bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Ellipticine
Authors: Calabrò Salvatrice , Alzoubi Kousi , Bissinger Rosi , Faggio Caterina , Lang Florian
Published: November 2014

Ellipticine is a potent antineoplastic alkaloid effective in part by triggering apoptosis. Mechanisms involved in ellipticine‐induced apoptosis include mitochondrial depolarization and DNA damage. Erythrocytes lack mitochondria and nuclei but may nevertheless enter suicidal death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell shrinkage and phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), ceramide formation and oxidative stress. This study tested whether ellipticine stimulates eryptosis. Phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated from annexin V binding, cell volume from forward scatter (FSC), [Ca2+]i from Fluo‐3 fluorescence, ceramide abundance from binding of specific antibodies and reactive oxygen species from 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence. A 24‐hr exposure of human erythrocytes to ellipticine (5 μg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin V binding cells, ceramide abundance and oxidative stress. Ellipticine did not significantly modify [Ca2+]i, and the stimulation of annexin V binding by ellipticine (5 μg/ml) did not require the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Ellipticine (5 μg/ml) did not significantly modify FSC. Ionomycin (1 μM, 1 hr) decreased FSC, an effect slightly but significantly blunted by ellipticine (5 μg/ml). Ellipticine thus stimulates phosphatidylserine translocation in the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect at least partially due to stimulation of oxidative stress and ceramide formation.
Ethical Study on the Reform and Development of Medical and Health Services in China
Authors: Yang Tong‐wei , Li En‐chang
Published: November 2014

At an early stage of its foundation, new China became clear about the nature of public welfare and quickly developed medical and health services, which was well received by the World Health Organization. The marketization and the reduction of input into medical and health services from the 1980s created severe adverse consequences. After the SARS' outbreak in 2003, China started to give serious consideration to its medical and health system, and to work at developing medical and health services. The new healthcare reform launched in 2009 re‐emphasizes fairness and public welfare, and China's achievements have been remarkable. Of course, there are still many problems to be solved in the reform, which also paves the way for increasing the reform in future.
Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney: a detailed study of radiological, pathological and clinical outcomes
Authors: Kenney Patrick A. , Vikram Raghunandan , Prasad Srinivasa R. , Tamboli Pheroze , Matin Surena F. , Wood Christopher G. , Karam Jose A.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To characterise the clinical, radiological and histological features of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC), as well as oncological outcomes.

Patients and methods

This is a single institution retrospective analysis of all patients withMTSCCfrom 2002 to 2011. Patients were excluded ifMTSCCcould not be confirmed on pathology re‐review (four patients). Clinical characteristics, pathology, imaging, and outcomes were reviewed for the 19 included patients.

Results

The median (range) age at diagnosis was 59 (17–71) years with a female predominance (78.9%). On contrast‐enhanced computed tomography,MTSCCenhanced less than the cortex during the corticomedullary phase. The mean (range) tumour attenuation was 36 (24–48), 67 (41–133), 89 (49–152), and 76 (52–106) Hounsfield units in the pre‐contrast, corticomedullary, nephrographic and excretory phases, respectively. In all, 16 patients were treated with partial (five patients) or radical nephrectomy (11) forpT1 (62.5%),pT2 (31.3%), andpT3a disease (6.3%). One patient underwent active surveillance. Of three patients (13.0%) managed with energy ablation, there was one recurrence that was treated with salvage surgery. One patient (5.3%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis and died from disease 64.7 months later. A patient with apT2bN0M0MTSCCwith sarcomatoid dedifferentiation developed bone metastases 9.5 months after diagnosis and was alive at 19.0 months. The remainder were free of recurrence or progression.

Conclusion

MTSCCis a rare renal cell carcinoma (RCC) variant. In this largest series to date,MTSCCpresented at a broad range of ages and displayed a female predilection. Imaging and pathological features ofMTSCCdisplay some overlap with papillaryRCC.MTSCCis associated with excellent outcomes overall, but is not universally indolent.
Swedish National Penile Cancer Register: incidence, tumour characteristics, management and survival
Authors: Kirrander Peter , Sherif Amir , Friedrich Bengt , Lambe Mats , Håkansson Ulf ,   the Steering Committee of the Swedish National Penile Cancer Register
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To assess penile cancer incidence, stage distribution, adherence to guidelines and prognostic factors in a population‐based setting.

Patients and Methods

The population‐based Swedish National Penile Cancer Register (NPECR) contains detailed information on tumour characteristics and management patterns. A total of 1 678 men with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the penis identified in the NPECR between 2000 and 2012 were included in the study.

Results

The mean age‐adjusted incidence of penile cancer was 2.1/100 000 men, remaining virtually unchanged during the study period. At diagnosis, 14 and 2% of the men had clinical N+ and M+ disease, respectively. Most men were staged pTis (34%), pT2 (19%), or pT1 (18%), while stage information was unavailable for 18% of the men. Organ‐preserving treatment was used in 71% of Tis–T1 tumours. Of men with cN0 and ≥pT1G2 disease, 50% underwent lymph node staging, while 74% of men with cN1–3 disease underwent lymph node dissection. The overall 5‐year relative survival rate was 82%. Men aged ≥40 years and those with pT2–3, G2–3 and N+ tumours had worse outcomes.

Conclusions

The incidence of penile cancer in Sweden is stable. Most men presented with localized disease, and the proportion of non‐invasive tumours was high. During the period under study, adherence to guidelines was suboptimum. The overall 5‐year relative survival rate was 82%. Older age, increasing tumour stage and grade, and increasing lymph node stage were associated with poorer survival.
Maternal diet and its influence on the development of allergic disease
Authors: Miles E. A. , Calder P. C.
Published: November 2014

The early presentation of childhood allergies and the rise in their prevalence suggest that changes in early‐life exposures may increase the predisposition. Very early‐life exposures may act upon the developing foetal immune system and include infection, environmental tobacco smoke, other pollutants and nutrients provided via the mother. Three nutrients have come under close scrutiny: vitamin D, omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and folate (or the synthetic form, folic acid). Much of the data on these nutrients are observational although some randomised, placebo‐controlled trials have been conducted with omega 3 PUFAs and one with vitamin D. Some studies with omega 3 PUFA supplements in pregnancy have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects on the neonate and a reduction in risk of early sensitisation to allergens. A few studies with omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements in pregnancy have shown a reduction in proportion of children affected by allergic symptoms (food allergy) or in symptom severity (atopic dermatitis). Observational studies investigating the association of maternal vitamin D intake or maternal or neonatal vitamin D status have been inconsistent. One randomised, controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy did not show any significant effect on allergic outcome in the offspring. Studies investigating the association between maternal folic acid or folate intake or maternal or neonatal folate status and offspring risk of allergic disease have been equivocal. Further evidence is required to clarify whether increased intake of these nutrients during pregnancy influences allergic disease in the offspring. In the light of current evidence, mothers should not either increase or avoid consuming these nutrients to prevent or ameliorate allergic disease in their offspring. However, these essential nutrients each have important roles in foetal development. This is reflected in current government recommendations for intake of these nutrients by pregnant women.
The analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath and biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate in children – clinical tools or scientific toys?
Authors: van Mastrigt E. , de Jongste J. C. , Pijnenburg M. W.
Published: November 2014

Current monitoring strategies for respiratory diseases are mainly based on clinical features, lung function and imaging. As airway inflammation is the hallmark of many respiratory diseases in childhood, noninvasive methods to assess the presence and severity of airway inflammation might be helpful in both diagnosing and monitoring paediatric respiratory diseases. At present, the measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide is the only noninvasive method available to assess eosinophilic airway inflammation in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate whether the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath (EB) and biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is helpful in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory diseases in children. An extensive literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase and PubMed on the analysis and applications of VOCs in EB and EBC in children. We retrieved 1165 papers, of which nine contained original data on VOCs in EB and 84 on biomarkers in EBC. These were included in this review. We give an overview of the clinical applications in childhood and summarize the methodological issues. Several VOCs in EB and biomarkers in EBC have the potential to distinguish patients from healthy controls and to monitor treatment responses. Lack of standardization of collection methods and analysis techniques hampers the introduction in clinical practice. The measurement of metabolomic profiles may have important advantages over detecting single markers. There is a lack of longitudinal studies and external validation to reveal whether EB and EBC analysis have added value in the diagnostic process and follow‐up of children with respiratory diseases. In conclusion, the use of VOCs in EB and biomarkers in EBC as markers of inflammatory airway diseases in children is still a research tool and not validated for clinical use.
Clinical and diagnostic features of perioperative hypersensitivity to cefuroxime
Authors: Christiansen I. S. , Krøigaard M. , Mosbech H. , Skov P. S. , Poulsen L. K. , Garvey L. H.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The Danish Anaesthesia Allergy Centre (DAAC) investigated 89 adult patients with suspected perioperative cefuroxime‐associated hypersensitivity reactions between 2004 and 2013. The goals were to determine whether the time to index reaction after cefuroxime exposure could be used to implicate cefuroxime as the cause of the reactions and explore different test modalities in diagnosing cefuroxime hypersensitivity.

Method

Skin tests,in vitrotests, and titrated provocations were used to determine cefuroxime hypersensitivity. Patients were deemed cefuroxime positive on the basis of at least two positive tests and/or a positive provocation.

Results

One or more tests were positive for cefuroxime in 24 of 89 (27.0%) patients. One was only specific IgE positive and was deemed cefuroxime negative. Twenty‐three (25.8%) were deemed cefuroxime positive. There were four specific IgE‐, 4 histamine release test‐, 13 skin test‐, and 14 provocation positive patients. There were eight (34.8%) patients who were only provocation positive. Data on time to index reaction after cefuroxime exposure were available for 80 patients (22 in the positive group and 58 in the negative group), 22 of 22 (100%) of positive patients reacted in <15 min vs. only 38 of 58 (65.5%) of negative patients.

Conclusion

All patients with confirmed hypersensitivity to cefuroxime reacted within 15 min of administration, but so did 65.5% of Cefuroxime negative patients, making timing of administration an unreliable predictor of causation in the perioperative setting. Provocations were always positive when carried out in skin test positive patients; however, eight patients had positive provocations only, highlighting the need for provocation in skin test negative patients.
Reduced content of chloroatranol and atranol in oak moss absolute significantly reduces the elicitation potential of this fragrance material
Authors: Andersen Flemming , Andersen Kirsten H. , Bernois Armand , Brault Christophe , Bruze Magnus , Eudes Hervé , Gadras Catherine , Signoret Anne‐Cécile J. , Mose Kristian F. , Müller Boris P. , Toulemonde Bernard , Andersen Klaus Ejner
Published: November 2014

Background

Oak moss absolute, an extract from the lichen Evernia prunastri, is a valued perfume ingredient but contains extreme allergens.

Objectives

To compare the elicitation properties of two preparations of oak moss absolute: ‘classic oak moss’, the historically used preparation, and ‘new oak moss’, with reduced contents of the major allergens atranol and chloroatranol.

Patients/materials/methods

The two preparations were compared in randomized double‐blinded repeated open application tests and serial dilution patch tests in 30 oak moss‐sensitive volunteers and 30 non‐allergic control subjects.

Results

In both test models, new oak moss elicited significantly less allergic contact dermatitis in oak moss‐sensitive subjects than classic oak moss. The control subjects did not react to either of the preparations.

Conclusions

New oak moss is still a fragrance allergen, but elicits less allergic contact dermatitis in previously oak moss‐sensitized individuals, suggesting that new oak moss is less allergenic to non‐sensitized individuals.
The efficacy and safety of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in preventing the recurrence of colorectal adenoma: a meta‐analysis and systematic review of randomized trials
Authors: Wang Y. , Zhang F.‐C. , Wang Y.‐J.
Published: November 2014

Aim

We report a meta‐analysis and systematic review of randomized trials assessing the impact of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in preventing recurrence of colorectal adenoma.

Method

PubMed/Medicine, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for relevant randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trials published before March 2014. Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. stata software was used to investigate heterogeneity between studies, and analysis was performed using a fixed‐effects model to calculate and merge data.

Results

Nine studies, with 8521 subjects, were included. Results were categorized by the duration of follow‐up. The relative risks of any recurrence of adenoma in patients receiving NSAIDs compared with the placebo group were 0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.73, P = 0.001] for patients with a 1‐year follow‐up, 0.75 (95% CI 0.68–0.83, P = 0.246) with 3 years and 1.43 (95% CI 1.14–1.79, P = 0.127) with follow‐up of over 3 years. Using pooled risk ratios, NSAIDs were associated with a significant decrease in adenoma recurrence at 1 and 3 years, although this association was lost beyond 3 years of follow‐up. For secondary prevention of advanced adenomas, the pooled risk ratios (compared with placebo) were 0.51 (95% CI 0.43–0.60, P = 0.026) after 1 year, 0.61 (95% CI 0.50–0.76, P = 0.887) at 3 years and 1.39 (95% CI 0.89–2.16, P = 0.829) after 3 years.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis indicated that oral NSAIDs may be effective in the early prevention of secondary occurrence of adenomas.
Robin Room and cannabis policy: Dangerous comparisons
Authors: Hall Wayne
Published: November 2014

This paper describes Robin Room's contribution to cannabis policy debates over the period 1993–2010. It focuses on a controversy that erupted over a review that Room and the author undertook for the World Health Organization in the mid‐1990s on the comparative harms of cannabis, alcohol, opiates and tobacco. It also briefly describes Room's recent work on global cannabis policy and ends with a brief appreciation of the character of his scholarly contributions to this field. [Hall W. Robin Room and cannabis policy: Dangerous comparisons. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014]
Impact of tubulointerstitial lesions on anaemia in patients with biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Mise K. , Hoshino J. , Ueno T. , Imafuku A. , Kawada M. , Sumida K. , Hiramatsu R. , Hasegawa E. , Yamanouchi M. , Hayami N. , Suwabe T. , Sawa N. , Fujii T. , Hara S. , Ohashi K. , Takaichi K. , Ubara Y.
Published: November 2014

Aims

To investigate the relationship between the progression of anaemia and renal pathological findings in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

A total of 223 patients with diabetes underwent renal biopsy from 1985 to 2010 and were confirmed to have pure diabetic nephropathy according to the recent classification, of whom 113 (baseline haemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dl) were enrolled in the study. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the changes in haemoglobin levels during the follow‐up period.

Results

In a multivariate model adjusted for clinical and histopathological variables, higher interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores were more strongly associated with a decrease in haemoglobin levels than were lower scores. Compared with an interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy score of 0, the standardized coefficients for interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores of 1, 2 and 3 were 0.20 (95% CI −0.31 to 0.93), 0.34 (95% CI −0.22 to 1.34) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.07 to 1.96), respectively, whereas a higher glomerular class, a higher vascular lesion score and the presence of exudative lesions were not strongly correlated with the decrease in haemoglobin.

Conclusions

Tubulointerstitial lesions that are more advanced are significantly associated with the progression of anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy after adjustment for numerous covariates. This finding suggests that tubulointerstitial lesions may be a useful prognostic indicator for anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and that decreased erythropoietin production attributable to the progression of tubulointerstitial lesions is a major cause of anaemia in these patients.
Regional Blocks and Imperial Legacies: Mapping the Global Offshore FDI Network
Authors: Haberly Daniel , Wójcik Dariusz
Published: November 2014

While foreign direct investment (FDI) is generally assumed to represent long‐term investments within the real economy, approximately 30–50 percent of global FDI is accounted for by networks of offshore shell companies created by corporations and individuals for tax and other purposes. To date, there has been limited systematic research on the global structure of these networks. Here we address this gap by employing principal component analysis to decompose the global bilateral FDI anomaly matrix into its primary constituent subnetworks. We find that the global offshore FDI network is highly globalized, with a centralized core of jurisdictions in Northwest Europe and the Caribbean exercising a largely homogenous worldwide influence. To the extent that the network is internally differentiated, this appears to primarily reflect a historic layering of social and political relationships. We identify four primary offshore FDI subnetworks, bearing the imprint of four key processes and events: European, particularly UK colonialism, the post–WWII hegemonic alliance between the United States and Western Europe, the fall of Soviet communism, and the rise of Chinese capitalism. We also find evidence of qualitative, but not quantitative, variation in offshore FDI based on national rule of law and communist history.
Major metropolis rail system access to dental care for the retired and elderly: a high‐resolution geographic study of Sydney, Australia
Authors: Zainab Uswa‐I , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: November 2014

Objective

This study examined the spatial accessibility of the Sydney Dental Hospital, to the people of metropolitan Sydney, using a geographic information systems approach.

Background

Sydney, Australia's largest city and the state capital of New South Wales, has 4.6 million people, with one‐fifth of the Australian population (4.6 million people). Public dental services exist, but accessibility is limited to some specific population groups, who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Methods

All adults (those older than 15 years) were included in the study, and two subsets of this population, retirees (older than 65 years) and elderly (older than 85 years), were also examined according to their proximity to the Sydney Dental Hospital, which is located immediately adjacent to the central train station. Census data (population data) and train station geo‐coding data were integrated with high‐resolution geographic information systems to analyse population spatial accessibility.

Results

Irrespective of the socioeconomic status, it was found that 43% of all the adults, 42.5% of the retirees and 41.6% of elders lived 2 km away from the nearest train station. Two‐thirds of those in lower socioeconomic status lived within 2 km of a train station, whilst half of those in the higher socioeconomic status groups lived within 2 km from a train station.

Conclusion

Metropolitan Sydney is an example of good urban planning where train stations are appropriately placed in high population density and low socioeconomic areas. The same should be investigated in other major metropolises, especially those still in growth and planning transportation systems.
Trigger Factors and Premonitory Features of Migraine Attacks: Summary of Studies
Authors: Pavlovic Jelena M. , Buse Dawn C. , Sollars C. Mark , Haut Sheryl , Lipton Richard B.
Published: November 2014

Objective

In this second of a 2‐part series, we review the available literature on trigger factors and premonitory features in migraine.

Background

In the absence of biological markers of preceding attacks of migraine, trigger factors and premonitory symptoms are valuable though methodologically challenging phenomena to study.

Design/Methods

We focus on selected studies of retrospective surveys, diary studies, and clinical trials. We review the heterogeneity of selected studies and their conclusions performed to date and highlight that prospective electronic diary studies provide most reliable information that can be used for future development of preemptive therapy.

Conclusion

We conclude that trigger factors and premonitory symptoms are very common, but that the frequency estimates vary widely based on the study approach and population. We recommend that multimodal approaches are necessary for the comprehensive study of predictive biophenotypes as determined by triggers and premonitory symptoms, including retrospective and prospective cohort studies and case‐crossover studies.
The Evolution and Geographic Distribution of Headache Medicine Fellowship Programs and Graduates: An Observational Study
Authors: Rizzoli Paul , Weizenbaum Emma , Loder Thomas , Friedman Deborah , Loder Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Objectives

We sought to assess the experiences, growth, and distribution of accredited headache medicine fellowships since accreditation began in 2007, and to examine the number and current practice locations of fellows graduated from those programs.

Background

There are no data on the distribution of headache fellowship programs and their graduates throughout the United States.

Methods

We surveyed directors of Headache Medicine fellowship programs accredited by the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties as of April 1, 2014. We recorded the geographic locations of accredited programs and fellowship graduates and determined their distribution in relation to the overall and selected minority populations of US census divisions, regions, and states.

Results

In early 2014, there were 25 accredited Headache Medicine fellowship programs in the United States. Thirty‐two (63%) US states lack a headache fellowship program and 24 (47%) do not have a practicing United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties fellowship graduate. Fifty‐two of 96 fellows (54%) entered practice in the same state where they did their training. The northeastern United States has the best ratio of fellowship programs and graduates to population (0.28 and 0.35 per million inhabitants) and land area (6.38 and 8 per 100,000 square miles). The Pacific Northwest has the worst (0.05 and 0.02 fellowship programs and graduates per million inhabitants and 2.3 and 1.1 per 100,000 square miles). Fifty‐five percent of the US Hispanic population lives in areas of the country with only 32% of practicing certified headache specialists, 28% of accredited fellowship programs, and which have attracted only 27% of fellowship graduates. Thirty‐three percent of the US black population lives in areas with just 8% of fellowship programs and 27% of fellowship graduates. Fellowship directors report that funding for fellowship positions is an important challenge.

Conclusions

The number of fellowship programs has increased dramatically since 2007, but their geographic distribution is uneven and so are the subsequent practice locations of fellow graduates. At present, the distribution of training programs and headache specialists is not well matched to the US population as a whole or to the location of important racial and ethnic minorities. Increasing the overall supply of headache specialists is important, but geographic inequalities in specialist distribution must also be addressed or disparities will increase.
Loss of ARID1A expression is associated with poor prognosis in small intestinal carcinoma
Authors: Kim Min Jong , Gu Mi Jin , Chang Hee‐Kyung , Yu Eunsil
Published: November 2014

Aims

To investigate AT‐rich interactive domain‐containing protein 1A (ARID1A) and p53 expression in small intestinal carcinoma (SIC) and to determine its prognostic significance.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemical staining for ARID1A and p53 was performed in 178 SICs using a tissue microarray (TMA). Loss of or low ARID1A expression was observed in 36 (20.2%) and 60 (33.7%) of cases, respectively. Aberrant p53 expression was observed in 99 (55.6%) cases. Loss of or low ARID1A expression was found to be associated with signet ring cell carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma, a high‐grade tumour, and a higher T stage. No relationship was found between aberrant p53 expression and clinicopathological factors or overall survival. Patients with loss of ARID1A expression, irrespective of p53 expressional status, showed significantly poorer overall survival than those expressing ARID1A. Multiple regression analysis revealed that grade and pT stage were associated significantly with ARID1A loss, and multivariate analysis showed that patients with high ARID1A expression had a lower risk of death than those with loss of ARID1A expression.

Conclusions

Low or loss of ARID1A expression is correlated significantly with a high‐grade tumour, higher T stage, and poorer overall survival. These findings suggest that ARID1A expression could be used as a prognostic marker in SIC.
Cast Stone Formulation for Nuclear Waste Immobilization at Higher Sodium Concentrations
Authors: Fox Kevin , Cozzi Alex , Roberts Kimberly , Edwards Thomas
Published: November 2014

Low activity radioactive waste at U.S. Department of Energy sites can be immobilized for permanent disposal using cementitious waste forms. This study evaluated waste forms produced with simulated wastes at concentrations up to twice that of currently operating processes. The simulated materials were evaluated for their fresh properties, which determine processability, and cured properties, which determine waste form performance. The results show potential for greatly reducing the volume of material. Fresh properties were sufficient to allow for processing via current practices. Cured properties such as compressive strength meet disposal requirements. Leachability indices provide an indication of expected long‐term performance.
Synthesis of Single‐Phase β‐Yb2Si2O7 and Properties of Its Sintered Bulk
Authors: Wang Shu‐Bin , Lu Yan‐Ru , Chen Yan‐Xia
Published: November 2014

Single‐phase β‐Yb2Si2O7 was synthesized by solid‐state reaction using Yb2O3 and SiO2 gel. SiO2 gel significantly decreased the synthesis temperature and shortened the holding time. Bulk Yb2Si2O7 was obtained by pressureless sintering. Grain size, relative density (92.9%), and flexural strength [(182.3 ± 2.0) MPa] were enhanced as the sintering temperature increased and equiaxed grains were obtained with an average grain size of approximately 3 μm. Bulk Yb2Si2O7 possessed a suitable thermal expansion coefficient [(4.64 ± 0.01) × 10−6/K] between 473 and 1573 K, and the thermal conductivities at 300 and 1400 K were 4.31 and 2.27 W/m·K, respectively.
Exploring the meaning of recovery‐oriented care: An action‐research study
Authors: Kidd Susan , Kenny Amanda , McKinstry Carol
Published: November 2014

The present study describes participants' perspectives of the meaning of recovery‐oriented care in developing services for people with psychosocial disability associated with mental illness. Participants were involved in a 12‐month cooperative inquiry action‐research group from August 2012 to July 2013, with six consumers, four clinicians, and a carer. A major finding was the importance of the facilitation of dialogue that acknowledged the asymmetrical power differences between participants. Thematically‐analysed data identified an overarching global theme: ‘I want services to hear me’. The theme reflected a shared view that participation is important in service development. Actions included mapping the integration of consumer participation within a mental health service and developing workshops to support change. Addressing the asymmetrical power relationship inherent in traditional mental health design is important. Using participatory processes, structural discrimination is revealed, and tensions associated with clinical mental health services and psychiatric practice can be discussed. A partnership approach to service development enables the social determinants of health to be addressed more effectively, as well as supporting individual recovery. These approaches create the potential for genuine transformational change. Approaches that support coproduction and codesign have the potential to enable solutions.
Segmentation, crest prespecification and the control of facial form
Authors: Hunt Paul , Clarke Jonathan D. W. , Buxton Paul , Ferretti Patrizia , Thorogood Peter
Published: November 2014

The early development of the vertebrate head is dependent on the formation of two series of segmented structures, the rhombomeres of the hindbrain and the branchial arch series. The initial formation of these two systems is closely linked, as the principal source of branchial arch mesenchyme is the neural crest, which derives from the lateral edge of the neural plate at the time of rhombomere formation. The subsequent development of the two systems maintains a close level of integration, as specific spatial relationships between skeletal, muscle and neural elements arising from the same axial level are established. Given the level of conservation of these anatomical relationships in vertebrates, it is likely that they are a reflection of a key mechanism in early facial and pharyngeal development. One model, in part based on these findings, proposed that the neural crest acquires an axial‐level specific combination of gene expression while part of the neural plate. This prepattern is then maintained throughout the crest's subsequent development. In the model, this combination of gene expression would then specify the form of the facial and pharyngeal structures that the crest would give rise to. In this review we evaluate recent evidence on whether early facial development involves a crest prespecification of this type, and conclude that it is not the case.
Refined mapping of the human dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene within the critical dentinogenesis imperfecta type II and dentin dysplasia type II loci
Authors: MacDougall Mary
Published: November 2014

Dentinogenesis imperfecta type II and dentin dysplasia type II are diseases resulting in abnormal dentin formation, which have been mapped to overlapping regions of human chromosome 4q defined by markers D4S2691 and D4S2692 (6.6 cM) and D4S3291 and SPP1 (14.1 cM), respectively. Recently, two of the major non‐collagenous proteins of dentin, dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP, phosphophoryn) have been shown to be encoded by a single gene, termed dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), which has been mapped to human chromosome 4. The purpose of this study was to perform refined mapping of DSPP related to these disease loci by gene content mapping, as well as to place the DSPP gene on the physical map of human chromosome 4 by sequence tagged site (STS) content mapping. Human genomic DSPP clones were isolated, and gene content mapping performed with specific primers for dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (secreted phosphoprotein 1, SPP1). STS content mapping was then performed with flanking STS markers to these dentin/bone gene loci. Our results demonstrate that the DSPP and DMP1 genes are within a maximum distance of 110 kb. Both DSPP and DMP‐1 have been placed on the physical map of human chromosome 4 within the interval defined by markers D4S564 and D4S1292. DSPP is thereby strengthened as a candidate gene for both DGI‐II and DD‐II.
Conformation of dentin phosphophoryn adsorbed on hydroxyapatite crystals
Authors: Fujisawa Ryuichi , Kuboki Yoshinori
Published: November 2014

Phosphophoryn, the major noncollagenous protein of dentin, was adsorbed on synthetic hydroxyapatite crystals and analyzed by high‐resolution solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Binding of the protein was inhibited by acidic polypeptides, especially by a phosphorylated peptide. After phosphophoryn was incubated with the crystals, the crystals were collected and analyzed by 13C‐cross‐polarization magic‐angle‐spinning NMR. Several signals could be assigned to carbons of aspartic acids, taking advantage of the unique amino acid composition of this protein. Chemical shifts of signals of aspartic acids are known to reflect secondary structure of the polypeptide. The chemical shifts obtained from the phosphophoryn indicate that the secondary structure of this protein on the crystal was near to a β‐sheet structure. This result is consistent with the result for poly(Asp) adsorbed on the crystals. The β‐sheet‐like structure enables phosphophoryn to extend on the crystal surface and to cover the surface with only a small number of the molecules, resulting in the high inhibitory effect of this protein on crystal growth.
Comparative analysis of mouse DSP and DPP expression in odontoblasts, preameloblasts, and experimentally induced odontoblast‐like cells
Authors: Bègue‐Kirn Catherine , Ruch Jean‐Victor , Ridall Amy L. , Butler William T.
Published: November 2014

Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoproteins (DPP) are uniquely expressed by differentiating and fully differentiated mature odontoblasts. It is likely that DSP and DPP actively participate in the conversion of predentin to dentin. To compare the expression patterns of DPP and DSP, we constructed mouse cDNA probes. Northern analyses confirmed their specific expressions in tooth germ‐derived RNA and showed that the probes reacted with similar or identical multiple transcripts. In situ hybridization indicated that DSP and DPP transcripts were uniquely detected and codistributed in developing mouse odontoblasts and preameloblasts. These data, as well as the adjacent positioning of the DSP and DPP coding sequences, suggest that common regulatory mechanisms control DSP and DPP expressions. Dental papillae cultures, in which odontoblast differentiation was experimentally induced with TGFβ1 combined with heparin, were used to show that the two molecules are also coexpressed under in vitro conditions.
The developing enamel matrix: nature and function
Authors: Robinson Colin , Brookes Steven J. , Shore Roger C. , Kirkham Jennifer
Published: November 2014

The hydroxyapatite crystals of mature enamel are unusually large, uniform and regularly disposed within the tissue, implying that their development is a highly controlled process. The organic matrix of developing enamel is presumed to play an important role in the modulation of mineral deposition and growth during tooth morphogenesis but the precise functions of individual matrix proteins remain unclear. The aim of this review was to survey the current knowledge of enamel matrix proteins with a view to suggesting possible functions. The organic matrix is highly heterogeneous, comprising proteins derived from a number of different genes, including amelogenin, enamelin, ameloblastin (amelin/sheathlin), tuftelin, dentine sialophosphoprotein, enzymes and serum proteins such as albumin. Each of these classes appears to undergo post‐secretory sequential degradation which contributes further towards matrix heterogeneity. Possible functions of these proteins include de novo mineral nucleation/initiation (dentine sialophosphoprotein, tuftelin), mineral ion binding as crystal precursors (amelogenin, enamelin), control of crystal growth (amelogenin, enamelin, ameloblastin), support of growing crystals (amelogenin, enamelin), determination of prismatic structure (ameloblastin), cell signalling (tuftelin, ameloblastin), control of secretion (breakdown products) and protection of the mineral phase (amelogenin, enamelin). Failure of these mechanisms could lead to incomplete maturation of the enamel and the eruption of dysplastic tissue.
Evolutionary origins of the vertebrate dentition: phylogenetic patterns and developmental evolution
Authors: Smith Moya M. , Coates Michael I.
Published: November 2014

The theory that teeth evolved from dermal denticles linked with the origin of jaws no longer accounts for the diversity of new data emerging from the fossil record. We have reviewed oropharyngeal dental patterns in all fossil groups of early vertebrates to establish the primitive condition, in order to understand the polarity of change. The evolutionary precedence of dermal denticles before teeth now seems less likely; both may be alternative manifestations of a common morphogenetic system. This developmental system involves regulatory changes affecting the odontode, a fundamental exoskelctal unit, and can explain skeletal diversity. However, tooth and denticle differences may have diverged at loci deep within vertebrate phylogeny, as real differences exist between them. Teeth were conceived as evolving from non‐growing odontodes with regulation of precise increase in size, position, sequence of time of development, and polarity of shape. A characteristic feature of teeth is the ability to replace from a developing sequence, programmed with these parameters, prior to demand. Tooth whorls, a feature of denticles in the oropharyngeal region, may be regarded as a preadaptation of this tooth replacement mechanism. The new fossil evidence suggests that teeth may have evolved from these more specialised oropharyngeal denticles in agnathan vertebrates.
A randomized investigator‐blind parallel‐group study to assess efficacy and safety of azelaic acid 15% gel vs. adapalene 0.1% gel in the treatment and maintenance treatment of female adult acne
Authors: Thielitz A. , Lux A. , Wiede A. , Kropf S. , Papakonstantinou E. , Gollnick H.
Published: November 2014

Background

Growing numbers of post‐adolescent females are suffering from treatment‐resistant or relapsing adult acne forms, therefore requiring the definition of safe and effective treatment options for this burdening disease.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of azelaic acid 15% gel (AzA) vs. no treatment during maintenance therapy of female adult acne and to compare its efficacy and safety vs. adapalene 0.1% gel (AD) during a 9‐month period (3‐month treatment and 6‐month maintenance treatment).

Methods

A total of 55 women between 18 and 45 years with adult acne were included in this investigator‐blind trial and randomized into three groups receiving AzA gel b.i.d. for 9 months (AzA9M, n = 17) or AzA gel b.i.d. for 3 months followed by a 6‐month observational phase (AzA3M, n = 19) or AD gel once daily for 9 months (AD9M, n = 19). Parameters of efficacy, safety and patient‐related factors were analysed.

Results

The reduction in lesion counts, severity and Dermatology Life Quality Index score was significant (P < 0.05) and comparable between groups during the treatment phase, while dryness and scaling were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in group AzA9M vs. AD9M. During maintenance, AzA9M was superior to AzA3M in the control of inflammatory lesions (P = 0.008) and total lesions (P = 0.014) at week 24. From week 12 to week 36, a mild relative increase in inflammatory lesions could be observed in all groups. In AzA3M, this increase exceeded that of AzA9M by 23.1% (P = 0.109), while the difference of total lesions diverged to 30.8% (P = 0.038). No significant differences could be detected between AzA9M and AD9M. Group AzA9M was non‐inferior to AD9M (non‐inferiority margin of 50% for the confidence limit for the relative effect) in the control of inflammatory acne lesions.

Conclusions

AzA15% gel is a safe and effective treatment and maintenance treatment of female adult acne with non‐inferior efficacy to AD 0.1% gel in the control of inflammatory acne.
Sperm competition generates evolution of increased paternal investment in a sex role‐reversed seed beetle
Authors: Booksmythe I. , Fritzsche K. , Arnqvist G.
Published: November 2014

When males provide females with resources at mating, they can become the limiting sex in reproduction, in extreme cases leading to the reversal of typical courtship roles. The evolution of male provisioning is thought to be driven by male reproductive competition and selection for female fecundity enhancement. We used experimental evolution under male‐ or female‐biased sex ratios and limited or unlimited food regimes to investigate the relative roles of these routes to male provisioning in a sex role‐reversed beetle, Megabruchidius tonkineus, where males provide females with nutritious ejaculates. Males evolving under male‐biased sex ratios transferred larger ejaculates than did males from female‐biased populations, demonstrating a sizeable role for reproductive competition in the evolution of male provisioning. Although larger ejaculates elevated female lifetime offspring production, we found little evidence of selection for larger ejaculates via fecundity enhancement: males evolving under resource‐limited and unlimited conditions did not differ in mean ejaculate size. Resource limitation did, however, affect the evolution of conditional ejaculate allocation. Our results suggest that the resource provisioning that underpins sex role reversal in this system is the result of male–male reproductive competition rather than of direct selection for males to enhance female fecundity.
Revision of Strombidium paracalkinsi (Ciliophora: Oligotrichea: Oligotrichia), with Comparison of Strombidiids Bearing Thigmotactic Membranelles
Authors: Lee Eun Sun , Kim Young‐Ok , Agatha Sabine , Jung Jae‐Ho , Xu Dapeng , Shin Mann Kyoon
Published: November 2014

This study analyses the morphological characters of Strombidium paracalkinsi, a species bearing thigmotactic membranelles, collected from Jangmok Bay at the southern coast of Korea. The small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of S. paracalkinsi was sequenced for the first time. By a combination of characters, the thigmotactic membranelles of S. paracalkinsi differ from the thigmotactic membranelles of other strombidiids. They are (1) positioned on dorsal side, (2) contiguous with three membranelles of the adoral zone, but separated by nonciliated portions of the polykinetids, and (3) composed of two rows of kinetids. Except for the thigmotactic membranelles, the morphology of S. paracalkinsi conforms to the diagnosis of the genus Strombidium. Our phylogenetic tree confirms the nonmonophyly of the genus Strombidium. The thigmotactic membranelles are a promising feature for a future split of the genus Strombidium, but require further studies, especially on Strombidium calkinsi Fauré‐Fremiet 1932.
Environmental Footprints and Scenario Analysis for Assessing the Impacts of the Agri‐Food Industry on a Regional Economy: A Case Study in Spain
Authors: Cazcarro Ignacio , Duarte Rosa , Sánchez‐Chóliz Julio , Sarasa Cristina , Serrano Ana
Published: November 2014

The study of the environmental footprints of various sectors and industries is increasingly demanded by institutions and by society. In this context, the regional perspective is becoming particularly important, and even more so in countries such as Spain, where the autonomous communities have the primary responsibility for implementing measures to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable development, in coordination with national strategies. Taking as a case study a Spanish region, Aragon, and significant economic sectors, including agriculture and the food industry, the aim of this work is twofold. First, we calculate the associated environmental footprints (of emissions and water) from the dual perspectives of production (local impacts) and consumption (final destination of the goods produced by the agri‐food industry). Second, through a scenarios analysis, based on a general equilibrium model designed and calibrated specifically for the region, we evaluate the environmental implications of changes in the agri‐food industry (changes in the export and import pattern, as well as in consumer behavior). This model provides a flexible approximation to the environmental impacts, controlling for a wider range of behavioral and economic interactions. Our results indicate that the agri‐food industry has a significant impact on the environment, especially on water resources, which must be responsibly managed in order to maintain the differential advantage that a regional economy can have, compared to other territories.