bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of cosmetic preservation: water activity reduction
Authors: Kerdudo A. , Fontaine‐Vive F. , Dingas A. , Faure C. , Fernandez X.
Published: September 2014

Synopsis

Objective

Preservation of cosmetics is a prerequisite for industrialization, and among the proposed solutions, self‐preserved cosmetics are of great interest. One key influencing parameter in self‐preservation is water activity; its reduction can help to fight against microbial growth in cosmetic products. This work presents a study on the influence of humectants on water activity and its consequence on the preservation of cosmetic formulations.

Methods

First, water–humectants mixtures were considered. The influence of glycol and glycerin content, glycol chemical structure, glycerin purity and formulation process on the water activity of the binary mixture was studied. Molecular modelling was performed for a better understanding of the impact of glycol chemistry. Then, the results were applied to five different cosmetic formulations to get optimized products. Challenge test on five strains was carried out in that sense.

Results

We showed that the higher the humectants concentration, the lower the water activity. Glycol chemical structure also influenced water activity: propan‐1,2‐diol was more efficient than propan‐1,3‐diol, certainly because of a better stabilization in water of propan‐1,2‐diol as shown by DFT calculation. A drop by drop introduction of glycol in water favoured aw reduction. The best water activity loss was 6.6% and was reached on the cream formulation whose preservation was improved as evidenced by challenge test.

Conclusion

Fabrication process as well as humectants concentration were shown to influence water activity. The hydroxyl group positions as well as the presence of an alkyl group on the glycol carbon chain impacted water binding as suggested by DFT calculation. Reducing aw improved the preservation of a cosmetic cream, inhibiting or slowing down the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Cryptomphalus aspersa mollusc eggs extract promotes migration and prevents cutaneous ageing in keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Espada J. , Matabuena M. , Salazar N. , Lucena S. , Kourani O. , Carrasco E. , Calvo M. , Rodríguez C. , Reyes E. , González S. , Juarranz A.
Published: September 2014

Synopsis

Background

The search of substances that minimize cutaneous ageing has increased in the last few years. Previous studies have described the regenerative properties of the secretion of the mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa (C. aspersa) when applied topically.

Objective

We evaluate the in vitro effects of a new product derived from the eggs of C. aspersa, IFC‐CAF, on cell proliferation, migration, distribution of cytoskeletal proteins, production of extracellular components as well as its ability to prevent cutaneous ageing because of intrinsic or extrinsic factors (exposure to UVB) by determination of ageing markers.

Methods

We have used the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells), primary dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and senescent dermal fibroblasts (SHDF). The effects of the compound on cell proliferation and on the cell cycle were determined by the MTT colorimetric assay, estimation of total protein and/or trypan blue test and by flow cytometry, respectively. We also studied cell migration using the wound‐healing migration assay, whereas ELISA assays, Western Blot and immunofluorescence microscopy were carried out to test the expression of proteins related to cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix and with ageing.

Results

We have found that IFC‐CAF does not promote proliferation but induces migration of HaCaT, HDF and SHDF in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner; a better organization of cytoskeletal proteins (F‐actin and vimentin) and promotes the production of extracellular components (fibronectin, collagen 1 and MMPs) and the adhesion to cell‐substrate vinculin protein. IFC‐CAF also prevents cutaneous ageing. The treatment decreases the expression of the ageing‐related markers b‐Gal, p53 and p16INK4 in SDDF cells, and improves cell survival after UVB irradiation and nuclear repair in HaCaT cells.

Conclusion

IFC‐CAF has regenerative properties and protects against ageing factors being, therefore, a potential therapeutic agent for treating or preventing skin ageing.
Quantitative UPLC‐MS/MS analysis of chlorogenic acid derivatives in antioxidant fractionates from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root
Authors: Kenny Owen , Smyth Thomas J. , Hewage Chandralal M. , Brunton Nigel P.
Published: September 2014

While qualitative studies have identified chlorogenic acids in antioxidant extracts, particularly ethyl acetate‐derived extracts, of Taraxacum officinale, quantitative analysis of these phenolic compounds remains largely unreported for this species. In this study, bioactivity‐guided fractionation of an antioxidant crude ethyl acetate extract (DPPH = 295.481 ± 0.955 mg TE g−1 extract) from T. officinale root resulted in a number of reverse‐phase fractions that demonstrated high antioxidant activity (DPPH = 1058.733–1312.136 mg TE g−1 extract), stronger than that of the synthetic antioxidant Trolox®. UPLC‐MS/MS screening of these fractions for the presence of selected mono‐ and di‐caffeoylquinic acids revealed large quantities of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid present in several fractions (853.052–907.324 μg mg−1), respectively. Due to the antioxidant potency and high levels of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid observed in these fractions, it was concluded that specifically this chlorogenic acid derivative is a major contributor to the antioxidant efficacy of dandelion root.
Christ Existing in Ordinary: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Sanctification
Authors: Knight M.J.
Published: September 2014

One task of any doctrine of sanctification is to attend to a theological rationale for the significance of a habitual and developing Christian life within a broader salvific economy. This article introduces the problem of claiming ‘ordinary’ life as the arena and instrument of God and distils three elements of Bonhoeffer's early theology that might be employed to articulate a theology of sanctification as the counterpoint of justification: the realization of a new humanity in Christ that constitutes an ontology of justification; Christian devotion as the act of this new humanity in the Spirit; and the dynamic integrity accorded to historical existence.
Dialectical Theology as Theology of Mission: Investigating the Origins of Karl Barth's Break with Liberalism
Authors: Congdon David W.
Published: September 2014

Based on a thorough investigation of Karl Barth's early writings, this article proposes a new interpretation of dialectical theology as fundamentally concerned with the issue of mission. Documents from 1914 and 1915 show that the turning point in Barth's thinking about mission – and about Christian theology in general – occurred, at least in part, in response to a largely forgotten manifesto published in September 1914. This manifesto appealed to Protestants around the world to support Germany's cause in the war on the grounds that they would be supporting the work of the Great Commission. Barth's reaction to this document sheds light on the missionary nature of dialectical theology, which pursues an understanding of God and God‐talk that does not conflate the mission of the church with the diffusion of culture.
The role of training in reducing poverty: the case of the ultra‐poor in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Mohammad Aktaruzzaman , Ali Anees Janee
Published: September 2014

Although microcredit is considered the main vehicle for increasing the income of the poor and alleviating poverty in Bangladesh, it is now well recognised that more than this is needed to reach the ultra poor in rural areas. Consequently, almost half of the Bangladesh population is in some way linked to non‐governmental organizations' development programmes, at the centre of which is poverty alleviation. The study reported here developed a comprehensive cross‐sectional intervention to examine whether the income of those who participated in the training programmes of non‐governmental organizations was related to that participation. The study was carried out in three leading organizations in three districts of Bangladesh using a quantitative associational research design. Three hundred responses were analysed using multiple regression analysis to elicit information from ultra poor clients who had received training. The results suggest that the post‐training income level of the trainees was negatively rather than positively related to the fact of their participation in training, the opposite of what human capital theory would lead us to expect.
Association of serum biochemical metabolic panel with stone composition
Authors: Moreira Daniel M , Friedlander Justin I , Carons Akinwunmi , Hartman Christopher , Leavitt David A , Smith Arthur D , Okeke Zeph
Published: September 2014

Introduction

To determine the association of the basic metabolic panel with stone type.

Methods

The present study was a retrospective review of 492 stone formers with both stone composition analysis and basic metabolic panel available. Analysis of a basic metabolic panel across stone types was carried out using Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict stone type based on a basic metabolic panel.

Results

A total of 272 (55%) patients had predominantly calcium oxalate stones, 100 (21%) had uric acid stones, 93 (19%) had calcium phosphate stones, 16 (3%) had mixed stones and 11 (2%) had other types of stones. Uric acid stone formers had the highest serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Calcium oxalate stone formers had the highest serum sodium. No significant differences in mean serum calcium levels across different stone types were identified. The predicted risk of uric acid stone over the other stone types increased with an increase in serum glucose and decreased with an increase in carbon dioxide levels. The predicted risk of calcium oxalate stones increased with an increase in serum sodium and chloride levels. The predicted risk of calcium phosphate and oxalate stones over the other stone types increased with an increase in serum calcium levels. The overall accuracy of the basic metabolic panel alone to predict stone type was 59%.

Conclusion

A basic metabolic panel alone or in combination with 24‐h urinalysis and demographics does not accurately predict stone type. However, it can be used in combination with other variables to predict stone composition.
Second Carpal Bone Slab Fracture and Subluxation of the Middle Carpal Joint in a Horse Subsequent to Arthrodesis of the Carpometacarpal Joint
Authors: MacKay Angela V. , Panizzi Luca , Sparks Holly D. , Barber Spencer M.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To report complications of arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint using a drilling technique in an adult horse.

Study Design

Case report.

Animals

Horse (n = 1).

Method

A 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare with CMC osteoarthritis (CMC‐OA) had arthrodesis under general anesthesia in right lateral recumbency. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a 4.5 mm drill bit was inserted at 3 drilling sites 5–6 cm into the CMC joint and was fanned 30–45° in the plane of the joint and 5–10° in the long axis of the limb to destroy articular cartilage and expose the subchondral bone.

Results

The horse presented 2 weeks after surgery for severe lameness of the operated limb. A slab fracture of the 2nd carpal bone (C2) and subluxation of the middle carpal (MC) joint was diagnosed. The horse was humanely euthanatized due to poor prognosis.

Conclusion

The fanning technique of arthrodesis of the CMC joint may lead to fracture of carpal bones, joint instability, and MC joint subluxation. A balance between articular surface destruction and maintenance of joint stability should be achieved when using this technique.
Using Participatory Process Evaluation to Understand the Dynamics of Change in a Nutrition Education Programme
Authors: Cornwall Andrea
Published: September 2014

With roots in approaches to popular education and participatory action research that place the learner and the ‘beneficiary’ of development at the centre of enquiry and action, the participatory visualisation methods associated with Participatory Rural Appraisal have been widely used as tools for learning and accountability. In this article, I reflect on lessons learnt from using these methods in a participatory process evaluation of an educational programme aimed at addressing chronic malnutrition in an East African country. Building on this experience, I explore the educative and empowering dimensions of participatory visualisation methods, and consider the contribution that these methods can make to effective evaluation.
Who Wants to Farm? Youth Aspirations, Opportunities and Rising Food Prices
Authors: Leavy Jennifer , Hossain Naomi
Published: September 2014

Who wants to farm? In an era of land grabs and environmental uncertainty, improving smallholder productivity has become a higher priority on the poverty and food security agenda in development, focusing attention on the next generation of farmers. Yet emerging evidence about the material realities and social norms and desires of young people in developing countries indicates a reasonably widespread withdrawal from work on the land as an emerging norm. While de‐agrarianisation is not new, policymakers are correct to be concerned about a withdrawal from the sector: smallholder productivity growth, and agricultural transformation more broadly, depend in part on the extent to which capable, skilled young people can be retained or attracted to farming, and on policies that support that retention. So who wants to farm, and under what conditions? Where are economic, environmental and social conditions favourable to active recruitment by educated young people into farming? What policy and programmatic conditions are creating attractive opportunities in farming or agro‐food industry livelihoods?

This paper explores these conditions in a context of food price volatility, and in particular rising food prices since 2007. To do so, it analyses primary qualitative research on the attitudes of young people and their families to farming in 2012, a time when food prices had been high and volatile for half a decade. In theory, assuming higher prices benefit small farmers, food farming should be more attractive since food prices started to rise in 2007. But this simple causal assumption overlooks both that in many developing countries, it takes considerable economic power – ownership or access to cultivable land and affordable credit for inputs – to turn a profit in farming. It also fails to take into account more sociological explanations governing work and occupational choice – status aspiration and merit on the one hand, and perceived risk on the other. These two explanations help to explain why young people from relatively low income families, particularly those most likely to innovate and raise productivity levels, do not perceive farming as a realistically desirable occupational choice.

Based on analysis of interviews, focus group discussion and household case studies with almost 1500 people in 23 rural, urban and peri‐urban communities in low and middle income Asian, African and Latin American countries in 2012, this research digs deeper into some of the established explanations as to why youth in developing countries appear reluctant to enter farming, and identifies conditions under which capable and enterprising youth are being attracted to farming, and entry‐points for youth participation in policymaking around agriculture and food security.
Engaging with Health Markets in Low and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Bloom Gerald , Wilkinson Annie , Standing Hilary , Lucas Henry
Published: September 2014

Many low and middle‐income countries have pluralistic health systems with a variety of providers of health‐related goods and services in terms of their level of training, their ownership (public or private) and their relationship with the regulatory system. The development of institutional arrangements to influence their performance has lagged behind the spread of these markets. This paper presents a framework for analysing a pluralistic health system. The relationships between private providers of health services and government, or other organisations that represent the public interest, strongly influence their performance in meeting the needs of the poor. Their impact on the pattern of service delivery depends on how the relationships are managed and the degree to which they respond to the interests of the population. Many governments of low and middle‐income countries are under pressure to increase access to safe, effective and affordable health services. In a context of economic growth, it should be possible to improve access by the poor to health services substantially. Innovations in information technologies and in low cost diagnostics are creating important new opportunities for achieving this. It will be important to mobilise both public and private providers of health‐related goods and services. This will involve big changes in the roles and responsibilities of all health sector actors. Governments, businesses and civil society organizations will need to learn how to make pluralist health systems work better through experimentation and systematic learning about what works and why.
Comparison of New‐Onset Gout in Adults Prescribed Chlorthalidone vs Hydrochlorothiazide for Hypertension
Authors: Wilson Liza , Nair Kavita V. , Saseen Joseph J.
Published: September 2014

This study assessed the risk of new‐onset gout following prescribing of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) compared with chlorthalidone (CTD). This retrospective cohort analysis used administrative claims from 2000 to 2012 to identify patients aged 18 to 89 years with hypertension who were prescribed CTD or HCTZ. Patients were excluded if they had a prior diagnosis of gout, conditions or prescription claims for medications that alter risk of gout, or if they switched between these two diuretics. A total of 1011 patients prescribed CTD were matched with 2022 patients prescribed HCTZ based on age, sex, and Chronic Condition Indicator. New‐onset gout occurred in 17 of 1011 (1.68%) patients in the CTD group and in 26 of 2022 (1.29%) patients in the HCTZ group (P=.27). The number of days to first occurrence of gout was 183.6 days and 152.7 days in the CTD and HCTZ groups, respectively (P=.39). The mean daily dose was 22.7 mg for CTD and 24.3 mg for HCTZ, and the median dose of both CTD and HCTZ was 25 mg at the time of new‐onset gout. Patients prescribed CTD for hypertension have a similar risk of developing new‐onset gout compared with patients prescribed similar doses of HCTZ.
Efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by sulfonylurea with or without metformin: Subanalysis of GetGoal‐S
Authors: Onishi Yukiko , Niemoeller Elisabeth , Ikeda Yukio , Takagi Hiroki , Yabe Daisuke , Seino Yutaka
Published: September 2014

Aims/Introduction

This was a subanalysis of Japanese patients included in the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist AVE0010 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for glycemic control and safety evaluation (GetGoal‐S) study – a 24‐week, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of lixisenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by sulfonylurea with or without metformin.

Materials and Methods

In GetGoal‐S, 127 Japanese patients received the once‐daily prandial glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist lixisenatide 20 μg/day or a matching placebo. The primary outcome was change in glycated hemoglobin.

Results

At week 24, lixisenatide significantly reduced mean glycated hemoglobin (least squares mean difference vs the placebo −1.1% [12 mmol/mol, P < 0.0001]), and significantly more lixisenatide patients reached glycated hemoglobin targets of <7% (53 mmol/mol) and ≤6.5% (48 mmol/mol) vs the placebo. Lixisenatide produced statistically significant reductions in 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (least squares mean difference vs the placebo −8.51 mmol/L, P < 0.0001) and glucose excursion vs the placebo, and significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose (least squares mean difference vs the placebo −0.65 mmol/L, P = 0.0454). Bodyweight decreased with both lixisenatide and the placebo (least squares mean change −1.12 kg for lixisenatide, −1.02 kg for placebo). The overall incidence of adverse events was similar for lixisenatide and the placebo (84.2 and 82.4%, respectively), the most frequent being gastrointestinal disorders (52.6% for lixisenatide vs 29.4% for placebo). The incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia was higher with lixisenatide vs the placebo (17.1 and 9.8%, respectively), with no cases of severe symptomatic hypoglycemia in either group.

Conclusions

In the Japanese subpopulation of the GetGoal‐S study, lixisenatide produced a significant and clinically relevant improvement in glycated hemoglobin, with a pronounced improvement in postprandial plasma glucose, and a good safety and tolerability profile.
Evaluation of training nurses to perform semi‐automated three‐dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction using a customised workstation‐based training protocol
Authors: Guppy‐Coles Kristyan B , Prasad Sandhir B , Smith Kym C , Hillier Samuel , Lo Ada , Atherton John J
Published: September 2014

Aims and Objectives

We aimed to determine the feasibility of training cardiac nurses to evaluate left ventricular function utilising a semi‐automated, workstation‐based protocol on three dimensional echocardiography images.

Background

Assessment of left ventricular function by nurses is an attractive concept. Recent developments in three dimensional echocardiography coupled with border detection assistance have reduced inter‐ and intra‐observer variability and analysis time. This could allow abbreviated training of nurses to assess cardiac function.

Design

A comparative, diagnostic accuracy study evaluating left ventricular ejection fraction assessment utilising a semi‐automated, workstation‐based protocol performed by echocardiography‐naïve nurses on previously acquired three dimensional echocardiography images.

Methods

Nine cardiac nurses underwent two brief lectures about cardiac anatomy, physiology and three dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction assessment, before a hands‐on demonstration in 20 cases. We then selected 50 cases from our three dimensional echocardiography library based on optimal image quality with a broad range of left ventricular ejection fractions, which was quantified by two experienced sonographers and the average used as the comparator for the nurses. Nurses independently measured three dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction using the Auto lvq package with semi‐automated border detection.

Results

The left ventricular ejection fraction range was 25–72% (70% with a left ventricular ejection fraction <55%). All nurses showed excellent agreement with the sonographers. Minimal intra‐observer variability was noted on both short‐term (same day) and long‐term (>2 weeks later) retest.

Conclusions

It is feasible to train nurses to measure left ventricular ejection fraction utilising a semi‐automated, workstation‐based protocol on previously acquired three dimensional echocardiography images. Further study is needed to determine the feasibility of training nurses to acquire three dimensional echocardiography images on real‐world patients to measure left ventricular ejection fraction.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse‐performed evaluation of left ventricular function could facilitate the broader application of echocardiography to allow cost‐effective screening and monitoring for left ventricular dysfunction in high‐risk populations.
A systematic review of observational instruments used to assess nurses' skills in patient mobilisation
Authors: Gattinger Heidrun , Stolt Minna , Hantikainen Virpi , Köpke Sascha , Senn Beate , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the existing observation instruments that are used to assess nurses' skills in patient mobilisation and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the included instruments.

Background

Structured knowledge about instruments for assessing nurses' skills in patient mobilisation is limited.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Studies were identified via electronic database searches and reference lists and were included based on the eligibility criteria. Data regarding the type of instrument, the number of items/domains and the psychometric properties of the instruments were extracted, and the quality of the instruments were appraised according to Zwakhalen et al.'s (BMC Geriatrics, 2006) proposed criteria.

Results

A total of 26 studies, reporting on 16 instruments, were included in this review. The instruments differed in terms of: (1) type of patient‐mobilisation task, (2) focus of the instrument, (3) level of structure and (4) use by the observer. Most of the instruments were developed and used in evaluation studies that measured nurses' mobilisation techniques as an outcome of an educational intervention. The total quality score of the included instruments varied between 6–11 points out of a maximum quality score of 19.

Conclusion

Although patient mobilisation is part of nurses' everyday work, we suggest from the results of this review that no common consensus exists about the best way to perform patient‐mobilisation tasks. The results from this study further show that no instrument measured all of the important aspects of effective patient mobilisation.

Relevance for clinical practice

Most of the instruments that were reviewed were able to detect differences in patient‐mobilisation techniques. However, convincing evidence is lacking with regard to the content, psychometric properties and practicability of these instruments for use in clinical practice. We suggest the development and validation of a new comprehensive instrument.
When promises are broken in a recruitment context: The role of dissonance attributions and constraints in repairing behavioural integrity
Authors: Tomlinson Edward C. , Carnes Andrew M.
Published: September 2014

We extend prior research on behavioural integrity (BI) by challenging the perspective of many researchers who have posited that BI is extremely resistant to repair after it has been damaged. Specifically, we examined the promise‐keeping dimension of BI (BI‐PK). In a hypothetical vignette, the effects of dissonance attributions and constraints on BI‐PK perceptions were investigated in the context of a hiring manager breaking a promise to meet a job applicant for a highly desired interview. The results from two studies indicated that there was a strong positive effect for constraints on BI‐PK, and BI‐PK partially mediated the effect of constraints on attraction to the organization.

Practitioner points

When individuals are in a position where their behavioural integrity is likely to be assessed by others, it is important to maintain communication when circumstances inhibit promise fulfilment.

Applicants are a key stakeholder group who are highly sensitive to the behavioural integrity of recruiters and hiring managers. In fact, recruiter behavioural integrity matters to applicants in more ways than merely providing realistic job information.

The perceived behavioural integrity of recruiters and hiring managers appears to be an important factor in applicant attraction to the organization. Accordingly, recruiters and hiring managers should monitor their promise‐fulfilment behaviours carefully.
Aberrant expression of caspase 14 in salivary gland carcinomas
Authors: Lemound Juliana , Stucki‐Koch Angelika , Stoetzer Marcus , Kokemüller Horst , Gellrich Nils‐Claudius , Kreipe Hans , Hussein Kais
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Caspase 14 is reduced in adenocarcinomas of the stomach and colon. In contrast, breast and lung adenocarcinomas frequently show an overexpression of caspase 14. Salivary gland adenocarcinomas have not been evaluated for potential aberrant caspase 14 expression.

Materials and Methods

Samples from salivary gland carcinomas (n = 43) were analysed by immunohistochemistry (caspase 14, filaggrin, GATA3 and Ki67) and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

Caspase 14 is not expressed in normal salivary glands, while in a subfraction of carcinomas (32%) an aberrant expression was found. Filaggrin could not be detected. Caspase 14 staining was not associated with tumour dedifferentiation, GATA3 expression or amplification of gene locus 19p13.

Conclusion

In summary, aberrant expression of caspase 14 can be found in a subfraction of salivary gland carcinomas but could not be used as a biomarker for a specific carcinoma subtype of the salivary gland.
C
hlamydia t
rachomatis Infection Is Related to Premature Ejaculation in Chronic Prostatitis Patients: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cai Tommaso , Pisano Francesca , Magri Vittorio , Verze Paolo , Mondaini Nicola , D'Elia Carolina , Malossini Gianni , Mazzoli Sandra , Perletti Gianpaolo , Gontero Paolo , Mirone Vincenzo , Bartoletti Riccardo
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) is reported to be a common finding in men with acquired premature ejaculation (PE). The impact of different pathogens on PE development in chronic prostatitis patients is, however, unknown.

Aim

To assess a possible link between CBP caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and PE.

Methods

A consecutive series of 317 patients with clinical and instrumental diagnosis of CBP due to Ct was enrolled (group A) and compared with data obtained from a control group of 639 patients with CBP caused by common uropathogen bacteria (group B). Prostatitis symptoms were investigated with the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), while the ejaculatory status of patients was assessed using the PE Diagnostic Tool (PEDT).

Main Outcome Measures

All participants were asked to complete the NIH-CPSI, the International Index of Erectile Function-15 erectile function domain (IIEF-15-EFD), the PEDT, and the Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaires.

Results

Patient groups A and B had comparable scores of NIH-CPSI (P = 0.07), IPSS (P = 0.32), and IIEF-15-EFD (P = 0.33) tests. PE was assessed in 118 patients in group A (37.2%) and in 73 subjects in group B (11.5%). The two groups are different in terms of PE prevalence (P < 0.0002). Compared with group B, group A showed significantly higher scores of the PEDT test (11.3 [±2.6] vs. 4.5 [±2.9], P < 0.0001) and lower scores of the SF-36 tool (96.5 [±1.1] vs. 99.7 [±1.3], P < 0.0001). In our multivariate model assessment, being positive for a Ct infection marker was independently associated with the PEDT score even after adjusting for age, smoking habit, body mass index, and education level (adjusted odds ratio = 3.21; 95% confidence interval: 2.02–4.27; P < 0.003).

Conclusions

Patients affected by CBP due to Ct infection reported higher prevalence of PE and lower quality of life when compared with patients affected by CBP caused by traditional uropathogenic bacteria.
Growth response to climatic change over 120 years for Alnus viridis and Salix glauca in West Greenland
Authors: Jørgensen Rasmus H. , Hallinger Martin , Ahlgrimm Svenja , Friemel Juliane , Kollmann Johannes , Meilby Henrik
Published: September 2014

Questions

Which climatic variables are the main determinants of radial growth and to what extent does their effect on growth vary among species? What are the similarities between the temporal radial growth patterns of the two common shrub species, Alnus viridis and Salix glauca? Do changing growth conditions over the past 120 yr and their predicted impact on growth match shrub expansion observed in the region?

Location

Arsuk Fjord and Disko Bay regions, W Greenland.

Methods

Alnus viridis and S. glauca specimens were sampled in the field and radial growth was analysed using standard dendrochronological methods (‘response functions’). The identified climatic variables were applied to model radial growth using a linear mixed model and predict the growth for 1890–2010.

Results

The main determinants of radial growth were summer temperatures and, although not significant in the final models, spring precipitation. The empirical chronologies showed only somewhat similar growth patterns. They responded to similar sets of climatic variables, but their similarity was weakened because of the low number of replicates and local differences in growth conditions. The similarity between predicted (modelled) chronologies was higher, which was related to the response to similar sets of climatic variables and high correlation between climatic variables across long distances.

Conclusion

Overall, estimated growth did not increase over the past 120 yr, but considerable variations in growth are conspicuous and match known historical patterns of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. Perspectives regarding the observed shrub expansion in W Greenland are discussed, and based on the estimated growth patterns, we consider it unlikely that the recent 10–15‐yr period of favourable climate is the main responsible cause.
Adaptive divergence between lake and stream populations of anEastAfrican cichlid fish
Authors: Theis Anya , Ronco Fabrizia , Indermaur Adrian , Salzburger Walter , Egger Bernd
Published: September 2014

Divergent natural selection acting in different habitats may build up barriers to gene flow and initiate speciation. This speciation continuum can range from weak or no divergence to strong genetic differentiation between populations. Here, we focus on the early phases of adaptive divergence in theEastAfrican cichlid fishAstatotilapia burtoni, which occurs in bothLakeTanganyika (LT) and inflowing rivers. We first assessed the population structure and morphological differences inA. burtonifrom southernLT. We then focused on four lake–stream systems and quantified body shape, ecologically relevant traits (gill raker and lower pharyngeal jaw) as well as stomach contents. Our study revealed the presence of several divergent lake–stream populations that rest at different stages of the speciation continuum, but show the same morphological and ecological trajectories along the lake–stream gradient. Lake fish have higher bodies, a more superior mouth position, longer gill rakers and more slender pharyngeal jaws, and they show a plant/algae and zooplankton‐biased diet, whereas stream fish feed more on snails, insects and plant seeds. A test for reproductive isolation between closely related lake and stream populations did not detect population‐assortative mating. Analyses ofF1 offspring reared under common garden conditions indicate that the detected differences in body shape and gill raker length do not constitute pure plastic responses to different environmental conditions, but also have a genetic basis. Taken together, theA. burtonilake–stream system constitutes a new model to study the factors that enhance and constrain progress towards speciation in cichlid fishes.
Barriers and facilitators to recruitment in mental health services: Care coordinators' expectations and experience of referring to a psychosis research trial
Authors: Bucci Sandra , Butcher Isabelle , Hartley Samantha , Neil Sandra T. , Mulligan John , Haddock Gillian
Published: September 2014

Objective

High‐quality research trials are necessary to provide evidence for the effective management of mental health difficulties, but successful recruitment can be challenging.

Design

This qualitative study examines the perceived barriers and facilitators to referring mental health service users to research trials. Seven care coordinators (n = 7) who facilitated the recruitment of participants to a cognitive behaviour therapy – informed psychosis intervention trial were interviewed.

Method

Demographic information was collected by questionnaire and a semi‐structured guide was used to explore barriers and facilitators to referring to a partially randomized participant preference trial. Qualitative data were thematically analysed.

Results

Four key themes, each with a number of sub‐themes, were identified: (1) engage the care coordinator in the recruitment process, (2) barriers to referring to research studies, (3) facilitators to referring to research studies; (4) organisational constraints impact on implementing research outcomes into routine clinical practice.

Conclusions

Understanding the barriers and facilitators to recruitment in mental health research could improve recruitment strategies. Our findings highlight the need for researchers’ to closely consider their recruitment strategies as service users are not always given the choice to participate in research. Several key recommendations are made based on these findings in order to maximize successful recruitment to research studies. Overall, we recommend that researchers’ adopt a flexible, tailor‐made approach for each clinical team to ensure a collaborative relationship is developed between research staff and clinicians.

Practitioner points

A qualitative approach to understanding recruitment challenges provides a useful opportunity to explore the barriers and facilitators to recruiting participants to research studies.

These findings have practical implications that highlight the need for a collaborative partnership between researchers and clinical services.

Understanding the challenges and issues related to recruitment can help researchers consider strategies to overcome recruitment issues.

More research with a larger sample, across a broader population and in different mental health services is required.
Mechanisms for tolerance of very high tissue phosphorus concentrations in Ptilotus polystachyus
Authors: AZIZ TARIQ , LAMBERS HANS , NICOL DION , RYAN MEGAN H.
Published: September 2014

Study of plants with unusual phosphorus (P) physiology may assist development of more P‐efficient crops. Ptilotus polystachyus grows well at high P supply, when shoot P concentrations ( [P] ) may exceed 40 mg P g−1 dry matter (DM). We explored the P physiology of P. polystachyus seedlings grown in nutrient solution with 0–5 mM P. In addition, young leaves and roots of soil‐grown plants were used for cryo‐scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis. No P‐toxicity symptoms were observed, even at 5 mM P in solution. Shoot DM was similar at 0.1 and 1.0 mM P in solution, but was ∼14% lower at 2 and 5 mM P. At 1 mM P, [P] was 36, 18, 14 and 11 mg P g−1 DM in mature leaves, young leaves, stems and roots, respectively. Leaf potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations increased with increasing P supply. Leaf epidermal and palisade mesophyll cells had similar [P]. The root epidermis and most cortical cells had senesced, even in young roots. We conclude that preferential accumulation of P in mature leaves, accumulation of balancing cations and uniform distribution of P across leaf cell types allow P. polystachyus to tolerate very high leaf [P].
Transcription coactivator Arabidopsis ANGUSTIFOLIA3 modulates anthocyanin accumulation and light‐induced root elongation through transrepression of Constitutive Photomorphogenic1
Authors: MENG LAI‐SHENG
Published: September 2014

ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3), a transcription coactivator, is implicated in modulating cell proliferation. In this study, I found that AN3 is a novel regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis and light‐induced root elongation. Seedlings and seeds lacking AN3 activity presented significantly reduced anthocyanin accumulation and light‐induced root elongation, whereas those of transgenic plants harbouring the 35S:AN3 construct exhibited increased anthocyanin accumulation. AN3 is required for the proper expression of other genes that affect anthocyanin accumulation and light‐induced root elongation, Constitutive Photomorphogenic1 (COP1), encoding a RING motif – containing E3 ubiquitin ligase. AN3 was associated with COP1 promoter in vivo. Thus, AN3 may act with other proteins that bind to COP1 promoter to promote anthocyanin accumulation and inhibit light‐induced root elongation.
Thrombospondin‐1 is part of a Slug‐independent motility and metastatic program in cutaneous melanoma, in association with VEGFR‐1 and FGF‐2
Authors: Borsotti Patrizia , Ghilardi Carmen , Ostano Paola , Silini Antonietta , Dossi Romina , Pinessi Denise , Foglieni Chiara , Scatolini Maria , Lacal Pedro M. , Ferrari Raffaele , Moscatelli Davide , Sangalli Fabio , D'Atri Stefania , Giavazzi Raffaella , Bani Maria Rosa , Chiorino Giovanna , Taraboletti Giulia
Published: September 2014

Differently from most transformed cells, cutaneous melanoma expresses the pleiotropic factor thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1). Herein, we show that TSP‐1 (RNA and protein), undetectable in four cultures of melanocytes and a RGP melanoma, was variously present in 13 cell lines from advanced melanomas or metastases. Moreover, microarray analysis of 55 human lesions showed higher TSP‐1 expression in primary melanomas and metastases than in common and dysplastic nevi. In a functional enrichment analysis, the expression of TSP‐1 correlated with motility‐related genes. Accordingly, TSP‐1 production was associated with melanoma cell motility in vitro and lung colonization potential in vivo. VEGF/VEGFR‐1 and FGF‐2, involved in melanoma progression, regulated TSP‐1 production. These factors were coexpressed with TSP‐1 and correlated negatively with Slug (SNAI2), a cell migration master gene implicated in melanoma metastasis. We conclude that TSP‐1 cooperates with FGF‐2 and VEGF/VEGFR‐1 in determining melanoma invasion and metastasis, as part of a Slug‐independent motility program.
Local and Global Reference Stress for Circumferential Irregular-Shaped Defects in Pipes
Authors: Orynyak Igor , Ageiev Sergii , Radchenko Sergii
Published: September 2014

Numerical procedures for calculation of reference stresses for pipelines with circumferential defects, based on simulation of global and local ultimate plastic states, are proposed. There are some peculiarities of proposed procedures. First, the schematic analysis of the deformation process of pipe with surface defects is suggested, based on which two critical cases have been specified: Global (the net-section-collapse (NSC) criterion) and local, which are applicable for a very wide surface defect and for a sharp crack, respectively. The global solution also describes behavior of through-wall defects. Second, within the framework of the available NSC criterion the unified algorithm for determination of reference stresses (global solution) for irregular-shaped circumferential defects under multifactor loading (internal pressure, axial force, bending moment) is proposed. Third, according to the local modeling, the restricted capability to resist plastic deformations is takes into account by inserting of artificial symmetrical defect. The unified procedure for calculation of reference stresses (local solution) for pipe with irregular-shaped circumferential defects under multifactor loading is developed. Finally, the results obtained from the proposed solutions are compared with the ones from full-scale burst tests.
Oxide-based chromogenic coatings and devices for energy efficient fenestration: Brief survey and update on thermochromics and electrochromics
Authors: Granqvist Claes G.
Published: September 2014

Modern buildings often have large windows and glass facades in order to achieve good day-lighting and desirable indoors–outdoors contact. These glazings are challenging with regard to the buildings' energy efficiency and frequently let in or out too much energy; this phenomenon has to be balanced by energy guzzling cooling or heating. In particular, the cooling requirement has grown strongly in recent years. Chromogenic glazings, based on thermochromism or electrochromism, are emerging technologies that can regulate the inflow of visible light and solar energy between widely separated limits and create better energy efficiency than is possible with static solutions. Thermochromic thin films—in practice based on vanadium dioxide—have a transmittance of infrared solar radiation that is smaller at high temperature than at low temperature. Electrochromic multilayer structures—often incorporating nanoporous thin films of tungsten oxide and nickel oxide—are able to vary the transmittance of visible light and solar energy when a low voltage is applied for a short time so as to shuttle charge between the two oxide films. Furthermore, and importantly, the new chromogenic fenestration technologies are able to improve indoor comfort. This brief tutorial review surveys the fields of oxide-based thermochromics and electrochromics with particular attention to recent advances.
Coverage‐based treatment planning to accommodate deformable organ variations in prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Xu Huijun , Vile Douglas J. , Sharma Manju , Gordon J. James , Siebers Jeffrey V.
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

To compare two coverage‐based planning (CP) techniques with standard fixed margin‐based planning (FM), considering the dosimetric impact of interfraction deformable organ motion exclusively for high‐risk prostate treatments.

Methods:

Nineteen prostate cancer patients with 8–13 prostate CT images of each patient were used to model patient‐specific interfraction deformable organ changes. The model was based on the principal component analysis (PCA) method and was used to predict the patient geometries for virtual treatment course simulation. For each patient, an IMRT plan using zero margin on target structures, prostate (CTVprostate) and seminal vesicles (CTVSV), were created, then evaluated by simulating 1000 30‐fraction virtual treatment courses. Each fraction was prostate centroid aligned. Patients whose D98 failed to achieve 95% coverage probability objective D98,95 ≥ 78 Gy (CTVprostate) or D98,95 ≥ 66 Gy (CTVSV) were replanned using planning techniques: (1) FM (PTVprostate = CTVprostate + 5 mm, PTVSV = CTVSV + 8 mm), (2) CPOM which optimized uniform PTV margins for CTVprostate and CTVSV to meet the coverage probability objective, and (3) CPCOP which directly optimized coverage probability objectives for all structures of interest. These plans were intercompared by computing probabilistic metrics, including 5% and 95% percentile DVHs (pDVH) and TCP/NTCP distributions.

Results:

All patients were replanned using FM and two CP techniques. The selected margins used in FM failed to ensure target coverage for 8/19 patients. Twelve CPOM plans and seven CPCOP plans were favored over the other plans by achieving desirable D98,95 while sparing more normal tissues.

Conclusions:

Coverage‐based treatment planning techniques can produce better plans than FM, while relative advantages of CPOM and CPCOP are patient‐specific.
Asymptotic solution for the problem of sound propagation in a sea with an underwater canyon
Authors: Petrov Pavel S. , Petrova Tatyana N.
Published: September 2014

The problem of the sound propagation in shallow-water waveguide with a seabottom featuring canyon-type inhomogeneity of a specific form is considered. The sound pressure in such waveguide is represented in a form of modal expansion and the equations for modal coefficients are derived. In case of a single-mode adiabatic propagation, it is possible to neglect the mode interaction and omit the coupling terms in these equations. The uncoupled equation for the mode amplitude admits an explicit analytical solution via the separation of variables.
Implementing Pasteur's vision for rabies elimination
Authors: Lankester Felix , Hampson Katie , Lembo Tiziana , Palmer Guy , Taylor Louise , Cleaveland Sarah
Published: September 2014

Human and veterinary health systems must be better integrated if rabies is to be controlled