bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Senescence‐related genes possibly responsible for poor liver regeneration after hepatectomy in elderly patients
Authors: Zhu Chengzhan , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Utsunomiya Tohru , Yamada Shinichiro , Morine Yuji , Imura Satoru , Arakawa Yusuke , Takasu Chie , Ishikawa Daichi , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Liver regeneration likely decreases with age by an, as yet, incompletely understood mechanism, restricting the extent of hepatectomy. We therefore analyzed the effect of aging on liver regeneration and investigated mechanisms associate with poor regeneration of human liver.

Methods

We assessed 130 patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institute between 2005 and 2012. The patients were divided into two groups, a younger (age < 65 years, n = 59) and an older (age > 65 years, n = 71) group. The expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), its ligand Met, and the senescence‐related genes p16, SIRT1 and SMP30 were assessed by qRT‐PCR. Simulated preoperative and 1 week and 6 month postoperative liver volumes were evaluated in 11 younger and 11 older patients using a 3D simulation imaging system. Regenerated liver volumes were calculated and compared with clinicopathological factors, and correlations between liver regeneration and gene expression were calculated.

Results

HGF and Met expression was significantly lower, and p16 expression significantly higher in older than in younger patients (P < 0.05 each). Mean increases in liver volume after 6 months were significantly greater in younger than in older patients (396.5 mL, 45.6% vs 159.4 mL, 23.3%, P < 0.05) but did not differ significantly at 1 week. Furthermore, p16 expression was negatively correlated with liver regeneration in older patients (R = −0.67, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Poor liver regeneration in older patients may be associated with the upregulation of senescence‐related genes, such as p16, and the downregulation of regeneration‐promoting genes, such as HGF and Met.
Endoscopic and clinical analysis of primary T‐cell lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract according to pathological subtype
Authors: Kim Do Hoon , Lee Danbi , Kim Jeong Won , Huh Jooryung , Park Seong Ho , Ha Hyun Kwon , Suh Cheolwon , Yoon Soon Man , Kim Kyung‐Jo , Choi Kee Don , Ye Byong Duk , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Song Ho June , Jung Hwoon Yong , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Kim Jin‐Ho , Myung Seung‐Jae
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Little is known about the clinicopathological characteristics of primary gastrointestinal T‐cell lymphomas (PGITL). This study evaluated the clinical and endoscopic features of the pathological subtypes of PGITL.

Methods

Forty‐two lesions in 36 patients with PGITL were assessed, including 15 enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphomas (EATL), 13 peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL), 10 NK/T‐cell lymphomas (NK/TL), and four anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL).

Results

PTCL occurred more frequently in the stomach and duodenum and NK/TL more frequently in the small and large intestines (P = 0.009). The endoscopic features of the four subtypes were similar (P = 0.124). Fifteen of 41 lesions (36.6%) were Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positive, with NK/TL more likely to be EBV positive than the other types (P < 0.001). First endoscopy and first computed tomography (CT) scan indicated that 65.4% and 51.4% of the lesions, respectively, were malignant, and that 43.2% and 42.3%, respectively, were GI lymphomas. The two modalities together correctly diagnosed about half of the lesions before biopsy. Intestinal perforation was associated with small bowel location (P < 0.001) and infiltrative type (P = 0.009), and was more common in NK/TL than in the other subtypes (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis showed that higher international prognosis index (P = 0.008) and the presence of complications (P = 0.006) were associated with poor prognosis. Survival was poorer in patients with small bowel lesions than with lesions at other locations (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

The four main pathological types of PGITL differed in clinical characteristics. As PGITL was often not diagnosed by initial endoscopic or radiological examination, a high index of suspicion is necessary to ensure its early diagnosis.
Monoclonal antibodies to various epitopes of hepatitis B surface antigen inhibit hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Golsaz Shirazi Forough , Mohammadi Hamed , Amiri Mohammad Mehdi , Singethan Katrin , Xia Yuchen , Bayat Ali Ahmad , Bahadori Motahareh , Rabbani Hodjatallah , Jeddi‐Tehrani Mahmood , Protzer Ulrike , Shokri Fazel
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Antibodies against the “a” determinant of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are able to neutralize circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) particles and prevent HBV infection. It has been proposed that a single amino acid exchange may allow the virus to escape the immune response. We used a set of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to investigate whether a single mutation may account for virus escape from humoral immunity.

Methods

Nine murine HBsAg‐specific MAbs were raised. Reactivity of all antibodies with 14 recombinant mutants of HBsAg was assessed by ELISA. HBV infection of HepaRG cells was used to evaluate viral neutralization capacity of MAbs in vitro.

Results

All MAbs were able to inhibit the establishment of HBV infection in a dose‐dependent fashion, but recognition of HBsAg variants varied. The MAbs were classified into three subgroups based on their pattern of reactivity to the HBsAg variants. Accordingly, three MAbs showed weak reactivity (< 40%) to variants with mutations within the first loop of “a” determinant, five MAbs displayed negligible binding to variants with mutations within the second loop, and one MAb lost its binding to variants having mutations in both loops of the “a” determinant.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that antibodies against different epitopes of the “a” determinant of HBsAg are able to neutralize HBV. It seems that mutations within a single or a limited number of amino acids within this determinant can hardly result in viral escape. These results have important implications for the development of antibody‐based therapies against HBV.
Swallowing Dysfunction and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease: A Scoping Review of the Evidence
Authors: Affoo Rebecca H. , Foley Norine , Rosenbek John , Kevin Shoemaker J. , Martin Ruth E.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To describe, synthesize, and interpret literature on swallowing impairment (dysphagia) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to identify gaps in the existing literature.

Design

Scoping review of literature covering several study designs.

Setting

Literature review.

Participants

Individuals with AD.

Measurements

Systematic searches of the PubMed, EBSCOhost, PsychINFO, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were conducted. Literature was identified and organized into categories. Studies were then evaluated using the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine Levels of Evidence criteria. After evaluation, the literature was synthesized to form conclusions and identify knowledge gaps.

Results

Ninety‐five articles met the study criteria and were included in the review. Thirty‐one studies examining dysphagia in AD provide preliminary evidence on the prevalence, nature, and treatment of dysphagia in AD; knowledge gaps were identified with respect to demographic characteristics, nature of dysphagia, functional significance, assessment, treatment, and underlying mechanisms of dysphagia in AD. Sixty‐four studies of ANS dysfunction in AD were reviewed, of which 49 identified at least one variable reflecting ANS dysfunction in AD. Knowledge gaps were identified related to demographics, functional significance, and underlying neural mechanisms. No studies were found that examined both dysphagia and ANS dysfunction in AD.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that swallowing impairment, as well as ANS dysfunction, may occur in AD. Potential relationships between dysphagia and ANS dysfunction in AD have not been examined. Future research should explore the possibility that swallowing and ANS dysfunction in AD are related.
Circadian Pacemaking in Cells and Circuits of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: Hastings M. H. , Brancaccio M. , Maywood E. S.
Published: December 2013

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is the principal circadian pacemaker of the brain. It co‐ordinates the daily rhythms of sleep and wakefulness, as well as physiology and behaviour, that set the tempo to our lives. Disturbance of this daily pattern, most acutely with jet‐lag but more insidiously with rotational shift‐work, can have severely deleterious effects for mental function and long‐term health. The present review considers recent developments in our understanding of the properties of the SCN that make it a robust circadian time‐keeper. It first focuses on the intracellular transcriptional/ translational feedback loops (TTFL) that constitute the cellular clockwork of the SCN neurone. Daily timing by these loops pivots around the negative regulation of the Period (Per) and Cryptochrome (Cry) genes by their protein products. The period of the circadian cycle is set by the relative stability of Per and Cry proteins, and this can be controlled by both genetic and pharmacological interventions. It then considers the function of these feedback loops in the context of cytosolic signalling by cAMP and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), which are both outputs from, and inputs to, the TTFL, as well as the critical role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) signalling in synchronising cellular clocks across the SCN. Synchronisation by VIP in the SCN is paracrine, operating over an unconventionally long time frame (i.e. 24 h) and wide spatial domain, mediated via the cytosolic pathways upstream of the TTFL. Finally, we show how intersectional pharmacogenetics can be used to control G‐protein‐coupled signalling in individual SCN neurones, and how manipulation of Gq/[Ca2+]i‐signalling in VIP neurones can re‐programme the circuit‐level encoding of circadian time. Circadian pacemaking in the SCN therefore provides an unrivalled context in which to understand how a complex, adaptive behaviour can be organised by the dynamic activity of a relatively few gene products, operating in a clearly defined neuronal circuit, with both cell‐autonomous and emergent, circuit‐level properties.
The effect of cognitive reappraisal on long‐term emotional experience and emotional memory
Authors: Ahn Hyeon Min , Kim Shin Ah , Hwang In Jae , Jeong Ji Woon , Kim Hyun Taek , Hamann Stephan , Kim Sang Hee
Published: December 2013

One's ability to properly regulate emotion is critical to psychological and physical well‐being. Among various strategies to regulate emotion, cognitive reappraisal has been shown to modulate both emotional experience and emotional memory. However, most studies of reappraisal have focused on reappraisal of negative situations, with reappraisal of positive emotion receiving considerably less attention. In addition, the effects of reappraisal on emotional reactions to stimuli are typically only assessed either immediately or after a short delay, and it remains unclear whether reappraisal effects persist over longer time periods. We investigated the effect of cognitive reappraisal on emotional reactions and long‐term episodic memory for positive and negative stimuli. Men and women viewed emotionally negative, positive, and neutral pictures while they were instructed to either increase, decrease, or maintain the initial emotional reactions elicited by the pictures. Subjective ratings of emotional valence and arousal were assessed during the regulation task and again after 1 week. Memory for the pictures was assessed with free recall. Results indicated that pictures accompanied by instructions to increase emotion were better recalled than pictures reappraised to decrease emotion. Modulation of emotional arousal elicited by stimuli persisted over a week, but this effect was observed only for men. These findings suggest that cognitive reappraisal can have long‐lasting effects on emotional reactions to stimuli. However, the sex differences observed for the effects of reappraisal on emotional reactions highlight the importance of considering individual differences in the effects of regulation.
Trait Self‐Control Predicts Adolescents’ Exposure and Reactivity to Daily Stressful Events
Authors: Galla Brian M. , Wood Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2013

The current study used an influence model of personality and stress processes to examine the association between individual differences in trait self‐control and daily stress exposure and reactivity in adolescent youth. A total of 129 adolescents (Mage = 14.7 years, 59% female) completed individual difference measures of self‐control, neuroticism, and measures of responses to stress. Participants then reported on daily stressful events, stress severity, mood, coping, and mindlessness (a predictor of acting on impulse) for 14 consecutive days. Self‐control predicted less exposure to daily stress, less reactivity to daily stress, and more adaptive responses to stress. Specifically, adolescents with higher self‐control experienced fewer daily stressors and reported lower stress severity, particularly when daily mindlessness was high. Second, adolescents with higher self‐control reported less mindlessness in response to daily stress relative to those with lower self‐control, but they did not show differences in emotional reactivity to stress. Finally, results also offered evidence for an indirect effect of problem‐focused coping strategies between self‐control and emotional reactivity to stress. The current investigation illustrates the importance of trait self‐control in daily stress processes among adolescents and suggests possible mechanisms through which self‐control confers these positive effects.
Polyphyllin D induces apoptosis in K562/A02 cells through G2/M phase arrest
Authors: Wu Lina , Li Qiang , Liu Yong
Published: December 2013

Objectives

The effect of polyphyllin D on inducing cell death of the K562/A02 human leukaemia drug-resistant cells in vitro was examined.

Methods

The effect of polyphyllin D on K562/A02 cells were analysed by studying their cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, caspase-3 activity and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

Key findings

Polyphyllin D, a small molecular monomer extracted from rhizoma of Paris polyphyllin, exhibited strong anticancer activity in a previous study. Our results demonstrate that polyphyllin D exerts a growth inhibitory effect by arresting cells at G2/M phase and by the induction of apoptosis in K562/A02 human leukaemia drug-resistant cells, G2/M phase arrest was found to be associated with up-regulation of p21 and down-regulation of cyclin B1 and cyclin-dependent protein kinase 1. Polyphyllin D-induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway as evidenced by decreased Bcl-2 expression levels, disruption of MMP and increased Bax, cytochrome C and cleaved-caspase-3 levels.

Conclusions

These data suggest that polyphyllin D has a potential as a potent therapeutic agent for chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Enzymes involved in plastid‐targeted phosphatidic acid synthesis are essential for Plasmodium yoelii liver‐stage development
Authors: Lindner Scott E. , Sartain Mark J. , Hayes Kiera , Harupa Anke , Moritz Robert L. , Kappe Stefan H. I. , Vaughan Ashley M.
Published: December 2013

Malaria parasites scavenge nutrients from their host but also harbour enzymatic pathways for de novo macromolecule synthesis. One such pathway is apicoplast‐targeted type II fatty acid synthesis, which is essential for late liver‐stage development in rodent malaria. It is likely that fatty acids synthesized in the apicoplast are ultimately incorporated into membrane phospholipids necessary for exoerythrocytic merozoite formation. We hypothesized that these synthesized fatty acids are being utilized for apicoplast‐targeted phosphatidic acid synthesis, the phospholipid precursor. Phosphatidic acid is typically synthesized in a three‐step reaction utilizing three enzymes: glycerol 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, glycerol 3‐phosphate acyltransferase and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The Plasmodium genome is predicted to harbour genes for both apicoplast‐ and cytosol/endoplasmic reticulum‐targeted phosphatidic acid synthesis. Our research shows that apicoplast‐targeted Plasmodium yoelii glycerol 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol 3‐phosphate acyltransferase are expressed only during liver‐stage development and deletion of the encoding genes resulted in late liver‐stage growth arrest and lack of merozoite differentiation. However, the predicted apicoplast‐targeted lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase gene was refractory to deletion and was expressed solely in the endoplasmic reticulum throughout the parasite life cycle. Our results suggest that P. yoelii has an incomplete apicoplast‐targeted phosphatidic acid synthesis pathway that is essential for liver‐stage maturation.
The paradox of contemporary linguistic nationalism: the case ofLuxembourg
Authors: Garcia Nuria
Published: December 2013

Through a case study of the mobilisation around theLuxembourgish language in the 1970s and 1980s, this article investigates the paradox of contemporary linguistic nationalism, resulting from a hiatus between the continued influence of the classic nation‐state model and the new constraints linked to a changed socio‐historical context. Based on an analysis of actors' discourses, parliamentary debates and legislative documents, the investigation retraces the social, political and economic dynamics as well as the cognitive mechanisms leading to a change in the social perception of theLuxembourgish language. It shows how the contemporary context implies specific constraints and difficulties for mechanisms of the invention of tradition, but that at the same time the traditional nation‐state model, where one nation equates with one state and one language continues to function as a reference. Through theLuxembourgish case is raised the more general question of the relation between linguistic nationalism, modernity and change in a contemporary context.
Do nationalist parties shape or follow sub‐national identities? A panel analysis on the rise of the nationalist party in the Flemish Region of Belgium, 2006–11
Authors: Boonen Joris , Hooghe Marc
Published: December 2013

In this article, we examine the steep and unprecedented rise of the New Flemish Alliance (N‐VA), a Flemish nationalist party in Belgium that succeeded in gaining almost thirty per cent of the vote in a couple of years. During this period, a panel survey among 3,025 late adolescents and young adults was conducted. Our analyses suggest that support for a sub‐nationalist ideology is far more successful in explaining a subsequent vote for the nationalist party than vice versa. In terms of supply and demand mechanisms, we find that N‐VA has managed to address a preexisting reservoir of Flemish nationalist voters (demand), rather than attributing to a development of a stronger Flemish identity among its followers (supply). We should therefore not overestimate the constructionist power of (sub‐)nationalist political elites for the development of (sub‐)nationalist identities.
What is at Stake in Debates among Normative Realists?
Authors: McPherson Tristram
Published: December 2013

One class of central debates between normative realists appears to concern whether we should be naturalists or reductionists about the normative. However, metaethical discussion of naturalism and reduction is often inconsistent, murky, or uninformative. This can make it hard to see why commitments relative to these metaphysical categories should matter to normative realists. This paper aims to clarify the nature of these categories, and their significance in debates between normative realists. I develop and defend what I call thejoint‐carving taxonomy, which builds on David Lewis’ notion of elite properties. I argue that this taxonomy is clear and metaphysically interesting, and answers to distinctive taxonomic interests of normative realists. I also suggest that it has important implications for the project of adjudicating debates among normative realists.
Adaptive differentiation of traits related to resource use in a desert annual along a resource gradient
Authors: Brouillette Larry C. , Mason Chase M. , Shirk Rebecca Y. , Donovan Lisa A.
Published: December 2013

Plant resource‐use traits are generally hypothesized to be adaptively differentiated for populations distributed along resource gradients. Although nutrient limitations are expected to select for resource‐conservative strategies, water limitations may select for either resource‐conservative or ‐acquisitive strategies. We test whether population differentiation reflects local adaptation for traits associated with resource‐use strategies in a desert annual (Helianthus anomalus) distributed along a gradient of positively covarying water and nutrient availability.

We compared quantitative trait variation (QST) with neutral genetic differentiation (FST), in a common garden glasshouse study, for leaf economics spectrum (LES) and related traits: photosynthesis (Amass, Aarea), leaf nitrogen (Nmass, Narea), leaf lifetime (LL), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf water content (LWC), water‐use efficiency (WUE, estimated as δ13C) and days to first flower (DFF).

QST–FST differences support adaptive differentiation for Amass, Nmass, Narea, LWC and DFF. The trait combinations associated with drier and lower fertility sites represent correlated trait evolution consistent with the more resource‐acquisitive end of the LES. There was no evidence for adaptive differentiation for Aarea, LMA and WUE.

These results demonstrate that hot dry environments can selectively favor correlated evolution of traits contributing to a resource‐acquisitive and earlier reproduction ‘escape’ strategy, despite lower fertility.
The symbiotic transcription factor MtEFD and cytokinins are positively acting in the Medicago truncatula and Ralstonia solanacearum pathogenic interaction
Authors: Moreau Sandra , Fromentin Justine , Vailleau Fabienne , Vernié Tatiana , Huguet Stéphanie , Balzergue Sandrine , Frugier Florian , Gamas Pascal , Jardinaud Marie‐Françoise
Published: December 2013

A plant–microbe dual biological system was set up involving the model legume Medicago truncatula and two bacteria, the soil‐borne root pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum and the beneficial symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti.

Comparison of transcriptomes under symbiotic and pathogenic conditions highlighted the transcription factor MtEFD (Ethylene response Factor required for nodule Differentiation) as being upregulated in both interactions, together with a set of cytokinin‐related transcripts involved in metabolism, signaling and response. MtRR4 (Response Regulator), a cytokinin primary response gene negatively regulating cytokinin signaling and known as a target of MtEFD in nodulation processes, was retrieved in this set of transcripts.

Refined studies of MtEFD and MtRR4 expression during M. truncatula and R. solanacearum interaction indicated differential kinetics of induction and requirement of central regulators of bacterial pathogenicity, HrpG and HrpB. Similar to MtRR4, MtEFD upregulation during the pathogenic interaction was dependent on cytokinin perception mediated by the MtCRE1 (Cytokinin REsponse 1) receptor.

The use of M. truncatula efd‐1 and cre1‐1 mutants evidenced MtEFD and cytokinin perception as positive factors for bacterial wilt development. These factors therefore play an important role in both root nodulation and root disease development.
Processing maize flour and corn meal food products
Authors: Gwirtz Jeffrey A. , Garcia‐Casal Maria Nieves
Published: December 2013

Corn is the cereal with the highest production worldwide and is used for human consumption, livestock feed, and fuel. Various food technologies are currently used for processing industrially produced maize flours and corn meals in different parts of the world to obtain precooked refined maize flour, dehydrated nixtamalized flour, fermented maize flours, and other maize products. These products have different intrinsic vitamin and mineral contents, and their processing follows different pathways from raw grain to the consumer final product, which entail changes in nutrient composition. Dry maize mechanical processing creates whole or fractionated products, separated by anatomical features such as bran, germ, and endosperm. Wet maize processing separates by chemical compound classification such as starch and protein. Various industrial processes, including whole grain, dry milling fractionation, and nixtamalization, are described. Vitamin and mineral losses during processing are identified and the nutritional impacts outlined. Also discussed are the vitamin and mineral contents of corn.
How representative is the ‘Representative Value’ of refraction provided by the Shin‐Nippon NVision‐K 5001 autorefractor?
Authors: Tang Wing Chun , Tang Ying Yung , Lam Carly S. Y.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of agreement between the ‘Representative Value’ (RV) of refraction obtained from the Shin‐Nippon NVision‐K 5001 instrument with values calculated from individual measurement readings using standard algebraic methods.

Methods

Cycloplegic autorefraction readings for 101 myopic children aged 8–13 years (10.9 ± 1.42 years) were obtained using the Shin‐Nippon NVision‐K 5001. Ten autorefractor measurements were taken for each eye. The spherical equivalent (SE), sphere (Sph) and cylindrical component (Cyl) power of each eye were calculated, firstly, by averaging the 10 repeated measurements (Mean SE, Mean Sph and Mean Cyl), and secondly, by the vector representation method (Vector SE, Vector Sph and Vector Cyl). These calculated values were then compared with those of RV (RV SE, RV Sph and RV Cyl) provided by the proprietary software of the NVision‐K 5001 using one‐way analysis of variance (anova). The agreement between the methods was also assessed.

Results

The SE of the subjects ranged from −5.37 to −0.62 D (mean ± SD, = −2.89 ± 1.01 D). The Mean SE was in exact agreement with the Vector SE. There were no significant differences between the RV readings and those calculated using non‐vectorial or vectorial methods for any of the refractive powers (SE, p = 0.99; Sph, p = 0.93; Cyl, p = 0.24). The (mean ± SD) differences were: RV SE vs Mean SE (and also RV SE vs Vector SE) −0.01 ± 0.06 D; RV Sph vs Mean Sph, −0.01 ± 0.05 D; RV Sph vs Vector Sph, −0.04 ± 0.06 D; RV Cyl vs Mean Cyl, 0.01 ± 0.07 D; RV Cyl vs Vector Cyl, 0.06 ± 0.09 D. Ninety‐eight percent of RV reading differed from their non‐vectorial or vectorial counterparts by less than 0.25 D.

Conclusion

The RV values showed good agreement to the results calculated using conventional methods. Although the formula used to calculate RV by the NVision‐K 5001 autorefractor is proprietary, our results provide validation for the use of RV measurements in clinical practice and vision science research.
Why don't younger adults in England go to have their eyes examined?
Authors: Shickle Darren , Griffin Marcus , Evans Rebecca , Brown Benjamas , Haseeb Almira , Knight Sharon , Dorrington Emily
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Most research on attitudes to eye health has focussed on older people, reflecting the higher prevalence of eye diseases in older age groups. Little is known about younger people's attitudes to eye health. This paper explores young adults understanding of eye health and the purpose of eye examinations and the reasons why they do or do not attend for eye examinations. The aim is to provide evidence to inform policy on recommendations relating to eye health for individuals at low risk of visual impairment.

Methods

Six focus‐group meetings were held in Leeds with 43 people aged 18–35 (mean age 22 years). Focus group participants were recruited using a snowballing approach from an initial group of young adults. Focus groups were transcribed and a thematic analysis approach was used.

Results

Children who wore spectacles were often bullied. As people grew up it became more socially acceptable to wear spectacles. Practicalities, aesthetics and fashion were important issues. Knowledge about eye disease and the eye examination were generally poor. Many claimed to value vision, but recognised that young people do not have eye examinations as often as they should. Eye examinations were only perceived to be needed for younger people experiencing problems or to update prescriptions. Eye health was seen as issue for older people. Some had no idea or were shocked about how much spectacles cost. Optometrists were seen differently to other healthcare professionals. The retail aspect of optometry was seen as too dominant. More information was wanted from the NHS on eye health.

Conclusion

While young adults are at low risk of sight threatening disease, many do benefit from correction of refractive error. There is an argument for reducing the recommended frequency of eye examinations for low risk individuals from the 2 years currently advised. Nevertheless, young adults need to be made more aware of eye health issues, so that optometrists are seen as more than somewhere that sell spectacles. Increasing awareness of eye health in younger adulthood will also be important to ensure that services are appropriately accessed as they get older.
The association between foodborne and orofecal pathogens and allergic sensitisation — EuroPrevall study
Authors: Janse Jacqueline J. , Wong Gary W. K. , Potts James , Ogorodova Ludmila M. , Fedorova Olga S. , Mahesh P. A. , Sakellariou Alexandros , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Knulst André C. , Versteeg Serge A. , Kroes Aloys C. M. , Vossen Ann C. T. M. , Campos Ponce Maiza , Kummeling Ischa , Burney Peter , van Ree Ronald , Yazdanbakhsh Maria
Published: December 2013

Background

An inverse association between markers of exposure to foodborne and orofecal pathogens and allergic sensitization has been reported. However, the findings of epidemiological studies have not been consistent. This study investigated the relationship between antibodies to hepatitis A, Toxoplasma gondii and salmonella and allergic sensitization to food and aeroallergens in children from different geographical areas.

Methods

Specific IgE and/or skin prick testing against food and aeroallergens were measured in children from 6 to 12 years of age residing in Greece, the Netherlands, China, India and Russia. Seropositivity to the three pathogens was measured, and data on potential confounders were collected using questionnaire.

Results

Data from 800 children (126 from Athens; 248 from Utrecht; 110 from Hong Kong; 119 from urban Tomsk; and 197 from rural Tomsk) could be analysed. The highest percentage of positive serology to salmonella was found in Hong Kong (46.4%), to T. gondii in urban Tomsk (13.4%) and to hepatitis A in Athens (71.2%). Although not significant, T. gondii seropositivity tends to be negatively associated, and hepatitis A seropositivity tends to be positively associated with allergic sensitization.

Conclusion

Inconsistent associations were observed between allergic sensitization to food and aeroallergens and markers of exposure to two common foodborne pathogens. The association with T. gondii tends to be negative, consistent with the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, but the association with hepatitis A tends to be positive. Taken together, there is no clear evidence that past exposure to foodborne and orofecal pathogens protects against allergic sensitization to food or aeroallergens.
Etiology, clinical outcome, and laboratory features in children with neutropenia: Analysis of 104 cases
Authors: Angelino Giulia , Caruso Roberta , D'Argenio Patrizia , Calò Carducci Francesca Ippolita , Pascone Roberto , Lanciotti Marina , Cancrini Caterina , Palma Paolo , Aiuti Alessandro , Rossi Paolo , Finocchi Andrea
Published: December 2013

Background

Neutropenia is not uncommon in childhood. The aim of our study was to analyze the underlying causes of neutropenia and to evaluate its clinical significance in a series of children referred to our center.

Methods

One hundred and four consecutive children with neutropenia were enrolled in this study. Clinical and laboratory features were analyzed.

Results

The majority of patients (63.5%) showed chronic neutropenia. Among all chronic forms, the most frequent was chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN), followed by autoimmune neutropenia (AIN). Congenital neutropenia was identified in 6 patients. Acute neutropenia was mainly due to infections.

Overall, at the time of first detection, neutropenia was more frequently severe or moderate. One‐third of our patients who presented with severe neutropenia were ultimately diagnosed with a post‐infectious acute form. Conversely, nearly half patients with CIN, AIN, or congenital neutropenia showed moderate/mild neutropenia at onset.

Among patients with AIN and CIN, nearly half recovered between 7 months and 46 months and approximately one‐fourth experienced infectious episodes during follow‐up. No significant difference was noticed in terms of mean ANC between patients with and without remission, neither between patients with and without infections.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the great etiological heterogeneity of neutropenia in children. We could not demonstrate a correlation between ANC level at onset and the underlying disorder, nor a correlation between mean ANC and duration of neutropenia or infectious episodes during follow‐up. Neutropenia remains a disease of concern to pediatricians, requiring several laboratory investigations, prolonged follow‐up, and, in few cases, advanced molecular methods.
Triplet–Triplet Energy Transfer from a UV‐A Absorber Butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane to UV‐B Absorbers
Authors: Kikuchi Azusa , Oguchi‐Fujiyama Nozomi , Miyazawa Kazuyuki , Yagi Mikio
Published: December 2013

The phosphorescence decay of a UV‐A absorber, 4‐tert‐butyl‐4′‐methoxydibenzolymethane (BMDBM) has been observed following a 355 nm laser excitation in the absence and presence of UV‐B absorbers, 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐methoxycinnamate (octyl methoxycinnamate, OMC) and octocrylene (OCR) in ethanol at 77 K. The lifetime of the lowest excited triplet (T1) state of BMDBM is significantly reduced in the presence of OMC and OCR. The observed quenching of BMDBM triplet by OMC and OCR suggests that the intermolecular triplet–triplet energy transfer occurs from BMDBM to OMC and OCR. The T1 state of OCR is nonphosphorescent or very weakly phosphorescent. However, we have shown that the energy level of the T1 state of OCR is lower than that of the enol form of BMDBM. Our methodology of energy‐donor phosphorescence decay measurements can be applied to the study of the triplet–triplet energy transfer between UV absorbers even if the energy acceptor is nonphosphorescent. In addition, the delayed fluorescence of BMDBM due to triplet–triplet annihilation was observed in the BMDBM–OMC and BMDBM–OCR mixtures in ethanol at 77 K. Delayed fluorescence is one of the deactivation processes of the excited states of BMDBM under our experimental conditions.
Ultrasonographic Characterization of Follicle Deviation in Follicular Waves with Single Dominant and Codominant Follicles in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Manjunatha BM , Al‐Bulushi S , Pratap N
Published: December 2013

Contents

Follicular wave emergence was synchronized by treating camels with GnRH when a dominant follicle (DF) was present in the ovaries. Animals were scanned twice a day from day 0 (day of GnRH treatment) to day 10, to characterize emergence and deviation of follicles during the development of the follicular wave. Follicle deviation in individual animals was determined by graphical method. Single DFs were found in 16, double DFs in 9 and triple DFs in two camels. The incidence of codominant (double and triple DFs) follicles was 41%. The interval from GnRH treatment to wave emergence, wave emergence to deviation, diameter and growth rate of F1 follicle before or after deviation did not differ between the animals with single and double DFs. The size difference between future DF(s) and the largest subordinate follicle (SF) was apparent from the day of wave emergence in single and double DFs. Overall, interval from GnRH treatment to wave emergence and wave emergence to the beginning of follicle deviation was 70.6 ± 1.4 and 58.6 ± 2.7 h, respectively. Mean size of the DF and largest SF at the beginning of deviation was 7.4 ± 0.2 and 6.3 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. In conclusion, the characteristics of follicle deviation are similar between the animals that developed single or double DFs.
Attenuating Initial Beliefs: Increasing the Acceptance of Anthropogenic Climate Change Information by Reflecting on Values
Authors: van Prooijen Anne‐Marie , Sparks Paul
Published: December 2013

Anthropogenic climate change information tends to be interpreted against the backdrop of initial environmental beliefs, which can lead to some people being resistant toward the information. In this article (N = 88), we examined whether self‐affirmation via reflection on personally important values could attenuate the impact of initial beliefs on the acceptance of anthropogenic climate change evidence. Our findings showed that initial beliefs about the human impact on ecological stability influenced the acceptance of information only among nonaffirmed participants. Self‐affirmed participants who were initially resistant toward the information showed stronger beliefs in the existence of climate change risks and greater acknowledgment that individual efficacy has a role to play in reducing climate change risks than did their nonaffirmed counterparts.
A Study of Individual‐Level Social Capital and Health Outcomes: Testing for Variance between Rural and Urban Respondents
Authors: Beaudoin Christopher E. , Wendel Monica L. , Drake Kelly
Published: December 2013

This study examines associations between social capital and health outcomes with data from the 2010BrazosValleyHealthSurvey (Texas) (N= 3,176). Multivariate adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that poor and fair health status was inversely predicted by both high trust (adjustedOR= .67 [CI= .50–.92]) and high informal social ties (adjustedOR= .68 [CI= .49–.94]), as well as being predicted by the interaction of urban‐rural and community participation (adjustedOR= 1.20 [CI= 1.02–1.40]). Mental distress was inversely predicted by high trust (adjustedOR= .51 [CI= .29–.89]) and the interaction of urban/rural and informal social ties (adjustedOR= .77 [CI= .61–.97]). Thus, whereas social capital poses general benefits in regard to improving health status and mental distress, the former benefits are greater for rural respondents, while the latter benefits are greater for urban respondents.
Lower extremity dexterity is associated with agility in adolescent soccer athletes
Authors: Lyle M. A. , Valero‐Cuevas F. J. , Gregor R. J. , Powers C. M.
Published: December 2013

Agility is important for sport performance and potentially injury risk; however, factors affecting this motor skill remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the extent to which lower extremity dexterity (LED) and muscle performance were associated with agility. Fourteen male and 14 female soccer athletes participated. Agility was evaluated using a hopping sequence separately with both limbs and with the dominant limb only. The LED test evaluated the athletes’ ability to dynamically regulate foot–ground interactions by compressing a spring prone to buckling with the lower limb. Muscle performance included hip and knee isometric strength and vertical jump height. Correlation analyses were used to assess the associations between muscle performance, LED, and agility. Multiple regression models were used to determine whether linear associations differed between sexes. On average, the female athletes took longer to complete the agility tasks than the male athletes. This difference could not be explained by muscle performance. Conversely, LED was found to be the primary determinant of agility (double limb: R2 = 0.61, P < 0.001; single limb: R2 = 0.63, P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the sensorimotor ability to dynamically regulate foot–ground interactions as assessed by the LED test is predictive of agility in soccer athletes. We propose that LED may have implications for sport performance, injury risk, and rehabilitation.
Leporacarus gibbus infestation in client‐owned rabbits and their owner
Authors: d'Ovidio Dario , Santoro Domenico
Published: December 2013

Background

Leporacarus gibbus is a fur mite infesting both laboratory and pet rabbits; infestation is usually subclinical, but in some instances it has been associated with a highly pruritic dermatitis. A zoonotic potential has also been suggested.

Animals

Two pet rabbits, living in the same household, were presented with moderate scaling, erythema, pruritus and alopecia. In both rabbits, the lesions were mainly localized around the neck. A pruritic papular dermatitis was also present on the owner's arms and legs.

Methods and results

Parasitological examination of the rabbits' skin and fur revealed many mites of the species L. gibbus. Skin cytology and fungal culture were both negative for bacteria and fungi. Both rabbits were treated with a single application of a spot‐on formulation of 1% moxidectin and 10% imidacloprid, as well as environmental disinfection with a miticide. After treatment, the rabbits improved markedly, and the lesions on the owner's arms and legs disappeared within a week.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This is the second description of L. gibbus dermatitis in people. In the present case report, the lesions on the rabbits and their owner were very similar, a pruritic dermatitis with small papules, more evident on the owner's extremities. Due to its zoonotic potential, although uncommon, L. gibbus infestation should be considered as a possible differential in pet rabbits, particularly when owners have a papular eruption.
Cross‐reactivity between decellularized porcine corneal lamellae for corneal xenobridging and subsequent corneal allotransplants
Authors: Choi Hyuk Jin , Lee Jong Joo , Kim Mee Kum , Lee Hyun Ju , Ko Ah Young , Kang Hee Jung , Park Chung‐Gyu , Wee Won Ryang
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate cross‐reactivity between hypertonic saline‐treated decellularized porcine corneal lamellae for corneal xenobridging and subsequent corneal allotransplants. Five Chinese rhesus macaques, which had undergone anterior partial thickness corneal transplantation using hypertonic saline‐treated decellularized porcine corneal lamellae in preceding experiments, were used as recipients for subsequent full‐thickness corneal allografts. To determine whether sensitization of recipients to xenoantigens leads to cross‐reactivity against alloantigens, we compared; (i) allogeneic one‐way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from xeno‐sensitized recipients with that of PBMCs from naïve rhesus macaques, and (ii) amounts of IgG antibodies that bound to the PBMCs of a rhesus panel (five monkeys) before and after xeno‐sensitization. Graft survival and immunologic profiles including memory T‐cell subsets and donor rhesus‐specific antibodies were also evaluated. No hyperacute or acute rejection was observed within a month of subsequent allotransplantation in any recipient. Alloreactivity by MLR was not different between xeno‐sensitized rhesus recipients and naïve rhesus monkeys. Panel‐reactive IgG antibodies were unchanged after xeno‐sensitization, and no change in donor rhesus‐specific antibodies was observed in any recipient. No significant changes in memory T‐cell subsets were observed during the early post‐operative period in any recipient. Decellularized porcine corneal lamellae may not increase cross‐reactivity to alloantigens, and thus, porcine corneal lamellae may be used as a bridge to subsequent corneal allografting.
Coupled Torsional Vibration and Fatigue Damage of Turbine Generator Due to Grid Disturbance
Authors: Liu Chao , Jiang Dongxiang , Chen Jingming
Published: December 2013

Crack failures continually occur in shafts of turbine generator, where grid disturbance is an important cause. To estimate influences of grid disturbance, coupled torsional vibration and fatigue damage of turbine generator shafts are analyzed in this work, with a case study in a 600MW steam unit in China. The analysis is the following: (i) coupled system is established with generator model and finite element method (FEM)-based shafts model, where the grid disturbance is signified by fluctuation of generator outputs and the shafts model is formed with lumped mass model (LMM) and continuous mass model (CMM), respectively; (ii) fatigue damage is evaluated in the weak location of the shafts through local torque response computation, stress calculation, and fatigue accumulation; and (iii) failure-prevention approach is formed by solving the inverse problem in fatigue evaluation. The results indicate that the proposed scheme with continuous mass model can acquire more detailed and accurate local responses throughout the shafts compared with the scheme without coupled effects or the scheme using lumped mass model. Using the coupled torsional vibration scheme, fatigue damage caused by grid disturbance is evaluated and failure prevention rule is formed.
Modeling and Simulation of the Transient Behavior of an Industrial Power Plant Gas Turbine
Authors: Asgari Hamid , Venturini Mauro , Chen XiaoQi , Sainudiin Raazesh
Published: December 2013

This study deals with modeling and simulation of the transient behavior of an Industrial Power Plant Gas Turbine (IPGT). The data used for model setup and validation were taken experimentally during the start-up procedure of a single-shaft heavy duty gas turbine. Two different models are developed and compared by using both a physics-based and a black-box approach, and are implemented by using the matlab© tools including Simulink and Neural Network toolbox, respectively. The Simulink model was constructed based on the thermodynamic and energy balance equations in matlab environment. The nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous inputs NARX model was set up by using the same data sets and subsequently applied to each of the data sets separately. The results showed that both Simulink and NARX models are capable of satisfactory prediction, if it is considered that the data used for model training and validation is experimental data taken during gas turbine normal operation by using its standard instrumentation.
Experimental Investigation of a Three-Layer Oscillating Heat Pipe
Authors: Smoot C. D. , Ma H. B.
Published: December 2013

An experimental investigation of a compact, triple-layer oscillating heat pipe (OHP) has been conducted to determine the channel layer effect on the heat transport capability in an OHP. The OHP has dimensions 13 mm thick, 229 mm long, and 76 mm wide embedded with two-independent closed loops forming three layers of channels. The unique design of the investigated OHP can be readily used to explore the channel layering effect on the heat transport capability in the OHP. The experimental results show that the addition of channel layers can increase the total power and at the same time, it can increase the effective thermal conductivity of the OHP. When the OHP switches from one layer of channels to two layers of channels, the highest effective thermal conductivity can be increased from 5760 W/mK to 26,560 W/mK. At the same time, the dryout limit can be increased. With three layers of channels, the OHP investigated herein can transport a power up to 8 kW with a heat flux level of 103 W/cm2 achieving an effective thermal conductivity of 33,170 W/mK.