bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Mortality in registrants with sudden model for end‐stage liver disease increase: Disadvantaged by the current allocation policy
Authors: Massie Allan B. , Luo Xun , Alejo Jennifer L. , Poon Anna K. , Cameron Andrew M. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: March 2015

Liver allocation is based on current Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, with priority in the case of a tie being given to those waiting the longest with a given MELD score. We hypothesized that this priority might not reflect risk: registrants whose MELD score has recently increased receive lower priority but might have higher wait‐list mortality. We studied wait‐list and posttransplant mortality in 69,643 adult registrants from 2002 to 2013. By likelihood maximization, we empirically defined a MELD spike as a MELD increase ≥ 30% over the previous 7 days. At any given time, only 0.6% of wait‐list patients experienced a spike; however, these patients accounted for 25% of all wait‐list deaths. Registrants who reached a given MELD score after a spike had higher wait‐list mortality in the ensuing 7 days than those with the same resulting MELD score who did not spike, but they had no difference in posttransplant mortality. The spike‐associated wait‐list mortality increase was highest for registrants with medium MELD scores: specifically, 2.3‐fold higher (spike versus no spike) for a MELD score of 10, 4.0‐fold higher for a MELD score of 20, and 2.5‐fold higher for a MELD score of 30. A model incorporating the MELD score and spikes predicted wait‐list mortality risk much better than a model incorporating only the MELD score. Registrants with a sudden MELD increase have a higher risk of short‐term wait‐list mortality than is indicated by their current MELD score but have no increased risk of posttransplant mortality; allocation policy should be adjusted accordingly. Liver Transpl 21:683–689, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Serostatus following live attenuated vaccination administered before pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Funaki Takanori , Shoji Kensuke , Miyata Ippei , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo , Yoshii Hironori , Miyairi Isao , Saitoh Akihiko
Published: March 2015

After liver transplantation (LT), live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) are generally contraindicated. LAVs are recommended before LT for patients ≥ 6 months of age. However, the evidence supporting this practice is limited. Patients were enrolled before and after LT. Clinical data for patients were obtained from medical records. Serum antibody titers were evaluated at the time of enrollment and prospectively. Serum antibody titers were measured with a hemagglutination inhibition test for measles and rubella and with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for varicella and mumps. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the factors that affect the serostatus. Serological analyses of 49 patients immunized before LT (median age, 45 months; male, 35%) were performed. Underlying diseases were biliary atresia (n = 27; 55%), metabolic diseases (n = 13; 27%), fulminant hepatic failure (n = 5; 10%), and others (n = 4; 8%). The seropositivity rate after each vaccine was 46.9% (measles), 89.4% (rubella), 67.5% (varicella), and 48.8% (mumps). Factors independently associated with seronegativity were a vaccination age < 12 months for measles (P = .002), a lower body weight for varicella (P = 0.01), and underlying diseases other than biliary atresia for mumps (P = .004). No serious adverse event was observed during the study period. The immunogenicity of LAVs before LT was high for rubella but low for the others. Before LT, further vaccination strategies are needed for patients. In addition, serological follow‐up may be indicated for patients with factors associated with seronegativity. Liver Transpl 21:774–783, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
The Effect of Sterilization on Silk Fibroin Biomaterial Properties
Authors: Rnjak‐Kovacina Jelena , DesRochers Teresa M. , Burke Kelly A. , Kaplan David L.
Published: March 2015

The effects of common sterilization techniques on the physical and biological properties of lyophilized silk fibroin sponges are described. Sterile silk fibroin sponges were cast using a pre‐sterilized silk fibroin solution under aseptic conditions or post‐sterilized via autoclaving, γ radiation, dry heat, exposure to ethylene oxide, or hydrogen peroxide gas plasma. Low average molecular weight and low concentration silk fibroin solutions could be sterilized via autoclaving or filtration without significant loses of protein. However, autoclaving reduced the molecular weight distribution of the silk fibroin protein solution, and silk fibroin sponges cast from autoclaved silk fibroin were significantly stiffer compared to sponges cast from unsterilized or filtered silk fibroin. When silk fibroin sponges were sterilized post‐casting, autoclaving increased scaffold stiffness, while decreasing scaffold degradation rate in vitro. In contrast, γ irradiation accelerated scaffold degradation rate. Exposure to ethylene oxide significantly decreased cell proliferation rate on silk fibroin sponges, which was rescued by leaching ethylene oxide into PBS prior to cell seeding.
Sol‐gel method to obtain the ferroelectromagnetic ceramics (Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3) for micromechatronic applications
Authors: Bochenek D. , Zachariasz R.
Published: March 2015

Lead iron niobate, Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 belong to a family of materials with a perovskite structure with the general formula A(B′B″)O3, where in positions A–Pb ions substitute themselves, and in octahedral positions B′ and B″ ions of iron Fe and niobium Nb in a random way. The Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 material is characterized by two ordered antiferromagnetic and ferroelectric sub‐systems. A technological process of the ferroelectromagnetic Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 ceramics have a significant influence on a crystalline structure and a ceramics microstructure.

In the present paper, we study a sol‐gel technology of the production of the Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 ceramics. The obtained specimens were subjected to micro‐structural examinations and tests of mechanical and dielectric properties. Temperature dependences of mechanical loss Q–1(T) and Young's modulus E(T) were conducted by an automatic relaxator of acoustic frequencies of a RAK‐3 type and dielectric test were made on a capacity bridge of a QuadTech 1920 Precision LCR Meter type.
Genome‐wide mapping of TnrA‐binding sites provides new insights into the TnrA regulon in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Mirouze Nicolas , Bidnenko Elena , Noirot Philippe , Auger Sandrine
Published: March 2015

Under nitrogen limitation conditions, Bacillus subtilis induces a sophisticated network of adaptation responses. More precisely, the B. subtilis TnrA regulator represses or activates directly or indirectly the expression of a hundred genes in response to nitrogen availability. The global TnrA regulon have already been identified among which some directly TnrA‐regulated genes have been characterized. However, a genome‐wide mapping of in vivo TnrA‐binding sites was still needed to clearly define the set of genes directly regulated by TnrA. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with hybridization to DNA tiling arrays (ChIP‐on‐chip), we now provide in vivo evidence that TnrA reproducibly binds to 42 regions on the chromosome. Further analysis with real‐time in vivo transcriptional profiling, combined with results from previous reports, allowed us to define the TnrA primary regulon. We identified 35 promoter regions fulfilling three criteria necessary to be part of this primary regulon: (i) TnrA binding in ChIP‐on‐chip experiments and/or in previous in vitro studies; (ii) the presence of a TnrA box; (iii) TnrA‐dependent expression regulation. In addition, the TnrA primary regulon delimitation allowed us to improve the TnrA box consensus. Finally, our results reveal new interconnections between the nitrogen regulatory network and other cellular processes.
Cerebral perfusion and cortical thickness indicate cortical involvement in mild Parkinson's disease
Authors: Madhyastha Tara M. , Askren Mary K. , Boord Peter , Zhang Jing , Leverenz James B. , Grabowski Thomas J.
Published: March 2015

Cortical dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) may be caused by disruption to ascending systems or by intrinsic cortical neuropathology. We introduce and conduct a joint analysis of metabolism and atrophy capable of identifying whether metabolic disruption occurs in mild PD without cortical atrophy, to determine the extent and spatial pattern of cortical involvement in mild PD. The design was observational, studying 23 cognitively normal participants with mild PD (mean Hoehn & Yahr stage 2) and 21 healthy controls. Cortical thickness (obtained from analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] with FreeSurfer) and cerebral perfusion measures (obtained from arterial spin labeling [ASL]) analyzed independently and then together in a joint multiple factorial analysis to identify spatial patterns of perfusion and cortical thickness. We identify a pattern of changes in perfusion and cortical thickness characterized by symmetric parietal cortical thinning and reduced precuneus perfusion, with relative preservation of thickness and perfusion in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), right prefrontal gyrus, and medial frontal gyrus. The expression of this pattern is correlated with motor system symptoms and speed of processing. A spatial pattern of joint parietal cortical thinning and disproportionate reduction in perfusion occurs in our nondemented PD sample. We found no PD‐related components of reduced perfusion without cortical thinning. This suggests that PD affects the cortex itself, even when symptoms are relatively mild. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Platelet mitochondrial activity and pesticide exposure in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bronstein Jeff M. , Paul Kimberly , Yang Laurice , Haas Richard H. , Shults Clifford W. , Le Thuy , Ritz Beate
Published: March 2015

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the cause of this dysfunction is unclear.

Methods

Platelet mitochondrial complex I and I/III (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cytochrome c reductase, NCCR) activities were measured in early PD patients and matched controls enrolled in a population‐based case‐control study. Ambient agricultural pesticide exposures were assessed with a geographic information system and California Pesticide Use Registry.

Results

In contrast to some previous reports, we found no differences in complex I and I/III activities in subjects with PD and controls. We did find that NCCR activity correlated with subjects' exposure to pesticides known to inhibit mitochondrial activity regardless of their diagnosis.

Conclusions

Electron transport chain (ETC) activity is not altered in PD in this well‐characterized cohort when compared with community‐matched controls but appears to be affected by environmental toxins, such as mitochondria‐inhibiting pesticides. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Substantia nigra neuromelanin‐MR imaging differentiates essential tremor from Parkinson's disease
Authors: Reimão Sofia , Pita Lobo Patrícia , Neutel Dulce , Guedes Leonor Correia , Coelho Miguel , Rosa Mário M. , Azevedo Pedro , Ferreira Joana , Abreu Daisy , Gonçalves Nilza , Nunes Rita G. , Campos Jorge , Ferreira Joaquim J.
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: Background

Essential tremor (ET) is a very common movement disorder that has no diagnostic markers. Differentiation with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be clinically challenging in some cases, with a high rate of misdiagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have been able to identify neuromelanin changes in the substantia nigra (SN) of PD patients, but they have thus far not been investigated in ET. In this study, we aimed to characterize neuromelanin‐MR signal changes in ET and evaluate its diagnostic accuracy in the differential diagnosis with PD.

Methods

The inclusion criteria were patients with ET and untreated “de novo” PD patients; in addition, age‐matched controls were enrolled. These were studied with a high‐resolution T1‐weighted MRI sequence at 3.0 Tesla to visualize neuromelanin. The primary outcomes were the area and width of the SN region with high signal.

Results

A total of 15 ET patients and 12 “de novo” PD patients were evaluated. The area and width of the T1 high signal in the SN region were markedly decreased in the PD group compared with the ET and age‐matched controls, and a greater decrease was seen in the ventrolateral segment. The neuromelanin measures in the ET group, although slightly lower, were not significantly different from the healthy control group. We obtained a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 93.3% in discriminating ET from early‐stage PD.

Conclusions

Neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI techniques can discriminate ET from early‐stage tremor‐dominant PD and can be a useful clinical tool in the evaluation of tremor disorders. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Copy number variation in the ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCC6 gene and ABCC6 pseudogenes in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors: Kringen Marianne K. , Stormo Camilla , Berg Jens Petter , Terry Sharon F. , Vocke Christine M. , Rizvi Samar , Hendig Doris , Piehler Armin P.
Published: March 2015

Single mutations in the ATP‐binding cassette transporter (ABCC6) gene (OMIM 603234) are known to cause the rare autosomal recessive disease pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). Recently, we have found that copy number variations (CNVs) in pseudogenes of the ABCC6 gene are quite common. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and possible contribution of CNV in ABCC6 and its pseudogenes in PXE. Genomic DNA from 212 PXE individuals were examined for copy number by pyrosequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared with healthy individuals. The frequency of PXE individuals with any CNV was higher than in healthy individuals. The majority of variation comprised known and possibly new deletions in the ABCC6 gene and duplications of the ABCC6P1 and ABCC6P2 genes. ABCC6 deletions and ABCC6P2 duplications were not observed in 142 healthy individuals. In conclusion, by pyrosequencing and quantitative PCR, we were able to detect known and possibly new deletions in the ABCC6 gene that may have caused the PXE phenotype. Pyrosequencing may be used in PXE patients who have obtained incomplete genotype from conventional techniques. The frequency of ABCC6P2 pseudogene duplication was more common in PXE patients than healthy individuals and may affect the PXE phenotype.
An integro‐differential model for non‐Fickian tracer transport in porous media: validation and numerical simulation
Authors: Ferreira José A. , Pinto Luís
Published: March 2015

Diffusion processes have traditionally been modeled using the classical parabolic advection‐diffusion equation. However, as in the case of tracer transport in porous media, significant discrepancies between experimental results and numerical simulations have been reported in the literature. Therefore, in order to describe such anomalous behavior, known as non‐Fickian diffusion, some authors have replaced the parabolic model with the continuous time random walk model, which has been very effective. Integro‐differential models (IDMs) have been also proposed to describe non‐Fickian diffusion in porous media. In this paper, we introduce and test a particular type of IDM by fitting breakthrough curves resulting from laboratory tracer transport. Comparisons with the traditional advection‐diffusion equation and the continuous time random walk are also presented. Moreover, we propose and numerically analyze a stable and accurate numerical procedure for the two‐dimensional IDM composed by a integro‐differential equation for the concentration and Darcy's law for flow. In space, it is based on the combination of mixed finite element and finite volume methods over an unstructured triangular mesh. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motion immune diffusion imaging using augmented MUSE for high‐resolution multi‐shot EPI
Authors: Guhaniyogi Shayan , Chu Mei‐Lan , Chang Hing‐Chiu , Song Allen W. , Chen Nan‐kuei
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To develop new techniques for reducing the effects of microscopic and macroscopic patient motion in diffusion imaging acquired with high‐resolution multishot echo‐planar imaging.

Theory

The previously reported multiplexed sensitivity encoding (MUSE) algorithm is extended to account for macroscopic pixel misregistrations, as well as motion‐induced phase errors in a technique called augmented MUSE (AMUSE). Furthermore, to obtain more accurate quantitative diffusion‐tensor imaging measures in the presence of subject motion, we also account for the altered diffusion encoding among shots arising from macroscopic motion.

Methods

MUSE and AMUSE were evaluated on simulated and in vivo motion‐corrupted multishot diffusion data. Evaluations were made both on the resulting imaging quality and estimated diffusion tensor metrics.

Results

AMUSE was found to reduce image blurring resulting from macroscopic subject motion compared to MUSE but yielded inaccurate tensor estimations when neglecting the altered diffusion encoding. Including the altered diffusion encoding in AMUSE produced better estimations of diffusion tensors.

Conclusion

The use of AMUSE allows for improved image quality and diffusion tensor accuracy in the presence of macroscopic subject motion during multishot diffusion imaging. These techniques should facilitate future high‐resolution diffusion imaging. Magn Reson Med 75:639–652, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurolymphomatosis: A report of 2 cases representing opposite ends of the clinical spectrum
Authors: Lahoria Rajat , Dyck P. James B. , Macon William R. , Crum Brian A. , Spinner Robert J. , Amrami Kimberly K. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Tracy Jennifer A.
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare disorder characterized by invasion of cranial or peripheral nerves, nerve roots, or plexi, usually by aggressive subtypes of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The most common clinical presentation is that of a painful polyneuropathy or polyradiculopathy, followed by cranial neuropathy and, less frequently, by painless polyneuropathy.

Methods

Clinical and pathologic findings are reported for 2 NL cases.

Results

The following 2 patients with NL, with disparate clinical presentations, are presented: a patient with subacute onset, painful, multifocal, mixed axonal and demyelinating radiculoplexus neuropathy due to a large B‐cell NHL, who required 2 targeted fascicular nerve biopsies to demonstrate NL; and a patient with a slowly progressive, length‐dependent axonal polyneuropathy due to a low‐grade B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder, as shown on a diagnostic sural nerve biopsy.

Conclusions

The cases described illustrate the wide clinical spectrum of NL. Muscle Nerve 52:449–454, 2015
Facile fabrication of metal oxide hollow spheres using polydopamine nanoparticles as active templates
Authors: Shen Heng , Long Yuhua , Yang Xiaoli , Zhao Ning , Xu Jian
Published: March 2015

A facile method of fabricating metal oxide hollow spheres using polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles as active templates is reported. Monodisperse PDA nanoparticles were prepared by the polymerization of dopamine in Tris buffer solution containing various amounts of poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO‐PPO‐PEO). The diameter of the resultant PDA nanoparticles decreased from about 180 to 80 nm with an increase of PEO‐PPO‐PEO concentration from 0 to 1.25 mg mL−1. The active groups of PDA and also the PEO‐PPO‐PEO adsorbed on the PDA spheres can chelate with various metal ions. It was found that when PDA spheres with diameter below 100 nm were used as templates, diverse metal oxide hollow spheres like CeO2, NiO and Cr2O3 could be obtained after calcination, demonstrating the diversity of this method for fabricating various metal oxide hollow spheres. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic insights into synthesis of isoflavonoids in soybean seeds
Authors: Dastmalchi Mehran , Dhaubhadel Sangeeta
Published: March 2015

Soybean seeds are the major human dietary source of isoflavonoids, a class of plant natural products almost entirely exclusive to legumes. Isoflavonoids reduce the risk of a number of chronic human illnesses. Biosynthesis and accumulation of this class of compounds is a multigenic and complex trait, with a great deal of variability among soybean cultivars and with respect to the environment. There is a wealth of genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomics data regarding isoflavonoid biosynthesis, but the connection between multigene families and their cognate proteins is a missing link that could provide us with a great deal of functional information. The changing proteome of the developing seed can shed light on the correlative increase in isoflavonoids, while the maternal seed coat proteome can provide the link with inherited metabolic and signaling machinery. In this effort, ‘seed‐filling’ proteomics has revealed key secondary metabolite enzymes that quantitatively vary throughout seed development. Seed coat proteomics has revealed the existence of metabolic apparatus specific to isoflavonoid biosynthesis (isoflavonoid reductase) that could potentially influence the chemical content of this organ. The future of proteomic analysis of isoflavonoid biosynthesis should be centered on the development of quantitative, tissue‐specific proteomes that emphasize low‐abundance metabolic proteins to extract the whole suite of factors involved.
Investigating the biology of alpha herpesviruses with MS‐based proteomics
Authors: Engel Esteban A. , Song Ren , Koyuncu Orkide O. , Enquist Lynn W.
Published: March 2015

Viruses are intracellular parasites that can only replicate and spread in cells of susceptible hosts. Alpha herpesviruses (α‐HVs) contain double‐stranded DNA genomes of at least 120 kb, encoding for 70 or more genes. The viral genome is contained in an icosahedral capsid that is surrounded by a proteinaceous tegument layer and a lipid envelope. Infection starts in epithelial cells and spreads to the peripheral nervous system. In the natural host, α‐HVs establish a chronic latent infection that can be reactivated and rarely spread to the CNS. In the nonnatural host, viral infection will in most cases spread to the CNS with often fatal outcome. The host response plays a crucial role in the outcome of viral infection. α‐HVs do not encode all the genes required for viral replication and spread. They need a variety of host gene products including RNA polymerase, ribosomes, dynein, and kinesin. As a result, the infected cell is dramatically different from the uninfected cell revealing a complex and dynamic interplay of viral and host components required to complete the virus life cycle. In this review, we describe the pivotal contribution of MS‐based proteomics studies over the past 15 years to understand the complicated life cycle and pathogenesis of four α‐HV species from the alphaherpesvirinae subfamily: Herpes simplex virus‐1, varicella zoster virus, pseudorabies virus and bovine herpes virus‐1. We describe the viral proteome dynamics during host infection and the host proteomic response to counteract such pathogens.
Proteomics in pharmaceutical research and development
Authors: Cutler Paul , Voshol Hans
Published: March 2015

In the 20 years since its inception, the evolution of proteomics in pharmaceutical industry has mirrored the developments within academia and indeed other industries. From initial enthusiasm and subsequent disappointment in global protein expression profiling, pharma research saw the biggest impact when relating to more focused approaches, such as those exploring the interaction between proteins and drugs. Nowadays, proteomics technologies have been integrated in many areas of pharmaceutical R&D, ranging from the analysis of therapeutic proteins to the monitoring of clinical trials. Here, we review the development of proteomics in the drug discovery process, placing it in a historical context as well as reviewing the current status in light of the contributions to this special issue, which reflect some of the diverse demands of the drug and biomarker pipelines.
Nitrogen‐Rich Energetic 1,2,5‐Oxadiazole‐Tetrazole – Based Energetic Materials
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Witkowski Tomasz G.
Published: March 2015

Research for new energetic materials with tailored properties is of particular interest in many research groups. In order to meet challenging requirements heterocyclic systems have been investigated. One of the most promising area of research is synthesis of high nitrogen content compounds. Connection of highly endothermic moieties within one molecule attracted attention in recent time. The combination of nitrogen rich tetrazole and tetrazole oxides with oxygen containing furazan and furoxan is a new trend in synthesis of energetic materials with appropriate oxygen balance, high density, and good thermal stability. Various salts have been obtained in order to improve properties in comparison to covalent energetic materials. In this paper results in a recent research for nitrogen rich compounds containing 1,2,5‐oxadiazoletetrazoles species are presented.
Adverse Life Experience and Psychological Distress in Adolescence: Moderating and Mediating Effects of Emotion Regulation and Rumination
Authors: Boyes Mark E. , Hasking Penelope A. , Martin Graham
Published: March 2015

The current study tested whether emotion regulation and rumination moderated and/or mediated the relationship between accumulated adverse life experience and psychological distress in adolescence. In class, Australian high school students (n = 2637, 12–18 years, 68% female) from 41 schools completed well‐validated measures of adverse life experience, emotion regulation, rumination and psychological distress, and were followed up 1 year later (n = 1973, 75% retention rate). Adjusting for age, gender and baseline psychological distress, adverse life experience predicted psychological distress 1 year later. Expressive suppression and rumination were positively associated with psychological distress. Cognitive reappraisal was negatively associated with psychological distress and moderated the relationship between adverse life experience and psychological distress. This relationship was also partially mediated by cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression and rumination. Promoting cognitive reappraisal and minimizing expressive suppression and rumination may be useful strategies to improve mental health for adolescents who have experienced adverse life events. Future research should examine whether adolescents who have experienced adverse life events can be trained in effective emotion regulation strategies and whether this training can prevent development of psychological maladjustment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytoplasmic localization and asymmetric division in the early embryo of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Griffin Erik E.
Published: March 2015

During the initial cleavages of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo, a series of rapid and invariant asymmetric cell divisions pattern the fate, size, and position of four somatic blastomeres and a single germline blastomere. These asymmetric divisions are orchestrated by a collection of maternally deposited factors that are initially symmetrically distributed in the newly fertilized embryo. Maturation of the sperm‐derived centrosome in the posterior cytoplasm breaks this symmetry by triggering a dramatic and highly stereotyped partitioning of these maternal factors. A network of conserved cell polarity regulators, the PAR proteins, form distinct anterior and posterior domains at the cell cortex. From these domains, the PAR proteins direct the segregation of somatic and germline factors into opposing regions of the cytoplasm such that, upon cell division, they are preferentially inherited by the somatic blastomere or the germline blastomere, respectively. The segregation of these factors is controlled, at least in part, by a series of reaction–diffusion mechanisms that are asymmetrically deployed along the anterior/posterior axis. The characterization of these mechanisms has important implications for our understanding of how cells are polarized and how spatial organization is generated in the cytoplasm. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:267–282. doi: 10.1002/wdev.177

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Cytoplasmic Localization

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Gradients

Early Embryonic Development > Fertilization to Gastrulation
Using external standard method with absorption correction in SRXRF analysis of biological tissues
Authors: Trunova V. A. , Sidorina A. V. , Zolotarev K. V.
Published: March 2015

The techniques of X‐ray fluorescence analysis with synchrotron radiation (SRXRF) use mainly the external standard method, which imposes an essential requirement of similarity of absorption and scattering of the primary and fluorescence radiation by the matrices of the test sample and the reference one. In this connection, there is an actual problem of shortage or absence of required standard reference samples. In this paper we consider a variant of analysis of a biological tissue (certified reference material NCSZC 85005 Beef liver) with a standard sample of geological matrix (certified reference material IAEA Soil‐7) as a reference sample. The concentrations of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb and Sr were determined in the standard liver sample with and without allowance for fluorescence radiation absorption by the differing matrices. Using the absorption correction enabled full account of the difference in the absorption properties of the matrices under study (liver and soil) and obtaining chemical element concentrations having no significant difference from certified values. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacterial Symbiotes, Their Presence in Head Lice, and Potential Treatment Avenues
Authors: Burkhart Craig N. , Burkhart Craig G.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) belongs to the order Anoplura, which are blood-feeding ectoparasites that live on human hair. Within these insects reside symbiotic bacteria that enable the insect to flourish on dietary sources of limited nutritional value. These symbiotic bacteria are essential to the survival of the insect.

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of treating head lice by altering their symbiotic bacteria.

Methods:

In addition to a literature review of the expanded role of symbiotic bacteria in other organisms, the anatomic localization of their presence in human head lice and molecular characterization of the head louse symbiont were analyzed.

Results:

Anatomically, the bacterial symbiotes are localized to the midgut mycetome in males and the ovaries in females. The 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid phylogenetic analysis was presented. Features of this bacterial symbiote may make this symbiont accessible as a target for pediculocidal and ovicidal therapy by altering its habitat and existence.

Conclusions:

An understanding of the nature of bacterial symbiotes of head lice might lead to alternative strategies for eradication or inhibition of these necessary bacteria, thereby controlling head lice with less toxic agents than conventional insecticides, to which the organism continues to increase its resistance.
Treatment of Refractory Chromomycosis by Isolated Limb Infusion with Melphalan and Actinomycin D
Authors: Damian Diona L. , Barnetson Ross StC. , Thompson John F.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Chromomycosis is frequently resistant to systemic and local therapies, and advanced bulky disease can compromise limb function.

Methods:

A man developed extensive chromomycosis of the left arm, refractory to multiple systemic and local treatments. Regional chemotherapy with the isolated limb infusion (ILI) technique using melphalan and actinomycin D markedly reduced disease bulk and greatly improved function of the arm over the next 2 months. Repeat ILI was performed 10 months later, again with good improvement in mobility of the elbow and significant debulking of disease. At the present time, there is some persistent but stable disease, which is controlled by heat therapy with disposable pocket warmers. The patient declined any further systemic therapy.

Conclusion:

ILI rapidly reduced disease bulk, restoring the limb to normal function within a few weeks. Although not curative, ILI could be an effective adjunctive treatment for severe chromomycosis in patients resistant to or intolerant of other therapies.
Resident Education: Effect of the Sixth National Psoriasis Foundation Chief Residents' Meeting
Authors: Greist Heather M. , Pearce Daniel J. , Blauvelt Molly , Feldman Steven R.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Psoriasis is a common problem, with patients frequently reporting dissatisfaction with their care. The National Psoriasis Foundation held its sixth annual Chief Residents' Meeting in October 2004 with the goal of educating dermatology residents about psoriasis.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to assess residents' knowledge about psoriasis before and after the meeting.

Methods:

Residents were given the same 11-question multiple-choice test before and after the meeting. Eighty-one residents completed the pretest and 41 completed the post-test.

Results:

Overall, the mean number of questions answered correctly increased from 5.2 of 11 (47%) on the pretest to 8.9 (81%) on the post-test ( p < .00001). Scores improved on the post-test in all subject areas. The greatest percent improvement occurred in the subjects of patient education and phototherapy.

Conclusion:

Although limited by small numbers and an unknown response bias, the National Psoriasis Foundation Chief Residents' Meeting was successful in educating the attendees about psoriasis; it is hoped that topic-specific resident education will lead to better patient care.
Adverse Cutaneous Reactions to Selective Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors: Experience of an Italian Drug-Surveillance Center
Authors: Atzori Laura , Pinna Anna Luisa , Pau Monica , Aste Natalia , Zucca Myriam , Ferreli Caterina
Published: March 2015

Background:

Selective cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with a general lower incidence of side effects compared with nonselective NSAIDs. Postmarketing information has highlighted the need to reassess the risk evaluation for specific organs, including the skin.

Objective:

A prospective databank to record all cases of adverse cutaneous reactions associated with the use of COX inhibitors was conducted at the Centre for Drug Surveillance of the Dermatology Department of Cagliari University.

Material and Methods:

An intensive surveillance program from November 2000 to October 2004, adopting the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Drug Monitoring causality assessment criteria and algorithm.

Results:

Seventeen cases, 4 male and 13 female, were studied. None had previously presented any drug intolerance or allergy. Clinical manifestations were mainly maculopapular exanthema followed by urticaria-angioedema. A severe case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis was also observed. Responsible drugs were celecoxib (13 cases; 76%), rofecoxib (3 cases; 18%), and etoricoxib (1 case; 6%). All cases recovered with drug withdrawal. Causality was probable for all eruptions, except for the fixed drug eruption, for which causality was certain.

Discussion:

Although most cases were associated with celecoxib, the observation of severe eruptions owing to rofecoxib and etoricoxib in this prospective study is consistent with a class effect of COX inhibitors on the skin, which merits further studies to explain the fine underlying mechanisms.
Contributions of Community Psychology to Rural Advisory Services: An Analysis of Latin American Rural Extensionists’ Point of View
Authors: Landini Fernando
Published: March 2015

During the last decade, rural extension has received interest as being a key tool for rural development. Despite rural extension being affected by many psychosocial processes, psychology has made scarce contributions to it. An investigation was conducted with the aim of gaining knowledge of rural extensionists’ expectations of psychology, as well as to contribute to shaping community psychologists’ role in the context of rural extension . 652 extensionists from 12 Latin American countries were surveyed. The survey included closed socio‐demographic questions as well as open ones addressing extension practice and psychologists’ potential contributions. 90.6 % of surveyed extensionists considered psychology could help them improve their practice. Most mentioned areas of contribution go in line with community psychology, including managing farmers groups, facilitating participatory processes and training extensionists; while others, such as the expectation of changing farmers’ mindset and increasing the adoption of external technologies, go against its principles. Thus, in some cases, extensionists’ expectations could help generate an interesting interaction between community psychology and rural extension, while in others, they need to be put up for discussion. In brief, community psychology has the potential to contribute to rural extension, but it needs to acknowledge extension practice as an interesting area for intervention.
Antioxidant Activity of Seaweed Extracts: In Vitro Assays, Evaluation in 5 % Fish Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions and Characterization
Authors: Sabeena Farvin K. H. , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: March 2015

In this study the antioxidant activity of absolute ethanol, 50 % ethanol and water extracts of two species of seaweeds, namely Fucus serratus and Polysiphonia fucoides, were evaluated both in in vitro assays and in 5 % fish oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsions. The 50 % ethanolic extracts of P. fucoides showed higher antioxidant activity both in in vitro assays and in 5 % oil‐in‐water emulsion in the presence or absence of iron. In spite of the higher phenolic content and very good antioxidant activity in some of the in vitro assays, the absolute ethanol extracts of both the species showed a pro‐oxidative tendency in 5 % fish oil‐in‐water emulsion in the presence or absence of iron. In order to investigate the reason for the higher antioxidant activity of 50 % ethanolic extracts of P. fucoides, these extracts were further fractionated into polyphenol‐rich, protein‐rich, polysaccharide‐rich and low‐molecular‐weight fractions. These fractions were tested both in in vitro and in 5 % oil‐in‐water emulsions. The results of the present study showed that the main effect was due to the phenolic compounds. In conclusion, the 50 % ethanolic extracts of P. fucoides can be a potential source of natural antioxidants as these extracts have antioxidant activities similar to those of synthetic antioxidants such as BHT.
Transnasal versus conventional peroral insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using pull method
Authors: Lin Lian Feng
Published: March 2015

Background

Several cases of successful percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) through the transnasal route have been reported, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in transnasal PEG was described earlier. This study was conducted to investigate the difference between transnasal PEG and conventional PEG.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was conducted to compare pull‐type transnasal (T‐PEG) and peroral (O‐PEG) placement of a 20 Fr PEG tube in a community hospital. Thirty‐eight T‐PEG and 38 O‐PEG were analyzed in 76 chronic dysphagic patients from homes or nursing homes. The operating time, occurrence of choking during PEG, stomal site infection, bacterial pathogens, and post‐PEG complication were recorded and analyzed.

Results

The mean age was 76.3 ± 10.3 years for T‐PEG versus 79.3 ± 6.9 years for O‐PEG; 67% were male versus 48% female; operating time was 14.6 ± 4.0 minutes for T‐PEG versus 11 ± 3 minutes for O‐PEG (p = 0.0028), and choking occurred in three patients in the T‐PEG group versus five in the O‐PEG group. There were 10 stomal site infections (9 with P. aeruginosa) in the T‐PEG group and 14 (8 with P. aeruginosa) in the O‐PEG group (p < 0.001). One systemic infection of the urinary tract, one buried bumper, and one stomal soiling were observed in the T‐PEG and O‐PEG groups. No PEG‐related mortality occurred within 3 months after all PEG procedures.

Conclusion

Transnasal insertion of PEG using a pull method is a feasible and safe alternative when conventional pull‐method PEG is not possible. However, P. aeruginosa infection is common when using T‐PEG; therefore, more studies focusing on prophylaxis of T‐PEG‐associated P. aeruginosa infection are required.
The Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS): Independent validation in a large sample of Italian patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Mucci A. , Galderisi S. , Merlotti E. , Rossi A. , Rocca P. , Bucci P. , Piegari G. , Chieffi M. , Vignapiano A. , Maj M.
Published: March 2015

Background

The Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) was developed to address the main limitations of the existing scales for the assessment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The initial validation of the scale by the group involved in its development demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity, and a factor structure confirming the two domains of negative symptoms (reduced emotional/verbal expression and anhedonia/asociality/avolition). However, only relatively small samples of patients with schizophrenia were investigated. Further independent validation in large clinical samples might be instrumental to the broad diffusion of the scale in clinical research.

Methods

The present study aimed to examine the BNSS inter-rater reliability, convergent/discriminant validity and factor structure in a large Italian sample of outpatients with schizophrenia.

Results

Our results confirmed the excellent inter-rater reliability of the BNSS (the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.81 to 0.98 for individual items and was 0.98 for the total score). The convergent validity measures had r values from 0.62 to 0.77, while the divergent validity measures had r values from 0.20 to 0.28 in the main sample (n = 912) and in a subsample without clinically significant levels of depression and extrapyramidal symptoms (n = 496). The BNSS factor structure was supported in both groups.

Conclusions

The study confirms that the BNSS is a promising measure for quantifying negative symptoms of schizophrenia in large multicenter clinical studies.
Combined Neurocognitive And Metacognitive Rehabilitation In Schizophrenia: Effects On Bias Against Disconfirmatory Evidence
Authors: Buonocore M. , Bosia M. , Riccaboni R. , Bechi M. , Spangaro M. , Piantanida M. , Cocchi F. , Guglielmino C. , Bianchi L. , Smeraldi E. , Cavallaro R.
Published: March 2015

Background

A Metacognitive Training for Schizophrenia patients (MCT) was developed to target the cognitive biases that characterize the illness. Results suggest positive MCT effects encompassing several aspects of psychopathology and subjective well-being. There are still open questions concerning the effect on different cognitive biases and the interplay between them and both psychopathology and neurocognition. Specifically, the bias against disconfirmatory evidence (BADE) has never been tested in previous trials on MCT. In this study we evaluated the feasibility of MCT combined with a cognitive remediation therapy (CACR) in schizophrenia and its effect on BADE. Moreover, we investigated the relationships between BADE and both neuropsychology and psychopathology, taking into account mutual influences on the degree of improvement.

Methods

Fifty-seven schizophrenia outpatients were randomly assigned to CACR + control group or MCT+CACR and assessed at baseline and after treatment for psychopathology, neurocognition and BADE.

Results

After MCT+CACR patients showed significantly greater improvements on BADE. Although BADE baseline performances correlated with several cognitive domains, no association was found between BADE improvement and neurocognitive nor psychopathological measures.

Conclusions

This study enlightened for the first time the efficacy of MCT+CACR on BADE in schizophrenia, suggesting the importance to develop a more specific intervention tailored on individual needs of patients.
Physical Medicine Interventions to Avoid Acute Respiratory Failure and Invasive Airway Tubes
Authors: Bach John R. , Takyi Selorm L.
Published: March 2015

This article describes the use of physical medicine noninvasive inspiratory and expiratory muscle aids to prevent ventilatory/respiratory failure and to permit the extubation and tracheostomy tube decannulation of patients with little or no autonomous ability to breathe (ie, those who cannot be weaned from ventilator support). Noninvasive airway pressure aids can provide continuous ventilatory support and effective cough flows for patients with severely dysfunctional respiratory muscles.
How Not to Train Your Dragon: A Case of a Komodo Dragon Bite
Authors: Borek Heather A. , Charlton Nathan P.
Published: March 2015

Komodo dragons ( Varanus komodoensis) are the world’s largest lizards, known for killing prey that exceed their body mass. Reports of bites to humans in the popular press suggest high degrees of morbidity and mortality. Reports in the medical literature are lacking. We describe the case of a zookeeper who was bitten by a Komodo dragon, with a resultant mallet finger. We further discuss the various potential mechanisms of Komodo dragon lethality, including sepsis and venom deposition theories that are useful in guiding management.
A Memoir of Central India
Authors: Malcolm John
Published: March 2015

Sir John Malcolm (1769–1833) was a soldier and diplomat in British India and Persia. He returned to India on the eve of the British conquest of Malwa, a region of central India previously little known to Europeans, in 1818. Malcolm studied the region's geology, its agriculture and the history of its ruling families in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. His reports were first published in Calcutta in 1821, and were revised and expanded for publication in two volumes in London in 1823. Based on interviews with native inhabitants and oral testimonies, Malcolm's work was the leading authority on Malwa until the 1930s, and remains valuable for its first-hand account of nineteenth-century Malwa's politics, culture and society. The most important chapter of Volume 2 contains Malcolm's recommendations for the future of British rule in Malwa. The volume also has an extensive appendix of over 200 pages of primary texts.
China's Civil War
Authors: Lary Diana
Published: March 2015

China's Civil War is the first book of its kind to offer a social history in English of the Civil War in 1945–9 that brought the Chinese Communist Party to power. Integrating history and memory, it surveys a period of intense upheaval and chaos to show how the Communist Party and its armies succeeded in overthrowing the Nationalist government to bring political and social revolution to China. Drawing from a collection of biographies, memoirs, illustrations and oral histories, Diana Lary gives a voice to those who experienced the war first-hand, exemplifying the direct effects of warfare - the separations and divisions, the exiles and losses, and the social upheaval that resulted from the conflict. Lary explores the long-term impact on Chinese societies on the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, which have all diverged far from pre-war Chinese society.