bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of NDUFA4L2 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Lv Yun , Nie Shao‐Lin , Zhou Ju‐Mei , Liu Feng , Hu Ying‐Bin , Jiang Jia‐Rui , Li Ni , Liu Jing‐Shi
Published: May 2016

Background

NDUFA4L2 (NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex, 4‐like 2, also called NADH‐ubiquinone oxidoreductase MLRQ subunit homologue) was clearly enriched in the mitochondrial fraction under hypoxic conditions, and immunofluorescence showed a clear colocalization of NDUFA4L2 and cytochrome c in some tumour cells. However, little study has investigated its prognostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

In our study, mRNA‐NDUFA4L2 and protein expression were analysed in 150 cases of CRC and adjacent normal tissues using immunohistochemistry, semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between NDUFA4L2 expression and clinicopathological factors was evaluated by the Chi‐square test. Overall survival of patients was analysed by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

NDUFA4L2 overexpression was observed in 84% (126/150) of CRC tissues, but only in 24.7% (37/150) of adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.05). Semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction showed average mRNA expression levels to be 23.34 ± 1.356 and 4.34 ± 1.132 for CRC tissue and adjacent normal tissue (P < 0.05). Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation of NDUFA4L2 expression with histological grade, Dukes’ stages, lymph node metastasis and liver metastasis. More importantly, multivariate analysis indicated that overexpression of NDUFA4L2 was an independent prognostic factor for CRC patients (P = 0.002). NDUFA4L2‐negative patients had a higher tumour‐free/overall survival rate than patients with high NDUFA4L2 expression (P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that NDUFA4L2 overexpression is associated with tumour progression and a poor prognosis in CRC patients.
Use of surgical safety checklists in Australian operating theatres: an observational study
Authors: Giles Kristy , Munn Zachary , Aromataris Edoardo , Deakin Anita , Schultz Timothy , Mandel Catherine , Maddern Guy , Pearson Alan , Runciman William
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The use of surgical safety checklists (SSC) is an intervention aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity. Although the effectiveness of their use in surgery has been studied extensively, little is known about their practical use in Australian hospitals. The aim of this study was to observe and document the use of SSC in Australia.

Methods

This study employed direct observations of checklist use for surgical procedures by trained observers. Medical records were also audited to determine compliance with checklist use and to investigate whether there was any discrepancy between practice (actual care measured by direct observation) and documentation (documented care measured by an audit of records).

Results

Among the 11 participating hospitals, overall observed mean completion of the components of the checklist was 27%. Only one hospital used the original World Health Organization checklist. The checklist items most commonly observed to be addressed by the operating theatre staff as noted during observations were: correct patient (99%) and procedure (97%), whether the patient had any allergies (80%), and whether the instrument counts were performed correctly (56%). Findings from the direct observations conflicted with the medical record audit, where there was a higher percentage of completion (86% completion) in comparison to the 27% observed.

Conclusion

This is the first study of surgical checklist use within Australia. Overall completion was low across the sites included in this study. Compliance data collected from observations differed markedly from reported compliance in medical records.
Mesopic Pelli–Robson contrast sensitivity and MP‐1 microperimetry in healthy ageing and age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Maynard Michelle L. , Zele Andrew J. , Feigl Beatrix
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To determine whether decreasing illumination of the Pelli‐Robson contrast sensitivity (CS) chart and MP‐1 microperimeter to low mesopic conditions is more sensitive to vision changes occurring with healthy ageing and in early and intermediate age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and whether these mesopic tests can differentiate visual function between healthy older participants with and without AMD risk genotypes.

Methods

Retinal sensitivity was measured in 98 healthy participants (19–85 years) and 21 AMD (AREDS Grade 2/3) patients (73.9 ± 6.5 years) using the Pelli‐Robson CS chart and MP‐1 microperimeter under low mesopic and standard illumination. The effect of ageing and AMD on retinal sensitivity was estimated using regression analysis. Healthy older participants (>50 years; n = 24) were genotyped for AMD risk genes CFH and/or ARMS2 and retinal sensitivity was compared between genotypes.

Results

With healthy ageing, photopic and mesopic Pelli‐Robson CS showed a similar decline (−0.004 log CS/year). In AMD, photopic CS showed a similar decline to healthy ageing (−0.004 log CS/year) while mesopic CS was significantly reduced (−0.007 log CS/year). Both standard and low mesopic microperimetry showed a significant decline (−0.51 and −0.73% contrast/year) with healthy ageing and greater decline (−0.73 and −0.99% contrast/year) with AMD onset. Pelli‐Robson CS and microperimetry sensitivity did not differ between AMD risk genotypes in healthy participants.

Conclusions

Mesopic Pelli‐Robson CS detects functional deficits before photopic CS in early and intermediate AMD that can be differentiated from ageing. This test can be easily administered in clinical practice and may provide a means for early detection of retinal dysfunction.
Long‐term exercise training prevents mammary tumorigenesis‐induced muscle wasting in rats through the regulation of TWEAK signalling
Authors: Padrão A. I. , Figueira A. C. C. , Faustino‐Rocha A. I. , Gama A. , Loureiro M. M. , Neuparth M. J. , Moreira‐Gonçalves D. , Vitorino R. , Amado F. , Santos L. L. , Oliveira P. A. , Duarte J. A. , Ferreira R.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Exercise training has been suggested as a non‐pharmacological approach to prevent skeletal muscle wasting and improve muscle function in cancer cachexia. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying such beneficial effect. In this study, we aimed to, firstly, examine the contribution of TWEAK signalling to cancer‐induced skeletal muscle wasting and, secondly, evaluate whether long‐term exercise alters TWEAK signalling and prevents muscle wasting.

Methods

Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control and exercise groups. Fifteen animals from each group were exposed to N‐Methyl‐N‐nitrosourea carcinogen. Animals in exercise groups were submitted to moderate treadmill exercise for 35 weeks. After the experimental period, animals were killed and gastrocnemius muscles were harvested for morphological and biochemical analysis.

Results

We verified that exercise training prevented tumour‐induced TWEAK/NF‐κB signalling in skeletal muscle with a beneficial impact in fibre cross‐sectional area and metabolism. Indeed, 35 weeks of exercise training promoted the upregulation of PGC‐1α and oxidative phosphorylation complexes. This exercise‐induced muscle remodelling in tumour‐bearing animals was associated with less malignant mammary lesions.

Conclusion

Data support the benefits of an active lifestyle for the prevention of muscle wasting secondary to breast cancer, highlighting TWEAK/NF‐ κB signalling as a potential therapeutic target for the preservation of muscle mass.
Emotional health, support, and self‐efficacy in young adults with a history of language impairment
Authors: Botting Nicola , Durkin Kevin , Toseeb Umar , Pickles Andrew , Conti‐Ramsden Gina
Published: May 2016

Children and adolescents with language impairment (LI) are at risk of emotional health difficulties. However, less is known about whether these difficulties continue into adulthood for this group, or about the potential role of environmental resources (e.g., social support) or internal resources (e.g., self‐efficacy). This study investigates emotional health in 81 adults with a history of developmental LI (aged 24) compared with 87 age‐matched peers (AMPs) using Beck Inventories. Social support and self‐efficacy measures were examined as predictors. The results were fourfold: (1) adults with LI had higher levels of emotional health problems; (2) whilst the availability of social support was similar across groups, people with LI received more help from others compared to peers; (3) social support was not significantly related to emotional health in those with LI – in contrast, for AMPs, uptake of support indicated poorer emotional health; (4) self‐efficacy was the strongest predictor of emotional health in both groups and fully mediated the relationship between language and emotional health (no moderation by group). This cross‐sectional study has implications for concurrent factors that might affect emotional health outcomes for children and young people with and without LI.
Trade restrictiveness indices in the presence of externalities: An application to non‐tariff measures
Authors: Beghin John Christopher , Disdier Anne‐Célia , Marette Stéphan
Published: May 2016

We extend the trade restrictiveness index approach to the case of market imperfections and domestic regulations addressing them. We focus on standard‐like non‐tariff measures (NTMs) affecting cost of production and potentially enhancing demand by reducing negative externalities. We apply the framework to the database of Kee et al. and derive ad valorem equivalents (AVEs) for technical measures. About 39% of the product lines affected by NTMs exhibit negative AVEs, indicating a net trade‐facilitating effect of these measures. Accounting for these effects significantly reduces previous measures of countries’ trade policy restrictiveness obtained while constraining these NTMs to be trade‐reducing.
Tumor‐associated macrophages induce capillary morphogenesis of lymphatic endothelial cells derived from human gastric cancer
Authors: Tauchi Yukie , Tanaka Hiroaki , Kumamoto Kanako , Tokumoto Mao , Sakimura Chie , Sakurai Katsunobu , Kimura Kenjiro , Toyokawa Takahiro , Amano Ryosuke , Kubo Naoshi , Muguruma Kazuya , Yashiro Masakazu , Maeda Kiyoshi , Ohira Masaichi , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: May 2016

Tumor lymphangiogenesis is a major prognostic indicator of gastric cancer. Tumor‐induced inflammation has been shown to attract tumor‐associated macrophages that affect lymphangiogenesis. However, detailed mechanisms of macrophage‐induced lymphangiogenesis have not been elucidated. Here, we evaluated the interaction between tumor‐associated macrophages and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) derived from lymph nodes (LNs) of human gastric cancer. Lymphatic endothelial cells were directly or indirectly cocultured with macrophages from healthy human blood, with or without the supernatant of the gastric cancer cell line, OCUM‐12. We analyzed the effect of cancer pretreated macrophages and of macrophages from metastatic LNs of gastric cancer on LECs. We observed morphological changes of LECs in coculture and assessed the gene expression of possible lymphangiogenic molecules of macrophages and LECs after contact coculture, and of cancer pretreated macrophages, by quantitative RT‐PCR. Specimens of metastatic LN of gastric cancer were immunofluorescently stained. We found that tubulogenesis of LECs was observed only in the contact coculture model. OCUM‐12 cells promoted macrophage‐induced tubulogenesis of LECs. Relative gene expression of MMP and adhesion molecules was significantly upregulated in both capillary‐forming LECs and cocultured macrophages. Cancer pretreated macrophages upregulated lymphangiogenic factors including inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, adhesion molecules, and vascular endothelial growth factor‐C. Blocking of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and macrophage activation suppressed tubulogenesis of LECs. Immunohistochemistry showed macrophages localized around lymphatic vessels. Our results suggested that interaction between LECs and macrophages may be an important initial step of tumor lymphangiogenesis developing LN metastasis. Understanding of its mechanisms could be useful for future therapeutics of gastric cancer.
Design and synthesis of N‐benzoyl amino acid derivatives as DNA methylation inhibitors
Authors: Garella Davide , Atlante Sandra , Borretto Emily , Cocco Mattia , Giorgis Marta , Costale Annalisa , Stevanato Livio , Miglio Gianluca , Cencioni Chiara , Fernández‐de Gortari Eli , Medina‐Franco José L. , Spallotta Francesco , Gaetano Carlo , Bertinaria Massimo
Published: May 2016

The inhibition of human DNA Methyl Transferases (DNMT) is a novel promising approach to address the epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression in different diseases. Inspired by the validated virtual screening hit NSC137546, a series of N‐benzoyl amino acid analogues was synthesized and obtained compounds were assessed for their ability to inhibit DNMT‐dependent DNA methylation in vitro. The biological screening allowed the definition of a set of preliminary structure–activity relationships and the identification of compounds promising for further development. Among the synthesized compounds, L‐glutamic acid derivatives 22, 23, and 24 showed the highest ability to prevent DNA methylation in a total cell lysate. Compound 22 inhibited DNMT1 and DNMT3A activity in a concentration‐dependent manner in the micromolar range. In addition, compound 22 proved to be stable in human serum and it was thus selected as a starting point for further biological studies.
Soluble and membrane-bound interleukin (IL)-15 Rα/IL-15 complexes mediate proliferation of high-avidity central memory CD8+ T cells for adoptive immunotherapy of cancer and infections
Authors: Hasan A N , Selvakumar A , Shabrova E , Liu X-R , Afridi F , Heller G , Riviere I , Sadelain M , Dupont B , O'Reilly R J
Published: May 2016

The lack of persistence of infused T cells is a principal limitation of adoptive immunotherapy in man. Interleukin (IL)-15 can sustain memory T cell expansion when presented in complex with IL-15Rα (15Rα/15). We developed a novel in-vitro system for generation of stable 15Rα/15 complexes. Immunologically quantifiable amounts of IL-15 were obtained when both IL-15Rα and IL-15 genes were co-transduced in NIH 3T3 fibroblast-based artificial antigen-presenting cells expressing human leucocyte antigen (HLA) A:0201, β2 microglobulin, CD80, CD58 and CD54 [A2-artificial antigen presenting cell (AAPC)] and a murine pro-B cell line (Baf-3) (A2-AAPC15Rα/15and Baf-315Rα/15). Transduction of cells with IL-15 alone resulted in only transient expression of IL-15, with minimal amounts of immunologically detectable IL-15. In comparison, cells transduced with IL-15Rα alone (A2-AAPCRα) demonstrated stable expression of IL-15Rα; however, when loaded with soluble IL-15 (sIL-15), these cells sequestered 15Rα/15 intracellularly and also demonstrated minimal amounts of IL-15. Human T cells stimulated in vitro against a viral antigen (CMVpp65) in the presence of 15Rα/15 generated superior yields of high-avidity CMVpp65 epitope-specific T cells [cytomegalovirus-cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CMV-CTLs)] responding to ≤ 10− 13 M peptide concentrations, and lysing targets cells at lower effector : target ratios (1 : 10 and 1 : 100), where sIL-15, sIL-2 or sIL-7 CMV-CTLs demonstrated minimal or no activity. Both soluble and surface presented 15Rα/15, but not sIL-15, sustained in-vitro expansion of CD62L+ and CCR7+ central memory phenotype CMV-CTLs (TCM). 15Rα/15 complexes represent a potent adjuvant for augmenting the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy. Such cell-bound or soluble 15Rα/15 complexes could be developed for use in combination immunotherapy approaches.
Terapeutic Potential of Microencapsulated Sertoli Cells in Huntington Disease
Authors: Luca Giovanni , Bellezza Ilaria , Arato Iva , Di Pardo Alba , Mancuso Francesca , Calvitti Mario , Falabella Giulia , Bartoli Sara , Maglione Vittorio , Amico Enrico , Favellato Mariagrazia , Basta Giuseppe , Bodo Maria , Minelli Alba , Calafiore Riccardo , Frati Luigi , Squitieri Ferdinando
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Immune dysfunction, promoted by pro‐inflammatory cytokines, plays a pivotal role in neurodegeneration associated with Huntington's disease.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory properties of Sertoli cells in Huntington's disease.

Methods

The experimental R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease was treated by a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells and lifespan, motor performance and striatal inflammatory pattern have been evaluated.

Results

The results of this study demonstrated that a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells uniquely improved performances and extended the life expectancy of R6/2 Huntington's disease mice, by immune dysfunction modulation in brain.

Conclusions

This study highlights the immunomodulatory and trophic role of Sertoli cells that could be of help in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Early subclinical inflammation correlates with outcomes in positive crossmatch kidney allografts
Authors: Dean Patrick G. , Park Walter D. , Cornell Lynn D. , Schinstock Carrie A. , Stegall Mark D.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate correlations between early subclinical findings (10‐ and 90‐day histology and gene expression data) and late outcomes (transplant glomerulopathy and graft loss) in positive crossmatch kidney transplants (+XMKTx). We compared 34 +XMKTx (19 receiving eculizumab and 15 receiving standard of care without eculizumab) to 13 −XMKTx (between August 2001 and August 2011). At 10 days, light microscopy identified subclinical inflammation in only 18% of +XMKTx, while intragraft gene expression identified inflammation in 79% (gene sets for activated macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells or T cells). Inflammation persisted at 90 days and was associated with the development of transplant glomerulopathy by 2 years and graft loss. In contrast, endothelial cell (EC) changes present at 90 days by either electron microscopy or gene expression were not associated with transplant glomerulopathy or graft loss in this cohort. Eculizumab treatment did not appear to alter inflammation or EC changes. Therefore, intragraft inflammation might be an appropriate surrogate marker of progression and also a target of therapy to prevent chronic antibody‐mediated rejection.
Secondary visual cortex is critical to the expression of surprise‐induced enhancements in cue associability in rats
Authors: Schiffino Felipe L. , Holland Peter C.
Published: May 2016

Considerable evidence indicates that reinforcement prediction error, the difference between the obtained and expected reinforcer values, modulates attention to potential cues for reinforcement. The surprising delivery or omission of a reinforcer enhances the associability of the stimuli that were present when the error was induced, so that they more readily enter into new associations in the future. Previous research from our laboratory identified brain circuit elements critical to the enhancement of stimulus associability by omission of an expected event and to the subsequent expression of that altered associability in more rapid learning. A key finding was that the rat posterior parietal cortex was essential during the encoding, consolidation and retrieval of associability memories that were altered by the surprising omission of an expected event in a serial prediction task. Here, we found that the function of adjacent secondary visual cortex was critical only to the expression of altered cue associability in that same task. This specialization of function is discussed in the context of broader cortical and subcortical networks for modulation of attention in associative learning, as well as recent anatomical investigations that suggest that the rodent posterior parietal cortex overlaps with and may subsume secondary visual cortex.
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy: Theoretical Background, Empirical Research, and Dissemination
Authors: Roddy McKenzie K. , Nowlan Kathryn M. , Doss Brian D. , Christensen Andrew
Published: May 2016

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), developed by Drs. Andrew Christensen and Neil Jacobson, builds off the tradition of behavioral couple therapy by including acceptance strategies as key components of treatment. Results from a large randomized clinical trial of IBCT indicate that it yields large and significant gains in relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, these benefits have been shown to persist for at least 5 years after treatment for the average couple. Not only does IBCT positively impact relationship constructs such as satisfaction and communication, but the benefits of therapy extend to individual, co‐parenting, and child functioning. Moreover, IBCT has been shown to operate through the putative mechanisms of improvements in emotional acceptance, behavior change, and communication. IBCT was chosen for nationwide training and dissemination through the Veteran Affairs Medical Centers. Furthermore, the principles of IBCT have been translated into a web‐based intervention for distressed couples, OurRelationship.com. IBCT is continuing to evolve and grow as research and technologies allow for continued evaluation and dissemination of this well‐supported theoretical model.
Economic impact of combined torrefaction and pelletization processes on forestry biomass supply
Authors: Li Yuanzhe , Tittmann Peter , Parker Nathan , Jenkins Bryan
Published: May 2016

The cost of supplying wood biomass from forestry operations in remote areas has been an obstacle to expansion of forest‐based bioenergy in much of the western United States. Economies of scale in the production of liquid fuels from lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks favor large centralized biorefineries. Increasing transportation efficiency through torrefaction and pelletization at distributed satellite facilities may serve as a means to expand the utilization of forestry residuals in biofuel production. To investigate this potential, a mixed‐integer linear program was developed to optimize the feedstock supply chain design with and without distributed pretreatment. The model uses techno‐economic assessment of scale‐dependent biomass pretreatment processes from existing literature and multimodal biomass transportation cost evaluations derived from a spatially explicit network analysis as input. In addition, the sensitivity of the optimal system configuration was determined for variations of key input parameters including the production scale of pretreatment facilities, road and rail transportation costs, and feedstock procurement costs. Torrefaction and densification were found to reduce transportation costs by $0.84 per GJ and overall delivered costs by $0.24 per GJ, representing 14.5% and 5.2% cost reductions compared to feedstock collection without pretreatment. Significant uncertainties remain in terms of the costs associated with deploying torrefaction equipment at the scales modeled, but the level of potential cost savings suggests further analysis and development of these alternatives.
Mapping the pastoral migratory patterns under land appropriation in East Sudan: the case of the Lahaween Ethnic Group
Authors: Sulieman Hussein M , Ahmed Abdel Ghaffar M
Published: May 2016

The loss of about 4 million ha of land in East Sudan to mechanised rain‐fed agriculture severely restricts pastoral mobility, as much of this land is the traditional rangeland for different transhumant pastoralists and smallholder farmers in the area. The aim of this paper is to map the current transformations of the migration patterns of transhumant pastoralists in East Sudan as a result of the land appropriation, by taking the Lahaween ethic group as an example. The paper followed a mixed approach of mapping, geo‐coded field trips using GPS device, focus group discussion and key informant interviews. The findings showed that the annual movement of the Lahaween covers approximately 350 km. They spend 77% of their annual cycle in the summer areas. Frequent and rapid herd movement is a principal strategy in the process of coping with land appropriation. Other coping and adaptation mechanisms taken by the Lahaween included separation of animal types; separation of herds from households; fragmentation of households; use of vehicles and mobile phones in managing herds; entering the national game park; and crossing the international border. The need to promote and facilitate livestock mobility is a longstanding claim in the region. However, the continued neglect of livestock movement territories by state planners is a contested issue which might add a new dilemma of conflict to the country. The mapping exercise presented in this paper is expected to offer a technical guide for solving the problem of congested mobility. It also provides decision‐makers with the current territories of pastoralists' movements.
Fabrication and Characterization of the Piezoelectric Ceramic–Polymer Composites
Authors: Wu Zhanjun , Yang Zhengyan , Zhang Jiaqi , Qu Xiaoxi
Published: May 2016

The modified sol–gel method was used to synthesize lead zirconate titanate nanoparticles, and the lead zirconate titanate nanoparticles and polyvinylidene fluoride were used to prepare piezoelectric nano‐ceramic–polymer composites with 0–3 connectivity type. The composites were successfully prepared by cold‐pressing and curing‐molding methods. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were adopted to characterize the microstructure of the obtained lead zirconate titanate nanoparticles and composites. The normal vibration modes of the lead zirconate titanate nanoparticles were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the composites were analyzed in detail with respect to different volume fractions of the lead zirconate titanate nanoparticles. It demonstrated that the values of d33 and ε increased with the increase in the content of lead zirconate titanate. The results here pointed to potential and simple methods to fabricate the lead zirconate titanate nanoparticles and the piezoelectric ceramic–polymer composites for piezoelectric applications.
Lipolysis, lipid peroxidation and texture of Serrano ham processed under different ripening temperature conditions
Authors: del Olmo Ana , Calzada Javier , Nuñez Manuel
Published: May 2016

Lipolysis, lipid peroxidation, texture and rancid taste were investigated in Serrano hams processed under low, medium and high ripening temperature conditions (RTC) for 15 months. Medium RTC hams showed the highest contents of saturated and monounsaturated free fatty acids (FFAs) from month 5 to 15 and of polyunsaturated FFAs from month 7 to 12. The primary peroxidation index decreased during ripening in all hams, with higher levels for low RTC hams from month 5 onwards. Contrarily, the secondary peroxidation index increased during ripening in all hams, with higher levels for medium RTC hams from month 7 onwards. Texture parameters varied significantly among ham muscles. Shear force increased during ripening in all hams, with higher values for medium RTC hams, whereas cutting force was not influenced by RTC or ripening time. Rancid taste scarcely developed during ripening and was not affected by RTC.
Fatty acid and phytosterol accumulation during seed development in three oilseed species
Authors: Roche Jane , Mouloungui Zephirin , Cerny Muriel , Merah Othmane
Published: May 2016

This study was carried out to compare the kinetic accumulation of bioactive lipids during seed development in three oil crops rapeseed, sunflower and woad. Field experiments were conducted under organic conditions during 3 years. After flowering, seeds were collected each 4–5 days until harvest. The three species differed by the quantity and quality of both fatty acids and sterols. Higher levels of phytosterols and fatty acids were reached between 20 and 40 days after flowering (DAF) in sunflower, 40 and 60 DAF in rapeseed and 25 and 45 DAF for woad. The modification of lipid composition during the grain filling depends on species. Knowledge of the composition and accumulation of fatty acids and phytosterols in sunflower, rapeseed and woad seeds would assist in efforts to achieve industrial applications. These seeds may give an interesting source of bioactive lipids.
Optimum anesthesia for reliable urethral pressure profilometry in female dogs and goats
Authors: Dybowski Bartosz , Burdzińska Anna , Siewruk Katarzyna , Dąbrowski Michał , Pączek Leszek , Radziszewski Piotr
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To investigate the effects of propofol and isoflurane on urethral pressure profilometry of female dogs and goats, and to identify the method of anesthesia that least influences urethral pressure profilometry and to assess its reproducibility.

Methods

The effects of premedication with midazolam, propofol sedation and isoflurane anesthesia were assessed in five female dogs. The effects of propofol and isoflurane were compared in seven goats, whereas in another group of 19 goats, the state of deep propofol sedation was compared with the state of recovery from propofol sedation. The coefficient of reproducibility and within‐subject coefficient of variation were calculated to evaluate test–retest reproducibility.

Results

In conscious female dogs, maximal urethral closure pressure and functional area were significantly higher than under propofol or isoflurane (P = 0.04), but not different from the recovery state. In six of seven goats, maximal urethral closure pressure and functional area were higher when measured under propofol sedation than under isoflurane (median maximal urethral closure pressure, 69 vs 47 cmH2O; P = 0.03). Maximal urethral closure pressure was lower under propofol than during recovery from propofol in 17 of 19 goats (median maximal urethral closure pressure, 54 vs 66 cmH2O; P < 0.001). The test–retest coefficient of reproducibility for goats was 28 cmH2O, and the within‐subject coefficient of variation was 16%.

Conclusions

In dogs, urethral pressure profilometry should be measured in conscious animals whenever possible. In goats, urethral pressure profilometry is least affected during recovery from propofol sedation, and it shows acceptable reproducibility under this condition.
Gustatory receptors in Lepidoptera: chemosensation and beyond
Authors: Agnihotri A. R. , Roy A. A. , Joshi R. S.
Published: May 2016

Lepidoptera is one of the most widespread insect orders and includes several agriculturally important insect species. Ecological success of the lepidopteran insects partly depends on their adaptive chemoreception tactics, which play an important role in the selection of hosts, egg‐laying sites and mates. Members of the G‐protein coupled receptor family, gustatory receptors (GRs), are an integral part of the Lepidoptera chemosensory machinery. They are expressed in chemosensory neurones and are known to detect different environmental stimuli. Here, we discuss various aspects of the lepidopteran GRs with an emphasis on their roles in different processes such as chemosensation, host selection and adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses have shown that the large diversity of GR genes may have been generated through gene duplication and positive selection events, which also show lineage‐ and tissue‐specific expression. Moreover, lepidopteran GR proteins are diverse and demonstrate broad ligand selectivity for several molecules including sugars, deterrents, salts and CO2. Binding of ligands to GRs generates multiple downstream changes at the cellular level, which are followed by changes in behaviour. GRs play a critical role in chemosensation and influence the insect's behaviour. Overall, insect GRs are potential targets in the design of effective insect control strategies.
Co‐existence of histopathological features is characteristic in drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and correlates with high grades of cutaneous abnormalities
Authors: Cho Y.‐T. , Liau J.‐Y. , Chang C.‐Y. , Yang C.‐W. , Chen K.‐L. , Chen Y.‐C. , Song H.‐L. , Chu C.‐Y.
Published: May 2016

Background

Only few studies had investigated the histopathological presentations of drug reaction with eosinophilia with systemic symptoms (DRESS). The results of these studies were diverse and not conclusive. A characteristic histopathological feature is still lacking.

Objective

We tempted to identify characteristic histopathological features in DRESS and to correlate them with clinical presentations.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from patients treated from 1998 through 2015. Available skin specimens from probable or definite cases according to the RegiSCAR criteria were analysed for histopathological patterns, which were then compared with the patients' clinical presentations. Chi‐squared test was used for comparisons, while Bonferroni correction was applied if multiple comparison tests were encountered.

Results

Fifty‐six patients with an average age of 52 years were identified, including 22 definite cases. The single most common histopathological pattern was interface dermatitis (75%). The co‐existence of two or more patterns in a skin specimen was common (62.5%). In such cases, the co‐existence of three patterns (the eczematous pattern, the interface dermatitis pattern and the vascular damage pattern) was most frequently encountered. It exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of being definite cases (P = 0.004) and was significantly associated with high grades of cutaneous abnormalities (P < 0.001). It showed a trend towards having higher grades of haematological abnormalities in patients with co‐existence of three patterns (P = 0.04). In addition, patients with the co‐existence of three patterns tended to have a higher rate of reactivation of human herpesvirus‐6 than those with other patterns but not statistically significant (P = 0.052).

Conclusion

The co‐existence of three histopathological patterns in a skin specimen is characteristic in DRESS and shows a significant association with clinical severity.
Soil application of silicon reduces yellow stem borer,Scirpophaga incertulas(Walker) damage in rice
Authors: Jeer M. , Telugu U. M. , Voleti S. R. , Padmakumari A. P.
Published: May 2016

The effect of soil application of rice husk ash (RHA), a cheap renewable source of silicon, and imidazole (a silicon solubilizer and carrier) on yellow stem borer (YSB),Scirpophaga incertulas(Walker), and its damage to rice plants were investigated. Treatments included soil application ofRHA(T1), imidazole (T2),RHA + imidazole (applied once at vegetative stage, T3) andRHA + imidazole (applied twice at both vegetative and booting stages of crop growth, T4) with an untreated control (T5). The effect was tested in five varieties, viz.,BPT5204,KRH2, Pusa Basmati 1,MTU1010 and Vandana. All the soil treatments reduced damage byYSBat vegetative and reproductive phases across five varieties as compared to untreated control. Scanning electron micrograph and electron‐dispersive X‐ray spectrum analysis of stem tissue of rice varietyBPT5204 treated with silicon revealed the enhanced deposition of silicon in cell walls and 2.1‐ to 5.3‐fold increase in silicon content across treatments. Larvae collected from the silicon‐treated plants had worn mandibles, and the histological studies showed rupture of the peritrophic membrane, increased vacuolation, disintegration of columnar cells and discharge of cellular contents into the gut lumen due to abrasion of midgut epithelium, as compared to untreated control where the columnar cells and midgut lining were intact. Although all the treatments were effective, T4‐imidazole applied twice along withRHAwas more effective in reducingYSBdamage followed by T3‐imidazole applied once withRHAat tillering stage, T2‐imidazole alone and T1‐RHAin the descending order of efficacy.
Association Between Hypovitaminosis D in Elderly Women and Long‐ and Short‐Term Mortality—Results from the Osteoporotic Prospective Risk Assessment Cohort
Authors: Buchebner David , McGuigan Fiona , Gerdhem Paul , Ridderstråle Martin , Akesson Kristina
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To investigate the association between low vitamin D levels (<50 nmol/L) and 10‐year mortality in women aged 75 and older.

Design

Prospective with 15 years of follow‐up.

Setting

Malmö, Sweden.

Participants

Population‐based cohort of 75‐year‐old women (N = 1,044).

Measurements

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels at age 75 (n = 1,011), 80 (n = 642), and 85 (n = 348) were categorized as low (<50 nmol/L), intermediate (50–75 nmol/L) and high (>75 nmol/L) at all ages. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause mortality between ages 75 and 90 were calculated according to 25(OH)D category.

Results

Between ages 80 and 90, all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–2.4, P < .001; adjusted for comorbidities (aHR) = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.6, P < .001) was significantly higher in women with low 25(OH)D levels than in those with high levels. Osteoporosis had the greatest effect on mortality, but even after excluding women with osteoporotic fracture during the risk of dying associated with low 25(OH)D remained greater (HR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2–2.7, P = .002; aHR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.5, P = .006).

Conclusion

In this observational study of women aged 75 and older, 25(OH)D levels of less than 50 nmol/L were associated with greater all‐cause mortality for up to 10 years. This difference was at least partially independent of comorbidities and fracture, indicating that low 25(OH)D not only is an indicator of impaired health, but also plays a role in disease outcome.
Using an Atrial Fibrillation Decision Support Tool for Thromboprophylaxis in Atrial Fibrillation: Effect of Sex and Age
Authors: Eckman Mark H. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Wise Ruth E. , Speer Barbara , Sullivan Megan , Walker Nita , Kissela Brett , Flaherty Matthew L. , Kleindorfer Dawn , Baker Peter , Ireton Robert , Hoskins Dave , Harnett Brett M. , Aguilar Carlos , Leonard Anthony , Arduser Lora , Steen Dylan , Costea Alexandru , Kues John
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To assess the appropriateness of oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) in women and elderly adults, looking for patterns of undertreatment or unnecessary treatment.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Primary care practices of an academic healthcare system.

Participants

Adults (aged 28–93) with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) seen between March 2013 and February 2014 (N = 1,585).

Measurements

Treatment recommendations were made using an AF decision support tool (AFDST) based on projections of quality‐adjusted life expectancy calculated using a decision analytical model that integrates individual‐specific risk factors for stroke and hemorrhage.

Results

Treatment was discordant from AFDST‐recommended treatment in 45% (326/725) of women and 39% (338/860) of men (P = .02). Although current treatment was discordant from recommended in 35% (89/258) of participants aged 85 and older and in 43% (575/1,328) of those younger than 85 (P = .01), many undertreated elderly adults were receiving aspirin as the sole antithrombotic agent.

Conclusion

Physicians should understand that female sex is a significant risk factor for AF‐related stroke and incorporate this into decision‐making about thromboprophylaxis. Treating older adults with aspirin instead of OAT exposes them to significant risk of bleeding with little to no reduction in AF‐related stroke risk.
Systematic Review of Prevalence and Predictors of Frailty in Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Levett Tom J. , Cresswell Fiona V. , Malik Muzaffar A. , Fisher Martin , Wright Juliet
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To describe the prevalence and predictors of frailty in individuals with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using systematic review methodology.

Design

Review.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Older adults with HIV.

Measurements

Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychInfo, and PubMed were searched for original observational studies with populations including individuals with HIV in which frailty was assessed using the frailty phenotype or a variant thereof. Studies were examined for frailty prevalence and predictors of the syndrome in those with HIV.

Results

Thirteen of 322 citations were included for full review. All demonstrated the presence of frailty in individuals with HIV, with prevalence ranging from 5% to 28.6% depending on population studied. HIV was a risk factor for frailty. Predictors of frailty included older age, comorbidities, diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and low current CD4+ cell count.

Conclusion

HIV appears to be an independent risk factor for frailty, with frailty occurring in individuals with HIV at rates comparable with older individuals without HIV. Heterogeneity in study populations and frailty assessment measures hamper accurate description of the problem. Future longitudinal work with standardized methodology is needed to describe prevalence accurately and confirm predictors.
Consuming Childhoods: An Assessment of Child Labor's Role in Indian Production and Global Consumption
Authors: Gómez‐Paredes Jorge , Alsamawi Ali , Yamasue Eiji , Okumura Hideyuki , Ishihara Keiichi N. , Geschke Arne , Lenzen Manfred
Published: May 2016

Although evidence indicates the significant incidence of child labor in India, the role it plays in the economy is still considerably unknown. This study used disaggregated labor data and evaluated local and global supply chains to develop the first comprehensive and systematic assessment of Indian child labor involved in the production of commodities consumed worldwide, considering trade between more than 15,000 industrial sectors across 189 countries. Five questions were addressed: Which children are in child labor?; What is being produced with that labor?; Who are the final consumers?; What amount of financial resources would be needed to support these children?; and What would be the increase in labor production costs if adults were to replace children? It was found that of 9,687,688 children in child labor during July 2011 to June 2012, 95% of cases were linked to the production of just 35 commodities. Whereas most of these commodities were locally consumed, as many as 980,084 children (around 10%) worked for exports, more than what is typically assumed. Exports mainly consisted of agricultural and food products, clothing, minerals, and construction materials and were predominantly destined to 26 countries, the United States ranking first. Nonetheless, this study supports the notion that the simple removal of foreign demand will not solve the problem; it is poverty that needs to be addressed. Supporting children with allowances equal to their earnings would require 935 billion Indian Rupees, within a 13‐year period. If adult workers were to replace children, total production costs may increase only by around 1%.
Assessing the Inequality of Spanish Households through the Carbon Footprint: The 21st Century Great Recession Effect
Authors: López Luis Antonio , Arce Guadalupe , Morenate Manuel , Monsalve Fabio
Published: May 2016

Inequality has recently become a major concern in economics. Leaving aside its social and economic effects is also possible to trace its environmental consequences, which this article attempts to assess. The indicator to be measured is the household's carbon footprint (CF) for different social groups. The deep economic crisis in the Spanish economy between 2008 and 2013 has increased consumption inequality and doubled the number of households below the poverty line. When focusing on domestic consumption, we found that the shopping basket of all income groups has very similar emissions intensities; therefore, the differences among the household CFs depend mainly on the scale effect (i.e., the size of consumption). However, when international trade is also considered, we found that the emission intensity of imports is bigger than the intensity of all the respective domestic goods. Therefore, the share of imported goods and services by social class will be an important determinant of the respective total CF. Before the crisis, households with higher incomes imported 30% of their total consumption items whereas households with lower income imported only 20% of their consumption. During the crisis, the imports of medium‐high‐income households fell to 20%, whereas low‐ and middle‐income families maintained the same import share, which contributed to the reduction of the total household CF.
Experiences of Turkish survivors of breast cancer: Neuman systems model perspective
Authors: Şengün İnan Figen , Üstün Besti
Published: May 2016

Aim

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explain the experiences of Turkish survivors of breast cancer in the light of the Neuman systems model.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 14 Turkish survivors of breast cancer. The data were analyzed by using directed content analysis. The data were categorized according to three concepts of the Neuman systems model (stressor, variable, and nursing intervention).

Results

The Turkish survivors of breast cancer suffered intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors but did not receive enough support from healthcare professionals during follow‐up appointments.

Conclusion

Nurses working with the survivors of breast cancer should be aware of stressors and positive and negative variables. The implementation of the Neuman systems model by nurses provides a systematic perspective and helps to increase the effectiveness of survivorship care.
Antenatal care visits during pregnancy and their effect on maternal and fetal outcomes in pre‐eclamptic patients
Authors: Mohamed Shaker El‐Sayed Azzaz Ahmed , Martínez‐Maestre María Angeles , Torrejón‐Cardoso Rafael
Published: May 2016

Aim

The frequency of antenatal care visits during pregnancy was examined to determine their effect on maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

This study included 150 pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia who attended the Outpatient Clinic of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ismailia General Hospital. The women were interviewed and their antenatal care visits recorded. Blood pressure control, cardiotocography, ultrasonographic and Doppler evaluations and the administration of methyldopa were recorded. We calculated the distribution of women who attended an adequate versus an inadequate number of antenatal care visits, examined the characteristics of the groups using significance tests, computed the risk of poor maternal and fetal outcomes and created regression analysis models. We also calculated the incidence rate of poor maternal and fetal outcomes, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Women who attended an inadequate number of antenatal care visits had a significantly higher risk of post‐partum hemorrhage, eclampsia, and intensive care unit admission compared with women who attended an adequate number of visits. Women who attended an inadequate number of visits had a 12‐fold risk of a poor maternal outcome, a 53‐fold risk of a poor fetal outcome and a significantly higher risk of neonatal mortality in comparison to women who attended an adequate number of antenatal visits.

Conclusions

The frequency of antenatal care visits during pregnancy has a significant effect on maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with pre‐eclampsia.