bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High expression of ezrin predicts poor prognosis in uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Kong Jienan , Li Yan , Liu Shuangping , Jin Haidan , Shang Yongjun , Quan Chengshi , Li Yulin , Lin Zhenhua
Published: November 2013

Background

Ezrin, a member of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) protein family, plays a pivotal role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This study is aimed to investigate the clinicopathological significance of upregulated ezrin protein expression in uterine cervical cancers.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining of ezrin protein was performed on uterine cervical cancer specimens from 235 patients. For comparison, 239 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), 17 cases of cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN) and 52 normal cervix samples were also included. qRT-PCR was performed on fresh tissues to detect ezrin mRNA expression levels. HPV infection statuses were genotyped by oligonucleotide microarray, and 10-year survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method for 109 cervical cancer patients.

Results

Apical membranous distribution of ezrin protein was only observed in normal cervical glands, while perinuclear staining was only observed in cervical cancers. Strong cytoplasmic and diffuse localization of ezrin were frequently seen in the cervical cancers compared with the normal counterparts. Furthermore, this strongly positive ezrin expression was significantly higher in cervical cancers than in CIN, CGIN, and normal cervical epithelia. Ezrin overexpression was closely related with poor differentiation, late stage, and lymph node metastasis. Additionally, ezrin overexpression was associated with lower 10-year survival rate for patients with early stage cervical cancer, but not for patients with advanced stage.

Conclusions

Aberrant localization and overexpression of ezrin might be an independent effective biomarker for prognostic evaluation of cervical cancers.
Early feeding of fortified breast milk and in-hospital-growth in very premature infants: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Maas Christoph , Wiechers Cornelia , Bernhard Wolfgang , Poets Christian F , Franz Axel R
Published: November 2013

Background

Fortified human milk may not meet all nutritional needs of very preterm infants. Early transition from complementary parenteral nutrition to full enteral feeds might further impair in-hospital growth. We aimed to investigate the impact of the cumulative intake of fortified human milk on early postnatal growth in a cohort of very low birth weight infants after early transition to full enteral feeds.

Methods

Retrospective single-centre observational study. Data are presented as median (interquartile range).

Results

N = 206 very preterm infants were analysed (gestational age at birth 27.6 (25.6-29.6) weeks, birth weight 915 (668-1170) g). Full enteral feeds were established at postnatal day 8 (6-10) and adequate postnatal growth was achieved (difference in standard deviation score for weight from birth to discharge -0.105(-0.603 - -0.323)). Standard deviation score for weight from birth to day 28 decreased more in infants with a cumulative human milk intake >75% of all enteral feeds (-0.64(-1.08 - -0.34)) compared to those with <25% human milk intake (-0.41(-0.7 - -0.17); p = 0.017). At discharge, a trend towards poorer weight gain with higher proportions of human milk intake persisted. In contrast, we observed no significant difference for head circumference growth.

Conclusions

Our current standardized fortification of human milk may not adequately support early postnatal growth.
Melanoma risk loci as determinants of melanoma recurrence and survival
Authors: Rendleman Justin , Shang Shulian , Dominianni Christine , Shields Jerry F , Scanlon Patrick , Adaniel Christina , Desrichard Alexis , Ma Michelle , Shapiro Richard , Berman Russell , Pavlick Anna , Polsky David , Shao Yongzhao , Osman Iman , Kirchhoff Tomas
Published: November 2013

Background

Steadily high melanoma mortality rates urge for the availability of novel biomarkers with a more personalized ability to predict melanoma clinical outcomes. Germline risk variants are promising candidates for this purpose; however, their prognostic potential in melanoma has never been systematically tested.

Methods

We examined the effect of 108 melanoma susceptibility single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), associated in recent GWAS with melanoma and melanoma-related phenotypes, on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), in 891 prospectively accrued melanoma patients. Cox proportional hazards models (Cox PH) were used to test the associations between 108 melanoma risk SNPs and RFS and OS adjusted by age at diagnosis, gender, tumor stage, histological subtype and other primary tumor characteristics.

Results

We identified significant associations for rs7538876 (RCC2) with RFS (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.20-1.83, p = 0.0005) and rs9960018 (DLGAP1) with both RFS and OS (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.07-1.91, p = 0.01, HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.09-2.12, p = 0.01, respectively) using multivariable Cox PH models. In addition, we developed a logistic regression model that incorporates rs7538876, rs9960018, primary tumor histological type and stage at diagnosis that has an improved discriminatory ability to classify 3-year recurrence (AUC = 82%) compared to histological type and stage alone (AUC = 78%).

Conclusions

We identified associations between melanoma risk variants and melanoma outcomes. The significant associations observed for rs7538876 and rs9960018 suggest a biological implication of these loci in melanoma progression. The observed predictive patterns of associated variants with clinical end-points suggest for the first time the potential for utilization of genetic risk markers in melanoma prognostication.
Chinese herbal medicine (Ma Zi Ren Wan) for functional constipation: study protocol for a prospective, double-blinded, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhong Linda LD , Cheng Chung Wah , Chan Yawen , Chan King Hong , Lam Ting Wa , Chen Xiao Rui , Wong Chi Tak , Wu Justin CY , Bian Zhao Xiang
Published: November 2013

Background

Functional constipation is a common clinical complaint. Although the effectiveness of Ma Zi Ren Wan for alleviating functional constipation symptoms has been proven in a previous randomized placebo-controlled study, further evidence is needed to make clinical recommendations about Chinese herbal medicine. In particular, a comparison with conventional western medicine for functional constipation patients is needed.

Methods/Design

This is a prospective, double-blinded, double dummy, randomized, controlled trial. After a 2-week run-in period, eligible patients (Rome III) with excessive traditional Chinese medicine syndrome will randomly be assigned to the Chinese medicine arm (Ma Zi Ren Wan and western medicine placebo), western medicine arm (senna and Chinese medicine placebo) or placebo arm (Chinese medicine placebo and western medicine placebo). Patients will undergo an 8-week treatment and an 8-week follow-up. The primary outcome is the responder rate for complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) during treatment. Patients with a mean increase of CSBM ≧1/week in comparison with their baselines are defined as responders. The secondary outcomes include responder rate during follow-up, changes of colonic transit as measured with radio-opaque markers, individual and global symptom assessments, and reported adverse effects.

Discussion

This study is the first study to compare a Chinese Herbal Medicine (Ma Zi Ren Wan) with a laxative that is commonly used in the clinical practice of western medicine, and with a placebo. This study will complete the investigation of Ma Zi Ren Wan for functional constipation, and should, therefore, suggest recommendations for clinical practice. Furthermore, the process of first conducting a systematic review, then implementing a dose determination study followed by a placebo-control trial, and finally, comparing traditional Chinese medicine with an active conventional medicine in a controlled trial can be a reference to other researches on Chinese medicine interventions in the future.

Trial registration

NCT01695850
Comparison of two preoperative chemoradiotherapy regimens for locally advanced rectal cancer: capecitabine alone versus capecitabine plus irinotecan
Authors: Lee Sung Uk , Kim Dae Yong , Kim Sun Young , Baek Ji Yeon , Chang Hee Jin , Kim Min Ju , Kim Tae Hyun , Park Ji Won , Oh Jae Hwan
Published: November 2013

Background

To compare the short-term tumor response and long-term clinical outcome of two preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) regimens for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Methods

This study included 231 patients scheduled for preoperative CRT using two chemotherapeutic protocols from April 2003–August 2006. Pelvic radiotherapy (50.4 Gy) was delivered concurrently with capecitabine (n = 148) or capecitabine/irinotecan (n = 83). Surgery was performed 4–8 weeks after CRT completion. Tumor responses to CRT were assessed using both radiologic and pathologic measurements. Radiologic responses were evaluated by magnetic resonance volumetry, which was performed at the initial work-up and after completion of preoperative CRT just before surgery. Pathologic responses were assessed with downstaging (ypStage 0-1) and grading tumor regression. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of local control, relapse-free survival, and overall survival rates.

Results

Radiologic examination demonstrated that tumor volume decreased by 65.6% in the capecitabine group and 66.8% capecitabine/irinotecan group (p = 0.731). Postoperative pathologic stage determination showed that tumor downstaging occurred in 44.1% of the capecitabine group and 48.6% of the capecitabine/irinotecan group (p = 0.538). The sum of tumor regression grade 3 (near complete response) and 4 (complete response) after CRT were 28.6% in the capecitabine group and 37.5% in the capecitabine/irinotecan group (p = 0.247). There were no significant differences between the two groups in 5-year local control (91.7% vs. 92.5%; p = 0.875), relapse-free survival (80.8% vs. 77.2%; p = 0.685), and overall survival (88.4% vs. 90.4%; p = 0.723).

Conclusions

This study revealed no differences in the short-term tumor response and long-term clinical outcome between preoperative capecitabine and capecitabine/irinotecan CRT regimens for locally advanced rectal cancer.
A rabbit osteomyelitis model for the longitudinal assessment of early post-operative implant infections
Authors: Odekerken Jim CE , Arts Jacobus JC , Surtel Don AM , Walenkamp Geert HIM , Welting Tim JM
Published: November 2013

Background

Implant infection is one of the most severe complications within the field of orthopaedic surgery, associated with an enormous burden for the healthcare system. During the last decades, attempts have been made to lower the incidence of implant-related infections. In the case of cemented prostheses, the use of antibiotic-containing bone cement can be effective. However, in the case of non-cemented prostheses, osteosynthesis and spinal surgery, local antibacterial prophylaxis is not a standard procedure. For the development of implant coatings with antibacterial properties, there is a need for a reliable animal model to evaluate the preventive capacity of such coatings during a specific period of time. Existing animal models generally present a limited follow-up, with a limited number of outcome parameters and relatively large animal numbers in multiple groups.

Methods

To represent an early post-operative implant infection, we established an acute tibial intramedullary nail infection model in rabbits by contamination of the tibial nail with 3.8 × 105 colony forming units of Staphylococcus aureus. Clinical, haematological and radiological parameters for infection were weekly assessed during a 6-week follow-up with post-mortem bacteriological and histological analyses.

Results

S. aureus implant infection was confirmed by the above parameters. A saline control group did not develop osteomyelitis. By combining the clinical, haematological, radiological, bacteriological and histological data collected during the experimental follow-up, we were able to differentiate between the control and the infected condition and assess the severity of the infection at sequential timepoints in a parameter-dependent fashion.

Conclusion

We herein present an acute early post-operative rabbit implant infection model which, in contrast to previously published models, combines improved in-time insight into the development of an implant osteomyelitis with a relatively low amount of animals.
Effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers on hemoglobin levels
Authors: Ajmal Adnan , Gessert Charles E , Johnson Brian P , Renier Colleen M , Palcher Jeanette A
Published: November 2013

Background

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Use of these agents is reported to cause anemia.

Methods

We examined the association between standard care use of ACEI or ARB and subsequent change in hemoglobin (Hgb) in a population of 701 adult primary care patients with DM, CHF and/or HTN. Data analysis was conducted to adjust for baseline differences between the treatment groups.

Results

After adjusting for differences in covariates at baseline between the subjects who were prescribed ACEI (N = 519) and ARB (N = 182), as well as the associated odds of being prescribed ARB, the ACEIs were associated with lower mean Hgb [0.18 (0.02, 0.34) g/dL, p = 0.02] at follow up relative to ARBs. However, patients with CHF experienced an increase in Hgb while on treatment (0.42 g/dL), especially those treated with ACEIs (0.56 g/dL). Chronic kidney disease at baseline was not associated with a significant decrease in Hgb in either treatment group.

Conclusions

Since ACEIs and ARBs are most frequently used in patients who are vulnerable to complications from anemia, such as patients with CHF, HTN and DM, these findings may be useful to clinicians in selecting medications and monitoring patients for the adverse effects of treatment.
Employees’ views on home-based, after-hours telephone triage by Dutch GP cooperatives
Authors: Backhaus Ramona , van Exel Job , de Bont Antoinette
Published: November 2013

Background

Dutch out-of-hours (OOH) centers find it difficult to attract sufficient triage staff. They regard home-based triage as an option that might attract employees. Specially trained nurses are supposed to conduct triage by telephone from home for after-hours medical care. The central aim of this research is to investigate the views of employees of OOH centers in The Netherlands on home-based telephone triage in after-hours care.

Methods

The study is a Q methodology study. Triage nurses, general practitioners (GPs) and managers of OOH centers ranked 36 opinion statements on home-based triage. We interviewed 10 participants to help develop and validate the statements for the Q sort, and 77 participants did the Q sort.

Results

We identified four views on home-based telephone triage. Two generally favor home-based triage, one highlights some concerns and conditions, and one opposes it out of concern for quality. The four views perceive different sources of credibility for nurse triagists working from home.

Conclusion

Home-based telephone triage is a controversial issue among triage nurses, GPs and managers of OOH centers. By identifying consensus and dissension among GPs, triagists, managers and regulators, this study generates four perspectives on home-based triage. In addition, it reveals the conditions considered important for home-based triage.
Antibiotic prescribing in women during and after delivery in a non-teaching, tertiary care hospital in Ujjain, India: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Sharma Megha , Sanneving Linda , Mahadik Kalpana , Santacatterina Michele , Dhaneria Suryaprakash , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Antibacterial drugs (hereafter referred to as antibiotics) are crucial to treat infections during delivery and postpartum period to reduce maternal mortality. Institutional deliveries have the potential to save lives of many women but extensive use of antibiotics, add to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to present antibiotic prescribing among inpatients during and after delivery in a non-teaching, tertiary care hospital in the city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted including women having had either a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section in the hospital. Trained nursing staff collected the data on daily bases, using a specific form attached to each patient file. Statistical analysis, including bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was conducted.

Results

Of the total 1077 women, 566 (53%) had a vaginal delivery and 511 (47%) had a cesarean section. Eighty-seven percent of the women that had a vaginal delivery and 98% of the women having a cesarean section were prescribed antibiotics. The mean number of days on antibiotics in hospital for the women with a vaginal delivery was 3.1 (±1.7) and for the women with cesarean section was 6.0 (±2.5). Twenty-eight percent of both the women with vaginal deliveries and the women with cesarean sections were prescribed antibiotics at discharge. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic group in the hospital for both the women that had a vaginal delivery and the women that had a cesarean section were third-generation cephalosporins (J01DD). The total number of defined daily doses (DDD) per100 bed days for women that had a vaginal delivery was 101, and 127 for women that had a cesarean section.

Conclusions

The high percentage of women having had a vaginal delivery that received antibiotics and the deviation from recommendation for cesarean section in the hospital is a cause of concern. Improved maternal health and rational use of antibiotics are intertwined. Specific policy and guidelines on how to prescribe antibiotics during delivery at health care facilities are needed. Additionally, monitoring system of antibiotic prescribing and resistance needs to be developed and implemented.
Quantitative In Silico analysis of transient metabolism of acetaminophen and associated causes of hepatotoxicity in humans
Authors: Navid Ali , Ng David M , Stewart Benjamin J , Wong Sergio E , Lightstone Felice C
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Although safe at therapeutic levels, excess intake of acetaminophen can lead to hepatic injury or acute liver failure (ALF). A number of different factors influence metabolism and hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen in patients. Three of the most important are a patient’s physiological response to fasting, alcohol consumption, and chronic acetaminophen consumption. The molecular and enzymatic underpinnings for these processes have been extensively studied. The purpose of this study is to examine and quantify the effects of the noted conditions, provide possible reasons for conflicting clinical observations, and examine dangers associated with uptake of therapeutic doses of acetaminophen.

Methods

In order to gain a better understanding of the transient hepatic changes associated with each physiological and nutritional process, examine risks of ALF associated with individuals based on their unique lifestyle and health issues, and predict improved dosing strategies, a multi-compartmented physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of acetaminophen metabolism in adult humans was developed. By varying the parameters of this model, changes in metabolism of acetaminophen and its toxic byproducts for a variety of medically relevant conditions were assessed.

Results

Simulated results indicate that in case of chronic ingestion of acetaminophen, the increased rate of glucuronidation plays a significant role in protecting patients from liver damage following uptake of excessive quantities. Analysis of metabolism of acetaminophen in persons who have imbibed excessive amounts of alcohol show that the primary reason for hepatotoxicity in such individuals is decreased availability of glutathione in the liver and not the observed increased production of toxic byproducts. When the glutathione depleting effects of alcohol consumption are combined with those associated with chronic acetaminophen use, intake of slightly higher quantities than the recommended therapeutic doses of acetaminophen can result in initiation of hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions

The results of simulations show that, in healthy and well-fed individuals, chronic uptake of acetaminophen doses even five times the therapeutic recommendations should be safe. However, in persons who have diminished hepatic glutathione regeneration capacities, depending on the magnitude of this deleterious shortcoming, minor overdoses can result in hepatotoxicity. Hence, it can be concluded that for such persons, acetaminophen is just as toxic as any other compound that would generate reactive oxidative species.
Formation of Semiconducting Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide/Cellulose Assembly through Noncovalent Interactions
Authors: Ha Seong-Gyoun , Yeon Young-Ju , Jung Seonho , Park Young Ho , Park Byoungnam , In Insik
Published: November 2013

A soluble chemically reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) assembly was formed using a noncovalent approach. Assembly of a field-effect transistor of RGO/CMC (1:100) demonstrated that RGO plates have intrinsically hole-doped and ambipolar field-effect characteristics. It is thought that both dispersion and percolation of RGO plates in the CMC matrix are very effective in this noncovalent approach, which is promising for low-cost electronics, because of the simple preparation procedure.
Supplier Encroachment Under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Li Zhuoxin , Gilbert Stephen M. , Lai Guoming
Published: November 2013

Prior literature has shown that, for a symmetric information setting, supplier encroachment into a reseller's market can mitigate double marginalization and benefit both the supplier and the reseller. This paper extends the investigation of supplier encroachment to the environment where the reseller might be better informed than the supplier. We find that the launch of the supplier's direct channel can result in costly signaling behavior on the part of the reseller, in which he reduces his order quantity when the market size is small. Such a downward order distortion can amplify double marginalization. As a result, in addition to the “win–win” and “win–lose” outcomes for the supplier and the reseller, supplier encroachment can also lead to “lose–lose” and “lose–win” outcomes, particularly when the reseller has a significant efficiency advantage in the selling process and the prior probability of a large market is low. We further explore the implications of those findings for information management in supply chains. Complementing the conventional understanding, we show that with the ability to encroach, the supplier may prefer to sell to either a better informed or an uninformed reseller in different scenarios. On the other hand, as a result of a supplier developing encroachment capability, a reseller either may choose not to develop an advanced informational capability or may become more willing to find a means of credibly sharing his information.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Comment on “A Model of Probabilistic Choice Satisfying First-Order Stochastic Dominance” by Pavlo Blavatskyy
Authors: Loomes Graham , Rodríguez-Puerta Inmaculada , Pinto-Prades Jose-Luis
Published: November 2013

We present examples of existing evidence that lead us to be cautious about claims made in the original paper [Blavatskyy PR (2011) A model of probabilistic choice satisfying first-order stochastic dominance. Management Sci. 57(3):542–548] that the proposed model provides a better fit to experimental data than do existing models. We raise concerns about the accuracy of this and other assertions and about the adequacy of the comparisons made with alternative models in the existing literature.

This paper was accepted by Rakesh Sarin, decision analysis.
Hip dysplasia in the young adult
Authors: Perry K. I. , Trousdale R. T. , Sierra R. J.
Published: November 2013

The treatment of hip dysplasia should be customised for patients individually based on radiographic findings, patient age, and the patient’s overall articular cartilage status. In many patients, restoration of hip anatomy as close to normal as possible with a PAO is the treatment of choice.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:21–5.
Union Status and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Men in Their 30s
Authors: Astone Nan Marie , Pleck Joseph H. , Dariotis Jacinda M. , Marcell Arik V. , Emerson Mark , Shapiro Samuel , Sonenstein Freya L.
Published: November 2013

Context

Understanding the relationship between union status and men's sexual risk behavior in their 30s is important to ensure appropriate reproductive health services for men in middle adulthood.

Methods

Data from 1,083 men aged 34–41 who participated in the 2008–2010 wave of the National Survey of Adolescent Males were used to examine differentials in sexual risk behaviors by union status, past risk behavior and selected characteristics. Bivariate tabulations were done to assess relationships between current risk behavior and background variables, multinomial regression analysis was conducted to identify associations between union status and past risk behavior, and logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between current behavior and both union status and past behavior.

Results

Eight percent of men in their 30s had had three or more sexual partners in the last 12 months, 10% had had at least one risky partner and 8% had had concurrent partners. Men living outside coresidential unions reported higher levels of these behaviors (24%, 29% and 24%, respectively) than did married men (1–2%) or cohabiting men (7–12%). In multivariate analyses that controlled for past risk behavior, married men were less likely than cohabiting men to have had at least one risky partner or concurrent partners in the last year (odds ratio, 0.2 for each), while men who were not in a coresidential union had an increased likelihood of reporting each risk behavior (2.2–5.3).

Conclusions

Men in their 30s, especially those who are not married, engage in risky sexual behaviors. Further studies are needed to assess what contributes to behavioral differences by union status and what types of services might help men in this age‐group reduce their risk.
Photocatalytic Purification of Wastewater Polluted by Odorant Sulfur Compounds Using Titanium Oxide in a Continuous Photoreactor
Authors: Toosi Mohammad Reza , Peyravi Mohamad Hasan , Sajadi Jafar , Bayani Mohamad J. , Manghabati Hadi
Published: November 2013

Using titanium dioxide, photocatalytic degradation of waste water polluted by commercial mercaptans (80% t-butyl mercaptan and 20% methyl ethyl sulfide) was investigated in a continuous photoreactor in the presence of UV irradiation. The reaction was performed at different pH of solution, intensity of irradiation, and initial concentration of odorant. Kinetics and mechanism of photocatalytic decomposition of mercaptans were studied by ex situ FTIR measurements of intermediates. The results showed that the photocatalytic process for degradation of mercaptans was an efficient method for mineralization of sulfur odorants in waste water. A proposed mechanism of mineralization of mercaptan was presented based on the results.
Conflict over Cooperation: Why So Much Disagreement over the Proposed Dairy Market Stabilization Program?
Authors: Jackson Jeremy Jay , Thraen Cameron S. , Bozic Marin
Published: November 2013

The creation of a Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP) is a current topic of contention in the discussion of United States federal dairy policy. DMSP is designed to speed up income over feed cost (IOFC) margin recovery through triggered disincentives for milk production. This federally mandated supply control with its price-enhancing benefits to producers has proven to be controversial. The controversy surrounding DMSP implementation is illuminated by the construction of a stylized prisoner’s dilemma game in which DMSP acts as an enforceable commitment mechanism to restrict supply and prop up prices when feed costs experience an adverse shock. Volatile and high feed costs are likely to be the norm for the foreseeable future resulting in large expected benefits to milk producers if DMSP is implemented. The game shows that differing dairy management styles lead to different incentives regarding DMSP implementation as producer groups from feed-growing regions oppose DMSP in an effort to raise the costs of their rivals in feed-buying regions. Opposition to DMSP by feed growers can lead to increased market share and profitability in the future.
Exciting Prospects for Precise Engineering of Caenorhabditis elegans Genomes with CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Frøkjær-Jensen Christian
Published: November 2013

With remarkable speed, the CRISPR–Cas9 nuclease has become the genome-editing tool of choice for essentially all genetically tractable organisms. Targeting specific DNA sequences is conceptually simple because the Cas9 nuclease can be guided by a single, short RNA (sgRNA) to introduce double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) at precise locations. Here I contrast and highlight protocols recently developed by eight different research groups, six of which are published in GENETICS, to modify the Caenorhabditis elegans genome using CRISPR/Cas9. This reverse engineering tool levels the playing field for experimental geneticists.
HIGH PREVALENCE OF Strongyloides stercoralis INFECTION AMONG THE ELDERLY IN BRAZIL
Authors: Naves Maria Margarida , Costa-Cruz Julia Maria
Published: November 2013

SUMMARY Little is known about the frequency of intestinal parasites in the elderly due to a lack of attention given to the occurrence of these infections among older adults. This study compares the frequency of Strongyloides stercoralis and other enteroparasites between elderly living in nursing homes (n = 100) and those noninstitutionalized (n = 100) from Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, associated with data of epidemiological and socio-demographic conditions. Through coproparasitological examination of both groups, enteroparasites were detected in 15 of 200 individuals examined (7.5%; CI: 5.1- 9.9). S. stercoralis was the most frequent parasite 10/200 (5%; CI: 4.2-5.8), being significantly higher in males and in individuals with autonomy for daily living activities. There were no statistical differences in the prevalence of parasites between the two groups compared. In conclusion, S. stercoralis infection was highly prevalent in elderly patients and it does not depend on whether the individual was institutionalized or not.
PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF THE PROBIOTIC Saccharomyces boulardii IN Toxocara canis INFECTION IS NOT DUE TO DIRECT ACTION ON THE LARVAE
Authors: Avila Luciana Farias da Costa de , Telmo Paula de Lima , Martins Lourdes Helena Rodrigues , Glaeser Thais Aimee , Conceicao Fabricio Rochedo , Leite Fabio Pereira Leivas , Scaini Carlos James
Published: November 2013

SUMMARY In a previous study our group found that the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii was capable of reducing the intensity of infection in mice with toxocariasis. In order to assess whether the mechanism involved would be a direct action of the probiotic on Toxocara canis larvae, this study was designed. Both probiotics were singly cultivated in plates containing RPMI 1640 medium and T. canis larvae. S. boulardii and B. cereus var. toyoi cultures presented 97.6% and 95.7% of larvae with positive motility, respectively, and absence of color by the dye trypan blue, not representing significant difference to the control group (p > 0.05). We conclude that none of the probiotics showed in vitro effects on T. canis larvae and that the interaction with the intestinal mucosa is necessary for the development of the protective effect of S. boulardii.
More than the sum of the parts: forest climate response from joint species distribution models
Authors: Clark James S. , Gelfand Alan E. , Woodall Christopher W. , Zhu Kai
Published: November 2013

The perceived threat of climate change is often evaluated from species distribution models that are fitted to many species independently and then added together. This approach ignores the fact that species are jointly distributed and limit one another. Species respond to the same underlying climatic variables, and the abundance of any one species can be constrained by competition; a large increase in one is inevitably linked to declines of others. Omitting this basic relationship explains why responses modeled independently do not agree with the species richness or basal areas of actual forests.

We introduce a joint species distribution modeling approach (JSDM), which is unique in three ways, and apply it to forests of eastern North America. First, it accommodates the joint distribution of species. Second, this joint distribution includes both abundance and presence–absence data. We solve the common issue of large numbers of zeros in abundance data by accommodating zeros in both stem counts and basal area data, i.e., a new approach to zero inflation. Finally, inverse prediction can be applied to the joint distribution of predictions to integrate the role of climate risks across all species and identify geographic areas where communities will change most (in terms of changes in abundance) with climate change. Application to forests in the eastern United States shows that climate can have greatest impact in the Northeast, due to temperature, and in the Upper Midwest, due to temperature and precipitation. Thus, these are the regions experiencing the fastest warming and are also identified as most responsive at this scale.
Growth and death of bacteria and fungi underlie rainfall‐induced carbon dioxide pulses from seasonally dried soil
Authors: Blazewicz Steven J. , Schwartz Egbert , Firestone Mary K.
Published: November 2013

The rapid increase in microbial activity that occurs when a dry soil is rewetted has been well documented and is of great interest due to implications of changing precipitation patterns on soil C dynamics. Several studies have shown minor net changes in microbial population diversity or abundance following wet‐up, but the gross population dynamics of bacteria and fungi resulting from soil wet‐up are virtually unknown. Here we applied DNA stable isotope probing with H218O coupled with quantitative PCR to characterize new growth, survival, and mortality of bacteria and fungi following the rewetting of a seasonally dried California annual grassland soil. Microbial activity, as determined by CO2 production, increased significantly within three hours of wet‐up, yet new growth was not detected until after three hours, suggesting a pulse of nongrowth activity immediately following wet‐up, likely due to osmo‐regulation and resuscitation from dormancy in response to the rapid change in water potential. Total microbial abundance revealed little change throughout the seven‐day post‐wet incubation, but there was substantial turnover of both bacterial and fungal populations (49% and 52%, respectively). New growth was linear between 24 and 168 hours for both bacteria and fungi, with average growth rates of 2.3 × 108 bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies·[g dry mass]−1·h−1 and 4.3 × 107 fungal ITS copies·[g dry mass]−1·h−1. While bacteria and fungi differed in their mortality and survival characteristics during the seven‐day incubation, mortality that occurred within the first three hours was similar, with 25% and 27% of bacterial and fungal gene copies disappearing from the pre‐wet community, respectively. The rapid disappearance of gene copies indicates that cell death, occurring either during the extreme dry down period (preceding five months) or during the rapid change in water potential due to wet‐up, generates a significant pool of available C that likely contributes to the large pulse in CO2 associated with wet‐up. A dynamic assemblage of growing and dying organisms controlled the CO2 pulse, but the balance between death and growth resulted in relatively stable total population abundances, even after a profound and sudden change in environment.
An Innovative Planetary Gear Reducer with Overcoming the “Dead Point”
Authors: Guan Feng , Zhou Chuanxi , Huang Qingshi
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes an innovative planetary gear reducer with overcoming the “dead point”, which is to be able
to maintain expected reduction ratio by overcoming the “dead point” during the transmission motion. The motion
characteristic is combined with the features of parallelogram mechanism transmission and planetary transmission
mechanism with small teeth number difference. Structure analysis and force analysis of the mechanism are provided to
explain working principle and kinematic feasibility of the mechanism. Three basic structure forms are proposed with a
simple ring plate, two ring plates and three ring plates. In addition, the force analysis and the stress state analysis of ring
plate based on a series of engineering software are carried on in detail. This study has the significance on design
calculation and structure optimization of this kind of innovative planetary gear reducer.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Metabolic Syndrome in
Spanish Population
Authors: Barreiro Bienvenido , Garcia Luis , Lozano Lourdes , Almagro Pere , Quintana Salvador , Alsina Monserrat , Heredia Jose Luis
Published: November 2013

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a clinical picture characterized by repeated episodes of obstruction of the upper airway. OSA is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, some of which are components of metabolic syndrome (MS).

Objectives:

First, determine the prevalence of MS in patients with OSA visited in sleep clinic. Second, evaluate whether there is an independent association between MS components and the severity of OSA.

Methods:

Patients with clinical suspicion of OSA were evaluated by polysomnography. Three groups were defined according to apnea hypoapnea index (AHI): no OSA (AHI <5), mild-moderate (AHI≥ 5 ≤30), and severe (AHI> 30). All patients were determined in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin. MS was defined according to criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP).

Results:

A total of 141 patients (mean age 54 ± 11 years) were evaluated. According to AIH, 25 subjects had no OSA and 116 had OSA (41mild-moderate and 75 severe). MS prevalence ranged from 43-81% in OSA group. Also, a significant increase in waist circumference, triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure levels, and a decrease in HDL cholesterol levels was observed in more severe OSA patients. All polysomnographic parameters correlated significantly with metabolic abnormalities. After a multiple regression analysis, abdominal obesity (p <0.02), glucose (p <0.01) and HDL cholesterol (p <0.001) were independently associated with OSA.

Conclusions:

Our findings show high prevalence of MS in OSA, especially in severe group. A significant association between OSA and some of the components of MS was found in Spanish population.
Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy with Crosslinking for Keratoconus
Authors: Mukherjee Achyut N , Selimis Vasilis , Aslanides Ioannis
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

To analyse visual, refractive and topographic outcomes of combining transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) with simultaneous corneal crosslinking for the visual rehabilitation of contact lens intolerant keratoconus patients.

Methods:

Patients with topographically significant keratoconus, limited corrected vision and intolerant of contact lenses were prospectively recruited, subject to ethical approval and consent. All patients underwent single step aspheric tPRK and sequential crosslinking. Preoperative vision, refraction, corneal topography and wavefront were assessed, with postoperative assessment at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results:

22 eyes of 14 patients were included in the pilot study. Mean age was 32 years (SD 6.8, range 24 to 43). Mean preoperative unaided vision was 1.39 LogMAR (SD 0.5) best corrected 0.31 LogMAR (SD 0.2). Mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -2.74 Diopters (D) (SD 4.1 range -12.25 to +7.75), and mean cylinder -2.9 D (SD 1.2, range 0 to -5.5). Mean central corneal thickness was 461um (SD 29, range 411 to 516). Vision improved postoperatively; unaided 0.32 LogMAR (SD 0.4), best corrected 0.11 (SD 0.13) (P=<0.005). Mean postoperative cylinder was -1.4D (SD1.2), significantly reduced (p<0.005). Maximum keratometry (Kmax) was stable throughout postoperative follow up. (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

Non topographic transepithelial PRK with simultaneous crosslinking improves vision, and may offer an alternative to keratoplasty in contact lens intolerant keratoconus. Further comparative studies to topographic PRK techniques are indicated.
An Ecological View of Internet Health Information Seeking Behavior Predictors: Findings from the CHAIN Study
Authors: Calvert Joshua K , Aidala Angela A , West Josh H
Published: November 2013

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to further elucidate proximal and distal demographic and social predictors of Internet Health Information Seeking Behavior (IHISB) among a cohort of HIV+ individuals through an ecological framework.

Methods:

The Community Health Advisory & Information Network (CHAIN) project is an ongoing prospective study of a representative sample of persons living with HIV/AIDS in New York City and the Tri-County region. The study sample was drawn from a two-stage randomized technique with the clients of 43 medical and social service organizations with 693 HIV+ participants. Bivariate correlations were computed between IHISB and independent demographic variables in ecological blocks. Multivariate hierarchical logistic regression was used to test association between blocks of variables and IHISB.

Results:

Among the surveyed respondents (n=645) 50.3% indicated that they used the Internet. Being above the poverty line, having less than a high school education, and having fewer neighbors were statistically significant predictors of IHISB related to HIV.

Conclusions:

The benefits of accessing the Internet may influence health behavior and may be considered a target for interventions that aim to increase access to health related information online. Coupled with increased access, is the need for increased patient education interventions, and creative managed care approaches to ensure that information gleaned from online sources is interpretable and accurate in order to benefit the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS.
Effects of Glycyrrhetic Acid (GE) on Some Gluconeogenic Enzymes, Lipoprotein Lipase and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors Alpha and Gamma
Authors: Yaw Hui Ping , Ton So Ha , Kadir Khalid Abdul , Tan Tee Yee , Teo Yee Wei , Yohanes Michael
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the role of glycyrrhetic acid (GE) as a potential compound in the amelioration of metabolic syndrome. Rats given intraperitoneal injection of GE were sacrificed after 24 hours. Blood was collected for the determination of glucose, insulin and lipid profiles; while tissues were used for 11β-HSD1, gluconeogenic enzymes activities, PPAR-α/-γ and LPL expression by RT-PCR. Intraperitoneal injection of 50mg/kg GE to normal rats significantly lowered blood glucose while insulin level and HOMA-IR showed no significant changes. H6PDH activities increased in the liver, kidney, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues and quadriceps femoris but decreased in the abdominal muscle. PEPCK activities were significantly reduced in the kidney and decreased in the liver but showed an increase in the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. G6Pase activities were found to be reduced in both the liver and kidney. 11β-HSD1 activities increased in the liver but decreased in all other tissues. There were improvements in lipid profiles in GE-treated rats. Up-regulation of LPL activity was seen in all tissues except quadriceps femoris. PPAR-α expression was up-regulated in the liver, heart and abdominal muscle while down-regulated in the kidney and quadriceps femoris but were undetectable in the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. PPAR-γ expression was up-regulated in all tissues except the kidney. GE prevented hyperglycaemia and improved lipid profiles possibly through 11β-HSD1 inhibition instead of via PPAR agonism.
A Comparison of Open Access in Exercise Science Journals: 2010 to 2012
Authors: Rattray Ben , Cooke Julie , Bail Kasia , Ranse Jamie
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to complete an audit on the number of open access journals within the discipline of
Exercise Science. Publishing in open access journals results in wide dissemination of material in a very short period of
time compared with the more traditional way of publishing in a subscription journal. The 2010 ERA journal list, category
Human Movement and Sport Science, was initially utilised and then compared with the openness of the same journals in
2012.

In this study journals were audited for their degree of open access, open licensing and open format. Open access relates to
the free online availability of research results and hence research publications and in the discipline of exercise science
relates to the concept of an idealised level playing field. Open licensing relates to the ability of the consumers to replicate
and share those publications freely whilst open format relates to the use of open and transferrable format types. Open
access increased (p=0.014) as did our measurement of open licensing (p=0.000) and open formats (p=0.021) between the
2010 and 2012 reviews of the journals in 1106 For code.

This study reveals an increase in the number of Exercise Science journals that have full or partial open access over the two
year period and suggests that authors are increasingly adopting peer reviewed open access journal publications. It is
evident from this study that the impact of open access journals be assessed and further research into the feasibility of such
a rating is imperative.
SoccerEye: A Software Solution to Observe and Record Behaviours in
Sport Settings
Authors: Barreira Daniel , Garganta Julio , Castellano Julen , Anguera M. Teresa
Published: November 2013

In soccer, the need for direct observation of tactical behaviour has led to continuous technological advances in
motion recording software. Here we present SoccerEye, a sports-specific software tool to observe and record the
behaviour of soccer players in their natural setting and in real time. The software was written in Visual Basic Express
2010 and includes the following features: computerised coding, improved-quality recording, episodic sampling, the
measurement of time, and diachronic analysis. Its configuration is well defined but allows for incorporation of ad hoc
categories. Data can be exported in multiple generic formats, including the SDIS format for the analysis of interaction
sequences with GSEQ software. However, by considering time and sequential decisions, SoccerEye itself tracks activity
profiles and the dynamics of play. The greatest advantage of SoccerEye is the possibility to conduct diachronic analysis,
which regards an event or multi event sequence in terms of change over time. This type of analysis takes into account the
behaviour of a player and his or her team when facing the opponent, the space (pitch area) and time (starting time and
duration) of each event, and other factors such as match status, match time, and competition stage. SoccerEye is a freeaccess
user-friendly application that can be used to observe a single player or an entire team while controlling over the
environment in which the observation takes place. This tool will hopefully contribute to the better understanding of the
dynamics of soccer play.