bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergies between climate change adaptation and mitigation in development
Authors: Sugar Lorraine , Kennedy Chris , Hoornweg Dan
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how cities at different stages of development each subject to its own challenges in adapting to climate change can manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies are undertaken for three cities: Amman, Jakarta and Dar es Salaam, including determination of GHG emissions and analysis of climate change data (where available) for each.

Findings

In Amman, the most climate‐sensitive municipal service is water; Jordan is exceptionally dry, and nearly 15 per cent of all electricity consumption is by the water authority. Jakarta has already experienced extreme flooding. The climate vulnerabilities associated with sea‐level rise are intensified by subsidence in parts of Jakarta. Alternating floods and droughts are climate impacts already experienced in Dar es Salaam. Droughts have impacted Tanzania's electricity infrastructure disrupting hydroelectricity production, requiring new natural gas infrastructure to maintain power, thereby increasing GHG emissions. Nonetheless, Dar es Salaam's GHG emissions at 0.56 t CO2e/cap are small compared to Amman and Jakarta at 3.66 and 4.92 t CO2e/cap., respectively.

Originality/value

Synergist development strategies, addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation are suggested. In Amman an increased share of photovoltaic electricity production might be used for service provision, especially for energy needs surrounding water supply. Advanced slum upgrading in Jakarta could see relocation of the at‐risk poor to safe areas with energy efficient homes connected to public transit and decentralized, community‐based electricity generation. The focus in Dar es Salaam community‐based waste‐to‐energy facilities would reduce climate change impacts and vulnerabilities while addressing energy poverty in poor communities.
Experiences of leaving prison for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Ellem Kathy
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The support given to prisoners when they leave prison has a bearing on their success in starting a new life and on community safety. This paper aims to examine the community re‐entry experiences of ten people with an intellectual disability in Queensland, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings in this paper are part of a wider study on the life stories of ex‐prisoners with an intellectual disability. Seven male and three female participants with intellectual disability were interviewed using a semi‐structured life story method. Interviews were respectful of the communication styles of participants and involved multiple interview sessions, ranging from two to nine interviews per person. Data were analysed using narrative and thematic analysis with the assistance of NVivo 8 software.

Findings

Participants found the process of leaving prison an emotional event, often clouded with both confusion about when release was to occur, and uncertainly as to what they could expect on the outside. The need for concrete information and coordinated hands‐on assistance in negotiating supports in the community have significant implications for correctional and community services.

Originality/value

This study captures the perspectives of people with intellectual disability on community re‐entry. These perspectives are often overlooked in policy and practice developments in the field of corrections. Yet without understanding this group, the field is unable to address their particular needs.
Adult diagnosis of pathological demand avoidance – subsequent care planning
Authors: Eaton Judy , Banting Rosie
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Many patients in residential and secure settings have no formal diagnosis of Autism but may in fact be on the spectrum. This paper seeks to outline the diagnosis and subsequent treatment and intervention planning for a young woman in a low secure hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarises the literature in relation to the diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance (an atypical presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder) in children and describes how this diagnosis may present in adults. This search revealed that whilst there was a growing literature around PDA in Children, there was very little literature available about either the clinical presentation or management guidance in adults. A case study design was adopted.

Findings

The paper concludes that the lack of an appropriate diagnosis and inappropriate formulation of the underlying causes of challenging behaviour can lead to patients becoming impossible to manage. Many may benefit from diagnosis and Autism‐specific intervention.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the challenges of adult diagnosis of Autism in highly complex individuals and outlines novel approaches to treatment.
Promoting social inclusion through community arts
Authors: Swan Peter
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Using a case study of Artspace, a community arts and health charity, this article discusses how community‐based organisations can successfully promote the social inclusion of people with mental illness and other disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A research project involved a year‐long ethnographic engagement with Artspace, where the researcher participated within the organisation and worked closely with both staff and participants. It drew upon informal discussions and 43 semi‐structured interviews with participants and staff.

Findings

Social inclusion was fostered through the positive and welcoming atmosphere within the building and also through the nature of the activities themselves. There was evidence that interactions between people with and without disabilities helped to challenge negative perceptions held by both groups. Artspace also offered a safe and non‐judgemental environment for vulnerable participants whilst avoiding the downsides associated with services aimed solely at people with mental health difficulties or other disabilities.

Research limitations/implications

The case study approach was based on a single organisation and thus transferability of findings may be problematic.

Originality/value

This article has shown it is possible for a community‐based organisation to meet the needs of a wide range of people whilst maintaining a safe environment for vulnerable participants. These findings may thus be of use to similar organisations seeking to diversify their user base.
Happiness in severe mental illness: exploring subjective wellbeing of individuals with psychosis and encouraging socially inclusive multidisciplinary practice
Authors: Mankiewicz Pawel D. , Gresswell David M. , Turner Colin
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to extend the focus of positive psychology research to individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) to address an aspect of social exclusion experienced by this disadvantaged client group.

Design/methodology/approach

The article summarises and builds on the outcomes of an earlier subjective wellbeing in psychosis study and arrives at original implications to challenge socially exclusive assumptions about limited emotional capabilities of those with SMI. The authors make suggestions for enhancing the wellbeing of people with SMI from the perspective of social inclusion. Data were gathered through validated self‐report rating scales and analysed statistically.

Findings

The levels of subjective wellbeing within the sample were shown to approximate those established in the general population. Depression was demonstrated to mediate the effects that the experience of psychosis had on participants' life satisfaction. Psychosis did not appear to prevent individuals from experiencing happiness, although when associated with depression, life satisfaction was lowered.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the focus on subjective aspects of wellbeing, external indicators of objective quality of life were not explored. Individual appraisals of experiences of psychosis were not investigated.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates that individuals with psychosis are capable of experiencing happiness. Thus, it challenges an aspect of a widespread socially exclusive assumption about limited internal capabilities of those with SMI. It also highlights that those with combined symptoms of psychosis and depression are in particular need of multidisciplinary support to enhance their wellbeing.
Supervised community treatment: does it facilitate social inclusion? A perspective from approved mental health professionals (AMHPs)
Authors: Taylor Jacqueline Ann , Lawton‐Smith Simon , Bullmore Hannah
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to set out the views of approved mental health professionals (AMHPs) on the impact of supervised community treatment (SCT) on their work and their patients' lives in the community.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covered a total of 56 community treatment order (CTO)‐related activities undertaken in 2010 in a local social services authority (LSSA) in the north west of England, and looked at data from the records of 25 CTO patients. Nine AMHPs responded to a CTO outcomes questionnaire and five participated in a focus group.

Findings

The characteristics of CTO patients in this LSSA study were consistent with national data. AMHPs were often undecided about the benefits of CTOs to their patients. A majority agreed that CTOs could benefit patients by earlier identification of relapse, improving access to housing and reducing the risk of avoidable harm to self or others. However, a majority also agreed that CTOs had not improved patients' access to employment, education, training or recreational activities; nor had they helped reduce the stigma and discrimination that patients faced.

Research limitations/implications

This was a relatively small‐scale study. However, its findings are consistent with previous work in this area, and provide pointers to how SCT can be more effectively implemented across England.

Originality/value

There is very little published research into the impact of SCT in England. Although small in scale, this study provides valuable insights into the views of AMHPs, who play a core role in the CTO process.
Human motion tracking and recognition using HMM by a mobile robot
Authors: Nergui Myagmarbayar , Yoshida Yuki , Imamoglu Nevrez , Gonzalez Jose , Sekine Masashi , Yu Wenwei
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop autonomous mobile home healthcare robots, which are capable of observing patients’ motions, recognizing the patients’ behaviours based on observation data, and providing automatically calling for medical personnel in emergency situations. The robots to be developed will bring about cost‐effective, safe and easier at‐home rehabilitation to most motor‐function impaired patients (MIPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has developed following programs/control algorithms: control algorithms for a mobile robot to track and follow human motions, to measure human joint trajectories, and to calculate angles of lower limb joints; and algorithms for recognizing human gait behaviours based on the calculated joints angle data.

Findings

A Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based human gait behaviour recognition taking lower limb joint angles and body angle as input was proposed. The proposed HMM based gait behaviour recognition is compared with the Nearest Neighbour (NN) classification methods. Experimental results showed that a human gait behaviour recognition using HMM can be achieved from the lower limb joint trajectory with higher accuracy than compared classification methods.

Originality/value

The research addresses human motion tracking and recognition by a mobile robot. Human gait behaviour recognition is HMM based lower limb joints and body angle data from extracted from kinect sensor at the mobile robot.
Suicide rates and socioeconomic factors in Eastern European countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union: trends between 1990 and 2008
Authors: Kõlves Kairi , Milner Allison , Värnik Peeter
Published: February 2013

After the collapse of the Soviet Union the various Eastern European (EE) countries adapted in different ways to the social, political and economic changes. The present study aims to analyse whether the factors related to social integration and regulation are able to explain the changes in the suicide rate in EE. A separate analysis of suicide rates, together with the undetermined intent mortality (UD), was performed. A cross‐sectional time‐series design and applied a panel data fixed‐effects regression technique was used in analyses. The sample included 13 countries from the former Soviet bloc between 1990 and 2008. Dependent variables were gender‐specific age‐adjusted suicide rates and suicide plus UD rates. Independent variables included unemployment, GDP, divorce rate, birth rate, the Gini index, female labour force participation, alcohol consumption and general practitioners per 100,000 people. Male suicide and suicide or UD rates had similar predictors, which suggest that changes in suicide were related to socioeconomic disruptions experienced during the transition period. However, male suicide rates in EE were not associated with alcohol consumption during the study period. Even so, there might be underestimation of alcohol consumption due to illegal alcohol and differences between methodologies of calculating alcohol consumption. However, predictors of female suicide were related to economic integration and suicide or UD rates with domestic integration.
Effects of tampons and menses on the composition and diversity of vaginal microbial communities over time
Authors: Hickey RJ , Abdo Z , Zhou X , Nemeth K , Hansmann M , Osborn TW , Wang F , Forney LJ
Published: February 2013

Objective

To investigate the influence of menses on the vaginal microbiota and determine whether tampons that differ in material composition influence these bacterial communities in different ways.

Design

A single‐centre trial with randomised, complete block design.

Setting

Procter & Gamble facility.

Sample

Seven self‐declared healthy, female volunteers of reproductive age.

Methods

Volunteers used a pad and two types of tampons during the study, one product exclusively each month for three sequential menstrual cycles. During menses and once each mid‐cycle, vaginal bacterial community composition was characterised by cultivation‐independent methods based on pyrosequencing of V1–V2 variable regions of 16S ribosomal RNA genes.

Main outcome measures

Changes in the species composition, abundance and diversity in vaginal bacterial communities over time and between treatments.

Results

The vaginal microbiotas of all seven women were dominated by Lactobacillus spp. at mid‐cycle, and the compositions of those communities were largely consistent between cycles. Community dynamic patterns during menses varied considerably and were more or less individualised. In three of the seven women the community diversity during pad use was significantly different from at least one tampon cycle.

Conclusions

Changes in the composition of the vaginal microbiota during menses were common, but the magnitude of change varied between women. Despite these changes, most communities were capable of resuming a composition similar to previous mid‐cycle sampling times following menstruation. Overall we conclude that the two tampons tested do not significantly impact the vaginal microbiota in different ways; however, larger studies should be performed to confirm these findings.
Caesarean section and subsequent ectopic pregnancy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: O'Neill SM , Khashan AS , Kenny LC , Greene RA , Henriksen TB , Lutomski JE , Kearney PM
Published: February 2013

Background

Caesarean section rates are increasing worldwide, and the long‐term effects are unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the risk of subsequent ectopic pregnancy in women with a previous caesarean section, compared with vaginal delivery.

Search strategy

Systematic review of the literature using CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Knowledge, published from 1945 until 17 July 2011.

Selection criteria

Cohort and case–control designs reporting on the mode of delivery and subsequent ectopic pregnancy. Two reviewers independently assessed the titles, abstracts, and full articles to identify eligible studies, using a standardised data collection form, and also assessed the study quality. Reference lists of the studies included were also cross‐checked.

Data collection and analysis

Odds ratios (ORs) were combined using a random‐effect model to estimate the overall association between caesarean section delivery and the risk of subsequent ectopic pregnancy.

Main results

Thirteen studies were included, which recruited a total of 61 978 women. Five studies reported adjustment for confounding factors, and the pooled OR of subsequent ectopic pregnancy following a caesarean section was 1.05 (95% CI 0.51–2.15). The removal of one study that reported outlier results yielded a pooled OR of 0.82 (95% CI 0.42–1.61). The pooled crude OR for all 13 studies was 1.36 (95% CI 0.99–1.88).

Author's conclusions

This review found no evidence of an association between prior caesarean section delivery and the occurrence of a subsequent ectopic pregnancy, but the studies included were of poor or variable quality, and only a small number adjusted for potential confounding factors. Further research of a higher methodological quality is required to assess any potential association between mode of delivery and subsequent ectopic pregnancy.
Income Eligibility Thresholds, Premium Contributions, and Children's Coverage Outcomes: A Study of CHIP Expansions
Authors: Gresenz Carole Roan , Edgington Sarah E. , Laugesen Miriam J. , Escarce José J.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To understand the effects of Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) income eligibility thresholds and premium contribution requirements on health insurance coverage outcomes among children.

Data Sources

2002–2009 Annual Social and Economic Supplements of the Current Population Survey linked to data from multiple secondary data sources.

Study Design

We use a selection correction model to simultaneously estimate program eligibility and coverage outcomes conditional upon eligibility. We simulate the effects of three premium schedules representing a range of generosity levels and the effects of income eligibility thresholds ranging from 200 to 400 percent of the federal poverty line.

Principal Findings

Premium contribution requirements decrease enrollment in public coverage and increase enrollment in private coverage, with larger effects for greater contribution levels. Our simulation results suggest minimal changes in coverage outcomes from eligibility expansions to higher income families under premium schedules that require more than a modest contribution (medium or high schedules).

Conclusions

Our simulation results are useful counterpoints to previous research that has estimated the average effect of program expansions as they were implemented without disentangling the effects of premiums or other program features. The sensitivity to premiums observed suggests that although contribution requirements may be effective in reducing crowd‐out, they also have the potential, depending on the level of contribution required, to nullify the effects of CHIP expansions entirely. The persistence of uninsurance among children under the range of simulated scenarios points to the importance of Affordable Care Act provisions designed to make the process of obtaining coverage transparent and navigable.
Practice Variation, Bias, and Experiential Learning in Cesarean Delivery: A Data‐Based System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Ghaffarzadegan Navid , Epstein Andrew J. , Martin Erika G.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To simulate physician‐driven dynamics of delivery mode decisions (scheduled cesarean delivery [CD] vs. vaginal delivery [VD] vs. unplanned CD after labor), and to evaluate a behavioral theory of how experiential learning leads to emerging bias toward more CD and practice variation across obstetricians.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Hospital discharge data on deliveries performed by 300 randomly selected obstetricians in Florida who finished obstetrics residency and started practice after 1991.

Study Design

We develop a system dynamics simulation model of obstetricians' delivery mode decision based on the literature of experiential learning. We calibrate the model and investigate the extent to which the model replicates the data.

Principal Findings

Our learning‐based simulation model replicates the empirical data, showing that physicians are more likely to schedule CD as they practice longer. Variation in CD rates is related to the way that physicians learn from outcomes of past decisions and accumulate experience.

Conclusions

The repetitive nature of medical decision making, learning from past practice, and accumulating experience can account for increases in CD decisions and practice variation across physicians. Policies aimed at improving medical decision making should account for providers' feedback‐based learning mechanisms.
Microsimulation of Financial Impact of Demand Surge on Hospitals: The H1N1 Influenza Pandemic of Fall 2009
Authors: Braithwaite Sabina , Friedman Bernard , Mutter Ryan , Handrigan Michael
Published: February 2013

Objective

Microsimulation was used to assess the financial impact on hospitals of a surge in influenza admissions in advance of the H1N1 pandemic in the fall of 2009. The goal was to estimate net income and losses (nationally, and by hospital type) of a response of filling unused hospital bed capacity proportionately and postponing elective admissions (a “passive” supply response).

Methods

Epidemiologic assumptions were combined with assumptions from other literature (e.g., staff absenteeism, profitability by payer class), Census data on age groups by region, and baseline hospital utilization data. Hospital discharge records were available from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Hospital bed capacity and staffing were measured with the American Hospital Association's (AHA) Annual Survey.

Results

Nationwide, in a scenario of relatively severe epidemiologic assumptions, we estimated aggregate net income of $119 million for about 1 million additional influenza‐related admissions, and a net loss of $37 million for 52,000 postponed elective admissions.

Implications

Aggregate and distributional results did not suggest that a policy of promising additional financial compensation to hospitals in anticipation of the surge in flu cases was necessary. The analysis identified needs for better information of several types to improve simulations of hospital behavior and impacts during demand surges.
Drosophila melanogaster as a model system of aluminum toxicity and aging
Authors: Kijak Ewelina , Rosato Ezio , Knapczyk Katarzyna , Pyza Elżbieta
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of aluminum (Al) on the model organism–Drosophila melanogaster. The study is especially concerned with the effects of aluminum on the fruit fly's development, life span, and circadian rhythm in rest and activity. Flies were exposed to aluminum in concentrations from 40 to 280 mg/kg in rearing media or the flies were raised on control medium. Moreover, the life span of insects exposed to aluminum containing 40, 120, or 240 mg/kg of Al in the medium, only during their larval development, during the whole life cycle and only in their adult life was tested. To check if aluminum and aging cause changes in D. melanogaster behavior, the locomotor activity of flies at different ages was recorded. Results showed that aluminum is toxic in concentrations above 160 mg/kg in the rearing medium. Depending on Al concentration and time of exposure, the life span of the flies was shortened. At intermediate concentrations (120 mg/kg), however, Al had a stimulating effect on males increasing their life span and level of locomotor activity. At higher concentration the aluminum exposure increased or decreased the level of locomotor activity of D. melanogaster depending on age of flies. In addition, in the oldest insects reared on aluminum supplemented media and in mid‐aged flies reared on the highest concentration of Al the daily rhythm of activity was disrupted.
The current and future potential geographic range of West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Fu Liao , Li Zhi‐Hong , Huang Guan‐Sheng , Wu Xing‐Xia , Ni Wen‐Long , Qü Wei‐Wei
Published: February 2013

The West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), is one of the most important pests throughout the Americas. CLIMEX 3.0 and ArcGIS 9.3 were used to model the current and future potential geographical distribution of this pest. Under current climatic conditions, A. obliqua is predicted to be able to establish throughout much of the tropics and subtropics, including not only North and South America, where it has been reported, but also southern Asia, northeastern Australia and Sub‐Saharan Africa. The main factors limiting the pest's range expansion may be cold stress. Climate change expands the potential distribution of A. obliqua poleward as cold stress boundaries recede, but the predicted distribution in northwestern Australia and northern parts of Sub‐Saharan Africa will decrease because of heat stress. Considering the widely suitable range for A. obliqua globally and in China, enhanced quarantine and monitoring measures should be implemented in areas that are projected to be suitable for the establishment of the pest under current and future climatic conditions.
Predicting polymorphic EST‐SSRs in silico
Authors: Duran Chris , Singhania Richa , Raman Harsh , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: February 2013

The public availability of large quantities of gene sequence data provides a valuable resource of the mining of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular genetic markers for genetic analysis. These markers are inexpensive, require minimal labour to produce and can frequently be associated with functionally annotated genes. This study presents the characterization of barley EST‐SSRs and the identification of putative polymorphic SSRs from EST data. Polymorphic SSRs are distinguished from monomorphic SSRs by the representation of varying motif lengths within an alignment of sequence reads. Two measures of confidence are calculated, redundancy of a polymorphism and co‐segregation with accessions. The utility of this method is demonstrated through the discovery of 597 candidate polymorphic SSRs, from a total of 452 642 consensus expressed sequences. PCR amplification primers were designed for the identified SSRs. Ten primer pairs were validated for polymorphism in barley and for transferability across species. Analysis of the polymorphisms in relation to SSR motif, length, position and annotation is discussed.
Extent and variability of interstitial telomeric sequences and their effects on estimates of telomere length
Authors: Foote Christopher G. , Vleck David , Vleck Carol M.
Published: February 2013

Telomeres often shorten with time, although this varies between tissues, individuals and species, and their length and/or rate of change may reflect fitness and rate of senescence. Measurement of telomeres is increasingly important to ecologists, yet the relative merits of different methods for estimating telomere length are not clear. In particular the extent to which interstitial telomere sequences (ITSs), telomere repeats located away from chromosomes ends, confound estimates of telomere length is unknown. Here we present a method to estimate the extent of ITS within a species and variation among individuals. We estimated the extent of ITS by comparing the amount of label hybridized to in‐gel telomere restriction fragments (TRF) before and after the TRFs were denatured. This protocol produced robust and repeatable estimates of the extent of ITS in birds. In five species, the amount of ITS was substantial, ranging from 15% to 40% of total telomeric sequence DNA. In addition, the amount of ITS can vary significantly among individuals within a species. Including ITSs in telomere length calculations always underestimated telomere length because most ITSs are shorter than most telomeres. The magnitude of that error varies with telomere length and is larger for longer telomeres. Estimating telomere length using methods that incorporate ITSs, such as Southern blot TRF and quantitative PCR analyses reduces an investigator's power to detect difference in telomere dynamics between individuals or over time within an individual.
Accuracy of pointing movements relies upon a specific tuning between anticipatory postural adjustments and prime mover activation
Authors: Caronni A. , Bolzoni F. , Esposti R. , Bruttini C. , Cavallari P.
Published: February 2013

Aim

Equilibrium‐perturbing forces associated with a voluntary upper‐limb movement can be strong enough to displace the whole‐body centre of mass. In this condition, anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), developing in muscles other than the prime mover, are essential in maintaining the whole‐body balance. Here, we test the hypothesis that APAs preceding an upper‐limb target‐reaching movement could play a role also in controlling the movement accuracy.

Methods

Standing subjects (10) were asked to flex the right shoulder and touch with the index fingertip the centre of a target positioned in front of them. The reaching task was also performed while wearing and after doffing prismatic lenses (shifting the eye field rightward). EMGs from different upper‐ and lower‐limb muscles and the mechanical actions to the ground were recorded.

Results

(i) Before wearing prisms, subjects were very accurate in hitting the target, and the pointing movements were accompanied by APAs in quadriceps (Q) and tibialis anterior (TA) of both sides, and in right hamstrings (H) and soleus (SOL). (ii) After donning prisms, rightward pointing errors occurred, associated with a significant APA increase in right Q and TA, but without changes in the recruitment of right anterior deltoid (prime mover) and biceps brachii. (iii) These pointing errors were progressively compensated in about 10 trials, indicating a sensorimotor adaptation, and APAs returned to values recorded before wearing prisms. (iv) After doffing prisms, pointing errors occurred in the opposite direction but changes in APAs did not reach significance.

Conclusion

We propose that, besides preserving the whole‐body balance, APAs are also tailored to obtain an accurate voluntary movement.
Peritumoral brain edema in angiomatous supratentorial meningiomas: an investigation of the vascular endothelial growth factor A pathway
Authors: Nassehi Damoun , Sørensen Lars P. , Dyrbye Henrik , Thomsen Carsten , Juhler Marianne , Laursen Henning , Broholm Helle
Published: February 2013

The aim of this work was to study the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) pathway and peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) through comparison of non‐angiomatous and angiomatous meningiomas. Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors, which often have PTBE. VEGF‐A is an integral part of PTBE formation and angiogenesis, and the capillary‐rich angiomatous meningiomas are known for their PTBE. The VEGF‐A receptor VEGFR‐2 is responsible for the angiogenic effect of VEGF‐A on endothelial cells, which is enhanced by the co‐receptor neuropilin‐1. Forty non‐angiomatous, 22 angiomatous meningiomas, and 10 control tissue samples were collected for the study. Magnetic resonance images were available for 40 non‐angiomatous and 10 angiomatous meningiomas. Tissue sections were immunostained for CD34, MIB‐1, estrogen‐ and progesterone receptors. ELISA, chemiluminescence, and RT‐qPCR were used for VEGF‐A, VEGFR‐2, and neuropilin‐1 protein and mRNA quantification. Angiomatous meningiomas had larger PTBE (695 vs 218 cm3, p = 0.0045) and longer capillary length (3614 vs 605 mm/mm3, p < 0.0001). VEGF‐A mRNA, neuropilin‐1 mRNA, and VEGFR‐2 protein levels were higher in angiomatous meningiomas independently of the capillary length (p < 0.05). Neuropilin‐1 protein levels were lower in angiomatous meningiomas (p < 0.0001). The VEGF‐A pathway and tumor capillary length may be essential for PTBE‐formation in meningiomas. Further investigations of this pathway could lead to earlier therapy and targeted pharmacological treatment options.
Exploring an intensive meditation intervention for incarcerated youth
Authors: Barnert Elizabeth S. , Himelstein Samuel , Herbert Sarah , Garcia‐Romeu Albert , Chamberlain Lisa J.
Published: February 2013

Background

We examined the experiences of incarcerated adolescent males (N = 29) who participated in a one‐day meditation retreat and 10‐week meditation programme.

Method

Self‐report surveys assessing mindfulness, self‐regulation, impulsivity and stress; behavioural assessments; and focus group data were examined.

Results

We observed significantly higher scores in self‐regulation (p = .012) and psychometric markers demonstrated psychological enhancement. No behavioural change was observed. Six themes emerged: enhanced well‐being, increased self‐discipline, increased social cohesiveness, expanded self‐awareness, resistance to meditation and future meditation practice.

Conclusions

Early evidence suggests that meditation training for incarcerated youth is a feasible and promising intervention.
Psychopathology among youths who were victims of documented childhood maltreatment
Authors: Pinto Ricardo J. , Maia Ângela C.
Published: February 2013

Background

There is an established relationship between childhood maltreatment and later psychopathology, but most studies have used self‐reports and only consider a small number of experiences. The main aim of this study was to examine predictors of psychopathology by comparing two sources (official records vs. self‐reports) of ten different childhood adversities among youths who were identified by Child Protective Services (CPS). We also used a comparison group that was not identified by CPS. This study also compared, in terms of psychopathology, three groups of respondents (under‐report; agreement; and over‐report) based on the discrepancy between the two sources of childhood adversity.

Method

The sample included 136 youths, ages 14–23 years, identified by CPS prior to age 12 as being maltreated and who lived with their family for at least 5 years. The comparison group included 80 youths.

Results

The identified youths were not different from the comparison group in global psychopathology. Psychopathology was associated only with the total amount of self‐reported adverse experiences, with depressive symptoms being predicted by both documented and self‐reported sexual abuse. Females reported and had more documented adversities, presenting an increased risk for psychopathology. The under‐report group had a higher mean of documented experiences and a lower mean in psychopathology.

Conclusions

Despite the limitations of a self‐report methodology, our findings attest to its contribution in predicting health outcomes. Professionals from CPS need to be thorough when assessing and documenting the multiple experiences that may co‐occur in a household, paying particular attention when young girls are involved, as the experience of sexual abuse has been shown to be independently associated with later risk of developing depressive symptoms. This process may increase the appropriateness of the chosen interventions.
Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents
Authors: Birmaher Boris
Published: February 2013

Background

The existence of bipolar disorder (BP) in youth is controversial.

Methods

The current evidence regarding the diagnosis of BP in youth was reviewed.

Results

BP is a recurrent familial disorder that occurs in 1–3% of youth, particularly in adolescents. Except for subsyndromal BP, the prevalence of BP‐I is similar across most countries. Due to the child's immaturity, the presence of comorbid disorders, and divergent interpretations of manic symptomatology, it is difficult to diagnose BP in youth. Youth with subsyndromal mania and family history of BP, are at high risk to develop BP‐I and BP‐II. Both the full‐syndromal BP and subsyndromal BP are associated with significant psychosocial difficulties and increased risk for use of substances, suicidality, legal problems, and services utilization.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder exists in youth, but it is difficult to diagnose. The recurrent nature and psychosocial morbidity associated with this illness during critical developmental stages call for comprehensive longitudinal evaluation and accurate recognition and treatment because delays in treatment are associated with poor outcome.
Design, Synthesis, Structural Characterization by IR, 1H, 13C, 15N, 2D‐NMR, X‐Ray Diffraction and Evaluation of a New Class of Phenylaminoacetic Acid Benzylidene Hydrazines as pfENR Inhibitors
Authors: Samal Ramanuj P. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Pissurlenkar Raghuvir R. S. , Bwalya Angela Gono , Tasdemir Deniz , Joshi Ramesh A. , Rajamohanan P. R. , Puranik Vedavati G. , Coutinho Evans C.
Published: February 2013

Recent studies have revealed that plasmodial enoyl‐ACP reductase (pfENR, FabI), one of the crucial enzymes in the plasmodial type II fatty acid synthesis II (FAS II) pathway, is a promising target for liver stage malaria infections. Hence, pfENR inhibitors have the potential to be used as causal malarial prophylactic agents. In this study, we report the design, synthesis, structural characterization and evaluation of a new class of pfENR inhibitors. The search for inhibitors began with a virtual screen of the iResearch database by molecular docking. Hits obtained from the virtual screen were ranked according to their Glide score. One hit was selected as a lead and modified to improve its binding to pfENR; from this, a series of phenylamino acetic acid benzylidene hydrazides were designed and synthesized. These molecules were thoroughly characterized by IR, 1H, 13C, 15N, 2D‐NMR (COSY, NOESY, 1H‐13C, 1H‐15N HSQC and HMBC), and X‐ray diffraction. NMR studies revealed the existence of conformational/configurational isomers around the amide and imine functionalities. The major species in DMSO solution is the E, E form, which is in dynamic equilibrium with the Z, E isomer. In the solid state, the molecule has a completely extended conformation and forms helical structures that are stabilized by strong hydrogen bond interactions, forming a helical structure stabilized by N‐H…O interactions, a feature unique to this class of compounds. Furthermore, detailed investigation of the NMR spectra indicated the presence of a minor impurity in most compounds. The structure of this impurity was deduced as an imidazoline‐4‐one derivative based on 1H‐13C and 1H‐15H HMBC spectra and was confirmed from the NOESY spectra. The molecules were screened for in vitro activity against recombinant pfENR enzyme by a spectrophotometric assay. Four molecules, viz. 17, 7, 10, and 12 were found to be active at 7, 8, 10, and 12 μm concentration, respectively, showing promising pfENR inhibitory potential. A classification model was derived based on a binary QSAR approach termed recursive partitioning (RP) to highlight structural characteristics that could be tuned to improve activity.
Measuring socio‐economic inequalities in edentate Scottish adults – cross‐sectional analyses using Scottish Health Surveys 1995–2008/09
Authors: Jagger Daryll C. , Sherriff Andrea , Macpherson Lorna M.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To investigate the appropriateness of different measures of socio‐economic inequalities, in relation to adult oral health in Scotland, utilizing data from a series of large, representative population surveys.

Methods

The Scottish Health Surveys (SHeS) (1995; 1998; 2003; 2008/09) are cross‐sectional national population‐based surveys used to monitor health status in those living in private households. The age groups included in this study are as follows: 45–54; 55–64 years: all survey years; 65–74: 1998 onwards; 75+: 2003 onwards. Primary outcome was no natural teeth (edentulism). Three measures of socio‐economic position: Occupational social class, Education, Carstairs deprivation score (2001) were used. Simple (absolute/relative differences) and complex measures (Slope Index, Relative Index, Concentration Index and c‐index) of inequality were produced for each age group across all four surveys.

Results

Simple and complex (absolute) measures of inequality have both demonstrated narrowing disparities in edentulism over time in the 45‐ to 64‐year‐old group, a levelling off in those aged 65 and above, and a rise in those aged 75+. Complex relative measures (RII, Concentration Index and c‐index), however, show an increasing trend in inequalities over time for all age groups, suggesting that rates of improvement in edentulism rates are not uniform across all social groups.

Conclusions

Simple absolute inequality provides a quick and easy indication of the extent of disparities between extreme groups, whereas complex measures (absolute and relative) consider the gradient in health across all social groups. We have demonstrated that both are useful measures of inequality and should be considered complementary to one another. The appropriate choice of complex measure of inequality will depend on the audience to whom the results are to be communicated. This methodological approach is not confined to oral health but is applicable to other health outcomes that are socially patterned.
Preliminary outcome of a treatment strategy based on perioperative chemotherapy and surgery in patients with locally advanced colon cancer
Authors: Arredondo J. , Pastor C. , Baixauli J. , Rodríguez J. , González I. , Vigil C. , Chopitea A. , Hernández‐Lizoáin J. L.
Published: February 2013

Aim

Preoperative chemotherapy followed by radical surgery is an attractive treatment for locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) given the promising results of this approach in other locally advanced tumours. The study evaluates the outcome and treatment‐related complications of perioperative oxaliplatin‐ and capecitabine‐based chemotherapy and surgery for clinical Stage III colon cancer.

Method

Twenty‐two consecutive patients with a CT‐staged LACC were included. All were staged at baseline and before surgery. Surgery‐related complications and oncological outcome were determined.

Results

Toxicity was manageable, with 19/22 patients completing the planned chemotherapy protocol. The median time from initial diagnosis to surgery was 65.5 days. The median time from the end of chemotherapy to surgery was 22 days. After neoadjuvant treatment, tumour reduction of 69.5% was observed by CT scan and a 59.9% decrease of SUVmax (standard uptake value) was achieved on positron emission tomography/CT. No progressive disease was reported during preoperative chemotherapy and surgery was performed in all 22 patients. Four patients developed postoperative complications. After a median postoperative follow‐up of 14.4 months, the actuarial overall and disease‐free survival rates were 100 and 90%.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and chemotherapy for LACC is safe without apparent increase of early and medium‐term complications.
Unplanned reoperation within 30 days of surgery for colorectal cancer in NHS Lanarkshire
Authors: McSorley S. , Lowndes C. , Sharma P. , Macdonald A.
Published: February 2013

Aim

A recent study of unplanned reoperation within 28 days after colorectal surgery in England found a mean rate of 6.5% and suggested that this be used as a performance indicator. We aimed to find the unplanned 30‐day reoperation rate for patients having colorectal cancer surgery in NHS Lanarkshire.

Method

This retrospective study identified all patients having surgery for colorectal cancer in NHS Lanarkshire between 2006 and 2008 from a prospective colorectal cancer database. Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR01) data were then examined for each patient to determine whether they returned to the operating theatre within 30 days of the index procedure.

Results

Five hundred and seventy‐three patients had a primary operation for colorectal cancer during the period. The unplanned rate of reoperation within 30 days of surgery was 5.4%. There was no statistically significant difference between the hospital site, emergency or elective operation or laparoscopic resection or laparotomy. There was no statistically significant difference in reoperation rate between colorectal and general surgeons.

Conclusion

The rate of unplanned reoperation in NHS Lanarkshire compares favourably with that of England; however, similar methodological problems exist. The accuracy of the data is dependent on coding and entry.
Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have higher risk of colorectal adenoma after negative baseline colonoscopy
Authors: Huang K.‐W. , Leu H.‐B. , Wang Y.‐J. , Luo J.‐C. , Lin H.‐C. , Lee F.‐Y. , Chan W.‐L. , Lin J.‐K. , Chang F.‐Y.
Published: February 2013

Aim

The study aimed to determine whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor of adenoma after negative baseline colonoscopy.

Method

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1522 health‐check individuals who underwent two consecutive colonoscopies at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between 2003 and 2010. Those developing an adenoma after an initial negative baseline colonoscopy (adenoma group) were compared with those in whom the second colonoscopy was negative (nonadenoma group). Anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests and the presence of NAFLD were compared between the two groups.

Results

The adenoma group had a higher prevalence of NAFLD than the nonadenoma group (55.6% vs 38.8%; P < 0.05). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, NAFLD was an independent risk factor (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.07–1.98) for adenoma formation after a negative baseline colonoscopy. The risk of colorectal adenoma increased when NAFLD patients had other morbidities including metabolic syndrome, hypertension or smoking (OR = 2.85, 4.03 and 4.17).

Conclusion

NAFLD is an independent risk factor for colorectal adenoma formation after a negative baseline colonoscopy. The risk is higher in individuals with NAFLD and other comorbidities, such as hypertension, smoking or metabolic syndrome.
Vinecology: pairing wine with nature
Authors: Viers Joshua H. , Williams John N. , Nicholas Kimberly A. , Barbosa Olga , Kotzé Inge , Spence Liz , Webb Leanne B. , Merenlender Adina , Reynolds Mark
Published: February 2013

With some of the highest biodiversity on the planet, the Mediterranean Biome is experiencing a conservation crisis driven by high human population density, development, and habitat fragmentation. While protected areas safeguard some critical habitat, economic realities require conservation efforts in human‐dominated landscapes to maintain biodiversity in practice. As an essential component of food security for a growing human population, agricultural landscapes must play a key role in such efforts because they occupy large areas of land, are adjacent to critical habitat, and both depend on and provide ecosystem services. Winegrapes are a high‐value specialty crop that can both benefit from and contribute to conservation, as producers and consumers increasingly value environmental stewardship. At the same time, potential expansion of cultivated areas, either to meet future wine demand or in response to climate change, means that decreasing the environmental impact of viticulture is critical for biodiversity conservation. We propose that vinecology—the integration of ecological and viticultural practices—can produce win‐win solutions for wine production and nature conservation, where the goal is a diverse landscape that yields sustainable economic benefits, species and habitat protection, and long‐term provision of a full range of ecosystem services.