bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘My Lord Sue’: Lady Susan Keck and the Great Oxfordshire Election of 1754
Authors: Chalus Elaine
Published: August 2014

As one of the most memorable campaigners for the New Interest whigs in the Oxfordshire election of 1754, Lady Susan Keck inevitably became the subject of press ridicule and criticism. Undaunted and irrepressible, she not only continued to campaign, but also turned the criticism back on the Old Interest, effectively neutralising it. This detailed examination of Lady Susan's electioneering illustrates the possibilities for electoral involvement at mid‐century that were available to a woman of rank and spirit who was determined to make a difference. Propelled into action by sheer frustration with the poor planning and lacklustre campaigning that had marked the New Interest campaign in the 1751 election, Lady Susan put her, not inconsiderable, energy into securing a victory for the New Interest. Driven by ideology rather than by family interests, she used her age, rank, sex and connections, to political advantage. Confident and characterful, she was ideally suited to the rumbustious, personal politics of the age. Most importantly, her canvassing achieved results and the eventual New Interest victory owed, at least in part, to her efforts.
The spectra, symptom profiles and overlap of Rome III functional gastrointestinal disorders in a tertiary center in South China
Authors: Xiong Li Shou , Shi Quan , Gong Xiao Rong , Cui Yi , Chen Min Hu
Published: August 2014

Objective

Most previous studies exploring the overlap of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) focus on the overlap between functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this study, we aimed to explore the spectra, symptom profiles and overlap of all FGID using the validated Chinese version of the Rome III questionnaire.

Methods

Consecutive newly diagnosed FGID patients who were admitted to the Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic from 10 May to 10 September 2012 were recruited in the study. All the patients complained of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms for at least 3 months with a symptom onset of at least 6 months before diagnosis after excluded organic diseases. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were asked to complete the scoring algorithm for the Rome III integrated questionnaire.

Results

Among 350 eligible patients, 302 (86.3%) returned completed questionnaires. A total of six major domains including 17 disorders were diagnosed. The four most prevalent FGID were FD (54.6%), IBS (40.7%), unspecified functional bowel disorder (13.9%) and functional constipation (12.6%). The three most prevalent symptoms in FGID were abdominal pain (66.2%), loose stool (58.3%) and abdominal bloating/distension (56.3%). Of the 302 patients, 152 (50.3%) had one to five overlapping FGID. Only functional bloating had no overlap. Six patients had five overlapping FGID simultaneously. In all, 63 patients had overlapping FD and IBS.

Conclusions

This study provided the detailed spectra and symptom profiles for all FGID. Overlapping FGID are common in China.
Biochemical markers of bone resorption are present in human milk: implications for maternal and neonatal bone metabolism
Authors: Bouroutzoglou Maria , Malamitsi‐Puchner Ariadne , Boutsikou Maria , Marmarinos Antonios , Baka Stavroula , Boutsikou Theodora , Hassiakos Dimitrios , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Briana Despina D.
Published: August 2014

Aim

This study investigated breast milk and maternal serum concentrations of biochemical markers of bone resorption, which may be implicated in both maternal and neonatal bone metabolism.

Methods

Tests were carried out on 85 parturients 3–4 days after they gave birth. We measured their breast milk and serum concentrations for soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (sRANKL) and cross‐linked N‐telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx). The sRANKL and NTx concentrations were associated with several perinatal parameters.

Results

Soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand was detectable in breast milk at considerably lower concentrations than in maternal serum (p < 0.001), and these breast milk sRANKL concentrations were decreased in maternal diabetes (b = −0.366, 95% CI −0.622 to −0.110, p = 0.006). Breast milk NTx concentrations were higher in exclusive lactation (b = 0.269, 95% CI 0.014–0.524, p = 0.039), but lower in Caesarean sections (b = −0.224, 95% CI −0.428 to −0.019, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand is downregulated in breast milk, particularly in the case of diabetes. Breast milk NTx upregulation characterises exclusive lactation, and its downregulation characterises Caesarean section deliveries. Nutritional interventions in foetal life and early infancy may programme adult bone health and ameliorate diseases with developmental origins, such as osteoporosis.
Food hypersensitivity is common in Swedish schoolchildren, especially oral reactions to fruit and gastrointestinal reactions to milk
Authors: Strinnholm Åsa , Winberg Anna , West Christina , Hedman Linnea , Rönmark Eva
Published: August 2014

Aim

This study examined the prevalence, symptom expression and risk factors for food hypersensitivity among Swedish schoolchildren.

Methods

Parents of 2585 (96% of invited) children aged 7–8 years completed a questionnaire regarding food hypersensitivity and allergic diseases. A random sample of 1700 children (90% of invited) also participated in skin prick testing with ten airborne allergens.

Results

The overall prevalence of reported food hypersensitivity to milk, egg, fish, wheat, soya, fruits and, or, nuts was 21%, with symptoms caused by milk (9%) being the most common. The most frequently reported symptoms were oral symptoms (47.4%), mainly caused by fruit, and gastrointestinal symptoms (45.7%), mainly caused by milk. Factors associated with any food hypersensitivity were female sex, allergic heredity and a positive skin prick test. Eczema was consistently associated with symptoms caused by milk, egg, fish, wheat, soya, fruits and nuts. Rhinitis was associated to the same foods, except milk.

Conclusion

Reported food hypersensitivity was common among Swedish schoolchildren. The most frequent symptom expressions were oral symptoms triggered by fruits and gastrointestinal symptoms triggered by milk. The high prevalence of reported symptoms should be validated by clinical examinations to provide a diagnosis.
Provenance Studies of the Marble of Ancient Sculptures in the Tribune of the Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Authors: Attanasio D. , Boschi C. , Bracci S. , Cantisani E. , Paolucci F.
Published: August 2014

The provenance of the marbles used for the five ancient sculptures on display in the Tribune of the Uffizi—the Venere Medici, the Apollo Medici, the Satiro danzante, the Arrotino and the Lottatori—has been determined using a well‐established multi‐method approach that includes isotopic, petrographic and EPR data. The Arrotino was found to be made of Docimium marble from the Phrygian quarries of Iscehisar, whereas Parian lychnites was used for the other four sculptures. Restorations, including the restoration of the Satiro ascribed to Michelangelo or his school, primarily used Pentelicon marble. The Lottatori, however, underwent multiple restorations that used a lychnites analytically different from the original stock, as well as Docimium, Carrara and Göktepe marbles. The right arm of the winner, which was considered to be a later addition, turned out to be made using the original marble—lychnites marble. The marble data provide support for the chronology of the sculptures and give insight into the complex sequence of restorations that they underwent.
MicroCT Imaging of Red fox Talus: A Non‐Invasive Approach to Evaluate Age at Death
Authors: Boschin F. , Bernardini F. , Zanolli C. , Tuniz C.
Published: August 2014

X‐ray microCT imaging offers the possibility to study age‐related changes of bone microstructure. In the present paper we analyse the talus of 15 modern red foxes of different ages, from 2 months old to adulthood, to investigate the possibility of identifying their different ages at death. Surface and volumetric variables describing bone properties are measured or evaluated from the microCT images following three approaches: (i) the bone volume to total volume ratio, quantified for the whole bones; (ii) two homologous subvolumes of trabecular tissue, virtually extracted and analysed to evaluate trabecular bone structure; and (iii) the development of the cortical region, deduced through the analysis of bone cross‐sections. All approaches yielded interesting information on bone development, and preliminary results show that the third approach clearly allows us to discriminate among different age groups. This is important both from a zooarchaeological and a palaeontological perspective, suggesting that microCT imaging can be considered a new non‐invasive tool to estimate the age at death of animal remains, or to discriminate taxa characterized by a close morphology but different adult body size.
Design principles and developmental mechanisms underlying retinal mosaics
Authors: Reese Benjamin E. , Keeley Patrick W.
Published: August 2014

Most structures within the central nervous system (CNS) are composed of different types of neuron that vary in both number and morphology, but relatively little is known about the interplay between these two features, i.e. about the population dynamics of a given cell type. How such arrays of neurons are distributed within a structure, and how they differentiate their dendrites relative to each other, are issues that have recently drawn attention in the invertebrate nervous system, where the genetic and molecular underpinnings of these organizing principles are being revealed in exquisite detail. The retina is one of the few locations where these principles have been extensively studied in the vertebrate CNS, indeed, where the design principles of ‘mosaic regularity’ and ‘uniformity of coverage’ were first explicitly defined, quantified, and related to each other. Recent studies have revealed a number of genes that influence the formation of these histotypical features in the retina, including homologues of those invertebrate genes, although close inspection reveals that they do not always mediate comparable developmental processes nor elucidate fundamental design principles. The present review considers just how pervasive these features of ‘mosaic regularity’ and ‘uniform dendritic coverage’ are within the mammalian retina, discussing the means by which such features can be assessed in the mature and developing nervous system and examining the limitations associated with those assessments. We then address the extent to which these two design principles co‐exist within different populations of neurons, and how they are achieved during development. Finally, we consider the neural phenotypes obtained in mutant nervous systems, to address whether a prospective gene of interest underlies those very design principles.
Nurses caring for ENT patients in a district general hospital without a dedicated ENT ward score significantly less in a test of knowledge than nurses caring for ENT patients in a dedicated ENT ward in a comparable district general hospital
Authors: Foxton C.R. , Black D. , Muhlschlegel J. , Jardine A.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To assess whether there is a difference in ENT knowledge amongst nurses caring for patients on a dedicated ENT ward and nurses caring for ENT patients in a similar hospital without a dedicated ENT ward.

Design

A test of theoretical knowledge of ENT nursing care was devised and administered to nurses working on a dedicated ENT ward and then to nurses working on generic non‐subspecialist wards regularly caring for ENT patients in a hospital without a dedicated ENT ward. The test scores were then compared.

Setting

A single specialist ENT/Maxillo‐Facial/Opthalmology ward in hospital A and 3 generic surgical wards in hospital B. Both hospitals are comparable district general hospitals in the south west of England.

Participants

Nursing staff working in hospital A and hospital B on the relevant wards were approached during the working day. 11 nurses on ward 1, 10 nurses on ward 2, 11 nurses on ward 3 and 10 nurses on ward 4 (the dedicated ENT ward).

Main outcome measures

Each individual test score was used to generate an average score per ward and these scores compared to see if there was a significant difference.

Results

The average score out of 10 on ward 1 was 6.8 (+/−1.6). The average score on ward two was 4.8 (+/−1.6). The average score on ward three was 5.5 (+/−2.1). The average score on ward 4, which is the dedicated ENT ward, was 9.7 (+/−0.5). The differences in average test score between the dedicated ENT ward and all of the other wards are statistically significant.

Conclusion

Nurses working on a dedicated ENT ward have an average higher score in a test of knowledge than nurses working on generic surgical wards. This difference is statistically significant and persists despite banding or training.
Outcome of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for external rectal prolapse
Authors: Randall J. , Smyth E. , McCarthy K. , Dixon A. R.
Published: August 2014

Aim

The study assessed the efficacy of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) for full thickness external rectal prolapse (ERP), including recurrent prolapse.

Method

A prospective database identified all patients undergoing LVMR for ERP over the 16‐year period to December 2013. Clinical outcome, Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS), quality of life (QOL) and patient‐reported outcome were evaluated.

Results

In total, 190 LVMRs (87% women) were performed during the study period, with a median active follow‐up of 29 (1–196) months; 120 had a follow‐up > 5 years and 16 > 10 years. The median time from surgery was 73 (1–196) months. The 60‐day mortality, recurrence and mesh‐related complication rates were 1%, 3% and 3.7%. The mean improvement in CCIS was 8 (P < 0.0001). Sixty‐two patients returned a complete sequence of QOL scores (Birmingham Bowel and Urinary Symptoms Questionnaire 22), which had improved by 46% at year 1 and were sustained at a median of 4 years (P < 0.001). Mean patient‐reported outcome measures for satisfaction at final review in 119 responders was 9.1/10. Thirty‐nine patients underwent LVMR for recurrent ERP following perineal repair. Of these, full thickness recurrence occurred in one and there were no mesh complications. The same sustained improvement in QOL was observed.

Conclusion

LVMR for ERP is associated with low morbidity and recurrence and a long‐term improvement in function and QOL. LVMR achieves the same benefits after a failed perineal procedure.
A COMPENSATING DIFFERENTIAL APPROACH TO VALUING THE SOCIAL BENEFIT OF MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Authors: Agha Nola , Coates Dennis
Published: August 2014

This research utilizes a compensating differential framework to measure the social benefits of minor league baseball teams. Consistent with findings at the major league level, individual housing observations from 138 metropolitan areas between 1993 and 2005 show that affiliated teams are associated with a significant 6 to 8% increase in rents in mid‐sized markets ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 million people. On the other hand, independent teams and stadiums are associated with insignificant effects on rents. The positive effect of affiliated minor league teams suggests they are a valuable urban amenity that can contribute to local quality of life.(JELH23, H41, H71, R50, L83)
In vitro combined treatment with cetuximab and trastuzumab inhibits growth of colon cancer cells
Authors: Luca T. , Barresi V. , Privitera G. , Musso N. , Caruso M. , Condorelli D. F. , Castorina S.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Overexpression or constitutive activation of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) is involved in growth of human cancers. We investigated effects of EGFR and HER‐2 blockade in colon cancer cell lines using cetuximab and trastuzumab, with the aim of developing novel approaches to cancer therapy.

Materials and methods

We studied effects of treatment on cell growth, cell cycle distribution, induction of apoptosis, changes in EGFR and HER‐2 mRNA‐protein expression and EGFR and HER‐2 gene copy number in Caco‐2, HT‐29 and HCT‐116 cells.

Results

Treatment of cells resulted in no effect in one of the three cell lines and in inhibition of cell proliferation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in the other two, with modulation of EGFR and HER‐2 mRNA and protein levels. Differences in sensitivity to cetuximab and trastuzumab were observed. Treatment induced specific changes in cell cycle distribution in both cell lines affected, while apoptosis was not increased. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed abnormal copy number of two genes resulting from aneuploidy; this was not responsible for different sensitivity to combination between the two cell lines.

Conclusions

Targeting EGFR and HER‐2 simultaneously could have useful applications in colorectal cancer treatment. To improve pharmacological efficacy of cetuximab and trastuzumab combination, molecular mechanisms involved in their activity need to be elucidated.
Predictive value of serum Hs‐CRP levels for outcomes of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Araz Omer , Yilmazel Ucar Elif , Yalcin Aslıhan , Kelercioglu Nazli , Meral Mehmet , Gorguner Ali Metin , Akgun Metin
Published: August 2014

Background

The diagnostic utility of novel biomarkers in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is still under investigation. While many studies emphasize that high serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP) has a moderate relation with PE, few studies show that Hs‐CRP can be used to predict the outcome of the treatment.

Aims

In this study, we aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between serum levels of Hs‐CRP and reperfusion of pulmonary tissue. As a secondary objective, the correlation between Hs‐CRP and subgroups of PE was investigated.

Methods

A total of 85 patients with PE, 38 male (44.7%) and 47 female (55.3%) with an average age of 65.5 ± 13.4, were included in this prospective observational study. Samples of blood were collected before and 48 h after the inception of fibrinolytic therapy.

Result

The correlation of changes in serum Hs‐CRP levels with reperfusion duration was statistically significant (r = 0.548, P = 0.01). Second, we found that some subgroups of PE (massive PE: r = 0.719, P = 0.001, and minor PE: r = 0.529, P = 0.001) had a relation with changes in serum Hs‐CRP levels, whereas some had none (submassive PE: r = 0.136, P = 0.215).

Conclusion

Changes in serum Hs‐CRP levels can be a potential predictor of the outcomes for patients with PE. Additionally, this value of change can notify the presence of some subgroups of PE (massive and minor PE).
Assessment of neural alterations in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: can apparent diffusion coefficient measurements be useful?
Authors: Kacar Emre , Sarinc Ulasli Sevinc , Günay Ersin , Güngör Gülay , Ünlü Ebru , Beker Acay Mehtap , Koyuncu Tülay , Ünlü Mehmet , Haktanir Alpay
Published: August 2014

Background and Aims

Our aim was to investigate whether neurological alteration in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) with apparently normal cerebral and cerebellar structures can be assessed by means of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement and to investigate the association between OSAS severity and ADC values.

Methods

Following the acquisition of diffusion‐weighted cranial magnetic resonance imaging, ADC measurements were performed in 24 different apparently normal cerebral and cerebellar structures, including the bilateral frontal and parietal cortices, insulae, cingulate gyri, hippocampi, frontal and parieto‐occipital periventricular white matter (PWM), caudate nuclei, putamen, thalami, cerebellar hemispheres, pons and mesencephalon in 47 OSAS patients and 20 control subjects. The ADC values of the patients and the control group were compared. The association between the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) and the ADC values of the patients were investigated.

Results

The ADC values in the bilateral frontal PWM were lower in the patient group than those in the control subjects (P < 0.05). The measurements in the right cingulate gyri of the OSAS patients exhibited significantly higher ADC values than those of the control group (P = 0.002). Bilateral thalamic ADC values in severe OSAS patients were significantly higher than those in mild and moderate OSAS patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ADC measurement is a simple and effective technique to evaluate neural alteration of the brain in patients with OSAS. ADC measurements can also be useful in the evaluation of the association between the AHI and the degree of neural alteration in the central nervous system.
Influence of Pulmonary Vascular Reserve on Exercise‐Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Suzuki Kengo , Izumo Masaki , Kamijima Ryo , Mizukoshi Kei , Takai Manabu , Kida Keisuke , Yoneyama Kihei , Nobuoka Sachihiko , Yamada Hidehiro , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: August 2014

Background

Exercise‐induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) is considered as an early preclinical functional phase of resting PH in systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we investigated the prevalence of exercise‐induced PH in patients with SSc and evaluated the influence of pulmonary vascular reserve on exercise‐induced PH.

Methods

This prospective study included 568 SSc patients. The patients with interstitial lung disease and those with left ventricular dysfunction were excluded (n = 50); finally, 518 patients underwent simple exercise echocardiography using a Master's two‐step. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), the ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e') and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were measured before and after exercise. ΔPVR (the difference between rest and post) was used for the assessment of pulmonary vascular reserve. All patients were stratified into the no exercise‐induced PH (SPAP <50 mmHg) or exercise‐induced PH (SPAP ≥50 mmHg, n = 133) group.

Results

Of the study patients, 27% patients were identified as having exercise‐induced PH. ΔPVR was higher in the exercise‐induced PH than no exercise‐induced PH group (0.2 ± 0.3 vs. 0.4 ± 0.4WU, P < 0.0001). A weak correlation was found between postexercise SPAP and postexercise E/e' (r = 0.31, P < 0.0001), whereas a strong correlation was found between postexercise SPAP and postexercise PVR (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001). The analyzed data demonstrated that ΔPVR was independently associated with exercise‐induced PH (odds ratio, 3.435; 95% CI, 1.013–11.650, P = 0.033).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that exercise‐induced PH was common in patients with SSc. Exercise‐induced PH might be closely associated with the factors affecting reduced pulmonary vascular reserve in patients with SSc.
Exchanges Competition in Listing Services: Evidence for Italian Companies
Authors: Geranio Manuela , Lazzari Valter
Published: August 2014

Competition among stock exchanges is growing fast on trading services. Differently, competition for listing securities has so far been minimal, if not absent, especially in Europe. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the monopolistic position that many important and well‐renowned exchanges around the world still maintain on offering and pricing of listing services. We first enlighten the content of listing services. We then quantify fees applied by different exchanges to companies according to their size. We consider both initial and annual fees. Our results show that US exchanges are more expensive for medium‐sized firms whilst EU markets apply higher fees to the largest companies. Up to now, demutualisation of stock exchanges did not lead to the expected reduction of listing fees. Many exchanges, particularly in the EU, are still taking advantage of their exclusive control position by applying premium price policies to the largest companies in order to cross‐subsidise smaller companies.
Loss of adaptive variation during evolutionary responses to climate change
Authors: Buckley James , Bridle Jon R.
Published: August 2014

The changes in species' geographical distribution demanded by climate change are often critically limited by the availability of key interacting species. In such cases, species' persistence will depend on the rapid evolution of biotic interactions. Understanding evolutionary limits to such adaptation is therefore crucial for predicting biological responses to environmental change. The recent poleward range expansion of the UK brown argus butterfly has been associated with a shift in female preference from its main host plant, rockrose (Cistaceae), onto Geraniaceae host plants throughout its new distribution. Using reciprocal transplants onto natural host plants across the UK range, we demonstrate reduced fitness of females from recently colonised Geraniaceae‐dominated habitat when moved to ancestral rockrose habitats. By contrast, individuals from ancestral rockrose habitats show no reduction in fitness on Geraniaceae. Climate‐driven range expansion in this species is therefore associated with the rapid evolution of biotic interactions and a significant loss of adaptive variation.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of zonisamide versus carbamazepine monotherapy for treatment of partial seizures in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy: Results of a phase III, randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Baulac Michel , Patten Anna , Giorgi Luigi
Published: August 2014

Objective

To investigate the long‐term safety and maintenance of efficacy of monotherapy with once‐daily zonisamide versus twice‐daily controlled‐release carbamazepine for partial seizures in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Methods

Long‐term, double‐blind, extension study, conducted in patients completing a phase III noninferiority trial comparing zonisamide and carbamazepine monotherapy. Patients continued their randomized treatment, with dosing adjusted according to tolerability/response (zonisamide 200–500 mg/day; carbamazepine 400–1,200 mg/day). Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and clinical laboratory parameters. Efficacy assessments included retention rate and the proportion of patients remaining seizure free for ≥24 months.

Results

Overall, 120 (87.6%) of 137 patients randomized to zonisamide and 134 (84.8%) of 158 patients randomized to carbamazepine completed the study. More than three‐fourths of patients were exposed to >24 months of treatment. For zonisamide versus carbamazepine, incidences were similar for TEAEs (52.6% vs. 46.2%), serious treatment‐related TEAEs (0.7% vs. 1.9%), and TEAEs leading to withdrawal (1.5% vs. 0.6%). The incidence of treatment‐related TEAEs was 26.3% for zonisamide compared with 19.6% for carbamazepine, and the most frequently reported treatment‐related TEAEs were decreased weight (5.1% vs. 0%), decreased appetite (3.6% vs. 0%), memory impairment (2.9% vs. 3.2%), and decreased hemoglobin level (1.5% vs. 3.2%). Most TEAEs were of mild or moderate intensity. There were no reports of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis in either group. Zonisamide was associated with small‐to‐moderate decreases in bicarbonate levels from baseline (mean −3.4 mm). There were no reports of metabolic acidosis. Retention rates were generally similar between treatment groups at all time points throughout the extension study. The proportion of patients remaining seizure free for ≥24 months was also similar for zonisamide (32.3%) and carbamazepine (35.2%).

Significance

Once‐daily zonisamide monotherapy demonstrated favorable long‐term safety and maintenance of efficacy in treating partial seizures in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy. No new or unexpected safety findings emerged.
Biogeographic determinants of Australian freshwater fish life‐history indices assessed within a spatio‐phylogenetic framework
Authors: Sternberg David , Kennard Mark J. , Balcombe Stephen R.
Published: August 2014

Aim

This study aims (1) to quantify the broad‐scale patterns of functional diversity and life‐history strategies of freshwater fish in relation to environmental variation across Australian river basins and (2) to identify key life‐history traits associated with species extinction risk in order to determine how fish communities and extinction‐prone species may respond to future environmental change.

Location

One hundred and twenty‐three river basins across eastern Australia.

Methods

Based on 10 key life‐history traits for 194 freshwater fish we used a novel analytical approach to quantify multivariate life‐history indices in relation to environmental variation within a spatio‐phylogenetic framework. We assessed the utility of our analytical framework by contrasting final models against all candidate models, both with and without an eigenvector filtering procedure, and quantified the degree of autocorrelation in all model residuals.

Results

Temperature, habitat heterogeneity/availability, flow variability and primary productivity accounted for between 55 and 80% of the variation in life‐history indices. Best‐performing models were all derived from the addition of spatial and phylogenetic covariates to the analytical framework which consistently produced more parsimonious final models with higher explanatory power and insignificant levels of autocorrelation in the model residuals.

Main conclusion

The life‐history functional diversity of fish assemblages and the composition of life‐history strategies across Australian river basins is in part determined by environmental variability, stability and seasonality, highlighting both the importance of environmentally driven community assembly processes and the potential changes to freshwater fish biodiversity in response to climate change. A spatio‐phylogenetic analytical framework is a key component in the effective management of autocorrelation in ecological data and the derivation of more rigorous trait–environment relationships.
Accounting for imperfect detection and survey bias in statistical analysis of presence‐only data
Authors: Dorazio Robert M.
Published: August 2014

Aim

During the past decade ecologists have attempted to estimate the parameters of species distribution models by combining locations of species presence observed in opportunistic surveys with spatially referenced covariates of occurrence. Several statistical models have been proposed for the analysis of presence‐only data, but these models have largely ignored the effects of imperfect detection and survey bias. In this paper I describe a model‐based approach for the analysis of presence‐only data that accounts for errors in the detection of individuals and for biased selection of survey locations.

Innovation

I develop a hierarchical, statistical model that allows presence‐only data to be analysed in conjunction with data acquired independently in planned surveys. One component of the model specifies the spatial distribution of individuals within a bounded, geographic region as a realization of a spatial point process. A second component of the model specifies two kinds of observations, the detection of individuals encountered during opportunistic surveys and the detection of individuals encountered during planned surveys.

Main conclusions

Using mathematical proof and simulation‐based comparisons, I demonstrate that biases induced by errors in detection or biased selection of survey locations can be reduced or eliminated by using the hierarchical model to analyse presence‐only data in conjunction with counts observed in planned surveys. I show that a relatively small number of high‐quality data (from planned surveys) can be used to leverage the information in presence‐only observations, which usually have broad spatial coverage but may not be informative of both occurrence and detectability of individuals. Because a variety of sampling protocols can be used in planned surveys, this approach to the analysis of presence‐only data is widely applicable. In addition, since the point‐process model is formulated at the level of an individual, it can be extended to account for biological interactions between individuals and temporal changes in their spatial distributions.
Clinical evaluation of ezetimibe on bile lithogenicity in humans: Use of transnasal endoscopy for bile sampling
Authors: Kishikawa Nobusuke , Kanno Keishi , Sugiyama Akiko , Yokobayashi Kenichi , Mizooka Masafumi , Tazuma Susumu
Published: August 2014

Aim

Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption by blocking Niemann–Pick C1‐like 1 proteins (NPC1L1) expressed in the small intestine. Because NPC1L1 is also expressed in human liver, ezetimibe conceivably alters biliary lipid compositions. Here, we performed a clinical trial investigating the effect of ezetimibe on biliary lipids using transnasal endoscopy for bile collection.

Methods

Eight patients with dyslipidemia enrolled in this study completed blood and bile sampling before and at 3 months after ezetimibe treatment (10 mg/day), and the samples are analyzed.

Results

Endoscopic bile sampling was performed safely and painlessly. Serum sterol‐based biomarkers declared decreased cholesterol absorption and increased synthesis. On analysis of biliary lipids, four of the eight patients showed relative decrease of cholesterol and increase of bile acids with improved lithogenicity while the remainder exhibited the symmetrical changes.

Conclusion

Our data suggests that biliary lithogenicity is not worsened by ezetimibe. The regulation of biliary cholesterol is presumably multifactorial such as body cholesterol pool size and biliary cholesterol reabsorption by NPC1L1 in the liver.
Safety and efficacy of balloon‐occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using miriplatin for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Arai Hirotaka , Abe Takehiko , Takayama Hisashi , Toyoda Mitsuo , Ueno Takashi , Kakizaki Satoru , Sato Ken
Published: August 2014

Aim

Balloon‐occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (B‐TACE) using a microballoon catheter was performed to administrate miriplatin, and the early therapeutic efficacy and safety of the procedure were evaluated.

Methods

Out of 158 patients who received miriplatin using B‐TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma, 49 patients with a single lesion at either stage I or II (according to the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan) were evaluated in comparison with 48 matched patients who received miriplatin using conventional TACE (C‐TACE).

Results

The mean total dose and median dose of miriplatin in each group were 32.5 ± 31.7 mg and 20 mg (C‐TACE) and 50.1 ± 31.3 mg and 40 mg (B‐TACE), respectively (P < 0.01). The treatment effect (TE) on the target nodule classified as TE4, TE3, TE2 or TE1 was 39.6%, 33.3%, 25.0% and 2.1%, respectively, in the C‐TACE group, and 55.1%, 38.8%, 4.1% and 2.0%, respectively, in the B‐TACE group. Therefore, the TE was significantly higher in the B‐TACE group (P < 0.05). Although abdominal blood tests revealed adverse, increased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in a significantly higher number of B‐TACE‐treated patients, serum ALT levels returned to baseline levels in all patients within 1 month. There were no significant differences in clinical symptoms between the two groups.

Conclusion

Compared with C‐TACE, B‐TACE significantly improved cancer nodule control, and it was satisfactory in terms of safety. B‐TACE is an effective procedure that enhances the effects of catheterization with miriplatin.
Soliciting views of various communities on health research: a prelude to engagement in specific research projects
Authors: Taras Howard L. , Kalichman Michael W. , Schulteis Gery , Dumbauld Jill , Bell Yvonne , Seligman Fe Fidelis , West Kathy D.
Published: August 2014

Background

Members of the public are increasingly engaged in health‐service and biomedical research and provide input into the content of research, design and data sharing. As there is variation among different communities on how research is perceived, to engage all sectors of the general public research institutions need to customize their approach.

Objective

This paper explores how research institutions and community leaders can partner to determine the best ways to engage different sectors of the public in research.

Design

Following a literature review, a research institution engaged with four different sectors of the public through their respective representative community‐based organizations (CBOs) by interviews with leaders, community member focus groups and a joint project.

Setting

San Diego and Imperial Counties, California, United States of America (USA).

Conclusion

Before embarking on more specific research projects, investigators can gain valuable insights about different communities' attitudes to, and understanding of, health services and biomedical research by interacting directly with members of the community, collaborating with community leaders, and jointly identifying steps of engagement tailored to the community.
Increased costs of HIV care associated with aging in an HIV‐infected population
Authors: Krentz HB , Gill MJ
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Improved survival has shifted the HIV epidemic in the developed world towards more individuals > 50 years of age. Older individuals, with new or longstanding HIV infection, are at greater risk for HIV‐related and non‐HIV‐related conditions, compounding the burden and complexity of HIV management. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of age on the cost of HIV care in a well‐defined HIV‐infected population.

Methods

All HIV‐infected individuals > 16 years old receiving HIV care between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2011 were included in the study. The costs of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV‐related out‐patient care and HIV‐related in‐patient care were collected using mean cost per person, per month (PPPM) as the comparator variable for the comparison between older (> 50 years old) and younger (≤ 50 years old) patients.

Results

The proportion of older patients increased from 9.6% to 25.4% and proportional costs increased from 25% to 31% from 1999 to 2010. Older patients were more likely than younger patients to be on ART (89% vs. 69%, respectively; P < 0.01) and to have AIDS (29% vs. 20%, respectively; P < 0.05) but had similar median CD4 counts (404 vs. 396 cells/μL, respectively; not significant). They incurred higher costs for all aspects of HIV care throughout the entire 12 years. By 2010, the mean PPPM cost of HIV care for longstanding older patients was $1325 compared with $1075 for younger patients. More expensive ART as a consequence of more complex regimens, more comorbid interactions and greater adherence accounted for most of the cost difference.

Conclusions

The aging of the HIV‐infected population in care is leading to increased HIV care costs. Health care planners and funding agencies need to be aware of the impact of this important shift in HIV demographics on the overall costs of HIV care.
Intraoperative Changes in Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Plasma Vasopressin, and Urinary Noradrenalin During Elective Ovariohysterectomy in Dogs: Repeatability at Removal of the 1st and 2nd Ovary
Authors: Höglund Odd V. , Hagman Ragnvi , Olsson Kerstin , Olsson Ulf , Lagerstedt Anne‐Sofie
Published: August 2014

Objective

To investigate the physiologic reactions after removal of 1st ovary and whether this is repeated during removal of the 2nd ovary in elective ovariohysterectomy.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 10).

Methods

Dogs were premedicated with acepromazine, carprofen, and methadone and anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. Blood pressure, heart rate, and end‐tidal isoflurane concentration were measured every minute. The effects of various events during surgery on physiologic variables were analyzed using mixed linear models. Blood and urine samples were collected before anesthesia, before incision, before and after removal of ovaries with a 15 minute pause between ovary removal, and after abdominal closure. Plasma vasopressin and urinary noradrenalin and creatinine concentrations were analyzed.

Results

The magnitude of blood pressure increase at removal of the 1st ovary was greater than for the 2nd ovary because of an elevation in baseline. Similarly, the heart rate increased at the removal of the 1st ovary but not at removal of the 2nd ovary. Plasma vasopressin concentration increased at removal of both ovaries. Urinary noradrenalin/creatinine ratio increased at anesthesia, removal of both ovaries, and was elevated at closure of the abdomen. End‐tidal isoflurane concentration did not change. Blood pressure and vasopressin concentrations changed in parallel using z‐scores for comparison.

Conclusions

Peak values for blood pressure, heart rate, plasma vasopressin concentration, and urinary noradrenalin/creatinine ratio did not differ between removals of the ovaries. Relative changes differed between repeated noxious stimuli, which should be considered in evaluation of methods at ovary removal.
Shear flow affects selective monocyte recruitment into MCP‐1‐loaded scaffolds
Authors: Smits Anthal I. P. M. , Ballotta Virginia , Driessen‐Mol Anita , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , Baaijens Frank P. T.
Published: August 2014

Novel cardiovascular replacements are being developed by using degradable synthetic scaffolds, which function as a temporary guide to induce neotissue formation directly in situ. Priming of such scaffolds with fast‐releasing monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) was shown to improve the formation of functional neoarteries in rats. However, the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the effect of a burst‐release of MCP‐1 from a synthetic scaffold on the local recruitment of circulating leucocytes under haemodynamic conditions. Herein, we hypothesized that MCP‐1 initiates a desired healing cascade by recruiting favourable monocyte subpopulations into the implanted scaffold. Electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffolds were loaded with fibrin gel containing various doses of MCP‐1 and exposed to a suspension of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in static or dynamic conditions. In standard migration assay, a dose‐dependent migration of specific CD14+ monocyte subsets was observed, as measured by flow cytometry. In conditions of pulsatile flow, on the other hand, a marked increase in immediate monocyte recruitment was observed, but without evident selectivity in monocyte subsets. This suggests that the selectivity was dependent on the release kinetics of the MCP‐1, as it was overruled by the effect of shear stress after the initial burst‐release. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that local recruitment of specific MCP‐1‐responsive monocytes is not the fundamental principle behind the improved neotissue formation observed in long‐term in vivo studies, and mobilization of MCP‐1‐responsive cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream is suggested to play a predominant role in vivo.
Bone formation in peri‐implant defects grafted with microparticles: a pilot animal experimental study
Authors: Moest Tobias , Koehler Franz , Prechtl Christopher , Schmitt Christian , Watzek Georg , Schlegel Karl Andreas
Published: August 2014

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the healing of peri‐implant defects grafted with microparticles (MPs).

Material and Methods

Six domestic pigs received nine standardized defects at the calvaria, and an implant was inserted in the middle of each defect. The space between the implant and lateral bone portion was filled with MP pellets (n = 18) or MP supernatant (n = 18) or left unfilled (n = 18). After 14 and 28 days, three animals were sacrificed and specimens removed for further processing. Samples were microradiographically and histologically analysed. In addition, we immunohistochemically stained for anti‐vWF as a marker of angiogenesis.

Results

In the case of bone regeneration and vessel formation, the null hypothesis can be partially rejected. After 14 and 28 days, no significant difference was observed within groups regarding de novo bone formation, bone density and osseointegration. However, superior vessel formation was found at both time points.

Conclusion

Microparticles represent a promising treatment option to accelerate peri‐implant vessel formation. Further studies are needed to investigate the regenerative properties of MPs more precisely.
Quality and reporting of publications by Indonesian researchers: a literature survey
Authors: Widyahening Indah S. , Wangge Grace , Saldi Siti Rizny F. , Lestari Bony Wiem , Apriani Lika , Sastroasmoro Sudigdo , Glasziou Paul , van der Graaf Yolanda , van der Heijden Geert J.M.G.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the quality of reporting of the risk of bias of the Indonesian medical research.

Methods

Publications from PubMed and non‐PubMed indexed Indonesian medical journals between January 2008 to December 2010 were assessed for risk of bias based on criterion combination from Hedges‐criteria and the Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Medicine. We assessed whether the publications addressed the risk of bias adequately (quality of reporting) and whether the risk of bias criterion was fulfilled (quality of methods). The quality (both of reporting and of methods) of a study was classified as “high” if, for at least two‐thirds of the criteria were adequately reported and fulfilled. It was classified as “low” when only one‐third of the criteria were reported and or fulfilled.

Results

Of the 1753 publications, 29% (n = 507) were original medical research. For 21% (109/507) the quality of reporting was high; for 15% (77/507) the quality of methods was high. The proportion of high quality was significantly higher among PubMed than non‐PubMed, with difference between proportions: (95%CI of difference: 3 to 23).

Conclusion

A small proportion of Indonesian studies have high quality of reporting or methods. When international reporting guidelines are endorsed and followed, the quality of future studies may improve.
Barriers in implementing evidence‐informed health decisions in rural rehabilitation settings: a mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Prakash V. , Hariohm K. , Balaganapathy M.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Literature on the barriers to implementing research findings into physiotherapy practice are often urban centric, using self report based on the hypothetical patient scenario. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of barriers, encountered by evidence informed practice‐trained physiotherapists in the management of “real world” patients in rural rehabilitation settings.

Methods

A mixed‐methods research design was used. Physiotherapists working in rural outpatient rehabilitation settings participated in the study. In the first phase, we asked all participants (N = 5) to maintain a log book for a 4‐week period to record questions that arose during their routine clinical encounters and asked them also to follow first four of the five steps of evidence‐informed practice (ask, access, appraise and apply). In the second phase (after 4 weeks), we conducted a semistructured, direct interviews with the participants exploring their experiences involved in the process of implementing evidence‐informed clinical decisions made during the study period.

Results

At the end of 4 weeks, 30 questions were recorded. For 17 questions, the participants found evidence but applied that evidence into their practice only in 9 instances. Being generalist practitioners, lack of outcomes specific to the patients were reported as barriers more so than time constraints in implementing evidence‐informed practice.

Conclusions

Practice setting, lack of patient‐centered research and evidence‐informed practice competency of physiotherapists can be significant barriers to implementing evidence‐informed health decisions in rural rehabilitation setting.