bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
lncRNA H19/miR‐675 axis represses prostate cancer metastasis by targeting TGFBI
Authors: Zhu Miaojun , Chen Qin , Liu Xin , Sun Qian , Zhao Xian , Deng Rong , Wang Yanli , Huang Jian , Xu Ming , Yan Jianshe , Yu Jianxiu
Published: July 2014

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in men worldwide and there is a lack of effective treatment options for advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer. Currently, limited knowledge is available concerning the role of long non‐coding RNAs in prostate cancer metastasis. In this study, we found that long non‐coding RNA H19 (H19) and H19‐derived microRNA‐675 (miR‐675) were significantly downregulated in the metastatic prostate cancer cell line M12 compared with the non‐metastatic prostate epithelial cell line P69. Upregulation of H19 in P69 and PC3 cells significantly increased the level of miR‐675 and repressed cell migration; however, ectopic expression of H19 in M12 cells could not increase the level of miR‐675 and therefore had no effect on cell migration. Furthermore, we found that the expression level of either H19 or miR‐675 in P69 cells was negatively associated with the expression of transforming growth factor β induced protein (TGFBI), an extracellular matrix protein involved in cancer metastasis. Dual luciferase reporter assays showed that miR‐675 directly bound with 3′UTR of TGFBI mRNA to repress its translation. Taken together, we show for the first time that the H19–miR‐675 axis acts as a suppressor of prostate cancer metastasis, which may have possible diagnostic and therapeutic potential for advanced prostate cancer.
Contrasting architecture of key African and Australian savanna tree taxa drives intercontinental structural divergence
Authors: Moncrieff Glenn R. , Lehmann Caroline E. R. , Schnitzler Jan , Gambiza James , Hiernaux Pierre , Ryan Casey M. , Shackleton Charlie M. , Williams Richard J. , Higgins Steven I.
Published: July 2014

Aim

We examined differences in the architecture of African and Australian savanna trees. We sought to attribute variation in tree architecture to current environments, wood density and phylogeny, and thereby elucidate the relative importance of biogeographic idiosyncrasies versus current factors in underpinning architectural differences.

Location

Africa and Australia.

Methods

We compiled canopy diameters and stem diameters from 4867 trees of 97 species and heights and stem diameters from 10,786 trees of 155 species from a range of African and Australian savanna ecosystems and climates. Using Bayesian methods we first estimated continental‐scale savanna tree allometries, ignoring species differences. We then examined continental differences in species‐specific allometries accounting for trait covariation using a phylogeny of our study species. Environmental variables and wood density data were included as covariates, allowing us to assess the potential underpinning of regional differences in tree allometries by differences in current environments and traits.

Results

Substantial allometric differences exist between Australian and African savanna trees. Australian trees are on average 6 m taller at 20 cm diameter, with a 53% smaller canopy area than African trees. However, this extreme continental‐scale variation is driven by the architecture of only a few taxa in this study – Vachellia and Senegalia versus Eucalyptus and Corymbia – rather than systematic differences between species, wood density and environment. These same genera often dominate the woody strata of South African and Australian savannas, respectively.

Main conclusions

Stark differences in the architecture of African and Australian savanna tree taxa are not a product of environmental differences and are not consistent across species. Rather, the most likely explanation is the different evolutionary histories of African and Australian savannas, which share no woody species. We consider that these architectural differences are likely to impact regional patterns of woody biomass accumulation.
Phosphate binders and metabolic acidosis in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis—sevelamer hydrochloride, calcium carbonate, and bixalomer
Authors: Sanai Toru , Tada Hideo , Ono Takashi , Fukumitsu Toma
Published: July 2014

The serum bicarbonate (HCO3–) levels are decreased in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients treated with sevelamer hydrochloride (SH). We assessed the effects of bixalomer on the chronic metabolic acidosis in these patients. We examined 12 of the 122 consecutive Japanese patients with end‐stage renal disease on HD, who orally ingested a dose of SH (≥2250 mg), and an arterial blood gas analysis and biochemical analysis were performed before HD. Patients whose serum HCO3– levels were under 18 mmol/L were changed from SH to the same dose of bixalomer. A total of 12 patients were treated with a large amount of SH. Metabolic acidosis (a serum HCO3– level under 18 mmol/L) was found in eight patients. These patients were also treated with or without small dose of calcium carbonate (1.2 ± 1.1 g). The dose of SH was changed to that of bixalomer. After 1 month, the serum HCO3– levels increased from 16.3 ± 1.4 to 19.6 ± 1.7 mmol/L (P < 0.05). Metabolic acidosis was not observed in four patients (serum HCO3– level: 20.3 ± 0.7 mmol/L) likely because they were taking 3 g of calcium carbonate with SH. In the present study, the development of chronic metabolic acidosis was induced by HCl containing phosphate binders, such as SH, and partially ameliorated by calcium carbonate, then subsequently improved after changing the treatment to bixalomer.
Opportunities for product innovation using authorised European Union health claims
Authors: Richardson David P. , Eggersdorfer Manfred
Published: July 2014

For authorisation of a health claim in Europe, applicants must follow the procedures in the legislation and in the guidelines for submission of a dossier, as well as the guidance in the European Food Safety Authority's opinions on the scientific requirements for health claims. In addition to the authorised functional benefits of the vitamins and minerals, certain foods and food constituents offer beneficial physiological effects that extend beyond traditionally accepted nutritional effects. The elucidation of these effects is becoming more important, as reflected by the increasing amount of nutrition research and number of product innovations. Provided that they are scientifically substantiated, health claims linked to food and food supplement products can help consumers make well‐informed food choices. The present review focuses on scientific substantiation and consumer understanding of health claims, and it aims to help those involved in academic research, food product development and consumer education about food and health.
Kidney disease health literacy among new patients referred to a nephrology outpatient clinic
Authors: Burke M. T. , Kapojos J. , Sammartino C. , Gray N. A.
Published: July 2014

Background

Knowledge about kidney disease among the general population is poor but has not been assessed in the population selected for referral to nephrology care.

Aim

This study aimed to determine patients' understanding of chronic kidney disease (CKD) when first presenting to a nephrology clinic.

Methods

Newly referred patients to a nephrology clinic were surveyed with open‐ended questions about their understanding of CKD causes, symptoms and management.

Results

Two hundred and ten patients were surveyed. Median age was 66.5 years (interquartile range 52–77), 50.5% female and mean body mass index 29.7 ± 6.8 kg/m2. Prevalence of risk factors for CKD included 31% diabetic, 62% hypertension, 19% family history of CKD and 2% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. CKD stage prevalence was 0 (8%), 1 (24%), 2 (11%), 3 (38.5%), 4 (18%) and 5 (0.5%). Eighty‐two per cent were referred by their primary care physician and 29% had seen a nephrologist previously. Kidney Health Australia was mentioned by 2.4%. Sixteen per cent were unsure why they had been referred. CKD causes identified by patients were unsure (40%), alcohol (29%), hypertension (16%) and diabetes (14%). Symptoms identified included asymptomatic (16%), kidney pain (17%) and other (42%). Management suggested by patients was uncertain (51%), dialysis (32%) and anti‐hypertensive medication (16%). Eighty‐two per cent reported unsatisfactory education from their primary care physician.

Conclusions

New patients referred to a renal outpatient department had poor knowledge about kidney disease. Education of patients should begin in primary care prior to referral. For most patients, education programmes need to be targeted at a simplistic level.
The effects of nurse eggs and sibling interactions on the larval development of the poecilogonous annelid Boccardia proboscidea (Spionidae)
Authors: Oyarzun Fernanda X. , Brante Antonio
Published: July 2014

In poecilogony, different types of larvae are produced within the same species. Previous studies have suggested maternal control of the production of larval types; however, it is not clear which factors or mechanisms generate contrasting developmental patterns among siblings. The spionid polychaete Boccardia proboscidea produces within the same capsule adelphophagic larvae that eat nurse eggs and siblings and complete all or most of their development inside the capsule (Type A larvae), and larvae with little growth until they hatch as planktotrophic larvae (Type B larvae). In this study, we manipulated capsule content to explore the factors determining larval type in B. proboscidea and the role of extra‐embryonic maternal nutrition and sib–sib interaction in the developmental fate of offspring. When early larval stages were grown individually in vitro, with nurse eggs as the only food source, some of them remained small, while others continue developing into larger pre‐competent larvae by feeding on nurse eggs. This suggests that larval types in B. proboscidea are determined very early in development and are not solely the product of sib–sib interaction inside the capsule. However, our data also suggest that hatching size variability within larval types of a clutch depends on nurse egg availability. Type B larvae grew normally to metamorphosis when phytoplankton was available, but suffered high rates of cannibalism by Type A larvae. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that individual larval fates are determined very early in development and that once their fate is determined, hatching size and intracapsular survival are affected by maternal food provisioning and sibling interaction.
Effect of Apple and Pectin Diets on Serum and Liver Cholesterol in Rats
Authors: Karvinen Esko , Miettinen Matti
Published: July 2014

Male rats were fed isocaloric diets in which were incorporated 46.4 g unpeeled apple or 2 g pectin per day per rat. Serum cholesterol level of the rats on the apple diet was significantly lower than that of the controls. Serum cholesterol level of the rats on the pectin diet was not altered significantly. The amounts of liver cholesterol were not significantly changed by the apple or pectin diet. Uptake of orally given cholesterol‐4‐C14 in the liver unsaponifiable lipid was lower in the pectin fed and apple fed animals compared with that of the controls.
Studies on the Dual Action of Guanethidine in Sympathetic Nerves
Authors: Lundborg Per , Stitzel Robert E.
Published: July 2014

Evidence is presented indicating that guanethidine inhibits both the transport of amines through the nerve cell membrane and an uptake mechanism present in amine‐storing granules. In vivo the onset of membrane pump blockade is the more rapid process, but inhibition of granular uptake is more long‐lasting. In vitro studies demonstrate that guanethidine can inhibit the uptake of 14C‐adrenaline into bovine adreno‐medullary granules. The depletion of 3H‐metaraminol seen after guanethidine administration may result from a reserpine‐like action on the amine storage granules and/or a protriptyline‐like action on the membrane pump. It is suggested that the membrane pump inhibiting ability possessed by guanethidine, but not reserpine, may account for the sympathomimetic activity and exogenous amine potentiation which often accompanies guanethidine, but not reserpine, administration.
Nervous Control of Urinary Bladder in Cats
Authors: Edvardsen Per
Published: July 2014

Bladder motility in anesthetized or decerebrated cats was recorded under isometric conditions before and after the administration of graded doses of various agents with peripheral or ganglionic blocking effects on the autonomic nervous system. Direct or indirect cystometry was employed when the effects on the collecting or on the expulsion phase, respectively, were studied. Atropine, which blocks at cholinergic receptor sites, made the micturition contraction inefficient as the ability of the bladder to sustain the initial contraction was abolished. Hexamethonium, which blocks ganglionic transmission, impaired the spontaneous micturition contraction as well, by also preventing the initial pressure rise from occurring. The drug blocked the sympathetic ganglia at doses smaller than those which blocked the parasympathetic ones. The effects of propranolol and dibenzyline, which block adrenergic inhibitory and excitatory receptors respectively, suggest that both these receptors are present in the bladder. The former drug increased bladder tone, the latter had an atropine‐like effect on the micturition contraction and an excitatory influence on the micturition reflex. Finally, guanethidine, which blocks the adrenergic neuro‐muscular junction, had an excitatory effect on the bladder and a facilitatory effect on the micturition reflex in addition to its presynaptic blocking effect. These results support previous hypotheses of a sympathetic inhibition and absence of parasympathetic activity during the collecting phase, and of bladder pressure as the determinant of the micturition threshold.
ACTH‐mediated aldosterone hypersecretion during endotoxin‐induced fever with apparent influence upon renal sodium excretion
Authors: ANDERSSON B. , AUGUSTINSSON O. , HOLST H. , JÓNASSON H.
Published: July 2014

Febrile, endocrine, and renal responses to i.v. injection of endotoxin (E. coli lipopolysaccharide, 0.25 μg kg−1) were studied in hyperhydrated goats without, and after dexamethasone pre‐treatment, performed with the aim of inhibiting the adenohypophyseal secretion of ACTH. As expected from previous investigations, the administration solely of endotoxin induced biphasic fever, pronounced and long‐lasting (> 4 h) elevation of plasma cortisol (PC), and a prompt inhibition of the water diuresis. Apparently the observation that endotoxin also induced a pronounced biphasic elevation of plasma aldosterone (PA) where the two rising phases coincided with the early, and respectively the second elevation in rectal temperature is original. The endotoxin had no obvious influence upon the renal Na excretion for 3 h post‐injection, and did not affect plasma renin activity (PRA). After dexamethasone pre‐treatment (0.02 mg kg−1, i.v. 75 min prior to endotoxin) the endotoxin‐induced rise in rectal temperature initially was less steep and no biphasic pattern of the fever was observed. The PC and antidiuretic responses became delayed for about 2 h and were then much attenuated. Endotoxin‐induced rise in PA was no longer observed, and a conspicuous natriuresis developed within 90 min post‐endotoxin. It is concluded that endotoxin at the dose used causes liberation of ACTH to such an extent that adrenocortical hypersecretion not only of glucocorticoids, but also of aldosterone occurs. The observed differences in Na excretion suggest that this aldosterone hypersecretion may be of pathophysiological importance as a protection against inappropriate renal waste of Na during the early phase of endotoxin‐induced fever. The possibility is discussed that (as here shown with respect to aldosterone) biphasic secretion of some adrenocortical steroid with antipyretic action might explain the intermediate drop in temperature typical of the endotoxin fever pattern. The considerable delay and attenuation of the antidiuretic response seen after dexamethasone pre‐treatment suggests that endotoxin‐induced systemic release of arginine vasopressin may represent a ‘leakage’ of this neuropeptide in connection with activation of the hypothalamo‐hypophyseal‐adrenal axis.
Sex steroid hormones and adipose tissue metabolism in ovariectomized and adrenalectomized rats
Authors: REBUFFÉ‐SCRIVE M.
Published: July 2014

The effects of oestrogen and progesterone, alone or in combination, on regional adipose tissue metabolism and oestrogen binding were examined in rats which were not only ovariectomized but also adrenalectomized to allow a study under conditions such that no endogenous sex steroid production occurred. Under these conditions no effects on food intake of the sex steroid hormones were found. 17‐β‐oestradiol plus progesterone tended to increase lipoprotein lipase in the parametria! but not retroperitoneal fat depot, but no effects were found of oestrogen or progesterone alone. Oestradiol alone or in combination with progesterone clearly increased basal and norepinephrine‐stimulated lipolysis, most pronounced in the retroperitoneal depot. Progesterone alone had no effect. Cytoplasmic 17‐β‐oestradiol binding was highest in the parametrial fat depot in non‐substituted rats and decreased dramatically after oestrogen administration. It was concluded that in ovariectomized‐adrenalectomized rats, oestrogen alone or in the presence of progesterone facilitates lipolysis, a clear effect which is thus possible to elicit without adrenal hormones. Both sex steroid hormones alone or in combination, have no or weak effects on food intake and lipoprotein lipase activity, respectively. These metabolic events as well as cytoplasmic oestrogen binding show regional variations.
Treatment for palmoplantar pustular psoriasis: systematic literature review, evidence‐based recommendations and expert opinion
Authors: Sevrain M. , Richard M.‐A. , Barnetche T. , Rouzaud M. , Villani A.P. , Paul C. , Beylot‐Barry M. , Jullien D. , Aractingi S. , Aubin F. , Joly P. , Le Maitre M. , Cantagrel A. , Ortonne J.‐P. , Misery L.
Published: July 2014

Background

Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPPP) is a variant of psoriasis whose the association with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been recently described. There is limited evidence regarding how to best reduce palmoplantar pustular psoriasis severity and to maintain remission once achieved.

Objective

The aim of this study was to elaborate evidence‐based recommendations for PPPP treatment supported by a systematic literature review.

Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out in Embase, Medline and Cochrane Library databases from 1980 to February 2013 searching for any trial in patients with PPPP assessing therapeutic interventions not including a systemic biotherapy. The selection of articles was limited to human subjects and English or French languages.

Results

Among the 675 articles identified, 29 including one Cochrane review were analysed. The Cochrane review summarised 23 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in chronic PPPP until February 2003, including 724 patients. The authors concluded that oral retinoid therapy (acitretin), photochemotherapy or combination of both, low dose of ciclosporin or topical corticosteroids under occlusion appeared to be helpful in relieving symptoms of PPPP. Since the publication of this review, 9 open studies on PPPP treatment have been published. Three new studies evaluated the benefits of PUVA on PPPP. They all showed a better efficacy of PUVA compared to UVB therapy. One open study concluded that a retinoid treatment with an arotinoid ethylesther showed a good efficacy. Five prospective studies (level of evidence of 3) assessed Laser Excimer UVB‐NB (Excimer 308 nm) in PPPP. The combined analysis of these studies showed that 64% of patients experienced an improvement of 70% at the end of treatment.

Conclusion

Phototherapy, ciclosporin and topical corticosteroids seem to be able to control PPPP. However, the standard of care for PPPP remains an issue and there is a strong need for reliable RCTs to better define treatment strategies for PPPP.
Color Stability of Denture Teeth and Acrylic Base Resin Subjected Daily to Various Consumer Cleansers
Authors: Moon Audrey , Powers John M. , Kiat‐amnuay Sudarat
Published: July 2014

Objective

This study evaluated color stability of acrylic denture teeth and base resins after 48 weeks of commercial denture cleanser simulation.

Materials and Methods

Two brands of denture teeth (Trubyte Portrait IPN, TP; SR Vivodent DCL, SR) in shades A1, B1, and C1 and three acrylic base resins (Lucitone, LU; Paragon, PA; Valplast, VA) prepared to manufacturer's specifications were exposed 10 hours daily to four cleansers (Clorox Bleach, CB; Polident 3 minute, PO3; Efferdent, EF; and Kleenite, KL) and distilled water control, approximating consumer overnight use. Color measurements used the standard Commision International de l'Eclairage (International Commission on Illumination, CIE L*a*b*) color space (0, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks.) Color differences (ΔE*) at 48 weeks were subjected to four‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mean values were compared with Fisher's (protected least significant difference) intervals (0.05 significance level).

Results

Mean color differences (ΔE*) demonstrated color changes in each material. ANOVA‐indicated color changes in teeth were significantly affected by both cleansers and teeth brand (p < 0.05), but not shade. Color changes in base resins were significantly affected by cleansers (p < 0.05), but not brand alone. Overall, KL produced the least color change while CB and PO3 produced the most for all materials.

Conclusions

After 48 weeks of daily simulation, TP teeth were more color stable than SR in all cleansers except EF (p < 0.0001). Base resin VA was less color stable than LU and PA. Cleanser KL resulted in the lowest color changes.

Clinical Significance

All tested materials yield clinically acceptable color changes (ΔE* < 3.5); all cleansing methods tested can be recommended, although Kleenite demonstrated the least change after 48 weeks.
Waiting for the Surveyor: Development Promises and the Temporality of Infrastructure
Authors: Hetherington Kregg
Published: July 2014

Tras décadas de reforma agraria en la región oriental del Paraguay, la promesa y la esperanza de una redistribución de las tierras estatales sigue presente en la apreciación que tienen los campesinos de los agrimensores del estado. Esta valorización sigue a pesar de decepciones constantes, de corrupción abierta y paternalismo abusivo. El artículo sostiene que la promesa que da el agrimensor se basa en la lógica infraestructural del desarrollo: la premisa que las pequeñas inversiones en el terreno pueden conducir, con el tiempo, a importantes cambios sociales y económicos. Mirando esta historia en relación a las últimas décadas de las teorías del desarrollo en América Latina, el artículo también sugiere un replanteamiento del concepto de infraestructura para la antropología en general. El concepto suele evocar la dimensión espacial del ambiente humano, a costas de la dimensión temporal que le da tanto poder político.
EFFECTS OF LIVE SAXOPHONE MUSIC ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS, PAIN, MOOD AND ITCHING LEVELS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Burrai Francesco , Micheluzzi Valentina , Zito Maria Pia , Pietro Giurdanella , Sisti Davide
Published: July 2014

Background

Few studies have focused on the effect of music in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Objectives

To determine the effects of live saxophone music on various physiological parameters and pain, mood and itching levels.

Design

A randomised controlled study with 114 patients undergoing haemodialysis with a control group (n = 57) and an experimental group (n = 57) who received 30 minutes of live saxophone music therapy.

Measurements

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, glycaemia, oxygen saturation, pain, mood and itching levels were measured before and after the live music performance, resulting in baseline and post‐test values for the patients in the experimental group.

Results

The experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction in pain level, and an improvement in mood and itching levels and in the oxygen saturation.

Conclusion

Live saxophone music could be introduced to improve clinical and quality‐of‐life measures in patients undergoing haemodialysis.
Hypomagnesemia in Brachycephalic Dogs
Authors: Mellema M.S. , Hoareau G.L.
Published: July 2014

Background

Brachycephalic dogs are at risk for arterial hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, which are both associated with chronic magnesium (Mg) depletion.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare the period prevalence of hypomagnesemia between Boxers and Bulldogs presented to a referral teaching hospital. To screen a group of Bulldogs for evidence of hypomagnesemia, and to obtain pilot data regarding the utility of parenteral Mg tolerance testing (PMgTT) in the diagnosis of whole‐body Mg deficiency.

Animals

Chemistry laboratory submissions were retrospectively analyzed for serum total Mg (tMg) in Boxers and Bulldogs. Prospectively, 16 healthy client‐owned Bulldogs were enrolled.

Methods

Retrospective case study. tMg concentrations were compared between Boxers and Bulldogs. Dogs with low serum albumin or high serum creatinine concentrations were excluded. Prospectively, ionized Mg (iMg), tMg, and arterial blood pressure were measured and iMg‐to‐tMg ratio (iMg : tMg) was calculated. Parenteral Mg tolerance testing (PMgTT) was performed in 3/16 dogs.

Results

In the retrospective study, period prevalence of hypomagnesemia was 4.7% in Boxers and 15% in Bulldogs (P = .02). The risk ratio for hypomagnesemia in Bulldogs was 1.8 when compared to Boxers (CI: 1.3–2.7). In the prospective study, iMg was [median (interquartile)] 0.43 (0.42–0.46) mmol/L (reference range 0.4–0.52), tMg was 1.9 (1.8–1.9) mg/dL (reference range 1.9–2.5). iMg : tMg was [mean (±SD)] 0.59 ± 0.04. Percentage retention after PMgTT were 55%, 95%, and 67%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Mg deficiency is common in Bulldogs and could contribute to comorbidities often observed in this breed. iMg : tMg and PMgTT might prove helpful in detecting chronic subclinical Mg deficiency.
The Mongols, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe: The Mirabilia Tradition in Benedict of Poland's Historia Tartarorum and John of Plano Carpini's Historia Mongalorum
Authors: Czarnowus Anna
Published: July 2014

John of Plano Carpini's Historia Mongalorum and Benedict of Poland's Historia Tartarorum were inspired by the Marvels of the East tradition recorded in, respectively, Italy and Poland in Latin. Historia de proellis was a text that influenced Polish scholars the most, and it was ultimately translated into Polish in the 16th century. The first translator was Leonard of Bończa, and the other, more competent, translator remains anonymous. Particularly, the later 1550 version focuses on the monstrous races of India. The two ethnographic relations about the 1247 papal mission to the Tartars must have used similar sources when they related the existence of dog heads and other monstrous races in the Tartar territory. The friars' orientalism was more intellectual than ideological, and it was an impediment in their empirical cognition of the East.
Quid Shmuel cum Homero? Greek Culture and Early Yiddish Epic
Authors: Frakes Jerold C.
Published: July 2014

The conceptual connections between early Yiddish epic and ancient Greek epic, especially in the works of Homer are striking, even in the absence of evidence of direct influence. Those connections are explored here.
The Libro de los ejemplos del Conde Lucanor and the Panchatantra: Translatio, Power, and Comparison
Authors: Hernandez Gloria
Published: July 2014

This article compares the Castilian Medieval Libro del Conde Lucanor alongside its eldest predecessor in the storytelling tradition, the Sanskrit Panchatantra, attributed to the Indian sage Viṣṇu Śarma and dated around the eighth century. Observing how the Conde Lucanor and the Panchatantra dwell upon questions of governance, trust, and textual ambiguity makes evident that both works represent the transferring of knowledge as means to support imperial power. The comparison examines the dynamics of auctoritas – concerning authorship – and authority – concerning power – through which Don Juan Manuel appropriated the stories of the Panchatantra and integrated them into his own cultural domain, thus complying with the demands of conquest and colonization at play in the thirteenth and fourteenth‐centuries Christian Kingdom of Castile.
Normative Ethics after Pragmatic Naturalism
Authors: Sager Alex
Published: July 2014

PhilipKitcher presents an ambitious account of pragmatic naturalism that incorporates an explanatory story of the emergence and development of ethics, a metaethical perspective on progress, and a normative stance for moral theorizing. This article contends that Kitcher's normative stance is incompatible with the explanatory and metaethical components of his project. Instead, pragmatic naturalists should endorse a normative ethics that is experimental, grounded in practice, and acutely aware of cognitive and informational limitations. In particular, the ethical project would benefit from endorsing empirical work on participatory democracy for the identification of mechanisms to guide us on deep moral conflicts.
Analysis of gene expression changes in peach leaves in response to Plum pox virus infection using RNA‐Seq
Authors: Rubio Manuel , Rodríguez‐Moreno Luis , Ballester Ana Rosa , de Moura Manuel Castro , Bonghi Claudio , Candresse Thierry , Martínez‐Gómez Pedro
Published: July 2014

Differences in gene expression were studied after Plum pox virus (PPV, sharka disease) infection in peach GF305 leaves with and without sharka symptoms using RNA‐Seq. For each sample, more than 80% of 100‐nucleotide paired‐end (PE) Illumina reads were aligned on the peach reference genome. In the symptomatic sample, a significant proportion of reads were mapped to PPV reference genomes (1.04% compared with 0.00002% in non‐symptomatic leaves), allowing for the ultra‐deep assembly of the complete genome of the PPV isolate used (9775 nucleotides, missing only 11 nucleotides at the 5′ genome end). In addition, significant alternative splicing events were detected in 359 genes and 12 990 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, 425 of which could be annotated. Gene ontology annotation revealed that the high‐ranking mRNA target genes associated with the expression of sharka symptoms are mainly related to the response to biotic stimuli, to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and to the negative regulation of catalytic activity. A greater number of differentially expressed genes were observed in the early asymptomatic phase of PPV infection in comparison with the symptomatic phase. These early infection events were associated with the induction of genes related to pathogen resistance, such as jasmonic acid, chitinases, cytokinin glucosyl transferases and Lys‐M proteins. Once the virus had accumulated, the overexpression of Dicer protein 2a genes suggested a gene silencing plant response that was suppressed by the virus HCPro and P1 proteins. These results illustrate the dynamic nature of the peach–PPV interaction at the transcriptome level and confirm that sharka symptom expression is a complex process that can be understood on the basis of changes in plant gene expression.
Intraspinal dural‐based primary osteoblastoma with aneurysmal bone cyst‐like change
Authors: Fu Xinge , Jiang Juhong , Luo Bo‐ning , Tian Xiao‐ying , Li Zhi
Published: July 2014

Osteoblastoma is a benign bone‐forming neoplasm that occurs commonly in the posterior elements of the spine and the sacrum. However, so far there has been no report of intradural osteoblastoma described in the literature. We present a unique case of intraspinal dural‐based osteoblastoma with aneurysmal bone cyst‐like change without evidence of vertebral involvement. An 11‐year‐old Chinese girl presented with a 3‐month history of gradually progressive back pain and a weakness of both lower limbs. Thoracic MRI revealed a well‐demarcated subdural mass at the T5 level with heterogeneous enhancement. Histologically, the tumor was found to be attached to the dura and composed of numerous osteoid spicules and trabecular bone with diffusely scattered osteoclast‐type, multinucleated giant cells. Ectactic blood vessels and blood‐filled cystic spaces were also observed. A diagnosis of primary intraspinal dural‐based osteoblastoma with aneurysmal bone cyst‐like change was made. To our best knowledge, this is possibly the first case of primary osteoblastoma arising from meninges. Meningeal osteocartilaginous tumors are rare, with obscure histogenesis. The differential diagnosis of osteoblastoma in unusual locations is difficult and the confirmation of diagnosis should be cautiously made. Awareness of dural‐based osteoblastoma and its histological features is important to avoid a diagnostic pitfall caused by histological similarities to other intra‐craniospinal lesions with osteoid differentiation or bone formation.
Bisphenol A exposure disrupts the development of the locus coeruleus‐noradrenergic system in mice
Authors: Tando So , Itoh Kyoko , Yaoi Takeshi , Ogi Hiroshi , Goto Shoko , Mori Miyuki , Fushiki Shinji
Published: July 2014

It has been reported that bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread xenoestrogen employed in the production of polycarbonate plastics, affects brain development in both humans and rodents. In the present study employing mice, we examined the effects of exposure to BPA (500 μg/kg/day) during fetal and lactational periods on the development of the locus coeruleus (LC) at the age of embryonic day 18 (E18), postnatal 3 weeks (P3W), P8W and P16W. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive cells (TH‐IR cells) in females exposed to BPA was decreased, compared with the control females at P3W. At P8W, the number of TH‐IR cells in females exposed to BPA was significantly decreased, compared with the control females, whereas the number of TH‐IR cells in males exposed to BPA was significantly increased, compared with the control males, which resulted in reversed transient sexual differences in the numbers of TH‐IR cells observed in the controls at P8W. However, no significant changes were demonstrated at E18 or P16W. Next, we examined the density of the fibers containing norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prefrontal cortex, at P3W, P8W and P16W, because NET would be beneficial in identifying the targets of the LC noradrenergic neurons. There were no significant differences shown in the density of the NET‐positive fibers, between the control and the groups exposed to BPA. These results suggested that BPA might disrupt the development of physiological sexual differences in the LC‐noradrenergic system in mice, although further studies are necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Association of chronic periodontitis and psoriasis: periodontal status with severity of psoriasis
Authors: Sharma A , Raman A , Pradeep AR
Published: July 2014

Objectives

The chronic periodontitis (CP) and psoriasis share common risk factors and co‐morbidities. This study was designed to explore how frequently CP is associated with patients with psoriasis compared to systemic healthy subjects.

Materials and Methods

The periodontal clinical parameters probing depth (PD), periodontal attachment level (PAL), and presence or absence of radiographic bone loss (J Periodontol, 78, 2007, 1387) were recorded in 33 psoriasis subjects and 35 healthy subjects. The severity of psoriasis was assessed and recorded by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index as described earlier by Cohen et al (J Dermatolog Treat, 16, 2005, 308). The other oral health characteristics were also recorded.

Results

Probing depth and PAL showed significant higher values in psoriasis group compared with healthy group. It was also found that periodontal status was associated with severity of psoriasis.

Conclusions

The results showed a link between CP and psoriasis. This suggests the need for a multidisciplinary approach to manage psoriasis patients with chronic periodontitis, especially in relation to current and future treatment.
DNA methylation profiles in primary cutaneous melanomas are associated with clinically significant pathologic features
Authors: Thomas Nancy E. , Slater Nathaniel A. , Edmiston Sharon N. , Zhou Xin , Kuan Pei‐Fen , Groben Pamela A. , Carson Craig C. , Hao Honglin , Parrish Eloise , Moschos Stergios J. , Berwick Marianne , Ollila David W. , Conway Kathleen
Published: July 2014

DNA methylation studies have elucidated a methylation signature distinguishing primary melanomas from benign nevi and provided new insights about genes that may be important in melanoma development. However, it is unclear whether methylation differences among primary melanomas are related to tumor pathologic features with known clinical significance. We utilized the Illumina GoldenGate Cancer Panel array to investigate the methylation profiles of 47 primary cutaneous melanomas. Arraywide methylation patterns revealed a positive association of methylation with Breslow thickness and mutated BRAF, a negative association with mitotic rate, and a weak association with ulceration. Hierarchical clustering on CpG sites exhibiting the most variable methylation (n = 235) divided the melanoma samples into three clusters, including a highly methylated cluster that was positively associated with Breslow thickness and an intermediately methylated cluster associated with Breslow thickness and mitotic rate. Our findings provide support for the existence of methylation‐defined subsets in melanomas with increased methylation associated with Breslow thickness.
Physical activity and movement skills proficiency of young Filipino children
Authors: Capio Catherine M , Sit Cindy HP , Eguia Kathlynne F , Abernethy Bruce
Published: July 2014

Recent reports indicate an increasing prevalence of overweight among Filipino children. Considering the known association of physical activity (PA) with obesity, this study reports the findings of an objective monitoring of PA in a sample of Filipino children. The study also explores the relationship of PA with fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency. Thirty‐two children (6.54 ± 2.45 years old) wore an accelerometer for 7 days of PA monitoring and were assessed on five FMS (throw, catch, kick, run, jump). The children met the World Health Organization's recommendation of 60 min of PA per day, with more active time being accrued during weekdays than weekends. Children with greater FMS proficiency were found to spend more time in PA than those who were less skillful during weekends. Further research is recommended to examine PA and FMS proficiency associations, exploring the role of social interactions on weekends and weekdays.
Prevalence of Emanuel syndrome: Theoretical frequency and surveillance result
Authors: Ohye Tamae , Inagaki Hidehito , Kato Takema , Tsutsumi Makiko , Kurahashi Hiroki
Published: July 2014

Constitutional t(11;22)(q23;q11) is the most frequent recurrent non‐Robertsonian translocation in humans. Balanced carriers of t(11;22) usually manifest no clinical symptoms, and are often identified after the birth of offspring with an unbalanced form of this translocation, known as Emanuel syndrome. To determine the prevalence of the disorder, we sent surveillance questionnaires to 735 core hospitals in Japan. The observed number of Emanuel syndrome cases was 36 and that of t(11;22) balanced translocation carriers, 40. On the basis of the de novo t(11;22) translocation frequency in sperm from healthy men, we calculated the frequency of the translocations in the general population. Accordingly, the prevalence of Emanuel syndrome was estimated at 1 in 110 000. Based on this calculation, the estimated number of Emanuel syndrome cases in Japan is 1063 and of t(11;22) balanced translocation carriers, 16 604, which are much higher than the numbers calculated from the questionnaire responses. It is possible that this discordance is partly attributable to a lack of disease identification. Further efforts should be made to increase the awareness of Emanuel syndrome to ensure a better quality of life for affected patients and their families.
Academic‐Practice Partnership in Public Health Nursing: Working with Families in a Village‐Based Collaboration
Authors: Davis Rebecca A. , Travers Gustafson Dianne
Published: July 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this program development and evaluation project was to promote healthy families and communities by creating academic‐practice partnerships, educating BSN students and building family‐nursing student partnerships that were supported by a “village” of interconnected resources.

Design and Sample

A mixed‐methods design was used for the project. Data were collected from a convenience sample of vulnerable families, BSN students engaged in PHN practica, and partner members.

Measures

Nine tools were developed to capture data over two semesters including a GIS mapping strategy.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐five home visits were completed with 20 families, 14 of whom needed interpreter assistance. Families reported satisfaction with the quality of home visits, education, and assistance toward health goals. Fifty‐three students provided 202 educational interventions, 39 community resource connections, and 46 care transitions. Students reported linking theory with practice and valued the PHN practicum experience. Academic‐practice partners identified opportunities for program development and sustainability. GIS mapping illustrated complex family linkages to community resources.

Conclusions

Results suggest that young, vulnerable families benefit from public health nursing (PHN) home visits, but sustaining home visit programs is challenging. Academic‐practice partnerships can guide students and families partnered in a reciprocal relationship with “village” resources.
Concepts as Pluralistic Hybrids
Authors: Rice Collin
Published: July 2014

In contrast to earlier views that argued for a particular kind of concept (e.g. prototypes), several recent accounts have proposed that there are multiple distinct kinds of concepts, or that there is a plurality of concepts for each category. In this paper, I argue for a novel account of concepts as pluralistic hybrids. According to this view, concepts are pluralistic because there are several concepts for the same category whose use is heavily determined by context. In addition, concepts are hybrids because they typically link together several different kinds of information that are used in the same cognitive processes. This alternative view accounts for the available empirical data, allows for greater cognitive flexibility than Machery's recent account, and overcomes several objections to traditional hybrid views.
Export experience counts: exploring its effect on product design change
Authors: Tsinopoulos Christos , Lages Luis Filipe , Sousa Carlos M. P.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we explore how managers' export experience can affect the change in product design following changes in perceived past performance. Using data from 519 Portuguese exporters, we find that performance improvement will encourage safe decision making in which firms either will not change the product design or will change it in a way that makes it more similar across the product range. However, when managers' export experience is greater, they encourage change in ways that could support product differentiation. The abilities of experienced managers to read the market, i.e. to interpret changes in performance and translate them into product specifications, help explain these findings. We contribute to the literature in two ways. First, we explore the relationship among past export performance change, product design, and managers' export experience. Second, we identify specific kinds of design changes that firms adopt in response to changes in different dimensions of organizational performance. Based on our findings, we would recommend to new product development managers to consider both managers' export experience and the dimension used to measure performance when evaluating calls for standardizing the design by export managers. Our findings suggest that such calls could be driven by short‐term gains in export performance. Furthermore, we would also emphasize the need to routinely capture information from experienced export managers to ensure that it is considered in future decisions about design changes.
Determinants of absorptive capacity: contrasting manufacturing vs services enterprises
Authors: Chang Ching‐Hsun , Chen Yu‐Shan , Lin Ming‐Ji James
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants and the consequent of absorptive capacity from the resource‐capability‐performance framework in the Taiwanese manufacturing and service industries. Structural equation modeling is applied to verify the conceptual model. In both of the Taiwanese manufacturing industry and the Taiwanese service industry, this study verifies that resource commitment and resource flexibility are two antecedents of absorptive capacity, and that new product development performance or service innovation performance is its consequent. Besides, the empirical results show that absorptive capacity plays a partial mediator in the manufacturing industry but a full mediator in the service industry. If companies would like to raise their new product development performance or service innovation performance, they have to enhance their resource commitment, resource flexibility, and absorptive capacity. Moreover, this study finds that the resource commitment of small and medium enterprises is significantly less than that of large enterprises in Taiwanese manufacturing industry. This study also finds that resource flexibility of established companies is significantly higher than that of younger companies in Taiwan.
Increase in upper extremity fractures in young male soccer players in the Netherlands, 1998–2009
Authors: de Putter C. E. , van Beeck E. F. , Burdorf A. , Borsboom G. J. J. M. , Toet H. , Hovius S. E. R. , Selles R. W.
Published: July 2014

Young male soccer players have been identified as a target group for injury prevention, but studies addressing trends and determinants of injuries within this group are scarce. The goal of this study was to analyze age‐specific trends in hospital‐treated upper extremity fractures (UEF) among boys playing soccer in the Netherlands and to explore associated soccer‐related factors. Data were obtained from a national database for the period 1998–2009. Rates were expressed as the annual number of UEF per 1000 soccer players. Poisson's regression was used to explore the association of UEF with the number of artificial turf fields and the number of injuries by physical contact. UEF rates increased significantly by 19.4% in boys 5–10 years, 73.2% in boys 11–14 years, and 38.8% in boys 15–18 years old. The number of injuries by physical contact showed a significant univariate association with UEF in boys 15–18 years old. The number of artificial turf fields showed a significant univariate association with UEF in all age groups, and remained significant for boys aged 15–18 years in a multivariate model. This study showed an increase of UEF rates in boys playing soccer, and an independent association between artificial turf fields and UEF in the oldest boys.
Extensive emphysematous pyelonephritis in a renal allograft: case report and review of literature
Authors: Ágreda Castañeda F. , Lorente D. , Trilla Herrera E. , Gasanz Serrano C. , Servian Vives P. , Iztueta Saavedra I. , Morote Robles J.
Published: July 2014

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute, severe necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma and perirenal tissue, which results in the presence of gas within the renal parenchyma, collecting system, or perinephric tissue. EPN of renal allograft is rare, with only 23 cases reported in Western literature. Here, we report a patient treated successfully with surgery. We also review the literature, focusing on old and new suggested classification systems for EPN.