bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor‐associated lymphatic endothelial cell promotes invasion of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Cai Liqiong , Yang Shouhua , Ding Hui , Cai Jing , Wang Zehua
Published: April 2013

The most common way for cervical cancer to spread is through the lymphatic system. Tumor‐associated lymphatic endothelial cell (TLEC) has been considered to play a crucial role in metastasis of certain cancers. The aim of this study was to isolate TLEC from human cervical cancers and explore its involvement in metastasis‐associated behaviors in vitro. Lymphatic vessels in 62 cervix tissue specimens ranging from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to advanced invasive cancer were detected using immunochemical staining with D2‐40 antibody. Relation of lymphatic vessel density (LVD) to clinicopathological characters was analyzed. Primary TLECs were isolated by LYVE‐1 immuno‐magnetic beads from cervical cancer tissues and verified through expression of LEC markers Prox‐1 and D2‐40, and then cultured in vitro. Invasiveness and viability of cells were assessed by transwell assay and typan blue exclusion, respectively. Our results showed that higher LVD was significantly associated with advanced FIGO stage, pelvic lymphatic nodal metastasis (LNM), and poorer cell differentiation. TLECs were successfully primarily isolated and cultured in vitro. Supernatant of TLEC enhanced invasiveness of Hela cell, but did not significantly affect cell viability. In conclusion, TLECs might actively promote lymphatic metastasis of cervical cancer. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the underlying mechanisms.
Direct endoscopic probing for congenital lacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Sasaki Hidenori , Takano Toshiyuki , Murakami Akira
Published: April 2013

Background

The most common treatment for congenital lacrimal duct obstruction is standard probing without dacryoendoscopy. However, the lacrimal duct cannot be observed in this procedure. If the probing procedure allows the observation of the lacrimal duct, it could be more successful and safer. To use endoscopic probing to view the lacrimal duct in cases of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction 6 months post‐surgery and to evaluate the condition of the lumen while simultaneously performing direct endoscopic probing.

Design

This is a retrospective, non‐comparative case series.

Participants

The study participants were 10 children aged 14–74 months, including three children with bilateral obstruction. In total, 13 congenital lacrimal duct obstruction were probed.

Methods

The patients underwent direct endoscopic probing with dacryoendoscopy instead of blind probing, that is, standard probing without dacryoendoscopy under brief total anaesthesia.

Main Outcome Measures

During the procedure, outcomes were assessed as the endoscope reached the nasal cavity. A successful probing outcome was defined as an absence of tearing and discharge.

Results

Twelve congenital lacrimal duct obstruction were successfully treated by direct endoscopy, whereas one was not. There were various sites of obstruction and various conditions such as oedematous thickening of the mucosa of the lacrimal duct and fibrous tissue because of chronic inflammation. The subjective outcome from their parents by telephonic interview was obtained. Epiphora disappeared in 12/13 (92.3%) of the eyes treated by endoscopy; however, 5/13 (38.5%) of the patients reported occasional discharge from the eyes.

Conclusions

Direct endoscopic probing is effective and safe to treat cases of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction in children.
Effects of in vitro cyclic dislodging on retentive force and removal torque of three overdenture attachment systems
Authors: Kobayashi Mariko , Srinivasan Murali , Ammann Patrick , Perriard Jean , Ohkubo Chikahiro , Müller Frauke , Belser Urs C. , Schimmel Martin
Published: April 2013

Background

Mandibular two‐implant‐retained overdentures were suggested as first choice of treatment for edentulous mandibles. However, wear of the attachments may reduce their retention and compromise long‐term clinical success.

Aim

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the change in the retentive force and removal torque of three attachment systems during simulation of insertion‐removal cycles.

Materials and Methods

Thirty custom‐manufactured polyvinyl chloride blocks mimicking an implant‐retained overdenture using Locator®‐, spherical Dalbo®‐PLUS ‐ and SFI®‐Bar‐attachments on Straumann® RN Implants were fabricated. The samples were distributed equally into three groups which were subdivided into two sets of five blocks, one set with implants parallel to one another and the other with angulated implants (12°). All attachments were tightened to 35Ncm, while the fixation screws of the SFI®‐Bar were tightened to 15Ncm. Testing was carried out with an Instron® universal testing machine for a total of 14,600 insertion‐removal cycles in 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Retentive forces from cycles 10, 100, 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 14,600 were used for the analysis. The removal torque of the attachments was measured before and at the end of the study. Statistical analysis comprised three‐way ANOVA and multiple linear regression models.

Results

Initially, all three attachment systems demonstrated increasing retentive forces. From cycle 5000 on, Locator®‐attachments showed lower mean retentive forces than the Dalbo®‐PLUS and SFI®‐Bar‐groups. The Dalbo®‐PLUS and SFI®‐Bar‐attachments showed a steady yet not significant increase during the whole observation period. Implant‐angulation had no significant influence on the retention forces. The final mean removal torques were significantly reduced. No complete failure was observed.

Conclusions and clinical implications

Within the limits of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the investigated overdenture attachment systems are sufficiently resistant to wear. However, the Dalbo®‐Plus‐ and SFI®‐Bar‐ exhibit higher retentive capacities than the Locator®‐attachment over time. The fixation screw of the SFI®‐Bar may loosen during long‐term use, but these observations might be less important if 1‐year recall intervals are respected. An angulation of up to 12° between implants does not seem to have a significant effect on attachment wear.
Faecal soiling: pathophysiology of postdefaecatory incontinence
Authors: Pucciani F.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Passive postdefaecatory incontinence is poorly understood and yet is an important clinical problem. The aim of this study was to characterize the pathophysiology of postdefaecatory incontinence in patients affected by faecal soiling.

Method

Seventy‐two patients (30 women, age range 49–79 years; 42 men, age range, 53–75 years) affected by faecal passive incontinence with faecal soiling were included in the study. Two patient groups were identified: Group 1 comprised 42 patients with postdefaecatory incontinence and Group 2 had 30 patients without incontinence after bowel movements. After a preliminary clinical evaluation, including the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) score and the obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS) score, all patients of Groups 1 and 2 were studied by means of endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry. The results were compared with those from 20 healthy control subjects.

Results

A significantly higher ODS score was found in Group 1 (P < 0.001). Endoanal ultrasound revealed a significantly diffuse thinning of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) in Group 2 (P < 0.02) with a linear relationship between signs of IAS atrophy and the FISI score (ρs0.78; P < 0.03). Anal resting pressure (Pmax and Pm) was significantly lower in Group 2 (P < 0.04). The straining test was considered positive in 30 (71.4%) patients in Group 1, significantly greater than in Group 2 (P < 0.01). A significantly higher conscious rectal sensitivity threshold (CRST) was found in Group 1 patients (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The ODS score, a positive straining test and high CRST values suggest that postdefaecatory incontinence is secondary to impaired defaecation.
The development of practice guidelines for independent living donor advocates
Authors: Steel Jennifer L. , Dunlavy Andrea , Friday Maranda , Kingsley Kendal , Brower Deborah , Unruh Mark , Tan Henkie , Shapiro Ron , Peltz Mel , Hardoby Melissa , McCloskey Christina , Sturdevant Mark , Humar Abhinav
Published: April 2013

The practice recommendations discussed here are based on the findings of the national survey as well as the opinions of the authors. The recommendations that are proposed here are not exhaustive and are aspirational in intent and are likely to evolve with time. Practice guidelines are recommended for legal and regulatory issues (e.g., state or federal laws), consumer or public benefit (e.g., improving service delivery, avoiding harm to the patient, decreasing disparities in underserved or vulnerable populations), and for professional guidance (e.g., new role, professional risk management issues, advances in practice). Without such practice guidelines, donors, and indirectly the candidates, may be at increased risk for possible bias or undue harm.
Depression is a frequent co‐morbidity in patients with acne inversa
Authors: Kurek Agata , Johanne Peters Eva Milena , Sabat Robert , Sterry Wolfram , Schneider‐Burrus Sylke
Published: April 2013

Background

Acne inversa (AI) is a common chronic inflammatory disease that has a profound impact on the patientsí quality of life. We hypothesized a higher level of depression in AI patients compared to controls.

Objectives

We studied depression in patients with AI and control subjects. Additionally, we evaluated whether the severity of the disease, anxiety, sexual distress and acute inflammation may have an influence on depression.

Patients and Methods

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was given to 90 voluntary study participants to assess depression in AI patients and in age‐, gender‐, and BMI‐matched controls. Moreover, the correlation between depression and conjectural influencing factors was evaluated.

Results

This study demonstrated that AI patients have a higher depression score than matched controls. Importantly, 38.6% of AI patients are affected by depression compared to 2.4% of the control subjects. In contrast to the duration of the disease and the AI patientsí age, anxiety and sexual distress showed a strong correlation with the degree of depression.

Conclusions

Patients with AI have a higher risk of developing depression. Physicians should be alert to the possible development of depression when treating patients with this disorder.
Optical coherence tomography: its role in daily dermatological practice
Authors: Schmitz Lutz , Reinhold Uwe , Bierhoff Erhard , Dirschka Thomas
Published: April 2013

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non‐invasive, tomographic imaging technique which generates high‐resolution in‐vivo images up to mid‐dermal layers. Due to continuous technological improvements, OCT is moving from research projects into daily dermatological practice. It can complement other imaging methods like high‐frequency ultrasound or confocal microscopy. There is a wide variety of indications for OCT. In addition to aiding in the diagnosis and clinical monitoring of inflammatory dermatoses, OCT is a very useful and feasible technique in dermato‐oncology.
Potential of coconut water and soy milk for use as storage media to preserve the viability of periodontal ligament cells: an in vitro study
Authors: Moura Camilla Cristhian Gomes , Soares Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira , de Paula Reis Manuella Verdinelli , Fernandes Neto Alfredo Júlio , Zanetta Barbosa Darceny , Soares Carlos José
Published: April 2013

Aim

There is no consensus regarding the ability of coconut water and soy milk to maintain long‐term cell viability. This study investigated the ability of pH‐adjusted coconut water and soy milk to maintain the viability of periodontal ligament cells over a short and a longer period and compared these abilities with those of other solutions.

Methods

Dog premolar teeth were extracted, dried for 30 min, and stored in the following media for 50 min or 24 h: long shelf‐life whole milk (SWM), long shelf‐life skim milk (SSM), Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), soy milk (SM), and pH‐adjusted coconut water (CW). The positive and two negative control groups corresponded to 0‐min, 30‐min (short‐term), and 24‐h (long‐term) dry times, respectively. Cell viability was analyzed by trypan blue exclusion. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with post‐analysis using the Dunn method.

Results

In the short‐term experiment, the SSM resulted in significantly lower cell viability than SM and CW. At 24 h, SM and CW resulted in higher viability than HBSS and SSM and in comparable performance with the positive control group. Cell viability decreased over time, except in SM and CW.

Conclusions

Soy milk and pH‐adjusted coconut water showed promising results as storage solutions for avulsed teeth, preserving the viability for up to 24 h.
Pfizer‐sponsored satellite symposium at the European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) congress. Understanding health outcomes: focus on haemophilia
Authors: Colvin Brian , Dolan Gerry , Martinoli Carlo , O'Mahony Brian
Published: April 2013

At the 25th Annual European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) Congress held in Prague, Czech Republic, in October 2012, Pfizer sponsored a satellite symposium entitled: ‘Understanding Health Outcomes: Focus on Haemophilia’. Co‐chaired by Brian O'Mahony (President of the EHC) and Brian Colvin (Director Medical and Scientific Affairs Haemophilia, Pfizer, Europe), the symposium examined the role of outcomes in haemophilia care in an age of evidence‐based medicine. The current global economic recession has inevitably directed the spotlight of governments and health economists towards the cost of healthcare. Now is the time to focus on which outcome measures are important to collect in order to validate these costs, and how to standardise collection and reporting measures to support services and patient care. Using the United Kingdom (UK) as a case study, where initiatives in data collection and reporting are being trialled, Gerry Dolan opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensuring success. Looking at specific measures of haemophilia healthcare, Carlo Martinoli focused on joint scores as a clinical outcome measure that can be systematically collected, and the role of ultrasound in bringing joint assessment into the hands of the haemophilia treater at the ‘bedside’. Brian O'Mahony then brought the discussion full circle by highlighting the role of the patient in the multidisciplinary care team and the importance of the patient voice in the assessment and critical examination of health outcomes by payers and government bodies. The meeting closed by summarising the importance of collaboration between patients and their carers; physicians; members of the healthcare team; and budget holders in advancing haemophilia care, to provide the best possible care with optimum long‐term outcomes for people with haemophilia.
Pseudoscience in the use of manipulation by chiropractors
Authors: Homola Samuel
Published: April 2013

While spinal manipulation is an acceptable modality in the treatment of back pain, it is used inappropriately by some chiropractors who use manipulation as a treatment for disease by ‘adjusting vertebral subluxations.’ Defined by the subluxation theory that gave it birth, the core of the chiropractic profession continues to cling to a modified version of the theory, despite rejection by the scientific community. Philosophical differences between the various factions in chiropractic, ranging from some who have renounced subluxation theory to those who are subluxation‐based, keep the profession divided and marginal.
Balancing bioenergy and biosecurity policies: estimating current and future climate suitability patterns for a bioenergy crop
Authors: Kriticos D. J. , Murphy H. T. , Jovanovic T. , Taylor J. , Herr A. , Raison J. , O'Connell D.
Published: April 2013

In an apparent paradox, bioenergy crops offer potential benefits to a world adjusting to the challenges of climate change and declining fossil fuel stocks, as well as potential ecological and economic threats resulting from biological invasions. In considering this paradox it is important to understand that benefits and threats may not always be apparent in equal measure throughout the potential range of each candidate biofuel species. In some environments, a species could potentially produce valuable biological materials without posing a significant invasion threat. In this study, we develop a bioclimatic niche model for a candidate biofuel crop, Millettia pinnata, and apply the model to different climatic and irrigation scenarios to estimate the current and future patterns of climate suitability for its growth and naturalization. We use Australia as a case study for interpreting the niche model in terms that may be informative for both biofuels proponents and biosecurity regulators to plan management programmes that reflect the invasive potential in different areas. The model suggests that suitable growing conditions for M. pinnata in Australia are naturally restricted to the moist and semimoist tropics. Irrigation can extend the suitable growing conditions more widely throughout the tropics, and into more arid regions. Under future climate scenarios, suitable growing conditions for M. pinnata under natural rainfall contract towards the east coast, and extend southward into the subtropics. With irrigation, M. pinnata appears to have the potential in the future to naturalize across much of Australia. The bioclimatic modelling method demonstrated here is comparatively quick and easy, and can produce a rich array of data products to inform the interests of both bioenergy proponents and biosecurity regulators. We show how this modelling can support the development of spatially explicit biosecurity policies designed to manage invasion risks in a manner that balances bioenergy and biosecurity concerns.
Care planning for long‐term conditions – a concept mapping
Authors: Lhussier Monique , Eaton Simon , Forster Natalie , Thomas Mathew , Roberts Sue , Carr Susan M
Published: April 2013

Objective

This article focuses on approaches within clinical practice that seek to actively involve patients with long‐term conditions (LTCs) and how professionals may understand and implement them. Personalized care planning is one such approach, but its current lack of conceptual clarity might have impeded its widespread implementation to date. A variety of overlapping concepts coexist in the literature, which have the potential to impair both clinical and research agendas. The aim of this article is therefore to explore the meaning of the concept of care planning in relation to other overlapping concepts and how this translates into clinical practice implementation.

Methods

Searches were conducted in the Cochrane database for systematic reviews, CINHAL and MEDLINE. A staged approach to conducting the concept mapping was undertaken, by (i) an examination of the literature on care planning in LTCs; (ii) identification of related terms; (iii) locating reviews of those terms. Retrieved articles were subjected to a content analysis, which formed the basis of our concept maps. (iv) We then appraised these against knowledge and experience of the implementation of care planning in clinical practice.

Results and Conclusions

Thirteen articles were retrieved, in which the core importance of patient‐centredness, shared decision making and self‐management was highlighted. Literature searches on these terms retrieved a further 24 articles. Our concept mapping exercise shows that whilst there are common themes across the concepts, the differences between them reflect the context and intended outcomes within clinical practice. We argue that this clarification exercise will allow for further development of both research and clinical implementation agendas.
Paleomagnetic constraints on Miocene rotation in the central Japan Arc
Authors: Hoshi Hiroyuki , Sano Masakazu
Published: April 2013

We present new Middle Miocene paleomagnetic data for the central Japan Arc, and discuss their implications for Miocene rotation. To obtain a refined paleodirection, we made magnetic measurements on basaltic to andesitic lavas and intrusive rocks from 12 sites in the Tsugu volcanic rocks (ca 15 Ma) in the northern part of the Shitara area, Japan. Significant secondary magnetizations in samples with strong magnetic intensities are interpreted as lightning‐induced components. Mean directions carried by magnetite and/or titanomagnetite were determined for all sites. An overall mean direction with a northerly declination was obtained from dual‐polarity site means for nine sites. This direction is indistinguishable from the mean direction for coeval parallel dikes in the northern part of the Shitara area, and also indistinguishable from the Miocene reference direction derived from the paleopole for the North China Block in the Asian continent. These comparisons suggest little or no rotation or latitudinal motion in the study area with respect to the North China Block since 15 Ma. We obtained a refined early Middle Miocene paleodirection (D = 9.7°, I = 52.5°, α95 = 4.8°; 30 sites) and paleopole (82.0°N, 230.8°E, A95 = 5.6°) for Shitara by combining data from the Tsugu volcanic rocks and a coeval dike swarm. An anomalous direction found at three sites could be a record of an extraordinary field during a geomagnetic polarity transition or excursion. Paleomagnetic data from Shitara suggest that: (i) the western wing of the Kanto Syntaxis, a prominent cuspate geologic structure in central Honshu, underwent a counterclockwise rotation with respect to the main part of the southwestern Japan Arc between ca 17.5 Ma and 15 Ma; (ii) collision between the Japan and Izu–Bonin (Ogasawara) Arcs began prior to 15 Ma; and (iii) clockwise rotation of the entire southwestern part of the Japan Arc had ceased by 15 Ma.
Magnesium phosphate cements for endodontic applications with improved long‐term sealing ability
Authors: Mestres G. , Aguilera F. S. , Manzanares N. , Sauro S. , Osorio R. , Toledano M. , Ginebra M. P.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To characterize three radiopaque Magnesium Phosphate Cements (MPCs) developed for endodontic purposes.

Methodology

Three experimental MPCs containing Bi2O3 were formulated. The experimental cements, which consisted of mixtures of magnesium oxide with different phosphate salts, were characterized for setting time, injectability, porosity, compressive strength and phase composition. The long‐term sealing ability of the experimental MPCs applied in single‐rooted teeth as root canal filling material or as sealer in combination with gutta‐percha was also assessed using a highly sensitive fluid filtration system. A mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement was used as control. Statistical analysis was performed with two‐ or three‐way analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey's test was used for comparisons.

Results

The addition of 10 wt% Bi2O3 within the composition of the MPCs provided an adequate radiopacity for endodontic applications according to ISO 6876 standard. The reaction products resulting from the MPCs were either struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) or an amorphous sodium magnesium phosphate. The porosity of the three MPCs ranged between 4% and 11%. The initial setting time of the experimental cements was between 6 and 9 min, attaining high early compressive strength values (17‐34 MPa within 2 h). All MPC formulations achieved greater sealing ability than MTA (P < 0.05) after 3 months, which was maintained after 6 months for two of the experimental cements (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These MPCs had adequate handling and mechanical properties and low degradation rates. Furthermore, a stable sealing ability was demonstrated up to 6 months when using the cement both as root filling material and as sealer in conjunction with gutta‐percha.
Human dominant‐negative class II transactivator transgenic pigs – effect on the human anti‐pig T‐cell immune response and immune status
Authors: Hara Hidetaka , Witt William , Crossley Tanner , Long Cassandra , Isse Kumiko , Fan Liming , Phelps Carol J. , Ayares David , Cooper David K. C. , Dai Yifan , Starzl Thomas E.
Published: April 2013

Swine leucocyte antigen (SLA) class II molecules on porcine (p) cells play a crucial role in xenotransplantation as activators of recipient human CD4+ T cells. A human dominant‐negative mutant class II transactivator (CIITA‐DN) transgene under a CAG promoter with an endothelium‐specific Tie2 enhancer was constructed. CIITA‐DN transgenic pigs were produced by nuclear transfer/embryo transfer. CIITA‐DN pig cells were evaluated for expression of SLA class II with/without activation, and the human CD4+ T‐cell response to cells from CIITA‐DN and wild‐type (WT) pigs was compared. Lymphocyte subset numbers and T‐cell function in CIITA‐DN pigs were compared with those in WT pigs. The expression of SLA class II on antigen‐presenting cells from CIITA‐DN pigs was significantly reduced (40–50% reduction compared with WT; P < 0·01), and was completely suppressed on aortic endothelial cells (AECs) even after activation (100% suppression; P < 0·01). The human CD4+ T‐cell response to CIITA‐DN pAECs was significantly weaker than to WT pAECs (60–80% suppression; P < 0·01). Although there was a significantly lower frequency of CD4+ cells in the PBMCs from CIITA‐DN (20%) than from WT (30%) pigs (P < 0·01), T‐cell proliferation was similar, suggesting no significant immunological compromise. Organs and cells from CIITA‐DN pigs should be partially protected from the human cellular immune response.
Role of CD8+ T cells in triggering reversal reaction in HIV/leprosy patients
Authors: de Oliveira Ariane Leite , Amadeu Thaís Porto , de França Gomes Andressa Cristina , Menezes Vinícius Martins , da Costa Nery José Augusto , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo , Sarno Euzenir Nunes
Published: April 2013

It has been reported that the initiation of highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) is associated with the development of reversal reaction (RR) in co‐infected HIV/leprosy patients. Nevertheless, the impact of HIV and HAART on the cellular immune response to Mycobacterium leprae (ML) remains unknown. In the present study, we observed that ex vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of both RR and RR/HIV patients presented increased percentages of activated CD4+ T cells when compared with the healthy individuals (HC) group. The frequency of CD8+ CD38+ cells increased in the PBMCs of RR/HIV patients but not in RR patients when compared with the HC group. Both RR and RR/HIV skin lesion cells presented similar percentages of activated CD4+ cells, but the numbers of activated CD8+ cells were higher in RR/HIV in comparison to the RR group. The frequency of interferon‐γ‐producing cells was high in response to ML regardless of HIV co‐infection. In ML‐stimulated cells, there was an increase in central memory CD4+ T‐cell frequencies in the RR and RR/HIV groups, but an increase in central memory CD8+ T‐cell frequency was only observed in the RR/HIV group. ML increased granzyme B+ effector memory CD8+ T‐cell frequencies in the RR/HIV PBMCs, but not in the HC and RR groups. Our data suggest that the increased expression of effector memory CD8+ T cells, together with greater perforin/granzyme B production, could be an additional mechanism leading to the advent of RR in co‐infected patients. Moreoever, this increased expression may explain the severity of RR occurring in these patients.
CD4+T‐cell inhibitory ligands: a tool for characterizing dysfunctional CD4+ T cells during chronic infection
Authors: Dow Courtney , Henderson Ryan , Sette Alessandro , Mothé Bianca R.
Published: April 2013

Activation of CD4+ T cells helps to establish and maintain immune responses. During infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) clone 13, the CD4+ T‐cell responses are lost. In this study, we were interested in the nature of the CD4+ T‐cell responses following infection with LCMV clone 13. To pursue this question, we infected C57BL/6 mice with LCMV clone 13. We used a GP66‐80 MHC Class II tetramer to determine whether the CD4+ T cells were present following infection with LCMV clone 13. We determined that the cells were present and antigen specific, but not functional. We attributed their dysfunction to the presence of CD4+ T‐cell inhibitory ligands. We further stained for the presence of CD4+ T‐cell inhibitory ligands. We found that the during chronic infection the number of CD4+ T cells expressing programmed death‐1 and CD160 were greater over the time–course study than the other CD4+ T‐cell inhibitory ligands. These data show that using CD4+ T‐cell inhibitory ligands as a reagent for characterization can help in understanding the complex immune responses associated with persistent infections.
Extending pension and savings scheme coverage to the informal sector: Kenya's Mbao Pension Plan
Authors: Kwena Rose Musonye , Turner John A.
Published: April 2013

The Mbao Pension Plan is a voluntary individual account savings plan to which all workers in Kenya may contribute without regard to income or age. It is designed to provide a programme that is suitable for the unique nature of the informal sector and to encourage a savings culture for those workers. The key innovation is that low‐income workers can easily make small contributions at relatively low cost, considering the small contributions and small account balances. Participants can conveniently make contributions anytime and anywhere using their cell phones. This savings innovation is made possible by technological innovations that have reduced the costs of cell phones and airtime, and by the entrepreneurial innovation of mobile money. The plan is provided through private‐sector businesses.
The efficacy of topical royal jelly on healing of diabetic foot ulcers: a double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Siavash Mansour , Shokri Saeideh , Haghighi Sepehr , Shahtalebi Mohammad Ali , Farajzadehgan Ziba
Published: April 2013

Foot ulcers are major sources of morbidity in individuals with diabetes mellitus. As royal jelly (RJ, a worker honey bee product) contains enzymatic, antibacterial and vasodilative properties, it can potentially help in healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical RJ on healing of DFUs. Diabetic patients with foot ulcers who were referred to us at Khorshid Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, were managed by offloading, infection control, vascular improvement and debridement (if required). Then, all ulcers were randomly selected to receive either 5% sterile topical RJ or placebo on their total surface area. Patients were followed for 3 months or until complete healing. Twenty‐five patients (6 females and 19 males) and a total of 64 ulcers were included and randomly allocated to case or control group (32 per group). Four ulcers were excluded and 60 ulcers included in the final analysis. Healing parameters including depth, length and width reduction rate, duration of complete healing and incidence of complete healing did not show any significant difference (P = 0·69, 0·95, 0·7, 0·74 and 0·6, respectively) between groups. We did not observe any side effect of topical RJ application. This study could not confirm any significant superiority of 5% topical RJ over placebo for the treatment of DFUs.
Nursing on television: student perceptions of television's role in public image, recruitment and education
Authors: Weaver Roslyn , Salamonson Yenna , Koch Jane , Jackson Debra
Published: April 2013

Aims

To explore nursing students' perceptions of how their profession is portrayed on medical television programmes.

Background

Recruitment and retention in nursing have been linked to the image of the profession in society. Images of nursing in popular media frequently draw on stereotypes that may damage the appeal of nursing for potential students and denigrate the value and status of the profession. A growing body of work analyses how nursing is portrayed in popular media, but less research asks nursing students themselves to reflect on this area.

Design

Convergent parallel mixed methods.

Methods

Data were collected in 2011 from surveys of 484 undergraduate nursing students at a large university in New South Wales, Australia, that included demographic data, their viewing habits of medical television programmes and their opinions of how the shows handled nursing ethics and professionalism and the image of nursing on television and nursing role models.

Results

Most students watch medical television programmes. Students who do not speak English at home watched fewer programmes but were more positive about the depictions of professionalism. The qualitative data showed students were concerned that television can have a negative influence on the image of nursing, but they also recognized some educational and recruitment value in television programmes.

Conclusions

It is important for nurses, educators and students to be critically engaged with the image of their profession in society. There is value in engaging more closely with contemporary media portrayals of nursing for students and educators alike.
Association Analysis for Quality Traits in a Diverse Panel of Chinese Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Germplasm
Authors: Wei Wenliang , Zhang Yanxin , Lü Haixia , Li Donghua , Wang Linhai , Zhang Xiurong
Published: April 2013

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of a sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) panel for association analysis, and investigate the genetic basis of oil content (OC), protein content, oleic acid concentration, and linoleic acid concentration using association mapping. A panel of 216 sesame accessions was phenotyped in a multi‐environment trial and fingerprinted with 608 polymorphic loci produced by 79 primers, including simple sequence repeats (SSRs), sequence‐related amplified polymorphisms (SRAPs), and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Population structure analysis revealed two subgroups in the population. The Q model performed better for its ability to re‐identify associations for the four traits at highly significant P‐values compared to the other three mixed models. And a total of 35 and 25 associations for the four traits in 2010 and 2011 were identified, respectively, with the Q model after Bonferroni correction. Among those associations, only one for OC was re‐identified in two environments, and several markers associated simultaneously with multiple traits were discovered. These results suggest the power and stability of the Q model for association analysis of nutritional traits in this sesame panel for its slight population stratification and familial relationship, which could aid in dissecting complex traits, and could help to develop strategies for improving nutritional quality.
Enhanced dissolution and oral bioavailability of tanshinone IIA base by solid dispersion system with low-molecular-weight chitosan
Authors: Liu Qi-yuan , Zhang Zhen-hai , Jin Xin , Jiang Yan-Rong , Jia Xiao-Bin
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study is to improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability of tanshinone IIA (TAN).

Methods

Solid dispersions of TAN with low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMC) were prepared and the in-vitro dissolution and in-vivo performance were evaluated.

Key findings

At 1 h, the extent of dissolution of TAN from the LMC–TAN system (weight ratio 9 : 1) increased about 368.2% compared with the pure drug. Increasing the LMC content from 9 : 1 to 12 : 1 in this system did not significantly increase the rate and the extent of dissolution. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the formation of amorphous tanshinone IIA and the absence of crystallinity in the solid dispersion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that there was no interaction between drug and carrier. In-vivo test showed that LMC-TAN solid dispersion system presented significantly larger AUC0-t, which was 0.67 times that of physical mixtures and 1.17 times that of TAN. Additionally, the solid dispersion generated obviously higher Cmax and shortened Tmax compared with TAN and physical mixtures.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the LMC -based solid dispersions could achieve complete dissolution, accelerated absorption rate and superior oral bioavailability.
Global visual processing decreases with autistic‐like traits: A study of early lateralized potentials with spatial attention
Authors: Kasai Tetsuko , Murohashi Harumitsu
Published: April 2013

Extensive research suggests that autistic individuals have deficits in global visual processing that may cause an attentional bias toward local details. This tendency has also been noted in nonclinical samples with high autistic‐like traits, as measured using the autism‐spectrum quotient (AQ). However, as top‐down attention as an executive control can modulate early visual processing, it is still unclear whether this local processing bias is due to atypicality in bottom‐up processing or a top‐down attentional set. The present study explored this issue by examining event‐related potentials (ERPs) in a sustained focal‐attention task that involved bilateral stimulus arrays. In this task, aP1spatial attention effect (at approximately 100–150 ms post‐stimulus) reflects top‐down attentional modulation of incoming sensory processing, and anN1attention effect (150–200 ms) reflects obligatory attention‐spreading based on perceptual grouping. The results showed thatAQscores were negatively correlated with theN1attention effects for conditions in which bilateral stimuli were grouped with feature similarity and amodal completion. This finding supports the view that bottom‐up processing in perceptual organization varies with autism spectrum.
Algal taxonomy forum
Authors: Druehl Louis
Published: April 2013

The publication of a mini‐review by Olivier De Clerck et al. in this issue of the Journal of Phycology presented an opportunity to open a dialogue on challenges faced by contemporary algal taxonomists. The Editorial Office solicited the following two additional contributions in response to De Clerck et al.'s paper; the responses were edited solely for clarity, space and format.
The vacuum phenomenon in intervertebral disc disease of dogs based on computed tomography images
Authors: Müller M. K. , Ludewig E. , Oechtering G. , Scholz M. , Flegel T.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Vacuum phenomenon is suspected to be indicative of disc degeneration and subsequent herniation. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability of vacuum phenomenon for identification of herniated discs causing neurological signs. Prevalence of vacuum phenomenon and influencing factors in dogs with disc herniation were determined.

Methods

Retrospective review of computed tomography scans from dogs with suspected disc herniation for the presence of gas within intervertebral disc space with subsequent comparison of vacuum phenomenon and herniated disc as confirmed by surgery. Subgroups were created (chondrodystrophic, non‐chondrodystrophic and unknown classification) to analyse prevalence and influencing factors (age, breed and gender) for vacuum phenomenon and agreement with herniated disc.

Results

Prevalence of vacuum phenomenon in all dogs, chondrodystrophic, non‐chondrodystrophic dogs and those with unknown classification was 19·8, 14·9, 35·7 and 24·5%, respectively. Corresponding correlation rate between vacuum phenomenon and herniated disc was 64, 67, 40 and 82%. Prevalence of vacuum phenomenon was significantly higher in nonchondrodystrophic dogs (P=0·04). Age was the only factor influencing prevalence of vacuum phenomenon (P=0·04).

Clinical Significance

In dogs with intervertebral disc disease, vacuum phenomenon is a frequent but inconsistent finding. Although helpful to identify degenerated discs, it is not suitable to identify currently herniated disc with sufficient accuracy.
Hormonal Treatment Reduces Psychobiological Distress in Gender Identity Disorder, Independently of the Attachment Style
Authors: Colizzi Marco , Costa Rosalia , Pace Valeria , Todarello Orlando
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Gender identity disorder may be a stressful situation. Hormonal treatment seemed to improve the general health as it reduces psychological and social distress. The attachment style seemed to regulate distress in insecure individuals as they are more exposed to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal system dysregulation and subjective stress.

Aim

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the presence of psychobiological distress and insecure attachment in transsexuals and to study their stress levels with reference to the hormonal treatment and the attachment pattern.

Methods

We investigated 70 transsexual patients. We measured the cortisol levels and the perceived stress before starting the hormonal therapy and after about 12 months. We studied the representation of attachment in transsexuals by a backward investigation in the relations between them and their caregivers.

Main Outcome Measures

We used blood samples for assessing cortisol awakening response (CAR); we used the Perceived Stress Scale for evaluating self-reported perceived stress and the Adult Attachment Interview to determine attachment styles.

Results

At enrollment, transsexuals reported elevated CAR; their values were out of normal. They expressed higher perceived stress and more attachment insecurity, with respect to normative sample data. When treated with hormone therapy, transsexuals reported significantly lower CAR (P < 0.001), falling within the normal range for cortisol levels. Treated transsexuals showed also lower perceived stress (P < 0.001), with levels similar to normative samples. The insecure attachment styles were associated with higher CAR and perceived stress in untreated transsexuals (P < 0.01). Treated transsexuals did not expressed significant differences in CAR and perceived stress by attachment.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that untreated patients suffer from a higher degree of stress and that attachment insecurity negatively impacts the stress management. Initiating the hormonal treatment seemed to have a positive effect in reducing stress levels, whatever the attachment style may be.
Tripartite efflux pumps: energy is required for dissociation, but not assembly or opening of the outer membrane channel of the pump
Authors: Janganan Thamarai K. , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Zhang Li , Borges‐Walmsley Maria Inês , Walmsley Adrian R.
Published: April 2013

The MtrCDE multidrug pump, from Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is assembled from the inner and outer membrane proteins MtrD and MtrE, which are connected by the periplasmic membrane fusion protein MtrC. Although it is clear that MtrD delivers drugs to the channel of MtrE, it remains unclear how drug delivery and channel opening are connected. We used a vancomycin sensitivity assay to test for opening of the MtrE channel. Cells expressing MtrE or MtrE‐E434K were insensitive to vancomycin; but became moderately and highly sensitive to vancomycin respectively, when coexpressed with MtrC, suggesting that the MtrE channel opening requires MtrC binding and is energy‐independent. Cells expressing wild‐type MtrD, in an MtrCE background, were vancomycin‐insensitive, but moderately sensitive in an MtrCE‐E434K background. The mutation of residues involved in proton translocation inactivated MtrD and abolished drug efflux, rendered both MtrE and MtrE‐E434K vancomycin‐insensitive; imply that the pump–component interactions are preserved, and that the complex is stable in the absence of proton flux, thus sealing the open end of MtrE. Following the energy‐dependent dissociation of the tripartite complex, the MtrE channel is able to reseal, while MtrE‐E434K is unable to do so, resulting in the vancomycin‐sensitive phenotype. Thus, our findings suggest that opening of the OMP via interaction with the MFP is energy‐independent, while both drug export and complex dissociation require active proton flux.
The indoor air as a potential determinant of the frequency of invasive aspergillosis in the intensive care
Authors: Boff Cristiane , Zoppas Barbara C. D. A. , Aquino Valério R. , Kuplich Nádia M. , Miron Diogo , Pasqualotto Alessandro C.
Published: April 2013

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) seems to be an emerging condition in intensive care units (ICUs). However, little attention has been given to the role of environmental factors that could increase the risk for IA in the ICU. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of airborne fungi in three Brazilian ICUs, in an attempt to correlate fungal burden with the frequency of Aspergillus spp isolation from clinical samples of patients hospitalised in these units. During a 1‐year period we quantitatively evaluated the presence of fungi in the air of three ICUs in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The quantity of fungi was correlated with environmental factors. Only one of the ICUs studied showed equal concentrations of Aspergillus conidia in the indoor air, in comparison with the outdoor environment. All cases of Aspergillus colonisation and IA cases observed during the study occurred in that particular ICU. Environmental factors have a direct influence on fungal spore concentration in the air in ICUs, as well as air filtration systems in air conditioners. Fungal contamination of the indoor air may influence the frequency of AI in ICU patients.
Differences in brain responses between lean and obese women to a sweetened drink
Authors: Connolly L. , Coveleskie K. , Kilpatrick L. A. , Labus J. S. , Ebrat B. , Stains J. , Jiang Z. , Tillisch K. , Raybould H. E. , Mayer E. A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Ingestion of sweet food is driven by central reward circuits and restrained by endocrine and neurocrine satiety signals. The specific influence of sucrose intake on central affective and reward circuitry and alterations of these mechanisms in the obese are incompletely understood. For this, we hypothesized that (i) similar brain regions are engaged by the stimulation of sweet taste receptors by sucrose and by non‐nutrient sweeteners and (ii) during visual food‐related cues, obese subjects show greater brain responses to sucrose compared with lean controls.

Methods

In a double‐blind, crossover design, 10 obese and 10 lean healthy females received a sucrose or a non‐nutrient sweetened beverage prior to viewing food or neutral images. BOLD signal was measured using a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner.

Key Results

Viewing food images after ingestion of either drink was associated with engagement of similar brain regions (amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, anterior insula). Obese differed from lean subjects in behavioral and brain responses rating both beverages as less tasteful and satisfying, yet demonstrating greater brain responses. Obese subjects also showed engagement of an additional brain network (including anterior insula, anterior cingulate, hippocampus, and amygdala) only after sucrose ingestion.

Conclusions & Inferences

Obese subjects had a reduced behavioral hedonic response, yet a greater engagement of affective brain networks, particularly after sucrose ingestion, suggesting that in obese subjects, lingual and gut‐derived signaling generate less central hedonic effects than food‐related memories in response to visual cues, analogous to response patterns implicated in food addiction.