bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mastoid Triangle for Sex Determination in AdultNigerian Population: A Validation Study
Authors: Jaja Blessing N. R. , Ajua Christiana O. , Didia Blessing C.
Published: October 2013

In the quest for a simple, reliable technique to estimate the sex of human remains several novel metric skeletal indices have been reported. Only a few have been examined for utility in populations different from those in which they were developed. In this study, the mastoid process was evaluated for sex determination using 102 lateral cephalograms of aNigerian sample of known age and sex. The asterion‐mastoidale distance and mastoid triangular area were sexually dimorphic with mean values higher in males compared with females (p = 0.02). On analysis of the discriminant function, overall accuracy for sex classification was 55%. On cross‐validation, the triangular area accurately identified 80% of females and 48% of males. The asterion‐mastoidale distance was slightly more accurate at sexing the sample. The practical utility of the mastoid triangle area technique to differentiate sex inNigerian populations is not supported by the results of this study.
Implementation and performance evaluation of an emergency department primary practitioner physiotherapy service for patients with musculoskeletal conditions
Authors: Gill Stephen D , Stella Julian
Published: October 2013

Objective

The study aims to describe the implementation of a primary practitioner physiotherapy service within a large regional ED and to evaluate its impact on waiting time and length of stay.

Methods

Integration and scope of practice of the physiotherapy service within the ED were described. Retrospective analysis of waiting time and length of stay data for the 3 years, 1 October 2008 to 30 September 2011, was performed. The performance of the physiotherapy service was compared with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) waiting time guidelines, the Victorian Department of Health length of stay targets and to a similar group of patients seen by medical staff.

Results

The primary practitioner physiotherapy service saw 5641 patients of which 33% were less than 18 years old. The most common presentations seen by the service were limb fractures, soft tissue injuries and low back pain. Ninety‐two per cent of patients were seen within the ACEM waiting time guidelines, and 91% of patients who went home were discharged within 4 h. Non‐randomised comparisons with similar patients seen by medical staff indicated that patients seen by the physiotherapy practitioner service had shorter waiting times and length of stay.

Conclusions

The current study found that patients with musculoskeletal problems seen by a primary practitioner physiotherapy service had improved waiting times and length of stay relative to ACEM and Victorian Department of Health targets, and though constrained by a retrospective non‐randomised design, to a similar group of patients seen by medical staff. Further evaluation of the physiotherapy practitioner service is required.
The expression analysis of silk gland‐enriched intermediate‐size non‐coding RNAs in silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Li Dan‐Dan , Liu Zong‐Cai , Huang Lei , Jiang Qian‐Ling , Zhang Kun , Qiao Hui‐Li , Jiao Zhu‐Jin , Yao Lun‐Guang , Liu Ren‐Yi , Kan Yun‐Chao
Published: October 2013

Small non‐protein coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in development, stress response and other cellular processes. Silkworm is an important model for studies on insect genetics and control of Lepidopterous pests. We have previously identified 189 novel intermediate‐size ncRNAs in silkworm Bombyx mori, including 40 ncRNAs that showed altered expression in different developmental stages. Here we characterized the functions of these 40 ncRNAs by measuring their expressions in six tissues of the fifth instar larvae using Northern blot and real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays. We identified nine ncRNAs (four small nucleolar RNAs and five unclassified ncRNAs) that were enriched in silk gland, including four ncRNAs that showed silk gland‐specific expression. We further showed that three of nine silk gland‐enriched ncRNAs were predominantly expressed in the anterior silk gland, whereas another three ncRNAs were highly accumulated in the posterior silk gland, suggesting that they may play different roles in fibroin synthesis. Furthermore, an unclassified ncRNA, Bm‐152, exhibited converse expression pattern with its antisense host gene gartenzwerg in diverse tissues, and might regulate the expression of gartenzwerg through RNA‐protein complex. In addition, two silk gland‐enriched ncRNAs Bm‐102 and Bm‐159 can be found in histone modification complex, which indicated that they might play roles through epigenetic modifications. Taken together, we provided the first expression and preliminary functional analysis of silk gland‐enriched ncRNAs, which will help understand the molecular mechanism of silk gland‐development and fibroin synthesis.
Dietitians' practices and perspectives on nutrition priorities for liver transplant recipients
Authors: Murray Eryn M. , McCoy Simone M. , Campbell Katrina L. , Hickman Ingrid J.
Published: October 2013

Aim

To describe current practice and priorities of dietitians during the acute (≤3 months) and long‐term (≥6 months) management of liver transplant recipients.

Methods

Ten liver transplant dietitians (10/14, 71%) in Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA responded to an online survey. The survey graded nutrition priorities on a Likert scale, recorded barriers to service delivery and workforce allocation for nutrition services (ratio of full‐time equivalent: annual transplant rate).

Results

Just over half (n = 6, 60%) reported routine dietary assessment post‐liver transplant. The majority (90%, n = 9) also provide initial dietary education in the acute setting. Thirty percent (n = 3) routinely provide ongoing acute follow up; however, no sites provide routine follow up after 6 months. Dietitian‐to‐transplant patient ratios demonstrated a broad range of resource allocation across sites 1:244 (1:39–1:1410). 70% (n = 7) reported lack of funding as a major barrier. Protein and energy requirements (n = 10, 100%) were identified as the main clinical focus in the acute period. Prevention of post‐transplant weight gain and diabetes were identified as priority areas during the acute period by 60% of respondents (n = 6) and long‐term management by all respondents (n = 10, 100%).

Conclusion

This international survey identified inconsistent resourcing of nutrition services post‐liver transplantation, with lack of funding the main barrier to providing long‐term care. While the majority of liver transplant dietitians prioritise prevention of excessive weight gain, long‐term follow up is limited. Further research is needed to investigate the optimal management of liver transplant recipients.
Improving Adhesion of Seasonings to Crackers with Hydrocolloid Solutions
Authors: Armstrong Matthew E. , Barringer Sheryl A.
Published: October 2013

Food powders were applied on crackers that had been coated using water, oil, emulsion, sucrose, or hydrocolloid solutions. The hydrocolloids that were used include gellan gum, kappa‐carrageenan, methylcellulose, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, gum arabic, guar gum, modified starch, and maltodextrin. Solutions of similar hydrophobicity to the powder gave the greatest adhesion. NaCl, barbecue (BBQ), ranch, and sour cream & onion (SC&O) seasoning showed greatest adhesion with water, cheese powder with an emulsion of 12.5% to 25% oil, and cocoa powder with oil. For NaCl, BBQ, ranch, and SC&O seasoning, hydrocolloids improved the adhesion over using water alone, with gellan gum providing the greatest adhesion. Hydrocolloid structural differences, including the presence or absence of branching, substitution of sugar units, and molecular weight affect water binding and thickening of the hydrocolloid spray that seemed to be significant factors affecting adhesion of powders to the target surface. For cheese powder, hydrocolloids were capable of replacing the oil within an emulsion while improving or maintaining the same level of adhesion, with gum arabic providing the greatest adhesion. For cocoa powder, hydrocolloid solutions were ineffective adhesives due to differences in hydrophilicity that result in insolubility. The effect of hydrocolloid concentration on adhesion was dependent both on the hydrocolloid type and the concentration that is sprayable, with 0.5% being the optimum concentration for most gums. Adhesion using sucrose solutions was determined by particle size and relative hydrophobicity. Increasing sucrose concentration decreased adhesion of smaller particles, but increased adhesion of larger particles. Adhesion of NaCl significantly increased with decreasing NaCl size using oil, water, and sucrose solutions.
Target‐controlled infusion of propofol versus intermittent bolus of a sedative cocktail regimen in deep sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy: Comparison of cardiovascular and respiratory parameters
Authors: Chan Wei‐Hung , Chang Shih‐Lun , Lin Ching‐Shuan , Chen Mei‐Jyh , Fan Shou‐Zen
Published: October 2013

Objective

To investigate whether target‐controlled infusion (TCI) with propofol, a method that has theoretically better control of drug concentration, produces less cardiovascular and respiratory suppression than an intermittent bolus of a sedative cocktail regimen in deep sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods

In total 100 participants who had undergone esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) and 120 who had undergone colonoscopy were prospectively and randomly enrolled to receive TCI with propofol or intermittent bolus of cocktail regimen containing midazolam, alfentanil and propofol until they were unresponsive to verbal commands. The target concentration was adjusted and the bolus of the cocktail regimen was added based on their responses. The nadir values of heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation during and after the procedure were recorded.

Results

The nadir systolic blood pressure during the endoscopy in the cocktail regimen group was significantly lower than that in the TCI with propofol group. In the cocktail regimen group, the incidence of hypotension during colonoscopy and that of bradycardia during EGD were higher than those in the TCI with propofol group. No participants in the TCI with propofol group experienced hypoxia during endoscopy. In the cocktail regimen group, six participants who had undergone EGD and six who had undergone colonoscopy showed transient hypoxic episodes during or after endoscopy.

Conclusion

TCI with propofol produced less cardiovascular and respiratory suppression than intermittent bolus of a sedative cocktail regimen in deep sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Differentiation of nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells into hepatocyte‐like cells
Authors: Kuai Xiao Ling , Shao Nan , Lu Hong , Xiao Shu Dong , Zheng Qing
Published: October 2013

Objective

To investigate whether cells derived from rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells (ESC) had hepatocyte characteristics after the differentiation.

Methods

Rhesus monkey ESC were induced towards hepatocyte‐like cells via a four‐step differentiation process: the formation of embryoid bodies (EB), EB in activin A and insulin‐transferrin‐selenium medium for 4 days, in fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐4 and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) medium for 8 days, in hepatocyte culture medium containing hepatocyte growth factor for 3 days and then with oncostatin M and dexamethasone for another 5 days. Expression of albumin (ALB), glucose‐6‐phosphatase, α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and α‐1 antitrypsin (α1‐AT) at the mRNA level in differentiated cells were detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The expression of hepatocyte markers AFP, ALB, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4), cytokeratin 8 (CK8), CK19 and cell proliferation marker, Ki67, in the differentiated cells were determined by immunocytochemistry. The ultrastructure of the differentiated cells was examined by electron microscopy. Indocyanine green (ICG) uptake was also explored.

Results

After induction, some differentiated cells were binucleate, which is typical of hepatocytes. Hepatocyte‐specific genes ALB, glucose‐6‐phosphatase, AFP and α1‐AT were expressed in the differentiated cells. The differentiated cells expressed hepatocyte markers AFP, ALB, HNF4, CK8 and CK19 at the protein level. The cells also expressed cell proliferation marker Ki67. Under electron microscopy, the ultrastructures of hepatocyte‐like cells, such as mitochondrion and catalase‐containing peroxisomes, were observed in the differentiated cells. ICG uptake test was positive in differentiated cells.

Conclusions

With cytokine induction, rhesus monkey ESC differentiated into cells displaying morphological features, gene expression patterns and metabolic activities characteristic of hepatocytes.
Retroperitoneal sarcomas: A review of disease spectrum, radiological features, characterisation and management
Authors: Shiraev Timothy , Pasricha Sundeep Singh , Choong Peter , Schlicht Stephen , van Rijswijk Catharina SP , Dimmick Simon , Stuckey Stephen , Anderson Suzanne E
Published: October 2013

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are a rare disease. The overall 5‐year survival rate for these lesions remains low, and surgical management offers the only option for effective treatment and potential for cure. Radiotherapy is increasingly being employed in addition to standard surgical treatment. Improvements in cross‐sectional imaging have also facilitated better characterisation of lesions, preoperative planning and long‐term follow‐up. This article reviews the current literature and documents the various types of retroperitoneal sarcomas with a particular approach to their imaging features. We also highlight the pathology, diagnostic methods and most current management of these tumours.
Effect of androgen deprivation therapy on muscle attenuation in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Chang David , Joseph David J , Ebert Martin A , Galvão Daniel A , Taaffe Dennis R , Denham James W , Newton Robert U , Spry Nigel A
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Aging skeletal muscle is associated with not only a reduction in muscle size and strength but also in muscle quality which reflects an increase in fatty infiltration of muscle. In men with prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) accelerates this loss of muscle size and strength, but it is unknown if muscle quality is also adversely affected. Therefore, we examined the effects of ADT on muscle attenuation, an indirect measure of intramuscular lipid content, as well as the muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) in men with prostate cancer.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐CT scans of the pelvis in 39 men aged 49–78 years receiving leuprorelin were examined. The time between baseline and follow‐up scans was 14.6–20 weeks after the commencement of ADT. Changes in skeletal muscle attenuation in Hounsfield units of the rectus femoris and the CSA of the rectus femoris, sartorius and quadricep muscles were assessed.

Results

Muscle attenuation of the rectus femoris muscle was significantly reduced following the initiation of ADT by 18.9% (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the CSA for the sartorius, quadriceps and rectus femoris muscles. There was no effect of Zometa on muscle attenuation or muscle CSA.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that not only muscle size but also muscle quality may be adversely affected by the undertaking of ADT in men with prostate cancer. Consequently, interventions to counteract deteriorations to both muscle mass and possibly muscle quality should be considered in men receiving ADT.
Emergencies in radiology: A survey of radiologists and radiology trainees
Authors: Craig Simon , Naidoo Parmanand
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Emergencies in radiology are infrequent but potentially lethal. Australian and New Zealand radiologists are advised to undergo resuscitation training at least every three years; however, little is known about their experience and confidence in managing common emergencies relevant to their clinical practice. This paper describes the current experience and confidence of radiologists and radiology trainees in Australia and New Zealand in the management of common medical emergencies.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey of trainees and fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology collected data on training and learning preferences relating to resuscitation and life‐support skills, access to emergency medical care, and knowledge, confidence and ability in managing a variety of medical emergencies.

Results

There were 602 responses to the survey (response rate 23.4%). The majority of respondents were interested in learning more about the management of contrast reactions, cardiac arrest, ischaemic chest pain and basic life support. Self‐rated knowledge, confidence and ability were higher in respondents who had completed life‐support training within the previous three years. In this group, however, more than 40% rated their ability at managing contrast reactions as poor or fair, while more than 60% rated their ability as poor or fair for management of cardiac arrest, basic life support, advanced life support and dosing of adrenaline. Preferred resuscitation training modalities included simulation, small‐group tutorials and workshops.

Conclusion

Self‐reported level of skill and expertise in the management of potential emergencies in radiology is suboptimal among a large number of respondents. Consideration should be given to addressing this by improving access to specific training.
Barcoding theCollembola ofChurchill: a molecular taxonomic reassessment of species diversity in a sub‐Arctic area
Authors: Porco David , Skarżyński Dariusz , Decaëns Thibaud , Hebert Paul D. N. , Deharveng Louis
Published: October 2013

Although their functional importance in ecosystems is increasingly recognized, soil‐dwelling micro‐arthropods are usually poorly known in comparison with their above‐ground counterparts. Collembola constitute a significant and species‐rich component of the soil biodiversity, but it remains a woefully understudied group because of the taxonomic impediment. The ever‐increasing use of molecular taxonomic tools, such asDNAbarcoding, provides a possible solution. Here, we test the use of this approach through a diversity survey ofCollembola from the vicinity ofChurchill,Manitoba,Canada, and compare the results with previous surveys in the same area and in other sub‐Arctic regions. The systematic barcoding campaign atChurchill revealed a diverse collembolan fauna consisting of 97 species‐levelMOTUs in six types of habitats. If all theseMOTUs are confirmed as species, this richness would be far higher than prior records forArcticCanada and could lead to reconsider the actual diversity of the group inArctic environments.
Ecology in the age of DNA barcoding: the resource, the promise and the challenges ahead
Authors: Joly Simon , Davies T. Jonathan , Archambault Annie , Bruneau Anne , Derry Alison , Kembel Steven W. , Peres‐Neto Pedro , Vamosi Jana , Wheeler Terry A.
Published: October 2013

Ten years after DNA barcoding was initially suggested as a tool to identify species, millions of barcode sequences from more than 1100 species are available in public databases. While several studies have reviewed the methods and potential applications of DNA barcoding, most have focused on species identification and discovery, and relatively few have addressed applications of DNA barcoding data to ecology. These data, and the associated information on the evolutionary histories of taxa that they can provide, offer great opportunities for ecologists to investigate questions that were previously difficult or impossible to address. We present an overview of potential uses of DNA barcoding relevant in the age of ecoinformatics, including applications in community ecology, species invasion, macroevolution, trait evolution, food webs and trophic interactions, metacommunities, and spatial ecology. We also outline some of the challenges and potential advances in DNA barcoding that lie ahead.
Detecting an elusive invasive species: a diagnostic PCR to detect Burmese python in Florida waters and an assessment of persistence of environmental DNA
Authors: Piaggio Antoinette J. , Engeman Richard M. , Hopken Matthew W. , Humphrey John S. , Keacher Kandy L. , Bruce William E. , Avery Michael L.
Published: October 2013

Recent studies have demonstrated that detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) from aquatic vertebrates in water bodies is possible. The Burmese python, Python bivittatus, is a semi‐aquatic, invasive species in Florida where its elusive nature and cryptic coloration make its detection difficult. Our goal was to develop a diagnostic PCR to detect P. bivittatus from water‐borne eDNA, which could assist managers in monitoring this invasive species. First, we used captive P. bivittatus to determine whether reptilian DNA could be isolated and amplified from water samples. We also evaluated the efficacy of two DNA isolation methods and two DNA extraction kits commonly used in eDNA preparation. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from P. bivittatus was detected in all water samples isolated with the sodium acetate precipitate and the QIAamp DNA Micro Kit. Next, we designed P. bivittatus‐specific primers and assessed the degradation rate of eDNA in water. Our primers did not amplify DNA from closely related species, and we found that P. bivittatus DNA was consistently detectable up to 96 h. Finally, we sampled water from six field sites in south Florida. Samples from five sites, where P. bivittatus has been observed, tested positive for eDNA. The final site was negative and had no prior documented evidence of P. bivittatus. This study shows P. bivittatus eDNA can be isolated from water samples; thus, this method is a new and promising technique for the management of invasive reptiles.
A new multiplex SNP genotyping assay for detecting hybridization and introgression between the M and S molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Lee Yoosook , Marsden Clare D. , Nieman Catelyn , Lanzaro Gregory C.
Published: October 2013

The M and S forms of Anopheles gambiae have been the subject of intense study, but are morphologically indistinguishable and can only be identified using molecular techniques. PCR‐based assays to distinguish the two forms have been designed and applied widely. However, the application of these assays towards identifying hybrids between the two forms, and backcrossed hybrids in particular, has been problematic as the currently available diagnostic assays are based on single locus and/or are located within a multicopy gene. Here, we present an alternative genotyping method for detecting hybridization and introgression between M and S molecular forms based on a multilocus panel of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) fixed between the M and S forms. The panel of SNPs employed is located in so‐called islands of divergence leading us to describe this method as the ‘Divergence Island SNP’ (DIS) assay. We show this multilocus SNP genotyping approach can robustly and accurately detect F1 hybrids as well as backcrossed individuals.
Ecological niche models in phylogeographic studies: applications, advances and precautions
Authors: Alvarado‐Serrano Diego F. , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: October 2013

The increased availability of spatial data and methodological developments in species distribution modelling has lead to concurrent advances in phylogeography, broadening the scope of questions studied, as well as providing unprecedented insights. Given the species‐specific nature of the information provided by ecological niche models (ENMs), whether it is on the environmental tolerances of species or their estimated distribution, today or in the past, it is perhaps not surprising that ENMs have rapidly become a common tool in phylogeographic analysis. Such information is essential to phylogeographic tests that provide important biological insights. Here, we provide an overview of the different applications of ENMs in phylogeographic studies, detailing specific studies and highlighting general limitations and challenges with each application. Given that the full potential of integrating ENMs into phylogeographic cannot be realized unless the ENMs themselves are carefully applied, we provide a summary of best practices with using ENMs. Lastly, we describe some recent advances in how quantitative information from ENMs can be integrated into genetic analyses, illustrating their potential use (and key concerns with such implementations), as well as promising areas for future development.
Discriminating plants using the DNA barcode rbcLb: an appraisal based on a large data set
Authors: Dong Wenpan , Cheng Tao , Li Changhao , Xu Chao , Long Ping , Chen Chumming , Zhou Shiliang
Published: October 2013

The ideal DNA barcode for plants remains to be discovered, and the candidate barcode rbcL has been met with considerable skepticism since its proposal. In fact, the variability within this gene has never been fully explored across all plant groups from algae to flowering plants, and its performance as a barcode has not been adequately tested. By analysing all of the rbcL sequences currently available in GenBank, we attempted to determine how well a region of rbcL performs as a barcode in species discrimination. We found that the rbcLb region was more variable than the frequently used rbcLa region. Both universal and plant group‐specific primers were designed to amplify rbcLb, and the performance of rbcLa and rbcLb was tested in several ways. Using blast, both regions successfully identified all families and nearly all genera; however, the successful species identification rates varied significantly among plant groups, ranging from 24.58% to 85.50% for rbcLa and from 36.67% to 90.89% for rbcLb. Successful species discrimination ranged from 5.19% to 96.33% for rbcLa and from 22.09% to 98.43% for rbcLb in species‐rich families, and from 0 to 88.73% for rbcLa and from 2.04% to 100% for rbcLb in species‐rich genera. Both regions performed better for lower plants than for higher plants, although rbcLb performed significantly better than rbcLa overall, particularly for angiosperms. Considering the applicability across plants, easy and unambiguous alignment, high primer universality, high sequence quality and high species discrimination power for lower plants, we suggest rbcLb as a universal plant barcode.
Geometry of the Randomized Evidence for Treatments of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R. , Zein Joe , Ioannidis John P.A.
Published: October 2013

Objective

We studied the entire agenda of randomized clinical trials in pulmonary hypertension (PH) using sociological methods. We explored the geometry of the PH network to interpret the evidence on multiple competing treatments for the same indication.

Design

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library Databases for published studies. We queried clinicaltrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry platform for non‐published studies.

Results

We found 75 randomized trials (41 published [n = 4136 participants] and 34 registered unpublished [planned n = 3470 participants]). Of the published randomized studies, all used placebo as the comparator arm except for two nonindustry‐sponsored comparisons between phosphodiestearase‐5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA), and one study comparing two different regimens of treprostinil. Similarly, only five unpublished/ongoing trials used an active PH treatment as comparator (PDE‐5 inhibitors versus ERA (n = 3), different doses of sildenafil (n = 1) and two formulations of epoprostenol (n = 1). Of the 75 trials, 47 were sponsored by the manufacturer of the tested active product(s), and only two trials were sponsored by two companies comparing their products.

Conclusions

The relative merits of different treatment options are not directly known, as there are very few head‐to‐head comparisons. A limited number of ongoing studies are using active FDA‐approved PH‐treatments for comparison. This lack of information can be overcome by carefully designing comparative effectiveness trials.
Potential of a 70 kDa IL‐10‐like factor in synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis patients to augment superoxide generation by human neutrophils
Authors: Nakamura Tadashi , Yamamoto Tetsuro
Published: October 2013

Aim

To elucidate the role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in joint destruction during the inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as related to superoxide generation.

Methods

Superoxide generation by human peripheral PMNs was measured by using a water‐soluble formazan dye, 2‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐5‐(2, 4‐disulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium, monosodium salt, under PMN stimulation with N‐formylmethionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) and cytochalasin B. Factors in synovial fluids (SF) from RA patients that may augment PMN superoxide generation were characterized via high‐performance liquid chromatography and isoelectric focusing.

Results

The formazan dye allowed measurement of superoxide generated in the xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system and by PMNs stimulated by cytochalasin B and fMLP in the presence of the intermediate electron transporter phenazine methosulfate. By using chromatography and electrophoresis, an RA‐SF protein with an apparent molecular size of 70 kDa and an isoelectric point of 8.3 was isolated and was demonstrated to increase superoxide generation by PMNs. The factor was heat‐labile and susceptible to protease treatment. This enhancing activity of the factor was absorbed by human PMNs and was somewhat immunoadsorbed with a specific monoclonal antibody against interleukin (IL)‐10.

Conclusion

The 70‐kDa protein factor in RA‐SF increased superoxide generation by human PMNs, which suggests the possibility of its being related to IL‐10. This factor may have a pathological role in RA joint destruction caused by PMNs and coinciding with rheumatoid inflammation, which suggests that PMNs, via superoxide generation, play an important role in RA joint destruction. IL‐10 therefore likely has biological activity toward PMNs during synovial inflammatory chain reactions in RA.
sigmaS, a major player in the response to environmental stresses in Escherichia coli: role, regulation and mechanisms of promoter recognition
Authors: Landini Paolo , Egli Thomas , Wolf Johannes , Lacour Stephan
Published: October 2013

Bacterial cells often face hostile environmental conditions, to which they adapt by activation of stress responses. In Escherichia coli, environmental stresses resulting in significant reduction in growth rate stimulate the expression of the rpoS gene, encoding the alternative σ factor σS. The σS protein associates with RNA polymerase, and through transcription of genes belonging to the rpoS regulon allows the activation of a ‘general stress response’, which protects the bacterial cell from harmful environmental conditions. Each step of this process is finely tuned in order to cater to the needs of the bacterial cell: in particular, selective promoter recognition by σS is achieved through small deviations from a common consensus DNA sequence for both σS and the housekeeping σ70. Recognition of specific DNA elements by σS is integrated with the effects of environmental signals and the interaction with regulatory proteins, in what represents a fascinating example of multifactorial regulation of gene expression. In this report, we discuss the function of the rpoS gene in the general stress response, and review the current knowledge on regulation of rpoS expression and on promoter recognition by σS.
The Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedges, Future Profitability, and Stock Returns
Authors: Campbell John L.
Published: October 2013

The SEC and FASB recently expressed concerns that investors do not fully assimilate all of the information provided by complex and incomplete derivatives and other comprehensive income (OCI) disclosures. My evidence supports these concerns. Specifically, I examine the information content of unrealized cash flow hedge gains/losses for future profitability and stock returns. An unrealized gain on a cash flow hedge suggests that the price of the underlying hedged item (i.e., commodity price, foreign currency exchange rate, or interest rate) moved in a direction that will impair the firm's profits after the hedge expires. Consequently, I find that unrealized cash flow hedge gains/losses are negatively associated with future gross profit after the firm's existing hedges have expired. This association only holds after the firm has reclassified its hedges into earnings, and is weaker for firms that can pass input price changes on to their customers. Finally, investors do not immediately price the cash flow hedge information. Instead, investors appear surprised by future realizations of gross margin, consistent with the view that complex and incomplete disclosures delay pricing. These results are relevant to policymakers involved in the current FASB and IASB project designed to simplify the accounting and disclosure for derivatives and, in particular, cash flow hedges.
Paliperidone palmitate long‐acting injection – prospective year‐long follow‐up of use in clinical practice
Authors: Attard A. , Olofinjana O. , Cornelius V. , Curtis V. , Taylor D.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To follow‐up patients prescribed paliperidone palmitate long‐acting injection (PP) over 1 year to determine factors predicting continuation with PP treatment.

Method

Naturalistic observation of patients registered as starting PP in a single healthcare unit in London, UK. Monovariate and multivariate (Cox regression) analysis of factors predicting continuation at 1 year.

Results

Data were available for 210 patients consecutively prescribed PP of whom 10 were lost to follow‐up. At 1 year, 65% of 200 patients (176 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder) started on PP were still receiving it. The main reason for discontinuation was perceived ineffectiveness (52% of discontinuers); only 10 subjects (5% of total) discontinued because of adverse effects. Initiation as an out‐patient [hazard ratio (HR) 0.39, 95%CI, 0.20, 0.67, P = 0.001]; being switched from risperidone (HR 0.56, 95%CI 0.32, 0.94, P = 0.026) and correct initiation (HR 0.56, 95%CI 0.34, 0.93, P = 0.024) were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of discontinuation.

Conclusion

Paliperidone palmitate was effective and well tolerated in this naturalistic cohort. Optimising treatment by targeting PP for patients identified as having lower risk of discontinuation can give rise to continuation rates approaching 80% at 1 year.
Medication adherence in a comparative effectiveness trial for bipolar disorder
Authors: Sylvia L. G. , Reilly‐Harrington N. A. , Leon A. C. , Kansky C. I. , Calabrese J. R. , Bowden C. L. , Ketter T. A. , Friedman E. S. , Iosifescu D. V. , Thase M. E. , Ostacher M. J. , Keyes M. , Rabideau D. , Nierenberg A. A.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Psychopharmacology remains the foundation of treatment for bipolar disorder, but medication adherence in this population is low (range 20–64%). We examined medication adherence in a multisite, comparative effectiveness study of lithium.

Method

The Lithium Moderate Dose Use Study (LiTMUS) was a 6‐month, six‐site, randomized effectiveness trial of adjunctive moderate dose lithium therapy compared with optimized treatment in adult out‐patients with bipolar I or II disorder (N = 283). Medication adherence was measured at each study visit with the Tablet Routine Questionnaire.

Results

We found that 4.50% of participants reported missing at least 30% of their medications in the past week at baseline and non‐adherence remained low throughout the trial (<7%). Poor medication adherence was associated with more manic symptoms and side‐effects as well as lower lithium serum levels at mid‐ and post‐treatment, but not with poor quality of life, overall severity of illness, or depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Participants in LiTMUS were highly adherent with taking their medications. The lack of association with possible predictors of adherence, such as depression and quality of life, could be explained by the limited variance or other factors as well as by not using an objective measure of adherence.
Psychiatric comorbidity in treatment‐seeking substance use disorder patients with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: results of the IASP study
Authors: van Emmerik‐van Oortmerssen Katelijne , van de Glind Geurt , Koeter Maarten W. J. , Allsop Steve , Auriacombe Marc , Barta Csaba , Bu Eli Torild H. , Burren Yuliya , Carpentier Pieter‐Jan , Carruthers Susan , Casas Miguel , Demetrovics Zsolt , Dom Geert , Faraone Stephen V. , Fatseas Melina , Franck Johan , Johnson Brian , Kapitány‐Fövény Máté , Kaye Sharlene , Konstenius Maija , Levin Frances R. , Moggi Franz , Møller Merete , Ramos‐Quiroga J. Antoni , Schillinger Arild , Skutle Arvid , Verspreet Sofie ,   IASP research group, van den Brink Wim , Schoevers Robert A.
Published: October 2013

Aims

To determine comorbidity patterns in treatment‐seeking substance use disorder (SUD) patients with and without adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with an emphasis on subgroups defined by ADHD subtype, taking into account differences related to gender and primary substance of abuse.

Design

Data were obtained from the cross‐sectional International ADHD in Substance use disorder Prevalence (IASP) study.

Setting

Forty‐seven centres of SUD treatment in 10 countries.

Participants

A total of 1205 treatment‐seeking SUD patients.

Measurements

Structured diagnostic assessments were used for all disorders: presence of ADHD was assessed with the Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM‐IV (CAADID), the presence of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), major depression (MD) and (hypo)manic episode (HME) was assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview‐Plus (MINI Plus), and the presence of borderline personality disorder (BPD) was assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis II (SCID II).

Findings

The prevalence of DSM‐IV adult ADHD in this SUD sample was 13.9%. ASPD [odds ratio (OR) = 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8–4.2], BPD (OR = 7.0, 95% CI = 3.1–15.6 for alcohol; OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.8–6.4 for drugs), MD in patients with alcohol as primary substance of abuse (OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 2.1–7.8) and HME (OR = 4.3, 95% CI = 2.1–8.7) were all more prevalent in ADHD+ compared with ADHD− patients (P < 0.001). These results also indicate increased levels of BPD and MD for alcohol compared with drugs as primary substance of abuse. Comorbidity patterns differed between ADHD subtypes with increased MD in the inattentive and combined subtype (P < 0.01), increased HME and ASPD in the hyperactive/impulsive (P < 0.01) and combined subtypes (P < 0.001) and increased BPD in all subtypes (P < 0.001) compared with SUD patients without ADHD. Seventy‐five per cent of ADHD patients had at least one additional comorbid disorder compared with 37% of SUD patients without ADHD.

Conclusions

Treatment‐seeking substance use disorder patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are at a very high risk for additional externalizing disorders.
Efficacy of different solvents in removing gutta‐percha from curved root canals: A micro‐computed tomography study
Authors: Sağlam Baran Can , Koçak Mustafa Murat , Türker Sevinç Aktemur , Koçak Sibel
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the root filling material that remained after retreatment of curved root canals with chloroform and Endosolv R as solvents. The evaluation employed micro‐computed tomography (CT) imaging. Thirty‐six extracted molar teeth with curved roots were selected. After preparation with ProTaper rotary instruments, the canals were filled with gutta‐percha and AH26 sealer. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups according to solvent used (n = 12) as follows: group 1: chloroform; group 2: Endosolv R; group 3: no solvent (negative control). ProTaper Universal Retreatment files were used to remove each root canal filling and then the self‐adjusting file was applied for two minutes. Preoperative and postoperative micro‐CT images were used to assess the percentage of residual filling material. The mean percentage of residual filling material was quantified. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of percentage volume of residual root canal filling.
Effect of ferrule height and glass fibre post length on fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated teeth
Authors: Abdulrazzak Shurooq S. , Sulaiman Eshamsul , Atiya Basim K. , Jamaludin Marhazlinda
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of ferrule height and post length on fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated teeth restored with glass fibre posts, composite resin cores and crowns. Ninety human maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated and divided into three groups (n = 30) according to the ferrule heights: 4, 2 and 0 mm, respectively. Post spaces in each group were prepared at 2/3, 1/2 and 1/3 of the root length (n = 10). The specimens were received fibre posts, composite resin core build up and cast metal crowns. After thermocycling, compressive static load was applied at an angle of 135° to the crowns. Two‐way analysis of variance showed significant differences in the failure load in the ferrule height groups, no significant differences in post length groups and no significant interaction between ferrule heights and post lengths. More restorable failure modes were observed.
Effect of Oxytocin, IBMX and dbcAMP on Rabbit Ovarian Follicles
Authors: Balazi A. , Sirotkin A. V. , Pivko J. , Chrenek P.
Published: October 2013

Oxytocin (OT) and protein kinase A (PKA), a possible intracellular mediator of hormone action in the ovary, can be potent activators of ovarian functions and fertility. Nevertheless, action of OT on ovarian follicle atresia has not been studied yet. Only single administration of PKA activators [3‐isobutyl‐1‐methyl‐xanthine (IBMX) and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP)] on ovarian follicle atresia was studied previously. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of OT (single treatment per one reproductive cycle, multiple treatments for three cycles), IBMX and dbcAMP (multiple treatments) on folliculogenesis and follicular atresia in rabbit. The ovarian cycle in control females was induced only by gonadotropins. Experimental females received co‐administration of gonadotropins with OT, IBMX or dbcAMP (at 50 μg/female). All females were artificially inseminated. Single‐treated females were euthanized after 18–19 h. Multiple‐treated females were euthanized after the third reproductive cycle. Histological sections of the ovaries were prepared and evaluated by a light microscopy. The follicles were divided into four classes according to the structure of granulosa and theca cells as follows: none or small atresia, cystic atresia, obliterative atresia and atresia associated with luteinization. The ovaries from the control and experimental females, treated during one reproductive cycle or three cycles, were compared. Single OT co‐administration increased proportion of follicles with atresia associated with luteinization, but not other types of atresia. No influence of multiple OT co‐administration on follicular atresia was recorded. Multiple IBMX and dbcAMP co‐administration decreased the proportion of atretic follicles and increased the proportion of healthy follicles without atresia.
Morphological and Cytochemical Studies of Peripheral Blood Cells of Schizothorax prenanti
Authors: Fang J. , Chen K. , Cui H. M. , Peng X. , Li T. , Zuo Z. C.
Published: October 2013

The morphological and cytochemical studies of peripheral blood cells of Schizothorax prenanti were studied by light and electron microscopy. Erythrocytes, thrombocytes and three types of leucocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, were distinguished and characterized. In addition to mature erythrocytes, immature and dividing erythrocytes were observed. A few organelles such as mitochondria were distributed in the cytoplasm of erythrocytes. Lymphocytes with heavily clumped heterochromatic nucleus and minimal cytoplasm were classified into small and large lymphocytes. Three different populations of granules, with distinctive ultrastructural aspect, were observed in neutrophils. Monocytes were the fewest leucocytes possessing rich organelles, phagocytized materials and vacuoles. Thrombocytes with various types were the most abundant blood cells among leucocytes and contained a prominent nucleus with dense bands of heterochromatin and many cytoplasmic vacuoles. Periodic acid‐Schiff staining was positive in neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and thrombocytes, but not in erythrocytes. Peroxidase‐positive staining was observed in neutrophils and monocytes, but not in erythrocytes, lymphocytes and thrombocytes. Only neutrophils were positive for oil red O. Except for erythrocytes, the other blood cells stained positively for acid phosphatase. Only neutrophils and monocytes were positive for α‐naphthyl acetate esterase. None of the cells studied were positive for alkaline phosphatase. The morphologic and cytochemical features of blood cells of S. prenanti are similar to those of other fish. This investigation may be helpful as a tool to monitor the health status of cultured S. prenanti and will grant early detection of clinical pathology.
Increased Nuclear Expression of Nuclear Factor Kappa‐B p65 Subunit in the Eutopic Endometrium and Ovarian Endometrioma of Women with Advanced Stage Endometriosis
Authors: Kim Sung Hoon , Ihm Hyo Jin , Oh Young Sang , Chae Hee Dong , Kim Chung‐Hoon , Kang Byung Moon
Published: October 2013

Problem

We evaluated whether the expression of NF‐кB p65 subunit is increased in the eutopic endometrium and/or in the ovarian endometrioma of women with advanced stage endometriosis, and ascertained in vitro effects of proinflammatory cytokines on the expression and DNA binding of NF‐кB p65 subunit in endometrial cells.

Method of Study

Immunohistochemistry was performed to compare the nuclear NF‐кB p65 subunit immunoreactivity between women with and without advanced stage endometriosis. The nuclear NF‐кB p65 subunit expression and DNA binding were also analyzed in endometrial cells treated with tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) or interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) utilizing Western blot analysis, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

Results

The immunoreactivity of the nuclear NF‐кB p65 subunit was significantly increased in the eutopic endometrium as well as in the ovarian endometrioma of women with endometriosis compared with the controls. In vitro treatment of endometrial cells with TNF‐α and IL‐1β led to a significant increase in nuclear NF‐кB p65 subunit expression and DNA binding.

Conclusions

The nuclear expression of NF‐κB p65 is increased in the eutopic endometrium and ovarian endometrioma of women with advanced stage endometriosis, which strongly suggests that NF‐кB signaling plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and/or pathophysiology of endometriosis.
Future therapies for pre‐eclampsia: beyond treading water
Authors: Fenton Christine , Hobson Sebastian R. , Wallace Euan M. , Lim Rebecca
Published: October 2013

Pre‐eclampsia remains a major burden of disease, accounting for approximately 50,000–70,000 maternal deaths each year worldwide. Frustratingly, the management of pre‐eclampsia has remained essentially unchanged for much of the last century and focussed primarily on maternal blood pressure control to allow fetal maturation. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia and the elucidation of distinct underlying mechanisms offer the genuine prospect of new and effective therapies that may transform outcomes for millions of women and their babies.