bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The experience of ISLANDS in deploying system dynamics modeling as an integrated policy tool
Authors: Deenapanray Prakash N K , Bassi Andrea M 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe ISLANDS project is implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission using the European Development Fund of the European Union to support the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy in beneficiary countries. This paper shares the experiences of ISLANDS in deploying system dynamics modeling in five countries in the Eastern and Southern African and Indian Ocean Region (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zanzibar) for sustainable development planning. Lessons learned regarding the design and conceptualization of the project ISLANDS, including the adoption of system dynamics modeling as an integrated assessment tool for policy planning, are discussed. Although Madagascar and Zanzibar are not defined as small island developing States (SIDS) in the UN System, the lessons learned from these countries are applicable to all SIDS. The approach used by ISLANDS for technical assistance consists of nesting learning‐by‐doing, multi‐stakeholder processes, and dedicated capacity‐building in system dynamics modeling, as well as advocacy for the integrated modeling tool with decision‐makers. While island developing States are recognized for their inherent vulnerabilities to shocks, the adoption of system dynamics modeling helps to achieve policy‐induced resilience by exposing the challenges and constraints posed by the lack of reliable statistical data. Institutionalization of the tool is progressing well in the region.
Migration from atolls as climate change adaptation: Current practices, barriers and options inSolomonIslands
Authors: Birk Thomas , Rasmussen Kjeld 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAdaptive strategies are important for reducing the vulnerability of atoll communities to climate change and sea level rise in both the short and long term. This paper seeks to contribute to the emerging discourse on migration as a form of adaptation to climate change based on empirical studies in the two atoll communities,ReefIslands andOntongJava, which are located in the periphery ofSolomonIslands. The paper will outline current migration patterns in the two island groups and discuss how some of this migration may contribute to adaptation to climate change and other stresses. It shows that migration currently improves access to financial and social capital, reduces pressure on natural resources and makes island communities less vulnerable to extreme weather events and other shocks — all factors that contribute positively to adaptive capacity. It also shows that there are major barriers to migration that reduce the efficacy of positive outcomes to both migrants and their home communities, including high transport costs and problems in gaining access to housing, employment and government services in urban destination areas. If it is accepted that voluntary migration may play a positive role in adaptation to climate change in exposed atoll communities, addressing some of the barriers to migration seems logical. This may be done by efforts to stimulate migrant income opportunities, by improving migrant living conditions and by improving the transport services to the islands.
Invasive host for invasive pest: when the Asiatic cherry fly (Drosophila suzukii) meets the American black cherry (Prunus serotina) in Europe
Authors: Poyet Mathilde , Eslin Patrice , Héraude Marie , Le Roux Vincent , Prévost Geneviève , Gibert Patricia , Chabrerie Olivier 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

The vinegar fly Drosophila suzukii Matsumara (Diptera: Drosophilidae), native to Asia, recently invaded Europe and North America. By contrast to other frugivorous Drosophila species, D. suzukii lays eggs on ripening fruits, heavily reducing fruit production. Although cultivated host plants of D. suzukii are well documented, very little is known about wild hosts in the invaded areas.
The American black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh., a tree species native to North America, became one of the main woody forest invaders in Europe. One cause of its invasion success is the huge amount of fruit produced by P. serotina trees.
A field survey showed that P. serotina is a suitable reservoir for the development and persistence of D. suzukii populations in European natural systems (on the forest area investigated, up to 70% of all the fruits of P. serotina were infested in one of the sampling sites).
Laboratory tests demonstrated that D. suzukii prefers ripening cherries to ripe ones, therefore increasing the chance of the larvae to fully develop and reach maturity before the mesocarp of the fruit totally decays.
Infestation of P. serotina cherries could reduce the life span of fruits, as well as their attractiveness to seed consumers and dispersers, yet P. serotina could represent a suitable plant reservoir promoting D. suzukii invasion in Europe and North America.
‘Do UC the melanoma?’ Recognising the importance of different lesions displaying unevenness or having a history of change for early melanoma detection
Authors: Yagerman Sarah E , Chen Lucy , Jaimes Natalia , Dusza Stephen W , Halpern Allan C , Marghoob Ashfaq 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesMany melanomas are of a diameter smaller than 6 mm and may lack classical asymmetry, border irregularity and colour variegation (ABCD). The objectives of this article are to characterise the fidelity of melanomas diagnosed in a high‐risk clinic to the ABCD and to review potential methods for early clinical detection of melanoma.MethodsAll cases of primary melanoma diagnosed by one clinician at the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center over the past 11 years were evaluated for the presence of the ABCD. The melanomas were analysed for asymmetry of contour, unevenness in distribution of colours and textures, border irregularity, number of colours present and diameter.ResultsIn all, 236 melanomas were analysed. Of these, asymmetry of contour was present in 65% and 94% demonstrated unevenness in the distribution of colours and textures. The borders were regular in 12% of the melanomas and colour variegation was present in 63%. In total, 28% of the lesions were small, with a diameter less than 6 mm. This study was limited by the subjectivity of clinical lesion analysis.ConclusionWe put forward for your consideration a new mnemonic: ‘Do UC (different, uneven, changing) the melanoma?’ This mnemonic encompasses differential, analytical and comparative cognition strategies for an enhanced early detection of melanoma.
Innate immunity drives xenobiotic-induced murine autoimmune cholangitis
Authors: Chang C-H , Chen Y-C , Yu Y-H , Tao M-H , Leung P S C , Ansari A A , Gershwin M E , Chuang Y-H 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAlthough primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is considered a model autoimmune disease, it has not responded therapeutically to traditional immunosuppressive agents. In addition, PBC may recur following liver transplantation, despite the absence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) matching, in sharp contrast to the well-known paradigm of MHC restriction. We have suggested previously that invariant natural killer T (iNK T) cells are critical to the initiation of PBC. In this study we have taken advantage of our ability to induce autoimmune cholangitis with 2-octynoic acid, a common component of cosmetics, conjugated to bovine serum albumin (2-OA–BSA), and studied the natural history of pathology in mice genetically deleted for CD4 or CD8 following immunization with 2-OA–BSA in the presence or absence of α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). In particular, we address whether autoimmune cholangitis can be induced in the absence of traditional CD4 and CD8 responses. We report herein that CD4 and CD8 knock-out mice immunized with 2-OA–BSA/PBS or 2-OA–BSA/α-GalCer develop anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs), portal infiltrates and fibrosis. Indeed, our data suggest that the innate immunity is critical for immunopathology and that the pathology is exacerbated in the presence of α-GalCer. In conclusion, these data provide not only an explanation for the recurrence of PBC following liver transplantation in the absence of MHC compatibility, but also suggest that effective therapies for PBC must include blocking of both innate and adaptive pathways.
The role of regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Schober L , Radnai D , Spratte J , Kisielewicz A , Schmitt E , Mahnke K , Fluhr H , Uhlmann L , Sohn C , Steinborn A 
Published: February 2014

Summary
Physiological changes during normal pregnancy are characterized by an inflammatory immune response and insulin resistance. Therefore, we hypothesize that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may be caused by an inappropriate adaption of the maternal immune system to pregnancy. In this study we examined the role of regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation for the development of GDM during pregnancy. We used six-colour flow cytometric analysis to demonstrate that the total CD4+ CD127low+/− CD25+ forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+) Treg pool consists of four different Treg subsets: naive CD45RA+ Tregs, HLA-DR− CD45RA− memory Tregs (DR− Tregs) and the highly differentiated and activated HLA-DRlow+ CD45RA− and HLA-DRhigh+ CD45RA− memory Tregs (DRlow+ and DRhigh+ Tregs). Compared to healthy pregnancies, the percentage of CD4+ CD127low+/− CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs within the total CD4+ T helper cell pool was not different in patients affected by GDM. However, the suppressive activity of the total CD4+ CD127low+/− CD25+ Treg pool was significantly reduced in GDM patients. The composition of the total Treg pool changed in the way that its percentage of naive CD45RA+ Tregs was decreased significantly in both patients with dietary-adjusted GDM and patients with insulin-dependent GDM. In contrast, the percentage of DR−-memory Tregs was increased significantly in patients with dietary-adjusted GDM, while the percentage of DRlow+ and DRhigh+ memory Tregs was increased significantly in patients with insulin-dependent GDM. Hence, our findings propose that alterations in homeostatic parameters related to the development and function of naive and memory Tregs may cause the reduction of the suppressive capacity of the total Treg pool in GDM patients. However, as this is an exploratory analysis, the results are only suggestive and require further validation.
Patient perceptions of the mandibular three‐implant overdenture: a practice‐based study
Authors: Emami Elham , de Souza Raphael F. , Bernier Jacques , Rompré Pierre , Feine Jocelyne S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesAlthough three‐implant overdentures have often been used in clinical practice, there are few studies to support this approach. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of change in ratings of oral health‐related quality of life and to assess patients' satisfaction ratings with mandibular three‐implant overdentures.Materials and methodsThis quasi‐experimental study examined oral health‐related quality of life and satisfaction with prosthesis in 135 edentate participants (mean age 61.6 ± 7.9 years) who received mandibular three‐implant overdentures from 2006 to 2009 in a private practice in Quebec, Canada. Data were collected from individual's dental records and a follow‐up survey. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐20) was used to assess oral health‐related quality of life at baseline and at follow‐up. Satisfaction with the mandibular prostheses and perception of rocking movements were measured by use of a denture satisfaction questionnaire at follow‐up. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to analyse the data.ResultsIndividuals who received mandibular three‐implant overdentures had statistically significant improvements in all seven domains of the OHIP‐20 from pre‐ to post‐treatment (total OHIP change score −25.1 P < 0.001). Pre‐treatment OHIP scores and rotational movement explained 58% of the variance in the OHIP's change score (P ≤ 0.05). More than three quarters of the sample population (75.6%) were completely satisfied with their three‐implant overdentures, and 81.5% reported having no rocking movement. General satisfaction with the prostheses was not influenced by gender, type of fixture, or type of attachment.ConclusionsThe treatment of edentulism by three‐implant overdentures has favourable patient‐based outcomes, with negligible perceptions of rotational movement. However, further research is needed to compare the efficacy of this alternative to other treatment modalities, such as the two‐implant overdenture.
Low birthweight and risk of albuminuria in living kidney donors
Authors: Berglund Danielle , MacDonald David , Jackson Scott , Spong Richard , Issa Naim , Kukla Aleksandra , Reule Scott , Weber Marc , Matas Arthur J. , Ibrahim Hassan N. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLow birthweight is linked to hypertension, chronic kidney disease and even end‐stage renal disease. We hypothesized that living kidney donors born with lower birthweight may be at increased risk of hypertension, albuminuria, or reduced GFR beyond what is typical following uninephrectomy. Two hundred fifty‐seven living kidney donors who donated at the University of Minnesota between 1967 and 2005 underwent iohexol GFR and urinary albumin excretion measurements. Predictors of iohexol GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, albuminuria, and hypertension were examined using logistic regression. Predictors examined include age at GFR measurement, time since donation, BMI, gender, serum creatinine level (at donation and GFR measurement), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, race, and birthweight. The latter was obtained through self‐report and verified through birth certificates and family members. Older age, higher BMI, and time from donation were associated with reduced GFR. Older age and higher BMI were also associated with hypertension. Birthweight was not associated with GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2: OR=0.70, 95% CI (0.28, 1.74), p = 0.45 or hypertension: OR=0.92, 95% CI (0.46, 1.84), p = 0.82 but was associated with albuminuria: OR=0.37, 95% CI (0.15, 0.92), p = 0.03. These data further strengthen the link between low birthweight and potential adverse renal outcomes.
Family Law Proceedings and the Child's Right to be Heard in Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada
Authors: Fernando Michelle 
Published: February 2014

This article examines the child's right to be heard in family law proceedings in four international jurisdictions, comparing laws, practices, and attitudes relating to children's participation. It critiques the methods by which children's views are heard and discusses the significant variations in each country's approach to listening to children. The article discusses each system's strengths and weaknesses in promoting children's right to be heard, reviewing international literature and highlighting recent initiatives to promote children's participation, such as the 2010 United Kingdom guidelines for judges meeting with children.The article concludes that there is little consistency in how children's voices are heard in family law matters internationally. One possible explanation is that each jurisdiction differs in its culture of and attitude toward children's rights.Keypoints

Children's views in family law matters
Comparative analysis of law and practice in Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada
Child's right to be heard
The Effects of Judicial Personnel on Hearing and Outcome Timeliness in Juvenile Dependency Cases
Authors: Wood Steve M. , Russell Jesse R. , Macgill Stephanie O. , Summers Alicia 
Published: February 2014

This article examines how the amount of judicial personnel work hours available for each juvenile dependency case in a county may be related to the percentage of cases reaching key decision hearings in a timely manner. Panel analyses of data from Washington State indicate that, when controlling for community risk factors, counties with more judicial personnel per case held timely fact‐finding and permanency planning hearings more often and more often achieved timely adoptions. Judicial personnel per case, however, was not a significant predictor of the percentage of permanent placements completed within timeliness goals.Keypoints
Many states are not achieving the requirements of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), leading to children languishing in care
The juvenile dependency system needs to examine ways in which it can increase the timeliness of safe and permanent placements for children
Courts are being overburdened with an increase in juvenile dependency petition filings without a corresponding increase in judicial personnel
Courts should increase their number of judicial staff, so they can process cases faster and meet outcome goals more easily
Crossing borders: Discussing the evidence relating to the mental health needs of women exposed to female genital mutilation
Authors: Mulongo Peggy , McAndrew Sue , Hollins Martin Caroline 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe terms ‘Female Circumcision’ (FC), ‘FG Cutting’ (FGC) and ‘FG Mutilation’ (FGM) refer to procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non‐medical reasons. In practicing countries, FGC/FC is more widely used, as it is believed to be inoffensive, providing more impartial ways of discussing the practice. Positive beliefs about FC/FGC include virginity, marriage prospects, family reputation, or passage to adulthood. Regardless of terminology, the practice exists in at least 28 African counties, and a few Asian and Middle Eastern countries. In Western society, FGM is considered a breach of human rights, being outlawed in a number of countries. With immigration trends, FGC is now prominent in Western society among practicing communities. While the past decade has seen an increase in studies and recommendations for health‐care support related to the physical health consequences of FGM, little is known about the psychological impact and its management. For many girls and women, FGC is a traumatic practice, transforming it to FGM and affecting their mental health. This discussion paper focuses on evidence relating to the mental health consequences of FGM, therapeutic interventions, and the mental health nurse's role in addressing the needs of this group of women.
Gut microbiota and liver disease
Authors: Goel Amit , Gupta Mahesh , Aggarwal Rakesh 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMicrobes are present in large numbers in each human being, in particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and have long been believed to have some beneficial effects for their hosts. Till recently, however, we lacked tools for studying these organisms. Rapid technological advances in recent years have markedly improved our understanding of their role both in health and disease. Recent literature suggests that organisms in the GI tract, referred to collectively as gut microbiota, play an indispensable role in the maintenance of host's homeostasis. Alterations in the gut microbiota, that is in the nature and relative density of various constituent bacterial species, appear to have a role in pathogenesis and progression of several GI and hepatic diseases. This has also opened the vista for tinkering with gut flora in an attempt to treat or prevent such diseases. In this review, we have tried to summarize information on normal gut microbiota, laboratory techniques and animal models used to study it, and the role of its perturbations in some of the common hepatic disorders, such as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (including obesity), non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and liver cirrhosis and its complications.
Controlled attenuation parameter for the detection and quantification of hepatic steatosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chan Wah‐Kheong , Nik Mustapha Nik Raihan , Mahadeva Sanjiv 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground and AimControlled attenuation parameter (CAP) has been suggested as a noninvasive method for detection and quantification of hepatic steatosis. We aim to study the diagnostic performance of CAP in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.MethodsTransient elastography was performed in consecutive NAFLD patients undergoing liver biopsy and non‐NAFLD controls. The accuracy of CAP for the detection and quantification of hepatic steatosis was assessed based on histological findings according to the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network Scoring System.ResultsData for 101 NAFLD patients (mean age 50.3 ± 11.3 years old, 51.5% male) and 60 non‐NAFLD controls were analyzed. CAP was associated with steatosis grade (odds ratio [OR] = 29.16, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI; OR = 4.34, P < 0.001) and serum triglyceride (OR = 13.59, P = 0.037) on multivariate analysis. The median CAP for steatosis grades S0, S1, S2, and S3 were 184 dB/m, 305 dB/m, 320 dB/m, and 324 dB/m, respectively. The areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROC) for estimation of steatosis grades ≥ S1, S2, and S3 were 0.97, 0.86, and 0.75, respectively. The optimal CAP cutoffs for estimation of steatosis grades ≥ S1, S2, and S3 were 263 dB/m, 281 dB/m, and 283 dB/m, respectively. Among non‐obese patients, the AUROC for estimation of steatosis grades ≥ S1 and S2 were 0.99 and 0.99, respectively. Among obese patients, the AUROC for estimation of steatosis grades ≥ S1, S2, and S3 were 0.92, 0.64, and 0.58, respectively.ConclusionsCAP is excellent for the detection of significant hepatic steatosis. However, its accuracy is impaired by an increased BMI, and it is less accurate to distinguish between the different grades of hepatic steatosis.
Analgesia for the cirrhotic patient: A literature review and recommendations
Authors: Dwyer Jeremy P , Jayasekera Chatura , Nicoll Amanda 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe choice of analgesic agent in cirrhotic patients is problematic and must be individualized taking into account several factors including severity of liver disease, history of opioid dependence, and potential drug interactions. With a cautious approach including slow dose up‐titration and careful monitoring, effective analgesia can be achieved in most cirrhotic patients without significant side effects or decompensation of their liver disease. Paracetamol is safe in patients with chronic liver disease but reduced doses of 2–3 grams daily is recommended for long‐term use. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are best avoided because of risk of renal impairment, hepatorenal syndrome, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Opioids have an increased risk of toxicity particularly in patients with hypoalbuminaemia, and immediate‐release as opposed to controlled‐release formulations are advised. Co‐prescription of laxatives is mandatory to avoid constipation and encephalopathy. Adjuvant analgesics such as tricyclic antidepressants and anti‐convulsants may be used cautiously for cirrhotic patients with neuropathic pain. Gabapentin or pregabalin may be better tolerated in cirrhosis because of non‐hepatic metabolism and a lack of anti‐cholinergic side effects.