bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of the automated nucleated red blood cell enumeration on Sysmex XN analyser
Authors: Tantanate C. , Klinbua C.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Presence of peripheral blood nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) is associated with pathological conditions and leads to the overestimation of white blood cell count in automated haematology analysers (HA). The authors evaluated NRBC enumeration by a new HA Sysmex XN (XN) to demonstrate the precision and comparability to manual count (MC) at the various NRBC values.

Methods

Specimens with initially NRBC positive were included. For precision assessment, 8 levels of NRBCs were repeatedly analysed. For comparison study, 234 specimens were analysed by both XN and MC.

Results

For precision study, the percentage of coefficient of variation ranged from 14% to 45.6% and 1.2% to 4.4% for MC and XN, respectively. For comparison study between XN and MC, NRBCs ranged from 0% to 612.5%. Regression analysis demonstrated an r2 of 0.98. The mean bias of 14.1% with 95% limits of agreement between –48.76% and 76.95% was found. The NRBC counts from XN appeared to be more in accordance with MC when the NRBCs were lower than 200% with the concordance rate of 94.2%.

Conclusion

The automated NRBC enumeration by XN was precise and could replace the traditional MC, especially for the specimens with NRBCs lower than 200%.
Anatomical dimensions using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging: Impact on the learning curve of robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Yao Akihisa , Iwamoto Hideto , Masago Toshihiko , Morizane Shuichi , Honda Masashi , Sejima Takehiro , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: September 2014

Objective

To evaluate the impact of anatomical dimensions as measured using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging on the outcomes of robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 100 consecutive robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy procedures that were carried out by a single surgeon at the Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Japan. Preoperative clinical data and anatomical measurements, including the calculated prostate volume pelvic cavity index, were determined based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, and their effects on console time, estimated blood loss and surgical margin status were compared.

Results

Body mass index, the prostate anteroposterior diameter, and the prostate volume‐to‐pelvic cavity index ratio were all significantly correlated with console time and estimated blood loss, based on a univariate analysis (P < 0.05). The prostate craniocaudal diameter, prostate transverse diameter and prostate volume also correlated with console time. However, based on the multiple linear regression analysis, only the prostate volume‐to‐pelvic cavity index ratio was found to be a significant predictor of console time and estimated blood loss. Furthermore, when the 100 total cases were divided into 50 early cases and 50 late cases, the prostate volume‐to‐pelvic cavity index ratio correlated with console time and estimated blood loss only in the early group, and not in the late group. In contrast, anatomical measurements had no significant effect on surgical margin status.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging can be a valuable adjunct to robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Our data show that patients with larger prostates and narrow, deep pelvises might present more difficulty in robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy procedures. However, the present data also show that this problem can be overcome by an experienced operator with improved surgical techniques.
Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide, scolopendin 1, derived from centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans and its antifungal mechanism
Authors: Choi H. , Hwang J‐S. , Lee D. G.
Published: September 2014

In this study, a novel antimicrobial peptide, scolopendin 1, was identified from adult centipedes, Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans using RNA sequencing. Scolopendin 1 exerted an antimicrobial activity without inducing haemolysis of human erythrocytes. In order to understand the antifungal mechanism, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay was performed, which indicated that scolopendin 1 induced ROS accumulation in Candida albicans. Evaluation of fungal viability using N‐acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, suggested that ROS are a major factor in scolopendin 1‐induced fungal cell death. Co‐staining of annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and propidium iodide, and TUNEL and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) assays confirmed that ROS‐induced fungal cell death is associated with apoptosis. To further investigate the mechanism that facilitates the progression of apoptosis, changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial dysfunction were examined. Ca2+, a signalling molecule in the apoptotic pathway, was increased in the cytosol and mitochondria, and ROS accumulation triggered mitochondrial depolarization and the release of cytochrome c, a pro‐apoptotic factor, from the mitochondria to the cytosol. Finally, the released cytochrome c activated intracellular caspase. The present study suggests that scolopendin 1 could emerge as a model molecule that targets the apoptotic pathway and provides a novel remedy.
A case report of a 19‐week gravid patient with a dehisced abdominal wound and treated with V.A.C. ATS® Therapy System
Authors: Asukai Kei , Kashiwazaki Masaki , Koizumi Kaori , Nobunaga Toshikatsu , Yano Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an effective treatment for various non‐healing wounds, and V.A.C.® Therapy was the first‐approved NPWT device by the Japanese government in 2009. We report the case of a 19‐week pregnant patient where V.A.C.® Therapy was applied to her dehisced laparotomy wound with satisfactory results. The patient was a 30‐year‐old female who was referred to our hospital from her previous doctor because of the presence of an ovarian cyst on the left ovary. The patient presented at 14 weeks into her pregnancy, and surgery was considered because of no reduction in the size of the cyst. An oophorocystectomy was performed, and then the surgical incision was re‐opened at postoperative day (POD) 10 due to a surgical site infection. V.A.C.® Therapy was initiated on POD 26 (20 weeks of pregnancy) and continued for 28 days. After 28 days of V.A.C.® Therapy (POD 54), the wound was sutured for complete closure. The foetus did not experience any adverse affects from the surgery and, subsequently, normal vaginal delivery was achieved. This case is the first report of the use of V.A.C.® Therapy over a dehisced abdominal wound on a pregnant patient in our country.
Anthralin/dithranol in dermatology
Authors: Sehgal Virendra N. , Verma Prashant , Khurana Ananta
Published: September 2014

Anthralin (1,8‐dihydroxy‐9anthrone, dithranol) was first synthesized as a derivative of chrysarobin, prepared from the araroba tree in Brazil over a century ago. Drawbacks to the use of anthralin include irritation and discoloration of the skin. This property of the molecule prompted workers to investigate details of its pharmacology, mode of action, and indications. The major point of this article is to highlight and revisit these aspects for pertinent future use. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider that the drug is relatively innocuous, yet effective, and is devoid of any systemic side effects in contrast to a wide variety of systemic and topical therapies available for psoriasis and other dermatoses.
Physiological Response of Multiple Contrasting Rice (Oryza sativaL.) Cultivars to Suboptimal Temperatures
Authors: Gazquez A. , Maiale S. J. , Rachoski M. M. , Vidal A. , Ruiz O. A. , Menéndez A. B. , Rodríguez A. A.
Published: September 2014

The physiological response of multiple rice cultivars, eighteen initially and eight cultivars later on, to suboptimal temperatures (ST) conditions was investigated in laboratory and outdoor experimental conditions. Treatment withSTdecreased growth in different extents according to the cultivar and affected thePSIIperformance, determined by chlorophyll fluorescence fast‐transient test, and stomatal conductance, regardless the experimental condition. Two groups of cultivars could be distinguished on the base of their growth and physiological parameters. The group of cultivars presenting higher growths displayed optimalJIPvalues, and higher instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEi), due to a lower Gs underST, unlike cultivars showing lower growth values, which presented worseJIPvalues and could not adjust their Gs and hence theirWUEi. In this work, we detected at least two cultivars with superior tolerance toSTthan the cold tolerant referent Koshihikari. These cultivars could be used as parents or tolerance donors in breeding for new crop varieties. On other hand, positive and significant correlations between data obtained from laboratory and outdoor experiments suggest that laboratory measurements of most of the above mentioned parameters would be useful to predict the response of rice cultivars toSToutdoor.
1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP)‐Induced Alteration in Leaf Photosynthetic Rate, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Respiration and Membrane Damage in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under High Night Temperature
Authors: Mohammed A. R. , Cothren J. T. , Chen M.‐H. , Tarpley L.
Published: September 2014

High night temperature (HNT) can induce ethylene‐triggered reactive oxygen species production, which can cause premature leaf senescence and membrane damage, thereby affecting production, consumption and transfer of photosyn‐thates, and yield. The 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) can competitively bind with ethylene receptors and decrease ethylene effects. The objective was to determine the effects of HNT and 1‐MCP on leaf photosynthetic rate (PN), chlorophyll fluorescence, total chlorophyll (TC), respiration, membrane damage, pollen germination, spikelet fertility (SF) and yield of rice hybrid ‘XL723’. Plants were grown under ambient night temperature (ANT) (25 °C) or HNT (30 °C) with or without 1‐MCP treatment. Application of 1‐MCP was at the boot stage. The decrease in yield (11 %) under HNT was associated with decreased PN (4 %), stomatal conductance (8 %), quantum yield (11 %) TC (23 %) and SF (5 %) and increased respiration (74 %), Fo/Fm (increase in thylakoid membrane damage; 11 %) and membrane damage (leaf electrolytic leakage; 57 %). The 1‐MCP‐treated plants grown under HNT showed increased yield (17 %), which was associated with increased PN (10 %), stomatal conductance (30 %), quantum yield (9 %), TC (37 %) and SF (11 %) and decreased respiration (39 %), Fo/Fm (5 %) and membrane damage (18 %). Plants grown under HNT showed increased grain chalkiness (154 %) compared with plants grown under ANT.
2ZrO2·Y2O3Thermal Barrier Coatings Resistant to Degradation by MoltenCMAS: Part I, Optical Basicity Considerations and Processing
Authors: Krause Amanda R. , Senturk Bilge S. , Garces Hector F. , Dwivedi Gopal , Ortiz Angel L. , Sampath Sanjay , Padture Nitin P.
Published: September 2014

The higher operating temperatures in gas‐turbine engines enabled by thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) engender new materials issues,vizsilicate particles (sand, volcanic ash, fly ash) ingested by the engine melt on the hotTBCsurfaces and form calcium–magnesium–alumino–silicate (CMAS) glass deposits. The moltenCMASglass degradesTBCs, leading to their premature failure. In this context, we have used the concept of optical basicity (OB) to provide a quantitative chemical basis for the screening ofCMAS‐resistantTBCcompositions, which could also be extended to environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). By applyingOBdifference considerations to various majorTBCcompositions and two types of importantCMASs—desert sand and fly ash—the 2ZrO2·Y2O3solid solution (ss)TBCcomposition, with the potential for highCMAS‐resistance, is chosen for this study. Here, we also demonstrate the feasibility of processing of 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss) air‐plasma sprayed (APS)TBCusing commercially developed powders. The resultingTBCs with typicalAPSmicrostructures are found to be single‐phase cubic fluorite, having a thermal conductivity <0.9 W·(m·K)−1at elevated temperatures. The accompanying PartIIpaper presents results from experiments and analyses of high‐temperature interactions between 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss)APS TBCand the two types ofCMASs.
Stress Modulation and Ferroelectric Properties of Nanograined PbTiO3 Thick Films on the Different Substrates Fabricated by Aerosol Deposition
Authors: Lee Jungkeun , Lee Soohwan , Choi Min‐Geun , Ryu Jungho , Lee Jong‐Pil , Lim Yun‐Soo , Jeong Dae‐Yong
Published: September 2014

Nanograined PbTiO3 (PT) thick films were deposited on Si, yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), and Ni substrates using an aerosol deposition (AD) method at room temperature. The AD PT thick films on each different substrate were annealed at 500°C and 700°C for 1 h to increase the crystallinity. The stresses in the PT film were modulated by controlling the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the films and substrates during the thermal annealing process. The morphology of the AD PT films was examined from the polycrystalline dense structure (thickness ~8 μm), and the changes in the crystallographic phase, in‐plane stresses, and ferroelectric properties in annealed films were investigated. In‐plane stress analysis showed that the PT films annealed at 500°C and 700°C on each substrate exhibited compressive stress. Owing to the effects of compressive stress in the PT film, the film showed less tetragonality (c/a ratio) and enhanced ferroelectric behaviors. The change in the polarization–electric field (P–E) hysteresis loop of the PT films was explained by the stress induced from CTE mismatch between the films and substrates.
Novel Glass‐Ceramic Composition as Sealant for SOFCs
Authors: Smeacetto Federico , De Miranda Auristela , Chrysanthou Andreas , Bernardo Enrico , Secco Michele , Bindi Massimiliano , Salvo Milena , Sabato Antonio G. , Ferraris Monica
Published: September 2014

This work deals with the design, the characterization, and testing of a novel glass‐ceramic to be used as sealant for planar solid oxide fuel cells and its compatibility with Mn1.5Co1.5O4‐coated Crofer22APU. Thermal, sintering, and crystallization behavior and thermo mechanical properties of the sealant are reviewed and discussed, indicating therefore that these compositions can be deposited at 850°C and provide an excellent compatibility with both the Mn1.5Co1.5O4‐coated Crofer22APU and the anode‐supported electrolyte. In particular, Mn1.5Co1.5O4‐coated Crofer22APU/sealant/anode‐supported‐electrolyte joined samples have been submitted to thermal tests (in air atmosphere) from RT to 800°C (SOFC operating temperature) up to 500 h. No interactions, cracks formation, or failure were observed at the Mn1.5Co1.5O4‐coated Crofer22APU/sealant interface and between the glass‐ceramic and the anode‐supported‐electrolyte after 500 h of thermal tests in air atmosphere.
Aqueous and Nonaqueous Colloidal Processing of Difficult‐to‐Densify Ceramics: Suspension Rheology and Particle Packing
Authors: Leo Silvia , Tallon Carolina , Franks George V.
Published: September 2014

Aqueous and nonaqueous colloidal processing of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) and boron carbide (B4C) has been investigated. The aqueous and nonaqueous ZrB2 and B4C suspension formulations have been optimized. The suspensions were cast into green bodies using slip casting. The correlation between the state of dispersion with the rheological properties of the suspensions and the resulting packing density was observed in both aqueous and nonaqueous processing. The attractive interactions between powder particles in water were difficult to overcome with electrical double layer or electrosteric repulsion. Reasonably low viscosity aqueous ZrB2 suspensions up to 45 vol% solids could be prepared. It was not possible to produce low viscosity (viscosity below 1 Pa·s at shear rate of 100 s−1) aqueous B4C suspensions with solid content above 30 vol%. Slip casting of the weakly aggregated ZrB2 suspensions resulted in low packing densities (~55% relative density) of the green bodies. On the other hand, dispersion of powder particles in nonaqueous media (cyclohexane and dodecane) enabled suspensions with lower viscosities and a higher maximum solid concentration (up to 50 vol%) to be prepared. The well‐dispersed nonaqueous suspensions promoted an efficient particle packing, resulting in higher green densities (64% and 62% relative density for ZrB2 and B4C, respectively) compared to aqueous processing. The significantly high green densities are promising to allow densification of the materials at lower sintering temperature.
Effect of Niobium Oxide on the Structure and Properties of Melt‐Derived Bioactive Glasses
Authors: Lopes João Henrique , Magalhães Alviclér , Mazali Italo Odone , Bertran Celso Aparecido
Published: September 2014

The effects of adding Nb2O5 on the physical properties and glass structure of two glass series derived from the 45S5 Bioglass® have been studied. The multinuclear 29Si, 31P, and 23Na solid‐state MAS NMR spectra of the glasses, Raman spectroscopy and the determination of some physical properties have generated insight into the structure of the glasses. The 29Si MAS NMR spectra suggest that Nb5+ ions create cross‐links between several oxygen sites, breaking Si–O–Si bonds to form a range of polyhedra [Nb(OM)6−y(OSi)y], where 1 ≤ y ≤ 5 and M = Na, Ca, or P. The Raman spectra show that the Nb–O–P bonds would occur in the terminal sites. Adding Nb2O5 significantly increases the density and the stability against devitrification, as indicated by ΔT(Tx − Tg). Bioglass particle dispersions prepared by incorporating up to 1.3 mol% Nb2O5 by replacing P2O5 or up to 1.0 mol% Nb2O5 by replacing SiO2 in 45S5 Bioglass® using deionized water or solutions buffered with HEPES showed a significant increase in the pH during the early steps of the reaction, compared using the rate and magnitude during the earliest stages of BG45S5 dissolution.
Changes in the distribution of cloud forests during the last glacial predict the patterns of genetic diversity and demographic history of the tree fern Alsophila firma (Cyatheaceae)
Authors: Ramírez‐Barahona Santiago , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: September 2014

Aim

We investigated changes in distribution of cloud forests during the last 130 kyr, and tested whether these changes explain the spatial patterns of genetic diversity of the tree fern Alsophila firma (Cyatheaceae), a species restricted to this habitat.

Location

Mexican cloud forests.

Methods

We sampled 204 individuals from 16 localities. Genetic data consisted of DNA sequences for five chloroplast microsatellites and one nuclear gene. We used distribution modelling to predict the historical distribution of cloud forests during the last glacial period, using two palaeoclimate models: the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC) and the Community Climate System Model (CCSM). We tested the correlation between temporal cloud forest stability and genetic diversity and used an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) framework to test two plausible demographic scenarios.

Results

The range fluctuations observed for cloud forests during the last 130 kyr are key factors affecting the distribution of genetic variation in A. firma. Increased genetic diversity in areas with high temporal environmental suitability is probably the result of increased population sizes and higher interpopulation connectivity. In accordance with the expansion of cloud forests predicted by CCSM, the genetic data supported the scenario of a population expansion occurring c. 110 ka, followed by population divergence c. 20 ka. However, population dynamics involving expansion of suitable microclimates could reconcile the stability of cloud forests predicted by MIROC and the observed genetic patterns.

Main conclusions

The predicted changes in the distribution of cloud forests were congruent with the population genetics of A. firma. However, the choice of palaeoclimate model has a substantial impact on the inferences drawn from the observed genetic and demographic patterns. The use of alternative palaeoclimate hypotheses and biome modelling can provide a common analytical framework for evaluating the historical cohesiveness of forest communities.
Decreased SIRT3 in aged human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells increases cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress
Authors: Wang Xue‐Qing , Shao Yong , Ma Chong‐Yi , Chen Wei , Sun Lu , Liu Wei , Zhang Dong‐Yang , Fu Bi‐Cheng , Liu Kai‐Yu , Jia Zhi‐Bo , Xie Bao‐Dong , Jiang Shu‐Lin , Li Ren‐Ke , Tian Hai
Published: September 2014

Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) is an important member of the sirtuin family of protein deacetylases that is localized to mitochondria and linked to lifespan extension in organisms ranging from yeast to humans. As aged cells have less regenerative capacity and are more susceptible to oxidative stress, we investigated the effect of ageing on SIRT3 levels and its correlation with antioxidant enzyme activities. Here, we show that severe oxidative stress reduces SIRT3 levels in young human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hMSCs). Overexpression of SIRT3 improved hMSCs resistance to the detrimental effects of oxidative stress. By activating manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase (CAT), SIRT3 protects hMSCs from apoptosis under stress. SIRT3 expression, levels of MnSOD and CAT, as well as cell survival showed little difference in old versus young hMSCs under normal growth conditions, whereas older cells had a significantly reduced capacity to withstand oxidative stress compared to their younger counterparts. Expression of the short 28 kD SIRT3 isoform was higher, while the long 44 kD isoform expression was lower in young myocardial tissues compared with older ones. These results suggest that the active short isoform of SIRT3 protects hMSCs from oxidative injury by increasing the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes. The expression of this short isoform decreases in cardiac tissue during ageing, leading to a reduced capacity for the heart to withstand oxidative stress.
HMGB1 mediates hyperglycaemia‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via ERK/Ets‐1 signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Wen‐Ke , Lu Qing‐Hua , Zhang Jia‐Ning , Wang Ben , Liu Xiang‐Juan , An Feng‐Shuang , Qin Wei‐Dong , Chen Xue‐Ying , Dong Wen‐Qian , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yun , Zhang Ming‐Xiang
Published: September 2014

Apoptosis is a key event involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. The expression of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is up‐regulated in diabetic mice. However, the molecular mechanism of high glucose (HG)‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis remains obscure. We aimed to determine the role of HMGB1 in HG‐induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Treating neonatal primary cardiomyocytes with HG increased cell apoptosis, which was accompanied by elevated levels of HMGB1. Inhibition of HMGB1 by short‐hairpin RNA significantly decreased HG‐induced cell apoptosis by reducing caspase‐3 activation and ratio of Bcl2‐associated X protein to B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia‐2 (bax/bcl‐2). Furthermore, HG activated E26 transformation‐specific sequence‐1 (Ets‐1), and HMGB1 inhibition attenuated HG‐induced activation of Ets‐1 via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signalling. In addition, inhibition of Ets‐1 significantly decreased HG‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Similar results were observed in streptozotocin‐treated diabetic mice. Inhibition of HMGB1 by short‐hairpin RNA markedly decreased myocardial cell apoptosis and activation of ERK and Ets‐1 in diabetic mice. In conclusion, inhibition of HMGB1 may protect against hyperglycaemia‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by down‐regulating ERK‐dependent activation of Ets‐1.
Oridonin's therapeutic effect: Suppressing Th1/Th17 simultaneously in a mouse model of Crohn's disease
Authors: Wang Shubei , Zhang Yong , Saas Philippe , Wang Haili , Xu Ying , Chen Ke , Zhong Jie , Yuan Yaozong , Wang Ying , Sun Yunwei
Published: September 2014

Background and Aim

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Oridonin is an effective component isolated from Rabdosia rubescens. It can inhibit the activation of transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappa B and suppress the over expression of cytokines. We postulated that oridonin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for Crohn's disease.

Methods

To confirm the postulation, we investigated clinical and immunologic modulations of oridonin in a mouse model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced colitis.

Results

It was found that oridonin attenuated trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced colitis as represented by a reduction in colonic interferon‐γ/inteleukin‐17 secretion and a decrement in splenic Th1/Th17 cells and effector memory CD4+ T cells. Oridonin treatment inhibited the proliferation of CD4+ T cells and upregulated the apoptosis of lymphocytes by inhibiting nuclear translocation of transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappa B.

Conclusions

Oridonin is a potential modulator for trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐induced colitis and other Th1/Th17 mediated inflammatory diseases.
What Makes Eco‐Transformation of Industrial Parks Take Off in China?
Authors: Yu Chang , Dijkema Gerard P.J. , de Jong Martin
Published: September 2014

This article focuses on the effects of policy instruments for developing viable eco‐industrial parks (EIPs) in China. We analyzed the root of China's national EIP program and inventoried the general instruments available to local authorities to shape and promote eco‐industrial development. Empirical research conducted in Tianjin Economic‐technological Development Area and Dalian Development Area led to the activities and actions conducted by local authorities. A quantitative method, technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, was adopted to reveal the effects of policy instruments for comparative analysis. We conclude that the planned EIP model is useful in the early stage of EIP development, and, subsequently, it should be combined with a facilitated model to achieve long‐term goals for eco‐transformation. To this end, the policy package of economic, regulatory, and voluntary instruments should be integrated and tailored in alignment with the local situation.
KoreanWorkEnvironmentScales forClinicalNurses
Authors: Kim Jong‐Kyung , Kim Se‐Young , Yu Mi , Kim Myung Ja , Lee Kyoung‐A
Published: September 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop an assessment tool for the hospital nursing work environment inKorea.

Methods

The participants were 564 clinical nurses who worked in 13 hospitals in seven provinces in regions throughoutSouthKorea; they worked in medical–surgical nursing, pediatric and maternal nursing, intensive care unit, and other areas. The data analysis relied on descriptive analysis and exploratory factor analysis, including varimax rotation, and reliability was determined usingSPSSsoftware.

Results

The final assessment tool, theKoreanWorkEnvironmentScales forClinicalNurses (KWES‐CN) was composed of 39 items divided into nine factors: (i) manager leadership; (ii) supporting environment for nursing work; (iii) patient care environment and professional activities; (iv) violence within ward; (v) sufficient inventory and supply; (vi) hospital's support for working environment; (vii) recognition and respect; (viii) satisfaction with work schedule; and (ix) computer problems. The total variance for validity described by the nine factors was 58.7% and the reliability of the tool was aCronbach's alpha of 0.87.

Conclusion

This final assessment tool will be used to improve nursing work. Further research must be conducted to verify the reliability and validity of this tool, and evaluations of nursing quality and patient results related to the nursing environment.
Working memory recall precision is a more sensitive index than span
Authors: Zokaei Nahid , Burnett Heyes Stephanie , Gorgoraptis Nikos , Budhdeo Sanjay , Husain Masud
Published: September 2014

Delayed adjustment tasks have recently been developed to examine working memory (WM) precision, that is, the resolution with which items maintained in memory are recalled. However, despite their emerging use in experimental studies of healthy people, evaluation of patient populations is sparse. We first investigated the validity of adjustment tasks, comparing precision with classical span measures of memory across the lifespan in 114 people. Second, we asked whether precision measures can potentially provide a more sensitive measure of WM than traditional span measures. Specifically, we tested this hypothesis examining WM in a group with early, untreated Parkinson's disease (PD) and its modulation by subsequent treatment on dopaminergic medication. Span measures correlated with precision across the lifespan: in children, young, and elderly participants. However, they failed to detect changes in WM in PD patients, either pre‐ or post‐treatment initiation. By contrast, recall precision was sensitive enough to pick up such changes. PD patients pre‐medication were significantly impaired compared to controls, but improved significantly after 3 months of being established on dopaminergic medication. These findings suggest that precision methods might provide a sensitive means to investigate WM and its modulation by interventions in clinical populations.
Risk assessment and absconding: perceptions, understandings and responses of mental health nurses
Authors: Grotto Jessica , Gerace Adam , O'Kane Deb , Simpson Alan , Oster Candice , Muir‐Cochrane Eimear
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectives

This paper reports mental health nurses' perspectives of absconding. The aims of the study were to explore nurses' perceptions of risk assessment and management practices regarding absconding from acute inpatient psychiatric settings, and their affective responses when patients absconded.

Background

Nurses are directly involved in managing the risk of patients leaving hospital while acutely unwell, as well as dealing with the implications of an absconding event. However, despite their key role, few studies have explored nurses' perceptions of absconding.

Design

An interpretive inquiry was undertaken using a systematic thematic approach.

Methods

Mental health nurses (n = 11) from three acute inpatient mental health units in Australia took part in semi‐structured interviews, with a focus on the nurses' experiences of working with patients who had absconded. Data were analysed using systematic thematic coding procedures.

Results

Nurses' assessment of a patient's risk of absconding involved the use of clinical judgement, focusing on markers of absconding including the patient's history and clinical presentation. The acuity of the perceived risk determined the type of risk management strategy implemented, which could include support, observation and/or the use of containment procedures. Nurses responded with a myriad of affective reactions when patients absconded depending on their assessment of the patient's risk.

Conclusions

Support and debriefing is required for mental health nurses following an absconding event. Additional research is vital to identify alternative absconding assessment and management strategies to ensure the best possible outcome for patients and nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mental health nurses play a central role in risk assessment and management for absconding, with fear of repercussions a significant consequence for them. This research highlights the importance of both clinical judgment and standardised instruments in assessing absconding risk. Further research is needed to identify alternative evidence‐based absconding management strategies to support nursing practice.
Validation of a clinical leadership qualities framework for managers in aged care: aDelphi study
Authors: Jeon Yun‐Hee , Conway Jane , Chenoweth Lynn , Weise Janelle , Thomas Tamsin HT , Williams Anna
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectives

To establish validity of a clinical leadership framework for aged care middle managers (The Aged care Clinical Leadership Qualities Framework).

Background

Middle managers in aged care have responsibility not only for organisational governance also and operational management but also quality service delivery. There is a need to better define clinical leadership abilities in aged care middle managers, in order to optimise their positional authority to lead others to achieve quality outcomes.

Design

A Delphi method.

Methods

Sixty‐nine experts in aged care were recruited, representing rural, remote and metropolitan community and residential aged care settings. Panellists were asked to rate the proposed framework in terms of the relevance and importance of each leadership quality using four‐point Likert scales, and to provide comments. Three rounds of consultation were conducted. The number and corresponding percentage of the relevance and importance rating for each quality was calculated for each consultation round, as well as mean scores. Consensus was determined to be reached when a percentage score reached 70% or greater.

Results

Twenty‐three panellists completed all three rounds of consultation. Following the three rounds of consultation, the acceptability and face validity of the framework was confirmed.

Conclusions

The study confirmed the framework as useful in identifying leadership requirements for middle managers in Australian aged care settings. The framework is the first validated framework of clinical leadership attributes for middle managers in aged care and offers an initial step forward in clarifying the aged care middle manager role.

Relevance to clinical practice

The framework provides clarity in the breadth of role expectations for the middle managers and can be used to inform an aged care specific leadership program development, individuals' and organisations' performance and development processes; and policy and guidelines about the types of activities required of middle managers in aged care.
Prevalence and incidence of early childhood caries among African‐American children in Alabama
Authors: Ghazal Tariq , Levy Steven M. , Childers Noel K. , Broffitt Barbara , Cutter Gary , Wiener Howard W. , Kempf Mirjam , Warren John , Cavanaugh Joseph
Published: September 2014

Objectives

This study aims to assess the prevalence and incidence of early childhood caries (ECC) in African‐American children.

Methods

A cohort of 96 African‐American children approximately 1 year of age at baseline were recruited in Uniontown, Alabama, and followed for 3 years. Oral examinations were conducted annually by one of three trained/calibrated dentists using portable equipment, without radiographs, following WHO criteria.

Results

The prevalence of decayed/missing/filled surfaces (dmfs) was: 1.1 percent (all d) at approximately age 1 (n = 90, six children were excluded for having no erupted teeth); 12.8 percent (d = 10.5 percent & f = 4.7 percent) at age 2 (n = 86); 39.3 percent (d = 21.4 percent, m = 2.4 percent & f = 22.6 percent) at age 3 (n = 84); and 65.8 percent (d = 28.8 percent, m = 5.5 & f = 46.6 percent) at age 4 (n = 73). The percentages of incisors, canines, first molars, and second molars with dmfs were: 0.1 percent, 0.0 percent, 0.0 percent, and 0.0 percent, at age 1; 2.4 percent, 0.1 percent, 0.8 percent, and 0.6 percent at age 2; 8.2 percent, 0.8 percent, 7.6 percent, and 6.3 percent at age 3; and 10.2 percent, 2.2 percent, 12.6 percent and 16.7 percent at age 4, respectively. The three, 1‐year, person‐level incidence rates were 12.8 percent (age 1 to age 2), 38.6 percent (age 2 to age 3), and 56.2 percent (age 3 to age 4). From baseline, the 2‐year incidence was 39.3 percent and 3‐year incidence was 65.8 percent, whereas the 2‐year caries incidence from age 1 to age 3 was 66.7 percent (n = 72).

Conclusion

The majority of children developed caries during the 3‐year follow‐up, which is much higher than the 32 percent prevalence of caries among African‐American children under age 6 years in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2002.
Total polysaccharide of Yupingfeng protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1-mediated type I collagen abnormal deposition in rats
Authors: Xu Liang , Li Liu-cheng , Zhao Ping , Qi Lian-wen , Li Ping , Gao Jian , Fei Guang-he
Published: September 2014

Objective

This study was to explore the antifibrotic effect and the possible mechanism of total polysaccharides of Yupingfeng (YPF-P) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

Methods

Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by BLM (5 mg/kg), killed 14 and 28 days after BLM administration by abdominal aorta exsanguination and removed the lungs. Lung coefficient was counted at the same time. Besides, H&E and Masson's trichrome staining for histopathological changes of lung tissues were observed. Additionally, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining techniques were used to detect expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), type I collagen (Col-I) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Finally, the levels of Col-I and hydroxyproline (HYP) in lung tissues were also utilized.

Key findings

YPF-P alleviated the increase of lung coefficient induced by BLM instillation in pulmonary fibrosis rat, pathologic changes and collagen distribution were obviously ameliorated, while the increase of α-SMA-positive cells and TGF-β1 expression was prevented after YPF-P treatment. Moreover, the contents of HYP and Col-I were decreased in YPF-P group.

Conclusions

YPF-P had antifibrotic effect in experiment, which may reduce the synthesis and promote the deposition of Col-I via suppressing the increase of TGF-β1-mediated activation of myofibroblasts.
Nucleotropic doxorubicin nanoparticles decrease cancer cell viability, destroy mitochondria, induce autophagy and enhance tumour necrosis
Authors: Friedhuber Anna M , Chandolu Vijay , Manchun Somkamon , Donkor Osaana , Sriamornsak Pornsak , Dass Crispin R
Published: September 2014

Objective

Doxorubicin (Dox) is used clinically against various neoplasias, but suffers from serious side effects, and for the past three decades, this shortcoming has spurred research towards finding better drug delivery systems (DDSs) for this frontline drug.

Methods

A non-targeted nucleotropic Dox-loaded nanoparticle (DNP) DDS is described, which has a simple chemical design, is easy to formulate and administer, is inexpensive, non-biohazardous and may prove to be useful clinically.

Key findings

The DNP formulated via vortex-assisted complex coarcevation enhanced (300-fold) cell-inhibitory activity of the drug in a panel of human cancer cells (osteosarcoma, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer) and enhanced (10-fold) efficacy against osteosarcoma (OS) in vivo. The slow-release DNPs localised to the endoplasmic reticulum disrupted the mitochondria and entered the nucleus. Prominent cytosolic vacuolisation, budding off of portions of the cytoplasm, both suggestive of autophagy, were observed. Mice that were administered with DNPs intratumorally had the smallest tumours at the end of the study, with more necrotic hotspots.

Conclusion

This promising nucleotropic DDS enhances the cell delivery and activity of Dox against a variety of human cancer cell lines and in OS tumours in mice.
Cardiomyocyte apoptosis vs autophagy with prolonged doxorubicin treatment: comparison with osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Tacar Oktay , Indumathy Sivanjah , Tan Mei Lin , Baindur-Hudson Swati , Friedhuber Anna M , Dass Crispin R
Published: September 2014

Objective

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a frontline chemotherapeutic against osteosarcoma (OS) that is plagued by side effects, particularly in the heart. The specific objective of this article is to investigate whether low-dose Dox treatment had pro-autophagic effects in cardiomyocytes as well as osteosarcoma cells.

Methods

This study characterises apoptotic (Bax) and autophagic (Beclin-1) biomarker levels in human OS and cardiomyocyte cell lines as well as in various tissues when mice are exposed to low (1 mg/kg, thrice weekly) and high (3 mg/kg thrice weekly) dose Dox for a month.

Key findings

There was a decrease in Bax and increase in Beclin-1 in cardiac tissue in the high-dose group. Dox decreased Beclin-1 in the skin and liver, with no clear indication in the stomach, small intestine and testis. At low Dox doses of 10 and 100 nm in cardiomyocytes and OS cells, there is a pro-apoptotic effect, with a quicker response in the 100-nm condition, and a slower but steady increase of a pro-apoptotic response at the lower 10-nm dose. However, electron microscopy images revealed changes to human OS cells that resembled autophagy. Human prostate, breast and colorectal cells treated with 10-nm Dox showed ∼ 40% reduction in cell viability after 24 h.

Conclusion

In culture, cells of both cardiomyocytes and OS revealed a predominant pro-apoptotic response at the expense of autophagy, although both seemed to be occurring in vivo.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal sacs in three dogs
Authors: Mellett S. , Verganti S. , Murphy S. , Bowlt K.
Published: September 2014

Anal sac squamous cell carcinoma is rare in dogs. Five cases have been previously reported, treatment of which involved surgery alone. This report describes three further cases of canine anal sac squamous cell carcinoma which underwent medical (meloxicam) management alone, resulting in survival of up to seven months. No metastases were identified. Squamous cell carcinoma, although extremely uncommon, should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis when a dog is presented for investigation of an anal sac mass.
ANALYSIS OF THE LIKELIHOOD FUNCTION FOR MARKOV‐SWITCHING VAR(CH) MODELS
Authors: Cavicchioli Maddalena
Published: September 2014

In this work, we give simple matrix formulae for maximum likelihood estimates of parameters in a broad class of vector autoregressions subject to Markovian changes in regime. This allows us to determine explicitly the asymptotic variance–covariance matrix of the estimators, giving a concrete possibility for the use of the classical testing procedures. In the context of multivariate autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic models with changes in regime, we provide formulae for the analytic derivatives of the log likelihood. Then we prove the consistency of some maximum likelihood estimators and give some formulae for the asymptotic variance of the different estimators.
DEFINITIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS OF MULTIVARIATE LONG‐RANGE DEPENDENT TIME SERIES
Authors: Kechagias Stefanos , Pipiras Vladas
Published: September 2014

The notion of multivariate long‐range dependence is reexamined here from the perspectives of time and spectral domains. The role of the so‐called phase parameters is clarified and stressed throughout. In particular, examples of causal (one‐sided) representations of multivariate long‐range dependent time series with general‐phase parameters are constructed. A multivariate extension of the autoregressive fractionally integrated moving‐average series is introduced with explicit formulas for its autocovariance function.
A JOINT PORTMANTEAU TEST FOR CONDITIONAL MEAN AND VARIANCE TIME‐SERIES MODELS
Authors: Velasco Carlos , Wang Xuexin
Published: September 2014

In this article, we propose a new joint portmanteau test for checking the specification of parametric conditional mean and variance functions of linear and nonlinear time‐series models. The use of a joint test is motivated for complete control of the asymptotic size since marginal tests for the conditional variance may lead to misleading conclusions when the conditional mean is misspecified. The new test is based on an asymptotically distribution‐free transformation on the sample autocorrelations of both normalized residuals and squared normalized residuals. This makes it unnecessary to full detail the asymptotic properties of the estimates used to obtain residuals, which could be inefficient two‐step ones, avoiding also choices of maximum lag parameters increasing with sample length to control asymptotic size. The robust versions of the new test also properly account for higher‐order moment dependence at a reduced cost. The finite‐sample performance of the new test is compared with that of well‐known tests through simulations.
Genome scans for the contemporary response to selection in quantitative traits
Authors: Lotterhos Katie E. , Schaal Sara M.
Published: September 2014

Genome scans have been an important approach for discovering historical signatures of selection in both model and nonmodel species. An exciting new experimental design for genome scans is to measure the change in allele frequency before and after contemporary selection within a generation, from a single population. The most widely‐used methods, however, have two major limitations: they are based on testing one locus at a time, and they only have power to uncover loci that have evolved under relatively strong selection. On the other hand, complex quantitative traits are common in nature and are caused by several loci of small effect. Selection on a quantitative trait at the phenotypic level is predicted to be accompanied by subtle allele frequency changes in many loci that covary (a polygenic soft sweep), rather than a large, single‐effect allele (a selective sweep). In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Bourret et al. (2014) measure the contemporary response to natural selection across the genome in multiple cohorts of Atlantic salmon during their first year at sea. They introduce a multilocus framework based on groups of markers that covary in their genotypic distribution. While the traditional, single‐locus approach did not find evidence for repeated patterns of selection, the multivariate approach found that a group of covarying SNPs was selected for in different cohorts at one site. Their multilocus framework has potential to be a more fruitful approach for uncovering the genomic basis of adaptation in quantitative traits, although caution should be applied as the framework has yet to be validated with simulated data.
Correlation between oropharyngeal pH‐monitoring and esophageal pH‐impedance monitoring in patients with suspected GERD‐related extra‐esophageal symptoms
Authors: Mazzoleni G. , Vailati C. , Lisma D. G. , Testoni P. A. , Passaretti S.
Published: September 2014

Background

24‐hour esophageal pH‐impedance (pH‐MII) is not totally reliable for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Oropharyngeal (OP) pH‐monitoring with the Dx‐pH probe may detect LPR better. The correlation between these two techniques is not thoroughly established. Aim of this study is to examine the correlation between OP pH‐metry and esophageal pH‐MII monitoring.

Methods

Thirty‐six consecutive patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease‐related extra‐esophageal symptoms were evaluated using 24‐h OP‐pH and concomitant esophageal pH‐MII monitoring. OP events were defined as: drop in pH below thresholds of 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0 or drop in pH of at least 10% from a running baseline. Temporal relationship between OP and esophageal reflux events and outcomes of the two tests were evaluated.

Key Results

2394 refluxes were detected by pH‐MII; of these only 120 were detected also by OP Dx‐probe. On the other hand, the proportion of OP‐pH events which were temporally related to an episode of distal reflux ranged from 0% to 17%, depending on the proximal pH criteria used. In 8/36 patients both tests were pathological, while in 10/36 they were both normal; 14/36 patients had pathological OP reflux, but a normal pH‐MII test; 4/36 patients had pathological pH‐MII, but a normal OP reflux.

Conclusions & Inferences

The correlation between OP pH‐metry and pH‐MII was weak. At present, the absence of a reliable gold standard for the diagnosis of LPR and the uncertain etiology of the pharyngeal pH alterations make it difficult to decide which is the most reliable technique for the diagnosis of true LPR.