bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiosteoporotic effect of orally administered yolk‐derived peptides on bone mass in women
Authors: Abdou Adham M. , Watabe Kazuya , Yamane Tetsuro , Isono Tadayuki , Okamura Yoshitaka , Kawahito Seiji , Takeshima Kazuhito , Masuda Kazuyuki , Kim Mujo
Published: February 2014

The main objective of this study was to verify the effect of oral intake of a yolk‐derived peptide preparation (HYP) obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of yolk water‐soluble protein on bone markers and bone density in 65 perimenopausal women with an average age of 47.6 ± 5.2 years. Subjects were divided into three groups, and then enrolled in a 6‐month, randomized, double‐blind clinical trial. Bone formation and resorption markers were measured at 0, 3, and 6 months, while bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spines was measured at 0 and 6 months. Although the bone formation marker levels showed the similarity changes among the groups, bone resorption markers in the test HYP group were significantly decreased after 3 and 6 months in comparison to other groups (P < 0.05). After 6 months, BMD in the test HYP group maintained at healthy numerical values whereas BMD values were decreased in other groups. Hence HYP would be an antiosteoporotic agent originated from natural food to maintain bone health, especially for women.
Enhancing safety and shelf life of fresh‐cut mango by application of edible coatings and microencapsulation technique
Authors: Alikhani Majid
Published: February 2014

Mango pulp is very perishable and so has a short shelf life, which both marketers and consumers would like to be longer. Manually sliced mango was treated by coating opuntia mucilage‐rosemary oil (Mu + RO), 2 g rosemary oil microencapsul (ROM), and 2 g (ROM) plus (Mu + RO); the treated mango pieces were placed in plastic trays, and overwrapped with PVDC film and then stored at 6°C. Changes in the quality parameters and activity of peroxidase (POD) enzyme were evaluated for 9 days of storage period. These treatments retarded loss of ascorbic acid and the drop in sensory acceptability, fewer changes in color, decreasing activity POD enzyme. These also inhibited the decay incidence and slowed microbial growth. The (Mu + RO) treatment was more effective in controlling postharvest quality as compared to the (ROM) treatment, but the data reveal that applying the compound treatment effectively prolongs the quality attributes and extends the storage life of sliced mango fruit.
Towards a therapeutic window of D2/3 occupancy for treatment of psychosis in Alzheimer's disease, with [18F]fallypride positron emission tomography
Authors: Clark‐Papasavas Chloe , Dunn Joel T. , Greaves Suki , Mogg Andrew , Gomes Rosemary , Brownings Stuart , Liu Kathy , Nwosu Bonnita , Marsden Paul , Joemon John , Cleij Marcel , Kessler Robert , Howard Robert , Reeves Suzanne
Published: February 2014

Objective

Dopamine D2/3 receptor positron emission tomography tracers have guided antipsychotic prescribing in young people with schizophrenia by establishing a ‘therapeutic window’ of striatal D2/3 receptor occupancy. Older people, particularly those with dementia, are highly susceptible to motor side effects and may benefit from the appropriate application of imaging techniques. The study aimed to adapt [18F]fallypride imaging for use in occupancy studies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to investigate whether data acquisition could be made more tolerable by piloting the protocol in a small sample.

Methods

Six participants with AD (three men; 85.0 ± 5.6 years old; MMSE = 16.0 ± 2.4) were recruited prior to commencing amisulpride for the treatment of psychosis and associated agitation. [18F]fallypride binding potential (BPND) was determined using an interrupted scanning protocol at baseline (n = 6) and after 27.0 ± 6.1 days of amisulpride (25–50 mg) treatment (n = 4). D2/3 occupancy was calculated by percentage reduction in BPND between scanning sessions. Image data were re‐analysed after reducing individual sampling times to 20 min.

Results

The protocol was tolerated well, apart from the final (40 min) session of the post‐treatment scan in one participant. Higher occupancies were achieved in the striatum (caudate 47–70%, putamen 31–58%) and thalamus (54–76%) than in the inferior temporal gyrus (27–43%). There was high agreement between occupancy values derived using longer and shorter sampling times (mean absolute difference 6.1% in the inferior temporal gyrus; <2% all other regions).

Conclusions

The protocol is feasible for use in AD and represents the first step towards establishing dose–occupancy relationships across older clinical populations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abuse of older persons with dementia by family caregivers: results of a 6‐month prospective study in Hong Kong
Authors: Yan Elsie
Published: February 2014

Objective

To examine the association between care recipients' agitated behaviors, family caregivers' burnout, and abuse in community dwelling older Chinese with dementia in Hong Kong.

Design

This was a 6‐month prospective study.

Method

One hundred forty‐nine caregivers provided information on their demographic characteristics, care recipients' everyday functioning and agitated behaviors, and caregivers' burnout symptoms. Caregivers were re‐interviewed 6 months later and provided information on changes in both care recipients' everyday functioning and agitated behaviors, and verbally and physically abusive behaviors directed at care recipients in the past month.

Results

The single most significant variable in predicting abuse at 6‐month follow‐up was abuse at baseline. In addition, verbal abuse was predicted by more co‐residing days, a high level of agitated behavior, and a strong sense of caregiver depersonalization. Care recipients were more likely to be physically abused if they were male, had no chronic conditions other than dementia, and demonstrated a high level of agitated behaviors. Entering caregiver burnout into the model did not modify the association between care recipients' agitated behavior and abuse for either verbal or physical abuse.

Conclusion

This study is the first to establish an association between care recipients' agitated behaviors, burnout, and abuse by family caregivers using prospective data. The present results confirmed that care recipients' agitated behaviors and caregivers' symptoms of burnout are associated with family caregivers' abusive behaviors. Caregiver burnout did not mediate the association between agitated behaviors and abuse. Proper management of care recipients' agitated behaviors and adequate support provided to family caregivers may help prevent the development of new cases of elder mistreatment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Medicaid on Health Care Consumption of Young Adults
Authors: Coey Dominic
Published: February 2014

All states provide Medicaid until the age of 19 years. After 19 years, young adults may become ineligible for Medicaid. Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we find that the resulting loss of Medicaid coverage causes substantial changes to the level and composition of health care use. The total number of visits to health care providers falls by over 60%, two‐thirds of which is due to a decline in office visits. Expenditures, in particular inpatient expenditures, also appear to fall sharply. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and Natural History of Histologically Proven Chronic Liver Disease in a Longitudinal Cohort of Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Harman David J. , Kaye Philip V. , Harris Rebecca , Suzuki Ayako , Gazis Anastasios , Aithal Guruprasad P.
Published: February 2014

Although a higher prevalence of raised liver enzymes and altered echotexture on ultrasound have been reported in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the histological spectrum and natural history of chronic liver disease (CLD) in T1DM is unknown. We investigated the prevalence and outcome of histologically proven CLD in a longitudinal cohort of patients with T1DM. We identified patients who have had liver biopsy from a computerized database (DIAMOND; Hicom Technology, Brookwood, UK) containing longitudinal data for over 95% of type 1 diabetes patients from an overall catchment population of 700,000 people. Gender-matched patients with oral hypoglycemic-treated (T2OH) and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2IN) who had liver biopsy formed two comparative cohorts. We collated clinical and histological data, as well as long-term outcomes of all three groups, and compared T1DM cirrhosis incidence to UK general population data. Of 4,644 patients with T1DM, 57 (1.2%) underwent liver biopsy. Of these, 53.1% of patients had steatosis, 20.4% had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and 73.5% had fibrosis on index liver biopsy. Cirrhosis was diagnosed in 14 patients (24.6%) during follow-up. T1DM with age under 55 years had an odds ratio of 1.875 (95% confidence interval: 0.936-3.757) for cirrhosis incidence, compared to the general population. Longitudinal liver-related outcomes were similar comparing the T1DM cohort and respective type 2 diabetes cohorts—when adjusted for important confounders, diabetic cohort type did not predict altered risk of incident cirrhosis or portal hypertension.

Conclusion :

Type 1 diabetes is associated with a previously unrecognized burden of CLD and its complications. (Hepatology 2014;60:158–168)
Computerized Physician Order Entry-Based System to Prevent HBV Reactivation in Patients Treated With Biologic Agents: The PRESCRIB Project
Authors: Sampedro Blanca , Hernández-López Cándido , Ferrandiz José Ramón , Illaro Aitziber , Fábrega Emilio , Cuadrado Antonio , Iruzubieta Paula , Menéndez Susana , Cabezas Joaquín , Crespo Javier
Published: February 2014

Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) applications are widely used to prevent medical errors. In our center, a CPOE system has been in use since 2009 on both the inpatient and outpatient levels. A new and simple alert was introduced in the CPOE system to notify healthcare providers of the potential risk of viral reactivation when prescribing biological therapies, thereby facilitating the request for a serological profile (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], anti-HBc, and anti-HBs) in patients who have not had these tests. Between May 2012 and May 2013, a total of 1,076 patients undergoing biological treatment were included in the implementation of the CPOE in our hospital, resulting in the identification of 4 HBsAg-positive and 69 anti-HBc-positive/HBsAg-negative patients, two of them with positive viral loads. Since the implementation of this alert system, over 90% of patients who were prescribed a biological drug (BD) have undergone serological screening to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The use of the alert system has increased the screening rate from less than 50% to 94% for HBsAg and from less than 30% to 85% for anti-HBc in patients for whom a BD is prescribed. Six patients received prophylactic antiviral therapy. No patient had HBV reactivation.

Conclusion :

This study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a CPOE system that has allowed our hospital to increase the rate of HBV screening. Its use has facilitated the identification of patients at high risk for HBV reactivation and permitted physicians to prescribe prophylactic measures according to current guidelines. (Hepatology 2014;106–113)
VEGF‐C mediates RhoGDI2‐induced gastric cancer cell metastasis and cisplatin resistance
Authors: Jun Cho Hee , Kim In‐Kyu , Park Sun‐Mi , Eun Baek Kyoung , Nam In‐Koo , Park Seung‐Ho , Ryu Ki‐Jun , Choi Jungil , Ryu Jinhyun , Hong Soon‐Chan , Jeong Sang‐Ho , Lee Young‐Joon , Ko Gyung‐Hyuck , Won Kim Jae , Won Lee Chang , Soo Kang Sang , Yoo Jiyun
Published: February 2014

Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) expression is correlated with tumor growth, metastasis and chemoresistance in gastric cancer. However, the mechanisms by which RhoGDI2 promotes tumor cell survival and metastasis remain unclear. In this study, we clearly demonstrate that RhoGDI2 upregulates VEGF‐C expression and RhoGDI2 expression is positively correlated with VEGF‐C expression in human gastric tumor tissues as well as parental gastric cancer cell lines. VEGF‐C depletion suppressed RhoGDI2‐induced gastric cancer metastasis and sensitized RhoGDI2‐overexpressing cells to cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Secreted VEGF‐C enhanced gastric cancer cell invasion and conferred cisplatin resistance to RhoGDI2‐overexpressing cells. We also show that RhoGDI2 positively regulates Rac1 activity in gastric cancer cells. Inhibition of Rac1 expression suppressed RhoGDI2‐induced VEGF‐C expression, and this inhibition was associated with decreased invasiveness and increased sensitivity to cisplatin in RhoGDI2‐overexpressing cells. Our results indicate that RhoGDI2 might be a potential therapeutic target for simultaneously reducing metastasis risk and enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in gastric cancer.
A Functional N‐terminal Domain in C/EBPβ‐LAP* is Required for Interacting with SWI/SNF and to Repress Ric‐8B Gene Transcription in Osteoblasts
Authors: Aguilar Rodrigo , Grandy Rodrigo , Meza Daniel , Sepulveda Hugo , Pihan Philippe , van Wijnen Andre J. , Lian Jane B. , Stein Gary S. , Stein Janet L. , Montecino Martin
Published: February 2014

The chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF and the transcription factor C/EBPβ play critical roles in osteoblastic cells as they jointly control transcription of a number of bone‐related target genes. The largest C/EBPβ isoform, LAP*, possesses a short additional N‐terminal domain that has been proposed to mediate the interaction of this factor with SWI/SNF in myeloid cells. Here we examine the requirement of a functional N‐terminus in C/EBPβ‐LAP* for binding SWI/SNF and for recruiting this complex to the Ric‐8B gene to mediate transcriptional repression. We find that both C/EBPβ‐LAP* and SWI/SNF simultaneously bind to the Ric‐8B promoter in differentiating osteoblasts that repress Ric‐8B expression. This decreased expression of Ric‐8B is not accompanied by significant changes in histone acetylation at the Ric‐8B gene promoter sequence. A single aminoacid change at the C/EBPβ‐LAP* N‐terminus (R3L) that inhibits C/EBPβ‐LAP*‐SWI/SNF interaction, also prevents SWI/SNF recruitment to the Ric‐8B promoter as well as C/EBPβ‐LAP*‐dependent repression of the Ric‐8B gene. Inducible expression of the C/EBPβ‐LAP*R3L protein in stably transfected osteoblastic cells demonstrates that this mutant protein binds to C/EBPβ‐LAP*‐target promoters and competes with the endogenous C/EBPβ factor. Together our results indicate that a functional N‐terminus in C/EBPβ‐LAP* is required for interacting with SWI/SNF and for Ric‐8B gene repression in osteoblasts. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1521–1528, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FLRT2 Interacts With Fibronectin in the ATDC5 Chondroprogenitor Cells
Authors: Flintoff K.A. , Arudchelvan Y. , Gong Siew‐Ging
Published: February 2014

Expression studies have implicated FLRT2 in cranial neural crest cell migration and prechondrogenic cell condensation during craniofacial skeletogenesis. We aimed to determine whether FLRT2 was involved in mediating cell‐matrix interactions in the ATDC5 chondroprogenitor cell line. Immunolocalization experiments of ATDC5 cells revealed that FLRT2 was present on the cell membrane as well as extracellularly, where it colocalized with Fibronectin (Fn). After cell extraction of the matrix, FLRT2 was identified in the ATDC5‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) and was further found to be associated with Fn‐coated beads in cell cultures. Blockage of Fn fibril formation via a blocking peptide resulted in a concomitant decrease in extracellular FLRT2 accumulation. Over a 7‐day period following the replenishment of the Fn blocking peptide to the cultures, there was a partial rebound in Fn fibril formation that was accompanied by a concomitant reappearance of FLRT2 co‐expression. Co‐immunoprecipitation confirmed that FLRT2 and Fn interacted, either directly or indirectly. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses with antibodies recognizing epitopes located on the extra‐ and intracellular domains of FLRT2 further revealed the presence of different sized bands, suggesting that FLRT2 may exist in both membrane‐bound and shed forms. Our data therefore provide evidence that FLRT2 and/or its cleavage products may be cooperating with Fn and other ECM proteins to regulate critical cellular events. Further studies will be necessary in delineate more precisely the roles of FLRT2 in mediating cell‐ and cell‐matrix interactions during normal development. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1538–1547, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rare malignant pediatric tumors registered in the German Childhood Cancer Registry 2001–2010
Authors: Brecht Ines B. , Bremensdorfer Claudia , Schneider Dominik T. , Frühwald Michael C. , Offenmüller Sonja , Mertens Rolf , Vorwerk Peter , Koscielniak Ewa , Bielack Stefan S. , Benesch Martin , Hero Barbara , Graf Norbert , ∨on Schweinitz Dietrich , Kaatsch Peter
Published: February 2014

Background

The German Childhood Cancer Registry (GCCR) annually registers approximately 2,000 children diagnosed with a malignant disease (completeness of registration >95%). While most pediatric cancer patients are diagnosed and treated according to standardized cooperative protocols of the German Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH), patients with rare tumors are at risk of not being integrated in the network including trials and reference centers.

Procedure

A retrospective analysis of all rare extracranial solid tumors reported to the GCCR 2001–2010 (age <18 years) was undertaken using a combination of the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC‐3) and the International Classification of Diseases‐Oncology (ICD‐O‐3). Tumors accounting for <0.3% of all malignancies were defined as rare (approx. 6 cases/year and registered malignancy).

Results

According to this definition 1,189 rare extracranial solid tumors (18.2% of all malignant extracranial solid tumors) were registered, among these 232 patients (19.5% of rare tumor cases), were not included in preexisting GPOH studies/registries. Within 10 years, the number of registered non‐GPOH‐trial patients with a rare tumor increased.

Conclusions

Though most of the GCCR‐registered patients with rare malignant tumors are treated within GPOH trials, there is a considerable number of patients that have been diagnosed and treated outside the structures of the GPOH. These patients should be reported to the recently founded German Pediatric Rare Tumor Registry (STEP). Active data accrual and the development of appropriate structures will allow for better registration and improvement of medical care in these patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1202–1209. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Causal inference in longitudinal comparative effectiveness studies with repeated measures of a continuous intermediate variable
Authors: Wang Chen‐Pin , Jo Booil , Hendricks Brown C.
Published: February 2014

We propose a principal stratification approach to assess causal effects in nonrandomized longitudinal comparative effectiveness studies with a binary endpoint outcome and repeated measures of a continuous intermediate variable. Our method is an extension of the principal stratification approach originally proposed for the longitudinal randomized study “Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly: Collaborative Trial” to assess the treatment effect on the continuous Hamilton depression score adjusting for the heterogeneity of repeatedly measured binary compliance status. Our motivation for this work comes from a comparison of the effect of two glucose‐lowering medications on a clinical cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we consider a causal inference problem assessing how well the two medications work relative to one another on two binary endpoint outcomes: cardiovascular disease‐related hospitalization and all‐cause mortality. Clinically, these glucose‐lowering medications can have differential effects on the intermediate outcome, glucose level over time. Ultimately, we want to compare medication effects on the endpoint outcomes among individuals in the same glucose trajectory stratum while accounting for the heterogeneity in baseline covariates (i.e., to obtain ‘principal effects’ on the endpoint outcomes). The proposed method involves a three‐step model estimation procedure. Step 1 identifies principal strata associated with the intermediate variable using hybrid growth mixture modeling analyses. Step 2 obtains the stratum membership using the pseudoclass technique and derives propensity scores for treatment assignment. Step 3 obtains the stratum‐specific treatment effect on the endpoint outcome weighted by inverse propensity probabilities derived from Step 2. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembled α‐Fe2O3 Mesocrystals/Graphene Nanohybrid for Enhanced Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Yang Shuhua , Song Xuefeng , Zhang Peng , Sun Jing , Gao Lian
Published: February 2014

Self‐assembled α‐Fe2O3 mesocrystals/graphene nanohybrids have been successfully synthesized and have a unique mesocrystal porous structure, a large specific surface area, and high conductivity. Mesocrystal structures have recently attracted unparalleled attention owing to their promising application in energy storage as electrochemical capacitors. However, mesocrystal/graphene nanohybrids and their growth mechanism have not been clearly investigated. Here we show a facile fabrication of short rod‐like α‐Fe2O3 mesocrystals/graphene nanohybrids by self‐assembly of FeOOH nanorods as the primary building blocks on graphene under hydrothermal conditions, accompanied and promoted by concomitant phase transition from FeOOH to α‐Fe2O3. A systematic study of the formation mechanism is also presented. The galvanostatic charge/discharge curve shows a superior specific capacitance of the as‐prepared α‐Fe2O3 mesocrystals/graphene nanohybrid (based on total mass of active materials), which is 306.9 F g−1 at 3 A g−1 in the aqueous electrolyte under voltage ranges of up to 1 V. The nanohybrid with unique sufficient porous structure and high electrical conductivity allows for effective ion and charge transport in the whole electrode. Even at a high discharge current density of 10 A g−1, the enhanced ion and charge transport still yields a higher capacitance (98.2 F g−1), exhibiting enhanced rate capability. The α‐Fe2O3 mesocrystal/graphene nanohybrid electrode also demonstrates excellent cyclic performance, which is superior to previously reported graphene‐based hematite electrode, suggesting it is highly stable as an electrochemical capacitor.
Primary service outage and secondary service performance in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Talebi Sayed Pouria
Published: February 2014

In this work, we have used stochastic geometry to analyze the effects of the radio environment and the secondary service sensing error on the primary service outage probability. We have also obtained a closed form expression for the primary service outage probability in a Rayleigh fading channel. Furthermore, an approximation was formulated for a general fading channel. The results obtained were used to drive an expression for the secondary service successful transmission density. Finally, we formulated an optimization problem to achieve highest density of secondary service successful transmissions while keeping the primary service outage probability in check by adjusting sensing error and secondary service node density to their optimal values. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Genetic Counseling Intervention to Facilitate Family Communication About Inherited Conditions
Authors: Gaff Clara , Hodgson Jan
Published: February 2014

This paper describes the development and implementation of the first intervention to facilitate family communication of genetic information based on a genetic counseling model of practice. The intervention is telephone‐based and therefore designed to complement face‐to‐face genetic counseling consultations. It was developed by firstly reviewing the literature and a model of genetic counseling practice, leading to definition of seven core principles underpinning the intervention. A counseling framework based on these principles was developed through iterative role playing and review, tested for consistency with good practice and piloted on ten study participants. It was found to be feasible to implement and consistent with good genetic counseling practice. Implementation included training of the genetic counselors who would deliver the intervention as part of a randomized controlled trial. Noteworthy deviations from good genetic counseling practice were observed, with unexpected additional insights into the ‘black box’ of genetic counseling that may have wider implications and would benefit from further investigation. The intervention is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial, to assess its impact on the number of family members attending genetic services.
Birth Cohort and the Specialization Gap Between Same-Sex and Different-Sex Couples
Authors: Giddings Lisa , Nunley John M. , Schneebaum Alyssa , Zietz Joachim
Published: February 2014

We examine differences in household specialization between same-sex and different-sex couples within and across three birth cohorts: Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. Using three measures of household specialization, we find that same-sex couples are less likely than their different-sex counterparts to exhibit a high degree of specialization. However, the “specialization gap” between same-sex and different-sex couples narrows across birth cohorts. These findings are indicative of a cohort effect. Our results are largely robust to the inclusion of a control for the presence of children and for subsets of couples with and without children. We provide three potential explanations for why the specialization gap narrows across cohorts. First, different-sex couples from more recent birth cohorts may have become more like same-sex couples in terms of household specialization. Second, social and legal changes may have prompted a greater degree of specialization within same-sex couples relative to different-sex couples. Last, the advent of reproductive technologies, which made having children easier for same-sex couples from more recent birth cohorts, could result in more specialization in such couples relative to different-sex couples.
Back to Basics: Speak Up
Authors: Spruce Lisa
Published: February 2014

Being able to identify problems and bring them to the attention of OR team colleagues is crucial for the safety of both patients and perioperative team members; however, being able to do this means being comfortable with speaking up under circumstances that may be difficult. Disruptive or intimidating coworker behavior also makes speaking up difficult, but it is important to address in the interest of providing safe, effective care to patients. To remedy this, health care workers should create awareness of the problem and motivate others to take action; establish a culture of respect; set expectations to help eliminate disrespectful behavior; and create a learning environment that eliminates hierarchical structures, fosters professionalism, demonstrates respect, and enforces a zero tolerance policy.
Using Preoperative Assessment and Patient Instruction to Improve Patient Safety
Authors: Allison Jan , George Michelle
Published: February 2014

Rates of patient transfers, cancellations, and patient visits to the emergency department after discharge are quality metrics for ambulatory surgery centers. To improve these metrics, it is imperative to establish best practices for conducting preoperative assessments, including identifying key patient conditions (ie, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, reactive airway disease, obesity). To guide appropriate patient selection, practitioners should review the patient's allergies and sensitivities, alcohol use, medications, and medical history. To help ensure good patient outcomes, it is imperative to provide complete preoperative instructions (eg, NPO guidelines, medications, what to bring, cancellation instructions) and discharge instructions (eg, postoperative medications, appropriate activity restrictions, diet, surgical and anesthetic side effects, special circumstances [eg, regional blocks], symptoms of possible complications, treatment and tests, access to postdischarge follow‐up care). Generally, the routine outpatient surgical patient is discharged home; however, there are circumstances that occasionally necessitate transfer or admission to a higher level of care. For transfers, ambulatory surgery centers should adhere to applicable federal and state guidelines and should have a clear policy in place to guide transfers.
New insights into the role of connexins in pancreatic islet function and diabetes
Authors: Farnsworth Nikki L. , Benninger Richard K.P.
Published: February 2014

Multi‐cellular systems require complex signaling mechanisms for proper tissue function, to mediate signaling between cells in close proximity and at distances. This holds true for the islets of Langerhans, which are multicellular micro‐organs located in the pancreas responsible for glycemic control, through secretion of insulin and other hormones. Coupling of electrical and metabolic signaling between islet β‐cells is required for proper insulin secretion and effective glycemic control. β‐cell specific coupling is established through gap junctions composed of connexin36, which results in coordinated insulin release across the islet. Islet connexins have been implicated in both Type‐1 and Type‐2 diabetes; however a clear link remains to be determined. The goal of this review is to discuss recent discoveries regarding the role of connexins in regulating insulin secretion, the regulation of connexins within the islet, and recent studies which support a role for connexins in diabetes. Further studies which investigate the regulation of connexins in the islet and their role in diabetes may lead to novel diabetes therapies which regulate islet function and β‐cell survival through modulation of gap junction coupling.
The dynamic microbiome
Authors: Gerber Georg K.
Published: February 2014

While our genomes are essentially static, our microbiomes are inherently dynamic. The microbial communities we harbor in our bodies change throughout our lives due to many factors, including maturation during childhood, alterations in our diets, travel, illnesses, and medical treatments. Moreover, there is mounting evidence that our microbiomes change us, by promoting health through their beneficial actions or by increasing our susceptibility to diseases through a process termed dysbiosis. Recent technological advances are enabling unprecedentedly detailed studies of the dynamics of the microbiota in animal models and human populations. This review will highlight key areas of investigation in the field, including establishment of the microbiota during early childhood, temporal variability of the microbiome in healthy adults, responses of the microbiota to intentional perturbations such as antibiotics and dietary changes, and prospective analyses linking changes in the microbiota to host disease status. Given the importance of computational methods in the field, this review will also discuss issues and pitfalls in the analysis of microbiome time‐series data, and explore several promising new directions for mathematical model and algorithm development.
Correlation between the ore formation processes in the Berezitovoe gold–complex-metal deposit (western part of the Selenga–Stanovoy superterrane) and the regional tectonomagmatic events
Authors: Sorokin A.A. , Ponomarchuk V.A. , Travin A.V. , Rogulina L.I. , Ponomarchuk A.V.
Published: February 2014

The age of the major igneous complexes in the western part of the Selenga–Stanovoy superterrane has been estimated by 40Ar/39Ar dating: trachyandesite-basalts of the Kuitun (Chichatka) complex—259.4 ± 6.2 Ma; gabbro of the Tukuringra complex—156.3 ± 4.8 Ma; granites and pegmatites of the Tukuringra complex—153.1 ± 3.8, 154.0 ± 4.4, 156.8 ± 4.0, and 151.2 ± 3.2 Ma; granodiorites, granites, and leucogranites of the Amudzhikan complex—131.7 ± 2.4, 134.5 ± 2.8, and 131.6 ± 4.2 Ma; and lamprophyre dikes—125.2 ± 2.4 and 125.2 ± 3.4 Ma. Two stages of hydrothermal ore formation process have been recognized: 132–131 and ~ 125 Ma. It is shown that the deposit formation and superposed processes follow the general regularities of the Late Mesozoic evolution of the Pacific Asia margin.
Crustal structure in the Polar sector of the Urals folded system (from DSS data)
Authors: Druzhinin V.S. , Rakitov V.A. , Osipov V.Yu. , Nachapkin N.I. , Nedyad’ko V.V.
Published: February 2014

A 450 km long composite crustal section of the Urals folded system at 67° N and 60-69° E has been compiled from seismic data on the Polar Urals transect and the results of targeted studies. The main elements of the subsurface structure at more southerly latitudes are preserved for this cross section. The general deep-seated structure is divided into the western and eastern branches. The western one has a northwestern trend and corresponds to the West Urals megazone. The eastern one, with a northeastern trend, includes the Central Urals and East Urals megazones.
A Search for Long-Period Variables in Globular Clusters: M22 and IC4499
Authors: Sahay A. , Lebzelter T. , Wood P. R.
Published: February 2014

We report on the results of a long time photometric monitoring of the two metal-poor Galactic globular clusters, M22 and IC4499, searching for long-period variables (LPVs) on the upper giant branch. We detected 22 new LPVs in the field of M22 and confirmed the variability of six known variables. Periods could be determined for 16 of them. In the field of IC4499 we detected and characterised two new LPVs. Cluster membership is evaluated for all the variables based on photometry and literature data, and the location of the stars in logP-K-diagram is discussed. Our findings give further support to the presence of LPVs at metallicities as low as [Fe/H] = −1.7. The luminosity range where LPVs are found in metal-poor clusters is lower than in more metal-rich clusters.
Local Stellar Kinematics from RAVE data – V. Kinematic Investigation of the Galaxy with Red Clump Stars
Authors: Karaali S. , Bilir S. , Ak S. , Gökçe E. Yaz , Önal Ö. , Ak T.
Published: February 2014

We investigated the space velocity components of 6 610 red clump (RC) stars in terms of vertical distance, Galactocentric radial distance and Galactic longitude. Stellar velocity vectors are corrected for differential rotation of the Galaxy which is taken into account using photometric distances of RC stars. The space velocity components estimated for the sample stars above and below the Galactic plane are compatible only for the space velocity component in the direction to the Galactic rotation of the thin disc stars. The space velocity component in the direction to the Galactic rotation (Vlsr) shows a smooth variation relative to the mean Galactocentric radial distance (Rm), while it attains its maximum at the Galactic plane. The space velocity components in the direction to the Galactic centre (Ulsr) and in the vertical direction (Wlsr) show almost flat distributions relative to Rm, with small changes in their trends at Rm ~ 7.5 kpc. Ulsr values estimated for the RC stars in quadrant 180° < l ⩽ 270° are larger than the ones in quadrants 0° < l ⩽ 90° and 270° < l ⩽ 360°. The smooth distribution of the space velocity dispersions reveals that the thin and thick discs are kinematically continuous components of the Galaxy. Based on the Wlsr space velocity components estimated in the quadrants 0° < l ⩽ 90° and 270° < l ⩽ 360°, in the inward direction relative to the Sun, we showed that RC stars above the Galactic plane move towards the North Galactic Pole, whereas those below the Galactic plane move in the opposite direction. In the case of quadrant 180° < l ⩽ 270°, their behaviour is different, i.e. the RC stars above and below the Galactic plane move towards the Galactic plane. We stated that the Galactic long bar is the probable origin of many, but not all, of the detected features.
Postprandial activation of metabolic and inflammatory signalling pathways in human peripheral mononuclear cells
Authors: Ehlers Kerstin , Brand Tina , Bangert Adina , Hauner Hans , Laumen Helmut
Published: February 2014

High-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meals induce an inflammatory response in mononuclear cells (MNC). Here, we studied the interaction between metabolic and inflammatory signalling pathways by the measurement of postprandial effects of three different test meals on intracellular Akt, S6 kinase (S6K)/mammalian target of rapamycin and NF-κB signalling in human MNC. We recruited six healthy, lean individuals. Each individual ingested three different meals in the morning separated by at least 3 d: a HFHC meal; an oral lipid-tolerance test meal; a healthy breakfast. Blood samples were obtained before and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after ingestion. Plasma insulin and IL-6 levels were measured. Intracellular metabolic and inflammatory signalling pathways were assessed by measuring the phosphorylation of Akt kinase and S6K, the degradation of inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α) protein and the DNA binding activity of NF-κB in MNC. mRNA expression levels of the Akt and NF-κB target genes Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), CC-chemokine-receptor 5 (CCR5), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. We found a positive correlation of Akt phosphorylation with NF-κB activation (NF-κB binding activity: r 0·4500, P= 0·0003; IκB-α protein levels: r − 0·5435, P< 0·0001), a negative correlation of plasma insulin levels with NF-κB binding activity (r − 0·3993, P= 0·0016) and a positive correlation of plasma insulin levels with S6K activation (r 0·4786, P< 0·0001). The activation of Akt and pro-inflammatory NF-κB signalling was supported by the up-regulation of the respective target genes MnSOD and CCR5. In conclusion, the present data suggest a postprandial interaction between the metabolic and inflammatory signalling pathways Akt and NF-κB in MNC.
Diagnostic metagenomics: potential applications to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections
Authors: PALLEN M. J.
Published: February 2014

The term ‘shotgun metagenomics’ is applied to the direct sequencing of DNA extracted from a sample without culture or target-specific amplification or capture. In diagnostic metagenomics, this approach is applied to clinical samples in the hope of detecting and characterizing pathogens. Here, I provide a conceptual overview, before reviewing several recent promising proof-of-principle applications of metagenomics in virus discovery, analysis of outbreaks and detection of pathogens in contemporary and historical samples. I also evaluate future prospects for diagnostic metagenomics in the light of relentless improvements in sequencing technologies.
Kinematic modeling and control for human-robot cooperation considering different interaction roles
Authors: Adorno B. V. , Bó A. P. L. , Fraisse P.
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a novel approach for the description of physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) tasks that involve two-arm coordination, and where tasks are described by the relative pose between the human hand and the robot hand. We develop a unified kinematic model that takes into account the human-robot system from a holistic point of view, and we also propose a kinematic control strategy for pHRI that comprises different levels of shared autonomy. Since the kinematic model takes into account the complete human-robot interaction system and the kinematic control law is closed loop at the interaction level, the kinematic constraints of the task are enforced during its execution. Experiments are performed in order to validate the proposed approach, including a particular case where the robot controls the human arm by means of functional electrical stimulation (FES), which may potentially provide useful solutions for the interaction between assistant robots and impaired individuals (e.g., quadriplegics and hemiplegics).
Sorbitol non-fermenting shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliin cattle on smallholdings
Authors: ISLAM M. Z. , CHRISTENSEN J. P. , BISWAS P. K.
Published: February 2014

We investigated faecal samples collected from the rectum of 518 cattle on 371 randomly selected smallholdings in Bangladesh for the presence of sorbitol non-fermenting (SN-F) shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC). The SN-F isolates were tested for the presence ofrfbO157,stx1, stx2, eaeandhlyAgenes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Seven SN-F isolates lacking these genes were profiled by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to verify their clonality. SN-FE. coliwas identified in 44 [8·5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6·4–11·2] samples; of these, 28 (5·4%, 95% CI 3·8–7·7) had shiga toxin-producing strains, although only two carried therfbO157 gene. Thirteen isolates carried thehlyAgene while 18 harboured theeaegene. Based on PFGE, six pulsotypes were observed among the seven isolates that had no virulence genes. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on shiga toxin-producingE. colifrom direct rectal faecal samples of cattle on smallholdings.
A Systematic Review of Noncommunicable Health Issues in Mass Gatherings
Authors: Alquthami Ahmed H. , Pines Jesse M.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The review was conducted to evaluate if the field of mass-gathering medicine has evolved in addressing: (1) the lack of uniform standard measures; (2) the effectiveness of and needs for various interventions during a mass gathering; and (3) the various types of noncommunicable health issues (trauma and medical complaints) encountered and their severity during a gathering.

Methods

A systematic review of papers published from 2003 through 2012 was conducted using databases of MEDLINE, Ovid, CINHAL, EBSCOHost, National Library of Medicine (NLM), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Elsevier, Scopus, and Proquest databases. Of 37,762 articles, 17 articles were included in this review, covering 18 mass-gathering events; 14 were multiple-day events.

Results

Across all events, the patient presentation rate (PPR) ranged from 0.13 to 20.8 patients per 1,000 attendees and the transfer to hospital rate (TTHR) ranged from 0.01 to 10.2 ambulance transports per 1,000 attendees. In four out of the seven studies, having on-site providers was associated with a lower rate of ambulance transports. The highest frequencies of noncommunicable presentations were headaches, abdominal complaints, and abrasions/lacerations. Most presentations were minor. Emergent cases requiring hospitalization (such as acute myocardial infarction) were rare.

Conclusions

The rate of noncommunicable health issues varies across events and very serious emergencies are rare.

AlquthamiAH, PinesJM. A systematic review of noncommunicable health issues in mass gatherings. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(2):1-9.
Orientation Precision of Electron Backscatter Diffraction Measurements Near Grain Boundaries
Authors: Wright Stuart I. , Nowell Matthew M. , de Kloe René , Chan Lisa
Published: February 2014

Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) has become a common technique for measuring crystallographic orientations at spatial resolutions on the order of tens of nanometers and at angular resolutions <0.1°. In a recent search of EBSD papers using Google Scholar™, 60% were found to address some aspect of deformation. Generally, deformation manifests itself in EBSD measurements by small local misorientations. An increase in the local misorientation is often observed near grain boundaries in deformed microstructures. This may be indicative of dislocation pile-up at the boundaries but could also be due to a loss of orientation precision in the EBSD measurements. When the electron beam is positioned at or near a grain boundary, the diffraction volume contains the crystal lattices from the two grains separated by the boundary. Thus, the resulting pattern will contain contributions from both lattices. Such mixed patterns can pose some challenge to the EBSD pattern band detection and indexing algorithms. Through analysis of experimental local misorientation data and simulated pattern mixing, this work shows that some of the rise in local misorientation is an artifact due to the mixed patterns at the boundary but that the rise due to physical phenomena is also observed.
The Coase theorem: coherent, logical, and not disproved
Authors: ALLEN DOUGLAS W.
Published: February 2014

There exists a long line of challengers to the ‘Coase Theorem’. All of these rest on fundamental misconceptions of property rights, transaction costs, and their interaction. Here I examine two attacks that have gone unchallenged: one by Halpin, the other by Usher. I argue that both, in failing to either use or understand an adequate definition of transaction costs, fail to deliver a fatal blow to Coase's famous idea.
Interferon‐alpha, immune activation and immune dysfunction in treated HIV infection
Authors: Cha Lilian , Berry Cassandra M , Nolan David , Castley Allison , Fernandez Sonia , French Martyn A
Published: February 2014

Type I interferons (IFNs) exert anti‐viral effects through the induction of numerous IFN‐stimulated genes and an immunomodulatory effect on innate and adaptive immune responses. This is beneficial in controlling virus infections but prolonged IFN‐α activity in persistent virus infections, such as HIV infection, may contribute to immune activation and have a detrimental effect on the function of monocytes and T and B lymphocytes. Activation of monocytes, associated with increased IFN‐α activity, contributes to atherosclerotic vascular disease, brain disease and other ‘age‐related diseases’ in HIV patients treated with long‐term antiretroviral therapy (ART). In HIV patients receiving ART, the anti‐viral effects of IFN‐α therapy have the potential to contribute to eradication of HIV infection while IFN‐α inhibitor therapy is under investigation for the treatment of immune activation. The management of HIV patients receiving ART will be improved by understanding more about the opposing effects of IFN‐α on HIV infection and disease and by developing methods to assess IFN‐α activity in clinical practice.
Accelerating immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Tzannou Ifigeneia , Leen Ann M
Published: February 2014

Viral infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Pharmacologic agents are effective against some pathogens, but they are costly and can be associated with significant toxicities. Thus, many groups have investigated adoptive T‐cell transfer as a means of hastening immune reconstitution and preventing and treating viral infections. This review discusses the immunotherapeutic strategies that have been explored.