bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound velocity through the tibia is not affected by prolonged inhaled steroid therapy in children
Authors: Picard Elie , Wilk Menucha , Mimouni Francis B , Joseph Leon , Goldberg Shmuel
Published: January 2013

Aim

To evaluate in a prospective, cross‐sectional cohort study the impact of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on bone speed of sound (SOS) in asthmatic children.

Methods

Children with mild‐to‐moderate asthma from a pulmonary clinic were assessed over a 2‐month period. We recorded clinical and demographic data related to asthma severity, its treatment, participation in sports and dairy intake. Tibial SOS was measured using the Sunlight Omnisense 7000S quantitative ultrasound bone sonometer.

Results

Eighty‐five mild‐to‐moderate asthmatic children were studied. Age range was 1.4–17 years (71.7% boys). Average disease duration was approximately 5 years, and the average cumulative duration of ICS therapy was approximately 1.5 years. Average SOS Z‐score was slightly negative and varied between −3.5 and +1.9 SD. In univariate analysis, SOS Z‐score was negatively correlated with asthma duration (R2 = 5.7%, p = 0.028) and ICS duration (R2 = 4.9%, p = 0.042). In backward stepwise multiple regression, where SOS Z‐score was the dependent variable, the only variables that remained significant in the final analysis were gender (p = 0.015), asthma duration (p = 0.003) and BMI (p = 0.048) (R2 for the model 17.52% p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Prolonged inhaled steroid therapy appears to have no deleterious effect upon SOS in children with mild‐to‐moderate persistent asthma.
Renal drug metabolism in humans: the potential for drug–endobiotic interactions involving cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)
Authors: Knights Kathleen M. , Rowland Andrew , Miners John O.
Published: January 2013

Although knowledge of human renal cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes and their role in xenobiotic and endobiotic metabolism is limited compared with hepatic drug and chemical metabolism, accumulating evidence indicates that human kidney has significant metabolic capacity. Of the drug metabolizing P450s in families 1 to 3, there is definitive evidence for only CYP 2B6 and 3A5 expression in human kidney. CYP 1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2A6, 2C19, 2D6 and 2E1 are not expressed in human kidney, while data for CYP 2C8, 2C9 and 3A4 expression are equivocal. It is further known that several P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid and eicosanoids are expressed in human kidney, CYP 4A11, 4F2, 4F8, 4F11 and 4F12. With the current limited evidence of drug substrates for human renal P450s drug–endobiotic interactions arising from inhibition of renal P450s, particularly effects on arachidonic acid metabolism, appear unlikely. With respect to the UGTs, 1A5, 1A6, 1A7, 1A9, 2B4, 2B7 and 2B17 are expressed in human kidney, whereas UGT 1A1, 1A3, 1A4, 1A8, 1A10, 2B10, 2B11 and 2B15 are not. The most abundantly expressed renal UGTs are 1A9 and 2B7, which play a significant role in the glucuronidation of drugs, arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and P450 derived arachidonic acid metabolites. Modulation by drug substrates (e.g. NSAIDs) of the intrarenal activity of UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 has the potential to perturb the metabolism of renal mediators including aldosterone, prostaglandins and 20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, thus disrupting renal homeostasis.
A model case of a positive outcome in super‐super obesity
Authors: Hipp A. , Kramer M. , Gallwitz B. , Fritsche A. , Zipfel S. , Reutershan J. , Niess A.
Published: January 2013

For an increasing number of obese patients, bariatric surgery is considered as the treatment of choice after the failure of conventional strategies. While numerous studies on bariatric surgery have shown substantial health benefits, there is a broad inter‐individual variation in the long‐term outcome, which is insufficiently understood. Here we show a favourable long‐term outcome following multidisciplinary care in a super‐super‐obese patient. The patient suffered from numerous typically obesity‐associated comorbidities and limitations. He underwent multidisciplinary care including two‐step bariatric intervention. Endoscopic intragastric balloon positioning was followed by gastric sleeve surgery without Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. His body weight dropped from 260 kg (body mass index [BMI] 79.4 kg m−2) to 85 kg (BMI 25.9 kg m−2) within 16 months and continued to be stable at 90 kg (BMI 27.8 kg m−2) at the end of the follow‐up period of 48 months. The loss of excess body weight was associated with the remission of numerous obesity‐related comorbidities and with a concomitant pronounced increase in the quality of life and in the socioeconomic status. Eventually, the patient was able to lead a normal life with a decreased risk of long‐term complications. We attribute the positive long‐term outcome to the following potential determinants: individualized bariatric surgery, multidisciplinary care, the patient's long‐term compliance, adequate adherence to the aftercare, physical exercise after surgery, family support, the cooperation of the primary care physician and the financial coverage by the health insurance. Some of these factors remain to be evaluated as predictors of a favourable long‐term outcome in prospective trials.
Normalizing CO2 in chronic hyperventilation by means of a novel breathing mask: a pilot study
Authors: Johansen Troels , Jack Sandy , Dahl Ronald
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Chronic idiopathic hyperventilation (CIH) is a form of dysfunctional breathing that has proven hard to treat effectively.

Objectives

To perform a preliminary test of the hypothesis that by periodically inducing normocapnia over several weeks, it would be possible to raise the normal resting level of CO2 and achieve a reduction of symptoms.

Methods

Six CIH patients were treated 2 h a day for 4 weeks with a novel breathing mask. The mask was used to induce normocapnia in these chronically hypocapnic patients. Capillary blood gases and acid/base parameters [capillary CO2 tension (PcapCO2), pH, and standard base excess (SBE)] were measured at baseline and once each week at least 3 h after mask use, as well as spirometric values, breath‐holding tolerance and hyperventilation symptoms as per the Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ).

Results

The mask treatment resulted in a significant increase of resting PcapCO2 (+0.45 kPa, P = 0.028), a moderate increase in SBE (+1.4 mEq/L, P = 0.035) and a small reduction in daily symptoms (−3.8 NQ units, P = 0.046). The effect was most pronounced in the first 2 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

By inducing normocapnia with the breathing mask 2 h a day for 4 weeks, the normal resting CO2 and acid/base levels in chronically hyperventilating patients were partially corrected, and symptoms were reduced.
Projections of changes in grassland soil organic carbon under climate change are relatively insensitive to methods of model initialization
Authors: Senapati N. , Smith P. , Wilson B. , Yeluripati J. B. , Daniel H. , Lockwood P. , Ghosh S.
Published: January 2013

Model initialization in soil organic carbon (SOC) turnover models has often been described as a crucial step in making future projections. Model initialization by the spin‐up of pools of SOC (model equilibrium run) has been questioned, because equilibrium has to be assumed. Measured SOC pools are independent of model assumptions and are thought to reflect better real site conditions. It has been suggested that model initialization with measured SOC fractions could provide an advantage over model spin‐up of SOC pools. In this study we tested this suggestion in relatively undisturbed native grasslands in Australia. We tested the Rothamsted SOC turnover model (RothC) under climate change at 12 sites with three different initialization methods, viz. model initialization with (i) spin‐up of model pools with inert organic matter (IOM) pool size calculated from a regression equation, (ii) spin‐up of model pools with measured IOM and (iii) all pools estimated from measured fractions. Averaged over the sites and initialization methods, maximum absolute variations (absolute differences in projected SOC stocks expressed as a percentage of initial 2008 SOC stocks) as well as averaged absolute variations throughout the projection period were very small (2.2 and 1.6%, respectively). Averaged across the sites, there were no significant differences in projected grassland SOC stocks under climate change after 93 years of simulation with model initialization by different methods and averaged absolute variation was only 1.6% across initialization methods. These findings suggest that in a relatively undisturbed land‐use system such as native grassland, projections of SOC under climate change are relatively insensitive to the model initialization method.
Exploratory analysis of the structural variability of forest soil humic acids based on multivariate processing of infrared spectral data
Authors: Fernández‐Getino A. P. , Hernández Z. , Piedra Buena A. , Almendros G.
Published: January 2013

Semi‐quantitative data of peak intensities in infrared (IR) spectra of humic acids (HAs) from semiarid soils under contrasting environmental conditions (vegetation type, geological substrate and local climate) were analysed by multivariate data treatments. Resolution‐enhanced IR spectra (applying a second derivative‐based subtractive operator) showed a typical lignin pattern, which was coded to obtain an index used to classify the degree of diagenetic alteration of the lignin moiety in the HA fraction. Partial least squares regression (PLS) was used in the exploratory screening for supervised data reduction previous to other multivariate data treatments as well as to identify IR peaks responsive to soil dependent variables. Regression models and multi‐dimensional scaling (MDS) were applied in order to classify individual IR peaks or sets of peaks associated with the degree of diagenetic alteration of organic matter, or inform on soils' potential for carbon (C) accumulation. Soil properties co‐varying with the intensities of these peaks were mainly related to soil texture and consequently to water holding capacity at different pressures. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the IR peaks selected in the previous PLS treatments maximized differentiation in terms of the impact of environmental factors on HA characteristics: (i) vegetation type (angiosperms or gymnosperms), (ii) the effect of the geological substrate (granite or limestone) on soil organic matter dynamics and (iii) soil taxonomical differences reflected by independent clusters. The successful forecasting of several factors related to soil C sequestration indicated the validity of the semi‐quantitative information extracted from the IR spectra of the HAs and the potential of the multivariate data treatments used to identify biogeochemical proxies of the soil organic matter stabilization processes.
Aerobic biodegradation kinetics and pathway of the novel herbicide ZJ0273 in soils
Authors: Cai Z. , Wang H. , Shi S. , Wang W. , Chen Q. , Zhao X. , Ye Q.
Published: January 2013

Degradation of ZJ0273, a recently developed pyrimidynyloxybenzoic‐based herbicide, was investigated in five different soils under aerobic conditions. ZJ0273 degradation rate was strongly affected by soil physico‐chemical characteristics and the inoculation of ZJ0273‐degrading bacteria. Greater organic matter (OM) content, neutral pH and inoculation of ZJ0273‐degrading bacteria can increase degradation rate and decrease the half‐life value (DT50). At 30°C the biodegradation rate of ZJ0273 reached 41–85% in natural (unsterilized) soils. It ranged from 69 to 96% at 90 days after treatment (DAT) in five different types of soils after re‐inoculation of Amycolatopsis sp. M3‐1 and DT50 decreased by 34 , 81, 16, 20 and 32 days, respectively, in soils S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5. Furthermore, using the six metabolites (M1–M6) identified six metabolites (M1–M6) by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) and their behaviour, a biodegradation pathway of ZJ0273 in soils was proposed. New metabolites, M5 and M6, were found in soils. Biodegradation of ZJ0273 involved continuous biocatalytic reactions, such as de‐estering, hydrolysis, acylation, C‐N cleavage, de‐methyl and ether cleavage reactions. Finally, ZJ0273 was bio‐transformed into M4 and M6, which could be degraded and oxidized into CO2 and H2O through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
Do not forget the professional – the value of the FIRST model for guiding the structural involvement of patients in rheumatology research
Authors: de Wit Maarten P. T. , Elberse Janneke E. , Broerse Jacqueline E. W. , Abma Tineke A.
Published: January 2013

Background

The FIRST model describes five practical components that enable equal collaboration between patients and professionals in clinical rheumatology research: Facilitate, identify, respect, support and training.

Objective

To assess the value of this model as a framework for setting up and guiding the structural involvement of people with arthritis in health research.

Method

The FIRST model was used as a framework during the guidance of a network of patient research partners and clinical rheumatology departments in the Netherlands. A ‘monitoring and evaluation’ approach was used to study the network over a period of 2 years. Data were collected using mixed methods and subjected to a directed content analysis. The FIRST components structured the data analysis. During monitoring meetings, refined and additional descriptors for each component were formulated and added if new items were found.

Results

The FIRST model helps to guide and foster structural partnerships between patients and professionals in health research projects. However, it should be broadened to emphasize the pivotal role of the principal investigator regarding the facilitation and support of patient research partners, to recognize the requirements of professionals for training and coaching and to capture the dynamics of collaboration, mutual learning processes and continuous reflection.

Conclusion

FIRST is a good model to implement sustainable relationships between patients and researchers. It will benefit from further refinement by acknowledging the dynamics of collaboration and including the concept of reflection and relational empowerment. The reciprocal character of the five components, including training and support of researchers, should be incorporated.
The presence of clusters of plasmacytoid dendritic cells is a helpful feature for differentiating lupus panniculitis from subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Liau Jau‐Yu , Chuang Shih‐Sung , Chu Chia‐Yu , Ku Wen‐Hui , Tsai Jia‐Huei , Shih Teng‐Fu
Published: January 2013

Aims

Both lupus panniculitis (LP) and subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) are characterized by subcutaneous lobular lymphocytic infiltrates, and they are sometimes difficult to differentiate. Recently, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) were found to be present in various types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions, including LP, and are supposed to play important pathogenetic roles. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PDCs are differentially present in these two diseases and can be utilized to differentiate them. Conventional histopathological features were also compared.

Methods and results

Initial biopsies from 21 LP and 11 SPTCL patients were analysed. Our results showed that the presence of lymphoid follicles, dermal mucin deposition and lack of moderate to marked nuclear atypia or adipocyte rimming were more suggestive of LP. Several distinct patterns of fat necrosis, i.e. hyaline/lipomembranous and fibrinoid/coagulative in LP and SPTCL, respectively, were also diagnostically useful. Also, clusters of PDCs were characteristically seen in LP lesions (17/21, 81%) but not in SPTCL lesions (2/11, 18.2%). In LP lesions, but not in SPTCL lesions, the presence of epidermal interface change correlated perfectly with the presence of PDCs in the papillary dermis.

Conclusions

We conclude that the presence of clusters of PDCs and certain histological features are helpful for the differential diagnosis.
Women, pharmacy and the World Wide Web: could they be the answer to the obesity epidemic?
Authors: Fakih Souhiela , Hussainy Safeera , Marriott Jennifer
Published: January 2013

Objectives

The objective of this article is to explore how giving women access to evidence-based information in weight management through pharmacies, and by utilising the World Wide Web, is a much needed step towards dealing with the obesity crisis.

Key findings

Women's needs should be considered when developing evidence-based information on weight. Excess weight places them at high risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, infertility and complications following pregnancy and giving birth. Women are also an important population group because they influence decision-making around meal choices for their families and are the biggest consumers of weight-loss products, many of which can be purchased in pharmacies. Pharmacies are readily accessible primary healthcare locations and given the pharmacist's expertise in being able to recognise underlying causes of obesity (e.g. medications, certain disease states), pharmacies are an ideal location to provide women with evidence-based information on all facets of weight management. Considering the exponential rise in the use of the World Wide Web, this information could be delivered as an online educational resource supported by other flexible formats.

Conclusions

The time has come for the development of an online, evidence-based educational resource on weight management, which is combined with other flexible formats and targeted at women in general and according to different phases of their lives (pregnancy, post-partum, menopause). By empowering women with this knowledge it will allow them and their families to take better control of their health and wellbeing, and it may just be the much needed answer to complement already existing resources to help curb the obesity epidemic.
Foraging efficiency and the fitness consequences of spatial marking by ladybeetle larvae
Authors: Meisner Matthew H. , Ives Anthony R.
Published: January 2013

Marking and avoiding poor‐quality resources can be an important mechanism by which animals lacking a spatial memory can maximize their foraging efficiency. Here, we investigate the behaviour of larval Harmonia axyridis ladybeetles that leave chemical tracks as they forage. We built a model of an individual larva foraging for aphids, parameterized it using experimental data, and used the model to predict the effect of larval track production and detection on foraging efficiency, an important component of fitness. The model predicted that there is an optimal sensitivity of larvae to tracks which maximizes foraging efficiency; if the larva is too sensitive to tracks, it will avoid areas that might still contain resources, whereas if it is too insensitive, it will forage in areas that have depleted resources. Furthermore, the increased efficiency conferred by detecting tracks depends on the spatial arrangement of resources, with more aggregated resource distributions allowing greater benefits of detecting tracks. We tested the predictions of the model experimentally by measuring predation on aggregated versus dispersed soybean aphids by H. axyridis larvae whose ability to produce tracks was experimentally manipulated. The experiments corroborated the results of the model: larvae that could produce tracks consumed more aphids than those that could not, and this difference was greatest when aphids were aggregated among plants. Our results suggest that larval tracks play an important role in foraging efficiency, and we discuss implications for the evolution of larval track production and detection in ladybeetles.
The identity, distribution and epizootiological significance of brucella isolates in Australia, 1981 to 1985
Authors: CRICHTON R , MEDVECZKY N E
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY: Results listing the identification of brucella isolates received by the National Brucellosis Reference Centre, National Biological Standards Laboratory, Canberra from 1981 to 1985 are presented. The distribution of brucella species and blotypes is shown on a host and state basis. Cultures Isolated in Australia were identified as Brucella abortus biotypes 1, 2 and 4, and Strain 19; B. suis biotype 1, and B. ovis. B. melitensis biotype 3 was recovered from man infected in the Mediterranean area. B. abortus biotype 1 was the most frequent isolate.

Atypical cultures isolated from cattle included B. suis biotype 1, and erythrltol‐utilising mutants of Strain 19. The epizootiological implications of these findings are discussed in relation to their impact on the national campaign to eradicate bovine brucellosis.
Facile Synthesis of Monodispersed In2O3 Hollow Spheres and Application in Photocatalysis and Gas Sensing
Authors: Tseng Wenjea J. , Tseng Tzu‐Tsung , Wu Hong‐Mao , Her Yung‐Chiun , Yang Tsong‐Jen
Published: January 2013

Monodispersed, agglomerate‐free In2O3 hollow spheres have been prepared via a simple synthetic route involving permeation and anchoring of In3+ ions with carbonyl groups of swollen commercial polymer beads in tetrachloroethylene solvent followed by thermal removal of the template cores in ambient air. The as‐synthesized hollow spheres exhibit a narrow size distribution with tunable particle size (0.5–1.2 μm) and shell thickness (62–230 nm) over the process variables examined, i.e., InCl3 precursor concentration (4.5 × 10−3–6.7 × 10−2 M), reaction temperature (55°C–95°C), and reaction time (1–6 h). Kinetics calculation reveals that the formation of permeating In3+‐rich shell in the swollen template beads becomes energetically less favorable to proceed as the reaction time increases. This limits the maximum shell thickness attainable at the given process variables. The shell is nanoporous with a Horvath‐Kawazoe (HK) pore size of ~3 nm, which remains essentially unchanged as the process variables alter. The In2O3 hollow spheres with an increased Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area (up to 329 m2/g) show an improved capability in photodegradation of aqueous methylene blue (MB) dye under UV exposure as well as an increased sensitivity for CO‐gas detection. This metal‐implantation scheme is general and can be extended to the synthesis of other hollow materials in various solvent liquids.
Control of the Dissolution of Ca and Si Ions from CaSiO3 Bioceramic via Tailoring Its Surface Structure and Chemical Composition
Authors: Xiong Kun , Shi Haishan , Liu Jingqun , Shen Zhonghua , Li Haiyan , Ye Jiandong
Published: January 2013

Owing to their good osseointegration property, calcium silicate (CS) bioceramics have been extensively studied in recent years. Nevertheless, the excessively high environmental pH value of CS bioceramics will limit their clinical application. The purpose of this work is to reduce the dissolution of Ca and Si ions from the pure CS bioceramics by modifying its surface structure and chemical composition with Zn2SiO4 nanoparticles (Zn–CS bioceramic). The results indicated that the dissolution of Ca and Si ions from the CS substrate obviously decreased by the surface modification, and the pH value of the soaking liquid was also effectively controlled. SEM observation and EDS analysis showed that apatite mainly formed on the wall of the internal pores under the Zn‐containing porous surface layer when the Zn–CS bioceramic was soaked in the simulated body fluids (SBF). Moreover, cell adhesion assay proved that mouse osteoblast cells (MC3T3) well adhered and spread on the Zn‐containing porous surface layer, and the apatite formed on the surface of the Zn‐containing porous layer during the incubation process. Better bioactivity and the osseointegration property can be expected for Zn–CS bioceramic. The surface modification with Zn2SiO4 nanoparticles is a promising route to control the dissolution and environmental pH value of CS bioceramics.
Temperature‐Dependent Emission Spectra of Ca2Si5N8:Eu2+, Tm3+ Phosphor and its Afterglow Properties
Authors: Li Jinfang , Lei Bingfu , Qin Jinlan , Liu Yingliang , Liu Xiaotang
Published: January 2013

The nitrides Ca2Si5N8:0.5%Eu2+, x%Tm3+(x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4) (CSN:0.5E, xT) phosphors were prepared via the high temperature solid‐sintering method using CaH2 as calcium source. These phosphors exhibited strong orange long‐lasting phosphorescence (LLP) after turning off the activating light. Besides, the CSN:0.5E, 1T phosphor with an afterglow time of more than 200 min (0.32 mcd/m2). Furthermore, the temperature‐dependent emission spectra of CSN:0.5E, 1T were investigated from temperature 80–500 K and an anti‐quenching phenomenon that the emission intensities increased then decreased under excitation at increased temperature was found. Ultimate, the proposed mechanism on temperature dependence of luminescence was analyzed. This study provides a new perspective for the impact of temperature‐dependent problem as a consequence of heating processes in luminescent materials.
Risk factors for delayed post‐polypectomy hemorrhage: A case‐control study
Authors: Kim Jeong Ho , Lee Hyun Jeong , Ahn Ji Won , Cheung Dae Young , Kim Jin Il , Park Soo‐Heon , Kim Jae Kwang
Published: January 2013

Background and Aim

Delayed post‐polypectomy hemorrhage is a rare but serious complication. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of delayed post‐polypectomy hemorrhage.

Methods

This was a retrospective case‐control study of patients who developed delayed hematochezia after receiving colonoscopic polypectomy. The control patients underwent uneventful polypectomy and were selected at a 4:1 ratio.

Results

Of the 7447 lesions examined from the 3253 patients who received colonoscopic polypectomy, 53 lesions (0.7%) of 42 patients (1.3%) developed delayed hemorrhage, and 168 patients were selected as controls. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, a polyp larger than 10 mm (odds ratio [OR] 2.355, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.225–4.528, P = 0.010), a pedunculated polyp (OR 3.473, 95% CI 1.576–7.657, P = 0.002), and a polyp located in the right hemi‐colon (OR 2.690, 95% CI 1.465–4.940, P = 0.001) were significant risk factors for delayed post‐polypectomy hemorrhage. The presence of comorbidities did not increase the risk of delayed hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Polyp size (large), shape (pedunculated), and location (right hemi‐colon) represented substantial risk factors for the development of delayed hemorrhage after colonoscopic polypectomy.
BDNF prevents NMDA‐induced toxicity in models of Huntington's disease: the effects are genotype specific and adenosine A2A receptor is involved
Authors: Martire Alberto , Pepponi Rita , Domenici Maria Rosaria , Ferrante Antonella , Chiodi Valentina , Popoli Patrizia
Published: January 2013

NMDA receptor‐mediated excitotoxicity is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD). The neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is also highly involved in HD and whose effects are modulated by adenosine A2ARs, influences the activity and expression of striatal NMDA receptors. In electrophysiology experiments, we investigated the role of BDNF toward NMDA‐induced effects in HD models, and the possible involvement of A2ARs. In corticostriatal slices from wild‐type mice and age‐matched symptomatic R6/2 mice (a model of HD), NMDA application (75 μM) induced a transient or a permanent (i.e., toxic) reduction of field potential amplitude, respectively. BDNF (10 ng/mL) potentiated NMDA effects in wild‐type, while it protected from NMDA toxicity in R6/2 mice. Both effects of BDNF were prevented by A2AR blockade. The protective effect of BDNF against NMDA‐induced toxicity was reproduced in a cellular model of HD. These findings may have very important implications for the neuroprotective potential of BDNF and A2AR ligands in HD.
Physical, Psychological and Ethical issues in Caring for Individuals with Genetic Skin Disease
Authors: Seibert Diane C. , Darling Thomas N.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Some forms of genetic skin disease are highly prevalent and others are exceedingly rare, but collectively, genetic skin disorders (or genodermatoses) are often poorly understood. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to increase nurses’ awareness and understanding of some of the physical, psychological, social, and ethical issues facing patients with inherited skin disorders.

Organizing Construct: This article offers an overview of genetic skin diseases; highlights the complexity and prevalence of the genodermatoses; describes inheritance patterns, genetics, and treatment for six genodermatoses; and reviews some of the ethical, privacy, technological, and resource issues nurses should consider when caring for patients with genetic skin disorders.

Conclusions: Because genodermatoses are found in all age groups, across all populations, and within all healthcare settings, nurses are uniquely positioned to address the educational and healthcare needs of patients and families with inherited skin disorders.

Clinical Relevance: Over the past two decades, genetics has evolved from a niche specialty into general practice. To ensure that patients and their families receive appropriate services and resources, nurses must have a working knowledge of genetic concepts. This article reinforces key genetic concepts while discussing many of the issues and concerns important to caring for patients with genetic skin disease.
Implications of Newborn Screening for Nurses
Authors: DeLuca Jane , Zanni Karen L. , Bonhomme Natasha , Kemper Alex R.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Newborn screening has dramatically decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with a wide range of heritable conditions. Continuing advances in screening technology and improvements in the effectiveness of treatment are driving the rapid expansion of newborn screening programs. In this article, we review issues in newborn screening care and opportunities for nurses and nursing faculty to provide education and conduct research to improve the impact of newborn screening.

Organizing Construct: This article provides (a) an overview of current newborn screening activities, including how conditions are added to newborn screening panels and how implementation occurs at state and national levels; (b) a description of current controversies and ethical considerations; (c) a description of the roles of nurses in the newborn screening process; (d) suggestions for nursing education and research; and (e) a summary of expected future developments in newborn screening, including genome sequencing.

Conclusions: Nurses are uniquely well suited to address the educational needs and future research in newborn screening because of the role that nurses play in the provision of direct clinical care and in population‐based healthcare delivery.

Clinical Relevance: Newborn screening is a public health approach to the identification of rare but treatable conditions in early infancy. In the United States, as in other industrialized countries, newborn screening is rapidly expanding. Nurses, nurse educators, and nurse researchers are positioned to contribute to the field of newborn screening by assuring programs are implemented safely and effectively, by facilitating education of the nursing work force, and by developing and contributing to research programs in newborn screening.
The Implications of Genomics on the Nursing Care of Adults With Neuropsychiatric Conditions
Authors: Schutte Debra L. , Davies Marilyn A. , Goris Emilie D
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Neuropsychiatric disorders contribute substantially to disease burden and quality of life across the lifespan and the globe. The purpose of this article is to review the state of the science regarding genomic contributions to selected common neuropsychiatric conditions and to examine the consequent immediate and future implications for nursing practice and research.

Organizing Construct: Our work is guided by an ecological model that recognizes that common diseases are complex or multifactorial, meaning that multiple genomic and environmental factors contribute to their etiology.

Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to determine the state of the science in relationship to the genomic contributions to selected neuropsychiatric disorders.

Findings: Neuropsychiatric conditions are genomically heterogeneous, both within a single disorder and across groups of disorders. While recent genomic research yields clinically validated and useful information for a small subset of persons (e.g., predictive genetic testing for Huntington disease and early‐onset Alzheimer disease), broad clinical application of genetic information is not yet available. In addition, the implications of genomics for the development and targeting of nonpharmacologic treatment strategies is largely unexplored.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to expand knowledge beyond genomic risk for the presence of disease to knowledge about the genomic risk for symptoms, symptom burden, and tailored symptom management interventions.

Clinical Relevance: Knowledge about the genomic influences on neuropsychiatric conditions suggests important implications for practicing nurses in the identification of persons at risk, provision of follow‐up support, and in the administration of medications.
A Blueprint for Genomic Nursing Science
Authors:   Genomic Nursing State of the Science Advisory Panel, Calzone Kathleen A. , Jenkins Jean , Bakos Alexis D. , Cashion Ann K. , Donaldson Nancy , Feero W. Gregory , Feetham Suzanne , Grady Patricia A. , Hinshaw Ada Sue , Knebel Ann R. , Robinson Nellie , Ropka Mary E. , Seibert Diane , Stevens Kathleen R. , Tully Lois A. , Webb Jo Ann
Published: January 2013

Purpose: This article reports on recommendations arising from an invitational workshop series held at the National Institutes of Health for the purposes of identifying critical genomics problems important to the health of the public that can be addressed through nursing science. The overall purpose of the Genomic Nursing State of the Science Initiative is to establish a nursing research blueprint based on gaps in the evidence and expert evaluation of the current state of the science and through public comment.

Organizing Constructs: A Genomic Nursing State of the Science Advisory Panel was convened in 2012 to develop the nursing research blueprint. The Advisory Panel, which met via two webinars and two in‐person meetings, considered existing evidence from evidence reviews, testimony from key stakeholder groups, presentations from experts in research synthesis, and public comment.

Findings: The genomic nursing science blueprint arising from the Genomic Nursing State of Science Advisory Panel focuses on biologic plausibility studies as well as interventions likely to improve a variety of outcomes (e.g., clinical, economic, environmental). It also includes all care settings and diverse populations. The focus is on (a) the client, defined as person, family, community, or population; (b) the context, targeting informatics support systems, capacity building, education, and environmental influences; and (c) cross‐cutting themes. It was agreed that building capacity to measure the impact of nursing actions on costs, quality, and outcomes of patient care is a strategic and scientific priority if findings are to be synthesized and aggregated to inform practice and policy.

Conclusions: The genomic nursing science blueprint provides the framework for furthering genomic nursing science to improve health outcomes. This blueprint is an independent recommendation of the Advisory Panel with input from the public and is not a policy statement of the National Institutes of Health or the federal government.

Clinical Relevance: This genomic nursing science blueprint targets research to build the evidence base to inform integration of genomics into nursing practice and regulation (such as nursing licensure requirements, institutional accreditation, and academic nursing school accreditation).
Positive and Negative Interactions Observed Between Siblings: Moderating Effects for Children Exposed to Parents' Conflict
Authors: Iturralde Esti , Margolin Gayla , Spies Shapiro Lauren A.
Published: January 2013

This study investigated links between interparental conflict appraisals (specifically threat and self‐blame), sibling relationship quality (positive and negative dimensions), and anxiety in sibling pairs comprised of an adolescent and a younger sibling close in age. Sibling relationship quality was measured through behavioral observation. Links between self‐blame and anxiety were moderated by sibling relationship quality. In older siblings, positive behavior with a sibling was associated with an attenuated relation between self‐blame and anxiety. A paradoxical moderating effect was found for negative interactions; for both younger and older siblings, a relation between self‐blame and anxiety was weakened in the presence of sibling negativity. Results offered support for theorized benefits of sibling relationship quality in helping early adolescents adjust to conflict between parents.
Cognitive‐behavioural physical activity treatment in African‐American pre‐schoolers: Effects of age, sex, and BMI
Authors: Annesi James J , Smith Alice E , Tennant Gisèle
Published: January 2013

Aim

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children of 5 years and younger has greatly increased in countries including Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA, with African‐Americans most affected in the USA. Low amounts of physical activity may be a primary cause. Interventions intended to increase physical activity during pre‐school have had minimal effects.

Methods

A physical activity intervention derived from self‐efficacy and social cognitive theory administered by pre‐school teachers in the USA (Start For Life) was contrasted with typical care over 8 weeks. The 30‐min‐per‐day treatment incorporated structured gross motor skill physical activities and training in self‐management and self‐regulation skills. The African‐American children in the treatment (n = 154, 21 classrooms) and control (n = 121, 11 classrooms) groups ranged in age from 3.5 to 5.6 years.

Results

Mixed‐model repeated measures analysis of variances indicated significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater increases in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) in the treatment group when both the children and classrooms were the unit of analysis. Time in sedentary activities was not affected. Together, age, sex and body mass index (BMI) percentile significantly predicted treatment‐related changes in MVPA (R2 = 0.11) and VPA (R2 = 0.11), with age (β = −0.22 and β = −0.23, respectively) and BMI percentile (β = −0.24 and β = −0.23, respectively) contributing uniquely to the explained variances indicating greater treatment effects for participants who were younger and had a lower BMI percentile.

Conclusions

The Start For Life treatment was associated with increased MVPA by approximately 1 h per week, with most of that change being in VPA. After sufficient replication, adjustments may be made to maximise treatment effects.
Antihyperalgesic activity of a novel synthesized analogue of lidocaine in diabetic rats
Authors: García-Hernández Liliana , Navarrete-Vázquez Gabriel , González-Trujano María Eva , López-Muñoz Francisco Javier , Déciga-Campos Myrna
Published: January 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic effects of a lidocaine analogue N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-(4-methyl-1-piperidinyl)acetamide (LIA; Figure 1).

Methods

The structure of LIA was established by elemental analysis and compatible IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and spectral data. Nociceptive and hyperalgesic activity were evaluated in normoglycaemic and streptozocin-induced diabetic rats using the formalin test. Formalin-evoked flinching, an indication of nociception and hyperalgesia, was increased in diabetic rats (using 0.5% formalin) compared with nondiabetic rats (using 1% formalin).

Key findings

Local administration of LIA into the dorsal surface of the right hind paw (0.18–5.6 mg per paw) significantly reduced the formalin-induced nociceptive and hyperalgesic behaviour of nondiabetic and diabetic rat. The antinociceptive effect of LIA was higher than that of lidocaine injection, furthermore this effect was higher than that of gabapentin.

Conclusions

LIA may have potential as a treatment for diabetic hyperalgesia. Further investigations of the antinociceptive mechanisms and the safety of this new compound are necessary.
Heterochrony and limb form variation in crested newts
Authors: Tomašević Kolarov N.
Published: January 2013

The crested newt superspecies includes four morphotypes, each characterized by a specific body‐to‐limb conformation associated with their respective ecologies: newts with large, stocky bodies and robust limbs are more terrestrial, whereas newts with small, elongate bodies and small limbs are more aquatic. This study investigated whether heterochronic transformations can account for limb form variation in light of phylogenetic history and ecology. Ossification sequence analyses revealed some synapomorphic heterochronic shifts specific to crested newts, including delay of the ossification in the second finger and accelerations in metacarpal III and metatarsal V. These shifts involve a change from pre‐axial to post‐axial dominance in a developmental sequence uncommon to caudate salamanders. No adaptive explanation of these shifts is apparent. The allometric trajectories of crested newt species were similar after metamorphosis; however, pre‐metamorphic growth showed species differences, potentially reflecting differences among species in ecological or functional demands.
Clinical implication of hypovascular hepatocellular carcinoma studied in 4,474 patients with solitary tumour equal or less than 3 cm
Authors: Takayasu Kenichi , Arii Shigeki , Sakamoto Michiie , Matsuyama Yutaka , Kudo Masatoshi , Ichida Takafumi , Nakashima Osamu , Matsui Osamu , Izumi Namiki , Ku Yonson , Kokudo Norihiro , Makuuchi Masatoshi ,   Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan
Published: January 2013

Background & Aims

To clarify the biological behaviour of small hypovascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because of insufficient evidence even though frequently encountered.

Methods

The study covered naïve 4,474 patients who met solitary HCC ≤3 cm (mean, 2.1 cm), histopathologically proven and Child Pugh A or B. Macroscopic vascular invasion and distant metastasis were excluded. The hypovascularity of tumour was defined as hypo‐ or iso‐enhancement in arterial phase of multiple dynamic imaging techniques.

Results

Of them, 802 (18%) were hypovascular. The ratio of hypovascular HCC decreased as tumour size increased (P < 0.001) and most of them developed to hypervascular type when they grew over 1.5 cm. Hypovascular group showed a significantly higher ratio of well differentiated grade (P < 0.001) and marginally less incidence of microvascular invasion and metastases compared with hypervascular group. The histologic dedifferentiation (less differentiation) developed step‐by‐step as tumour size increased in hyper‐ and even hypovascular group. The des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) value ≥ 300mAU/ml was closely correlated with increase of tumour size in both groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed five variables were independent predictors for hypovascular HCC; tumour size ≤1.5 cm, alpha‐fetoprotein < 200 ng/ml, DCP < 40mAU/ml, well differentiated grade, and positivity for hepatitis C virus antibody.

Conclusions

Hypovascular HCC was biologically less aggressive and developed with stepwise dedifferentiation and transformation to hypervascular appearance along with tumour growth. These results will help in leading correct diagnosis of small hypovascular tumour and assessing optimal treatment for hypovascular HCC≤3 cm.
1p/19q testing has no significance in the workup of glioblastomas
Authors: Clark K. H. , Villano J. L. , Nikiforova M. N. , Hamilton R. L. , Horbinski C.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To determine whether testing for isolated 1p or 19q losses, or as a codeletion, has any significance in the workup of glioblastomas (GBMs).

Methods

Upfront 1p/19q testing by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was done in 491 gliomas that were histologically diagnosed as GBMs. Outcomes were determined and measured against 1p/19q results.

Results

Twenty‐eight showed apparent 1p/19q codeletion by either FISH and/or PCR‐based LOH, but only 1/26 showed codeletion by both tests. Over 90% of tumours with apparent codeletion by either FISH or LOH also had 10q LOH and/or EGFR amplification, features inversely related to true whole‐arm 1p/19q codeletion. Furthermore, only 1/28 tumours demonstrated an R132H IDH1 mutation. Neither 1p/19q codeletion by FISH nor LOH had an impact on GBM survival. Isolated losses of 1p or 19q also had no impact on survival.

Conclusions

These data suggest that (i) 1p/19q testing is not useful on gliomas that are histologically GBMs; (ii) codeletion testing should be reserved only for cases with compatible morphology; and (iii) EGFR, 10q, and IDH1 testing can help act as safeguards against a false‐positive 1p/19q result.
Gene polymorphisms, tobacco exposure and oral cancer susceptibility: a study from Gujarat, West India
Authors: Singh RD , Haridas N , Shah FD , Patel JB , Shukla SN , Patel PS
Published: January 2013

Polymorphic variability in the enzymes involved in biotransformation of tobacco‐related pro‐carcinogens plays an important role in modulating oral cancer susceptibility. CYP1A1*2A, CYP1A1*2C, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were determined in 122 oral carcinoma cases and 127 controls from Gujarat, West India using PCR‐based methods. The results revealed that the polymorphic variants of CYP1A1 gene did not show association towards oral cancer risk. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were found to be over‐represented in patients than controls, suggesting a moderate increase in risk of oral cancer. The oral cancer risk was significantly increased in the patients having either alone or concurrent deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1. The results also suggested significant association between tobacco habits, especially chewing, variant genotypes of CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 and oral cancer risk. Our data have provided evidence that GST polymorphism modified the susceptibility to oral cancer and individuals with variant genotypes of the three genes with tobacco habits are at significant risk of developing oral cancer.