bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality and Disability Outcomes of Self‐Reported Elder Abuse: A 12‐Year Prospective Investigation
Authors: Schofield Margot J. , Powers Jennifer R. , Loxton Deborah
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To determine whether elder abuse can predict mortality and disability over the ensuing 12 years.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study of women aged 70 to 75 in 1996; survival analysis.

Setting

Australia.

Participants

Twelve thousand sixty‐six women with complete data on elder abuse.

Measurements

Elder abuse was assessed using the 12‐item Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS) subscales: vulnerability, coercion, dependence, and dejection. Outcomes were death and disability (defined as an affirmative response to “Do you regularly need help with daily tasks because of long‐term illness, disability or frailty?”).

Results

In 1996, 8% reported vulnerability, 6% coercion, 18% dependence, and 22% dejection. By October 2008, 3,488 (29%) had died. Mortality was associated with coercion (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.40) and dejection (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03–1.23), after controlling for demographic characteristics, social support, and health behavior but not after adding chronic conditions to the coercion model. Over the 12 years, 2,158 of 11,027 women who had reported no disability in 1996 reported disability. Women who reported vulnerability (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06–1.49) or dejection (HR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.38–1.73) were at greater risk of disability, after controlling for demographic characteristics, social support, and health behavior. The relationship remained significant for dejection when chronic conditions and mental health were included in the model (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.24–1.58).

Conclusion

Specific components of vulnerability to elder abuse were differently associated with rates of disability and mortality over the ensuing 12 years.
Fracture Risk in Nursing Home Residents Initiating Antipsychotic Medications
Authors: Rigler Sally K. , Shireman Theresa I. , Cook‐Wiens Galen J. , Ellerbeck Edward F. , Whittle Jeffrey C. , Mehr David R. , Mahnken Jonathan D.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To determine whether antipsychotic medication initiation is associated with subsequent fracture in nursing home residents, whether fracture rates differ between users of first‐ and second‐generation antipsychotics, and whether fracture rates differ between users of haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine.

Design

Time‐to‐event analyses were conducted in a retrospective cohort using linked Medicaid; Medicare; Minimum Data Set; and Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting data sets.

Setting

Nursing homes in California, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Participants

Nursing home residents aged ≥ 65.

Measurements

Fracture outcomes (any fracture; hip fracture) in users of first‐ and second‐generation anti‐psychotic and specifically users of haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine. Comparisons incorporated propensity scores that included individual‐ (demographic characteristics, comorbidity, diagnoses, weight, fall history, concomitant medications, cognitive performance, physical function, aggressive behavior) and facility‐ (nursing home size, ownership factors, staffing levels) level variables.

Results

Of 8,262 subjects (in 4,131 pairs), 4.3% suffered any fracture during observation, with 1% having a hip fracture during an average follow‐up period of 93 ± 71 days (range 1–293 days). Antipsychotic initiation was associated with any fracture (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.39, P = .004) and hip fracture (HR = 1.76, P = .02). The highest risk was found for hip fracture when antipsychotic use was adjusted for dose (HR = 2.96, P = .008), but no differences in time to fracture were found between first‐ and second‐generation agents or between individual drugs.

Conclusion

Antipsychotic initiation is associated with fracture in nursing home residents, but risk does not differ between commonly used antipsychotics.
Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor in the Brain: Role in Neuroendocrine Control of Energy Metabolism and Treatment Target for Obesity
Authors: Lockie S. H.
Published: April 2013

The central glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 receptor mediates a number of metabolic processes, including feeding, body weight and glucose homeostasis. More recently, roles in energy expenditure and reward pathway modulation have been described. GLP‐1 receptor agonism promotes insulin release and is currently used to treat type 2 diabetes humans, with a common side effect being weight loss. It is likely that many of these metabolic effects are mediated by GLP‐1Rs located in the central nervous system, throughout areas known to be important in control of energy homeostasis. The physiological role of the GLP‐1 receptor signalling in each of these brain nuclei is becoming clearer and the GLP‐1 system appears to act as an integrator of peripheral energy availability and effector of metabolic regulation. This makes it an attractive target for obesity therapies, with excellent pre‐clinical efficacy seen in molecules combining GLP‐1 receptor agonism with glucagon receptor agonism. This review discusses what is known about the functions of the GLP‐1 receptor in the central nervous system, and highlights the ways that this system may be targeted for development of new obesity therapeutics.
Regional changes in vertebra morphology during ontogeny reflect the life history of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)
Authors: Fjelldal Per G. , Totland Geir K. , Hansen Tom , Kryvi Harald , Wang Xiyuan , Søndergaard Jens L. , Grotmol Sindre
Published: April 2013

This study examined vertebra formation, morphology, regional characters, and bending properties of the vertebral column of Atlantic cod throughout its life cycle (0–6 years). The first structure to form was the foremost neural arch, 21 days post hatching (dph), and the first vertebra centrum to form – as a chordacentrum – was the 3rd centrum at 28 dph. Thereafter, the notochord centra developed in a regular sequence towards the head and caudal fin. All vertebrae were formed within 50 dph. The vertebral column consisted of 52 (± 2) vertebrae (V) and could be divided into four distinct regions: (i) the cervical region (neck) (V1 and V2), characterized by short vertebra centra, prominent neural spines and absence of articulations with ribs; (ii) the abdominal region (trunk) (V3–V19), characterized by vertebrae with wing‐shaped transverse processes (parapophyses) that all articulate with a rib; (iii) the caudal region (tail) (V20–V40), where the vertebra centra have haemal arches with prominent haemal spines; (iv) the ural region (V41 to the last vertebra), characterized by broad neural and haemal spines, providing sites of origin for muscles inserting on the fin rays – lepidotrichs – of the tail fin. The number of vertebrae in the cervical, abdominal and caudal regions was found to be constant, whereas in the ural region, numbers varied from 12 to 15. Geometric modelling based on combination of vertebra lengths, diameters and intervertebral distances showed an even flexibility throughout the column, except in the ural region, where flexibility increased. Throughout ontogeny, the vertebra centra of the different regions followed distinct patterns of growth; the relative length of the vertebrae increased in the cervical and abdominal regions, and decreased in the caudal and ural regions with increasing age. This may reflect changes in swimming mode with age, and/or that the production of large volumes of gametes during sexual maturation requires a significant increase in abdominal cavity volume.
Age diversity and individual team member health: The moderating role of age and age stereotypes
Authors: Liebermann Susanne C. , Wegge Jürgen , Jungmann Franziska , Schmidt Klaus‐Helmut
Published: April 2013

Applying social identity theory and the relational demography approach, this paper proposes that the effect of age diversity on individual team members' health is contingent on the individual age as well as on age stereotypes. We suggest that younger and older employees' health is negatively associated with age diversity, while middle‐aged team members' health is not affected. We further postulate that age stereotypes strengthen the negative effect of age diversity for the younger age group, while they weaken the effect for older employees. For middle‐aged team members, age stereotypes are expected not to determine the relationship between age diversity and health. We tested our hypotheses based on data from a representative sample of the German workforce (n = 1,214). The results fully confirmed our hypotheses.

Practitioner Points

Organizations have to be aware that age diversity can undermine the health of older and younger team members.

We found that younger team members' health is only affected by working in age‐diverse teams if they hold negative stereotypical views about older team colleagues. In contrast, older team members' health is only affected if they do not hold negative stereotypical views about older employees.

Accordingly, we advise taking steps to reduce the age stereotypes of younger team members in age‐diverse teams.
Ten‐Year Trends in Physical Dating Violence Victimization Among US Adolescent Females
Authors: Howard Donna E. , Debnam Katrina J. , Wang Min Q.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

The study provides 10‐year trend data on the psychosocial correlates of physical dating violence (PDV) victimization among females who participated in the national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys of US high school students between1999 and 2009.

METHODS

The dependent variable was PDV. Independent variables included 4 dimensions: violence, suicide, substance use, and sexual risk behavior. Unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were examined followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Approximately 1 in 10 girls experience PDV annually. PDV among adolescent females is a persistent public health problem despite concerted research and intervention efforts. PDV is associated with a set of psychosocial risk factors, particularly sad/hopeless feelings, suicidal ideation, and physical fighting.

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinal research is needed to improve understanding of the directionality of effects. Efforts need to concentrate on how best to make inroads in terms of primary and secondary prevention.
Insect allergy in children
Authors: Tan John W , Campbell Dianne E
Published: April 2013

Allergic reactions to insect bites and stings are common, and the severity of reactions range from local reaction to anaphylaxis. In children, large local reaction to bites and stings is the most common presentation. Stings from insects of the order Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants) are the most common cause of insect anaphylaxis; however, the proportion of insect allergic children who develop anaphylaxis to an insect sting is lower than that of insect allergic adults. History is most important in diagnosing anaphylaxis, as laboratory tests can be unreliable. Venom immunotherapy is effective, where suitable allergen extract is available, but is only warranted in children with systemic reactions to insect venom. Large local reactions are at low risk of progression to anaphylaxis on subsequent stings, and hence, venom immunotherapy is not necessary.
Low‐speed vehicle run over fatalities in Australian children aged 0–5 years
Authors: Anthikkat Anne Paul , Page Andrew , Barker Ruth
Published: April 2013

Aim

The study aims to investigate environmental, socio‐demographic and other antecedent risk factors associated with low‐speed vehicle run over (LSVRO) mortality in Australian children aged 0–5 years.

Methods

This is a population‐based retrospective case series study of Australian LSVRO mortality, July 2000–December 2010.

Main Outcome Measures

Mortality and corresponding population data were stratified by sex and period to examine trends in incidence rates over the study period. Proportional mortality was also investigated by sex, age, period, area, location of injury, mechanism and other antecedent factors identified from textual coronial information.

Results

There were 82 fatal LSVRO cases over the 11‐year study period. The annual incidence was low (less than 1 per 100 000) and declined over the study period. More than three‐quarters of incidents occurred in non‐traffic settings, in particular residential driveways. The most common vehicle involved was a four‐wheel drive or utility with vehicles most likely to be reversing or leaving at the time of the incident. More than three‐quarters of cases were aged 36 months or less. A higher proportion of LSVRO fatalities occurred in lower socio‐economic status areas compared with higher socio‐economic status areas. Where the vehicle was actively being driven (77 cases), the driver was known to the child in three‐quarters of cases, most commonly the father (32%).

Conclusion

The study provides a detailed analysis of mortality due to LSVRO incidents in Australia and highlights a number of modifiable antecedent factors. Precedents for the identification and reporting of LSVRO incidents as well as prevention strategies are discussed.
Fundamental study of osteoclast chemotaxis toward chemoattractants expressed in periodontitis
Authors: Niwa T. , Mizukoshi K. , Azuma Y. , Kashimata M. , Shibutani T.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objective

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to bone resorption by osteoclasts (OCs). Several factors contribute to the differentiation of OCs from hematopoietic precursors. Cellular chemotactic factors are expressed in periodontitis tissue, but the effects of these chemoattractants on OCs are not well understood. Here we examined the effects of chemoattractants produced in inflamed periodontal tissue on OC chemotaxis.

Material and Methods

Rat bone‐marrow OCs were cultured in OC culture medium for 3 or 6 d. Using EZ‐TAXIScan™, the chemotactic response of these OCs to several chemoattractants [monocyte chemotactic protein‐1; macrophage inflammatory protein 1α; regulated on activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted; stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α; and complement activation product 5a (C5a)] was measured. In addition, we measured the effect of C5a‐specific inhibitors on chemotactic responses toward C5a. The recorded chemotactic responses were quantitatively analysed using ImageJ software.

Results

Chemoattractants associated with periodontal disease significantly increased the chemotactic activity of differentiated rat OCs in a concentration‐dependent manner, with C5a inducing the highest chemotactic activity of OCs cultured for 3 or 6 d. The C5a‐specific inhibitor significantly inhibited chemotaxis toward C5a in a concentration‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

We suggest that C5a plays an important role in pathologic bone resorption in periodontal disease by stimulating the chemotaxis of OCs. Therefore, C5a is a potential target for the treatment of periodontal disease.
Natural killer T cells mediate alveolar bone resorption and a systemic inflammatory response in response to oral infection of mice with Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Aoki‐Nonaka Y. , Nakajima T. , Miyauchi S. , Miyazawa H. , Yamada H. , Domon H. , Tabeta K. , Yamazaki K.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objective

T and B cells are known to be involved in the disease process of periodontitis. However, the role of natural killer T cells in the pathogenesis of periodontitis has not been clarified.

Materials and Methods

To examine the role of these cells, C57BL/6J (wild‐type), CD1d−/− and α‐galactosylceramide (αGC)‐stimulated wild‐type mice were orally infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis strain W83.

Results

Apart from CD1d−/− mice, the level of alveolar bone resorption was elevated by the infection and was further accelerated in αGC‐stimulated mice. The infection induced elevated levels of serum amyloid A and P. gingivalis‐specific IgG in the sera, although the degree of elevation was much smaller in the CD1d−/− mice. Infection‐induced RANKL elevation was only observed in αGC‐stimulated mice. Although the cytokines produced by splenocytes were mainly T‐helper 1 type in wild‐type mice, those in αGC‐stimulated mice were predominantly T‐helper 2 type. In the liver, the infection demonstrated no effect on the gene expression for interferon‐γ, interleukin‐4 and RANKL except αGC‐stimulated mice in which the infection upregulated the gene expressions.

Conclusion

This study is the first to show that natural killer T cells upregulated systemic and local inflammatory responses induced by oral infection with P. gingivalis, thereby contributing to the progression of alveolar bone resorption.
Evaluation of periodontitis in hospital outpatients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Solis A. C. O. , Marques A. H. , Pannuti C. M. , Lotufo R. F. M. , Lotufo‐Neto F.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with alterations in the neuroendocrine system and immune function and may be associated with an increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, cancer and autoimmune/inflammatory disease. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and MDD in a convenience sample of hospital outpatients.

Material and Methods

The sample consisted of 72 physically healthy subjects (36 outpatients with MDD and 36 age‐matched controls [± 3 years]). Patients with bipolar disorder, eating disorders and psychotic disorders were excluded. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were recorded at six sites per tooth. Depression was assessed by means of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV.

Results

Extent of clinical attachment level and probing pocket depth were not different between controls and subjects with depression for the following thresholds: ≥ 3 mm (Mann–Whitney, p = 0.927 and 0.756); ≥ 4 mm (Mann–Whitney, p = 0.656 and 0.373); ≥ 5 mm (Mann–Whitney, p = 0.518 and 0.870);, and ≥ 6 mm (Mann–Whitney, p = 0.994 and 0.879). Depression parameters were not associated with clinical attachment level ≥ 5 mm in this sample. Smoking was associated with loss of attachment ≥ 5 mm in the multivariable logistic regression model (odds ratio = 6.99, 95% confidence interval = 2.00–24.43).

Conclusions

In this sample, periodontal clinical parameters were not different between patients with MDD and control subjects. There was no association between depression and periodontitis.
An Experimental Test of Negotiation Strategy Effects on Knowledge Sharing Intentions in Buyer–Supplier Relationships
Authors: Thomas Stephanie P. , Thomas Rodney W. , Manrodt Karl B. , Rutner Stephen M.
Published: April 2013

Negotiations are an essential element of buyer–supplier relationships that form the foundation of modern supply chains. Research has identified two common types of negotiation strategies that are used in buyer–supplier negotiations. A win–win negotiation strategy attempts to maximize mutual gain while a win–lose strategy focuses on obtaining a disproportionate share of benefits. This study investigates the relational costs of adopting a negotiation strategy in terms of adverse effects on knowledge sharing intentions in interdependent buyer–supplier relationships. A between‐subjects scenario‐based experiment is used to test hypotheses developed from applicable literature and social exchange theory. Results of the experiment indicate that employing a win–lose negotiation strategy may decrease future intentions toward information exchange, communication quality and operational knowledge transfer between buyers and suppliers. The findings inform managerial aspects of supply chain relationship management, extend the negotiation literature to consider longer‐term effects of common negotiation strategies and provide insights into social exchange theory.
Understanding the Manufacturing Location Decision: The Case for the Transaction Cost and Capability Perspectives
Authors: McIVOR Ronan
Published: April 2013

This article highlights the value of employing the resource‐based view (RBV) and transaction cost economics (TCE) to understand the manufacturing location decision. The RBV can assist with analyzing manufacturing capabilities, which can link the decision with performance and the competitive position of the organization. TCE provides a powerful theoretical lens to augment this analysis. Understanding transaction costs allows an organization to adopt a relationship strategy, which reduces the risks of outsourcing while at the same time leverages the specialist capabilities of suppliers. Moreover, further research is required to enhance our understanding of how the variables from the RBV and TCE interact in sourcing decisions. In particular, it is argued that employing these theories in the manufacturing location decision would contribute to the academic debate on the complementary and contradictory prescriptions of TCE and the RBV in outsourcing decision‐making contexts.
Phylogenetic performance of mitochondrial protein‐coding genes of Oncomelania hupensis in resolving relationships between landscape populations
Authors: LI Shi‐Zhu , ZHANG Li , MA Lin , HU Wei , LV Shan , LIU Qin , QIAN Ying‐Jun , WANG Qiang , ZHOU Xiao‐Nong
Published: April 2013

Oncomelania hupensis is the unique intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, which plays a key role in the transmission of human blood fluke Schistosoma. The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of O. hupensis has been characterized; however, the phylogenetic performance of mt protein‐coding genes (PCGs) of the snail remain unclear. In this study, 11 whole mt genomes of snails collected from four different ecological settings in China and the Philippines were sequenced. The mt genome sizes ranged from 15 183 to 15 216 bp, with the G + C contents from 32.4% to 33.4%. A total of 15 251 characters were generated from the multiple sequence alignment. Of 2711 (17.8%) polymorphic sites, 56.22% (1524) were parsimony sites. The mt genomes' phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using minimum evolution, neighbor joining, maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian tree estimate methods, and two main distinct clades were identified: (i) the isolate from mountainous regions; (ii) the remaining isolate which included three inner branches. All phylogenetic trees of the 13 PCGs were generated by running 1000 bootstrap replicates and compared with the complete mtDNA tree, the classification accuracy ranging from 21.23% to 87.87%, the topological distance of phylogenetic trees between PCGs ranging from 5 to 14. Therefore, the performance of PCGs can be divided into good condition (COI, ND2, ND5, and ND3), medium (COII, ATP6, ND1, ND6, Cytb, ND4, and COIII), poor (ATP8 and ND4L). This study represents the first analysis of mt genome diversity of the O. hupensis snail and phylogenetic performance of mt PCGs. It presents clear evidence that the snail populations can be separated into four landscape genetic populations in mainland China based on whole mt genomes. The identification of the phylogenetic performance of PCGs provides new insight into the intensive genetic diversity study using mtDNA markers for the snail.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of adjuvant interferon therapy after curative treatment for patients with viral hepatitis‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang T.‐S. , Shyu Y.‐C. , Chen H.‐Y. , Yuan S.‐S. , Shih J.‐N. , Chen P.‐J.
Published: April 2013

The efficacy of adjuvant interferon treatment for the management of patients with viral hepatitis‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative treatment is controversial. We have conducted a systematic review with meta‐analysis to assess the effects of adjuvant interferon therapy on survival outcomes. Randomized and nonrandomized studies (NRSs) comparing adjuvant interferon treatment with the standard of care for viral hepatitis‐related HCC after curative treatment were included. CENTRAL, Medline, EMBASE and the Science Citation Index were searched with complementary manual searches. The primary outcomes were recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Nine randomized trials and 13 NRSs were included in the meta‐analysis. These nine randomized trials included 942 participants, of whom, 490 were randomized to the adjuvant interferon treatment group and 452 to the control group. The results of meta‐analysis showed unexplained heterogeneity for both RFS and OS. The 13 NRSs included 2214 participants, of whom, 493 were assigned to the adjuvant interferon treatment group and 1721 to the control group. The results of meta‐analysis showed that, compared with controls, adjuvant interferon treatment significantly improved the RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52–0.84, I2 = 29%] and OS (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.34–0.56, I2 = 0%) of patients with hepatitis C virus‐related HCC following curative treatment. There was little evidence for beneficial effects on patients with hepatitis B virus‐related HCC. Future research should be aimed at clarifying whether the effects of adjuvant interferon therapy are more prominent in hepatitis C patients with sustained virological responses.
The Arabidopsis embryo as a miniature morphogenesis model
Authors: Wendrich Jos R. , Weijers Dolf
Published: April 2013

Four basic ingredients of morphogenesis, oriented cell division and expansion, cell–cell communication and cell fate specification allow plant cells to develop into a wide variety of organismal architectures. A central question in plant biology is how these cellular processes are regulated and orchestrated. Here, we present the advantages of the early Arabidopsis embryo as a model for studying the control of morphogenesis. All ingredients of morphogenesis converge during embryogenesis, and the highly predictable nature of embryo development offers unprecedented opportunities for understanding their regulation in time and space. In this review we describe the morphogenetic principles underlying embryo patterning and discuss recent advances in their regulation. Morphogenesis is under tight transcriptional control and most genes that were identified as important regulators of embryo patterning encode transcription factors or components of signaling pathways. There exists, therefore, a large gap between the transcriptional control of embryo morphogenesis and the cellular execution. We describe the first such connections, and propose future directions that should help bridge this gap and generate comprehensive understanding of the control of morphogenesis.

Contents

Summary
14

I.
Ingredients of plant morphogenesis
14

II.
Arabidopsis embryo development: an amalgamation of morphogenetic processes
15

III.
Regulation of morphogenetic processes during embryogenesis
16

IV.
Genes to shape – cellular execution of transcriptional instructions
22

V.
Concluding remarks
22

Acknowledgements
23

References
23
The Role of Pain Catastrophizing Score in the Prediction of Venipuncture Pain Severity
Authors: Suren Mustafa , Kaya Ziya , Gokbakan Mehmet , Okan Ismail , Arici Semih , Karaman Serkan , Comlekci Mevlut , Balta Mehtap G. , Dogru Serkan
Published: April 2013

Background

In addition to the influence of tissue damage, the intensity of pain is also related to individual cognitive factors. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is used to measure individual tendency toward pain by inquiring about a subject's cognitive characteristics. Building on the knowledge that the venipuncture process causes severe pain and anxiety in some patients, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the PCS score and venipuncture pain.

Methods

Patients were asked to complete the PCS questionnaire. Patients' demographic features, presence of chronic pain and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores were recorded. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were used for correlation with the PCS scores. Using an 11‐point numeric rating scale (NRS), the patients then scored the amount of pain on cannulation.

Results

This prospective study was conducted with 196 patients; 31 patients were excluded for various reasons. One hundred sixty‐five patients, 74 women and 91 men, were included in the evaluation. The study found that the venipuncture pain score had a significant positive correlation with the PCS score (r = 0.197, P < 0.05). With respect to age, no statistically significant differences in the PCS scores were found (P > 0.05). Female patients had a significantly higher PCS score than the males (P < 0.05). The PCS score of patients with chronic pain was found to be significantly higher in comparison with those without pain complaints (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

There was a positive correlation between venipuncture pain and PCS score. Consequently, the venipuncture pain score could be useful in informing practitioners about a patient's pain considerations.
Peribacteroid space acidification: a marker of mature bacteroid functioning in Medicago truncatula nodules
Authors: PIERRE OLIVIER , ENGLER GILBERT , HOPKINS JULIE , BRAU FRÉDÉRIC , BONCOMPAGNI ERIC , HÉROUART DIDIER
Published: April 2013

Legumes form a symbiotic interaction with Rhizobiaceae bacteria, which differentiate into nitrogen‐fixing bacteroids within nodules. Here, we investigated in vivo the pH of the peribacteroid space (PBS) surrounding the bacteroid and pH variation throughout symbiosis. In vivo confocal microscopy investigations, using acidotropic probes, demonstrated the acidic state of the PBS. In planta analysis of nodule senescence induced by distinct biological processes drastically increased PBS pH in the N2‐fixing zone (zone III). Therefore, the PBS acidification observed in mature bacteroids can be considered as a marker of bacteroid N2 fixation. Using a pH‐sensitive ratiometric probe, PBS pH was measured in vivo during the whole symbiotic process. We showed a progressive acidification of the PBS from the bacteroid release up to the onset of N2 fixation. Genetic and pharmacological approaches were conducted and led to disruption of the PBS acidification. Altogether, our findings shed light on the role of PBS pH of mature bacteroids in nodule functioning, providing new tools to monitor in vivo bacteroid physiology.
Experiences of parents' with children receiving long‐term home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Kawakami Chika , Fujiwara Chieko
Published: April 2013

Background

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) was introduced in the early 1970s. Parents with children receiving HPN are involved in their children's treatment and strive to resolve difficult problems in adapting to their new lifestyles. This study investigates the positive views acquired by parents' regarding their experiences with their children who are receiving long‐term HPN.

Methods

Participants were parents of preschool‐aged children who had been receiving total parenteral nutrition for 1–6 years. In‐depth interviews were conducted during which parents were questioned about their experiences during the process of providing HPN for their children. Qualitative content analysis was applied to the data.

Results

It seemed useful to apply the concept of resilience; therefore, we classified the categories according to factors named in previous research studies on resilience. All parents showed increased resilience in the face of HPN‐related demands.

Conclusions

The planning and provision of care could be aided by the conceptualization of subjects' experiences as a process during which they have needs for support and information exchange. To approach this problem appropriately, health‐care professionals need to assess both children and parents on a continuous basis. Medical professionals should plan the care of ill children in advance so that appropriate help and support for their families can be provided. Better care for ill children needs to be accompanied by lasting relationships between parents and health‐care professionals.
Photochemistry of Tetraphenyldiboroxane and its Use as Photopolymerization Coinitiator,
Authors: Santos Willy G. , Schmitt Carla C. , Neumann Miguel G.
Published: April 2013

2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was photopolymerized in the presence of Safranine (SfH+) and tetraphenyldiboroxane (TPhB). Polymerization results are correlated with the photochemistry of TPhB and its ability to aggregate forming hydrophobic domains (critical aggregation concentration, cac, 1.2 × 10−4 M). Polymerization was not observed when the TPhB concentration was below the cac, indicating that the polymerization is initiated in the hydrophobic environment. The quenching of the triplet state of SfH+ by TPhB and the generation of the semireduced species of SfH+ suggests an electron transfer from the boron compound to the excited dye, and that the resulting boron‐centered radical initiates the polymerization process.
Cancer stem cells in lung cancer: Evidence and controversies
Authors: Alamgeer Muhammad , Peacock Craig D. , Matsui William , Ganju Vinod , Watkins D. Neil
Published: April 2013

The cancer stem cell (CSC) model is based on a myriad of experimental and clinical observations suggesting that the malignant phenotype is sustained by a subset of cells characterized by the capacity for self‐renewal, differentiation and innate resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. CSC may be responsible for disease recurrence after definitive therapy and may therefore be functionally synonymous with minimal residual disease. Similar to other solid tumours, several putative surface markers for lung CSC have been identified, including CD133 and CD44. In addition, expression and/or activity of the cytoplasmic enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH and capacity of cells to exclude membrane permeable dyes (known as the ‘side population’) correlate with stem‐like function in vitro and in vivo. Embryonic stem cell pathways such as Hedgehog, Notch and WNT may also be active in lung cancers stem cells and therefore may be therapeutically targetable for maintenance therapy in patients achieving a complete response to surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This paper will review the evidence regarding the existence and function of lung CSC in the context of the experimental and clinical evidence and discuss some ongoing controversies regarding this model.
Vagal afferent fibres determine the oxytocin‐induced modulation of gastric tone
Authors: Holmes Gregory M. , Browning Kirsteen N. , Babic Tanja , Fortna Samuel R. , Coleman F. Holly , Travagli R. Alberto
Published: April 2013

Key points

Oxytocin (OXT) inputs to the brainstem modulate cardiorespiratory, feeding and gastric functions.

Vagal afferent (sensory) inputs are known to modulate brainstem synapses involved in visceral reflexes; however, the neurocircuits through which OXT exerts its actions are still unknown.

In this study we elucidate these mechanisms of actions and report that vagal sensory fibres control these neurocircuits in a conditionally controlled manner such that brainstem synapses can prepare the neurocircuits to allow appropriate modulation of digestive processes.

The results presented here improve our understanding of the central regulation of gastrointestinal functions and have the potential of being extended to the understanding of cardiorespiratory and feeding functions controlled by adjacent brainstem centres.

Abstract  Oxytocin (OXT) inputs to the dorsal vagal complex (DVC; nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) and area postrema) decrease gastric tone and motility. Our first aim was to investigate the mechanism(s) of OXT‐induced gastric relaxation. We demonstrated recently that vagal afferent inputs modulate NTS–DMV synapses involved in gastric and pancreatic reflexes via group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Our second aim was to investigate whether group II mGluRs similarly influence the response of vagal motoneurons to OXT. Microinjection of OXT in the DVC decreased gastric tone in a dose‐dependent manner. The OXT‐induced gastric relaxation was enhanced following bethanechol and reduced by l‐NAME administration, suggesting a nitrergic mechanism of gastroinhibition. DVC application of the group II mGluR antagonist EGLU induced a gastroinhibition that was not dose dependent and shifted the gastric effects of OXT to a cholinergic‐mediated mechanism. Evoked and miniature GABAergic synaptic currents between NTS and identified gastric‐projecting DMV neurones were not affected by OXT in any neurones tested, unless the brainstem slice was (a) pretreated with EGLU or (b) derived from rats that had earlier received a surgical vagal deafferentation. Conversely, OXT inhibited glutamatergic currents even in naive slices, but their responses were unaffected by EGLU pretreatment. These results suggest that the OXT‐induced gastroinhibition is mediated by activation of the NANC pathway. Inhibition of brainstem group II mGluRs, however, uncovers the ability of OXT to modulate GABAergic transmission between the NTS and DMV, resulting in the engagement of an otherwise silent cholinergic vagal neurocircuit.
Uncertainty analysis for a simple thermal expansion experiment
Authors: Dounas-Frazer Dimitri R. , Gandhi Punit R. , Iwata Geoffrey Z.
Published: April 2013

We describe a simple experiment for measuring the thermal expansion coefficient of a metal wire and discuss how the experiment can be used as a tool for exploring the interplay of measurement uncertainty and scientific models. In particular, we probe the regimes of applicability of three models of the wire: stiff and massless, elastic and massless, and elastic and massive. Using both analytical and empirical techniques, we present the conditions under which the wire's mass and elasticity can be neglected. By accounting for these effects, we measure Nichrome's thermal expansion coefficient to be 17.1(1.3) μm/m⋅K, which is consistent with the accepted value at the 8% level.
Transport Proteins
Authors: Thatcher Jack D.
Published: April 2013

Animated lessons describe the classes of transport proteins and illustrate mechanisms of transport.
Intercellular Transport
Authors: Thatcher Jack D.
Published: April 2013

Animated lessons illustrate the permeability of four classes of molecules across the plasma membrane and diffusion between cells through gap junctions.
Phosphoproteomic Analysis Implicates the mTORC2-FoxO1 Axis in VEGF Signaling and Feedback Activation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Zhuang Guanglei , Yu Kebing , Jiang Zhaoshi , Chung Alicia , Yao Jenny , Ha Connie , Toy Karen , Soriano Robert , Haley Benjamin , Blackwood Elizabeth , Sampath Deepak , Bais Carlos , Lill Jennie R. , Ferrara Napoleone
Published: April 2013

Pathological angiogenesis mediated by the VEGF receptor could be treated by combining mTOR and PI3K inhibitors.
Using Partial Least Squares Regression to Analyze Cellular Response Data
Authors: Kreeger Pamela K.
Published: April 2013

Multivariate data and context-dependent signaling can be analyzed with the computational approach of PLSR.
Heparanase Promotes Exosome Release
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: April 2013

The increased abundance of the endoglycosidase heparanase in malignant cells enhances their release of exosomes.
Electrical Orienteering
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2013

Asymmetric distribution of membrane components may determine asymmetric signaling and directional migration induced by an electric field.
BLIP-II Is a Highly Potent Inhibitor of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC-2)
Authors: Brown Nicholas G. , Chow Dar-Chone , Palzkill Timothy
Published: April 2013

β-Lactamase inhibitory protein II (BLIP-II) is a potent inhibitor of class A β-lactamases. KPC-2 is a class A β-lactamase that is capable of hydrolyzing carbapenems and has become a widespread source of resistance to these drugs for Gram-negative bacteria. Determination of association and dissociation rate constants for binding between BLIP-II and KPC-2 reveals a very tight interaction with a calculated (
k
off
/
k
on
) equilibrium dissociation constant of 76 fM (76 × 10
−15
M).
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Nemonoxacin against Streptococcus pneumoniae in an
In Vitro
Infection Model
Authors: Liang Wang , Chen Yuan-cheng , Cao Yu-ran , Liu Xiao-fang , Huang Jun , Hu Jia-li , Zhao Miao , Guo Qing-lan , Zhang Shu-jing , Wu Xiao-jie , Zhu De-mei , Zhang Ying-yuan , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2013

The aim of this paper was to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of nemonoxacin, a novel nonfluorinated quinolone, against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
in vitro
. A modified infection model was used to simulate the pharmacokinetics of nemonoxacin following scaling of single oral doses and multiple oral dosing. Four
S. pneumoniae
strains with different penicillin sensitivities were selected, and the drug efficacy was quantified by the change in log colony counts within 24 h. A sigmoid maximum-effect (
E
max
) model was used to analyze the relationship between PK/PD parameters and drug effect. Analysis indicated that the killing pattern of nemonoxacin shows a dualism which is mainly concentration dependent when the MIC is low and that the better PK/PD index should be the area under the concentration-time curve for the free, unbound fraction of the drug divided by the MIC (
f
AUC
0–24
/MIC), which means that giving the total daily amount of drug as one dose is appropriate under those conditions. When the MIC is high, the time (
T
) dependency is important and the valid PK/PD index should be the cumulative percentage of a 24-h period in which the drug concentration exceeds the MIC under steady-state pharmacokinetic conditions (
f
%
T
>MIC), which means that to split the maximum daily dose into several separate doses will benefit the eradication of the bacteria. To obtain a 3-log
10
-unit decrease, the target values of
f
AUC
0–24
/MIC and
f
%
T
>MIC are 47.05 and 53.4%, respectively.
A Novel Leishmania major Amastigote Assay in 96-Well Format for Rapid Drug Screening and Its Use for Discovery and Evaluation of a New Class of Leishmanicidal Quinolinium Salts
Authors: Bringmann Gerhard , Thomale Katja , Bischof Sebastian , Schneider Christoph , Schultheis Martina , Schwarz Tobias , Moll Heidrun , Schurigt Uta
Published: April 2013

In most laboratories, the screening for leishmanicidal compounds is carried out with
Leishmania
promastigotes or axenic amastigotes. However, the best approach to identify leishmanicidal compounds is the use of amastigotes residing in macrophages. Reporter gene-based assays are relatively new tools in the search for drugs against eucaryotic protozoa, permitting the development of faster, more automated assays. In this paper, we report on the establishment of a rapid screening assay in a 96-well format. A luciferase-transgenic (Luc-tg)
Leishmania major
strain was generated and used to infect bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Amastigote-infected BMDM were treated with different compound concentrations. Cells were lysed with a luciferin-containing buffer, and the resulting luminescence was measured to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC
50
). To validate this new amastigote screening assay, a library of a new class of quinolinium salts was synthesized and tested for leishmanicidal activity. Some of the quinolinium salts showed very promising activities, with IC
50
s against intracellular amastigotes (IC
50
< 1 μg/ml) and selectivity indices (SI > 20) that match the criteria of World Health Organization (WHO) for hits. Compound 21c (IC
50
= 0.03 μg/ml; SI = 358) could become a new lead structure for the development of improved chemotherapeutic drugs against
L. major
. In summary, we describe the establishment of a new 96-well format assay with Luc-transgenic
L. major
for the rapid screening of compounds for leishmanicidal activity against intracellular amastigotes and its application to the identification of a new class of quinolinium salts with most promising leishmanicidal activity.
Hydramacin-1 in Action: Scrutinizing the Barnacle Model
Authors: Michalek Matthias , Vincent Bruno , Podschun Rainer , Grötzinger Joachim , Bechinger Burkhard , Jung Sascha
Published: April 2013

Hydramacin-1 (HM1) from the metazoan
Hydra
exerts antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial strains. Notably, HM1 induces the aggregation of bacterial cells, accompanied by precipitation. To date, the proposed mechanism of peptide-lipid interaction, termed the barnacle model, has not been described on the molecular level. Here, we show by biochemical and biophysical techniques that the lipid-peptide interactions of HM1 are initiated by electrostatic and hydrophobic effects, in particular, by tryptophan and neighboring polar amino acid residues that cause an interfacial localization of the peptide between two self-contained lipid bilayers. The high binding constants of HM1 upon lipid interaction are in the range of other potent antimicrobial peptides, e.g., magainin, and can be reasonably explained by two distinct epitopes on the surface of the peptide's global structure, which both contain SWT(K/R) motifs. The residues of this motif favor localization of the peptide in the head group region of phospholipid bilayers up to a penetration depth of 4 Å and a minor participation of the lipids' hydrocarbon regions. Our results expand the knowledge about the molecular modes of action antimicrobial peptides use to tackle their target cells. Furthermore, the aggregation of living bacteria by HM1 was observed for a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the detailed view of peptide-lipid interactions described by the barnacle model consolidates it among the established models.
Effect of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Regional Antibiotic Penetration into Lung Tissue
Authors: Hutschala D. , Skhirtladze K. , Kinstner C. , Zeitlinger M. , Wisser W. , Jaeger W. , Hoeferl M. , Müller M. , Tschernko E.
Published: April 2013

The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during cardiac surgery causes regional ventilation-perfusion mismatch, contributing to regional disturbances in antibiotic penetration into lung tissue. Ventilation-perfusion mismatch is associated with postoperative pneumonia, a frequent and devastating complication after cardiac surgery. In this prospective clinical animal study, we performedin vivomicrodialysis to determine the effect of CPB on regional penetration of levofloxacin (LVX) into lung tissue. Six pigs underwent surgery with CPB (CPB group), and another six pigs underwent surgery without CPB (off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting; OPCAB group). LVX (750 mg) was administered intravenously to all pigs immediately after surgery. For regional measurements of LVX in pulmonary concentrations, microdialysis probes were inserted in both lungs of each pig. Pigs were placed in the right lateral position. Time versus concentration profiles of unbound LVX were measured in the upper and lower lung tissue and plasma in all pigs. In all pigs, maximum concentrations (Cmax) of LVX were significantly lower in the upper lung than in the lower lung (OPCAB,P= 0.035; CPB,P< 0.001). MedianCmaxof LVX showed a significant difference in the upper versus lower lung in the CPB group (P< 0.05). No significant difference was found in the medianCmaxof LVX in the upper and the lower lung in the OPCAB group (P= 0.32). Our data indicate that CPB affects perioperative regional antibiotic penetration into lung tissue. Common clinical antibiotic dosing schemes should be reevaluated in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with CPB.