bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of near‐future ocean acidification, fishing, and marine protection on a temperate coastal ecosystem
Authors: Cornwall Christopher E. , Eddy Tyler D.
Published: October 2014

Understanding ecosystem responses to global and local anthropogenic impacts is paramount to predicting future ecosystem states. We used an ecosystem modeling approach to investigate the independent and cumulative effects of fishing, marine protection, and ocean acidification on a coastal ecosystem. To quantify the effects of ocean acidification at the ecosystem level, we used information from the peer‐reviewed literature on the effects of ocean acidification. Using an Ecopath with Ecosim ecosystem model for the Wellington south coast, including the Taputeranga Marine Reserve (MR), New Zealand, we predicted ecosystem responses under 4 scenarios: ocean acidification + fishing; ocean acidification + MR (no fishing); no ocean acidification + fishing; no ocean acidification + MR for the year 2050. Fishing had a larger effect on trophic group biomasses and trophic structure than ocean acidification, whereas the effects of ocean acidification were only large in the absence of fishing. Mortality by fishing had large, negative effects on trophic group biomasses. These effects were similar regardless of the presence of ocean acidification. Ocean acidification was predicted to indirectly benefit certain species in the MR scenario. This was because lobster (Jasus edwardsii) only recovered to 58% of the MR biomass in the ocean acidification + MR scenario, a situation that benefited the trophic groups lobsters prey on. Most trophic groups responded antagonistically to the interactive effects of ocean acidification and marine protection (46%; reduced response); however, many groups responded synergistically (33%; amplified response). Conservation and fisheries management strategies need to account for the reduced recovery potential of some exploited species under ocean acidification, nonadditive interactions of multiple factors, and indirect responses of species to ocean acidification caused by declines in calcareous predators.
An evaluation of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in critical care using the ICF framework: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Burke Dearbhla , Gorman Emma , Stokes Diarmaid , Lennon Olive
Published: October 2014

Objective

To review, in conformance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, the totality of evidence for the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the critical care setting, when compared with usual care, under all domains of the World Health Organisation, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Data Source

Six electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, The Cochrane Library and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) (1945–2014). Limits of the English language and human studies were applied.

Study Selection

Trials investigating the effect of NMES in critical care adult patients were included. One reviewer excluded articles by title. Two reviewers excluded remaining articles by abstract and full text. One reviewer extracted data under a standardised form. Two reviewers assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

Results

Twelve full‐text articles, eleven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one case‐control trial indicated the potential of NMES to preserve muscle mass and joint range of motion, improve outcomes of ventilation, and reduce activity limitations. Meta‐analysis from three RCTs supported NMES to preserve muscle strength using a fixed‐effects model [n = 146; standardised mean difference 0.93 (0.51, 1.35) P = 0.0002]; however, significant heterogeneity was recorded. No outcomes evaluated the effect on participation restrictions.

Conclusion

NMES, as an adjunct to current rehabilitation practices in critically ill patients, may maintain muscle strength. However, high‐quality studies with longer follow‐up periods and standardised outcome measures across all domains of the ICF framework are required.
Cutaneous crystal storing histiocytosis: a report of two cases
Authors: Li Jing Jing , Henderson Christopher
Published: October 2014

Crystal storing histiocytosis (CSH) is a rare condition where crystals accumulate in the cytoplasm of macrophages and is usually associated with a lymphoplasmacytic neoplasm producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin with kappa light chain. CSH with primary manifestation in the skin is extraordinarily rare and limited to four case reports in the literature. Here we present two cases of cutaneous CSH. One case is that of an 80 year old woman who presented with bilateral periorbital oedema with yellow discolouration. Skin biopsy showed dermal CSH in association with a neoplastic lymphoplasmacytoid infiltrate showing IgM kappa light chain restriction. Subsequent work up led to the discovery of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. She had an indolent clinical course but died 6 years later from transformation into a diffuse large B cell lymphoma in the bone marrow. The other case is that of a 52 year old man who was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma and developed a pruritic rash on his back during chemotherapy. Skin biopsy showed Grover disease (transient acantholytic dermatosis) and crystal storing macrophages in the superficial dermis. He died 4 years later after a protracted clinical course involving multiple cycles of chemotherapy and numerous complications. In both patients cutaneous CSH occurred early in the course of their lymphoplasmacytic malignancy and its development did not herald rapid clinical decline.
Long‐term clinical and radiographic follow up of subluxated and intruded maxillary primary anterior teeth
Authors: Qassem Aya , Martins Nathália da Motta , da Costa Vanessa Polina Pereira , Torriani Dione Dias , Pappen Fernanda Geraldo
Published: October 2014

Aims

This study aimed to determine the kinds of sequelae resulting from intrusive luxation and subluxative injuries in primary anterior teeth as well as the timing of such sequelae.

Materials and methods

In this longitudinal retrospective study, data were collected from dental records and radiographs of patients with traumatic dental injury (TDI) treated at the Centre for the Study and Treatment of Dental Trauma in Primary Dentition (Pelotas, RS, Brazil). Fifty‐two children, with seventy intruded teeth, and 76 children, with 99 subluxated teeth, met the inclusion criteria. Sequelae, such as crown discoloration, fistula, pulp canal obliteration (PCO), inflammatory root resorption (IRR), and internal root resorption, were investigated. The data on the sequelae were distributed into eight follow‐up periods: 0–30 days, 31–90 days, 91–180 days, 181–365 days, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 3–4 years, and >4 years.

Results

The sample comprised 99 subluxation cases and 70 intruded teeth. Crown discoloration was the most prevalent sequelae. Among the subluxated teeth, <50% of IRR, fistula, crown discoloration, and PCO occurred within 180 days after TDI; however, the sequelae were also diagnosed after longer periods. Majority of sequelae of intrusion were diagnosed within the 181–365 days and 1–2 years periods but were also observed after more than 4 years of follow up.

Conclusions

For both intrusion and subluxation, trauma sequelae were diagnosed even after the 3–4 years of follow‐up.
Atypical histopathologic features in a melanocytic nevus after cryotherapy and pregnancy
Authors: Wilford Casey E. , Brantley Julie S. , Diwan A. Hafeez
Published: October 2014

Melanocytic nevi can undergo clinical and histopathologic changes during pregnancy, as well as after various forms of surgical and nonsurgical trauma. We report the case of a 9‐month postpartum 29‐year‐old female who presented to her dermatologist with a clinically worrisome nevus. This nevus had been treated with liquid nitrogen by her primary care physician 6 months prior to presentation. Histopathologic evaluation revealed a crowded proliferation of atypical melanocytes at the dermal‐epidermal junction overlying a scar. The dermal component contained scattered mitotic figures. A combined MART‐1, tyrosinase and Ki‐67 immunohistochemical study showed foci of increased melanocytic proliferation. These atypical features were interpreted as associated with both the prior cryotherapy, as well as her recent pregnancy. Knowledge of the clinical context in evaluating difficult melanocytic lesions is essential.
Establishment of a proteome profile and identification of molecular markers for mouse spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Zhou Quan , Guo Yueshuai , Zheng Bo , Shao Binbin , Jiang Min , Wang Gaigai , Zhou Tao , Wang Lei , Zhou Zuomin , Guo Xuejiang , Huang Xiaoyan
Published: October 2014

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are undifferentiated cells that are required to maintain spermatogenesis throughout the reproductive life of mammals. Although SSC transplantation and culture provide a powerful tool to identify the mechanisms regulating SSC function, the precise signalling mechanisms governing SSC self‐renewal and specific surface markers for purifying SSCs remain to be clearly determined. In the present study, we established a steady SSC culture according to the method described by Shinohara's lab. Fertile progeny was produced after transplantation of cultured SSCs into infertile mouse testis, and the red fluorescence exhibited by the culture cell membranes was stably and continuously transmitted to the offspring. Next, via advanced mass spectrometry and an optimized proteomics platform, we constructed the proteome profile, with 682 proteins expressed in SSCs. Furthermore bioinformatics analysis showed that the list contained several known molecules that are regulated in SSCs. Several nucleoproteins and membrane proteins were chosen for further exploration using immunofluorescence and RT‐PCR. The results showed that SALL1, EZH2, and RCOR2 are possibly involved in the self‐renewal mechanism of SSCs. Furthermore, the results of tissue‐specific expression analysis showed that Gpat2 and Pld6 were uniquely and highly expressed in mouse testes and cultured SSCs. The cellular localization of PLD6 was further explored and the results showed it was primarily expressed in the spermatogonial membrane of mouse testes and cultured SSCs. The proteins identified in this study form the basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism of self‐renewal in SSCs and for identifying specific surface markers of SSCs.
A novel synthetic small molecule YH‐306 suppresses colorectal tumour growth and metastasis via FAK pathway
Authors: Dai Fujun , Chen Yihua , Huang Li , Wang Jinhua , Zhang Tao , Li Jingjie , Tong Weiguang , Liu Mingyao , Yi Zhengfang
Published: October 2014

Cell migration and invasion are key processes in the metastasis of cancer, and suppression of these steps is a promising strategy for cancer therapeutics. The aim of this study was to explore small molecules for treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and to investigate their anti‐metastatic mechanisms. In this study, six CRC cell lines were used. We showed that YH‐306 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of CRC cells in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, YH‐306 inhibited cell adhesion and protrusion formation of HCT116 and HT‐29 CRC cells. Moreover, YH‐306 potently suppressed uninhibited proliferation in all six CRC cell lines tested and induced cell apoptosis in four cell lines. Furthermore, YH‐306 inhibited CRC colonization in vitro and suppressed CRC growth in a xenograft mouse model, as well as hepatic/pulmonary metastasis in vivo. YH‐306 suppressed the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), c‐Src, paxillin, and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K), Rac1 and the expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMP) 2 and MMP9. Meanwhile, YH‐306 also inhibited actin‐related protein (Arp2/3) complex‐mediated actin polymerization. Taken together, YH‐306 is a candidate drug in preventing growth and metastasis of CRC by modulating FAK signalling pathway.
Assessment of self‐reported sleep disturbance and psychological status in patients with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Lopez‐Jornet P. , Lucero‐Berdugo M. , Castillo‐Felipe C. , Zamora Lavella C. , Ferrandez‐Pujante A. , Pons‐Fuster A.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To investigate the quality of sleep of patients with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS) compared with a control group.

Methods

A total of 70 patients with primary BMS and 70 control subjects were enrolled in the study. The severity of pain was evaluated with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Four validated questionnaires were used to investigate the psychological profile of each patient: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EES).

Results

Poor sleep quality was present in 67.1% patients with BMS vs. 17.1% in control subjects (P ≤ 0.001). For patients with BMS, total data resulting from the PSQI correlated with results obtained by the EES (P ≤ 0.001), VAS pain (P ≤ 0.001), localization (P = 0.01), HAD‐A (P = 0.001) and HAD‐D (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that an increase of one point in each depression score (HAD‐D) made the chances of PSQI 1.26 times more likely, with a 95% confidence interval (CI = 1.03–1.55).

Conclusions

Patients with primary BMS exhibited significant decreases in sleep quality compared with the control group.
Anti‐TNF‐α therapy improves insulin sensitivity in non‐diabetic patients with psoriasis: a 6‐month prospective study
Authors: Pina T. , Armesto S. , Lopez‐Mejias R. , Genre F. , Ubilla B. , Gonzalez‐Lopez M.A. , Gonzalez‐Vela M.C. , Corrales A. , Blanco R. , Garcia‐Unzueta M.T. , Hernandez J.L. , Llorca J. , Gonzalez‐Gay M.A.
Published: October 2014

Objective

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death. Several studies have shown a beneficial effect of anti‐TNF‐α therapy on the mechanisms associated with accelerated atherogenesis in patients with inflammatory arthritis, including an improvement of insulin sensitivity. In this study, we aimed to determine for the first time whether the anti‐TNF‐α monoclonal antibody adalimumab may improve insulin sensitivity in non‐diabetic patients with psoriasis.

Methods

Prospective study on a series of consecutive non‐diabetic patients with moderate to severe psoriasis seen at the Dermatology Division of Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla (Northern Spain) who completed 6 months of therapy with adalimumab (80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week, starting 1 week after the initial dose). Patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension or body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2 were excluded. Metabolic and clinical evaluation including assessment of insulin sensitivity using the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) was performed at the onset of the treatment (time 0) and at month 6.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients (52% women; 38.6 ± 10.7 years) with moderate to severe psoriasis [body surface area (BSA) 37.9 ± 16.3%], Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [(PASI) 18.9 ± 7.8] were assessed. Statistically significant improvement (P=0.008) of insulin sensitivity was observed after 6 months of adalimumab therapy (QUICKI at time 0: 0.35 ± 0.04 vs. 0.37 ± 0.04 at month 6). Significant improvement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ultrasensitive C‐reactive protein, BSA, PASI, Nail Psoriasis Severity Index, physician global assessment and psoriatic arthritis screening and evaluation questionnaire was also observed at month 6 (P < 0.05 for each variable).

Conclusion

Our results support a beneficial effect of the anti‐TNF‐α blockade on the mechanisms associated with accelerated atherogenesis in patients with psoriasis.
Introduction: Tourism Development and the Policing of Urban Space in Latin American and the Caribbean
Authors: Derrick Hodge G. , Little Walter E.
Published: October 2014

Las relaciones entre la policía y los latinoamericanos y la policía y los turistas son complejas y en constante flujo, sobre todo en zonas turísticas. Sería tentador analizar la policía turística como agentes de intereses de la elite, pero hacerlo sería eludir el hecho crucial de que la policía de turismo y las prácticas policiales están situados dentro de matrices densas de las relaciones de poder. Nuestros datos etnográficos indican que aquellos que son marginados, ignorado, o difamado por el Estado pueden, en hecho, ejercer su agencia, utilizar su repertorio cultural para aliviar la dominación estatal, e incluso desarrollar medios de subsistencia en la economía del turismo. En conjunto, los ensayos de este número especial ilustran las múltiples y contradictorias formas en las que la policía opera en sitios de turismo de América Latina, a menudo con consecuencias sociales complicadas y no intencionales. La colocación de una lente etnográfica sobre la policía, como un mecanismo que, alternativamente, protege y disciplina a los locales y turistas igualmente, pueden dar una idea de la complejidad del estado y los imaginarios nacionales en localidades turísticas.
Improving Supplier New Product Development Performance: The Role of Supplier Development
Authors: Lawson Benn , Krause Daniel , Potter Antony
Published: October 2014

Suppliers play an increasingly central role in helping firms achieve their new product development (NPD) goals. The literature implicitly assumes that suppliers are able to meet or exceed the quality standards and technological expectations of the firm, and yet, in practice, suppliers often lack the technological capabilities needed to undertake collaborative NPD. In such situations, a firm may choose to intervene and actively develop the supplier's technological and product development capabilities. We develop a theoretical framework that conceptualizes supplier development activities within interorganizational NPD projects as part of a bilateral knowledge‐sharing process: design recommendations, technical specifications, and new technology flow from supplier to the firm, and in turn, the firm can implement supplier development activities to upgrade the supplier's technological capabilities. Antecedents (supplier responsibility, skills similarity, single sourcing strategy) and consequences of supplier development activities (on supplier, product, and project performance) are examined using a sample of 153 interorganizational NPD projects within UK manufacturers. We find broad support for our hypotheses. In particular, we show that the relational rents (in the form of improved product and project performance) attained from supplier development activities in new product development are not achieved directly, but rather indirectly, via improvements in the supplier's creative and technological capabilities. Our results emphasize the importance of adopting a strategic view of the potential returns available from investing in the NPD capabilities of key suppliers, and provide clues about underlying reasons for the suboptimal experiences of many companies' collaborative NPD projects.
Dystrophin‐deficient muscular dystrophy in a Norfolk terrier
Authors: Beltran E. , Shelton G. D. , Guo L. T. , Dennis R. , Sanchez‐Masian D. , Robinson D. , De Risio L.
Published: October 2014

A six‐month‐old male entire Norfolk terrier was presented with a 3‐month history of poor development, reluctance to exercise and progressive and diffuse muscle atrophy. Serum creatine kinase concentration was markedly elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging of the epaxial muscles revealed asymmetrical streaky signal changes aligned within the muscle fibres (hyperintense on T2‐weighted images and short‐tau inversion recovery with moderate contrast enhancement on T1‐weighted images). Electromyography revealed pseudomyotonic discharges and fibrillation potentials localised at the level of the supraspinatus, epaxial muscles and tibial cranialis muscles. Muscle biopsy results were consistent with dystrophin‐deficient muscular dystrophy. The dog remained stable 7 months after diagnosis with coenzyme Q10 and l‐carnitine; however after that time, there was a marked deterioration and the owners elected euthanasia. This case report describes the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging, electrodiagnostic and histopathological findings with immunohistochemical analysis in a Norfolk terrier with confirmed dystrophin‐deficient muscular dystrophy, which has not been previously described in this breed.
Gender Differences in Lifelong Learning: An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Marriage and Children
Authors: Huber Peter , Huemer Ulrike
Published: October 2014

We use recent advances in the statistical analysis of Oaxaca–Blinder decompositions for non‐linear models to analyse the contribution of individual variables to total gender differences in training participation and duration. Results suggest that effects stemming from the intra‐household division of labour contribute significantly to gender differences, but that segregation of the labour market as well as differences in the access to training by tenure, age, occupation, profession and sectors are more important.
Cerebral Collaterals and Collateral Therapeutics for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Winship Ian R.
Published: October 2014

Cerebral collaterals are vascular redundancies in the cerebral circulation that can partially maintain blood flow to ischemic tissue when primary conduits are blocked. After occlusion of a cerebral artery, anastomoses connecting the distal segments of the MCA with distal branches of the ACA and PCA (known as leptomeningeal or pial collaterals) allow for partially maintained blood flow in the ischemic penumbra and delay or prevent cell death. However, collateral circulation varies dramatically between individuals, and collateral extent is significant predictor of stroke severity and recanalization rate. Collateral therapeutics attempt to harness these vascular redundancies by enhancing blood flow through pial collaterals to reduce ischemia and brain damage after cerebral arterial occlusion. While therapies to enhance collateral flow remain relatively nascent neuroprotective strategies, experimental therapies including inhaled NO, transient suprarenal aortic occlusion, and electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic sphenopalatine ganglion show promise as collateral therapeutics with the potential to improve treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
Patenting and the early‐stage high‐technology investor: evidence from the field
Authors: Smith Julia A. , Cordina Renzo
Published: October 2014

We discuss the importance of patenting to the venture capital investor in high‐technology firms. While literature suggests that patenting will have an impact on the nature and level of investment, the investors themselves are keen to suggest otherwise. We investigate this issue by the use of new primary‐source empirical data, gathered by fieldwork methods. Our results help explain a link between the existence of patenting and the level of investment made. We further support our analysis with illuminating quotes from investors currently active in the field.
Field of Dreams: Restitution of Pollinator Services in Restored Bird‐Pollinated Plant Populations
Authors: Frick Karen M. , Ritchie Alison L. , Krauss Siegfried L.
Published: October 2014

Ecosystem functionality is an increasingly important objective of ecological restoration. Despite this, a few studies have rigorously assessed reproductive functionality within restored plant populations, and it is largely assumed that pollinators follow restoration of plant communities—“build it and they will come.” Here, we applied an ecological genetic approach to determine the impact of spatial separation on mating in Banksia menziesii (Proteaceae), a dominant bird‐pollinated species of Banksia woodlands of Western Australia. All plants at three post‐mining restored sites (n = 72 [13 years old], n = 21 [8 years old], and n = 20 [9 years old]), as well as a sample from an adjacent natural reference site (n = 42), were genotyped at nine microsatellite loci. Seed set, mating system parameters, realized pollen dispersal through the assignment of paternity to seed, and avian pollinator species composition, abundance and behavior, were assessed. All patches displayed equivalent heterozygosity (He = 0.53–0.59) and very weak genetic divergence (FST ≤ 0.01). Seed of plants within restored sites showed complete outcrossing and relatively high seed set, 26% of which were sired by pollen donors located beyond the local patch. Similar abundance and movement of nectar‐feeding birds was observed in restored and natural sites, despite lower bird species diversity in the restored site, where a smaller, less aggressive species was dominant. Our results demonstrate the restitution of wide outcrossing in these restored Banksia patches within an active mine‐site, and suggest that restored bird‐pollinated Banksia populations are resilient to human impacts, due largely to their generalist pollinator requirements and highly‐mobile avian pollinators.
HARVEST, a longitudinal patient record summarizer
Authors: Hirsch Jamie S , Tanenbaum Jessica S , Lipsky Gorman Sharon , Liu Connie , Schmitz Eric , Hashorva Dritan , Ervits Artem , Vawdrey David , Sturm Marc , Elhadad Noémie
Published: October 2014

Objective To describe HARVEST, a novel point-of-care patient summarization and visualization tool, and to conduct a formative evaluation study to assess its effectiveness and gather feedback for iterative improvements.

Materials and methods HARVEST is a problem-based, interactive, temporal visualization of longitudinal patient records. Using scalable, distributed natural language processing and problem salience computation, the system extracts content from the patient notes and aggregates and presents information from multiple care settings. Clinical usability was assessed with physician participants using a timed, task-based chart review and questionnaire, with performance differences recorded between conditions (standard data review system and HARVEST).

Results HARVEST displays patient information longitudinally using a timeline, a problem cloud as extracted from notes, and focused access to clinical documentation. Despite lack of familiarity with HARVEST, when using a task-based evaluation, performance and time-to-task completion was maintained in patient review scenarios using HARVEST alone or the standard clinical information system at our institution. Subjects reported very high satisfaction with HARVEST and interest in using the system in their daily practice.

Discussion HARVEST is available for wide deployment at our institution. Evaluation provided informative feedback and directions for future improvements.

Conclusions HARVEST was designed to address the unmet need for clinicians at the point of care, facilitating review of essential patient information. The deployment of HARVEST in our institution allows us to study patient record summarization as an informatics intervention in a real-world setting. It also provides an opportunity to learn how clinicians use the summarizer, enabling informed interface and content iteration and optimization to improve patient care.
Previous sickness absence and current low perceived social support at work among employees in the general population: a historical cohort study
Authors: Knapstad Marit , Holmgren Kristina , Hensing Gunnel , Øverland Simon
Published: October 2014

Objective

Although sickness absence often is a process over time, most studies have treated the phenomenon as a discrete event and focused more on its causes than its consequences. We aimed to examine whether various patterns of previous long-term sickness absence were associated with current low perceived social support at work.

Method

This is a historical cohort study based on data from a population-based survey among Swedish employees (n=2581). The survey data were linked to official registries yielding data on sickness absence 1–7 years prior to the survey.

Results

The main finding was that previous sickness absence was associated with current low perceived social support at work. The highest odds for low social support were found among those who had a stable high level of sickness absence. The two indicators of perceived social support employed were somewhat differently associated with previous sickness absence: Recency of absence showed to be of importance for general support at the workplace and the relationship with colleagues and superiors. Experiencing that one's immediate superior rarely or never regards one's view was, on the other hand, mainly related to having had a high level of sickness absence, irrespective of recency.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that recency and extent of previous sickness absence are related to perceived social support at work. Future research on the relationship between social support and sickness absence should use repeated measurements and acknowledge the possible bidirectional relationship.
Laboratory clues to immunodeficiency; missed chances for early diagnosis?
Authors: Bright P D , Rooney N , Virgo P F , Lock R J , Johnston S L , Unsworth D J
Published: October 2014

Primary immunodeficiency is seen in an estimated one in 1200 people, and secondary immunodeficiency is increasingly common, particularly with the use of immunosuppresion, cancer therapies and the newer biological therapies such as rituximab. Delays in the diagnosis of immunodeficiency predictably lead to preventable organ damage. Examples of abnormal pathology tests that suggest immunodeficiency from all laboratory specialities are given, where vigilant interpretation of abnormal results may prompt earlier diagnosis. If immunodeficiency is suspected, suggested directed testing could include measuring immunoglobulins, a lymphocyte count and T-cell and B-cell subsets.
KIR genotype distribution among symptomatic patients with and withoutHelicobacter pyloriinfection: is there any role for theBhaplotype?
Authors: Mahfouz R , Hoteit R , El Hajj N , Shammaa D , Sharara A I
Published: October 2014

Contact of peripheral blood lymphocytes withHelicobacter pyloriwas proved to induce non- major histocompatibility complex-restricted cytotoxicity and natural killer cells are thought to play an important role in the immunity againstH. pylori.

Aims

In this research, we investigated any possible association between killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genotypes andH. pyloriinfection.

Methods

KIR genotype was analysed in 101 Lebanese symptomatic patients (51H. pyloripositive and 50H. pylori-negative) using theKIR Genotyping SSP kit.

Results

Among theH. pylori-positive patients, the AA, AB and BB genotypical frequencies were, respectively, 43.14%, 41.18% and 15.68% with an A:B ratio of 1.76:1. The AA, AB and BB genotypes frequencies forH. pylori-negative individuals were 18%, 62% and 20%, respectively, with an A:B ratio of 0.96:1. No significant difference between patients and controls was detected.

Conclusions

We noticed a reduced distribution ofAhaplotype among the ‘H. pylori-negative’ patients as compared with the “H. pylori-positive” group. This is the first study in the international literature that targets the correlation between KIR genotypes andH. pylori.
Gay men's experiences of surrogacy clinics in India
Authors: Riggs Damien W , Due Clemence , Power Jennifer
Published: October 2014

While growing numbers of Australian gay men are entering into ‘offshore’ surrogacy arrangements in order to become parents, little empirical research has been conducted with this population. This article reports on a qualitative analysis of interviews with 12 gay men who had entered into surrogacy arrangements in India. The findings outline both positive and negative experiences in terms of support pre-conception, during the birth and post-birth. Changes to legislation in India mean that gay men can no longer access surrogacy services there, but it is important to understand the experiences of men who had previously accessed those services. The article concludes by highlighting aspects of the data that demonstrate the particular experiences of gay men who undertake offshore surrogacy arrangements, especially with regard to their need for support and involvement in all aspects of the process. A more thoroughly developed network of care may help to facilitate such support and this may further increase the positive outcomes reported by gay men who form families through surrogacy arrangements.
General practitioners’ attitude to sport and exercise medicine services: a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Kassam H , Tzortziou Brown V , O'Halloran P , Wheeler P , Fairclough J , Maffulli N , Morrissey D
Published: October 2014

Aim

Sport and exercise medicine (SEM) aims to manage sporting injuries and promote physical activity. This study explores general practitioners’ (GPs) awareness, understanding and utilisation of their local SEM services.

Design

A questionnaire survey, including patient case scenarios, was administered between February and May 2011.

Participants and setting

693 GPs working in Cardiff and Vale, Leicester and Tower Hamlets were invited to participate.

Results

244 GPs responded to the questionnaire (35.2% response rate). Less than half (46%; 112/244) were aware of their nearest SEM service and only 38% (92/244) had a clear understanding on referral indications. The majority (82%; 199/244) felt confident advising less active patients about exercise. There were divergent management opinions about the case scenarios of patients who were SEM referral candidates. Overall, GPs were significantly more likely to refer younger patients and patients with sport-related problems rather than patients who would benefit from increasing their activity levels in order to prevent or manage chronic conditions (p<0.01). GPs with previous SEM training were significantly more likely to refer (p<0.01). The majority (62%; 151/244) had never referred patients to their local SEM clinics but of those who had 75% (70/93) rated the service as good.

Conclusions

There is a lack of awareness and understanding among GPs on the role of SEM within the National Health Service which may be resulting in suboptimal utilisation especially for patients who could benefit from increasing their activity levels.
What factors determine cyclic amplitude in the snowshoe hare (Lepusamericanus) cycle?
Authors: Krebs Charles J. , Bryant John , Kielland Knut , O’Donoghue Mark , Doyle Frank , Carriere Suzanne , DiFolco Donna , Berg Nathan , Boonstra Rudy , Boutin Stan , Kenney Alice J. , Reid Donald G. , Bodony Karin , Putera Judy , Timm Henry K. , Burke Toby , Maier Julie A.K. , Golden Howard
Published: October 2014

Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777) fluctuate in 9–10 year cycles throughout much of their North American range. These cycles show large variations in cyclic amplitude and we ask what factors could cause amplitude variation. We gathered data from 1976 to 2012 on hare numbers in the boreal forest of Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia to describe the amplitude of hare fluctuations and to evaluate four possible causes. First, weather could cause variation in amplitude via hare reproduction or survival, but this mechanism does not fit our data. Second, bottom-up processes involving forest succession could explain amplitude variation through changes in winter forage availability, but succession is too slow a variable in our study areas. Third, plant defenses entrained by hare over-browsing in one cycle can produce variation in plant quality and quantity in subsequent cycles. A mathematical model suggests this is a possible explanation. Fourth, predator recovery following the cyclic low is inversely related to hare cyclic amplitude, and the existing data are consistent with this mechanism. A standardized regional monitoring program is needed to improve our understanding of cyclic amplitude variation in hares and the possible role of predators and winter foods in affecting amplitude.
RGE effects on neutrino masses in partial split supersymmetry
Authors: Cadiz Fabian , Díaz Marco Aurelio
Published: October 2014

We show that the running of the Higgs-gaugino–higgsino couplings present in Partial Split Supersymmetry can severely affect the neutrino masses generated through Bilinear R-parity Violation. We work within a scenario where the predicted atmospheric and solar neutrino observables satisfy the experimental constraints when this running is neglected. After including the running, we show that the atmospheric and solar mass observables become larger than the allowed experimental value already with low values of the Split Supersymmetric mass scale, and that this departure increases with larger scales. This shows that the correct prediction of neutrino observables in these models necessitates the inclusion of the running of these couplings.
Sparse and Low-Rank Coupling Image Segmentation Model Via Nonconvex Regularization
Authors: Zhang Xiujun , Xu Chen , Li Min , Sun Xiaoli
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates how to boost region-based image segmentation by inheriting the advantages of sparse representation and low-rank representation. A novel image segmentation model, called nonconvex regularization based sparse and low-rank coupling model, is presented for such a purpose. We aim at finding the optimal solution which is provided with sparse and low-rank simultaneously. This is achieved by relaxing sparse representation problem as L1/2 norm minimization other than the L1 norm minimization, while relaxing low-rank representation problem as the S1/2 norm minimization other than the nuclear norm minimization. This coupled model can be solved efficiently through the Augmented Lagrange Multiplier (ALM) method and half-threshold operator. Compared to the other state-of-the-art methods, the new method is better at capturing the global structure of the whole data, the robustness is better and the segmentation accuracy is also competitive. Experiments on two public image segmentation databases well validate the superiority of our method.
Can matter really cross a horizon?
Authors: Li Huiquan
Published: October 2014

It has been taken as a truth that collapsing matter can eventually cross the horizon and enter into the interior of a black hole in a finite proper time. However, the Rindler/tachyon dual description we suggested recently implies that this should not be the case. A test particle falling towards the event horizon of a nonextreme black hole can actually be viewed as an unstable particle, whose dynamics is described by the tachyon field theory. This means that the collapsing process of a free particle in Rindler space is essentially a tachyon condensation process. In terms of the results in tachyon condensation, we learn that the infalling particle should strongly couple to bulk gravitational modes and should decay completely into something like gravitons before reaching the horizon. Hence, there should be no matter that can cross a horizon as still matter. The matter will get "dissolved" into spacetime when approaching the horizon.
A Bayesian shifting method for uncertainty in the open-hole gamma-ray log around casing points
Authors: Oughton Rachel H. , Wooff David A. , O’Connor Stephen A.
Published: October 2014

The wireline gamma-ray log is sensitive to open-hole conditions and, in particular, the diameter. This means that the log can jump at casing points. Although environmental corrections exist, they can fail at these points. We present a Bayesian method for deriving a new quantity – the shifted gamma–ray index – that takes these shifts into account by fitting a piecewise linear function to open-hole data in a depth window around the casing point. Because it is Bayesian, the method enables us to assess our uncertainty about its performance. This method requires very little knowledge of the borehole or drilling conditions but relies on the assumption that the lithology is consistent. Investigating the other wireline logs enables us to assess whether this assumption is valid. We demonstrate our method using well data from offshore mid-Norway.
Matrix Factorization with Explicit Trust and Distrust Side Information for Improved Social Recommendation
Authors: Forsati Rana , Mahdavi Mehrdad , Shamsfard Mehrnoush , Sarwat Mohamed
Published: October 2014

With the advent of online social networks, recommender systems have became crucial for the success of many online applications/services due to their significance role in tailoring these applications to user-specific needs or preferences. Despite their increasing popularity, in general, recommender systems suffer from
data sparsity
and
cold-start
problems. To alleviate these issues, in recent years, there has been an upsurge of interest in exploiting social information such as trust relations among users along with the rating data to improve the performance of recommender systems. The main motivation for exploiting trust information in the recommendation process stems from the observation that the ideas we are exposed to and the choices we make are significantly influenced by our social context. However, in large user communities, in addition to trust relations, distrust relations also exist between users. For instance, in Epinions, the concepts of personal “web of trust” and personal “block list” allow users to categorize their friends based on the quality of reviews into trusted and distrusted friends, respectively. Hence, it will be interesting to incorporate this new source of information in recommendation as well. In contrast to the incorporation of trust information in recommendation which is thriving, the potential of explicitly incorporating distrust relations is almost unexplored. In this article, we propose a matrix factorization-based model for recommendation in social rating networks that properly incorporates both trust and distrust relationships aiming to improve the quality of recommendations and mitigate the data sparsity and cold-start users issues. Through experiments on the Epinions dataset, we show that our new algorithm outperforms its standard trust-enhanced or distrust-enhanced counterparts with respect to accuracy, thereby demonstrating the positive effect that incorporation of explicit distrust information can have on recommender systems.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B contributes to LPS-induced leptin resistance in male rats
Authors: Borges Beatriz de Carvalho , Rorato Rodrigo C. , Uchoa Ernane Torres , Marangon Paula B. , Elias Carol F. , Antunes-Rodrigues Jose , Elias Lucila L. K.
Published: October 2014

Leptin resistance is induced by the feedback inhibitors tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) and decreased Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) signaling. To investigate the participation of PTP1B and SHP-2 in LPS-induced leptin resistance, we injected repeated (6-LPS) intraperitoneal LPS doses (100 μg/kg ip) for comparison with a single (1-LPS) treatment and evaluated the expression of SHP-2, PTP1B, p-ERK1/2, and p-STAT3 in the hypothalamus of male Wistar rats. The single LPS treatment increased the expression of p-STAT3 and PTP1B but not SHP-2. The repeated LPS treatment reduced SHP-2, increased PTP1B, and did not change p-STAT3. We observed that the PTP1B expression induced by the endotoxin was highly colocalized with leptin receptor cells in the hypothalamus of LepRb-IRES-Cre-tdTomato reporter mice. The single, but not the repeated, LPS treatment decreased the food intake and body weight. Leptin had no stimulatory effect on the hypophagia, body weight loss, or pSTAT3 expression in 6-LPS rats, indicating leptin unresponsiveness. Notably, the PTP1B inhibitor (3.0 nmol/rat in 5 μl icv) restored the LPS-induced hypophagia in 6-LPS rats and restored the ability of leptin to reduce food intake and body weight as well as to phosphorylate STAT3 in the arcuate, paraventricular, and ventromedial nuclei of the hypothalamus. The present data suggest that an increased PTP1B expression in the hypothalamus underlies the development of leptin resistance during repeated exposure to LPS. Our findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms involved in leptin resistance during low-grade inflammation as seen in obesity.
The Usefulness of Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecules and Anti-C1q Antibody in Monitoring Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity
Authors: Mahayidin Hasni , Yahya Nurul Khaiza , Wan Ghazali Wan Syamimee , Mohd Ismail Asmahan , Wan Ab Hamid Wan Zuraida
Published: October 2014

Objectives. The study was conducted to determine the correlation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and anti-C1q antibody levels with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and standard SLE disease activity immunological markers (anti-dsDNA and sera C3 and C4). Study Design. This was a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods. Blood samples were obtained from 95 SLE patients (45 active SLE and 50 nonactive SLE) and 50 controls. The subjects were assessed using SLEDAI and score of more than five is determined as having active SLE. The sera were tested for serum ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and anti-C1q (ELISA), anti-dsDNA (CLIFT), serum C3, and serum C4 (immunonephelometry). Results. Anti-dsDNA and anti-C1q antibody showed good positive correlations with SLEDAI (r=0.529, P<0.001 and r=0.559, P<0.001, resp.). VCAM-1 and sera C3 and C4 showed fair correlation with SLEDAI (r=0.294, P=0.004; r=-0.312, P=0.002; and r=-0.382, P<0.001, resp.). ICAM-1 level showed no significant correlation with SLEDAI (P=0.062). There were significant correlations of VCAM-1 and anti-C1q antibody with anti-dsDNA (r=0.226, P=0.006 and r=0.511, P<0.001, resp.). VCAM-1 showed poor inverse correlation with serum C3 (r=-0.183, P=0.028) and fair inverse correlation with serum C4 (r=-0.251, P=0.002). Anti-C1q antibody demonstrated fair inverse correlation with both sera C3 and C4 (r=-0.420, P≤0.001 and r=-0.398, P<0.001, resp.). However, ICAM-1 showed no significant correlation with anti-dsDNA and sera C3 and C4 (P=0.259, P=0.626 and P=0.338, resp.). Conclusions. The serum levels of anti-C1q antibody in SLE patients showed the best correlation with the SLEDAI and standard immunological tests for SLE disease activity. These data support that anti-C1q antibody is a useful marker for monitoring SLE global disease activity. The potential of VCAM-1 needs further confirmation.
Perception of Dental Professionals towards Biostatistics
Authors: Batra Manu , Gupta Mudit , Dany Subha Soumya , Rajput Prashant
Published: October 2014

Biostatistics is becoming an integral part of dental sciences. Awareness regarding the subject is not thoroughly assessed in the field of dentistry. So the study was conducted to assess dental professionals’ knowledge, attitude, and perception toward biostatistics at an academic dental institution. An anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among all the faculty and postgraduate students of two dental colleges in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. The responses were assessed on 5-point likert scale. The survey response rate was 73.71%. Two-thirds of respondents believed biostatistics to be a difficult subject and at the same time half of them did not consider it to be more difficult than other subjects in dentistry. Females were less competent than males in applying biostatistical skills which was found to be statistically significant. Results suggested that dentists with research or academics as an adjunct to their clinical practice had better command over the subject. The current study shows that there is lack of command over the subject of biostatistics among dental professionals although they were aware of its importance in dentistry. There is a need of changing the training pattern of biostatistics for dental professionals which would make them confident enough to apply biostatistics in their clinical practice.