostic score using the recursive partitioning model, consisting of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score (0–1 vs. 2–4), age [paediatrics (<16 years old), adults (16–60 years old) and elderly (>60 years old)] and CD20 status (positive vs negative); separating patients into 4 risk categories based on overall survival. Low‐risk included paediatric patients with ECOG score of 0–1; intermediate‐low‐risk included adults aged 16–60 years with an ECOG score of 0–1; intermediate‐high‐risk included elderly patients with an ECOG score 0–1 or paediatric patients and adults aged 16–60 years with an ECOG score of 2–4 and CD20 positive; high‐risk group included patients of any age with an ECOG score of 2–4 and CD20 negative, and elderly patients with an ECOG score of 2–4 with CD20‐positive PTLD.
Juxtaposition and Disturbance: Disentangling the Determinants of Lizard Community Structure
Authors: Mesquita Daniel O. , Colli Guarino R. , Pantoja Davi L. , Shepard Donald B. , C. Vieira Gustavo H. , Vitt Laurie J.
Published: August 2015

Disturbance alters the structure and dynamics of communities. Here, we examined the effects of seasonal flooding on the lizard community structure by comparing two adjacent habitats, a seasonally flooded and a non‐flooded forest, in a Cerrado–Amazon ecotone area, theCantãoStatePark, Tocantins state,Brazil. Despite the strong potential impact of seasonal flooding, the only significant environmental difference detected was more termite mounds in non‐flooded forests. Species richness was significantly higher in the non‐flooded forest.Colobosaura modesta, followed byMabuya frenataandAnolis brasiliensis, were the only species that differed in number of captures between sites.Colobosaura modestawas exclusively found in the non‐flooded forest, whileAnolis brasiliensiswas the most captured in the flooded forest.Mabuya frenatais indicated as an indicator species in the flooded forest, andColobosaura modestain the non‐flooded forest. We found a significant association between lizard abundances and habitat characteristics, with flooding, canopy cover, and logs being the best predictors. A phylogenetic community structure analysis indicated a lack of structure in both lizard assemblages. Overall, we show that seasonal flooding can strongly impact species richness and species occurrence patterns, but not phylogenetic community structure. TheAmazon–Cerrado transition is undergoing pronounced transformations due to deforestation and climate change. Despite being species‐poor compared with central areas inAmazon orCerrado, this ecotone harbors species with important adaptations that could hold the key to persistence in human‐disturbed landscapes or during periods of climate change.
Human papillomavirus type 16 E7 oncoprotein mediates CCNA1 promoter methylation
Authors: Chalertpet Kanwalat , Pakdeechaidan Watcharapong , Patel Vyomesh , Mutirangura Apiwat , Yanatatsaneejit Pattamawadee
Published: August 2015

Human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins drive distinctive promoter methylation patterns in cancer. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Cyclin A1 (CCNA1) promoter methylation is strongly associated with HPV‐associated cancer. CCNA1 methylation is found in HPV‐associated cervical cancers, as well as in head and neck squamous cell cancer. Numerous pieces of evidence suggest that E7 may drive CCNA1 methylation. First, the CCNA1 promoter is methylated in HPV‐positive epithelial lesions after transformation. Second, the CCNA1 promoter is methylated at a high level when HPV is integrated into the human genome. Finally, E7 has been shown to interact with DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1). Here, we sought to determine the mechanism by which E7 increases methylation in cervical cancer by using CCNA1 as a gene model. We investigated whether E7 induces CCNA1 promoter methylation, resulting in the loss of expression. Using both E7 knockdown and overexpression approaches in SiHa and C33a cells, our data showed that CCNA1 promoter methylation decreases with a corresponding increase in expression in E7 siRNA‐transfected cells. By contrast, CCNA1 promoter methylation was augmented with a corresponding reduction in expression in E7‐overexpressing cells. To confirm whether the binding of the E7–Dnmt1 complex to the CCNA1 promoter induced methylation and loss of expression, ChIP assays were carried out in E7‐, del CR3‐E7 and vector control‐overexpressing C33a cells. The data showed that E7 induced CCNA1 methylation by forming a complex with Dnmt1 at the CCNA1 promoter, resulting in the subsequent reduction of expression in cancers. It is interesting to further explore the genome‐wide mechanism of E7 oncoprotein‐mediated DNA methylation.
Magnolol inhibits growth of gallbladder cancer cells through the p53 pathway
Authors: Li Maolan , Zhang Fei , Wang Xu'an , Wu Xiangsong , Zhang Bingtai , Zhang Ning , Wu Wenguang , Wang Zheng , Weng Hao , Liu Shibo , Gao Guofeng , Mu Jiasheng , Shu Yijun , Bao Runfa , Cao Yang , Lu Jianhua , Gu Jun , Zhu Jian , Liu Yingbin
Published: August 2015

Magnolol, the major active compound found in Magnolia officinalis has a wide range of clinical applications due to its anti‐inflammation and anti‐oxidation effects. This study investigated the effects of magnolol on the growth of human gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) cell lines. The results indicated that magnolol could significantly inhibit the growth of GBC cell lines in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Magnolol also blocked cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase and induced mitochondrial‐related apoptosis by upregulating p53 and p21 protein levels and by downregulating cyclin D1, CDC25A, and Cdk2 protein levels. When cells were pretreated with a p53 inhibitor (pifithrin‐a), followed by magnolol treatment, pifithrin‐a blocked magnolol‐induced apoptosis and G0/G1 arrest. In vivo, magnolol suppressed tumor growth and activated the same mechanisms as were activated in vitro. In conclusion, our study is the first to report that magnolol has an inhibitory effect on the growth of GBC cells and that this compound may have potential as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of GBC.
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 regulates angiogenesis in a transforming growth factor β‐dependent manner in human osteosarcoma
Authors: Jiang Xuan , Shan Jinlu , Dai Nan , Zhong Zhaoyang , Qing Yi , Yang Yuxing , Zhang Shiheng , Li Chongyi , Sui Jiangdong , Ren Tao , Li Mengxia , Wang Dong
Published: August 2015

Angiogenesis plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis and has been reported to be inversely correlated with overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. It has been shown that apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), a dually functional protein possessing both base excision repair and redox activities, is involved in tumor angiogenesis, although these mechanisms are not fully understood. Our previous study showed that the expression of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) was significantly reduced in APE1‐deficient osteosarcoma cells. Transforming growth factor β promotes cancer metastasis through various mechanisms including immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and invasion. In the current study, we initially revealed that APE1, TGFβ, and microvessel density (MVD) have pairwise correlation in osteosarcoma tissue samples, whereas TGFβ, tumor size, and MVD were inversely related to the prognosis of the cohort. We found that knocking down APE1 in osteosarcoma cells resulted in TGFβ downregulation. In addition, APE1‐siRNA led to suppression of angiogenesis in vitro based on HUVECs in Transwell and Matrigel tube formation assays. Reduced secretory protein level of TGFβ of culture medium also resulted in decreased phosphorylation of Smad3 of HUVECs. In a mouse xenograft model, siRNA‐mediated silencing of APE1 downregulated TGFβ expression, tumor size, and MVD. Collectively, the current evidence indicates that APE1 regulates angiogenesis in osteosarcoma by controlling the TGFβ pathway, suggesting a novel target for anti‐angiogenesis therapy in human osteosarcoma.
Phase I/II trial of chemoradiotherapy with concurrent S‐1 and cisplatin for clinical stage II/III esophageal carcinoma (JCOG 0604)
Authors: Tahara Makoto , Fuse Nozomu , Mizusawa Junki , Sato Akihiro , Nihei Keiji , Kanato Keisuke , Kato Ken , Yamazaki Kentaro , Muro Kei , Takaishi Hiromasa , Boku Narikazu , Ohtsu Atsushi
Published: August 2015

We carried out a phase I/II trial of chemoradiotherapy concurrent with S‐1 and cisplatin to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended dose and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Thoracic esophageal cancer patients with clinical stage II/III disease, excluding T4, were eligible. Chemotherapy consisted of S‐1 at a dose of 60–80 mg/m2/day on days 1–14, and cisplatin at 75 mg/m2 on day 1, repeated twice every 4 weeks. Single daily radiation of 50.4 Gy was given in 28 fractions concurrently starting on day 1. Patients achieving an objective response after chemoradiotherapy underwent two additional cycles of chemotherapy. Patient accrual was terminated early due to slow enrolment after 44 patients were accrued. In the phase I part, two of six patients experienced dose‐limiting toxicities at each level of S‐1 (S‐1 60 or 80 mg/m2/day). Considering treatment compliance, the recommended dose was determined to be S‐1 60 mg/m2/day. The complete response rate, the primary endpoint of phase II, was 59.5% (22/37; 90% confidence interval, 44.6–73.1%; weighted threshold, 57.2%; P = 0.46 by the exact binomial test) on central review. In the phase II part, 3‐year progression‐free survival was 48.4%, with a 3‐year overall survival of 61.9%. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity in phase II included leukopenia (57.9%), neutropenia (50%), hyponatremia (28.9%), anorexia (21.1%), anemia (18.4%), thrombocytopenia (18.4%), and febrile neutropenia (2.6%). No treatment‐related deaths were observed. Although this combination showed acceptable toxicity and favorable 3‐year survival, the study did not meet its primary endpoint. This trial was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000000710.