bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of a chronic vesicocutaneous fistula and abdominal wall defect after resection of a soft tissue sarcoma using a bipedicled latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior free flap
Authors: Ludolph Ingo , Apel Hendrik , Horch Raymund E , Beier Justus P
Published: July 2014

We present a surgical treatment for bladder reconstruction in a case of chronic vesicocutaneous radiation‐induced fistula and reconstruction of the abdominal wall after resection of a liposarcoma in the rectus abdominis muscle. Fistulas are sequelae after radiotherapy. To regain bladder function and reconstitute abdominal wall stability, a microsurgical flap approach should be considered. A male patient underwent resection of a liposarcoma in the rectus abdominis muscle with adjuvant radiotherapy, suffering from a chronic vesicocutaneous fistula. A bipedicled combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior flap was carried out after resection of the fistula for reconstruction of the urine bladder and the abdominal wall. Ascending urethrography 4 weeks postoperatively showed no leakage. In the 4‐month follow‐up period, no signs of recurrence of the fistula or herniation occurred. A bipedicled flap allowed reconstruction of the urine bladder and the abdominal wall. Using non‐irradiated, well‐perfused intra‐abdominal muscle tissue over the urine bladder prevented recurrence of the fistula.
Nutritional stress affects corticosterone deposition in feathers of Caspian tern chicks
Authors: Patterson Allison G. L. , Kitaysky Alexander S. , Lyons Donald E. , Roby Daniel D.
Published: July 2014

Stressful environmental conditions affect the adrenocortical function of developing animals, which can have consequences for their fitness. Discovery of the avian stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) in feathers has the potential to broaden the application of endocrine research in ecological and evolutionary studies of wild birds by providing a long‐term measure of CORT secretion. Mechanisms of CORT deposition in feathers are not well known and few studies have related feather CORT to circulating plasma CORT during feather growth. Our objective was to experimentally test the validity of using feather CORT as a measure of CORT secretion in developing birds experiencing nutritional stress. Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia chicks were fed ad libitum or restricted (35% less than ad libitum) diets for four weeks. We measured CORT in feathers from these chicks to examine the relationship between feather CORT concentrations and nutritional limitation, circulating plasma CORT, and feather development. We found that feather CORT was higher in controls fed ad libitum than in restricted individuals, despite higher levels of plasma CORT in restricted chicks compared to controls. Feather mass and growth rates were strongly and positively related to feather CORT concentrations in both treatments. This is the first experimental study to show that feather CORT concentrations can be lower in response to nutritional stress, even when plasma CORT concentrations are elevated. Our results indicate that CORT deposition in feathers may be confounded when feather mass and growth rates are compromised by nutritional stress. We conclude that feather CORT can be used for assessing nutritional stress in growing birds, but the direction of response depends on how strongly stress affects feather development.
Seasonal patterns of vocal mimicry in northern mockingbirds Mimus polyglottos
Authors: Gammon David E.
Published: July 2014

Many aspects of birdsong vary seasonally, but we know almost nothing about seasonal variation in vocal mimicry, a conspicuous feature of the songs of 15–20% of bird species. I sampled spontaneous song from nine, free‐living, male northern mockingbirds Mimus polyglottos four times during the calendar year – three times during the breeding season, and once during the non‐breeding season. Results showed that mockingbirds did not mimic summer migrants significantly more during any sampling period. Results also showed significant differences across sampling periods in the frequency, but not diversity, of mimicry. Frequency of mimicry was highest in late spring (61.3%) and lowest during the non‐breeding season (48.3%), suggesting mimicry might play a role in reproductive stimulation of multiple‐brooded females. Because mockingbirds mimicked summer migrants throughout the year, regardless of whether migrants were present, mimicry is unlikely to facilitate interspecies communication. Seasonal patterns also suggest that females might be attracted to a high frequency of mimicry, but not to a high diversity of mimicry. I argue that observational studies of seasonal variation in additional mimics could provide key insights into the functional role of vocal mimicry.
Topographical relationship of the greater palatine artery and the palatal spine. Significance for periodontal surgery.
Authors: Yu Sun‐Kyoung , Lee Myoung‐Hwa , Park Byung Sun , Jeon Yong Hyun , Chung Yoon Young , Kim Heung‐Joong
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aims of this study were to (1) identify the branching pattern and course of the greater palatine artery (GPA), (2) carry out a morphological analysis of the palatal bony prominence that divides the medial and lateral grooves and (3) characterize the topographical relationships between these two structures.

Methods

Thirty‐six hemimaxillae were studied with the aid of a surgical microscope to elucidate the GPA. A further 25 dry skulls were examined to establish the morphology of the palatal spine.

Results

The most common GPA branching pattern was type I (41.7%, 15 sides), which gave off the medial and canine branches after the bony prominence. The distances from the CEJ to the lateral branch of the GPA were 9.04 ± 2.93 mm (canine), 11.12 ± 1.89 mm (first premolar), 13.51 ± 2.08 mm (second premolar), 13.76 ± 2.86 mm (first molar) and 13.91 ± 2.20 mm (second molar). The palatal spine was frequently observed as the bony prominence (66.3%, 57 sides), and was located at 6.49 ± 1.76 mm from the greater palatine foramen, with a length of 10.42 ± 2.45 mm. There was no a correlation between the bony prominence shape and the GPA branching pattern.

Conclusions

These results could provide the reference data regarding the topography of the GPA for periodontal surgery.
The effect of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular risk markers: a 6‐month randomized clinical trial
Authors: Caúla André Luis , Lira‐Junior Ronaldo , Tinoco Eduardo Muniz Barretto , Fischer Ricardo Guimarães
Published: July 2014

Aim

To determine the influence of non‐surgical mechanical periodontal treatment on inflammatory markers related to risk for cardiovascular disease.

Material and Methods

A total of 64 patients with severe chronic periodontitis was randomly subjected to immediately periodontal treatment (test group, n = 32) or delayed periodontal treatment, without treatment during the study period (control group, n = 32). Clinical periodontal and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline (T0), 2 months (T2), and 6 months (T6) after the initial examinations (Control group) or completion of periodontal treatment (Test group).

Results

After 2 months of periodontal treatment there was a significant reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and triglycerides (p = 0.002, p = 0.004, respectively) in the test group. Median values of C‐reactive protein, ESR, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were reduced after 6 month of periodontal treatment in the test group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.015, respectively).

Conclusions

The non‐surgical periodontal treatment was effective in reducing the levels of systemic inflammation markers and improved the lipid profile in subjects with severe chronic periodontitis.
Conscientiousness, Financial Literacy, and Asset Accumulation of Young Adults
Authors: LETKIEWICZ JODI C. , FOX JONATHAN J.
Published: July 2014

This study utilizes the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to examine the relationship between financial literacy, conscientiousness, and asset accumulation among young adults. Findings indicate that both conscientiousness and financial literacy are consistent predictors of asset accumulation among young Americans. A one‐standard‐deviation increase in conscientiousness is correlated with a 40% increase in net worth, a 53% increase in illiquid asset holdings, and a 33% increase in liquid asset holdings. A one‐standard‐deviation increase in financial literacy is correlated with a 60% increase in illiquid asset holdings and a 30% increase in liquid asset holdings. Financial literacy moderates the effect of conscientiousness on net worth. These findings suggest that conscientiousness and financial literacy are important factors and that policies and programming with a dual emphasis on increasing conscientiousness and financial literacy are likely to have a positive impact on consumer savings and asset‐building.
Blood concentrations ofd‐ andl‐lactate in healthy rabbits
Authors: Langlois I. , Planché A. , Boysen S. R. , Abeysekara S. , Zello G. A.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVES

To determine whole blood and serum concentrations ofl‐lactate and serum concentrations ofd‐lactate in healthy rabbits and compare three methods of analysis forl‐lactate measurement.

METHODS

Prospective study using 25 rabbits. Concentrations of whole bloodl‐lactate were measured using a portable analyser and a blood gas analyser. The remainder of the sample was allowed to clot for centrifugation. Serum was stored at −20°C for determination ofl‐ andd‐ lactate by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

d‐lactate values by high‐performance liquid chromatography were 0 · 17 ± 0 · 08 mmol/L.l‐lactate values were 5 · 1 (±2 · 1) mmol/L by high‐performance liquid chromatography, 6 · 9 (±2 · 7) mmol/L with the portable analyser and 7 · 1 (±1 · 6) mmol/L with the blood gas analyser. No significant difference (P > 0 · 05) was found between the two analysers. Significant difference existed between seruml‐lactate values obtained by high‐performance liquid chromatography and the whole blood values obtained with the blood gas analyser (P < 0 · 01) and portable analyser (P < 0 · 05).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Serum concentrations ofd‐lactate in healthy rabbits are in the range of those of other mammals.l‐lactate values in healthy rabbits are higher compared with other mammals. Good correlation was found between the portable and blood gas analysers for whole bloodl‐lactate measurement in healthy rabbits.
HBV/HDV co‐infection in the Western Brazilian Amazonia: an intriguing mutation among HDV genotype 3 carriers
Authors: Kay A. , Melo da Silva E. , Pedreira H. , Negreiros S. , Lobato C. , Braga W. , Muwonge R. , Dény P. , Reis M. , Zoulim F. , Trepo C. , D'Oliveira A. , Salcedo J. M. , Schinoni M. I. , Parana R.
Published: July 2014

HDV infection still remains a serious public health problem in Amazonia. There are few data regarding the biomolecular aspects of HBV/HDV co‐infection in this region. We studied 92 patients HBsAg+/anti‐HDV IgG+ followed at the Hepatitis Referral Centers of Porto Velho (RO), Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul (AC), Brazil, from March 2006 to March 2007 for whom the HDV and/or the HBV genotype could be determined. The HDV genotype could be determined in 90 patients, while the HBV genotypes could be positively determined in 74. HBV subgenotype F2 is the most prevalent (40.2%), followed by the subgenotypes A1 (15.2%) and D3 (8.7%), while 16.4% were other subgenotypes or genotypes, 4.3% were discordant and 15.2% were unamplifiable. Surprisingly, HDV genotype 3 (HDV‐3) was found in all of the HBV/HDV‐infected patients that could be genotyped for HDV, confirming that HDV‐3 can associate with non‐F HBV genotypes. However, a HDV‐3 mutant was found in 29.3% of patients and was more frequently associated with non‐F HBV genotypes (P < 0.001) than were nonmutant strains, suggesting that the mutation may facilitate association of HDV‐3 with non‐F HBV genotypes.
Peginterferon‐alfa mono‐therapy in the treatment of acute hepatitis C in HIV‐infection
Authors: Boesecke C. , van Assen S. , Stellbrink H.‐J. , Baumgarten A. , Ingiliz P. , Strassburg C. P. , Schwarze‐Zander C. , Wasmuth J.‐C. , Hoepelman A. I. M. , Rockstroh J. K. , Arends J. E.
Published: July 2014

The ongoing epidemic of acute hepatitis C (AHC) infection among MSM highlights the need to identify factors allowing for optimal treatment outcome in HIV co‐infected individuals. Cohort study of 105 HIV‐infected patients with AHC infection from five centres in two European countries was carried out. Choice of treatment with pegIFN‐alfa alone (group 1; n = 36) or pegIFN‐alfa and ribavirin (RBV) (group 2; n = 69) was at the discretion of the investigator. Outcome was evaluated as RVR and SVR. Fisher's exact and Mann Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. All patients were male, median age was 39 years, main route of transmission MSM (91%). In 69% of patients, clinical signs of acute hepatic infection were missing, dominant HCV genotypes were 1 (64%) and 4 (16%) and mean baseline HCV‐RNA was 3.559.085 IU/mL. 60% received HAART and CD4 cell count was 469/mm3. Overall SVR rate was 64.8% (68/105). SVR was reached in 69% of treated patients in group 1 and in 63% of treated patients in group 2 (P = 0.67) while RVR was seen in 61% and 49%, respectively (P = 0.35). Interestingly, by univariate analysis, SVR rates in group 1 were significantly higher in patients initiating therapy within 4 weeks of AHC diagnosis compared to patients initiating therapy within 5–36 weeks after diagnosis (P = 0.03). PegIFN‐alfa alone or in combination with ribavirin results in similar response rates in HIV‐infected patients with AHC. In particular, when treatment is initiated within 4 weeks of diagnosis, pegIFN mono‐therapy might be sufficient to allow for an optimal treatment response.
Confounders in the detection of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a neuropsychological and quantified EEG study
Authors: Campagna Francesca , Montagnese Sara , Schiff Sami , Ruzzoli Manuela , Biancardi Anna , Iannizzi Pamela , Pujatti Pietro L. , Angeli Paolo , Gatta Angelo , Merkel Carlo , Leandro Gioacchino , Mapelli Daniela , Amodio Piero
Published: July 2014

Background & Aims

Chronic alcohol misuse, HCV infection and cirrhosis may cause cognitive alterations. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of alcohol misuse, HCV infection and cirrhosis per se on the neuropsychological and electroencephalogram (EEG) profile and to evaluate the role of alcohol misuse and HCV infections as potential confounding factors in the detection of minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

Methods

A comprehensive neuropsychological profile and EEG spectral parameters were obtained in six age‐matched groups of 30 subjects each: (i) HCV‐related hepatitis without cirrhosis, (ii) chronic alcohol abusers, (iii) patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis, (iv) alcohol‐related cirrhosis, (v) cirrhosis not related to alcohol or HCV and (vi) healthy subjects. Cirrhotic patients were matched for MELD score.

Results

The factor ‘cirrhosis’ was associated with low Phonemic Verbal Fluency (PVF) and Difference between Trail Making Test B and A (TMT) (B‐A) (P < 0.001). Chronic alcohol misuse was associated with low PVF, TMT (B‐A), Memory with Interference Task at 10 (ITM 10) and 30 s (ITM 30) (all P < 0.05). An interaction was found between the factors ‘cirrhosis’, ‘alcohol misuse’ and tests (P < 0.01). HCV hepatitis reduced ITM 10 (P < 0.05), but no interaction was found between ‘cirrhosis’, ‘HCV infection’ and tests (P = 0.14). The EEG parameters were mainly influenced by ‘cirrhosis’ (P < 0.05), and EEG alterations were more pronounced in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Cirrhosis per se, chronic alcohol misuse and HCV infection were found to be associated with cognitive dysfunction. In patients with cirrhosis, the interaction with alcohol misuse further impinged on brain dysfunction.
In intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma: radioembolization with yttrium 90 or chemoembolization?
Authors: El Fouly Amr , Ertle Judith , El Dorry Ahmed , Shaker Mohamed K. , Dechêne Alexander , Abdella Heba , Mueller Stefan , Barakat Eman , Lauenstein Thomas , Bockisch Andreas , Gerken Guido , Schlaak Joerg F.
Published: July 2014

Background & Aims

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the standard treatments recommended for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). At the same time, only little is known about the use of radioembolization with Yttrium‐90 microspheres (TARE Y‐90) for this subset of patients. To perform comparative analysis between both locoregional therapies in intermediate HCCs. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), while safety, response rate and time‐to‐progression (TTP) were considered as secondary endpoints.

Methods

We collected data of 86 HCC patients in two university hospitals at which conventional TACE with doxorubicin or TARE Y‐90 using glass microspheres were performed. The median observation period was 10 months. Patients were followed up for signs of toxicity and response. They underwent imaging analysis at baseline and follow‐up at regular time intervals.

Results

Eighty‐six HCC patients with intermediate stage B (BCLC) were treated with either TACE (n = 42) or TARE Y‐90 (n = 44). Despite a higher tumour burden in the TARE Y‐90 group, the median OS (TACE: 18 months vs. TARE Y‐90: 16.4 months) and the median TTP (TACE: 6.8 months vs. TARE Y‐90: 13.3 months) were not statistically different. The number of treatment sessions, the average rate of treatment sessions per patient, total hospitalization time and rate of adverse events were significantly higher in the TACE cohort.

Conclusion

In intermediate HCC stage patients, both treatments resulted in similar survival probabilities despite more advanced disease in the TARE Y‐90 group. Still, TARE Y‐90 was better tolerated and associated with less hospitalization and treatment sessions.
Global population structure and demographic history of the grey seal
Authors: Klimova A. , Phillips C. D. , Fietz K. , Olsen M. T. , Harwood J. , Amos W. , Hoffman J. I.
Published: July 2014

Although the grey sealHalichoerus grypusis one of the most familiar and intensively studied of all pinniped species, its global population structure remains to be elucidated. Little is also known about how the species as a whole may have historically responded to climate‐driven changes in habitat availability and anthropogenic exploitation. We therefore analysed samples from over 1500 individuals collected from 22 colonies spanning the Western and Eastern Atlantic and the Baltic Sea regions, represented by 350 bp of the mitochondrial hypervariable region and up to nine microsatellites. Strong population structure was observed at both types of marker, and highly asymmetrical patterns of gene flow were also inferred, with the Orkney Islands being identified as a source of emigrants to other areas in the Eastern Atlantic. The Baltic and Eastern Atlantic regions were estimated to have diverged a little over 10 000 years ago, consistent with the last proposed isolation of the Baltic Sea. Approximate Bayesian computation also identified genetic signals consistent with postglacial population expansion across much of the species range, suggesting that grey seals are highly responsive to changes in habitat availability.
Soil fungal communities of grasslands are environmentally structured at a regional scale in the Alps
Authors: Pellissier L. , Niculita‐Hirzel H. , Dubuis A. , Pagni M. , Guex N. , Ndiribe C. , Salamin N. , Xenarios I. , Goudet J. , Sanders I. R. , Guisan A.
Published: July 2014

Studying patterns of species distributions along elevation gradients is frequently used to identify the primary factors that determine the distribution, diversity and assembly of species. However, despite their crucial role in ecosystem functioning, our understanding of the distribution of below‐ground fungi is still limited, calling for more comprehensive studies of fungal biogeography along environmental gradients at various scales (from regional to global). Here, we investigated the richness of taxa of soil fungi and their phylogenetic diversity across a wide range of grassland types along a 2800 m elevation gradient at a large number of sites (213), stratified across a region of the Western Swiss Alps (700 km2). We used 454 pyrosequencing to obtain fungal sequences that were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The OTU diversity–area relationship revealed uneven distribution of fungal taxa across the study area (i.e. not all taxa are everywhere) and fine‐scale spatial clustering. Fungal richness and phylogenetic diversity were found to be higher in lower temperatures and higher moisture conditions. Climatic and soil characteristics as well as plant community composition were related to OTU alpha, beta and phylogenetic diversity, with distinct fungal lineages suggesting distinct ecological tolerances. Soil fungi, thus, show lineage‐specific biogeographic patterns, even at a regional scale, and follow environmental determinism, mediated by interactions with plants.
Heterogeneity in ess transcriptional organization and variable contribution of the Ess/Type VII protein secretion system to virulence across closely related Staphylocccus aureus strains
Authors: Kneuper Holger , Cao Zhen Ping , Twomey Kate B. , Zoltner Martin , Jäger Franziska , Cargill James S. , Chalmers James , van der Kooi‐Pol Magdalena M. , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Ryan Robert P. , Hunter William N. , Palmer Tracy
Published: July 2014

The Type VII protein secretion system, found in Gram‐positive bacteria, secretes small proteins, containing a conserved W‐x‐G amino acid sequence motif, to the growth medium. Staphylococcus aureus has a conserved Type VII secretion system, termed Ess, which is dispensable for laboratory growth but required for virulence. In this study we show that there are unexpected differences in the organization of the ess gene cluster between closely related strains of S. aureus. We further show that in laboratory growth medium different strains of S. aureus secrete the EsxA and EsxC substrate proteins at different growth points, and that the Ess system in strain Newman is inactive under these conditions. Systematic deletion analysis in S. aureus RN6390 is consistent with the EsaA, EsaB, EssA, EssB, EssC and EsxA proteins comprising core components of the secretion machinery in this strain. Finally we demonstrate that the Ess secretion machinery of two S. aureus strains, RN6390 and COL, is important for nasal colonization and virulence in the murine lung pneumonia model. Surprisingly, however, the secretion system plays no role in the virulence of strain SA113 under the same conditions.
History, Theology, Orthodoxy, Polydoxy
Authors: Burrus Virginia
Published: July 2014

The discourse of orthodoxy and heresy has proven both extraordinarily powerful in its historical effects and woefully inadequate as a historical map of theological diversity. The documents of ancient Christianity reveal subtleties of differentiation that only sometimes come to be framed in polarized terms, as well as violent simplifications of asserted polarities that inevitably hide more than they reveal about a religious movement that placed nearly unprecedented value on both unity and universality even as it thereby also embraced the formidable difficulties entailed by an extreme social, cultural, and theological pluralism. But if historians have failed to take the measure of theological diversity, so too have theologians. Doctrine does not develop in a monolinear fashion, nor is it put on ice in the fourth‐century Mediterranean, or in any other time or place, but is rather the iterative product of the ongoing practice of theologizing—always repeating, always mutating, never finalized, and sprawling across place as well as time. Its elusive truths are conveyed by the testimony of a responsive, generous, and self‐emptying love, as much as by creedal certitude. From this perspective, the recent proposal of Catherine Keller, Laurel Schneider, et al., that the term “polydoxy” displace that of orthodoxy is met with both welcome and wariness. Welcome, as both an affirmation of what has always been and a challenge to live into that heritage more fully. Wariness, if polydoxy should turn out to be just another triumphal orthodoxy, suppressing difference.
The Xanthomonas campestris effector protein XopDXcc8004 triggers plant disease tolerance by targeting DELLA proteins
Authors: Tan Leitao , Rong Wei , Luo Hongli , Chen Yinhua , He Chaozu
Published: July 2014

Plants protect themselves from the harmful effects of pathogens by resistance and tolerance. Disease resistance, which eliminates pathogens, can be modulated by bacterial type III effectors. Little is known about whether disease tolerance, which sustains host fitness with a given pathogen burden, is regulated by effectors.

Here, we examined the effects of the Xanthomonas effector protein XopDXcc8004 on plant disease defenses by constructing knockout and complemented Xanthomonas strains, and performing inoculation studies in radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. radiculus XiaoJinZhong) and Arabidopsis plants.

XopDXcc8004 suppresses disease symptoms without changing bacterial titers in infected leaves. In Arabidopsis, XopDXcc8004 delays the hormone gibberellin (GA)‐mediated degradation of RGA (repressor of ga1‐3), one of five DELLA proteins that repress GA signaling and promote plant tolerance under biotic and abiotic stresses. The ERF‐associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif‐containing region of XopDXcc8004 interacts with the DELLA domain of RGA and might interfere with the GA‐induced binding of GID1, a GA receptor, to RGA.

The EAR motif was found to be present in a number of plant transcriptional regulators. Thus, our data suggest that bacterial pathogens might have evolved effectors, which probably mimic host components, to initiate disease tolerance and enhance their survival.
Neoglacial (<3000 years) till and flutes at Saskatchewan Glacier, Canadian Rocky Mountains, formed by subglacial deformation of a soft bed
Authors: Eyles Nick , Boyce Joe. I. , Putkinen Niko
Published: July 2014

Understanding the processes that deposit till below modern glaciers provides fundamental information for interpreting ancient subglacial deposits. A process‐deposit‐landform model is developed for the till bed of Saskatchewan Glacier in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The glacier is predominantly hard bedded in its upper reaches and flows through a deep valley carved into resistant Palaeozoic carbonates but the ice margin rests on a thick (<6 m) soft bed of silt‐rich deformation till that has been exposed as the glacier retreats from its Little Ice Age limit reached in 1854. In situ tree stumps rooted in a palaeosol under the till are dated between ca 2900 and 2700 yr bp and record initial glacier expansion during the Neoglacial. Sedimentological and stratigraphic observations underscore the importance of subglacial deformation of glaciofluvial outwash deposited in front of the advancing glacier and mixing with glaciolacustrine carbonate‐rich silt to form a soft bed. The exposed till plain has a rolling drumlinoid topography inherited from overridden end moraines and is corrugated by more than 400 longitudinal flute ridges which record deformation of the soft bed and fall into three genetically related types: those developed in propagating incipient cavities in the lee of large subglacial boulders embedded in deformation till, and those lacking any originating boulder and formed by pressing of wet till up into radial crevasses under stagnant ice. A third type consists of U‐shaped flutes akin to barchan dunes; these wrap around large boulders at the downglacier ends of longitudinal scours formed by the bulldozing of boulders by the ice front during brief winter readvances across soft till. Pervasive subglacial deformation during glacier expansion was probably facilitated by large boulders rotating within the soft bed (‘glacioturbation’).
To What Extent Does the Reporting Behavior of the Media Regarding a Celebrity Suicide Influence Subsequent Suicides in South Korea?
Authors: Lee JeSuk , Lee Weon‐Young , Hwang Jang‐Sun , Stack Steven John
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the nature of media coverage of a national entertainer's suicide and its impact on subsequent suicides. After the celebrity suicide, the number of suicide‐related articles reported surged around 80 times in the week after the suicide compared with the week prior. Many articles (37.1%) violated several critical items on the World Health Organization suicide reporting guidelines, like containing a detailed suicide method. Most gender and age subgroups were at significantly higher risk of suicide during the 4 weeks after the celebrity suicide. Results imply that massive and noncompliant media coverage of a celebrity suicide can cause a large‐scale copycat effect.
Physical activity ameliorates cartilage degeneration in a rat model of aging: A study on lubricin expression
Authors: Musumeci G. , Castrogiovanni P. , Trovato F. M. , Imbesi R. , Giunta S. , Szychlinska M. A. , Loreto C. , Castorina S. , Mobasheri A.
Published: July 2014

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by slow progression and joint tissue degeneration. Aging is one of the most prominent risk factors for the development and progression of OA. OA is not, however, an inevitable consequence of aging and age‐related changes in the joint can be distinguished from those that are the result of joint injury or inflammatory disease. The question that remains is whether OA can be prevented by undertaking regular physical activity. Would moderate physical activity in the elderly cartilage (and lubricin expression) comparable to a sedentary healthy adult? In this study we used physical exercise in healthy young, adult, and aged rats to evaluate the expression of lubricin as a novel biomarker of chondrocyte senescence. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of lubricin in articular cartilage, while enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify lubricin in synovial fluid. Morphological evaluation was done by histology to monitor possible tissue alterations. Our data suggest that moderate physical activity and normal mechanical joint loading in elderly rats improve tribology and lubricative properties of articular cartilage, promoting lubricin synthesis and its elevation in synovial fluid, thus preventing cartilage degradation compared with unexercised adult rats.
A hemolytic anti‐LKE associated with a rare LKE‐negative, “weak P” red blood cell phenotype: alloanti‐LKE and alloanti‐P recognize galactosylgloboside and monosialogalactosylgloboside (LKE) antigens
Authors: Cooling Laura , Dake Louann R. , Haverty Donna , Mullis Nancy , Ellis Susie , Shayman James , Judd W. John
Published: July 2014

Background

“Weak P” is a rare red blood cell (RBC) phenotype, characterized by a global decrease in Pk and P antigens. We now describe a second weak P individual who also typed LKE‐negative (LKE‐N) and possessed a clinically significant anti‐LKE.

Study Design and Methods

Patient RBCs and plasma were examined by standard serology and flow cytometry. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) from patient, Pk, and LKE‐strong (LKE‐S) RBCs were isolated and analyzed by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC). To confirm antibody specificity, patient serum and 30 human polyclonal controls, including alloanti‐P and anti‐PP1Pk, were tested against a panel of GSLs by HPTLC immunostaining.

Results

The patient typed P1+, P+, and LKE‐N and possessed a “P‐like” panagglutinin. In a two‐stage indirect antiglobulin test, the patient's plasma caused hemolysis of LKE‐S cells but not p, Pk, or LKE‐N cells. Clinically, transfusion of P+ RBCs compatible by a prewarmed technique had shortened RBC survival with laboratory evidence of hemolysis. Analysis of the patient's isolated RBC GSLs showed a 30% relative decrease in Gb3 (Pk) and Gb4 (P) and a 90% decrease in monosialogalactosylgloboside (MSGG, LKE), accompanied by increased lactosylceramide (CDH), paragloboside, and GM3. On HPTLC immunostaining, the patient's plasma strongly bound MSSG with weak binding to galactosylgloboside (Gb5). Binding to MSGG, Gb5, and Gb4 was also observed with some examples of alloanti‐P from Pk individuals, but not anti‐PP1Pk, autoanti‐P, or normal controls.

Conclusions

We describe the first example of a clinically significant anti‐LKE in the setting of a rare weak P background. Human alloanti‐LKE and some alloanti‐P recognized Gb5 and MSGG.
Derived subalgebras of centralisers and finite -algebras
Authors: Premet Alexander , Topley Lewis
Published: July 2014

Let$\mathfrak{g}=\mbox{Lie}(G)$be the Lie algebra of a simple algebraic group$G$over an algebraically closed field of characteristic$0$. Let$e$be a nilpotent element of$\mathfrak{g}$and let$\mathfrak{g}_e=\mbox{Lie}(G_e)$where$G_e$stands for the stabiliser of$e$in$G$. For$\mathfrak{g}$classical, we give an explicit combinatorial formula for the codimension of$[\mathfrak{g}_e,\mathfrak{g}_e]$in$\mathfrak{g}_e$and use it to determine those$e\in \mathfrak{g}$for which the largest commutative quotient$U(\mathfrak{g},e)^{\mbox{ab}}$of the finite$W$-algebra$U(\mathfrak{g},e)$is isomorphic to a polynomial algebra. It turns out that this happens if and only if$e$lies in a unique sheet of$\mathfrak{g}$. The nilpotent elements with this property are callednon-singularin the paper. Confirming a recent conjecture of Izosimov, we prove that a nilpotent element$e\in \mathfrak{g}$is non-singular if and only if the maximal dimension of the geometric quotients$\mathcal{S}/G$, where$\mathcal{S}$is a sheet of$\mathfrak{g}$containing$e$, coincides with the codimension of$[\mathfrak{g}_e,\mathfrak{g}_e]$in$\mathfrak{g}_e$and describe all non-singular nilpotent elements in terms of partitions. We also show that for any nilpotent element$e$in a classical Lie algebra$\mathfrak{g}$the closed subset of Specm $U(\mathfrak{g},e)^{\mbox{ab}}$consisting of all points fixed by the natural action of the component group of$G_e$is isomorphic to an affine space. Analogues of these results for exceptional Lie algebras are also obtained and applications to the theory of primitive ideals are given.
Climate Change in the Media: Climate Denial, Ian Plimer, and the Staging of Public Debate
Authors: Buettner Angi
Published: July 2014

Climate Change in the Media: Climate Denial, Ian Plimer, and the Staging of Public Debate
There’s Racism and Then There’s Racism: Margaret Mutu and the Immigration Debate
Authors: Abel Sue , Mutu Margaret
Published: July 2014

There’s Racism and Then There’s Racism: Margaret Mutu and the Immigration Debate
Primal Curiosity, Primal Anxiety: The Child Settler in Vigil and The Piano
Authors: Wild Harriet
Published: July 2014

Primal Curiosity, Primal Anxiety: The Child Settler in Vigil and The Piano
Plasmodium falciparum
transmission stages accumulate in the human bone marrow
Authors: Joice Regina , Nilsson Sandra K. , Montgomery Jacqui , Dankwa Selasi , Egan Elizabeth , Morahan Belinda , Seydel Karl B. , Bertuccini Lucia , Alano Pietro , Williamson Kim C. , Duraisingh Manoj T. , Taylor Terrie E. , Milner Danny A. , Marti Matthias
Published: July 2014

Sexual stages of the human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
use the hematopoietic system of the bone marrow as a developmental niche.
Intraindividual genome expression analysis reveals a specific molecular signature of psoriasis and eczema
Authors: Quaranta Maria , Knapp Bettina , Garzorz Natalie , Mattii Martina , Pullabhatla Venu , Pennino Davide , Andres Christian , Traidl-Hoffmann Claudia , Cavani Andrea , Theis Fabian J. , Ring Johannes , Schmidt-Weber Carsten B. , Eyerich Stefanie , Eyerich Kilian
Published: July 2014

Signatures from patients with both psoriasis and eczema contribute to understanding disease pathogenesis and diagnosis.
BRAIN Initiative to Transform Human Imaging
Authors: Pettigrew Roderic Ivan
Published: July 2014

The BRAIN initiative’s call for invention of the next generation of human imaging systems will help discover answers to some of our most challenging health mysteries across
all organ systems.
Dissecting the Enigma of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Pathogenesis
Authors: Bhardwaj Anshu
Published: July 2014

pH-dependent adaptations and host carbon sources play crucial roles in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection.
α-Ketoglutarate—A New Currency of Longevity
Authors: Chitalia Vipul
Published: July 2014

A product of tricarboxylic acid metabolism, α-ketoglutarate prolongs life span.
Shedding (UV) Light on Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Musiek Erik
Published: July 2014

Ultraviolet light therapy suppresses demyelination in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis and induces potentially protective immune responses in humans.
The influence of social networking sites on health behavior change: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Laranjo Liliana , Arguel Amaël , Neves Ana L , Gallagher Aideen M , Kaplan Ruth , Mortimer Nathan , Mendes Guilherme A , Lau Annie Y S
Published: July 2014

Objective Our aim was to evaluate the use and effectiveness of interventions using social networking sites (SNSs) to change health behaviors.

Materials and methods Five databases were scanned using a predefined search strategy. Studies were included if they focused on patients/consumers, involved an SNS intervention, had an outcome related to health behavior change, and were prospective. Studies were screened by independent investigators, and assessed using Cochrane's ‘risk of bias’ tool. Randomized controlled trials were pooled in a meta-analysis.

Results The database search retrieved 4656 citations; 12 studies (7411 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Facebook was the most utilized SNS, followed by health-specific SNSs, and Twitter. Eight randomized controlled trials were combined in a meta-analysis. A positive effect of SNS interventions on health behavior outcomes was found (Hedges’ g 0.24; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.43). There was considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 84.0%; T2 = 0.058) and no evidence of publication bias.

Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of SNS interventions in changing health-related behaviors. Most studies evaluated multi-component interventions, posing problems in isolating the specific effect of the SNS. Health behavior change theories were seldom mentioned in the included articles, but two particularly innovative studies used ‘network alteration’, showing a positive effect. Overall, SNS interventions appeared to be effective in promoting changes in health-related behaviors, and further research regarding the application of these promising tools is warranted.

Conclusions Our study showed a positive effect of SNS interventions on health behavior-related outcomes, but there was considerable heterogeneity.

Protocol registration The protocol for this systematic review is registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO with the number CRD42013004140.
A case of toxic epidermal necrolysis caused by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Rijal Jharendra P , Pompa Tiffany , Giri Smith , Bhatt Vijaya Raj
Published: July 2014

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but serious dermatological emergency characterised by diffuse exfoliation of the skin and mucous membranes due to immune mediated destruction of the epidermis which can lead to sepsis and respiratory distress. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a widely used antibiotic which can rarely lead to TEN. Early diagnosis and aggressive medical care is essential for the reduction of high morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. We present a case of successfully recovered TEN due to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in a 62 -year-old woman.
A young woman with seizures and psychosis
Authors: Naha Sowjanya , Naha Kushal , Hande H Manjunath , Vivek Ganapathiraman
Published: July 2014

We present a case of a 24-year-old woman with abnormal behaviour of recent onset. She had been diagnosed previously with epilepsy and had been started on antiepileptic medication. Clinical examination confirmed features of psychosis including paranoid delusions and auditory hallucination. Neurological examination showed nystagmus and dysmetria. Further evaluation revealed the underlying cause for her symptoms. She responded promptly to appropriate therapy with complete resolution of psychosis.
The role of palliative rehabilitation in the preservation of personhood at the end of life
Authors: R Krishna L K , Yong C Y L , Koh S M C
Published: July 2014

Progressive advancements in the fields of medicine, oncology and palliative care have seen significant gains in the life expectancy but have also resulted in patients living longer with the burdens of cancer. It is within the sphere of end-of-life care that the role of palliative rehabilitation comes into its own in addressing the effects of increased physical and psychological morbidity that accompany many of these prognostic gains. Focusing on the cancer journey, we highlight the impact of rehabilitative measures on efforts to preserve the personhood of a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and thus maintain her dignity and quality of life and provide her with appropriate and effective holistic care at the end of life. Through employing the Ring Theory of Personhood, the critical role of the complementary aspects of palliative rehabilitation in end-of-life care is brought to the fore.
Tumour bleed manifesting as spontaneous extradural haematoma in posterior fossa
Authors: Mahore Amit , Ramdasi Raghvendra Vijayrao , Pauranik Anvita , Epari Shridhar
Published: July 2014

We report a unique case of primary extradural angiosarcoma of posterior fossa manifesting as extradural haematoma in a 12-year-old boy who presented with acute onset headache, vomiting, nuchal rigidity and altered sensorium. The patient underwent a retromastoid suboccipital craniotomy on emergency basis, and the lesion was excised completely. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed an angiosarcoma, following which radiation therapy was given. The patient showed complete clinical and neurological improvement. At a follow-up of 2 years he is in good health without any sign of regrowth.
A 33-year-old Haitian immigrant with 7 months of abdominal pain and progressive distension
Authors: Farhadian Shelli , Shenoi Sheela V , Villanueva Merceditas S
Published: July 2014

We report a case of a 33-year-old previously healthy Haitian immigrant with a 7-month history of abdominal pain, fever and ascites. He had a history of positive tuberculin skin test but never underwent treatment for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. Initial examination showed abdominal distension. Abdominal CT scan showed mild ascites, abnormal soft tissue in the greater omentum and small bowel mesentery, retroperitoneal adenopathy, peritoneal thickening and dilated loops of small bowel. Paracentesis and thoracentesis were initially non-diagnostic. HIV testing was negative. The differential diagnosis included lymphoma and TB peritonitis. The omental mass was biopsied under ultrasound guidance, and histopathology revealed non-necrotising granulomas. Sputum cultures and omental biopsy cultures subsequently grewMycobacterium tuberculosis, and a diagnosis was made of pulmonary TB with TB peritonitis. The patient responded well to the initiation of anti-TB treatment.
Listening to a personal music player is associated with fewer but more serious injuries among snowboarders in a terrain park: a case-control study
Authors: Russell Kelly , Meeuwisse Willem , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Emery Carolyn A , Gushue Shantel , Wishart Jillian , Romanow Nicole , Rowe Brian H , Goulet Claude , Hagel Brent E
Published: July 2014

Background

Some snowboarders listen to music on a personal music player and the objective was to determine if listening to music was associated with injury in a terrain park.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted at a terrain park in Alberta, Canada during the 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 winter seasons. Cases were snowboarders who were injured in the terrain park and presented to either the ski patrol and/or a nearby emergency department (ED). Demographic, environmental and injury characteristics were collected from standardised ski patrol Accident Report Forms, ED medical records and telephone interviews. Controls were uninjured snowboarders using the same terrain park and were interviewed as they approached the lift-line on randomly selected days and times. Multivariable logistic regression determined if listening to music was associated with the odds of snowboard injury.

Results

Overall, 333 injured cases and 1261 non-injured controls were enrolled; 69 (21%) cases and 425 (34%) controls were listening to music. Snowboarders listening to music had significantly lower odds of injury compared with those not listening to music (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.68; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.98). Snowboarders listening to music had significantly higher odds of presenting to the ED versus ski patrol only compared with those not listening to music (adjusted OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.07 to 4.05).

Conclusions

While listening to music decreased the odds of any injury in the terrain park, it increased the odds of an injury resulting in ED presentation.
Providing effective trauma care: the potential for service provider views to enhance the quality of care (qualitative study nested within a multicentre longitudinal quantitative study)
Authors: Beckett Kate , Earthy Sarah , Sleney Jude , Barnes Jo , Kellezi Blerina , Barker Marcus , Clarkson Julie , Coffey Frank , Elder Georgina , Kendrick Denise ,   The Impact of Injuries Study group
Published: July 2014

Objective

To explore views of service providers caring for injured people on: the extent to which services meet patients’ needs and their perspectives on factors contributing to any identified gaps in service provision.

Design

Qualitative study nested within a quantitative multicentre longitudinal study assessing longer term impact of unintentional injuries in working age adults. Sampling frame for service providers was based on patient-reported service use in the quantitative study, patient interviews and advice of previously injured lay research advisers. Service providers’ views were elicited through semistructured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Participants were recruited from a range of settings and services in acute hospital trusts in four study centres (Bristol, Leicester, Nottingham and Surrey) and surrounding areas.

Participants

40 service providers from a range of disciplines.

Results

Service providers described two distinct models of trauma care: an ‘ideal’ model, informed by professional knowledge of the impact of injury and awareness of best models of care, and a ‘real’ model based on the realities of National Health Service (NHS) practice. Participants’ ‘ideal’ model was consistent with standards of high-quality effective trauma care and while there were examples of services meeting the ideal model, ‘real’ care could also be fragmented and inequitable with major gaps in provision. Service provider accounts provide evidence of comprehensive understanding of patients’ needs, awareness of best practice, compassion and research but reveal significant organisational and resource barriers limiting implementation of knowledge in practice.

Conclusions

Service providers envisage an ‘ideal’ model of trauma care which is timely, equitable, effective and holistic, but this can differ from the care currently provided. Their experiences provide many suggestions for service improvements to bridge the gap between ‘real’ and ‘ideal’ care. Using service provider views to inform service design and delivery could enhance the quality, patient experience and outcomes of care.