bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Including citizens in institutional reviews: expectations and experiences from the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate
Authors: Adams Samantha A. , van de Bovenkamp Hester , Robben Paul
Published: October 2013

Background

Recent changes in the structure and policy context of Dutch health care have placed the issue of citizen participation high on the agenda of the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate (IGZ), which conducts quality and safety reviews in medical practices and health‐care institutions. With a few exceptions, the potential role that citizens can play in the regulation of health‐care institutions is overlooked in research on patient/citizen participation in health care.

Objective

This research addressed the following question: What are the (political) expectations for increasing citizen participation in health‐care regulation and how do these compare to regulators' expectations and experiences in practice?

Design

Because of the largely explorative nature of this study, we used qualitative methods (document and web analysis, focus groups and interviews) to answer this question.

Results

Our study shows that inspectors already have experience with participatory formats that lead to important information. There are three areas where the IGZ is currently increasing citizen participation: (i) providing individuals with information about inspectorate processes and activities, (ii) including patients as sources of information, and (iii) formally reviewing how citizen participation is ensured by health‐care institutions. In situations where the patient has the clearest overview of the whole care trajectory, intensive methods of participation deliver valuable information.

Conclusions

It is important to target participation activities and to capitalize on existing opportunities and activities, rather than creating participation activities for the sake of participation. In this regard, further research on the effectiveness and efficacy of different participatory strategies is necessary.
Surrogate markers of visceral adipose tissue in treated HIV‐infected patients: accuracy of waist circumference determination
Authors: Falutz J , Rosenthall L , Kotler D , Zona S , Guaraldi G
Published: October 2013

Objectives

The accuracy of the use of anthropometrics to quantify visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in treated HIV‐infected patients is unknown. We evaluated the predictive accuracy of waist circumference (WC) with and without dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐derived trunk : limb fat ratio [fat mass ratio (FMR)] as surrogates for VAT determined using computerized axial tomography (CT‐determined VAT).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of treated HIV‐infected male patients followed at the Modena HIV Clinic. We developed prediction equations for VAT using linear regression analysis and Spearman correlations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis evaluated the accuracy of WC alone or with FMR at discrete VAT thresholds.

Results

The 1500 Caucasian male patients had a median age of 45 years, body mass index (BMI) of 24, WC of 87 cm, VAT area of 127 cm2 and body fat percentage of 14%. The correlation between WC‐predicted VAT and CT‐VAT was 0.613, and this increased significantly if FMR was added. The WC‐associated R2 of 0.35 increased to 0.51 if the prediction equation included WC plus FMR. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) using WC was 0.795−0.820 at all VAT thresholds. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) changed reciprocally at CT‐VAT thresholds from 75 to 200 cm2 and ranged from 0.72 to 0.74, respectively, at a representative VAT of 125 cm2. Adding the FMR to the predictive equations increased the AUC in the range of 0.854−0.889 with the PPV and NPV increasing minimally, ranging from 0.780 to 0.821. Limits of precision were wide, especially at the highest CT‐VAT levels, and varied from 24 to 68 cm2.

Conclusions

WC is a limited surrogate for CT‐VAT in this population and DXA‐derived parameters do not improve performance indices to a clinically relevant level. These findings should inform the applicability of WC to predict VAT in treated HIV‐infected male patients.
Lactic acid production using waste generated from sweet potato processing
Authors: Pagana Irene , Morawicki Ruben , Hager Tiffany J.
Published: October 2013

Organic waste generated from industrial sweet potato canning is estimated to be 30% of incoming raw material with significant residual carbohydrate content. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of waste generated from sweet potato processing material to support the growth of lactic acid bacteria and the production of lactic acid. The waste was comprised of 16.5% solids consisting of 18.5% ash, 4.4% protein, 20.5% simple sugars and 19% soluble starch. Following a screening of three lactic acid bacteria strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus was deemed the best candidate for lactic acid production. The potential of various dilutions of the enzyme‐hydrolysed waste, with and without pH control, as a fermentation substrate was evaluated. Lactic acid production was highest in hydrolysed waste (without dilution) at pH set point 5.0, yielding 10 g L−1 in 72 h. Thus, lactic acid, a valuable organic compound, can be generated from sweet potato waste.
Prediction of nursery school‐aged children who refuse fluoride varnish administration in a community setting: a Childsmile investigation
Authors: Humphris Gerry M. , Zhou Yuefang
Published: October 2013

Background

Young children of pre‐school age may find a minimal intervention (fluoride varnish application) difficult to tolerate.

Aim

To determine the significant predictors for refusing a fluoride varnish application from child, parental and nurse behaviour factors.

Design

Data included videos from 238 children (52% female, aged 3–5 years) receiving a fluoride varnish application in a Scottish nursery school setting. The St Andrews Behavioural Interaction Scheme (SABICS) was used for video coding and retrieved child refusal status, initial anxious behaviour, and nurse behaviour. A parental survey collected parent's dental anxiety [Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS)] and the child's home behaviour [Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)]. Child demographics, dental status, and previous varnish application experience were recorded. Multivariate binary logistic regression was applied to predict child refusal of the varnish application.

Results

The response rate was 79%. Twelve children refused. The significant predictors of varnish refusal included initial anxious child behaviour (β = 5.14, P = 0.001), no previous varnish application (β = −3.89, P = 0.04), and no nurse praise (β = −1.06, P = 0.02). Information giving (P = 0.06) and reassurance (P = 0.08) were borderline significant.

Conclusion

Initial anxiety behaviour, previous varnish experience, and not using praise by the nursing staff predicted fluoride varnish application refusal.
Residents' knowledge of standard drink equivalents: Implications for screening and brief intervention for at‐risk alcohol use
Authors: Welsh Christopher , Earley Katherine , Delahanty Janine , Wright Katherine S. , Berens Taylor , Williams Adrienne A. , Barnett Beth , DiClemente Carlo C.
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

Screening and brief intervention for reducing alcohol consumption has been demonstrated to be effective in various medical settings. The NIAAA has recommended that physicians screen all patients for at‐risk and problem drinking. Often, screening is based on the concept of a “standard drink.”

Methods

We administered a survey to residents (N = 270) in order to assess their knowledge of standard drink equivalents and quantities of alcohol in various sizes of bottles.

Results

Although 89% of the responders stated that they had previously learned about screening for at‐risk alcohol use, the majority did not know basic facts about standard drink equivalents.

Discussion and Conclusions

Many trainees are not familiar with typical standard drink equivalents. This can have a significant impact on the screening of patients for problem drinking using screening tools that rely on standard drink equivalents. (Am J Addict 2014;23:194–196)
Evaluation of two novel self‐anchoring barbed sutures in a prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy compared with intracorporeal tied knots
Authors: Spah Chad E. , Elkins A. D. , Wehrenberg Aaron , Jaffe Michael H. , Baird Debra K. , Naughton James F. , Payton Mark E.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To compare laparoscopic gastropexy using 2 self‐anchoring barbed sutures to gastropexy using laparoscopically tied intracorporeal knots.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized controlled, clinical trial.

Animals

Dogs (n = 30) weighing >16 kg.

Methods

Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 laparoscopic gastropexy groups: group 1 (controls), intracorporeal 2‐0 polydioxanone sutures (PDSII, Ethicon); group 2, barbed suture (0 Quill™ PDO; Angiotech); and group 3, barbed suture (2‐0 V‐Loc™ 180; Covidien). Gastropexy suturing time (GST) and total surgery time (TST) were recorded for each dog. Complications were recorded. Each dog was examined by ultrasound (1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively) to ensure persistence of the gastropexy. One dog each in group 2 and group 3 had 2nd look laparoscopy to evaluate the gastropexy.

Results

All gastropexies were intact at 6 months. Mean GST was significantly longer for group 1 (36 minutes; range, 25–46 minutes) than for groups 2 (20 minutes; range, 16–37 minutes) and 3 (19 minutes; range, 15–30 minutes;P < .05), which were not significantly different from each other. Likewise TSTs for groups 2 and 3 were significantly shorter than for group 1 (P < .05).

Conclusion

Barbed sutures (Quill™ and V‐Loc™) allowed for effective intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing of an incisional gastropexy without tying intracorporeal knots.
Hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease in ambulatory dogs with or without neurologic deficits: 39 cases (2008–2010)
Authors: Ingram Elizabeth A. , Kale David C. , Balfour Raviv J.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To describe prognostic factors, outcome, and time to recovery among ambulatory dogs having hemilaminectomy for Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 38; 39 hemilaminectomies).

Methods

Medical records (January 2008–May 2010) on all dogs that had hemilaminectomy for Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease were reviewed. Records for dogs that were ambulatory preoperatively were analyzed for signalment, duration and severity of signs, presence of neurologic deficits, and postoperative outcome. Dogs were categorized based on Frankel score and subcategorized by their level of conscious proprioceptive (CP) deficit. Postoperatively, time to ambulation and to regain normal CP responses was recorded. Results for each group were compared using a χ2test and considered significant whenP < .05. Recovery times were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Seven dogs were categorized as modified Frankel grade I preoperatively and 32 dogs as grade II with varying levels of deficits (1 of these dogs had previously been operated as grade II and was reoperated again as grade II). Increasing degree of CP deficit preoperatively was significantly correlated with longer time to ambulation (P = .005) as well as longer time to CP normal (P = .01). Duration of signs was not significantly correlated with time to ambulation or neurologic recovery for either grade I or II dogs.

Conclusions

Most dogs recovered well with surgical decompression. Increasing degree of deficits preoperatively is significantly correlated with longer recovery time.
Conservation value of secondary forest habitats for endemic birds, a perspective from two widely separated tropical ecosystems
Authors: Martin Thomas Edward , Blackburn George Alan
Published: October 2013

Tropical secondary forests are increasingly widespread, but their potential for conserving endemic birds remains unclear. Previous studies report different results; however all have been restricted to geographically discreet locations. This is important as different ecosystems are influenced by different external factors, possibly influencing conservation potential. Here we use consistent survey methods to examine how endemic bird richness varies between primary and secondary forest habitats in two widely separated tropical ecosystems, providing a more global context for evaluating the conservation value of secondary forests. Research was completed in Lambusango Forest Reserve (LFR) on Buton Island, Sulawesi, and Cusuco National Park (CNP), a Honduran cloud forest reserve. Bird communities in both forests were surveyed using 50 m radius point counts. Vulnerability assessments based on ecological theory on avifaunal assemblages were then conducted, which suggested endemics in LFR to be more susceptible to disturbance than those in CNP. Contrary to the results from our vulnerability assessments, endemics in CNP were less tolerant of moderate habitat modification than those in LFR. Richness of Mesoamerican endemics per study site declined significantly between core zone forest (6.34 ± 0.81) and more degraded forest in the boundary zone (3.86 ± 0.69). Richness of Wallacean endemics was similar in primary (4.89 ± 1.68) and disturbed secondary forest (4.52 ± 1.62). We recommend considering local and regional biogeographical and ecological factors when determining the conservation value of secondary forests, and suggest examples of potential importance, including differential community richness, influence of figs and human settlement patterns.
MicroRNAs: key players of taxane resistance and their therapeutic potential in human cancers
Authors: Cui Shi‐Yun , Wang Rui , Chen Long‐Bang
Published: October 2013

The successful long‐term use of taxane for cancer therapy is often prevented by the development of drug resistance in clinic. Thus, exploring the mechanisms involved is a first step towards rational strategies to overcome taxane resistance. Taxane resistance‐related microRNA (miRNAs) are under investigation and miRNAs could induce the taxane resistance of tumour cells by regulating cell cycle distribution, survival and/or apoptosis pathways, drug transports, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell. This article summarizes current research involving miRNAs as regulators of key target genes for tanxanxe chemoresistance and discusses the complex regulatory networks of miRNAs. Also, the authors will envisage future developments towards the potential use of targeting miRNAs as a novel strategy for improving response of tumour patients to taxane. miRNAs play critical roles in taxane chemoresistance and the miRNA‐based therapies will be helpful for overcoming drug resistance and developing more effective personalized anti‐cancer treatment strategies. Further research studies should be performed to promote therapeutic–clinical use of taxane resistance‐related miRNAs in cancer patients, especially in those patients with taxane‐resistant cancers.
Automated image mosaics by non‐automated light microscopes: theMicroMossoftware tool
Authors: PICCININI F. , BEVILACQUA A. , LUCARELLI E.
Published: October 2013

Light widefield microscopes and digital imaging are the basis for most of the analyses performed in every biological laboratory. In particular, the microscope's user is typically interested in acquiring high‐detailed images for analysing observed cells and tissues, meanwhile being representative of a wide area to have reliable statistics. The microscopist has to choose between higher magnification factor and extension of the observed area, due to the finite size of the camera's field of view. To overcome the need of arrangement, mosaicing techniques have been developed in the past decades for increasing the camera's field of view by stitching together more images. Nevertheless, these approaches typically work in batch mode and rely on motorized microscopes. Or alternatively, the methods are conceived just to provide visually pleasant mosaics not suitable for quantitative analyses. This work presents a tool for building mosaics of images acquired with nonautomated light microscopes. The method proposed is based on visual information only and the mosaics are built by incrementally stitching couples of images, making the approach available also for online applications. Seams in the stitching regions as well as tonal inhomogeneities are corrected by compensating the vignetting effect. In the experiments performed, we tested different registration approaches, confirming that the translation model is not always the best, despite the fact that the motion of the sample holder of the microscope is apparently translational and typically considered as such. The method's implementation is freely distributed as an open source tool calledMicroMos. Its usability makes building mosaics of microscope images at subpixel accuracy easier. Furthermore, optional parameters for building mosaics according to different strategies makeMicroMosan easy and reliable tool to compare different registration approaches, warping models and tonal corrections.
The inner ear ofMegatheriumand the evolution of the vestibular system in sloths
Authors: Billet G. , Germain D. , Ruf I. , de Muizon C. , Hautier L.
Published: October 2013

Extant tree sloths are uniquely slow mammals with a very specialized suspensory behavior. To improve our understanding of their peculiar evolution, we investigated the inner ear morphology of one of the largest and most popular fossil ground sloths,Megatherium americanum. We first address the predicted agility of this animal from the scaling of its semicircular canals (SC) relative to body mass, based on recent work that provided evidence that the size of theSCin mammals correlates with body mass and levels of agility. Our analyses predict intermediate levels of agility forMegatherium, contrasting with the extreme slowness of extant sloths. Secondly, we focus on the morphology of theSCat the inner ear scale and investigate the shape and proportions of these structures inMegatheriumand in a large diversity of extant xenarthrans represented in our database. Our morphometric analyses demonstrate that the giant ground sloth clearly departs from theSCmorphology of both extant sloth genera (Choloepus,Bradypus) and is in some aspects closer to that of armadillos and anteaters. Given the close phylogenetic relationships ofMegatheriumwith the extant genusCholoepus, these results are evidence of substantial homoplasy of theSCanatomy in sloths. This homoplasy most likely corresponds to an outstanding convergent evolution between extant suspensory sloth genera.
Water Management, Spanish Irrigation Communities and Colonial Engineers
Authors: Garrido Samuel
Published: October 2013

In the nineteenth century, Spanish irrigation was studied by a number of British and French engineers, who sought to acquire knowledge that could be applied to India and Algeria. In their reports, they said that Spanish irrigation communities were run by the irrigators themselves in a totally democratic way, which was not true. Although such ideas had hardly any practical consequences in colonial India and Algeria, they did have important repercussions in Spain, where the irrigation institutions came to resemble the image they had been given by the reporters, with the best results. Through the work of Elinor Ostrom, the myth created by the nineteenth‐century reporters has also eventually become an argument in favour of irrigation projects in today's developing countries being managed by water users’ associations.
Cellular cannibalism in central and peripheral giant cell granuloma of the oral cavity can predict biological behavior of the lesion
Authors: Sarode Sachin C. , Sarode Gargi S.
Published: October 2013

Background

Cancer cannibalism is used to differentiate benign tumors from malignant, but recently the phenomenon has been demonstrated in giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (localized type). Microscopically and pathogenetically, this tumor is similar to central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) of oral cavity. Hence, attempt has been made to study the cannibalistic giant cells (GCs) in CGCG and PGCG with their correlation with the biological behavior.

Methods

Surgically treated 16 CGCG and 23 PGCG cases with adequate clinical and radiographic documentation were selected. Quantification of cannibalistic GCs was performed using routine HE stain. Hundred GCs were examined in each section, and number of cannibalistic cells was expressed in percentage. Ten cases were randomly selected for further immunohistochemical analysis with CD68 and bcl‐2.

Results

Cannibalism was found in all the cases (100%). The frequency of occurrence of cannibalistic GCs ranged from 20% to 56% with a mean of 33.62 ± 8.9. CGCG showed significantly higher mean cannibalistic GC frequency (38.06 ± 10.15) than PGCG (30.04 ± 5.63). In aggressive CGCG, mean cannibalistic GC frequency was significantly higher (42.20 ± 10.4) than non‐aggressive type (31.17 ± 6.014). Similarly, recurrent cases showed significantly higher mean cannibalistic cell frequency (43 ± 6.26) than non‐recurrent cases (30.81 ± 6.66). Immunohistochemistry results showed histiocytic nature of GCs as well as mononuclear cells. The internalized cells did not expressed bcl‐2, suggesting that the internalization induces apoptotic cell death.

Conclusion

Assessment of frequency of cannibalistic cells in CGCG and PCGC could help in predicting the biological behavior of the tumor.
Changes in chemical composition and digestibility of three maize stover components digested by white‐rot fungi
Authors: Lynch J. P. , O'Kiely P. , Murphy R. , Doyle E. M.
Published: October 2013

Maize stover (total stem and leaves) is not considered a ruminant feed of high nutritive value. Therefore, an improvement in its digestibility may increase the viability of total forage maize production systems in marginal growth regions. The objective of this study was to describe the changes in chemical composition during the storage of contrasting components of maize stover (leaf, upper stem and lower stem) treated with either of two lignin degrading white‐rot fungi (WRF; Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor). Three components of maize stover (leaf, upper stem and lower stem), harvested at a conventional maturity for silage production, were digested with either of two WRF for one of four digestion durations (1–4 months). Samples taken prior to fungal inoculation were used to benchmark the changes that occurred. The degradation of acid detergent lignin was observed in all sample types digested with P. ostreatus; however, the loss of digestible substrate in all samples inoculated with P. ostreatus was high, and therefore, P. ostreatus‐digested samples had a lower dry matter digestibility than samples prior to inoculation. Similarly, T. veriscolor‐digested leaf underwent a non‐selective degradation of the rumen‐digestible components of fibre. The changes in chemical composition of leaf, upper stem and lower stem digested with either P. ostreatus or T. veriscolor were not beneficial to the feed value of the forage, and incurred high DM losses.
Activating Mutations of GNAS in Canine Cortisol‐Secreting Adrenocortical Tumors
Authors: Kool M.M.J. , Galac S. , Spandauw C.G. , Kooistra H.S. , Mol J.A.
Published: October 2013

Background

Cushing's syndrome or hypercortisolism is a common endocrinopathy in dogs. In approximately 15% of cases, the disorder is caused by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)‐independent hypersecretion of cortisol by an adrenocortical tumor (AT). Without other explanation, the cortisol hypersecretion has been referred to as autonomous.

Objectives

To investigate whether ACTH‐independent hypersecretion of cortisol may be associated with aberrant activation of the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R)‐cyclic AMP (cAMP)‐protein kinase A (PKA) pathway.

Animals

All analyses were performed on 44 cortisol‐secreting ATs (14 adenomas and 30 carcinomas) derived from dogs diagnosed with ACTH‐independent hypercortisolism.

Methods

Mutation analysis was performed of genes encoding the stimulatory G protein alpha subunit (GNAS), MC2R, and PKA regulatory subunit 1A (PRKAR1A) in all ATs.

Results

Approximately one‐third of all ATs harbored an activating mutation of GNAS. Missense mutations, known to result in constitutive activation, were present in codon 201 in 11 ATs, in codon 203 (1 AT), and in codon 227 (3 ATs). No functional mutations were found in MC2R and PRKAR1A.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Activation of cAMP signaling is a frequent event in canine cortisol‐secreting ATs and may play a crucial role in both ACTH‐independent cortisol production and tumor formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of potentially causative mutations in canine cortisol‐secreting ATs.
Endogenous Property Rights in a Hold‐up Experiment
Authors: Erlei Mathias , Siemer J. Philipp
Published: October 2013

In a hold‐up experiment designed to test theoretical predictions following from Hart and deMeza and Lockwood regarding investment behavior, Sonnemans, Oosterbeek and Sloof (SOS) find only a partial confirmation of theory. According to SOS these deviations from standard theory can be explained by positive reciprocal behavior. In this paper, we replicate the experiment by SOS and add another group of treatments in which asset ownership is endogenized by auctioning off the assets. Our experiment shows that the results by SOS crucially depend on the ownership structure being exogenously assigned by the experimenter. We present experimental evidence that, by and large, corroborates the theoretical predictions made by Hart.
Immunohistochemical localization of spatacsin in α‐synucleinopathies
Authors: Kuru Satoshi , Yoshida Mari , Tatsumi Shinsui , Mimuro Maya
Published: October 2013

Spatacsin (SPG11) is a major mutated gene in autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia with thin corpus callosum (ARHSP‐TCC) and is responsible for juvenile Parkinsonism. To elucidate the role of spatacsin in the pathogenesis of α‐synucleinopathies, an immunohistochemical investigation was performed on the brain of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) using anti‐spatacsin antibody. In PD, Lewy bodies (LBs) in the brain stem were positive for spatacsin. These LBs showed intense staining in their peripheral portions and occasionally in the central cores. Lewy neurites were also spatacsin‐positive. In DLB, cortical LBs were immunolabeled by spatacsin. In MSA, glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCI) and a small fraction of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCI) were positive for spatacsin. The widespread accumulation of spatacsin observed in pathologic α‐synuclein‐containing inclusions suggests that spatacsin may be involved in the pathogenesis of α‐synucleinopathies.
Effect of prucalopride on symptoms of chronic constipation
Authors: Tack J. , Stanghellini V. , Dubois D. , Joseph A. , Vandeplassche L. , Kerstens R.
Published: October 2013

Background

Prucalopride is a 5‐HT4 receptor agonist with gastrointestinal prokinetic activities. This integrated analysis of data from three 12‐week, double‐blind trials evaluated the effect of prucalopride 2 mg q.d. on common constipation symptoms in women in whom laxatives had failed to provide adequate relief. The effect of prucalopride on bowel function was outside the scope of the analysis and has been described elsewhere.

Methods

Women with self‐reported inadequate relief from laxatives and included in the prucalopride 2 mg or placebo arm of the trials were selected for analysis. Symptom severity was determined with the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC–SYM) questionnaire. Observed changes from baseline in individual item scores were also evaluated by calculating Cohen's D effect sizes using baseline standard deviation (SD) (>0.2–0.5, >0.5–0.8 and >0.8 for small, moderate and large effects, respectively).

Key Results

Data were analyzed for 936 women. The proportion of women with a PAC‐SYM severity score >2 at baseline was 50.0% for abdominal symptoms, 71.4% for stool symptoms, and 15.5% for rectal symptoms. Excluding the women without presence of a symptom at baseline from the effect size calculations showed that prucalopride 2 mg had a large effect (>0.8) on all PAC‐SYM items, including abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating, straining, and painful bowel movements. For abdominal symptoms and stool symptoms, effect sizes with prucalopride 2 mg were 1.3–2.3 times larger than those with placebo.

Conclusions & Inferences

Prucalopride 2 mg q.d. for 12 weeks alleviates common constipation symptoms in women in whom laxatives had failed to provide adequate relief.
Ultrasound‐guided rectus sheath block for pyloromyotomy in infants: a retrospective analysis of a case series
Authors: Breschan Christian , Jost Robert , Stettner Haro , Feigl Georg , Semmelrock Sandra , Graf Gudrun , Likar Rudolf
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To analyze the applicability of US‐guided rectus sheath block and to find out the efficacy of analgesia provided using this method without the need for opioids in conventional Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) surgery in infants.

Background

This study describes the provision of intra‐ as well as postoperative analgesia by the use of an ultrasound‐guided rectus sheath block in infants undergoing conventional HPS surgery under general anesthesia.

Methods/Materials

The anesthetic protocols of 26 infants undergoing HPS surgery were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

The weight of the infants ranged from 2.6 to 4.6 kg. The rectus sheath block was regarded as successful in all patients as there was no heart rate increase upon surgical skin incision in any of the patients. Two out of 26 (7.6%) babies needed additional intraoperative rescue analgesia and were administered fentanyl at 20 and 40 min after skin incision. Two more (a total of 4; 15.3%) babies required postoperative analgesia and were administered tramadol droplets and liquid ibuprofen at 15, 120 and 150 min postoperatively. Duration of surgery was significantly longer in those two patients who required intraoperative rescue analgesia (Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test: P < 0.05). These were also the only two patients who received one intra‐ and one postoperative dose of opioid each (7.6%).

Conclusion

US‐guided rectus sheath block seems to be a simple and quick method for the provision of intra‐ and postoperative analgesia in infants undergoing conventional HPS surgery.
Interaction of common bacterial blight quantitative trait loci in a resistant inter‐cross population of common bean
Authors: Durham Kelli M. , Xie Weilong , Yu Kangfu , Pauls K. Peter , Lee Elizabeth , Navabi Alireza
Published: October 2013

Common bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli, is an important disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Genetic resistance is the most economically efficient, environmentally friendly and socially acceptable approach to control plant diseases including CBB. To examine the main and interaction effects of the previously identified CBB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with markers BC420 (B) on Pv06, SAP6 (S) on Pv10 and PVctt001 (P) on Pv04, in presence of the major QTL associated with the marker SU91 (Su) on Pv08, a resistant F4:5 recombinant inbred line population of the reciprocal crosses between OAC Rex (bb/ss/PP/SuSu) and HR45 (BB/SS/pp/SuSu) was evaluated under artificial field inoculation in disease nurseries in 2009 and 2010. While, in presence of the CBB QTL on Pv08, the QTL on Pv06 of HR45 accounted for 37–46% of phenotypic variation in the field, the effect of QTL on Pv04 and Pv10 were not significant under field conditions, even in the absence of the Pv06 QTL. Broad‐sense heritability estimates of CBB resistance and the QTL associated with BC420 were high for CBB severity and the area under the disease progress curve, promoting the continued efforts in pyramiding the QTL on Pv06 and Pv08 in common background, which provide high levels of resistance.
Abscisic acid alleviates iron deficiency by promoting root iron reutilization and transport from root to shoot in Arabidopsis
Authors: LEI GUI JIE , ZHU XIAO FANG , WANG ZHI WEI , DONG FANG , DONG NING YU , ZHENG SHAO JIAN
Published: October 2013

Abscisic acid (ABA) has been demonstrated to be involved in iron (Fe) homeostasis, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we found that Fe deficiency induced ABA accumulation rapidly (within 6 h) in the roots of Arabidopsis. Exogenous ABA at 0.5 μM decreased the amount of root apoplastic Fe bound to pectin and hemicellulose, and increased the shoot Fe content significantly, thus alleviating Fe deficiency‐induced chlorosis. Exogenous ABA promoted the secretion of phenolics to release apoplastic Fe and up‐regulated the expression of AtNRAMP3 to enhance reutilization of Fe stored in the vacuoles, leading to a higher level of soluble Fe and lower ferric–chelate reductase (FCR) activity in roots. Treatment with ABA also led to increased Fe concentrations in the xylem sap, partially because of the up‐regulation of AtFRD3, AtYSL2 and AtNAS1, genes related to long‐distance transport of Fe. Exogenous ABA could not alleviate the chlorosis of abi5 mutant resulting from the significantly low expression of AtYSL2 and low transport of Fe from root to shoot. Taken together, our data support the conclusion that ABA is involved in the reutilization and transport of Fe from root to shoot under Fe deficiency conditions in Arabidopsis.
Why is melanoma so metastatic?
Authors: Braeuer Russell R. , Watson Ian R. , Wu Chang‐Jiun , Mobley Aaron K. , Kamiya Takafumi , Shoshan Einav , Bar‐Eli Menashe
Published: October 2013

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers and can disseminate from a relatively small primary tumor and metastasize to multiple sites, including the lung, liver, brain, bone, and lymph nodes. Elucidating the molecular and genetic changes that take place during the metastatic process has led to a better understanding of why melanoma is so metastatic. Herein, we describe the unique features that distinguish melanoma from other solid tumors and contribute to the malignant phenotype of melanoma cells. For example, although melanoma cells are highly antigenic, they are extremely efficient at evading host immune response. Melanoma cells share numerous cell surface molecules with vascular cells, are highly angiogenic, are mesenchymal in nature, and possess a higher degree of ‘stemness’ than do other solid tumors. Finally, analysis of melanoma mutations has revealed that the gene expression profile of malignant melanoma is different from that of other cancers. Elucidating these molecular and genetic processes in highly metastatic melanoma can lead to the development of improved treatment and individualized therapy options.
Primary immunodeficiency in Japan; epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathogenesis
Authors: Takada Hidetoshi
Published: October 2013

Primary immunodeficiency (PID) constitutes a large group of diseases, including almost 180 hereditary disorders. The patients show susceptibility to various infections due to congenital defects of the immune system. It is also known that PID patients suffer from non‐infectious complications, including autoimmune diseases and malignant disorders. During the last 20 years the number of known PID has increased considerably. New PID conferring a specific predisposition to infections with one or a few pathogens have been described. Disorders of innate immunity and various autoinflammatory disorders were included in new categories. In contrast, the incidence, clinical manifestations, and genetic factors of PID seem to be different among countries or races. The clinical manifestations can differ depending on the hygiene conditions, health‐care environment, and vaccination policy, and so on. A nationwide survey on PID patients in Japan provided a lot of information regarding these issues, and it uncovered a previously unknown complication of PID, endocrine disorders. In this review, the data concerning epidemiology and clinical characteristics of PID in Japan obtained in the nationwide questionnaire survey, and the results of studies on the clinical and genetic characteristics of Japanese patients with Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease and interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 deficiency are presented in the light of their pathogenesis and pathophysiology.
Virgin and recently mated males are equally able to achieve new matings in Neoleucinodes elegantalis
Authors: PONTES WENDEL J. TELES , CUNHA ERIVELTON G. , ARAÚJO HERNANE D. , BARROS REGINALDO , LIMA ERALDO
Published: October 2013

Lepidopteran male mating success is recognized to be directly related to physical and behavioural traits such as ability, vigour, activity and persistence in courtship. In the tomato fruit borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis Guenée, the mating system is known to be monogamic and therefore males' sexual investment is apparently low. The hypothesis that recently mated males have a remating probability equal to that of virgin males is tested. The impact of body size in remating success and the cost of remating are also analyzed. Mated males show as much propensity to remate as naïve ones. Copula duration and the time taken to copulate are similar in mated and virgin males. However, spermatophore size is not related to male size. The results suggest the ability of N. elegantalis males to remate within 24 h between mating events and their propensity to remate are not affected by copula investment. © 2013 The Royal Entomological Society
Accumulation and post‐translational modifications of plant tubulins
Authors: Parrotta L. , Cresti M. , Cai G.
Published: October 2013

The microtubular cytoskeleton of plant cells provides support for several functions (including the anchoring of proteins, assembly of the mitotic spindle, cytoplasmic streaming and construction of cell walls). Both α‐ and β‐tubulins are encoded through multigene families that are differentially expressed in different organs and tissues. To increase the variability of expression, both protein subunits are subjected to post‐translational modifications, which could contribute to the assembly of specific microtubule structures. This review aims to highlight the role of specific post‐translational modifications of tubulin in plant cells. We initially describe the expression and accumulation of α‐ and β‐tubulin isoforms in different plants and at different stages of plant development. Second, we discuss the different types of post‐translational modifications that, by adding or removing specific functional groups, increase the isoform heterogeneity and functional variability of tubulin. Modifications are proposed to form a ‘code’ that can be read by proteins interacting with microtubules. Therefore, the subpopulations of microtubules may bind to different associated proteins (motor and non‐motor), thus creating the physical support for various microtubule functions.
Relatives of patients with depression: experiences of everyday life
Authors: Skundberg‐Kletthagen Hege , Wangensteen Sigrid , Hall‐Lord Marie Louise , Hedelin Birgitta
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to describe experiences of everyday life as a relative of a person diagnosed with depression. A qualitative and descriptive design with a phenomenographic approach was chosen, and individual interviews with 24 relatives were carried out. Approval was given by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, Norway (South East) ref 2010/126. The findings show the main category ‘Living on the other person's terms’, which may be expressed in terms of consideration for the next of kin, thus presenting a challenge and a need to be balanced against taking care of oneself. In addition, three descriptive categories emerged: ‘Ambivalent relationship’, ‘Adjusting daily life’ and ‘Managing the situation’. In conclusion, the relatives of persons with depression may be in danger of developing their own health problems and in need for attention from health personnel.
Timing of Dialysis Initiation in the Geriatric Population: Toward a Patient‐centered Approach
Authors: Treit Kathryn , Lam Daniel , O'Hare Ann M.
Published: October 2013

Over the last 10–15 years, the incidence of treated end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) among older adults has increased and dialysis is being initiated at progressively higher levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Average life expectancy after dialysis initiation among older adults is quite limited, and many experience an escalation of care and loss of independence after starting dialysis. Available data suggest that treatment decisions about dialysis initiation in older adults in the United States are guided more by system‐ than by patient‐level factors. Stronger efforts are thus needed to ensure that treatment decisions for older adults with advanced kidney disease are optimally aligned with their goals and preferences. There is growing interest in more conservative approaches to the management of advanced kidney disease in older patients who prefer not to initiate dialysis and those for whom the harms of dialysis are expected to outweigh the benefits. A number of small single center studies, mostly from the United Kingdom report similar survival among the subset of older adults with a high burden of comorbidity treated with dialysis vs. those managed conservatively. However, the incidence of treated ESRD in older US adults is several‐fold higher than in the United Kingdom, despite a similar prevalence of chronic kidney disease, suggesting large differences in the social, cultural, and economic context in which dialysis treatment decisions unfold. Thus, efforts may be needed to adapt conservative care models developed outside the United States to optimally meet the needs of US patients. More flexible approaches toward dialysis prescription and better integration of treatment decisions about conservative care with those related to modality selection will likely be helpful in meeting the needs of individual patients. Regardless of the chosen treatment strategy, time can often be a critical ally in centering care on what matters most to the patient, and a flexible and iterative approach of re‐evaluation and redirection may often be needed to ensure that treatment strategies are fully aligned with patient priorities.
Building Research Data Management Infrastructure using Open Source Software
Authors: Willmes Christian , Kürner Daniel , Bareth Georg
Published: October 2013

The implementation of a research data management infrastructure for a large interdisciplinary research project is presented here, based on well‐established Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) products such as MapServer, MapProxy, GeoExt and pyCSW, as well as the (not primarily geospatial) open source technologies Typo3 and CKAN. The presented implementation depends primarily on the demands for research data management infrastructure by the funding research agency. It also aligns to theory and practice in Research Data Management (RDM) and e‐Science. After the research project and related work in the field of RDM are introduced, a detailed description of the architecture and its implementation is given. The article discusses why Open Source and open standards are chosen to implement the infrastructure and provides some suggestions and examples on how to make it easier and more attractive for researchers to upload and publish their primary research data.
ABCG9, ABCG11 and ABCG14 ABC transporters are required for vascular development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Le Hir Rozenn , Sorin Clément , Chakraborti Dipankar , Moritz Thomas , Schaller Hubert , Tellier Frédérique , Robert Stéphanie , Morin Halima , Bako Laszlo , Bellini Catherine
Published: October 2013

In order to obtain insights into the regulatory pathways controlling phloem development, we characterized three genes encoding membrane proteins from the G sub‐family of ABC transporters (ABCG9, ABCG11 and ABCG14), whose expression in the phloem has been confirmed. Mutations in the genes encoding these dimerizing ‘half transporters’ are semi‐dominant and result in vascular patterning defects in cotyledons and the floral stem. Co‐immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments demonstrated that these proteins dimerize, either by flexible pairing (ABCG11 and ABCG9) or by forming strict heterodimers (ABCG14). In addition, metabolome analyses and measurement of sterol ester contents in the mutants suggested that ABCG9, ABCG11 and ABCG14 are involved in lipid/sterol homeostasis regulation. Our results show that these three ABCG genes are required for proper vascular development in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Transcriptomes of isolated Oryza sativa gametes characterized by deep sequencing: evidence for distinct sex‐dependent chromatin and epigenetic states before fertilization
Authors: Anderson Sarah N. , Johnson Cameron S. , Jones Daniel S. , Conrad Liza J. , Gou Xiaoping , Russell Scott D. , Sundaresan Venkatesan
Published: October 2013

The formation of a zygote by the fusion of egg and sperm involves the two gametic transcriptomes. In flowering plants, the embryo sac embedded within the ovule contains the egg cell, whereas the pollen grain contains two sperm cells inside a supporting vegetative cell. The difficulties of collecting isolated gametes and consequent low recovery of RNA have restricted in‐depth analysis of gametic transcriptomes in flowering plants. We isolated living egg cells, sperm cells and pollen vegetative cells from Oryza sativa (rice), and identified transcripts for approximately 36 000 genes by deep sequencing. The three transcriptomes are highly divergent, with about three‐quarters of those genes differentially expressed in the different cell types. Distinctive expression profiles were observed for genes involved in chromatin conformation, including an unexpected expression in the sperm cell of genes associated with active chromatin. Furthermore, both the sperm cell and the pollen vegetative cell were deficient in expression of key RNAi components. Differences in gene expression were also observed for genes for hormonal signaling and cell cycle regulation. The egg cell and sperm cell transcriptomes reveal major differences in gene expression to be resolved in the zygote, including pathways affecting chromatin configuration, hormones and cell cycle. The sex‐specific differences in the expression of RNAi components suggest that epigenetic silencing in the zygote might act predominantly through female‐dependent pathways. More generally, this study provides a detailed gene expression landscape for flowering plant gametes, enabling the identification of specific gametic functions, and their contributions to zygote and seed development.
Acquired Gerbode defect and third‐degree atrioventricular block secondary to vehicular trauma in a dog
Authors: Cunningham Suzanne M. , Lindsey Kathleen J. , Rush John E.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To describe a case of traumatically acquired left ventricular to right atrial communication (Gerbode defect), atrial septal defect (ASD), and third‐degree atrioventricular block (AVB) necessitating permanent pacemaker placement in a dog.

Case Summary

A 1.5‐year‐old neutered male Newfoundland dog was struck by a car and was referred for further evaluation and treatment of hemoabdomen. Persistent third‐degree AVB, a right‐sided cardiac murmur and right‐sided congestive heart failure (CHF) were identified, and echocardiographic examination revealed a type‐A Gerbode defect and ASD. Pimobendan, furosemide, and enalapril therapies were initiated for treatment of CHF. Persistent AVB eventually necessitated permanent pacemaker implantation. Initial attempts at minimally invasive occlusion of the Gerbode defect were unsuccessful; however the dog continues to do well clinically on chronic cardiac medications.

New or Unique Information Provided

To our knowledge, an acquired Gerbode defect secondary to trauma with associated ASD, CHF, and third‐degree AVB necessitating permanent pacemaker therapy have not yet been reported in the veterinary literature. The extended survival and follow‐up available on this patient postpacemaker implantation also documents that longer term survival is possible with this defect.