bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Albinism in Europe
Authors: Mártinez‐García Mónica , Montoliu Lluís
Published: May 2013

Albinism is a rare genetic condition associated with a variable hypopigmentation phenotype, which can affect the pigmentation of only the eyes or both the eyes and the skin/hair, resulting in ocular (OA) or oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), respectively. At least four forms of OCA and one of OA are known, associated with TYR (OCA1), OCA2 (OCA2), TYRP1 (OCA3), SLC45A2 (OCA4) and GPR143 (OA1) loci, respectively. Additionally, the rarest syndromic forms of albinism, affecting the normal function of other organs, can be grouped in Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS1–9) and the Chediak–Higashi syndrome (CHS1). In summary, a total of 15 genes are currently associated with various types of albinism. However, new genes have been recently described, associated with autosomal recessive oculocutaneous albinism with highly similar phenotypes but diverse molecular origin, indicating that there are likely to be more than 15 genes whose mutations will be associated with albinism. In this review, we will describe the different types of albinism and comment on its prevalence in European countries. Some preclinical attempts for innovative therapeutic approaches of different types of albinism will be also discussed.
Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the water‐soluble glucan synthesizing‐glucosyltransferase genes of Streptococcus dentirousetti
Authors: Shinozaki‐Kuwahara Noriko , Saito Masanori , Hirasawa Masatomo , Takada Kazuko
Published: May 2013

Two tandemly aligned glucosyltransferase (GTF) genes whose gene products are responsible for water‐soluble glucan synthesis were isolated from Streptococcus dentirousetti NUM1303 and sequenced. One of the GTF genes of S. dentirousetti consisted of a 4110 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded for a 1369 amino acid protein and was revealed to be a S. sobrinus gtfS homolog. The percent similarity of amino acid sequences of the GTF‐S from S. dentirousetti compared to those from S. sobrinus was 99%. In addition, a putative gtfT was found in tandem in the downstream region of the S. dentirousetti gtfS. The gtfT of S. dentirousetti consisted of a 4527 bp ORF encoding for 1508 amino acids. The similarity of amino acid sequences of the GTF‐T from S. dentirousetti and S. sobrinus was 94%. Phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequences from other related streptococcal GTFs suggested that both GTF‐S and GTF‐T of S. dentirousetti are closely related to S. sobrinus.
Results of delayed repair of posterior urethral disruption injuries in Maiduguri
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Gadam , Ali Nuhu , Aliyu Suleiman
Published: May 2013

Aim

Posterior urethral disruption injuries (PUDI) are common and on the increase because of vehicular accidents and civil conflicts. The operative management of PUDI continues to pose a challenge to the urologist because of erectile dysfunction and incontinence from the injury or following repair. The aim of the present study was to review the outcome of delayed repair of PUDI.

Patients and Methods

The present study is a retrospective study of all male patients who underwent operation for PUDI at a urology unit between April 2008 and September 2010. The causes, presentation, diagnostic investigations, initial management, definitive operative management and complications were obtained from patients' clinical records.

Results

Forty‐five male patients with PUDI were managed; their mean age was 37.38 ± 20.014 years (range 8–80 years). Most of the injuries were because of vehicular accidents (46.67 per cent) and missile injuries (15.56 per cent). The presenting features included inability to pass urine (100 per cent), bleeding from the urethra (60 per cent) and suprapubic swelling and pain (86.67 per cent). The initial management was a suprapubic cystostomy. Twenty‐nine (64.44 per cent) patients had associated pelvic fracture, 17 (37.78 per cent) long bone fractures and 13 (28.89 per cent) bladder injuries. Other associated injuries included the bowel, head, ribs and liver (31.12 per cent). The perineal approach in repair was effected in 37 (82.22 per cent) patients, and eight (17.78 per cent) had combined abdominal and perineal approaches. The urine flow rate was 15–20 mL/s in 36 (80 per cent) patients, and 10–15 mL/s in nine (20 per cent) patients. The main postoperative complications included wound infection, incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

PUDI are on the increase in north‐eastern Nigeria because of increases in road vehicular accidents and firearm injuries from civil strife. The main causes of PUDI in Maiduguri are road vehicular accidents, firearms and civil strife. The results of delayed repair are equally good, despite the absence of immediate endoscopic realignment.
“SEEING” MINORITIES AND PERCEPTIONS OF DISORDER: EXPLICATING THE MEDIATING AND MODERATING MECHANISMS OF SOCIAL COHESION
Authors: WICKES REBECCA , HIPP JOHN R. , ZAHNOW RENEE , MAZEROLLE LORRAINE
Published: May 2013

Research shows that residents report high levels of disorder in places with greater concentrations of minorities even after controlling for objective indicators of crime or disorder. Less understood, however, are the mechanisms that explain this relationship. Drawing on a survey of nearly 10,000 residents nested within 297 neighborhoods across two cities, we use a multiple indicators–multiple causes model to examine the cues that lead individuals to distort the presence of minorities in neighborhoods. We then employ multilevel models to test whether these distortions influence perceptions of disorder. Furthermore, we assess whether living in a socially cohesive neighborhood mediates and/or moderates the relationship between “seeing” minorities and perceiving disorder. We find that when residents overestimate the proportion of minorities living in their neighborhood, perceptions of disorder are heightened. Yet social cohesion moderates and partially mediates this relationship: Residents living in socially cohesive neighborhoods not only report less disorder than those living in less cohesive communities, but also they “see” fewer minorities when compared with residents living in less socially cohesive neighborhoods. These results suggest that social cohesion is an important mechanism for explaining how residents internalize the presence of minorities in their neighborhoods and how this then leads to perceived neighborhood disorder.
The British Parliamentary Labour Party and the Government of Ireland Act 1920
Authors: Gibbons Ivan
Published: May 2013

Immediately after the First World War the British Labour Party was forced to reconsider its relationship with an increasingly militant Irish nationalism. This reassessment occurred at the same time as it was becoming a major political and electoral force in post‐war Britain. The political imperative from the party's perspective was to portray itself as a responsible, moderate and patriotic alternative governing party. Thus it was fearful of the potential negative impact of too close an association with, and perceived sympathy for, extreme Irish nationalism. This explains the party's often bewildering changes in policy on Ireland at various party conferences in 1919 and 1920, ranging from support for home rule to federalism throughout the United Kingdom to ‘dominion home rule’ as part of a wider evolving British Commonwealth to adopting outright ‘ self‐determination’ for a completely independent Ireland outside both United Kingdom and empire. On one aspect of its Irish policy, however, the party was adamant and united – its opposition to the partition of Ireland, which was the fundamental principle of Lloyd George's Government of Ireland Bill of 1920 which established Northern Ireland. Curiously, that aspect of Labour's Irish policy was never discussed in the party at large. All the running was made by the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) in the house of commons in 1920. The PLP's outright opposition to the bill acted as balm throughout the wider party, binding together the confusing, and often contradictory, positions promulgated on the long‐term constitutional future of Ireland and its relationship with Britain.
Non‐cyanobacterial nifH phylotypes in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre detected by flow‐cytometry cell sorting
Authors: Bombar Deniz , Turk‐Kubo Kendra A. , Robidart Julie , Carter Brandon J. , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: May 2013

In contrast to cyanobacteria, the significance of bacteria and archaea in oceanic N2 fixation remains unknown, apart from the knowledge that their nitrogenase (nifH) genes are diverse, present in all oceans and at least occasionally expressed. Non‐cyanobacterial nifH sequences often occur as contamination from reagents and other sources, complicating the detection and interpretation of environmental phylotypes. We amplified and sequenced partial nifH gene fragments directly from cell populations sorted by fluorescence activated cell sorting from water collected in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG). Sequences recovered (195 total) included presumed heterotrophic or photoheterotrophic non‐cyanobacterial nifH phylotypes previously unreported in the NPSG. A nifH sequence previously found in the South Pacific Gyre (HM210397) was exclusively recovered from sorted picoeukaryote populations, and was detected in water column samples using quantitative PCR (qPCR), with 60% of samples detected in the > 10 μm size fraction in addition to the 0.2–10 μm size fraction. A novel cluster 3‐like nifH sequence was also recovered from discrete cell sorts and detected by qPCR in environmental samples. This approach enables the detection of rare nifH phylotypes, identifies possible associations with larger cells or particles and offers a possible solution for distinguishing reagent contaminants from real microbial community components.
Multiple genetic pathways regulate replicative senescence in telomerase‐deficient yeast
Authors: Ballew Bari J. , Lundblad Victoria
Published: May 2013

Most human tissues express low levels of telomerase and undergo telomere shortening and eventual senescence; the resulting limitation on tissue renewal can lead to a wide range of age‐dependent pathophysiologies. Increasing evidence indicates that the decline in cell division capacity in cells that lack telomerase can be influenced by numerous genetic factors. Here, we use telomerase‐defective strains of budding yeast to probe whether replicative senescence can be attenuated or accelerated by defects in factors previously implicated in handling of DNA termini. We show that the MRX (Mre11‐Rad50‐Xrs2) complex, as well as negative (Rif2) and positive (Tel1) regulators of this complex, comprise a single pathway that promotes replicative senescence, in a manner that recapitulates how these proteins modulate resection of DNA ends. In contrast, the Rad51 recombinase, which acts downstream of the MRX complex in double‐strand break (DSB) repair, regulates replicative senescence through a separate pathway operating in opposition to the MRX‐Tel1‐Rif2 pathway. Moreover, defects in several additional proteins implicated in DSB repair (Rif1 and Sae2) confer only transient effects during early or late stages of replicative senescence, respectively, further suggesting that a simple analogy between DSBs and eroding telomeres is incomplete. These results indicate that the replicative capacity of telomerase‐defective yeast is controlled by a network comprised of multiple pathways. It is likely that telomere shortening in telomerase‐depleted human cells is similarly under a complex pattern of genetic control; mechanistic understanding of this process should provide crucial information regarding how human tissues age in response to telomere erosion.
Validation of the San Francisco Syncope Rule in Two Hospital Emergency Departments in an Asian Population
Authors: Tan Camlyn , Sim Tiong Beng , Thng Shin Ying
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The objective was to externally validate the ability of the San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR) to accurately identify patients who will experience a 7‐day serious clinical event in an Asian population.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study, with a sample of adult patients with syncope and near‐syncope enrolled. Patients 12 years old and below and patients with loss of consciousness after head trauma, a witnessed seizure, with known alcohol or illicit drug ingestion, and altered level of consciousness or persistent new neurologic deficits were excluded. The patients were evaluated for the presence of one or more of the five SFSR variables: shortness of breath, history of heart failure, hematocrit <30%, systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG). The patients were followed up by medical record review or telephone interview. Seven‐day outcomes were death, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary edema, significant structural heart disease, pulmonary embolism, major cardiac procedure, stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, major bleeding, and anemia.

Results

A total of 1,250 patients from two centers were recruited. Fifty‐six patients were excluded from primary analysis because of incomplete data (n = 55) and/or they were noncontactable for follow‐up (n = 32). Of the 1,194 patients analyzed, 138 patients (11.6%) experienced adverse outcomes at 7 days. The rule performed with a sensitivity of 94.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 89.0% to 97.0%) and a specificity of 50.8% (95% CI = 47.7% to 53.8%).

Conclusions

In this study, SFSR rule had a sensitivity of 94.2%. This suggests caution on the strict application of the rule to all patients presenting with syncope. It should only be used as an aide in clinical decision‐making in this population.
Weekday Psychiatry Faculty Rounds on Emergency Department Psychiatric Patients Reduces Length of Stay
Authors: Blumstein Howard , Singleton Amy H. , Suttenfield Charles W. , Hiestand Brian C.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

In the face of increasing volume of emergency department (ED) patients with primary psychiatric illness and increasing length of stay (LOS), a department of psychiatry initiated a program whereby faculty members of the department of psychiatry from a hospital conducted rounds in the ED each weekday on these patients.

Methods

A retrospective data review was performed to assess the effect of these rounds on the LOS and disposition of these patients. The LOS and dispositions of subjects before and after the initiation of psychiatry rounds were compared, with a 2‐month washout period between. Subjects had a primary psychiatric diagnosis with a LOS of 12 hours or greater. The LOS and disposition of each subject was queried from the hospital data system. Quantile regression analysis and Fisher's exact test were used as appropriate.

Results

There were 355 subjects in the preimplementation period and 512 in the postimplementation period. The proportion of patients discharged remained unchanged (preimplementation 49.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 44.3 to 54.9; postimplementation 49.0%, 95% CI = 44.6 to 53.4), but more patients were admitted to the hospital (24.2%, 95% CI = 19.9 to 29.0 vs. 32.8, 95% CI = 28.8 to 37.1) and fewer were transferred to other psychiatric facilities (25.6%, 95% CI = 21.2 to 30.5 vs. 18.0% 95% CI = 14.7 to 21.6; p = 0.005 by Fisher's exact test). Quantile regression demonstrated that among subjects with the longest LOS, those in the postimplementation group experienced a reduction in their waiting times.

Conclusions

Weekday rounds in the ED by psychiatry faculty are associated with a reduction in the LOS for psychiatric patients, mainly due to reduced LOS of those patients with the longest stays.
National Growth in Intensive Care Unit Admissions From Emergency Departments in the United States from 2002 to 2009
Authors: Mullins Peter M. , Goyal Munish , Pines Jesse M.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The authors describe national trends in use, reasons for visit, most common diagnoses, and resource utilization in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) from hospital‐based emergency departments (EDs) in the United States.

Methods

This was an observational study using data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey, a nationally representative, weighted sample of U.S. hospital‐based EDs from 2002 through 2009. The sample comprised a total of 4,267 patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the ICU from the ED, which represent over 14.5 million ED encounters from 2002 through 2009.

Results

Over the study period, ICU admissions from EDs increased from 2.79 million in 2002/2003, to 4.14 million in 2008/2009, an absolute increase of 48.8% and a mean biennial increase of 14.2%. By comparison, overall ED visits increased a mean of 5.8% per biennial period. The three most common diagnoses for ICU admissions were unspecified chest pain, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia. Utilization rates of most tests and services delivered to patients admitted to the ICU from the ED increased, with the largest increase occurring in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which increased from 16.8% in 2002/2003 to 37.4% in 2008/2009, a 6.9% mean biennial increase. Across all years, mean ED length of stay (LOS) for ICU admissions was 304 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 286 to 323 minutes), and mean hospital LOS was 6.6 days (95% CI = 6.2 to 7.0 days). There was no significant change in either mean ED or hospital LOS over the study period.

Conclusions

Intensive care unit admissions from EDs are increasing at a greater rate than both population growth and overall ED visits. ED resource use, specifically advanced diagnostic imaging, has increased markedly among ICU admissions. While mean ED and hospital LOS have not changed significantly, the mean ICU admission spends over 5 hours in the ED prior to transfer to an ICU bed. A greater emphasis on the ED–ICU interface and critical care delivered in the ED may be warranted.
Agreement Between Routine Emergency Department Care and Clinical Decision Support Recommended Care in Patients Evaluated for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Korley Frederick K. , Morton Melinda J. , Hill Peter M. , Mundangepfupfu Tichaendepi , Zhou Tingting , Mohareb Amir M. , Rothman Richard E.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Emergency department (ED) computed tomography (CT) use has increased significantly during the past decade. It has been suggested that adherence to clinical decision support (CDS) may result in a safe decrease in CT ordering. In this study, the authors quantified the percentage agreement between routine and CDS‐recommended care and the anticipated consequence of strict adherence to CDS on CT use in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of patients with mTBI who presented to an urban academic ED of a tertiary care hospital. Patients 18 years or older, presenting within 24 hours of nonpenetrating trauma to the head, from August 2010 to July 2011, were eligible for enrollment. Structured data forms were completed by trained research assistants (RAs). The primary outcome was the percentage agreement between routine head CT use and CDS‐recommended head CT use. CDS examined were: the 2008 American College of Emergency Physicians [ACEP] neuroimaging, the New Orleans rule, and the Canadian head CT rule. Differences between outcome groups were assessed using the chi‐square test for categorical variables and the Kruskal‐Wallis rank test for continuous variables. The percentage agreement between routine practice and CDS‐recommended practice was calculated.

Results

Of the 169 patients enrolled, 130 (76.9%) received head CT scans, and five of the 130 (3.8%) had acute traumatic intracranial findings. For all subjects, agreement between routine practice and CDS‐recommended practice was 77.5, 65.7, and 78.1%, for the ACEP, Canadian, and New Orleans CDS, respectively. Strict adherence to the 2008 ACEP neuroimaging CDS would result in no statistically significant difference in head CT use (routine care, 76.9%; CDS‐recommended, 82.8%; p = 0.17). Strict adherence to the New Orleans CDS would result in an increase in head CT use (routine care, 76.9%; CDS‐recommended, 94.1%; p < 0.01). Strict adherence to the Canadian CDS would result in a decrease in head CT use (routine care, 76.9%; CDS‐recommended, 56.8%; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

There is a 60% to 80% agreement between routine and CDS‐recommended head CT use. Of the three CDS systems examined, the only one that may result in a reduction in head CT use if strictly followed was the Canadian head CT CDS. Further studies are needed to examine reasons for the less than optimal agreement between routine care and care recommended by the Canadian head CT CDS.
Young adults' recreational social environment as a predictor of ecstasy use initiation: findings of a population‐based prospective study
Authors: Smirnov Andrew , Najman Jake M. , Hayatbakhsh Reza , Wells Helene , Legosz Margot , Kemp Robert
Published: May 2013

Aims

To examine prospectively the contribution of the recreational social environment to ecstasy initiation.

Design

Population‐based retrospective/prospective cohort study.

Setting

Data from screening an Australian young adult population to obtain samples of users and non‐users of ecstasy.

Participants

A sample of 204 ecstasy‐naive participants aged 19–23 years was obtained, and a 6‐month follow‐up identified those who initiated ecstasy use.

Measurements

We assessed a range of predictors of ecstasy initiation, including elements of participants' social environment, such as ecstasy‐using social contacts and involvement in recreational settings.

Findings

More than 40% of ecstasy‐naive young adults reported ever receiving ecstasy offers. Ecstasy initiation after 6 months was predicted independently by having, at recruitment, many ecstasy‐using social contacts [adjusted relative risk (ARR) 3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57, 6.34], attending electronic/dance music events (ARR 6.97, 95% CI: 1.99, 24.37), receiving an ecstasy offer (ARR 4.02, 95% CI: 1.23, 13.10), early cannabis use (ARR 4.04, 95% CI: 1.78, 9.17) and psychological distress (ARR 5.34, 95% CI: 2.31, 12.33). Adjusted population‐attributable fractions were highest for ecstasy‐using social contacts (17.7%) and event attendance (15.1%).

Conclusions

In Australia, ecstasy initiation in early adulthood is associated predominantly with social environmental factors, including ecstasy‐using social contacts and attendance at dance music events, and is associated less commonly with psychological distress and early cannabis use, respectively. A combination of universal and targeted education programmes may be appropriate for reducing rates of ecstasy initiation and associated harms.
How does rate of smoking cessation vary by age, gender and social grade? Findings from a population survey in England
Authors: Fidler Jennifer , Ferguson Stuart G. , Brown Jamie , Stapleton John , West Robert
Published: May 2013

Aims

To assess the incidence of long‐term smoking cessation as a function of age, gender, social grade and their interactions.

Design and setting

Cross‐sectional surveys of population representative samples of smokers in England.

Participants

A total of 24 094 ever smokers (≥21 and ≤60 years of age) participating in household surveys between November 2006 and February 2011.

Measurements

The ratio of long‐term (>1 year) ex‐smokers to ever‐smokers was calculated for each age. Regression analyses were used to model the association between age and quit ratio, with the change in quit ratio by year of age n years versus all years up to n–1 years, yielding an estimate of the quitting incidence at that age. Analyses were conducted for the entire sample and then for the sample stratified by gender and social grade, and interactions assessed between these variables.

Findings

A cubic trend was needed to fit the data. The estimated quitting incidence between ages 21 and 30 was 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0%–2.0%), between 31 and 50 it was 0.3% (95% CI: 0.2%–0.5%) and between 51 and 60 it was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.7%–1.7%). Age interacted with gender and social grade: women and smokers from higher social grades had a higher incidence of quitting than men and those from lower social grades specifically in young adulthood.

Conclusions 

The incidence of smoking cessation in England appears to be greater in young and old adults compared with those in middle age. Women and higher social grade smokers show a greater incidence of quitting than men and those from lower social grades specifically in young adulthood.
When genes go wild: highly variable internal transcibed spacer1 and conserved mitochondrial DNA haplotypes used to examine the genetic diversity and dispersal pathways of invasive Hylotrupes bajulus in Western Australia
Authors: Castalanelli Mark A. , Cunningham Robert J. , Davis Matthew B. , Groth David M. , Grimm Mike
Published: May 2013

Hylotrupes bajulus (Linnaeus) is a cryptic insect pest of seasoned coniferous timber. In 2004, an incursion of Hylotrupes bajulus was discovered in Perth, Western Australia.

Two genes, one mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I; COI) and one nuclear (internal transcribed spacer 1; ITS1) were used to infer the origin of this incursion, as well as to test the likely dispersal pathways and dispersal distances of H. bajulus.

We sequenced and examined 1003 cloned ITS1 fragments and 170 COI fragments from 14 international and 156 domestic specimens. The ITS1 fragment was extremely variable, with 94% of the sites polymorphic.

To remove the variability and select only the informative polymorphisms principal component analysis was employed. This resulted in the selection of eight informative single nucleotide polymorphisms and seven microsatellites, which were converted into 119 unique ITS haplotypes. In comparison, COI was highly conserved, yielding only four haplotypes.

The data suggest at least three independent incursions, of which two contained the same mitochondrial haplotype but different ITS1 sequences. The datasets were further scrutinized to estimate local dispersal distances. The results suggested that individuals were capable of dispersing > 14 km, which is significantly further than previously reported.
Latitudinal variation in body size ofAgrilus planipennisand relationship with fecundity
Authors: Marshall Jordan M. , Miller Molly A. , Lelito Jonathan P. , Storer Andrew J.
Published: May 2013

For many animals with a wide geographical range, latitude is important in determining body size. Additionally, insect body size often has a direct influence on fecundity. Identifying these relationships for a forest pest can add to population dynamics modelling.

Agrilus planipennisis a pest ofNorthAmericanFraxinusspecies.

The relationship betweenA. planipennisbody size and latitude was investigated through field trapping adultA. planipennisin easternU.S.A., and the relationship between body size and fecundity was investigated through egg production of laboratory‐rearedA. planipennisadults. Accumulated growing degree days base 10 °C (GDD10) were calculated and used to identify the influence of local climate onA. planipennisbody size.

Adult femaleA. planipennisbody size (length and mass) was negatively related to latitude, with larger individuals at southerly sites where the number of days to accumulate 450 and 1000GDD10was the lowest.

Using positive linear models relating body size and eggs produced, females from southerly sites would potentially produce twice as many eggs as females from northerly sites.

Agrilus planipennispopulation latitudes influenced female body size. Because largerA. planipennisfemales produced more eggs, there is a potential for populations at southerly sites to increase in density and geography more rapidly than northerly populations.
Accuracy of self‐reported anthropometric measures in older Australian adults
Authors: Pasalich Maria , Lee Andy H , Burke Linda , Jancey Jonine , Howat Peter
Published: May 2013

Aim

To determine the accuracy of self‐reported anthropometric measurements in older Australian adults 60–70 years.

Method

Self‐reported anthropometric data from 103 community‐dwelling participants (mean age 66 years) were compared with technician measurements. Difference and agreement were assessed using paired t‐tests, correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

Underreporting occurred for weight and hip circumference, especially among men, whereas waist circumference was slightly overreported, resulting in apparent underestimations of body mass index (by 0.42 kg/m2) but overestimations of waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR, by 0.02). Concordance correlation coefficients were generally high except for WHR. Self‐reported circumference measures appeared to be more accurate than the derived WHR. The Bland–Altman plots revealed wide limits of agreement for all measures.

Conclusion

Self‐reported values correlated well with technician measured values and average discrepancies were small. However, use of self‐reported anthropometric data may be used more appropriately for describing overall distribution in population studies than for monitoring changes at an individual level.
Carer levels of concern on driving and other activities in older people that put others at risk
Authors: Helmes Edward , Pachana Nancy A.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Early signs of dementia may raise concerns in family members as to the safety of the affected person when engaged in common activities. Here we report on the relative frequency of such concerns using data from the three waves of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA). Our focus is on driving, cooking and paying bills, with a prediction that most carers' concern would be over driving.

Method

Participants were 2780 Canadians over 65 years, who underwent the first wave of CSHA and were subsequently followed during the next two waves.

Results

As predicted, concerns about driving were relatively more common than concerns about cooking and handling finances (P = 0.021) in the cognitively intact group, with the opposite order observed in the group with dementia.

Conclusion

Carer concerns for those diagnosed with dementia shift with the progression of cognitive changes, with concerns declining over the 10‐year period.
The effect of weed management systems and location on arable weed species communities in glyphosate‐resistant cropping systems
Authors: Gibson David J. , Gage Karla L. , Matthews Joseph L. , Young Bryan G. , Owen Micheal D.K. , Wilson Robert G. , Weller Stephen C. , Shaw David R. , Jordan David L.
Published: May 2013

Question

How do different weed management systems based on glyphosate‐resistant (GR) crops affect weed community structure and composition?

Location

A total of 156 agricultural fields across six US states.

Methods

Fields were selected and categorized into three weed management systems based on a 3‐yr history: (1) a single continuous GR crop; (2) a rotation of two GR crops; and (3) a GR crop rotated with a non‐GR crop. Weed species population density was surveyed in 20 0.5‐m2 plots per field four times each season from 2006 to 2010. Weed population density, species richness and diversity were analysed using repeated measures mixed models to test the effect of year, geographic location (based on plant hardiness zone) and weed management system (as described above). Weed community composition was analysed using NMDS ordination. The importance of geographic location, planted crop and weed management system were analysed using analysis of similarity and permutational ANOVA based on the Bray–Curtis similarity among sites calculated from the maximum weed species population density per site per year.

Results

A total of 329 weed species were identified across the six states and all time periods. Weed communities were most strongly correlated with geographic location and secondarily to the crop planted. Weed management system affected similarity among weed communities through an interaction with site location but not every year. The weed management systems of crop rotation and GR trait rotation generally reduced weed population density and species diversity, but the effect of crop rotation varied by geographic location.

Conclusions

The overall effects of weed management systems in fields including the GR trait on arable weed communities reinforce the need for locally adapted weed management programmes to steward the GR crop trait to manage for high weed diversity while reducing crop–weed competition and maximizing yield.
Health‐related quality of life and symptoms in patients with myelofibrosis treated with ruxolitinib versus best available therapy
Authors: Harrison Claire N. , Mesa Ruben A. , Kiladjian Jean‐Jacques , Al‐Ali Haifa‐Kathrin , Gisslinger Heinz , Knoops Laurent , Squier Margaret , Sirulnik Andres , Mendelson Estella , Zhou Xiaolei , Copley‐Merriman Catherine , Hunter Deborah S. , Levy Richard S. , Cervantes Francisco , Passamonti Francesco , Barbui Tiziano , Barosi Giovanni , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: May 2013

Patients with myelofibrosis (MF) have significant debilitating symptoms, physical disabilities, and poor health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Here, we report post‐hoc analyses of the impact of ruxolitinib, a potent and selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor, on disease‐related symptoms and HRQoL in MF patients from the large phase 3 COMFORT‐II study (N = 219). During the follow‐up period of 48 weeks, HRQoL and MF‐associated symptoms improved from baseline for ruxolitinib‐treated patients but remained the same or worsened for best available therapy (BAT)‐treated patients. Based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire core 30 items (EORTC QLQ‐C30), treatment‐induced differences in physical and role functioning, fatigue, and appetite loss significantly favoured ruxolitinib versus BAT from week 8 (P < 0·05) up to week 48 (P < 0·05). Ruxolitinib resulted in significantly higher response rates in global health status/QoL and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Lymphoma (FACT‐Lym) summary scores versus BAT at most time points (P < 0·05). Significant improvements in the Lymphoma subscale (including symptoms of pain, fever, itching, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and other patient concerns), FACT‐General, FACT‐Lym trial outcome index, and FACT‐Lym total were also observed with ruxolitinib versus BAT starting at week 8 and continuing thereafter. Overall, these data demonstrated that ruxolitinib improved HRQoL in MF patients and further support the use of ruxolitinib for the treatment of symptomatic MF.
Impaired removal of Vβ8+ lymphocytes aggravates colitis in mice deficient for B cell lymphoma-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim)
Authors: Leucht K , Caj M , Fried M , Rogler G , Hausmann M
Published: May 2013

We investigated the role of B cell lymphoma (BCL)-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) for lymphocyte homeostasis in intestinal mucosa. Lymphocytes lacking Bim are refractory to apoptosis. Chronic colitis was induced in Bim-deficient mice (Bim–/–) with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Weight loss and colonoscopic score were increased significantly in Bim–/– mice compared to wild-type mice. As Bim is induced for the killing of autoreactive cells we determined the role of Bim in the regulation of lymphocyte survival at mucosal sites. Upon chronic dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, Bim–/– animals exhibited an increased infiltrate of lymphocytes into the mucosa compared to wild-type mice. The number of autoreactive T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ8+ lymphocytes was significantly higher in Bim–/– mice compared to wild-type controls. Impaired removal of autoreactive lymphocytes in Bim–/– mice upon chronic DSS-induced colitis may therefore contribute to aggravated mucosal inflammation.
Mapping the journey: outcome‐focused practice and the role of interim outcomes in family support services
Authors: Tunstill Jane , Blewett James
Published: May 2013

Longitudinal costly evaluations will always be important in order to understand the factors that impact on child, family and community well‐being over the long and medium term. However, in a policy era that accords major importance to the achievement of outcomes, e.g. payment by results, ‘outcome theology’ can pose threats to service access and professional morale in family support. It is essential therefore, to ascertain the short‐term outcomes of services in order to capture the trajectory of progress by families under stress. This paper critiques the concept of ‘the outcome’. It traces the development of this trend in policy and describes an alternative but complementary approach, which is based on capturing interim outcomes in family support services.
The paradox of parental participation and legal representation in ‘edge of care’ meetings
Authors: Dickens Jonathan , Masson Judith , Young Julie , Bader Kay
Published: May 2013

This paper assesses the nature of parental participation and legal representation in pre‐proceedings meetings in England and Wales. These are called when a local authority is considering care proceedings on a child. The parent(s) are invited to a meeting to discuss the concerns, and are entitled to attend with a lawyer. The paper draws on findings from a study of the process which included a file survey of over 200 cases, observations of 36 meetings and interviews with more than 90 key informants, including parents. The aim of the process is (usually) to reach an agreement to prevent the case going to court, but the families are usually well known to children's services, and have been through many meetings and agreements before. What then are the possibilities for parental participation and legal representation in the meetings? The study shows that they may help bring a greater degree of clarity to the local authority's proposals, but are not expected to challenge them. Paradoxically, they serve to reinforce the authority's position. The meetings can help divert cases, but it is important to be realistic about the chances of change in these often long‐standing ‘edge of care’ cases.
Predictors of mental health literacy among parents of youth diagnosed with mood disorders
Authors: Mendenhall Amy N. , Frauenholtz Susan
Published: May 2013

Research reveals limited knowledge of children's mental health among caregivers. This paper identifies predictors of mental health literacy among parents of children diagnosed with mood disorders that are seeking or already receiving help. Secondary data analysis using multivariate regression was conducted on data from a randomized, controlled efficacy trial with a sample of 165 children. Mental health literacy was higher for parents who were female, white, higher educated and had children who were older, had a bipolar diagnosis or received more services. Lifetime experience with mental health disorders also predicted literacy. Public mental health efforts are needed to raise caregiver mental health literacy.
Research With Deaf Children and Not on Them: A Study of Method and Process
Authors: Sutherland Hilary , Young Alys
Published: May 2013

This study addresses the design requirements and innovative data collection methods for a study that aimed to be deaf‐centred and child‐friendly. The approach was created for a 6‐year longitudinal study of Sign Bilingual education from the perspective of eight deaf children who were educated using that approach from 9/10 to 15/16 years old. The research question was: ‘From the deaf child's perspective, what are the experiences, advantages and disadvantages of Sign Bilingual education?' This study will discuss the methods developed for the first element of the study when the children were 9/10 years old, using six interactive weekly workshops. These included video diaries, photography, peer interviewing, drawing, poster making and group discussion. The appropriateness for and adaptations made with respect to signing deaf children are discussed as well as the wider significance of this approach for children's research in general.
Assessment of overweight and obesity among Nigerian children and adolescents using triceps skin‐fold thickness and body mass index
Authors: Izuora A. N. , Animasahun B. A. , Nwodo U. , Ibeabuchi N. M. , Njokanma O. F. , Renner J. K.
Published: May 2013

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in children and adolescents even in resource‐poor countries. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity in a group of Nigerian school children using triceps skin‐fold thickness (SFT) and body mass index (BMI). The subjects were 1235 randomly selected primary and secondary Lagos school children aged 5–18 years, triceps SFT was measured with Harpenden® calipers and BMI calculated from weight and height. Using BMI, overweight and obesity were defined as values of 85th to 94th percentile for age and sex and ≥95th percentile, respectively. Using triceps SFT, obesity was defined as SFT > 85th percentile of the NHANES III study. Fifty‐seven subjects (15 boys and 42 girls) had SFT > 85th percentile with a higher prevalence in girls than boys (6.4% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.001). The prevalence of BMI‐defined overweight and obesity were also higher among girls (11.9% vs. 5.7%, P < 0.001 and 4.7% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.02, respectively). Females of upper socioeconomic class were more likely to be overweight (16.2% vs. 6.6%, P < 0.0001), obese (6.3% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.03) or have elevated SFT (8.2% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.03) than those of low socioeconomic status. Forty‐seven of 57 subjects (82.5%) with elevated SFT also had high BMI. The prevalence of obesity is low in the study population but the much higher prevalence of overweight suggests that steps should be taken to control fatness before the figures worsen. In more than 80% of subjects, elevated SFT co‐existed with elevated BMI.
Phase II study of concomitant chemoradiotherapy with local hyperthermia and metronidazole for locally advanced fixed rectal cancer
Authors: Barsukov Yu. A. , Gordeyev S. S. , Tkachev S. I. , Fedyanin M. Yu. , Perevoshikov A. G.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Locally advanced fixed T4 rectal cancer has a poor prognosis and no standard treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy using hypofractionated radiotherapy combined with local hyperthermia, capecitabine, oxaliplatin and metronidazole.

Method

Radiotherapy was given to a total dose of 40 Gy in 10 fractions. Capecitabine 650 mg/m2 twice a day was given on days 1−22 and intravenous oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2 was administered on days 3, 10 and 17. Local hyperthermia, 41−45°C for 60 min, was performed on days 8, 10, 15 and 17. Metronidazole 10 g/m2 was administered per rectum on days 8 and 15. Surgery was carried out within 6−8 weeks after neoadjuvant treatment. The primary end‐point was R0 resection rate. Secondary end‐points included 2‐year disease‐free survival, 2‐year overall survival, local recurrence rate, grade III−IV tumour regression (Dworak) and treatment toxicity.

Results

From July 2006 to February 2011, 64 previously untreated patients were enrolled. R0 resection was carried out in 59 (92.2%). Five (7.8%) remained inoperable. Seven (10.9%) patients had grade IV and 30 (46.9%) had grade III regression. The main grade III toxic events included diarrhoea (15.6%, n = 10), vomiting (3.1%, n = 2), proctitis (3.1%, n = 2) and skin reaction (1.6%, n = 1). Only one (1.6%) patient had grade IV diarrhoea and vomiting. The median follow‐up was 24.9 months. Two‐year overall survival was 91% and 2‐year disease‐free survival was 83%.

Conclusion

Hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy to produce radiosensitization for locally advanced fixed primary rectal cancer is followed by a high R0 resection rate, with toxicity comparable with standard regimens.
The Idea of an Exact Number: Children's Understanding of Cardinality and Equinumerosity
Authors: Sarnecka Barbara W. , Wright Charles E.
Published: May 2013

Understanding what numbers are means knowing several things. It means knowing how counting relates to numbers (called the cardinal principle or cardinality); it means knowing that each number is generated by adding one to the previous number (called the successor function or succession), and it means knowing that all and only sets whose members can be placed in one‐to‐one correspondence have the same number of items (called exact equality or equinumerosity). A previous study (Sarnecka & Carey, 2008) linked children's understanding of cardinality to their understanding of succession for the numbers five and six. This study investigates the link between cardinality and equinumerosity for these numbers, finding that children either understand both cardinality and equinumerosity or they understand neither. This suggests that cardinality and equinumerosity (along with succession) are interrelated facets of the concepts five and six, the acquisition of which is an important conceptual achievement of early childhood.
What are the Characteristics of Firms that Engage in Earnings Per Share Management Through Share Repurchases?
Authors: Farrell Kathleen A. , Yu Jin , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2013

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study examines US firms' share repurchases during 1997–2006 to determine what factors are associated with firms that use share repurchases to manage earnings per share (EPS). Specifically, we analyze firm and governance characteristics associated with firms that engage in share repurchases that increase annual EPS by at least one cent in a given year and that had EPS less than or equal to annual EPS forecast prior to the share repurchase.

Research Findings/Insights

We find that growth firms are less likely to use share repurchases to increase EPS for earnings management purposes. We also provide evidence that firms with a more independent board, a separation of the roles of CEO and chairman of the board, or a low entrenchment index (E‐Index) are less likely to engage in earnings management through share repurchases. Finally, we find evidence that high CEO share ownership restrains managers from using share repurchases as a mechanism to manage EPS.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our empirical results support some of the best practices advocated by various shareholders groups regarding corporate governance. Also, strong shareholder rights can mitigate incentives to manage earnings, highlighting the importance of corporate governance mechanisms/provisions in ensuring the integrity of the financial reporting system.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This research is important to investors in the face of the growing popularity of share repurchases. In particular, our study suggests strong corporate governance, strong shareholder rights, and high percentage CEO stock ownership discourages repurchase‐based earnings management.