bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal heating condition of mouthguard sheet in vacuum–pressure formation: part 2 Olefin‐based thermoplastic elastomer
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Koide Kaoru
Published: October 2015

The purposes of this study were to clarify the suitable heating conditions during vacuum–pressure formation of olefin copolymer sheets and to examine the sheet temperature at molding and the thickness of the molded mouthguard. Mouthguards were fabricated using 4.0‐mm‐thick olefin copolymer sheets utilizing a vacuum–pressure forming device, and then, 10 s of vacuum forming and 2 min of compression molding were applied. Three heating conditions were investigated. They were, defined by the degree of sagging observed at the center of the softened sheet (10, 15, or 20 mm lower than the clamp (H‐10, H‐15, or H‐20, respectively)). The working model was trimmed to the height of 20 mm at the maxillary central incisor and 15 mm at the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar. The temperature on both the directly heated and the non‐heated surfaces of the mouthguard sheet was measured by the radiation thermometer for each condition. The thickness of mouthguard sheets after fabrication was determined for the incisal portion (incisal edge and labial surface) and molar portion (cusp and buccal surface), and dimensional measurements were obtained using a measuring device. Differences in the thickness due to the heating condition of the sheets were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's multiple comparison tests. The temperature difference between the heated and non‐heated surfaces was highest under H‐10. Sheet temperature under H‐15 and H‐20 was almost the same. The thickness differences were noted at incisal edge, cusp, and buccal surface, and H‐15 was the greatest. This study demonstrated that heating of the sheet resulting in sag of 15 mm or more was necessary for sufficient softening of the sheet and that the mouthguard thickness decreased with increased sag. In conclusion, sag of 15 mm can be recommended as a good indicator of appropriate molding timing for this material.
The life history continuum hypothesis links traits of male ants with life outside the nest
Authors: Shik Jonathan Z. , Donoso David A. , Kaspari Michael
Published: October 2015

An ant society, headed by a mated queen, can live for decades. Male ants, in contrast, are generally assumed to be ephemeral sperm delivery vessels programmed to die hours after leaving the nest to mate. However, the events from dispersal to mate location have rarely been studied, and the links between male traits and the ecological demands of diverse mating systems remain poorly understood. Here, we propose that interspecific variation in the length of mating flights has generated a life history continuum for male ants, and that the previously proposed ‘male aggregating’ and ‘female calling’ mating syndromes represent the endpoints. We also provide the first evidence for systematic divergence in pre‐mating traits between males that attract females to brief nuptial swarms (Male aggregation syndrome) and those that must survive while searching for patchily distributed females that signal with pheromones (Female calling syndrome). Specifically, female‐calling males tend to have larger eyes and mandibles, but the length of the basal antennal segment (scape) appears relatively constant across body sizes. After exploring these patterns, we review evidence that key components of fitness like mating frequency vary across a male life history continuum, and then explore links between male traits and a colony's per capita reproductive investment. Systematic variation in pre‐flight provisioning of males relative to mating systems may have important ecological implications, given that ants are dominant consumers on a global scale, and colonies ultimately use large fractions of harvested resources to fuel reproduction.
Illustrating the impact of mild/moderate and severe haemophilia on health‐related quality of life: hypothesised conceptual models
Authors: Flood Emuella , Pocoski Jennifer , Michaels Lisa A. , Bell Jill A. , Valluri Satish , Sasanè Rahul
Published: October 2015

Introduction/Aims

Haemophilia and its treatment have a significant impact on patients' lives. The study objectives were to understand the impacts of haemophilia and its treatment from the patient perspective and to inform the development of comprehensive health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQL) conceptual models to illustrate these impacts.

Methods

The study included two phases. Phase I involved a review of literature published from 1995 to 2010, qualitative analysis of six patient (N = 31) and three healthcare provider (N = 15) focus group transcripts, and interviews with two experts to inform draft conceptual models of mild/moderate and severe haemophilia. Phase II involved interviews with 20 haemophilia patients and qualitative analysis of transcripts to confirm the concepts and structure of the conceptual models.

Results

The literature search resulted in 66 publications assessing HRQL, four of which were qualitative studies on the impact of haemophilia from the patient perspective. Results from Phase I indicated that acute bleeding events result in pain, swelling, bruising and restricted joint movement; repeated joint bleeds result in chronic symptoms, such as pain and arthropathy. Acute bleeds cause interruptions in daily activities and interfere with work/school. Patients have fears about having bleeds, which can affect their participation in activities, such as sports or crowded events. Patients also expressed feelings of depression, frustration, isolation and embarrassment. Results of Phase II corroborated findings from Phase I.

Conclusions

The conceptual models illustrate the substantial impact of haemophilia and its treatments on patients' lives and can help inform clinical study design and the selection of endpoints to assess treatment benefit.
A global review of weeds that can germinate from horse dung
Authors: Ansong Michael , Pickering Catherine
Published: October 2015

To assess the diversity of weed seeds dispersed via horse dung, we reviewed 15 studies on seed germination from horse dung – six from Europe, four from North America, three from Australia and one study each from Africa and Central America. Seed from 249 species from 43 families have been identified germinating from horse dung. Almost two‐thirds of the species were forbs and 33% graminoids, with over half being perennials and 32% annuals. Nearly every species (totalling 99% of those reviewed) is considered a weed somewhere, with 47% recorded as invasive and 19% international environmental weeds. Of the 2739 non‐native plants that are naturalized in Australia, 156 have been shown to germinate from horse dung. This includes 16 of the 429 listed noxious weeds in Australia and two weeds of national significance. Seed from 105 of the 1596 invasive/noxious plant species in North America have also been identified germinating from horse dung. Seed traits including seed size, length, width and mass affect dispersal via horse dung. Habitat disturbance from trampling facilitates germination of seedlings from dung in both natural and experimental studies. Some studies found that plants germinating from dung reach maturity and flower, while others found plants did not survive due to unfavourable growing conditions in the field. The diversity of species with seed that can germinate from horse dung highlights the potential of horses to disperse a range of seed over long distances. Whether such dispersal is beneficial or harmful depends on the plant and the context in which it germinates. To maintain the conservation value of protected areas, it is important to understand and manage the different potential weed dispersal vectors, including horses.
Radio‐tracking three Sugar Gliders using forested highway median strips at Bongil Bongil National Park, north‐east New South Wales
Authors: Taylor Brendan D. , Rohweder David
Published: October 2015

Major roads and highways disrupt ecological flows and create barriers or filters to the movement of many species of wildlife, including gliding mammals. Mitigating these impacts presents major challenges for road authorities. One approach has been the retention of forest vegetation in median strips to serve as ‘stepping stones’ for gliding mammals to cross road gaps otherwise beyond their glide capacity. A recently upgraded section of the Pacific Highway through tall open forest near Bonville in north‐east New South Wales retained forest within two 10‐ to 45‐m‐wide median strips separating each carriageway and a service road. We investigated whether Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) used these median strips to cross an 85 to 135 m‐wide road corridor. Three radio‐collared Sugar Gliders (one male and two females) moved between both highway medians and forest on either side of the road corridor during 32 days of radio‐tracking. Although the sample size is small, these results suggest that highway median strips, featuring mature vegetation with a major den tree, can provide ‘stepping stones’ for gliding mammals to cross a highway that would otherwise function as a movement barrier or filter. Longer‐term research with greater numbers of animals at this and other sites is required to determine whether such strips would be commonly used when den trees are absent and whether gliding via median strips may also increase road mortality of the species.
Why monitoring often fails to inform adaptive management: a case study
Authors: Reid Thomas , Hazell Donna , Gibbons Philip
Published: October 2015

Monitoring that facilitates adaptive management requires us to link observed changes in resource condition with management actions. Here, we present a case study to discuss how monitoring should be undertaken so it can facilitate adaptive management. Drawing on monitoring data collected by landholders as part of an incentive programme for native vegetation conservation on private land, we examined whether it was possible to determine to what extent changes in native vegetation condition were affected by funded management actions. Using a simple statistical technique (linear regression), we were unable to find strong links between the intended natural resource management (NRM) outcomes and funded management actions because (i) we could only use data from 22% of the 55 monitored sites as most data sheets were incomplete; (ii) sampling was undertaken in different seasons making it difficult to distinguish change due to management from change due to natural variability; and (iii) management actions were recorded in a generic way only, and not monitored through time, thus making it difficult to link observed changes in vegetation condition to on‐ground management. We suggest that monitoring programmes will only inform adaptive management where NRM bodies can prosecute (i) sampling designs that enable change as a result of management to be distinguished from change due to natural variability, and (ii) protocols that provide consistent data capture between sites and through time.
Assessing strategies to minimize unintended fitness consequences of aquaculture on wild populations
Authors: Baskett Marissa L. , Burgess Scott C. , Waples Robin S.
Published: October 2015

Artificial propagation programs focused on production, such as commercial aquaculture or forestry, entail strong domestication selection. Spillover from such programs can cause unintended fitness and demographic consequences for wild conspecifics. The range of possible management practices to minimize such consequences vary in their control of genetic and demographic processes. Here, we use a model of coupled genetic and demographic dynamics to evaluate alternative management approaches to minimizing unintended consequences of aquaculture escapees. We find that, if strong natural selection occurs between escape and reproduction, an extremely maladapted (i.e., nonlocal‐origin, highly domesticated) stock could have fitness consequences analogous to a weakly diverged cultured stock; otherwise, wild population fitness declines with increasing maladaptation in the cultured stock. Reducing escapees through low‐level leakage is more effective than reducing an analogous number of escapees from large, rare pulses. This result arises because low‐level leakage leads to the continual lowering of wild population fitness and subsequent increased proportional contribution of maladapted cultured escapees to the total population. Increased sterilization efficacy can cause rapid, nonlinear reductions in unintended fitness consequences. Finally, sensitivity to the stage of escape indicates a need for improved monitoring data on how the number of escapees varies across life cycle stages.
Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) in Quarter Horses: A review of clinical signs, genetics and research
Authors: Rashmir‐Raven A. M. , Spier S. J.
Published: October 2015

Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) results from a genetic mutation which affects the skin and other tissues of Quarter Horses and horses with Quarter Horse lineage. The disease HERDA has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and has become a significant concern in the Quarter Horse industry due to the high frequency of heterozygote carriers. Affected homozygous horses appear normal at birth; however, within the first 2 years of life they usually acquire loose, hyperextensible skin and wounds which result in disfiguring scars either spontaneously or from minor trauma. Some severely affected horses also develop haematomas and seromas. Consequently, most affected horses are subjected to euthanasia at an early age. No treatment options other than palliative therapy currently exist. As part of a five panel test (http://www.aqha.com/News/News-Articles/2013/April/04292013-Genetic-Testing.aspx) the American Quarter Horse Association presently requires DNA testing for HERDA on all breeding stallions. There are currently no restrictions on registration of horses heterozygous or homozygous for the HERDA mutation. Due to the autosomal recessive nature of the disease, Quarter Horse mares and horses of all breeds from HERDA‐associated bloodlines should also be tested.
Anaerobic peritonitis caused by Clostridium septicum as a complication of routine castration in a 2‐year‐old Warmblood horse
Authors: Shearer T. R. , Smith A. D. , Freeman D. E. , Regan S. A.
Published: October 2015

This case report describes an unusual case of anaerobic peritonitis in a 2‐year‐old horse following castration. The horse was evaluated 2 weeks following castration for signs of acute, severe abdominal pain and swelling surrounding a previous castration site. Physical examination revealed marked scrotal and ventral abdominal oedema that was cool and crepitant upon palpation. Ultrasonographic evaluation was unrewarding because gas shadowing distributed throughout the subcutis prevented imaging of the abdominal cavity. Ventral midline celiotomy revealed a copious amount of malodorous, serosangious, cloudy peritoneal fluid that was submitted for culture. Abdominal exploration revealed the gastrointestinal tract to be in its anatomically correct position. There was diffuse petechiation of the small intestine and large intestine, oedema and crepitant swelling surrounding the left inguinal ring and body wall. The abdomen was lavaged with 10 l of sterile saline prior to closure of the celiotomy and the left castration incision was opened digitally, releasing a large volume of serosanguinous fluid and gas that flowed freely from the incision site and deeper inguinal tissues. The horse was placed in the recovery box where it suffered cardiac arrest. Culture of the peritoneal fluid revealed heavy growth of Clostridium septicum. This case of anaerobic peritonitis represents an unusual complication following castration not previously reported in the horse.
Is Russian Public Sector Accounting in the Process of Modernization? An Analysis of Accounting Reforms in Russia
Authors: Antipova Tatiana , Bourmistrov Anatoli
Published: October 2015

The major public sector accounting reform in Russia began in 2004 envisaging ideas of ‘top‐down’ modernization through adoption of international accounting ideas from GFS/IPSASs. However, there is a decoupling between accounting practices and declared accounting norms. This is explained by ideas of accrual accounting reform fitting very well into the top political context aiming to achieve the international legitimization of Russia as a modern state, but contradicting the Russian public sector accounting tradition. Successful accounting reform, so far very much a ‘top‐down’ push process, requires strong ‘context ambassadors’ to stimulate ‘accounting curiosity’ and the processes of ‘bottom up’ accounting modernization.
Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins as intracellular signaling intermediates
Authors: Kocab Andrew J. , Duckett Colin S.
Published: October 2015

Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins have often been considered inhibitors of cell death due to early reports that described their ability to directly bind and inhibit caspases, the primary factors that implement apoptosis. However, a greater understanding is evolving regarding the vital roles played by IAPs as transduction intermediates in a diverse set of signaling cascades associated with functions ranging from the innate immune response to cell migration to cell‐cycle regulation. In this review, we discuss the functions of IAPs in signaling, focusing primarily on the cellular IAP (c‐IAP) proteins. The c‐IAPs are important components in tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily signaling cascades, which include activation of the NF‐κB transcription factor family. As these receptors modulate cell proliferation and cell death, the involvement of the c‐IAPs in these pathways provides an additional means of controlling cellular fate beyond simply inhibiting caspase activity. Additionally, IAP‐binding proteins, such as Smac and caspases, which have been described as having cell death‐independent roles, may affect c‐IAP activity in intracellular signaling. Collectively, the multi‐faceted functions and complex regulation of the c‐IAPs illustrate their importance as intracellular signaling intermediates.
Inhibition of APOBEC3G activity impedes double‐stranded DNA repair
Authors: Prabhu Ponnandy , Shandilya Shivender M. D. , Britan‐Rosich Elena , Nagler Adi , Schiffer Celia A. , Kotler Moshe
Published: October 2015

The cellular cytidine deaminase APOBEC3G (A3G) was first described as an anti‐HIV‐1 restriction factor, acting by directly deaminating reverse transcripts of the viral genome. HIV‐1 Vif neutralizes the activity of A3G, primarily by mediating degradation of A3G to establish effective infection in host target cells. Lymphoma cells, which express high amounts of A3G, can restrict Vif‐deficient HIV‐1. Interestingly, these cells are more stable in the face of treatments that result in double‐stranded DNA damage, such as ionizing radiation and chemotherapies. Previously, we showed that the Vif‐derived peptide (Vif25–39) efficiently inhibits A3G deamination, and increases the sensitivity of lymphoma cells to ionizing radiation. In the current study, we show that additional peptides derived from Vif, A3G, and APOBEC3F, which contain the LYYF motif, inhibit deamination activity. Each residue in the Vif25–39 sequence moderately contributes to the inhibitory effect, whereas replacing a single residue in the LYYF motif completely abrogates inhibition of deamination. Treatment of A3G‐expressing lymphoma cells exposed to ionizing radiation with the new inhibitory peptides reduces double‐strand break repair after irradiation. Incubation of cultured irradiated lymphoma cells with peptides that inhibit double‐strand break repair halts their propagation. These results suggest that A3G may be a potential therapeutic target that is amenable to peptide and peptidomimetic inhibition.
Using Meaningful Interpretation and Chunking to Enhance Memory: The Case of Chinese Character Learning
Authors: Xu Xiaoqiu , Padilla Amado M.
Published: October 2015

Learning and retaining Chinese characters are often considered to be the most challenging elements in learning Chinese as a foreign language. Applying the theory of meaningful interpretation, the chunking mnemonic technique, and the linguistic features of Chinese characters, this study examines whether the method of meaningful interpretation and chunking (MIC) can promote learners' immediate learning and retention of Chinese characters. Mandarin Chinese learners at two high schools were randomized into a treatment group and a control group. Students in the treatment group learned Chinese characters with the MIC method, whereas their peers in the control group learned characters by the traditional method of rote repetition according to the stroke order. Four balanced character sets were introduced each day for four continuous days with three different interventions: teacher‐instructed method on Day 1, teacher‐cued method on Day 2, and students' independent work on Day 3 and Day 4. Students' learning outcomes of the characters were measured with (1) immediate quizzes given each day after instruction, (2) a retention test (after one week) that integrated all the immediate quizzes, and (3) an application test administered two months after the experiment. The findings suggest that MIC enhances learners' immediate learning and retention of Chinese characters. In addition, the teacher‐cued method and familiar independent work were more effective for learning and retaining Chinese characters than the teacher‐instructed method and unfamiliar independent work. Furthermore, the treatment effect also varied across the measurement components (meaning vs. perception), levels of instruction, and heritage versus non‐heritage groups.
Another Look at the Equity Risk Premium Puzzle
Authors: Bamberg Günter , Heiden Sebastian
Published: October 2015

The model of Mehra and Prescott (1985, J. Econometrics, 22, 145-161) implies that reasonable coefficients of risk-aversion of economic agents cannot explain the equity risk premium generated by financial markets. This discrepancy is hitherto regarded as a major financial puzzle. We propose an alternative model to explain the equity premium. For normally distributed returns and for returns far away from normality (but still light tailed), realistic equity risk premia do not imply puzzlingly high risk aversions. Following our approach, the ‘equity premium puzzle’ does not exist. We also consider fat-tailed return distributions and show that Pareto tails are incompatible with constant relative risk aversion.
Terror in the skies of Russia
Authors: Poole Graeme
Published: October 2015

It was just another normal day for the residents of the Russian town of Chelyabinsk as they set off for work on Friday 15 February 2013. A rock less than 20 metres wide changed all that. A meteor weighing some 11 000 tonnes hit the Earth's atmosphere above the Ural Mountains with an estimated speed of 18 km/s (65 000 km/h). It exploded over Chelyabinsk with the force of 30 Hiroshima bombs, causing a shockwave to tear through the region and injuring over 1500 people. It was the biggest meteor strike in the last 100 years, and undoubtedly the most archived ever.
Colonialism and Resettling British Columbia: Canadian Aboriginal Historiography, 1992–2012
Authors: Neylan Susan
Published: October 2015

This is the first of two essays examining the recent historiography of Canadian Aboriginal History published roughly in the last two decades (1992–2012) using a regional focus – British Columbia. Influenced by broader political contexts and land claims litigation, BC scholarship has been characterized by diversity and interdisciplinarity. The impact of ethnohistorical methodologies, “the cultural turn,” and the centrality of race and imperialism have brought an international scholarship to bear on the writing of British Columbia Aboriginal History. From reading the colonial archive against the grain to better appreciate Indigenous histories hidden within to seeking out Indigenous historical knowledge and employing collaborative relationships to facilitate this, historians have shifted their methods to be more inclusive of the Aboriginal perspectives. The prominence of colonialism and the acknowledgement of resettlement, rather than settlement, as the foundation of the province's past have kept Native‐Settler relations in the foreground in the scholarship.
New Ways to Write the History of Western Europe and the United States: The Concept of Intercultural Transfer
Authors: Adam Thomas
Published: October 2015

The concept of intercultural transfer was originally developed in the 1980s for the study of exchange processes between France and Germany in the time of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. More recently, various scholars have applied it to the exchange processes across the Atlantic (and between Germany and the United States in particular) and across the British Chanel (and between Germany and Great Britain in particular). Its focus is cultural transformation, since the transferred elements reflect the influence of the agents of intercultural transfer as well as both the giving and the receiving society. This paper seeks to provide an alternative to traditional accounts of German and American history by highlighting transfers that occurred in the realm of culture, education, and customs in the 19th century. Such transfer included concepts for the organization of the urban infrastructure of American cities (from museums and schools to city parks) as well as models for education (from kindergarten to university). Both cultures and societies were deeply connected by these cultural transfers even though they occurred outside the realm of state action and apart from the increasing control of both nation states over the movement of its citizens within civil society. Intercultural transfers were organized and carried out by agents of intercultural transfer. These agents were private citizens who acted on their own initiative as agents of civil society but not as agents of nation states. The development of German and American society and culture in the 19th century was, thus, intrinsically linked and resulted in a multitude of cross‐cultural interconnections that contributed to the diversification of both societies. The Atlantic represented in this narrative a “connective lifeline” rather than a separating gulf.
Band Gap and Diameter Modulation of Quantum Dots in Glasses
Authors: Liu Chao , Heo Jong
Published: October 2015

Modulation of the band gap energy and diameter of quantum dots (QDs) formed in glasses is important to achieve the optimized performance for applications as infrared light sources, lasers, saturable absorbers, etc. Absorption and photoluminescence of PbS QDs were extended into mid‐infrared wavelength range in glasses containing small amount of lead but oversaturated with sulfur. Dual‐band photoluminescence of PbSe QDs was prepared in oxyfluoride glass‐ceramics containing BaF2 nanocrystals. By introducing SnO in the glasses, alloyed Pb1‐xSnxSe QDs with smaller band gap energies were formed in glasses, and mid‐infrared photoluminescence of Pb1‐xSnxSe QDs at ~2570 nm in wavelength was achieved.
Long‐term outcomes in adults with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa fed by a gastrostomy tube in situ
Authors: Hubbard Lynne D.
Published: October 2015

Background

People with severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) have reduced oral intake as a result of oropharyngeal blistering, esophageal stricture, and constipation. Their nutritional requirements are increased by the need for constant wound repair and inflammation. No studies have been published on long‐term outcomes in patients in whom gastrostomy tubes (G‐tubes) were placed in childhood and who have now reached adulthood.

Methods

Twelve adults with RDEB who had used G‐tubes in situ for a mean of 14.5 years (range: 10–19 years) were studied. The following growth parameters were recorded: current body mass index (BMI); height centile pre‐gastrostomy; best height centile post‐gastrostomy; height centile reached by the age of 18 years; and pubertal status. Nutrient intake via the tube and leakage were noted. Data on BMI and height centile reached by the age of 18 years in five young adults with severe RDEB who had declined tube placement were recorded.

Results

The mean ± SD BMI of patients fed by G‐tube at adulthood was 20.2 ± 3.9 kg/m2. Eight subjects had increased, three had maintained, and one had decreased their BMI centile position. Three patients had increased, six had maintained, and three had decreased their height centile position; the latter three all increased their height centile initially. They were compared with five adults with severe RDEB who had declined G‐tube placement. Four had reached a height within the normal centile range. In two, this was lower than their best height centile. None had reached a normal BMI (mean: 15.4 kg/m2).

Conclusions

By increasing nutritional intake, G‐tube feeding led to an improvement in BMI and helped maintain or improve linear growth.
Four cases of mucous membrane pemphigoid with clinical features of oral lichen planus
Authors: Fukuda Aoi , Himejima Akio , Tsuruta Daisuke , Koga Hiroshi , Ohyama Bungo , Morita Shosuke , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: October 2015

Background

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and oral lichen planus (OLP) show similar clinical features on the oral mucosa. As clinical manifestations of oral mucosal lesions, MMP shows blisters and erosions, whereas OLP shows lace‐like whitish lesions in an annular arrangement with erythema and erosions. Histopathologically, MMP shows subepithelial bullae with infiltrates of lymphocytes and neutrophils, whereas OLP shows band‐like interface infiltration of lymphocytes with damage in basal cells. However, these two diseases are frequently difficult to distinguish both clinically and histopathologically.

Objectives

We report four patients with oral MMP who showed OLP‐like clinical and histopathological lesions.

Methods

We performed direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence of normal human skin and 1 m NaCl‐split skin, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for BP180, BP230, and desmogleins 1 and 3, and immunoblotting of normal human epidermal and dermal extracts, recombinant proteins of BP180‐NC16a and ‐C‐terminal domains, concentrated culture supernatant of HaCaT cells, and purified laminin‐332.

Results

The results of various immunological studies suggested the diagnoses of various types of MMP for all four patients.

Conclusions

Because MMP and OLP require different treatments, all dentists and dermatologists should have knowledge about the disease entity and the serological diagnostic methods for various types of MMP.
Spectrum of winter dermatoses in rural Yemen
Authors: Al‐Kamel Mohamed A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Surveys that have been carried out to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in rural Yemen are scarce or not available.

Objective

To investigate the spectrum of winter dermatoses in a rural Yemeni community.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at the dermatology outpatient clinic of the Al‐Helal Specialized Hospital (Radaa' district of Al Bayda' Governorate) using data analysis of 700 selected records of patients managed during four months of the 2013–14 winter season.

Results

Seven hundred patients with 730 diseases were reported in this study; the major bulk of patients (46.57%) were in the >18–40‐year age group, and females outnumbered males. By far, dermatitis, eczematous, and allergic disorders (38.49%) topped the list of the most frequent skin disorders groups, followed by skin infections and infestations (20%) and the pigmentary disorders (13.70%) group. Contact dermatitis (10.68%) was the most prevalent skin disorder, followed by hyperpigmentations (8.77%), acne (8.08%), viral infections (5.75%), atopic dermatitis (5.62%), and parasitic infestations (5.34%).

Conclusion

This survey has documented the spectrum of winter dermatoses in a rural Yemeni community but also reflects the pattern of common dermatoses in the whole country. Dermatitis, eczematous, and allergic disorders, skin infections, and pigmentary disorders are the commonest groups. Contact dermatitis is the most prevalent disorder, and leishmaniasis is the most prevalent skin infectious disease. Climate, occupational, social, and environmental factors are the main contributors. Such statistics can form an important basis for community‐based health policies.
Implementation of evidence‐based nursing practice for diabetic patients: An Iranian experience
Authors: Varaei Shokoh , Salsali Mahvash , Cheraghi Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2015

Evidence‐based nursing is recognized as an indicator of quality in nursing practice, a basis for accountability and the gold standard of professional nursing care. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences and perceptions about evidence‐based nursing practice in giving care to patients with diabetic foot ulcers. A qualitative research design was adopted, and content analysis was used to analyse data. Semistructured interviews were held with 19 bachelor‐degree nurses working in a teaching hospital in an urban area of Iran. During data analysis, two main themes developed: ‘structural backgrounds of the organization’ and ‘empowerment’. Accordingly, it was concluded that successful implementation of evidence‐based nursing requires the reconfiguration of the administrative structure in the hospital. In addition, it requires the support of nurse leaders to facilitate the implementation of evidence‐based nursing in the practice.
Using nursing practice guidelines for the prevention of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis among hospitalized adult patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Anowar Mohammad Nurul , Petpichetchian Wongchan , Isaramalai Sang‐arun , Klainin‐Yobas Piyanee
Published: October 2015

Multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) is one of the major public health concerns worldwide particularly in developing countries, including Bangladesh. Thus far, there are no well‐validated clinical guidelines for the prevention of MDR‐TB. This study aims to evaluate the improvement in nurses' practice using the newly developed Nursing Practice Guidelines for the Prevention of MDR‐TB (NPG: MDR‐TB) among hospitalized adult patients in Bangladesh. The guidelines were developed, disseminated and evaluated among 64 nurses by assessing nursing practice for the prevention of MDR‐TB during pre‐ and postimplementation of the guidelines. Significant differences between pretest and post‐test mean scores of nursing practice for the prevention of MDR‐TB in case finding and case holding were found in three levels of wards, including Level 0 (non‐TB), Level 1 (TB) and Level 2 (MDR‐TB) (P < 0.001). This indicated that the guidelines might be applicable to reduce the development of MDR‐TB in hospitals. However, this was a preliminary study with a limited time frame. Further evaluation is, therefore, needed.
Degarelix relieves hydronephrosis in a patient with prostate cancer: case study
Authors: Turner Bruce , Goldstraw Emma , Pati Jhumur , Green James
Published: October 2015

In this case study, we present the case of a patient found to have hydronephrosis and poor renal function which relieved when starting Degarelix for prostate cancer.
Global Changes and Gendered Responses: The Feminization of Migration from Georgia
Authors: Hofmann Erin Trouth , Buckley Cynthia J.
Published: October 2015

While frequently discussed, the feminization of migration remains among the least understood trends in migration literature. Existing research links feminization of migration to socioeconomic change in migrant origin countries, changes in destination-country labor markets, structural factors, and changing social attitudes. However, questions of how the feminization of migration begins and how it becomes socially institutionalized remain largely unanswered. Having experienced a recent, dramatic increase in female migration, Georgia provides an excellent case to study the emergence of women's labor migration. Our findings highlight the importance of human capital, increasing divorce rates, and an absence of local economic opportunities in motivating increasing numbers of women to migrate. Additionally, changing destination patterns and shifts in labor-market demand toward feminized occupations act as key initial conditions enabling the growth of women's migration. As migration is feminized, cultural beliefs stigmatizing female migrants can be renegotiated to frame women's migration within normative gender approaches, providing pathways for cultural maintenance. In the early stages of the feminization of migration, we find the initial attempts to reframe migration are powerful; they can challenge, or at least delay, the expansion of women's autonomy that is often associated with migration.
Calibrated Ambitions: Low Educational Ambition as a Form of Strategic Adaptation among Chinese Youth in Spain
Authors: Yiu Jessica
Published: October 2015

Deemed “model minorities,” second-generation Chinese-Americans have, on average, high levels of educational attainment and, as a result, they have experienced more upward mobility than other groups. Yet, on the other side of the Atlantic, a strikingly different story about Chinese immigrants and their offspring emerges. Based on analysis of the Longitudinal Study of the Second Generation in Spain, findings from this study show that Chinese youths in Spain have substantially lower educational ambitions and attainment than youths from every other nationality. Met with discrimination at school and in the labor market, yet finding financial success in niche markets as small business owners, I argue that the Chinese in Spain have, at least temporarily, forged an alternative pathway of mobility based on entrepreneurial endeavors rather than educational accomplishments – a formula passed on from immigrant parents to their offspring. The way Chinese youths in Spain have calibrated their ambition represents a form of strategic adaptation to the barriers put up against immigrant minorities in Spanish society.
Ethnic Concentration and Nonprofit Organizations: The Political and Urban Geography of Immigrant Services in Boston, Massachusetts
Authors: Joassart-Marcelli Pascale
Published: October 2015

This article considers the geographic distribution of nonprofit organizations serving immigrants across municipalities within the Greater Boston area in an effort to identify variations in the levels of assistance available to major foreign-born populations in the region. The analysis relies on data from the Census and the National Center for Charitable Statistics. Results suggest that geographic context matters, including immigrant settlement patterns, racial heterogeneity, and fiscal and institutional characteristics of towns and cities, in shaping availability of nonprofit resources to immigrants. These findings highlight large socio-spatial disparities in immigrant services and challenge the wisdom of devolving responsibility for such assistance to local governments and ultimately nonprofits, as new entrants settle in larger numbers in areas previously unaffected by immigration and ill-prepared to address immigrant needs. The research contributes to debates on the rescaling of immigrant policy and service provision and literature on the geography of integration by engaging with scholarship in urban and political geography.
Effect of NKG2D ligand expression on host immune responses
Authors: Champsaur Marine , Lanier Lewis L.
Published: October 2015

Summary:  Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) is an activating receptor present on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, some NKT cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, γδ T cells, and under certain conditions CD4+ T cells. Present in both humans and mice, this highly conserved receptor binds to a surprisingly diverse family of ligands that are distant relatives of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. There is increasing evidence that ligand expression can result in both immune activation (tumor clearance, viral immunity, autoimmunity, and transplantation) and immune silencing (tumor evasion). In this review, we describe this family of NKG2D ligands and the various mechanisms that control their expression in stressed and normal cells. We also discuss the host response to both membrane‐bound and secreted NKG2D ligands and summarize the models proposed to explain the consequences of this differential expression.
Delivery and therapeutic potential of human granzyme B
Authors: Kurschus Florian C. , Jenne Dieter E.
Published: October 2015

Summary:  Granzyme B (GzmB) is used by cytotoxic lymphocytes as a molecular weapon for the defense against virus‐infected and malignantly transformed host cells. It belongs to a family of small serine proteases that are stored in secretory vesicles of killer cells. After secretion of these cytolytic granules during killer cell attack, GzmB is translocated into the cytosol of target cells with the help of the pore‐forming protein perforin. GzmB has adopted similar protease specificity as caspase‐8, and once delivered, it activates major executioner apoptosis pathways. Since GzmB is very effective in killing human tumor cell lines that are otherwise resistant against many cytotoxic drugs and since GzmB of human origin can be recombinantly expressed, its use as part of a ‘magic bullet’ in tumor therapy is a very tempting idea. In this review, we emphasize the peculiar characteristics of GzmB that make it suited for use as an effector domain in potential immunoconjugates. We discuss what is known about its uptake into target cells and the trials performed with GzmB‐armed immunoconjugates, and we assess the prospects of its potential therapeutic value.
Perforin: structure, function, and role in human immunopathology
Authors: Voskoboinik Ilia , Dunstone Michelle A. , Baran Katherine , Whisstock James C. , Trapani Joseph A.
Published: October 2015

Summary:  The secretory granule‐mediated cell death pathway is the key mechanism for elimination of virus‐infected and transformed target cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes. The formation of the immunological synapse between an effector and a target cell leads to exocytic trafficking of the secretory granules and the release of their contents, which include pro‐apoptotic serine proteases, granzymes, and pore‐forming perforin into the synapse. There, perforin polymerizes and forms a transmembrane pore that allows the delivery of granzymes into the cytosol, where they initiate various apoptotic death pathways. Unlike relatively redundant individual granzymes, functional perforin is absolutely essential for cytotoxic lymphocyte function and immune regulation in the host. Nevertheless, perforin is still the least studied and understood cytotoxic molecule in the immune system. In this review, we discuss the current state of affairs in the perforin field: the protein’s structure and function as well as its role in immune‐mediated diseases.
Review article: drug‐induced liver injury in clinical practice
Authors: Björnsson E.
Published: October 2015

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 3–13

Background  Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is an important differential diagnosis in many patients in clinical hepatology. DILI is the leading cause of acute liver failure and is an important safety issue when new drugs are developed.

Aims  To provide a review of the recent data on DILI with particular focus on the most common and relevant issues seen in clinical practice.

Methods  A Medline search was undertaken to identify relevant literature using search terms including ‘drug‐induced liver injury’ and ‘hepatotoxicity’.

Results  The true incidence of DILI remains unknown but incidence up to 14 cases per 100 000 inhabitants and year has been reported. Antibiotics, analgesics and NSAIDs are the most common drugs causing liver injury. Idiosyncratic DILI has been shown to have a dose‐dependent component and drugs without significant hepatic metabolism rarely cause DILI. Chronic elevation in liver enzymes can develop after DILI but this is rarely associated with clinical morbidity or mortality.

Conclusions  Drug‐induced liver injury remains a diagnostic challenge. Multicentre studies and international collaborative work with well‐characterized patients will increase our understanding of liver injury associated with drugs. New therapies for acute liver failure resulting from drugs are needed.
Observer prediction of HER2 amplification in HercepTest 2+ breast cancers as a potential audit instrument
Authors: Going James J
Published: October 2015

Going J J (2011) Histopathology59, 333–335

Observer prediction of HER2 amplification in HercepTest 2+ breast cancers as a potential audit instrument

Aims:  Correct assignment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status in breast cancer is important. Indeterminate (2+) HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is usually resolved by FISH for HER2 gene amplification. It was hypothesised that predicting HER2 amplification in IHC 2+ cases could improve audit of HER2 IHC and its interpretation.

Methods and results:  One observer (J. J. G.) interpreted 4343 assessable HercepTests on consecutive breast cancers from the West of Scotland over 45 consecutive months during 2007–2010, with 2+ cases classified prospectively as ‘probably amplified’, ‘possibly amplified’ or ‘probably not amplified’ prior to FISH. A HER2 to chromosome 17 FISH ratio >2 was taken to define HER2 amplification. There were 265 3+ cases (6.1%) and 883 2+ cases (20.3%). Of 187 ‘probably amplified’ 2+ cases, 166 (88.8%) were amplified, as were 90 (37.8%) of 238 ‘possibly amplified’ 2+ cases. Of 458 ‘probably not amplified’ but still 2+ cases, 59 (12.8%) were in fact amplified (overall χ2 333.89, df 2, P < 0.0001). In total, 580 of 4343 (13.4%) cancers were HER2‐positive (265 3+ by IHC and 315 2+ and HER2 amplified).

Conclusions:  Breast cancers HER2‐indeterminate (2+) by HercepTest IHC can be strongly separated into those probably HER2 amplified, a core indeterminate group and those probably not HER2 amplified. The percentage of HER2 amplified cases in each category is proposed as an instrument for comparison of HER2 IHC and its interpretation between laboratories and observers.
Phospholipase A2 group IIA expression correlates with prolonged survival in gastric cancer
Authors: Xing Xiao‐Fang , Li Hong , Zhong Xi‐Yao , Zhang Lian‐Hai , Wang Xiao‐Hong , Liu Yi‐Qiang , Jia Shu‐Qin , Shi Tao , Niu Zhao‐Jian , Peng Yong , Du Hong , Zhang Gui‐Guo , Hu Ying , Lu Ai‐Ping , Li Ji‐You , Chen She , Ji Jia‐Fu
Published: October 2015

Xing X‐F, Li H, Zhong X‐Y, Zhang L‐H, Wang X‐H, Liu Y‐Q, Jia S‐Q, Shi T, Niu Z‐J, Peng Y, Du H, Zhang G‐G, Hu Y, Lu A‐P, Li J‐Y, Chen S & Ji J‐F  (2011) Histopathology59, 198–206

Phospholipase A2 group IIA expression correlates with prolonged survival in gastric cancer

Aims:  The secreted phospholipase A2 type IIA (PLA2G2A) gene has been identified as a modifier of intestinal adenoma multiplicity in ApcMin/+ mice. The aim of the present study was to analyse the clinical significance of PLA2G2A expression in human gastric cancer.

Methods and results:  Using immunohistochemistry, cytoplasmic immunoreactivity of PLA2G2A was observed in 27% (40 of 149) of gastric cancer tissues compared with negative staining in normal mucosa. The PLA2G2A expression rate in well‐differentiated carcinoma was elevated significantly compared with that in poorly differentiated carcinoma (46% versus 19%, P = 0.001). Statistical analysis also revealed that PLA2G2A expression correlated negatively with depth of mural invasion, lymph node metastasis and tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) stage (P < 0.05). Patients with positive PLA2G2A expression showed higher 5‐year overall survival than those with negative expression (P = 0.0004). In intestinal metaplasia, PLA2G2A was found to be abundant in Paneth cells. The coexistence of PLA2G2A and lysozyme was observed in Paneth cell‐rich gastric cancer (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  PLA2G2A may predict survival and might be a potential biomarker for early detection and individualized therapy.