bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 induces significant preclinical antitumor effect in malignant melanoma cells
Authors: Tagami‐Nagata Naoko , Serada Satoshi , Fujimoto Minoru , Tanemura Atsushi , Nakatsuka Rie , Ohkawara Tomoharu , Murota Hiroyuki , Kishimoto Tadamitsu , Katayama Ichiro , Naka Tetsuji
Published: July 2015

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, responsible for the majority of skin cancer‐related deaths. Metastatic melanoma is resistant to surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, and an effective therapy has not yet been established. Our study investigated the therapeutic potential of the suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 (SOCS‐1), an endogenous inhibitor of the intracellular cytokine signalling pathway, for treating melanoma. Adenovirus vectors encoding the SOCS‐1 gene were used to overexpress SOCS‐1 in three melanoma cell lines (G361, SK‐MEL5 and SK‐MEL28). In G361 and SK‐MEL5, overexpression of SOCS‐1 significantly reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we indicated that the antiproliferative effect of SOCS‐1 correlated not only with decreased levels of the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 but also with increased levels of p53 expression and phosphorylation. These findings indicate the potential for clinical use of SOCS‐1 for melanoma treatment.
Dual oxidase 2 is essential for house dust mite‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine production in human keratinocytes
Authors: Ko Eunbi , Choi Hyun , Park Kkot‐Nara , Park Ju‐Yearl , Lee Tae Ryong , Shin Dong Wook , Bae Yun Soo
Published: July 2015

House dust mites (HDMs) are known to trigger chronic inflammation through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and their signalling cascades. In this study, we found that TLR2 ligation by HDMs induced the activation of dual oxidase 2 (Duox2) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), leading to the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in human keratinocytes. Stimulation of human keratinocytes with HDMs resulted in increases in interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) levels. However, pro‐inflammatory cytokine production was abolished in keratinocytes transfected with TLR2 siRNA, indicating that HDM‐induced cytokine production was mediated via TLR2 signalling. We also examined the function of Duox1/2 isozymes, which are primarily expressed in keratinocytes, in HDM‐mediated pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. Human keratinocytes transfected with control siRNA or Duox1 siRNA showed no inhibition of IL‐8 or CCL20 production in response to HDMs, whereas the silencing of Duox2 expression resulted in a failure to induce cytokine production. Moreover, the phosphorylation and nuclear localization of RelA/p65, a component of NF‐κB, were induced by HDMs in human keratinocytes. Transfection of human keratinocytes with TLR2 siRNA or Duox2 siRNA resulted in the complete abolishment of RelA/p65 nuclear localization in response to HDMs. Taken together, these results indicate that the HDM‐dependent TLR2‐Duox2 signalling axis indeed promotes NF‐κB activation, which induces IL‐8 and CCL20 production and mediates epidermal keratinocyte inflammation.
The second C2‐domain of copine‐2, copine‐6 and copine‐7 is responsible for their calcium‐dependent membrane association
Authors: Perestenko Pavel , Watanabe Masanori , Beusnard‐Bee Tobias , Guna Prakash , McIlhinney Jeffrey
Published: July 2015

The copine family of proteins contains nine members with a similar domain structure, namely two N‐terminal C2‐domains (C2A and C2B) and a C‐terminal A‐domain. The former are thought to be responsible for binding to the inner face of the plasma membrane following increases in intracellular calcium levels, whereas the A‐domain has been suggested to be a protein‐binding structure. In this study, we examined the effects of mutagenesis of selected residues in the linker area between the C2‐domains and the A‐domain, and mutagenesis of the aspartates of the C2‐domains, which are predicted to bind calcium and promote membrane association of the copines. We found that Lys282–Lys284 of the linker area are important for the folding of the intact protein. We showed that substitution with asparagine, single or multiple, of the aspartates in the C2A‐domain had no effect on the calcium‐mediated membrane association of copine‐2, copine‐6, or copine‐7. Similar mutagenesis of a single residue in the C2B‐domain of copine‐6 (but not copine‐2 and copine‐7) was sufficient to eliminate its calcium‐mediated membrane binding, and simultaneous substitution of all four of the asparagines in the C2B‐domain resulted in constitutive membrane association of copine‐2, copine‐6 and copine‐7 with the plasma membrane. These data show that the C2B‐domains of copine‐2, copine‐6 and copine‐7 are the domains responsible for the protein calcium‐dependent membrane association.
Novel pppGpp binding site at the C‐terminal region of the Rel enzyme from Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Syal Kirtimaan , Joshi Himanshu , Chatterji Dipankar , Jain Vikas
Published: July 2015

Mycobacterium tuberculosis elicits the stringent response under unfavorable growth conditions, such as those encountered by the pathogen inside the host. The hallmark of this response is production of guanosine tetra‐ and pentaphosphates, collectively termed (p)ppGpp, which have pleiotropic effects on the bacterial physiology. As the stringent response is connected to survival under stress, it is now being targeted for developing inhibitors against bacterial persistence. The Rel enzyme in mycobacteria has two catalytic domains at its N‐terminus that are involved in the synthesis and hydrolysis of (p)ppGpp, respectively. However, the function of the C‐terminal region of the protein remained unknown. Here, we have identified a binding site for pppGpp in the C‐terminal region of Rel. The binding affinity of pppGpp was quantified by isothermal titration calorimetry. The binding site was determined by crosslinking using the nucleotide analog azido‐pppGpp, and examining the crosslink product by mass spectrometry. Additionally, mutations in the Rel protein were created to confirm the site of pppGpp binding by isothermal titration calorimetry. These mutants showed increased pppGpp synthesis and reduced hydrolytic activity. We believe that binding of pppGpp to Rel provides a feedback mechanism that allows the protein to detect and adjust the (p)ppGpp level in the cell. Our work suggests that such sites should also be considered while designing inhibitors to target the stringent response.
Warming and drought differentially influence the production and resorption of elemental and metabolic nitrogen pools inQuercus rubra
Authors: Suseela Vidya , Tharayil Nishanth , Xing Baoshan , Dukes Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2015

The process of nutrient retranslocation from plant leaves during senescence subsequently affects both plant growth and soil nutrient cycling; changes in either of these could potentially feed back to climate change. Although elemental nutrient resorption has been shown to respond modestly to temperature and precipitation, we know remarkably little about the influence of increasing intensities of drought and warming on the resorption of different classes of plant metabolites. We studied the effect of warming and altered precipitation on the production and resorption of metabolites inQuercus rubra. The combination of warming and drought produced a higher abundance of compounds that can help to mitigate climatic stress by functioning as osmoregulators and antioxidants, including important intermediaries of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, amino acids including proline and citrulline, and polyamines such as putrescine. Resorption efficiencies (REs) of extractable metabolites surprisingly had opposite responses to drought and warming; drought treatments generally increased RE of metabolites compared to ambient and wet treatments, while warming decreased RE. However, RE of total N differed markedly from that of extractable metabolites such as amino acids; for instance, droughted plants resorbed a smaller fraction of elemental N from their leaves than plants exposed to the ambient control. In contrast, plants in drought treatment resorbed amino acids more efficiently (>90%) than those in ambient (65–77%) or wet (42–58%) treatments. Across the climate treatments, the RE of elemental N correlated negatively with tissue tannin concentration, indicating that polyphenols produced in leaves under climatic stress could interfere with N resorption. Thus, senesced leaves from drier conditions might have a lower nutritive value to soil heterotrophs during the initial stages of litter decomposition despite a higher elemental N content of these tissues. Our results suggest that N resorption may be controlled not only by plant demand, but also by climatic influences on the production and resorption of plant metabolites. As climate–carbon models incorporate increasingly sophisticated nutrient cycles, these results highlight the need to adequately understand plant physiological responses to climatic variables.
Is part‐night lighting an effective measure to limit the impacts of artificial lighting on bats?
Authors: Azam Clémentine , Kerbiriou Christian , Vernet Arthur , Julien Jean‐François , Bas Yves , Plichard Laura , Maratrat Julie , Le Viol Isabelle
Published: July 2015

As light pollution is currently considered to be a major threat to biodiversity, different lighting management options are being explored to mitigate the impact of artificial lighting on wildlife. Although part‐night lighting schemes have been adopted by many local authorities across Europe to reduce the carbon footprint and save energy, their effects on biodiversity are unknown. Through a paired, in situ experiment, we compared the activity levels of 8 bat species under unlit, part‐night, and full‐night lighting treatments in a rural area located 60 km south of Paris, France. We selected 36 study locations composed of 1 lit site and a paired unlit control site; 24 of these sites were located in areas subject to part‐night lighting schemes, and 12 sites were in areas under standard, full‐night lighting. There was significantly more activity on part‐night lighting sites compared to full‐night lighting sites for the late‐emerging, light‐sensitive Plecotus spp., and a similar pattern was observable for Myotis spp., although not significant. In contrast, part‐night lighting did not influence the activity of early emerging bat species around streetlights, except for Pipistrellus pipistrellus for which there was significantly less activity on part‐night lighting sites than on full‐night lighting sites. Overall, no significant difference in activity between part‐ and full‐night lighting sites were observed in 5 of the 8 species studied, suggesting that current part‐night lighting schemes fail to encompass the range of activity of most bat species. We recommend that such schemes start earlier at night to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of artificial lighting on light‐sensitive species, particularly along ecological corridors that are especially important to the persistence of biodiversity in urban landscapes.
Course of functional status in elderly patients after coronary artery bypass surgery: 6‐month follow up
Authors: Niemeyer‐Guimarães Márcio , Cendoroglo Maysa Seabra , Almada‐Filho Clineu Mello
Published: July 2015

Aim

To determine longitudinal changes in functional status using three functional assessment scales in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study of 73 patients aged ≥60 years undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were assessed for functional status before admission, at hospital discharge, and at 1 and 6 months after discharge using the Functional Independence Measure, Katz Activities of Daily Living scale, and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. Data were stratified by age (≥70 years and <70 years) and complications (with and without) for analysis.

Results

In patients aged ≥70 years (n = 38), Functional Independence Measure scores ranged from 121.30 ± 6.42 (pre‐admission) to 112.10 ± 17.10 (1 month) and 117.80 ± 13.50 (6 months), Katz scores from 5.88 ± 0.32 (pre‐admission) to 5.45 ± 1.04 (1 month) and 5.83 ± 0.65 (6 months), and Lawton scores from 25.40 ± 3.30 (pre‐admission) to 20.05 ± 4.93 (1 month) and 24.50 ± 4.10 (6 months; P < 0.001 for all). No significant changes were found in scale scores over time between groups with (n = 34) and without (n = 39) complications. When groups aged ≥70 years (n = 38) and <70 (n = 35) were compared, Functional Independence Measure scores showed a difference toward recovery over time in older patients (discharge – pre‐admission, P = 0.010; 1 month – pre‐admission, P = 0.0004; and 6 months – pre‐admission, P = 0.079).

Conclusions

The Functional Independence Measure was able to detect significant functional loss over a 6‐month period in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, suggesting that this scale is a promising tool for the assessment of functional recovery over time after cardiac surgery, especially in patients aged older than 70 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.
CSR beyond the corporation: contested governance in global value chains
Authors: BAIR JENNIFER , PALPACUER FLORENCE
Published: July 2015

The frontier of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is constantly being negotiated by corporate and non‐corporate actors that vie to define its meaning and scope. In this article, we explore the relationship between CSR and governance in the context of global value chains that span both organizational boundaries and geographic borders. We draw on the CSR and global value chain literature to highlight the nexus between CSR and what we see as two overlapping dimensions of governance. These are industrial governance (or the coordination of relationships among actors in a global value chain) and global governance (the efforts of non‐state actors to manage transnational processes, including via the creation of norms and rules regarding global production). Drawing inspiration from an emergent neo‐Gramscian perspective on global value chains, we propose the notion of contested governance to explain how CSR becomes a key domain in which these contending, though potentially complementary, ways of defining and delimiting governance as an analytic concept play out.
Growing in value: NGOs, social movements and the cultivation of developmental value chains in Uttarakhand, India
Authors: NICKOW ANDRE
Published: July 2015

The social consequences of global value chains – including their effects on economic development – are shaped, in part, by non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and social movement organizations (SMOs). While scholars have extensively explored the causes and effects of downstream corporate social responsibility, we know little about the influence of upstream NGOs and SMOs in shaping value chains. To address this lacuna, I draw on a case study of rural development organizations in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. I find that these groups build marginal producers’ organizational and technical capacity, assist producers in meeting certification standards, and work to cultivate alternative value chain segments, both local and global. Results suggest that NGOs and SMOs help marginal producers to engage more profitably with corporate value chains, even as they simultaneously pursue strategies that are more contentious and that aim to create deeper structural change.
EDF Energy's green CSR claims examined: the follies of global carbon commodity chains
Authors: BÖHM STEFFEN , BREI VINICIUS , DABHI SIDDHARTHA
Published: July 2015

In this article, we analyse the dynamic connections constituted by the global commodity chains of carbon markets, which offer profit, marketing and legitimacy‐providing opportunities for both Northern and Southern corporations. Specifically, we contrast EDF Energy's green CSR and marketing discourse with the social, economic and environmental realities on the ground near the factory of Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited (GFL), which operates one of the biggest clean development mechanism (CDM) projects in India. Based on historical documents, secondary datasets, companies’ websites and their financial information, primary ethnographic and interview data, our analysis makes a direct link – enabled by global carbon markets – between the green claims made by EDF Energy, one of the biggest energy companies in the UK, and the dirty reality of GFL's operations in India. In this historical case, we put into doubt the green CSR claims made by EDF Energy, questioning the discourse of sustainable development and improvement in people's lives that surround global carbon markets and specifically the CDM.
Imaging Pathways in Fractured Rock Using Three‐Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Tomography
Authors: Robinson Judith , Slater Lee , Johnson Timothy , Shapiro Allen , Tiedeman Claire , Ntarlagiannis Dimitrios , Johnson Carole , Day‐Lewis Frederick , Lacombe Pierre , Imbrigiotta Thomas , Lane John
Published: July 2015

Major challenges exist in delineating bedrock fracture zones because these cause abrupt changes in geological and hydrogeological properties over small distances. Borehole observations cannot sufficiently capture heterogeneity in these systems. Geophysical techniques offer the potential to image properties and processes in between boreholes. We used three‐dimensional cross borehole electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) in a 9 m (diameter) × 15 m well field to capture high‐resolution flow and transport processes in a fractured mudstone contaminated by chlorinated solvents, primarily trichloroethylene. Conductive (sodium bromide) and resistive (deionized water) injections were monitored in seven boreholes. Electrode arrays with isolation packers and fluid sampling ports were designed to enable acquisition of ERT measurements during pulsed tracer injections. Fracture zone locations and hydraulic pathways inferred from hydraulic head drawdown data were compared with electrical conductivity distributions from ERT measurements. Static ERT imaging has limited resolution to decipher individual fractures; however, these images showed alternating conductive and resistive zones, consistent with alternating laminated and massive mudstone units at the site. Tracer evolution and migration was clearly revealed in time‐lapse ERT images and supported by in situ borehole vertical apparent conductivity profiles collected during the pulsed tracer test. While water samples provided important local information at the extraction borehole, ERT delineated tracer migration over spatial scales capturing the primary hydrogeological heterogeneity controlling flow and transport. The fate of these tracer injections at this scale could not have been quantified using borehole logging and/or borehole sampling methods alone.
Longitudinal assessment of bone loss using quantitative ultrasound in a blood‐induced arthritis rabbit model
Authors: Wang K. C. , Amirabadi A. , Wang K. C. , Moineddin R. , Jong R. , Tomlinson C. , Doria A. S.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Osteoporosis is common in haemophilic arthropathy. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can be a suitable alternative for dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry for diagnosing osteoporosis in haemophiliacs due to its lack of ionizing radiation, and ease to use.

Aim

We investigated the intra‐ and inter‐operator reliability of QUS, its responsiveness to bone growth, its ability to differentiate bone adjacent to blood‐injected vs. control joints, and the effect of soft tissues on the speed of sound (SOS) QUS values in a juvenile white New Zealand rabbit model of blood‐induced arthritis.

Methods

Eight of 16 rabbits were injected with autologous blood (0.1 mL kg−1) 8 times over a 17‐week period, the remaining eight rabbits served as controls. SOS was measured at baseline, weeks 8 and 17 in vivo and after the bones were excised on week 17.

Results

Intra‐ and inter‐operator coefficients of variation for QUS data were <5% and intraclass correlation coefficients were >60% for 22/27 (81.5%) of bones assessed. The level of interval increase in SOS values from baseline to week 17 was significantly different in tibiae of injected, contralateral to injected and non‐injected knee groups by anova (P = 0.01). In vivo (mean ± SD, 4147.17 ± 96.27 m s−1) and postmortem (4457.85 ± 104.00 m s−1) measurements on week 17 differed (P < 0.01) indicating an effect of soft tissues on SOS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, QUS' acceptable reliability, its responsiveness to growth‐related changes and its ability to discriminate injected and non‐injected joints make this technique a plausible candidate as a diagnostic tool for osteoporosis in the paediatic haemophilic population if these results are confirmed upon animal–human translation.
Distress in patients with bleeding disorders: a single institutional cross‐sectional study
Authors: Barry V. , Lynch M. E. , Tran D. Q. , Antun A. , Cohen H. G. , DeBalsi A. , Hicks D. , Mattis S. , Ribeiro M. J. A. , Stein S. F. , Truss C. L. , Tyson K. , Kempton C. L.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Distress may affect a patient's ability to cope with and manage disease.

Aim

To report distress prevalence in adult patients with bleeding disorders and determine whether specific clinical and health characteristics, including disease severity and employment status, are associated with distress.

Methods

Patients who visited a Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) between January 1st, 2012 through February 28th, 2014 and who completed a distress screen, pain screen and questionnaire were evaluated cross sectionally. Distress was measured by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Management Tool, which allowed patients to rate recent distress on a 0–10 point scale. A rating of five or more was categorized as high distress. Pain was measured by the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form, which asked patients to rate pain types on 0–10 point scales. Patients reported employment and other demographic and behavioural information on the questionnaire. Primary diagnosis, age, HIV and HCV status were abstracted from medical records. Adjusted logistic regression was used to identify distress associations.

Results

High distress prevalence among 152 patients with bleeding disorders was 31.6%. Unemployment, disability, greater depressive symptoms and higher pain were associated with high distress in multivariable models. Bleeding disorder diagnosis, race/ethnicity, HIV/HCV status and on‐demand treatment regimen were not associated with high distress.

Conclusion

Distress among patients with congenital bleeding disorders followed at a comprehensive HTC was high and similar to that reported among patients with cancer. Future research should determine whether distress impacts clinical outcomes in patients with bleeding disorders as demonstrated in other chronic disorders.
Using routine Haemophilia Joint Health Score for international comparisons of haemophilia outcome: standardization is needed
Authors: Nijdam A. , Bladen M. , Hubert N. , Pettersson M. , Bartels B. , van der Net J. , Liesner R. , Petrini P. , Kurnik K. , Fischer K.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) is the most sensitive validated score for physical examination of joint health in haemophilia. HJHS performed at regular intervals can be used for clinical monitoring as well as for comparative outcomes research.

Aim

To determine whether routinely collected HJHS could be used to compare outcome of three different prophylactic regimens in children with severe haemophilia A (primary) and which parameters caused variability in HJHS (secondary).

Methods

International retrospective observational multi‐centre study comparing routine HJHS in 127 children with severe haemophilia A born from 1995 to 2009, from London, Stockholm and Utrecht centres. Patient and treatment data were collected from the European Paediatric Network for Haemophilia Management registry and patient files. The independent effects of regimens, physiotherapists, age and inhibitor status on HJHS were explored, using multivariable regression analysis.

Results

Prophylaxis varied across participating centres, with differences in initial frequency of infusions (1× per week vs. 3× per week), age at reaching infusions ≥3× per week, and dose kg−1 week−1 at HJHS assessment. Evaluation at median age of 11 years showed an illogical association of HJHS with treatment regimen: the least intensive regimen had the lowest HJHS. The HJHS increased with age and history of inhibitor, as expected (internal validity). But the comparison of prophylactic regimens was obscured by systematic differences in assessment between physiotherapists, both within and between centres.

Conclusion

Inter‐physiotherapist discrepancies in routine HJHS hamper comparison of scores between treatment regimens. For multi‐centre research, additional inter‐observer standardization for HJHS scoring is needed.
Prescriptions of dialysate potassium concentration during short daily or long nocturnal (high dose) hemodialysis
Authors: Leypoldt John K. , Agar Baris U. , Bernardo Angelito A. , Culleton Bruce F.
Published: July 2015

The prescription of dialysate potassium concentration during short daily and long nocturnal (high dose) hemodialysis (HD) is challenging due to limited clinical experience with such modalities. The aim here is to propose a quantitative approach for prescribing dialysate potassium concentrations during high‐dose HD. Potassium kinetic parameters based on a pseudo one‐compartment model from 547 patients participating in the HEMO Study were used for prediction purposes in this study. Patients were categorized based on the prescribed dialysate potassium concentration during thrice weekly HD as 1K (mean of 1.02 mEq/L, N = 60), 2K (2.01 mEq/L, N = 437), or 3K (3.01 mEq/L, N = 50). Dialysate potassium concentrations were then predicted for each patient during short daily and long nocturnal HD based on a pseudo one‐compartment model to maintain the identical weekly dialytic potassium removal and predialysis serum potassium concentration as during thrice weekly HD. Predicted prescribed dialysate potassium concentrations for short daily HD were 0.18–0.45 mEq/L higher than during thrice weekly HD but were approximately 4 (3.72–4.26) mEq/L for all patients during long nocturnal HD. The intradialytic decrease in serum potassium concentration was predicted to be reduced by more than one‐half during short daily HD and by approximately three‐quarters during long nocturnal HD of that during thrice weekly HD. Prescribed dialysate potassium concentration during high‐dose HD modalities can be quantitatively predicted using a pseudo one‐compartment kinetic model. High‐dose HD modalities may improve clinical outcomes by reducing intradialytic decreases in serum potassium.
Risk of major depression in patients with chronic renal failure on different treatment modalities: A matched‐cohort and population‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Shih‐Feng , Wang I‐Jen , Lang Hui‐Chu
Published: July 2015

The influence of different treatment modalities on the risk of developing major depression in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) is not well understood. We aimed to explore the incidence of major depression among patients with CRF who were on different dialysis modalities, who had received renal transplantation (RT), and those who had not yet received any of the aforementioned renal replacement therapies. We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study using a national health insurance research database. This study investigated 89,336 study controls, 17,889 patients with chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment, 3823 patients on hemodialysis (HD), 351 patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 322 patients who had RT. We followed all individuals until the occurrence of major depression or the date of loss to follow‐up. The PD group had the highest risk (hazard ratio [HR] 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–4.69), whereas the RT group had the lowest risk (HR 0.18; 95% CI 0.03–1.29) of developing major depression compared with the control group. Patients initiated on PD had a higher risk of developing major depression than patients initiated on HD (pairwise comparison: HR 2.20; 95% CI 1.09–4.46). Different treatment modalities are associated with different risks of developing major depression in patients with CRF. Among renal replacement therapies, patients who have had RT have the lowest risk of developing major depression. Patients who initiate renal therapy on PD may have a higher risk of major depression compared with patients who initiate renal therapy on HD.
Access to Triptans for Acute Episodic Migraine: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Khan Sobia , Mascarenhas Alekhya , Moore Julia E. , Knowles Sandra , Gomes Tara
Published: July 2015

Objective

Our study aims to examine factors related to access of triptans among multiple stakeholder groups.

Background

Triptans are a cornerstone of pain management for the acute treatment of migraine, but actual utilization of triptans is lower than ideal. Initial and continued access to triptans may be an important clinical issue in the acute treatment of migraines, but factors affecting access at the patient, provider, and health‐care system levels have not been comprehensively explored.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in Ontario, Canada, between August 2013 and January 2014. Three participant groups were recruited to the qualitative study: (1) migraineurs who have experience accessing triptans; (2) physicians, including primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists, who have prescribed triptans; and (3) pharmacists who have dispensed triptans. Qualitative data were collected through one‐on‐one, semi‐structured telephone interviews. The framework approach was used for data collection and analysis.

Results

Data collected from 19 migraineurs, 6 physicians, and 8 pharmacists were included in the analysis. Study participants discussed various factors that facilitate or hinder access to triptans, which were synthesized into four themes that emerged at the patient, provider, and health‐care systems levels: (1) awareness; (2) apathy; (3) advocacy; and (4) affordability. Across all participant groups, awareness of available treatments and coverage policies for those treatments were potential factors relating to timely drug provision. Participants describe apathy in terms of patients' health‐seeking behaviors and physicians' lack of concern toward migraine, which were seen as factors that could delay diagnosis and provision of appropriate treatment. Patients engaging in self‐advocacy enhanced their ability to seek timely and appropriate provision of triptans at the patient level. At the health‐care provider level, pharmacists were identified by patients as advocates for receiving more effective treatments for their migraines; pharmacists also self‐identified with the advocate role. The affordability of triptans was a key concern impacting access at the systems level, but coverage limitations (eg, quantity limits) were also described to influence the appropriateness of prescribed migraine treatment.

Conclusion

This study fills a gap in knowledge about access to triptans and how this may be impacted by patient, provider, and health‐care systems barriers. Overall, our study sheds light on the experiences of prescribing, dispensing, and accessing triptans for migraine treatment, and unveils important information that can impact how patients access these drugs.
Wnt agonist stimulates liver regeneration after small‐for‐size liver transplantation in rats
Authors: Ma Yuefeng , Lv Xiangwei , He Jinjing , Liu Tianqing , Wen Shuang , Wang Liming
Published: July 2015

Aim

Liver regeneration is inhibited in small‐for‐size grafts, which plays a role in the failure of partial liver grafts after transplantation. The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in liver development, regeneration and homeostasis. In this study, we investigated whether pharmacological activation of Wnt signaling improves liver regeneration after small‐for‐size liver transplantation.

Methods

The livers of male Sprague–Dawley rats were reduced to approximately 50% and 30% of their original sizes and transplanted. A Wnt agonist (2‐amino‐4‐[3,4‐[methylenedioxy]benzylamino]‐6‐[3‐methoxyphenyl] pyrimidine], 5 mg/kg bodyweight) or an equal volume of vehicle was administrated i.p. into the donor 1 h before the transplantation. Tissue and blood samples were collected at various times after transplantation, and a survival study was performed.

Results

Hepatic expression of active β‐catenin and its downstream target gene Axin2 were decreased in 30% of liver grafts after transplantation while the Wnt agonist increased their expression similar to the 50% liver grafts. The Wnt agonist reversed inhibition of cyclin D1 expression and adenosine triphosphate production in the 30% liver grafts compared with the 50% grafts. The Wnt agonist also attenuated hepatocellular injury and increased the hepatocyte proliferation response, liver regeneration rate and survival after transplantation of the 30% liver graft.

Conclusion

Activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in liver grafts by pharmacological pretreatment can accelerate regeneration in a partial liver transplant model.
Patient communication pattern scale: psychometric characteristics
Authors: Ilan Sara , Carmel Sara
Published: July 2015

Background

In western societies, a shared decision‐making model for doctor–patient relationships calling for open and collaborative communication is recommended. Research focuses mainly on the doctor's communication patterns, while research on patient communication patterns is rare. The purpose of this study was to develop a tool for evaluating patient's communication patterns – the Patient Communication Pattern Scale (PCPS).

Methods

Interviews based on structured questionnaires were conducted with 251 cancer patients. In addition to the 14‐item PCPS, the questionnaire included questions regarding education, religiosity and desirability of control in general and over one's own health in particular, for validating the scale.

Results

The PCPS was found to be a valid and reliable tool for evaluating patients' communication patterns. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the PCPS designed structure of five facets: (1) Information, (2) Clarification, (3) Initiation, (4) Preferences and (5) Emotions.

Conclusion

The PCPS is a reliable scale for evaluating patient communication patterns. The use of this scale can assist in promoting related research and in developing interventions for enhancing open and collaborative doctor–patient communication.
The detection of periapical pathoses using digital periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography in endodontically retreated teeth – part 2: a 1 year post‐treatment follow‐up
Authors: Davies A. , Patel S. , Foschi F. , Andiappan M. , Mitchell P. J. , Mannocci F.
Published: July 2015

Aim

Part 2 of this prospective clinical study aimed to compare the 1‐year outcome of root canal retreatments, when individual roots and teeth were assessed by periapical radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methodology

Subjects participating in this study had been referred for management of an endodontic problem associated with one or more root filled teeth. Root canal retreatment was performed by Specialists or postgraduate students under the direct supervision of Specialist endodontic staff. A total of 98 teeth (84 patients) were reassessed clinically and radiographically 1 year after completion of root canal retreatment. The postoperative periapical radiographs and CBCT scans were compared with their respective pre‐treatment (diagnostic) periapical radiographs and CBCT scans. The increase or decrease in size of existing periapical radiolucencies and development of new radiolucencies were assessed by a consensus panel consisting of two calibrated examiners. They also determined an appropriate management plan for each case based on the radiographical findings. Comparison of the outcome diagnosis of individual roots and teeth and case management, when assessed by periapical radiographs and CBCT scans, was performed using chi‐squared and McNemar's tests.

Results

An overall favourable result of 93% success for teeth (96% roots) was recorded when the assessment was undertaken by periapicals compared with 77% success for teeth (87% roots) when assessed by CBCT. A significant difference in outcome diagnosis of single paired roots (P < 0.0001) and teeth (P = 0.0001) was observed when comparing periapicals to CBCT for the cohort of teeth as a whole. When comparing the future management plan on the basis of radiographic information alone, there was a significant difference between periapicals and CBCT‐based management (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Diagnosis using CBCT revealed a significantly lower number of favourable outcomes than periapicals in root canal retreatment. This significantly affected the future management of cases attending for a review.
Comparison of apically extruded debris after large apical preparations by full‐sequence rotary and single‐file reciprocating systems
Authors: Silva E. J. N. L. , Carapiá M. F. , Lopes R. M. , Belladonna F. G. , Senna P. M. , Souza E. M. , De‐Deus G.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To evaluate the amount of apically extruded debris produced by ProTaper Universal (PTU), ProTaper Next (PTN), WaveOne (WO) and Reciproc (R) systems after large apical preparations.

Methodology

Sixty mandibular premolars with a single canal were selected and randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 15) according to the system used for root canal preparation: PTU, PTN, WO and R groups. Canal preparations were performed up to size 40 in each group. Distilled water was used as an irrigant, and the apically extruded debris from each tooth was collected in pre‐weighted glass vials and dried. The average weight of debris was assessed using a microbalance, and the data were analysed statistically using one‐way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey multiple comparison test (α = 0.05).

Results

The PTU system was associated with significantly more debris than the other systems (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between PTN, WO and R systems (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

All systems were associated with apical debris extrusion when canals were prepared to a large apical size. The PTU system was associated with more debris extrusion.
Synthesis of Yttria Nanopowders by Two Precipitation Methods and Investigation of Synthesis Conditions
Authors: Khajelakzay Mohammad , Shoja Razavi Reza , Barekat Masoud , Naderi Mahdi , Milani Mostafa
Published: July 2015

Yttrium oxide nanopowder was successfully synthesized by two precipitation methods, through which Y2O3 nanopowder was prepared by ammonium hydroxide and ammonium hydrogen carbonate as precipitants. Hydroxide and carbonate precursors of Y2O3 with approximate composition of Y(OH)3 and Y2(CO3)3, respectively, were synthesized using yttrium nitrate as the starting salt. XRD results show cubic yttrium oxide phase for annealed samples. SEM and TEM images show that samples are composed of agglomerated and nonagglomerated nanoparticles with different shapes and sizes. Optimal conditions for synthesis of nanoparticles were defined as 3‐h aging time, ammonium hydrogen carbonate as precipitant, and calcination temperature of 1000°C.
Fair trade consumers in Portugal: values and lifestyles
Authors: Coelho Sandra Lima
Published: July 2015

This article results from an empirical research on FT in Portugal. The study combined qualitative and quantitative methods. Thus, biographical interviews and a survey were used to collect data about FT consumption practices as well as the profile of Portuguese FT consumers. Sociological portraits allowed for analysing the interviews. In this article one aims to presenting and discussing qualitative findings from this research. The main contribution of this article is to provide information about FT consumers' lifestyles. In order to achieve this goal, one presents nine sociological portraits. This article aims to clarify to what extend consumption practices of these FT consumers pursue, or not, buycotting strategies as a collective action aiming at promoting social change, or if buying FT goods is just a traditional action, without any ideological background.
Bioutilisation of agro‐industrial waste for lactic acid production
Authors: Panesar Parmjit S. , Kaur Shubhneet
Published: July 2015

With the advancement in science and technology, the importance of bioconversion of industrial waste into value‐added products through biotechnological route has been realised. Moreover, to make the process economic and environment responsive, agro‐industrial waste/by‐products can be used as substrates in fermentation processes as an inexpensive raw material. In the field of food biotechnology, organic acids represent the third largest category among the biological products, which can be produced chemically or by fermentation process. Among organic acids, lactic acid holds an important position because of its multivariate applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textiles and other industries. Traditionally, lactic acid was produced from pure substrates, but agricultural feedstocks and industrial by‐products have evoked the interest of researchers to use them as raw materials for the biotechnological production of lactic acid. The utilisation of biomass has gained major attention due to environmental hazards, scarcity of fossil fuels and meet the increasing world food and feed demand. Integrated biorefinery approaches have also been adopted for the production of lactic acid along with primary product to minimise the cost. This review provides comprehensive information on the recent advances in biotechnological production of lactic acid utilising agro‐industrial waste/by‐products.
What's New in Stroke? Phase III Randomized Clinical Trials of 2012–2014
Authors: Hart Robert G. , Ng Kuan H. , Perera Kanjana S. , Shoamanesh Ashkan
Published: July 2015

Background

Randomized clinical trials provide the most reliable evidence to guide the management of stroke and threatened stroke and reflect the interests of the stroke research community. The spectrum of phase III randomized clinical trials in stroke has not been previously characterized.

Methods

Phase III stroke randomized clinical trials published between 2012 and 2014 were identified by search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials supplemented by recent publications known to the co-authors.

Results

Thirty-four randomized clinical trials were included involving 85 770 participants: 20 acute stroke randomized clinical trials (32 590 patients), 11 stroke prevention randomized clinical trials (28 964 patients), and three randomized clinical trials in which stroke was a major component of a composite primary outcome involving nonstroke patients (24 216 patients). Twenty-two (65%) trials were international, and eight (24%) were industry sponsored. Drugs were tested in 21 (62%) randomized clinical trials, with devices ( n = 9), surgery ( n = 3), and diet ( n = 1) in the remainder. Thirteen (38%) randomized clinical trials were stopped early: seven for futility, three for efficacy, two for harm, and one for budget/administrative reasons. Overall, the results of seven (21%) randomized clinical trials were positive, five (15%) equivocal, 18 (53%) negative, and four (12%) inconclusive. Considering positive and definitively negative randomized clinical trials testing currently used interventions, 11 (32%) randomized clinical trials have direct implications for clinical management.

Conclusions

The diversity of interventions, high-quality, and worldwide origins of recently published phase III randomized clinical trials reflects a vibrant international stroke research community. The current generation of stroke randomized clinical trials provides important guidance for stroke prevention and acute stroke care.
Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy after previous transurethral resection of prostate using a catheter balloon inflated in prostatic urethra: Oncological and functional outcomes from a matched pair analysis
Authors: Pastore Antonio L , Palleschi Giovanni , Silvestri Luigi , Leto Antonino , Al‐Rawashdah Samer F , Petrozza Vincenzo , Carbone Antonio
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To explore the surgical, oncological and functional outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in patients who have undergone transurethral resection of the prostate, using a catheter balloon inflated in the prostatic urethra.

Methods

A total of 25 patients were randomly assigned to the no balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group (n = 12) and the with balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group (n = 13). Two matched pairs analyses were carried out to identify the 12 (control A) and 13 (control B) surgery‐naïve patients. The outcomes were compared between the groups with previous transurethral resection of the prostate (no balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and with balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups) and the controls. The rate of intra‐ and postoperative complications was assessed. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form and the International Index of Erectile Function 5 were used for symptoms evaluation.

Results

The mean blood loss was higher in patients submitted to transurethral resection of the prostate, with statistically insignificant reduced blood loss in the with balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group. The no balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group had longer operative time compared with both the with balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and control A groups (P < 0.05). International Index of Erectile Function 5 showed a significant difference between no balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and its control group; the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the no balloon previous transurethral resection of the prostate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and control A groups.

Conclusion

The use of a catheter balloon inflated in the prostatic urethra seems to facilitate laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in patients with previous transurethral resection of the prostate, ultimately reducing the rate of perioperative complications. These findings warrant further investigation on a larger case series with a longer follow up.
Migrating Gender Inequalities? Immigrant Women's Participation in Political Survey Research
Authors: Bilodeau Antoine
Published: July 2015

This study examines the participation of immigrant women in political surveys in Canada as a form of political participation. Investigating immigrant women's participation in the various components of the Canadian Election Studies, this study highlights the structuring impact of pre-migration experiences with gender inequalities from two different perspectives. The larger the gender inequalities in immigrant women's country of origin, the lower their retention rate to the post-election surveys, and the greater their propensity to provide non-responses to political survey-items. This study contributes to a better understanding of immigrant political integration and the related impact of pre-migration experiences.