bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric validation of symptom severity measures in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: Williams V. S. L. , Nelson L. M. , Fehnel S. E. , MacDougall J. , Carson R. T. , Tourkodimitris S. , Kurtz C. , Baird M. J. , Johnston J. M.
Published: June 2014

Background

Historically, measures of symptom severity of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) in clinical trials have not met the evidence requirements described in the FDA guidance on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), which describes the evidentiary requirements and review criteria for patient‐reported outcome measures intended to support product approval or labelling claims.

Aim

Data from two phase 3 trials (N = 1608) of linaclotide for the treatment of IBS‐C were analysed to evaluate the psychometric properties of patient‐reported outcome measures assessing changes in the severity of abdominal and bowel symptoms.

Methods

A set of patient‐reported outcome assessments addressing abdominal and bowel symptoms, the IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures, were administered daily using interactive voice response system technology. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Pearson correlations, factor analyses, F‐tests and effect sizes were computed to evaluate the reliability, construct validity, discriminating ability and responsiveness of the IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures in a clinical trial context.

Results

The IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures showed highly satisfactory test–retest reliability (ICCs ranging from 0.79 to 0.95) and construct validity. Factor analyses indicated one factor for abdominal symptoms and another for bowel symptoms. Known‐groups F‐tests comparing subgroups based on various responder definitions were statistically significant and in the expected direction, substantiating the discriminating ability of the IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures. Responsiveness statistics (ranging from 0.6 to 2.1) demonstrated these measures are also capable of detecting change.

Conclusions

The psychometric analysis results strongly support the reliability, construct validity, discriminating ability and responsiveness of the IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures and substantiate the conclusion of linaclotide treatment benefit.
Lower regional and temporal ultraviolet exposure is associated with increased rates and severity of inflammatory bowel disease hospitalisation
Authors: Limketkai B. N. , Bayless T. M. , Brant S. R. , Hutfless S. M.
Published: June 2014

Background

In the northern hemisphere, the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has a north–south gradient, suggesting a link between ultraviolet (UV) exposure or vitamin D status and the pathogenesis of IBD.

Aim

To test the association of UV exposure with the rates and severity of IBD hospitalisation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective nationwide analysis of 649 932 Crohn's disease (CD), 384 267 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 288 894 297 non‐IBD hospitalisations in the US between 1998 and 2010. Mean UV exposure was assigned to each hospitalisation using surface measures from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Relative rates across UV exposures were estimated for IBD hospitalisations, prolonged hospitalisations, bowel surgeries and deaths.

Results

Among IBD patients, lower UV exposures had increased hospitalisation rates for CD (217.8 vs. 182.5 per 100 000 overall hospitalisations with low and very high UV, respectively; P trend <0.001) and UC (123.2 vs. 113.8 per 100 000; P trend = 0.033). Low UV groups had greater relative rates of prolonged hospitalisations [CD: 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.19; UC: 1.21, 95% CI 1.13–1.30], bowel surgeries (CD: 1.24, 95% CI 1.16–1.32; UC: 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.33), and CD deaths (CD: 1.76, 95% CI 1.14–2.71; UC: 1.24, 95% CI 0.92–1.67). Among non‐IBD patients, low UV was associated with prolonged hospitalisations (1.09; 95% CI 1.07–1.11) and deaths (1.13; 95% CI 1.09–1.17), but not bowel surgeries (1.01; 95% CI 0.99–1.03).

Conclusions

Lower ultraviolet exposure is associated with greater rates of hospitalisation, prolonged hospitalisation and the need for bowel surgery in IBD. This trend for bowel surgery was not seen with non‐IBD encounters.
Doing resistance their own way: counter‐narratives of street vending in Hanoi, Vietnam through solicited journaling
Authors: Eidse Noelani , Turner Sarah
Published: June 2014

This paper explores the strengths and complexities of using solicited journals/diaries with a marginalised, itinerant population in Vietnam's capital city Hanoi. We draw on journals completed by Hanoi street vendors to better understand the everyday lived experiences of a population targeted by state officials for fines and retribution. Since 2008, street vending has been banned on a number of streets and public spaces in Hanoi. Yet concurrently, livelihood options for those without formal education or skills are increasingly limited. Based on solicited journals kept by street vendors during 2012, we find that journals provide a channel for everyday politics and subtle resistance measures to be reflected on by research participants, and for detailed understandings of state–society relations to emerge. Moreover, from an analysis of participants' journal entries as well as de‐briefing interviews, we consider the strengths and complexities of this qualitative method, situated within a context of state‐induced fear among an itinerant and sometimes non‐literate population. While the strengths of the approach became quickly apparent in the detailed and insightful narratives we received, literacy limitations, vendor feelings of inadequacy regarding journal entry style and complications regarding a sense of obligation to us as researchers raise a number of concerns. Researchers must therefore reflect carefully on the practicalities, ethics and power relations involved with this method. Nonetheless, we also note how participants became inspired to rework the journaling process to meet their own needs and were empowered to circumnavigate state controls to voice counter‐narratives of their rights to the street.
An audit to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in patients with learning disabilities
Authors: Ayres Lachlan , Black Chris , Scheepers Mark , Shaw Ian
Published: June 2014

Accessible Summary

Patients with severe learning disabilities may lose weight and become malnourished for a variety of reasons.

Insertion of a feeding tube through the abdomen, directly into the stomach can provide a reliable and permanent route for nutrition to be delivered.

Our study of 42 patients has shown that in every case the procedure was performed following a team based assessment of each patient, as is recommended by national advisory groups.

We found that the procedure is generally very safe but can require a general anaesthetic.

However, complications relating to problems with the feeding tube were very common, and some patients did not gain weight.

It is unclear from the literature what effect this intervention has on quality of life and we did not assess this in our study.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion is an effective method of providing enteral nutrition to patients with neurologically unsafe swallowing or failure of feeding. Patients with severe learning disabilities may develop unsafe swallowing and benefit from percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. It is unclear whether this intervention improves quality of life. We aimed to describe the efficacy and safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion in patients with learning disabilities and determine whether multidisciplinary team assessment occurred as per British Society of Gastroenterology recommendations. We performed a retrospective case note audit of 42 patients with severe learning disabilities who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion. Forty two patients underwent 117 procedures: 38 index percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertions, 43 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy replacements, 35 percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy replacements and 1 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy removal [six procedures (5.1%) were unsuccessful]. General anaesthetic was required for 34 (29%) procedures. Mean weight pre‐percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was 39.8 kg and mean weight after a median follow‐up of 21.5 months was 46.1 kg (mean weight gain = 2.3 kg). Thirty day mortality was zero. Complications were common (74%) and included perforation n = 1, aspiration pneumonia n = 13, tube displacement n = 10, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site infection n = 4. In two cases of unsuccessful percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion, surgical feeding gastrostomy was required. Ongoing vomiting occurred in six patients (14.3%) prompting conversion to percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy in five cases. A best interests meeting or multidisciplinary team assessment occurred for all patients. In this cohort, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement appears to be safe and results in a modest weight gain. Complications occur in the majority. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy should be considered for those with ongoing vomiting.
Failure of Perivascular Drainage of β‐amyloid in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Hawkes Cheryl A. , Jayakody Nimeshi , Johnston David A. , Bechmann Ingo , Carare Roxana O.
Published: June 2014

In Alzheimer's disease, amyloid‐β (Aβ) accumulates as insoluble plaques in the brain and deposits in blood vessel walls as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The severity of CAA correlates with the degree of cognitive decline in dementia. The distribution of Aβ in the walls of capillaries and arteries in CAA suggests that Aβ is deposited in the perivascular pathways by which interstitial fluid drains from the brain. Soluble Aβ from the extracellular spaces of gray matter enters the basement membranes of capillaries and drains along the arterial basement membranes that surround smooth muscle cells toward the leptomeningeal arteries. The motive force for perivascular drainage is derived from arterial pulsations combined with the valve effect of proteins present in the arterial basement membranes. Physical and biochemical changes associated with arteriosclerosis, aging and possession of apolipoprotein E4 genotype lead to a failure of perivascular drainage of soluble proteins, including Aβ. Perivascular cells associated with arteries and the lymphocytes recruited in the perivenous spaces contribute to the clearance of Aβ. The failure of perivascular clearance of Aβ may be a major factor in the accumulation of Aβ in CAA and may have significant implications for the design of therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
PKC inhibition results in a Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 pharmacology closer to Kv1.5 channels
Authors: Macías A , de la Cruz A , Prieto A , Peraza D A , Tamkun M M , González T , Valenzuela C
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose

The Kvβ1.3 subunit modifies the gating and pharmacology of Kv1.5 channels in a PKC‐dependent manner, decreasing channel sensitivity to bupivacaine‐ and quinidine‐mediated blockade. Cardiac Kv1.5 channels associate with receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), the Kvβ1.3 subunit and different PKC isoforms, resulting in the formation of a functional channelosome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of PKC inhibition on bupivacaine and quinidine block of Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 channels.

Experimental Approach

HEK293 cells were transfected with Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 channels, and currents were recorded using the whole‐cell configuration of the patch‐clamp technique. PKC inhibition was achieved by incubating the cells with either calphostin C or bisindolylmaleimide II and the effects of bupivacaine and quinidine were analysed.

Key Results

The voltage‐dependent inactivation of Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 channels and their pharmacological behaviour after PKC inhibition with calphostin C were similar to those displayed by Kv1.5 channels alone. Indeed, the IC50 values for bupivacaine were similar in cells whose PKC was inhibited with calphostin C or bisindolylmaleimide II. Similar results were also observed in the presence of quinidine.

Conclusions and Implications

The finding that the voltage‐dependence of inactivation and the pharmacology of Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 channels after PKC inhibition resembled that observed in Kv1.5 channels suggests that both processes are dependent on PKC‐mediated phosphorylation. These results may have clinical relevance in diseases that are characterized by alterations in kinase activity.
Sedimentology, provenance and geochronology of the upper Cretaceous–lower Eocene western Xigaze forearc basin, southern Tibet
Authors: Orme Devon A. , Carrapa Barbara , Kapp Paul
Published: June 2014

Located on the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane in southern Tibet, the Xigaze forearc basin records Cretaceous to lower Eocene sedimentation along the southern margin of Asia, prior to and during the initial stages of continental collision with the Tethyan Himalaya in the Early Eocene. We present new measured stratigraphic sections, totalling 4.5 km stratigraphic thickness, from a 60 km E–W segment of the western portion of the Xigaze forearc basin, northeast of the Lopu Kangri Range (29.8007° N, 84.91827° E). In addition, we apply U–Pb detrital zircon geochronology to constrain the provenance and maximum depositional ages of investigated strata. Stratigraphic ages range between ca. 88 and ca. 54 Ma and sedimentary facies indicate a shoaling‐upward trend from deep‐marine turbidites to fluvial deposits. Depositional environments of coeval Cretaceous strata along strike include deep‐marine distal turbidites, slope‐apron debris‐flow deposits and marginal marine carbonates. This along‐strike variability in facies suggests an irregular paleogeography of the Asian margin prior to collision. Paleocene–Eocene strata are composed of shallow marine carbonates with abundant foraminifera such as Nummulites‐Discocyclina and Miscellanea‐Daviesina and transition into fluvial deposits dated at ca. 54 Ma. Sandstone modal analyses, conglomerate clast compositions and detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology indicate that forearc detritus in this region was derived solely from the Gangdese magmatic arc to the north. In addition, U–Pb detrital zircon age spectra within the upper Xigaze forearc stratigraphy are similar to those from Eocene foreland basin strata south of the Indus‐Yarlung suture near Sangdanlin, suggesting that the Xigaze forearc was a possible source of Sangdanlin detritus by ca. 55 Ma. We propose a model in which the Xigaze forearc prograded south over the accretionary prism and onto the advancing Tethyan Himalayan passive margin between 58 and 54 Ma, during late stage evolution of the forearc basin and the beginning of collision with the Tethyan Himalaya. The lack of documented forearc strata younger than ca. 51 Ma suggests that sedimentation in the forearc basin ceased at this time owing to uplift resulting from continued continental collision.
Quantitative progradation dynamics and stratigraphic architecture of ancient shallow‐marine clinoform sets: a new method and its application to the Upper Jurassic Sognefjord Formation, Troll Field, offshore Norway
Authors: Patruno Stefano , Hampson Gary J. , Jackson Christopher A.‐L. , Whipp Paul S.
Published: June 2014

This article presents a new numerical inversion method to estimate progradation rates in ancient shallow‐marine clinoform sets, which is then used to refine the tectono‐stratigraphic and depositional model for the Upper Jurassic Sognefjord Formation reservoir in the super‐giant Troll Field, offshore Norway. The Sognefjord Formation is a 10–200‐m thick, coarse‐grained clastic wedge, that was deposited in ca. 6 Myr by a fully marine, westward‐prograding, subaqueous delta system sourced from the Norwegian mainland. The formation comprises four, 10–60‐m thick, westerly dipping, regressive clinoform sets, which are mapped for several tens of kilometres along strike. Near‐horizontal trajectories are observed in each clinoform set, and the sets are stacked vertically. Clinoform age and progradation rates are constrained by: (i) regionally correlatable bioevents, tied to seismically mapped clinoforms and clinoform set boundaries that intersect wells, (ii) exponential age–depth interpolations between bioevent‐dated surfaces and a distinctive foreset‐to‐bottomset facies transition within each well, and (iii) distances between wells along seismic transects that are oriented perpendicular to the clinoform strike and tied to well‐based stratigraphic correlations. Our results indicate a fall in progradation rate (from 170–500 to 10–65 km Myr−1) and net sediment flux (from 6–14 to ≤1 km2 Myr−1) westwards towards the basin, which is synchronous with an overall rise in sediment accumulation rate (from 7–16 to 26–102 m Myr−1). These variations are attributed to progradation of the subaqueous delta into progressively deeper waters, and a concomitant increase in the strength of alongshore currents that transported sediment out of the study area. Local spatial and temporal deviations from these overall trends are interpreted to reflect a subtle structural control on sedimentation. This method provides a tool to improve the predictive potential of sequence stratigraphic and clinoform trajectory analyses and offers a greater chronostratigraphic resolution than traditional approaches.
Blockade of the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 pathway exacerbates sepsis-induced immune deviation and immunosuppression
Authors: Zhao Z , Jiang X , Kang C , Xiao Y , Hou C , Yu J , Wang R , Xiao H , Zhou T , Wen Z , Feng J , Chen G , Ma Y , Shen B , Li Y , Han G
Published: June 2014

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, but the pathophysiological basis and biomarkers for the monitoring of sepsis and as targets for therapy remain to be determined. We have shown previously that T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3), a negative immune regulator, is involved in the physiopathology of sepsis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we showed that Tim-3 signalling modulated the response patterns of both macrophages and T helper cells in sepsis. Blockade of the Tim-3 pathway exacerbated sepsis-induced proinflammatory macrophage responses and lymphocyte apoptosis during the early phase of sepsis, and enhanced the shift to anti-inflammatory responses for both macrophages and T helper cells during the late phase of sepsis. Tim-3 signalling was found to regulate CD80 and CD86 expression on macrophages both in vivo and in vitro. Co-culture of T cells with Tim-3 knock-down macrophages led to a biased T helper type 2 (Th2) response, partially explaining how Tim-3 signalling shapes inflammation patterns in vivo. Further studies on this pathway might shed new light on the pathogenesis of sepsis and suggest new approaches for intervention.
Physicochemical tolerance, habitat use and predation are drivers of patterns of coexistence and exclusion among invasive and resident amphipods
Authors: Macneil Calum , Dick Jaimie T. A.
Published: June 2014

Patterns of coexistence and exclusion among resident and invading species in freshwaters may be generated by direct biotic interactions well as by indirect interactions with the broader abiotic and biotic environments. The North American ‘shrimp’ Crangonyx pseudogracilis (Crustacea: Amphipoda) is invasive in Europe where it forms complex patterns of apparent exclusion and coexistence with resident Gammarus spp. amphipods. Using a comprehensive integrated approach, we investigated the potential biotic and interacting abiotic factors driving these distribution patterns.

A 2009 survey of 69 sites on a small British Island, The Isle of Man, revealed that of 56 river sites containing amphipods, only six contained C. pseudogracilis and these always co‐occurred with Gammarus spp. In contrast, C. pseudogracilis was the only species present in the 12 ponds/reservoirs containing amphipods.

Field transplant experiments in ponds and laboratory oxygen tolerance experiments revealed that C. pseudogracilis tolerates physicochemical regimes which Gammarus spp. are incapable of surviving.

River microhabitat sampling showed C. pseudogracilis dominating in slower, more pooled and macrophyte‐dense patches, while Gammarus spp. were dominant in faster, more riffled areas.

Field bioassays indicated that predation of C. pseudogracilis by Gammarus spp. may be frequent in patches of rivers if/when the species meet.

River drift sampling revealed that C. pseudogracilis was greatly underrepresented in night/day drift relative to the Gammarus spp. Laboratory studies showed C. pseudogracilis to be more photophobic and less active than Gammarus spp., both behaviours potentially contributing to low drift prevalence and consequent reduced exposure to shared drift predators.

These interacting factors may ultimately contribute to the coexistence, exclusion and relative distributions of C. pseudogracilis and Gammarus spp. The former is potentially subject to intense predation from the latter if they encounter one another in the same microhabitat. However, with C. pseudogracilis being more physicochemically tolerant and displaying different habitat utilisation patterns than the Gammarus spp. in respect of the benthos and drift, such encounters are probably minimised. Hence C. pseudogracilis can persist in the same sites with the Gammarus spp., albeit in different microhabitats.
Comparison of triclosan and stannous fluoride dentifrices on parameters of gingival inflammation and plaque scores: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sälzer S , Slot DE , Dörfer CE , Van der Weijden GA
Published: June 2014

Objective

To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy of triclosan (Tcs) and stannous fluoride (SnF) dentifrices on parameters of gingivitis and plaque scores.

Materials and Methods

Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to March 2013 to identify appropriate studies. Studies regarding self‐performed manual brushing by adults with a minimum 4 weeks of follow‐up were included. Primary outcomes were parameters of gingivitis. Secondary outcome was plaque score.

Results

Of 55 publications, 11 met the eligibility criteria. Additionally, four unpublished papers were added after contacting the manufacturers of the leading brands. In total, 15 studies [10 medium term and five long term (>6 months)] were processed for data analysis. There was no difference in gingival index (or its modification) between the two types of dentifrice [DiffM‐0.04, 95% confidence interval CI (−0.11; 0.04); P = 0.34]. The change in the average gingival bleeding score was significantly in favour of SnF [DiffM0.02, 95% CI (0.01; 0.02); P < 0.00001]. Plaque scores demonstrated a statistical significant difference in favour of Tcs, according to Quigley–Hein Plaque Index (Q&H PI; DiffM‐0.29, 95% CI [−0.45; −0.13]; P = 0.0004), but there was no difference according to Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) [DiffM‐0.09, 95% CI (−0.01; 0.18); P = 0.07]. Long‐term results supported these findings.

Conclusions

In the context of inconclusive results for the primary outcome variable of gingival health, it can be concluded that there was a minor and most likely clinically insignificant difference between Tcs‐ and SnF‐containing dentifrices. Meta‐analysis of plaque score reduction was also inconclusive; whereas Tcs was more effective when assessed by the Q&H PI, it was not when scored with the RMNPI.
Impact of 5‐azacytidine on rat decidual cell proliferation
Authors: Fabijanovic Dora , Serman Alan , Jezic Marin , Katusic Ana , Sincic Nino , Curkovic‐Perica Mirna , Bulic‐Jakus Floriana , Vlahovic Maja , Juric‐Lekic Gordana , Serman Ljiljana
Published: June 2014

The DNA demethylating agent 5‐azacytidine (5‐azaC) has a teratogenic influence during rat development influencing both the embryo and the placenta. Our aim was to investigate its impact on early decidual cell proliferation before the formation of placenta. Thus, female Fischer rats received 5‐azaC (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on the 2nd, 5th or 8th day of gestation and the decidual tissues were harvested on gestation day 9. They were then analysed immunohistochemically for expression of cell proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in decidual cells and for global DNA methylation using the coupled restriction enzyme digestion, random amplification and pyrosequencing assays. We found that 5‐azaC administered on the 5th and 8th (but not on 2nd) day of gestation led to increased PCNA expression in decidual cells compared with untreated controls. No significant changes in DNA methylation were detected, with either method, in any of the treated rat groups compared with untreated controls. Thus, we conclude that 5‐azaC can stimulate decidual cell proliferation without simultaneously changing global DNA methylation level in treated cells.
The role of the adaptive immune system in regulation of gut microbiota
Authors: Kato Lucia M. , Kawamoto Shimpei , Maruya Mikako , Fagarasan Sidonia
Published: June 2014

The gut nourishes rich bacterial communities that affect profoundly the functions of the immune system. The relationship between gut microbiota and the immune system is one of reciprocity. The microbiota contributes to nutrient processing and the development, maturation, and function of the immune system. Conversely, the immune system, particularly the adaptive immune system, plays a key role in shaping the repertoire of gut microbiota. The fitness of host immune system is reflected in the gut microbiota, and deficiencies in either innate or adaptive immunity impact on diversity and structures of bacterial communities in the gut. Here, we discuss the mechanisms that underlie this reciprocity and emphasize how the adaptive immune system via immunoglobulins (i.e. IgA) contributes to diversification and balance of gut microbiota required for immune homeostasis.
Immunity to gastrointestinal nematodes: mechanisms and myths
Authors: Grencis Richard K. , Humphreys Neil E. , Bancroft Allison J.
Published: June 2014

Immune responses to gastrointestinal nematodes have been studied extensively for over 80 years and intensively investigated over the last 30–40 years. The use of laboratory models has led to the discovery of new mechanisms of protective immunity and made major contributions to our fundamental understanding of both innate and adaptive responses. In addition to host protection, it is clear that immunoregulatory processes are common in infected individuals and resistance often operates alongside modulation of immunity. This review aims to discuss the recent discoveries in both host protection and immunoregulation against gastrointestinal nematodes, placing the data in context of the specific life cycles imposed by the different parasites studied and the future challenges of considering the mucosal/immune axis to encompass host, parasite, and microbiome in its widest sense.
Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms Related to Left Atrial Wall Thickness
Authors: WI JIN , LEE HYE‐JEONG , UHM JAE‐SUN , KIM JONG‐YOUN , PAK HUI‐NAM , LEE MOONHYOUNG , KIM YOUNG JIN , JOUNG BOYOUNG
Published: June 2014

CFAE and LA Wall Thickness

Introduction

The mechanism of complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. This study investigated the relationship between CFAE and left atrial (LA) wall thickness.

Methods and Results

LA muscular wall thickness (excluding fat) was measured by cardiac computed tomography in 31 patients with AF (12 paroxysmal, 19 persistent) prior to catheter ablation procedures. Measurements were performed at 31 distinct LA locations: 3 at roof, 3 at floor, 9 at anterior wall, 9 at posterior wall, 3 at lateral wall, 3 at septum, and 1 at base of the anterior appendage. The range of LA wall thickness (LAWT) varied widely (average 2.4 ± 0.4 mm, range 1.5–3.1 mm) between patients. In addition, there were significant regional differences in LAWT. Each patient had an average of 7.3 ± 3.5 CFAE sites. The LA wall was thicker at CFAE sites (227 sites, 3.0 ± 1.0 mm) than at non‐CFAE sites (734 sites, 2.2 ± 0.9 mm, P < 0.001). In 23 of 31 (74%) patients, the LA wall was thicker at CFAE area than at non‐CFAE area. There was no difference in LAWT between sites where CFAE vanished and those where CFAE persisted after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) among sites with CFAE before PVI. The LAWT > 2.5 mm predicted CFAE with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 70%.

Conclusion

The LAWT correlates well with CFAE areas, suggesting that one of the mechanisms of CFAE might be related to LAWT.
Differential impact of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on sustained attention in youth with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Bédard Anne‐Claude V. , Stein Mark A. , Halperin Jeffrey M. , Krone Beth , Rajwan Estrella , Newcorn Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2014

Background

This study examined the effects of atomoxetine (ATX) and OROS methylphenidate (MPH) on laboratory measures of inhibitory control and attention in youth with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It was hypothesized that performance would be improved by both treatments, but response profiles would differ because the medications work via different mechanisms.

Methods

One hundred and two youth (77 male; mean age = 10.5 ± 2.7 years) with ADHD received ATX (1.4 ± 0.5 mg/kg) and MPH (52.4 ± 16.6 mg) in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover design. Medication was titrated in 4–6‐week blocks separated by a 2‐week placebo washout. Inhibitory control and attention measures were obtained at baseline, following washout, and at the end of each treatment using Conners' Continuous Performance Test II (CPT‐II), which provided age‐adjusted T‐scores for reaction time (RT), reaction time variability (RT variability), and errors. Repeated‐measures analyses of variance were performed, with Time (premedication, postmedication) and Treatment type (ATX, MPH) entered as within‐subject factors. Data from the two treatment blocks were checked for order effects and combined if order effects were not present. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00183391.

Results

Main effects for Time on RT (p = .03), RTSD (p = .001), and omission errors (p = .01) were significant. A significant Drug × Time interaction indicated that MPH improved RT, RTSD, and omission errors more than ATX (p < .05). Changes in performance with treatment did not correlate with changes in ADHD symptoms.

Conclusions

MPH has greater effects than ATX on CPT measures of sustained attention in youth with ADHD. However, the dissociation of cognitive and behavioral change with treatment indicates that CPT measures cannot be considered proxies for symptomatic improvement. Further research on the dissociation of cognitive and behavioral endpoints for ADHD is indicated.
The possible involvement of genetic variants of NET1 in the etiology of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder comorbid with oppositional defiant disorder
Authors: Liu Lu , Cheng Jia , Li Haimei , Yang Li , Qian Qiujin , Wang Yufeng
Published: June 2014

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) often coexist and shared some genetic influences. Evidence from the existing literature indicated that comorbid with ODD may increase the heterogeneity of ADHD genetics. Our present study sought to investigate the role of norepinephrine transporter gene (NET1) for ADHD comorbid with ODD.

Methods

Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NET1 were genotyped for a total of 1,815 ADHD cases, including 587 subjects (32.3%) with ODD. Chi‐square tests were conducted for pseudo case–control study comparing allelic and genotypic distributions between ADHD with and without ODD. Among them, there were 1,249 probands together with their parents composing trios for family‐based association studies using transmission disequilibrium tests (TDTs). In addition, 1,337 ADHD probands have detailed information of ODD symptoms and were included for quantitative analyses with genotypes using analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). To consider the overlap and correlation of other comorbidities with ODD and eliminate their potential confounding effect, we further repeated above analyses for ‘pure ADHD+ODD’ versus ‘ADHD‐only’ after excluding other comorbidities except for ODD.

Results

The pseudo case–control study showed different allelic and genotypic distributions of SNP rs3785143 between ADHD with ODD and those without ODD. Family‐based association tests indicated overtransmission of the T allele of rs3785143 in ADHD with ODD trios, but no biased transmission in those without ODD. ANCOVA showed association between genotypes of rs3785143 with ODD symptoms in ADHD probands, especially with ‘Argumentative/Defiant Behavior (ADB)’ dimension after controlling gender, age, clinical subtypes and intelligence. Above association still existed after removing the samples with other comorbidities.

Conclusion

NET1 was associated with comorbidity of ODD and ODD symptoms in ADHD probands. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering the comorbidity of ODD in ADHD genetic studies, especially ADHD with ADB. However, further replication in independent sample or different populations is still needed.
Characterization of Schizothorax prenanti cgnrhII gene: fasting affects cgnrhII expression
Authors: Wang T. , Yuan D. , Zhou C. , Lin F. , Chen H. , Wu H. , Wei R. , Xin Z. , Liu J. , Gao Y. , Chen D. , Yang S. , Pu Y. , Li Z.
Published: June 2014

In this study, the role of chicken gonadotropin‐releasing hormone II (cgnrhII) in feeding regulation was investigated in Schizothorax prenanti. First, the full‐length S. prenanti cgnrhII cDNA consisted of 693 bp with an open reading frame of 261 bp encoding a protein of 86 amino acids. Next, cgnrhII was widely expressed in the central and peripheral tissues. Last, there were significant changes in cgnrhII mRNA expression in the fasted group compared to the fed group in the S. prenanti hypothalamus during 24 h fasting (P < 0·05). Furthermore, the cgnrhII gene expression presented a significant decrease in the fasted group compared with the fed group (P < 0·05) on days 3, 5 and 7, after re‐feeding, there was no significant changes in cgnrhII mRNA expression level between refed and fed group on day 9 (P > 0·05). Thus, the results suggest that cGnRH II expression is influenced by fasting and the gene may be involved in feeding regulation in S. prenanti.
Time course of oocyte development in winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus and spawning seasonality for the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank and southern New England stocks
Authors: Press Y. K. , McBride R. S. , Wuenschel M. J.
Published: June 2014

Winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus were collected at monthly intervals from December 2009 to May 2011, to describe the pattern and seasonality of oocyte development, including: (1) the group‐synchronous transition from primary to secondary oocytes that initiates immediately after spawning, (2) the slow (months) development of vitellogenic oocytes followed by the rapid (weeks) maturation of oocytes, (3) the synchronous nature of mature oocytes ovulating, but the discrete releases of benthic eggs in batches, (4) the protracted (months) degradation of postovulatory follicles and (5) the occurrence of follicular atresia. Although fish were collected across only c. 2° latitudinal range, the spawning season was c. 1 month later in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) than on Georges Bank and in southern New England. This is probably due to lower temperatures in the GOM. These stock‐specific data regarding the time course of oogenesis are of practical value. This information is discussed in relation to measuring and interpreting elements of reproductive potential such as maturation, skipped spawning and fecundity, the response of reproductive traits by this widely distributed species to changing climate and the response by this common, marine‐estuarine species to urbanization, particularly environmental pollutants and dredging.
Infections of nervous necrosis virus in wild and cage‐reared marine fish from South China Sea with unexpected wide host ranges
Authors: Liu X D , Huang J N , Weng S P , Hu X Q , Chen W J , Qin Z D , Dong X X , Liu X L , Zhou Y , Asim M , Wang W M , He J G , Lin L
Published: June 2014

The concerns about the impact of the nervous necrosis virus (NNV) infections in wild fish have been raised. This paper presents the results of quarterly surveys of NNV in wild and cage‐reared marine fish from South China Sea. Samples of 892 wild fish belonging to 69 species and 381 cage‐reared fish belonging to 11 species were collected and were detected by seminested PCR and nested PCR. In the case of seminested PCR, the positive signal was detected in 3.0% and 3.1% samples of wild and cage‐reared fish, respectively. However, by nested RT‐PCR, the positive signal was observed in 42.3% and 63.0% samples of wild and cage‐reared fish, respectively. If the fish species were considered, the positive signal was detected in 21.7% and 72.7% species of wild and cage‐reared fish by seminested PCR assay, respectively. However, by nested RT‐PCR, the positive signal was observed in 65.2% and 100% species of wild and cage‐reared fish, respectively. The nucleotide sequences of the nested PCR products were determined. Phylogenetic tree showed that all the obtained viral isolates belonged to the red‐spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) genotype. Thirty‐five species of the marine fish were the new hosts of NNV.
Three‐dimensional visualization of termite (Apicotermitinae) enteric valve using confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: HOST B. , TWYFFELS L. , ROISIN Y. , VANDERWINDEN J.‐M.
Published: June 2014

Humivorous termites are dominant members of tropical rainforest soil communities. In the soil‐feeding subfamily Apicotermitinae (Termitidae), the enteric valve connecting the first section of the hindgut to the paunch often displays a complex sclerotized armature everted towards the lumen of the paunch. This structure is central in termite taxonomy but its function remains hypothetical. Here, we evaluate the potential of confocal laser scanning microscopy to provide detailed imaging of the valve of Anoplotermes parvus, by comparison with bright‐field microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We detected a strong far‐red emission of the enteric valve armature that sharply contrasted with the surrounding tissues, providing a convenient method to highlight minute structural elements of the valve and its three‐dimensional structure. The method is easy to use and is applicable to standard archival material as demonstrated by images of enteric valves of four other Apicotermitinae species. It may represent a valuable asset for the study of termite enteric valves, for the purpose of taxonomy or functional morphology.
Factors Associated With Treatment‐Seeking Behavior for Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Ruiz de Viñaspre Hernández Regina , Tomás Aznar Concepción , Rubio Aranda Encarnación
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To identify the factors associated with treatment‐seeking behavior for urinary incontinence (UI) among postpartum women.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional study. A total of 142 women with postpartum UI responded a telephone interview between August of 2010 and March of 2011. The association between the treatment‐seeking and the predicting variables were measured through odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Results

The treatment‐seeking percentage was 37.3% and the treatment percentage was 27.5%. The result of multiple logistic regressions indicated that: counseling about UI in pregnancy, postpartum physical exercise, and Spanish nationality predicted 47.8% of the variance in treatment‐seeking behavior

Conclusions

The lack of counseling largely determines the low rates of treatment‐seeking among Spanish mothers.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing counseling during pregnancy can contribute substantially to increasing the number of women treated for postpartum UI.
Factors Influencing Parents’ Decision to Donate Their Healthy Infant's DNA for Minimal‐Risk Genetic Research
Authors: Hatfield Linda A. , Pearce Margaret M.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To examine factors that influence a parent's decision to donate their healthy infant's DNA for minimal‐risk genetic research.

Design

Grounded theory, using semi‐structured interviews conducted with 35 postpartum mother or mother–father dyads in an urban teaching hospital. Data were collected from July 2011 to January 2012.

Methods

Audiorecorded semistructured interviews were conducted in private rooms with mothers or mother–father dyads 24 to 48 hr after the birth of their healthy, full‐term infant. Data‐driven content analysis using selected principles of grounded theory was performed.

Findings

Parents’ willingness to donate their healthy infant's DNA for minimal‐risk pediatric genetic research emerged as a process involving three interacting components: the parents, the scientist, and the comfort of the child embedded within the context of benefit to the child. The purpose of the study and parents’ perception of their commitment of time and resources determined their willingness to participate. The scientist's ability to communicate trust in the research process influenced parents’ decisions. Physical discomfort of the child shaped parents’ decision to donate DNA. Parental perception of a direct benefit to their child affected their willingness to discuss genetic research and its outcomes.

Conclusions

Significant gaps and misunderstandings in parental knowledge of pediatric genetic research may affect parental willingness to donate their healthy child's DNA.

Clinical Relevance

Nurses knowledgeable about the decision‐making process parents utilize to donate their healthy infant's DNA for minimal‐risk genetic research and the factors influencing that decision are well positioned to educate parents about the role of genetics in health and illness and reassure potential research participants of the value and safeguards in pediatric genetic research.
Historicising Activism in Late Colonial and Post‐Colonial Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Larmer Miles
Published: June 2014

Despite Africa's reputation as a place of political repression and limited popular agency, activism and popular mobilisation have been central to political change in colonial and post‐colonial Africa. The social and cultural identity of activists has been neglected by historians, who have commonly studied activism through imposed normative frameworks (e.g. class struggle or decolonisation) that have not always been central to the motivations of activists themselves. This article identifies and analyses specific phases of popular activism. Mass mobilisation was crucial to the success of anti‐colonial nationalism, but did not commonly result in governments that addressed the aspirations or grievances of activists. From the 1970s, African governments became vulnerable to popular pressure, in the form of urban riots and uprisings, but attempts to establish more institutionalised pressure groups for change were not generally successful. The pro‐democracy movements of the early 1990s again utilised mass mobilisation to achieve their aims, but the advent of multi‐party democracy across the continent did not translate into meaningful popular reform. Since 2000, popular movements have expressed discontent with neo‐liberal economic policies and authoritarian governments. The Arab Spring has inspired new waves of activism, but it remains unclear whether this will bring about significant political change across the continent. Two underlying linked themes will be analysed in the paper. Firstly, the interaction between local activism and broader ideological movements and influences (nationalism, socialism, religious belief, etc): to what extent have these ideological frameworks, commonly introduced by external agents, assisted or hampered in the development of discourses of resistance or activism? Secondly, African activists, in contrast to their western counterparts, have commonly operated in relationship to both local state and western or international elites, including colonial governments, multinational corporations and international donors. The paper will examine the extent to which these relationships have shaped the ideas and behaviour of African movements.
Normalization of White Matter Intensity on T1‐Weighted Images of Patients with Acquired Central Nervous System Demyelination
Authors: Ghassemi Rezwan , Brown Robert , Narayanan Sridar , Banwell Brenda , Nakamura Kunio , Arnold Douglas L.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Intensity variation between magnetic resonance images (MRI) hinders comparison of tissue intensity distributions in multicenter MRI studies of brain diseases. The available intensity normalization techniques generally work well in healthy subjects but not in the presence of pathologies that affect tissue intensity. One such disease is multiple sclerosis (MS), which is associated with lesions that prominently affect white matter (WM).

OBJECTIVE

To develop a T1‐weighted (T1w) image intensity normalization method that is independent of WM intensity, and to quantitatively evaluate its performance.

METHODS AND SUBJECTS

We calculated median intensity of grey matter and intraconal orbital fat on T1w images. Using these two reference tissue intensities we calculated a linear normalization function and applied this to the T1w images to produce normalized T1w (NT1) images. We assessed performance of our normalization method for interscanner, interprotocol, and longitudinal normalization variability, and calculated the utility of the normalization method for lesion analyses in clinical trials.

RESULTS

Statistical modeling showed marked decreases in T1w intensity differences after normalization (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a WM‐independent T1w MRI normalization method and tested its performance. This method is suitable for longitudinal multicenter clinical studies for the assessment of the recovery or progression of disease affecting WM.
The influence of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy on submental‐cervical aesthetics
Authors: Soydan S. S. , Uckan S. , Ustdal A. , Bayram B. , Bayrak B.
Published: June 2014

The effect of orthodontic‐surgical treatment on submental‐cervical region was evaluated in a very limited number of studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate submental‐cervical soft tissue contour changes following mandibular advancement and set‐back procedures via bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Sixty‐seven patients were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 27 skeletal Class II patients who underwent mandibular advancement surgery, whereas Group 2 consisted of 40 skeletal Class III patients who underwent mandibular set‐back surgery. Various linear and angular measurements were performed on pre‐operative and sixth month post‐operative cephalometric radiographs. A new method was used to evaluate the amount of sagging at submental region. The submental length did not change in Group 1; however, it decreased significantly in Group 2 (P < 0·05). The angle between submental plane and facial plane decreased to 95·9° from 98·8° in Group 1(P < 0·05), whereas it increased to 93·1° from 88·2° in Group2 (P < 0·05). The change of submental soft tissue sag was almost stable in Group 1, while 0·34 mm increase of sag was observed in Group 2. This increase was not statistically significant (P > 0·05). Mandibular set‐back and advancement procedures do not remarkably change the submental sag following approximately 6 mm jaw movement. Although mandibular advancement did not significantly effect submental length, soft tissue followed mandibular set‐back with a ratio of 1:1 at C‐point to projection of soft tissue pogonion and 1:0·7 at C‐point to soft tissue menton distances.