bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular matrix assessment of infected chronic venous leg ulcers: role of metalloproteinases and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Serra Raffaele , Grande Raffaele , Buffone Gianluca , Molinari Vincenzo , Perri Paolo , Perri Aldina , Amato Bruno , Colosimo Manuela , de Franciscis Stefano
Published: February 2014

Chronic venous ulcer (CVU) represents a dreaded complication of chronic venous disease (CVD). The onset of infection may further delay the already precarious healing process in such lesions. Some evidences have shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved and play a central role in both CVUs and infectious diseases. Two groups of patients were enrolled to evaluate the expression of MMPs in infected ulcers and the levels of inflammatory cytokines as well as their prevalence. Group I comprised 63 patients (36 females and 27 males with a median age of 68·7 years) with infected CVUs, and group II (control group) comprised 66 patients (38 females and 28 males with a median age of 61·2 years) with non‐infected venous ulcers. MMP evaluation and dosage of inflammatory cytokines in plasma and wound fluid was performed by means of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test; protein extraction and immunoblot analysis were performed on biopsied wounds. The first three most common agents involved in CVUs were Staphylococcus aureus (38·09%), Corynebacterium striatum (19·05%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12·7%). In this study, we documented overall higher levels of MMP‐1 and MMP‐8 in patients with infected ulcers compared to those with uninfected ulcers that showed higher levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. We also documented higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, vascular endothelial growth factor and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha in patients with infected ulcers with respect to those with uninfected ulcers, documenting a possible association between infection, MMP activation, cytokine secretions and symptoms. The present results could represent the basis for further studies on drug use that mimic the action of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in order to make infected CVU more manageable.
Basic concepts regarding fracture healing and the current options and future directions in managing bone fractures
Authors: Bigham‐Sadegh Amin , Oryan Ahmad
Published: February 2014

Fracture healing is a complex physiological process, which involves a well‐orchestrated series of biological events. Repair of large bone defects resulting from trauma, tumours, osteitis, delayed unions, non‐unions, osteotomies, arthrodesis and multifragmentary fractures is a current challenge of surgeons and investigators. Different therapeutic modalities have been developed to enhance the healing response and fill the bone defects. Different types of growth factors, stem cells, natural grafts (autografts, allografts or xenografts) and biologic‐ and synthetic‐based tissue‐engineered scaffolds are some of the examples. Nevertheless, these organic and synthetic materials and therapeutic agents have some significant limitations, and there are still no well‐approved treatment modalities to meet all the expected requirements. Bone tissue engineering is a newer option than the traditional grafts and may overcome many limitations of the bone graft. To select an appropriate treatment strategy in achieving a successful and secure healing, more information concerning injuries of bones, their healing process and knowledge of the factors involved are required.

The main goals of this work are to present different treatment modalities of the fractured bones and to explain how fractures normally heal and what factors interfere with fracture healing. This study provides an overview of the processes of fracture healing and discusses the current therapeutic strategies that have been claimed to be effective in accelerating fracture healing.
Phylogenetic relationships among Leymus and related diploid genera (Triticeae: Poaceae) based on chloroplast trnQ–rps16 sequences
Authors: Guo Guo‐Ye , Yang Rui‐Wu , Ding Chun‐Bang , Fan Xing , Zhang Li , Zhou Yong‐Hong
Published: February 2014

To investigate the phylogenetic relationships among Leymus and related diploid genera, the genome donor of Leymus, and the evolutionary history of polyploid Leymus species, chloroplast trnQ–rps16 sequences were analyzed for 36 accessions of Leymus representing 25 species, together with 11 diploid taxa from six monogenomic genera. The phylogenetic analyses (Neighbor‐Joining and MJ network) supported three major clades (Ns, St and Xm). Sequence diversity and genealogical analysis suggested that 1) Leymus species from the same areas or neighboring geographic regions are closely related; 2) most of the Eurasian Leymus species are closely related to Psathyrostachys: P. juncea might serve as the Ns genome donor of polyploid Eurasian Leymus species; 3) the Xm genome may originate from ancestral lineages of Pseudoroegneria (St), Lophopyrum (Ee), Australopyrum (W) and Agropyron (P); 4) the trnQ–rps16 sequences of Leymus are evolutionarily distinct, and may clarify parental lineages and phylogenetic relationships in Leymus.
Origins and nature of vessels in Monocotyledons. 14. Vessellessness in Orontioideae (Araceae): adaptation or relictualism?
Authors: Carlquist Sherwin , Schneider Edward L.
Published: February 2014

SEM studies of tracheary elements of subfamily Orontioideae (Lysichiton, Orontium, Symplocarpus) of Araceae show unexpected features. The plants are entirely vesselless. There are small pores in pit membranes of end walls of tracheids in roots and stems, but pit membranes remain intact. End wall pit membranes of stems have a coarse fibrillar texture, somewhat reminiscent of (but different from) those of Nymphaeaceae and Cabombaceae. Acoraceae, which are also vesselless, represent the first branch of the monocot tree, according to phylogenies, and the orontioids form the next branch. Vessellessness is therefore a potentially plesiomorphic feature in monocots, but it may also be related to the highly mesic habitats of Acoraceae and the orontioids. Various other non‐submersed monocots have vesselless or near‐vesselless xylem. Sectioned xylem of Orontioideae is also very suggestive of stages in the development of the pit membranes of both end walls and lateral walls of tracheids: open networks of cellulosic fibrils apparently precede the addition of denser fibrillar meshes, key information in assessing to what extent perforations in scalariform perforation plates of vascular plants may stop formation at the open network stage, and to what extent a thicker pit membrane experiences lysis and disintegration as the vessel element matures.
Fine‐Scaled Piezoelectric Ceramic/Polymer 2‐2 Composites for High‐Frequency Transducer
Authors: Zhang Ye , Jiang Yun , Lin Xiujuan , Xie Rui , Zhou Kechao , Button Tim W. , Zhang Dou
Published: February 2014

A novel technique was utilized to fabricate fine‐scaled piezoelectric ceramic/polymer 2‐2 composites for high‐frequency ultrasonic transducers. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) was used as raw material. Tape‐casted acetylene black tapes were used to define kerfs after sintering. A one‐directional supporter was utilized to avoid distortion of PZT elements. PZT elements with 20 ± 2 μm width exhibited good consistency in longitudinal direction. A resonant method was utilized to evaluate the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the composites. A 72‐μm‐thick composite with an aspect ratio of ~3.6 exhibited a kt of 0.61 with satisfied piezoelectric and dielectric properties. A prototype high‐frequency ultrasonic transducer was fabricated and evaluated by an underwater pulse‐echo test. The center frequency was found to be 23.75 MHz, with −6 dB bandwidth of 5.5 MHz.
Electronic Structure and Luminescence Properties of Phosphor Li8Bi2(MoO4)7: Dy3+
Authors: Zhao Jin , Guo Chongfeng , Su Xiangying , Noh Hyeon Mi , Jeong Jung Hyun
Published: February 2014

Dy3+‐doped Li8Bi2(MoO4)7 (LBM: Dy3+) white‐emitting phosphors have been prepared by sol‐gel method at about 400~550°C low temperature. The electronic structure of Li8Bi2(MoO4)7 is also calculated using density functional theory. The calculation results show that Li8Bi2(MoO4)7 has a direct band gap with 2.63 eV, the top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction band are dominated by O 2p and Mo 4d, respectively. The effect from Bi3+ ions is so weak that it could be neglected, which is also be proved by the experimental results. The crystal structure and luminescent properties of the obtained phosphors are characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectrum, respectively. Photoluminescence results showed that the obtained phosphors can be excited efficiently by near‐UV 387 nm and generated white light emission. The yellow/blue ratio and Commission International de I'Eclairage color coordinates could be tuned by adjusting the concentration of Dy3+. Results demonstrated that Li8Bi2(MoO4)7: Dy3+ was a potential white light‐emitting phosphor candidate for NUV‐based w‐LEDs.
Market Behavior of Institutional Investors around Bankruptcy Announcements
Authors: Frino Alex , Jones Stewart , Lepone Andrew , Wong Jin Boon
Published: February 2014

This paper examines, using proprietary ASX data containing institutional holdings, if institutional investors exit en mass prior to announcements of financial distress. Evidence indicates that while some institutional investors exit the stock, the withdrawal is gradual, commencing approximately 115 days prior to event. This is driven by active institutional investors reacting to the release of the financially distressed companies’ last publicly released financial reports. There is no significant decline in institutional holdings before announcements; most institutional investors hold financially distressed shares through to failure. There is evidence that the lack of disclosure drives the increase in information asymmetry prior to company failure.
Adaptive formative feedback to improve strategic search decisions in task‐oriented reading
Authors: Llorens A.C. , Cerdán R. , Vidal‐Abarca E.
Published: February 2014

This study analyses the effectiveness of adaptive formative feedback to boost strategic search decisions and performance when students are asked to answer a set of questions in a task‐oriented reading situation. We compared automatic feedback that included information about the right answer with feedback that also included the connection between the students' strategic search decisions and their performance. Ninety‐two high school students read two non‐continuous texts. They received feedback during a training phase, and then they read and also received feedback with a similar text in a final phase. Text and questions were presented using a new computer‐based technology that provided automatic adaptive feedback depending on the experimental condition: right‐answer feedback, strategic‐search‐decisions feedback and placebo feedback. We found that strategic‐search‐decisions feedback improved strategic decisions over right‐answer and placebo feedback in the final text, which in turn improved question‐answering performance. Some positive effects were also found during training. These results open new possibilities to adaptive automatic procedures to teach task‐oriented reading skills to students.
Many faces of monogenic diabetes
Authors: Schwitzgebel Valerie M
Published: February 2014

Monogenic diabetes represents a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from defects in single genes. Defects are categorized primarily into two groups: disruption of β‐cell function or a reduction in the number of β‐cells. A complex network of transcription factors control pancreas formation, and a dysfunction of regulators high in the hierarchy leads to pancreatic agenesis. Dysfunction among factors further downstream might cause organ hypoplasia, absence of islets of Langerhans or a reduction in the number of β‐cells. Many transcription factors have pleiotropic effects, explaining the association of diabetes with other congenital malformations, including cerebellar agenesis and pituitary agenesis. Monogenic diabetes variants are classified conventionally according to age of onset, with neonatal diabetes occurring before the age of 6 months and maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) manifesting before the age of 25 years. Recently, certain familial genetic defects were shown to manifest as neonatal diabetes, MODY or even adult onset diabetes. Patients with neonatal diabetes require a thorough genetic work‐up in any case, and because extensive phenotypic overlap exists between monogenic, type 2, and type 1 diabetes, genetic analysis will also help improve diagnosis in these cases. Next generation sequencing will facilitate rapid screening, leading to the discovery of digenic and oligogenic diabetes variants, and helping to improve our understanding of the genetics underlying other types of diabetes. An accurate diagnosis remains important, because it might lead to a change in the treatment of affected subjects and influence long‐term complications.
Current Strategies in Dentin Remineralization
Authors: Hernández Marcela , Cobb Deborah , Swift Edward J.
Published: February 2014

Partial caries removal procedures are used clinically in an attempt to conserve tooth structure and prevent pulp damage. Within this approach, the caries‐infected dentin is removed, and the partially demineralized caries‐affected dentin is preserved and sealed with materials that enhance remineralization. Fluoride‐releasing glass ionomers have been commonly used for this purpose. Recent studies have shown potential for other cements and bioactive adhesive materials to promote dentin repair through various strategies. These strategies include ion releasing of Ca‐P and the guided tissue remineralization or biomimetic remineralization of dentin. The latter is potentially useful in the remineralization of the demineralized acid‐etched dentin that is incompletely infiltrated by adhesives in dentin bonding. The purpose of this Critical Appraisal is to provide the clinician with a summary of current literature that clarifies understanding of the process of dentin remineralization and to describe current strategies in this area.
Continuous, large‐scale simulation model for flood risk assessments: proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Falter D. , Dung N.V. , Vorogushyn S. , Schröter K. , Hundecha Y. , Kreibich H. , Apel H. , Theisselmann F. , Merz B.
Published: February 2014

In this paper we present the Regional Flood Model (RFM), a process‐based model cascade developed for large‐scale basins. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that flood risk assessments, based on a continuous simulation approach, including rainfall–runoff, 1D river network, 2D hinterland inundation and damage estimation models, are feasible at the scale of large catchments. RFM is applied to the German part of the Elbe catchment including around 2700 river‐km. For this proof‐of‐concept study, simulations are performed continuously over the period of 1990–2003. Simplification of equations and parallelisation enable the continuous 2D hydrodynamic inundation simulation with reasonable run‐times on a relatively high resolution of 100 m. As uncertainties are introduced with each module along the model chain, results are evaluated, where possible, with observed data. Results indicate that uncertainties are significant, especially for hydrodynamic simulations. This is basically a consequence of low data quality and disregarding dike breach effects in the simulations. Reliable information on overbank cross‐sections and dikes is expected to considerably improve the results. We conclude that the large‐scale simulation of catchment processes, inundation and damage, driven by long‐term climate data, is viable within a continuous simulation framework. It has the potential to provide a spatially consistent, large‐scale picture of flood risk.
Lessons learned from southern and eastern Asian urban floods: from a local perspective
Authors: Osti R. , Nakasu T.
Published: February 2014

This study analyses 21 fatal flood events from 10 different southern and eastern Asian countries. The case‐specific flood disaster‐related data mainly categorised into flood characteristics, socio‐economy, disaster preparedness, emergency response and impact are collected from the concerned authorities in each country. Data for all selected flood events are compiled and compared to check the seriousness of the flood problem at different localities in the selected regions. At least one flood event from each country, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh and Nepal, is considered. The analysis was divided into three parts: (1) flood impact sector analysis, (2) flood human death cause analysis and (3) flood disaster critical cause and effect analysis. The result shows that the majority of flood‐related deaths was mainly caused by drowning, which accounts 44% of flood deaths. Despite the evacuation advisories issued in 65% cases, many people stayed at homes either due to the lack of timely available information or due to confusion about the reliability of provided information or ignorance or overconfidence with their safety. In many cases, the early warning information did not reach to the community because of the lack of appropriate communication mechanisms. Most of the areas were protected by some levels of structural measures such as levees, but the quantity and quality of such measures are not sufficient and are not often linked to non‐structural measures. Large‐scale floods acutely impacted on public infrastructures. The worst hit sector was transportation. These results imply the importance of mainstreaming disaster risk management in the development sectors. Mainstreaming flood disaster risk management in the development sectors does not necessarily mean to only protect the hard gained development but at the same time to accelerate and enhance the effort of building resiliency and therefore the socioeconomic development by better planning and designing of any kind of infrastructures in the flood plain areas. The findings from this study are helpful in identifying, prioritising and coordinating the measures for the effective flood risk management at the localities.
Clinicopathologic analysis of the simple nodular type of well‐differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma with extensive peliotic change
Authors: Nomura Yoriko , Nakashima Osamu , Kumabe Tsutomu , Akiba Jun , Ogasawara Sachiko , Kage Masayoshi , Hisafumi Kinoshita , Yano Hirohisa
Published: February 2014

Background and Aim

Peliosis hepatis‐like blood‐filled cavities are frequently observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Peliotic change (PC) is commonly seen in moderately differentiated HCCs and rarely in well‐differentiated HCCs. We conducted clinicopathological analysis of well‐differentiated HCC with PC (PHCC).

Methods

A total of 1225 patients underwent hepatectomy at Kurume University Hospital between 1992 and 2010. Of these, 101 cases were diagnosed as well‐differentiated HCC. Immunohistochemical double staining of CD34 and α smooth muscle actin was performed to examine the number and diameter of arterial blood vessels and drainage veins around tumors. We compared the clinical manifestations, histopathological features, and imaging findings of these cases.

Results

Seven cases of 101 well‐differentiated HCCs had PC. Almost of PHCCs were macroscopically classified as the simple nodular type with a fibrous capsule, and microscopically showed thin trabecular arrangement of tumor cells and extensive dilated sinusoid‐like structures filled with red blood cells. The number of arteries inside the tumor was significantly higher in PHCCs than in the simple nodular type of well‐differentiated HCCs without PC. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the ratio of the number of irregularly shaped drainage veins around the tumor to the tumor diameter. Imaging revealed that most of the tumors had capsule‐like structures and showed prolonged enhancement in the delayed phase of dynamic study of imagings.

Conclusion

PC is unusually observed in well‐differentiated HCC and the size of PHCC was larger than that of well‐differentiated HCC without PC and most are detected as a hypervascular tumor on images.
Life Cycle Assessment of Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicle Transport Based on Forest Biomass
Authors: Singh Bhawna , Guest Geoffrey , Bright Ryan M. , Strømman Anders Hammer
Published: February 2014

Use of biomass‐based electricity and hydrogen in alternative transport could provide environmentally sustainable transport options with possible improvements in greenhouse gas balance. We perform a life cycle assessment of electric vehicle (EV) and fuel cell vehicle (FCV) powered by bioelectricity and biohydrogen, respectively, derived from Norwegian boreal forest biomass, considering the nonclimate neutrality of biological carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and alteration in surface albedo resulting from biomass harvesting—both with and without CO2 capture and storage (CCS)—while benchmarking these options against EVs powered by the average European electricity mix. Results show that with due consideration of the countering effects from global warming potential (GWP) factors for biogenic CO2 emissions and change in radiative forcing of the surface for the studied region, bioenergy‐based EVs and FCVs provide reductions of approximately 30%, as compared to the reference EV powered by the average European electricity mix. With CCS coupled to bioenergy production, the biomass‐based vehicle transport results in a net global warming impact reduction of approximately 110% to 120% (giving negative GWP and creating a climate‐cooling benefit from biomass use). Other environmental impacts vary from −60% to +60%, with freshwater eutrophication showing maximum reductions (40% for the EV case and 60% for the FCV case) and photochemical oxidation showing a maximum increase (60% in the FCV value chain).
Psychosocial profiles of children with achondroplasia in terms of their short stature‐related stress: a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Nishimura Naoko , Hanaki Keiichi
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectives

To assess psychosocial profiles of children with achondroplasia using a nationwide survey.

Background

Achondroplasia, showing short stature and disproportionately short limbs, causes physical inconvenience such as difficulty in reaching high objects. It is, however, still controversial whether the condition is associated with psychological problems, especially in childhood.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive design was employed.

Methods

To evaluate psychosocial profiles and adaptation processes in children with achondroplasia, we developed an inventory of scales based on the psychological stress model of which conceptual framework was comprised of stressor, coping process, coping resource and adaptation outcome domains. Participants were recruited nationwide through the largest advocacy support group for achondroplasia in Japan. Of the 130 group members, 73 X‐ray‐diagnosed patients, aged 8–18 years, completed the inventory of questionnaires to be analysed.

Results

As for the stressor domain, patients experienced short stature‐related unpleasant experiences more frequently (z‐score: +1·3 in average, +3·9 in physical inconvenience). Nevertheless, these experiences had little effect on the coping process (threat appraisal: −0·2, control appraisal: +0·1) and the adaptation outcome (stress response: +0·3, self‐concept: 0·0). Interestingly, self‐efficacy in the coping resource domain was noticeably increased (+3·1) and was strongly correlated with most variables in the coping process and in adaptation outcome domains.

Conclusions

Although the children with achondroplasia experienced more short stature‐related stressors, there was no evidence of any psychosocial maladaptation. This finding suggests that coping process as well as coping resources such as self‐efficacy could be important targets for promoting psychological adjustment in children with achondroplasia.

Relevance to clinical practice

To help children with achondroplasia adapt socially, nurses and other healthcare providers should routinely assess their psychological adaptation process, especially cognitive appraisal and self‐efficacy.
Living in a family with a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a phenomenographic study
Authors: Moen Øyfrid Larsen , Hall‐Lord Marie Louise , Hedelin Birgitta
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectives

To describe experiences of everyday life in families with a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a highly prevalent, clinically heterogeneous disorder characterised by behavioural symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that creates impairments for the child and affects the family life. The impairments vary with age and context, and the same symptoms do not necessarily have the same effects in different contexts and persons.

Design

A qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach.

Methods

Family members, mothers, fathers, siblings and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 17) were interviewed individually.

Results

The findings include two descriptive categories ‘safeguarding a functioning family’ and ‘fighting for acceptance and inclusion’. To create a stable and structured family life to avoid conflicts within the family and manage their daily life were crucial. The child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their parents developed special skills and strategies to live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the family sphere and the social context. To apply for help before the problems in the family become too severe and to share responsibility with professionals, who have competence, to meet the families in their worries were stressed. The striving in the family strengthened the companionship in the families, and they conceived growth.

Conclusions

This study contributes to knowledge of the parents, siblings and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder experiences of everyday life with a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. All family members need support before their problems become too severe.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need of family‐focused approach with a dialogue with family members to share the view of their situation and identify their individual resources and needs. Nurses should help these families with family supervision.
Experiences of mothers with substance dependence: Informing the development of parenting support
Authors: Fowler Cathrine , Reid Sharon , Minnis Jeannie , Day Carolyn
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectives

To understand the experiences of women with a history of substance dependence when they attempted to gain parenting support.

Background

Becoming a mother provides a window of opportunity to support women with a substance dependence make changes to their lives and the way they will parent their infants and young children. Yet there are many barriers and a constant fear of the removal of their children from their care.

Design

Focus groups were conducted using a qualitative interpretive descriptive approach to enable exploration of the women's experiences as mothers with infants and young children.

Method

A series of three focus groups were facilitated with three to six women per group. Thirteen women who were substance dependent participated in this study.

Semi‐structured interviews guided the collection of data. Thematic content analysis was used to work with the data.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) feelings of guilt, (2) judged by others, (3) normalising and (4) support and learning to be a mother.

Conclusion

The mothers expressed alienation from mainstream health services. Providing parenting and child health services, which avoid mothers feeling judged by the staff and other mothers, is an important step to enabling these women to appropriately and sensitively care for their infants and young children.

Relevance to clinical practice

Midwives and nurses working with mothers and their infants and young children are well positioned to support women who are or have experienced substance dependence. Working with this group of mothers requires the development of a therapeutic relationship to provide optimum support, education and, if necessary, intervention.
Chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of S-methylisothiourea, an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in cartilage and synovial explants model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Balaganur Venkanna , Pathak Nitya Nand , Lingaraju Madhu Cholenahalli , More Amar Sunil , Latief Najeeb , Kumari Rashmi Rekha , Kumar Dinesh , Tandan Surendra K
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To study the chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor S-methylisothiourea (SMT) in in-vitro model.

Methods

Rabbit cartilage explants were stimulated with recombinant human interleukin 1β (rhIL-1β), and the chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of SMT were investigated. Rat synovial explants were stimulated with LPS, and the anti-inflammatory effect of SMT on synovium was studied. To examine the role of SMT in synovial inflammation mediated cartilage damage, LPS stimulated synovial explants were cultured with dead cartilage with or without SMT for 72 h. The culture medium was analysed for sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and hydroxyproline as measure of proteoglycans and collagen degradation, respectively.

Key findings

SMT significantly reduced GAGs, hydroxyproline, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), prostaglindin E2 (PGE2) and nitrite release in stimulated rabbit cartilage media indicating chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of SMT in osteoarthritis (OA). Stimulated synovial explants caused release of nitrite, PGE2, IL-1β and TNF-α in the medium which were significantly reduced by SMT indicating its anti-inflammatory action. SMT significantly reduced GAGs and hydroxyproline in medium and shown protective effect against synovium-mediated cartilage damage.

Conclusions

SMT inhibited cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation and synovium-mediated cartilage damage, suggesting that SMT may be an agent for pharmacological intervention in OA.
Role of personal and family factors in alcohol and substance use among adolescents: an international study with focus on developing countries
Authors: Atilola O. , Stevanovic D. , Balhara Y. P. S , Avicenna M. , Kandemir H. , Knez R. , Petrov P. , Franic T. , Vostanis P.
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary

Study reveals that alcohol and substance use and abuse is common among adolescents sampled from developing countries, and that it may be as high as have been reported in the developed nations. The risk factors also appear similar.

To this extent, current strategies to combat adolescent alcohol and substance abuse in developed countries can be adopted in developing countries as well. There is, however, a need to adapt some of these well‐established intervention programmes into the reality of the developing countries. Peculiar challenge in these countries includes lack of human resource capacity in child and adolescent psychiatry. Therefore, such programmes will necessarily have to be simplified and implementable by allied professionals like teachers, social workers, school counsellors, nurses and spiritual advisers. Family cohesion – which is a potential strength of developing countries – also needs to be strengthened as a bulwark against adolescent involvement in social vices like alcohol and substance abuse.

Most studies examining adolescent alcohol and substance use or abuse hardly include samples from developing countries. To bridge some gap, the prevalence and associated social correlates of alcohol and substance use and abuse was examined among a cohort of school‐going adolescents sampled from seven developing countries. Alcohol and substance abuse was measured using the CRAFFT instrument, independent socio‐demographic correlates were determined using regression models. A total of 2454 adolescents completed the study, among which 40.9% reported using either alcohol or at least one other substance during the previous 12 months. This was mostly alcohol (37.8%), followed by marijuana/hashish (8.6%) and other substances (8.1%). Among the adolescents who reported using at least one substance, 45% (18.3% of total sample) had CRAFFT scores indicative of problematic or hazardous substance use. Several personal and family factors were independently associated with use/abuse, and the modifiable nature of these factors calls for appropriate intervention strategies.
Mental health promotion in comprehensive schools
Authors: Onnela A. M. , Vuokila‐Oikkonen P. , Hurtig T. , Ebeling H.
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary

A participatory action research study on the development of a professional practice model of mental health promotion in a comprehensive school.

Model was developed in collaboration with interest groups, students and parents.

Interventions were developed on universal, selective and indicated levels.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a participatory action research process on the development of a professional practice model of mental health nurses in mental health promotion in a comprehensive school environment in the city of Oulu, Finland. The developed model is a new method of mental health promotion for mental health nurses working in comprehensive schools. The professional practice model has been developed in workshops together with school staff, interest groups, parents and students. Information gathered from the workshops was analysed using action research methods. Mental health promotion interventions are delivered at three levels: universal, which is an intervention that affects the whole school or community; selective, which is an intervention focusing on a certain group of students; and indicated, which is an individually focused intervention. All interventions are delivered within the school setting, which is a universal setting for all school‐aged children. The interventions share the goal of promoting mental health. The purposes of the interventions are enhancing protective factors, reducing risk factors relating to mental health problems and early identification of mental health problems as well as rapid delivery of support or referral to specialized services. The common effect of the interventions on all levels is the increase in the experience of positive mental health.
A Geometric Model of Plaque Incision and Graft for Peyronie's Disease with Geometric Analyses of Different Techniques
Authors: Miranda Alexandre F. , Sampaio Francisco J.B.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

A surgical approach with plaque incision and graft (PIG) to correct Peyronie's disease is the best method for complex, large deviations. However, the geometric and mechanical consequences of this intervention are poorly understood.

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze the geometric and mechanical consequences of PIG on penile straighten surgery.

Method

A tridimensional penile simile model with a curvature of 85° was created to test all of the most common PIG techniques. PIG with double-Y, H-shape, and Egydio techniques were used to rectify the curved penile model.

Main Outcome Measurements

The results that differed from a rectified cylinder shape were highlighted.

Results

All of the analyzed techniques created a geometric distortion that could be linked to poor surgical results. We suggest a new technique to resolve these abnormalities.

Conclusion

Current techniques designed to correct penile deviation using PIG present geometric and mechanical imperfections with potential consequences to the postoperative success rate. The new technique proposed in this report could be a possible solution to solve the geometric distortion caused by PIG.
Rater Agreement on Gait Assessment during Neurologic Examination of Horses
Authors: Olsen E. , Dunkel B. , Barker W.H.J. , Finding E.J.T. , Perkins J.D. , Witte T.H. , Yates L.J. , Andersen P.H. , Baiker K. , Piercy R.J.
Published: February 2014

Background

Reproducible and accurate recognition of presence and severity of ataxia in horses with neurologic disease is important when establishing a diagnosis, assessing response to treatment, and making recommendations that might influence rider safety or a decision for euthanasia.

Objectives

To determine the reproducibility and validity of the gait assessment component in the neurologic examination of horses.

Animals

Twenty‐five horses referred to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Referral Hospital for neurological assessment (n = 15), purchased (without a history of gait abnormalities) for an unrelated study (n = 5), or donated because of perceived ataxia (n = 5).

Methods

Utilizing a prospective study design; a group of board‐certified medicine (n = 2) and surgery (n = 2) clinicians and residents (n = 2) assessed components of the equine neurologic examination (live and video recorded) and assigned individual and overall neurologic gait deficit grades (0–4). Inter‐rater agreement and assessment‐reassessment reliability were quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

TheICCs of the selected components of the neurologic examination ranged from 0 to 0.69. “Backing up” and “recognition of mistakes over obstacle” were the only components with an ICC > 0.6. Assessment‐reassessment agreement was poor to fair. The agreement on gait grading was good overall (ICC = 0.74), but poor for grades ≤ 1 (ICC = 0.08) and fair for ataxia grades ≥ 2 (ICC = 0.43). Clinicians with prior knowledge of a possible gait abnormality were more likely to assign a grade higher than the median grade.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Clinicians should be aware of poor agreement even between skilled observers of equine gait abnormalities, especially when the clinical signs are subtle.
Spatial scale resolves the niche versus neutral theory debate
Authors: Chase Jonathan M.
Published: February 2014

The 50‐ha long‐term forest plot on Barro Colorado Island in Panama was ‘ground zero’ for the development of ecology's ‘neutral theory’ and comparisons with its ‘niche theory’ counterpart. In this issue, Garzon‐Lopez and colleagues used tree distributions at this site to recast the unresolved (and unresolvable) debate to show that observational scale drives the perception of which processes predominate.
Below‐ground opportunities in vegetation science
Authors: Wilson Scott D.
Published: February 2014

Background

The below‐ground component of vegetation accounts for the bulk of plant mass and vegetation function (e.g. carbon sequestration) in temperate ecosystems, yet the proportion of plant ecology studies that consider roots is <20%.

Methods

I review how minirhizotron technology and DNA sequencing of mixed‐species root samples allows new insights into below‐ground vegetation structure and function.

Results

Recent advances highlight important differences between the below‐ and above‐ground parts of vegetation. For example, plant species richness below ground is about 50% greater than that above ground. Below‐ground plant richness has been measured from only a few sites, and patterns along gradients of productivity and life‐form turnover are unknown. Fine roots differ from leaves in temperate ecosystems by having a growing season 40% longer, and by persisting over multiple growing seasons. Aspects of roots other than growth may vary seasonally, such as nutrient uptake, competition with microbes, or mycorrhizal hyphal production or activity. Minirhizotrons allow the investigation of root heterogeneity at very small scales (<1 mm) that may be more relevant to fine roots and rhizospheres than data obtained from larger‐scale soil sampling.

Conclusions

Work in the near future promises a more complete picture of vegetation function by elucidating mechanisms within the bulk of vegetation, below ground.
Culturally appropriate pedagogy in a bilingual family literacy programme
Authors: Friedrich Nicola , Anderson Jim , Morrison Fiona
Published: February 2014

Researchers have documented bilingual family literacy programmes in terms of their structure and programming as well as their effect on children's language and literacy development and parents' ability to support such development within the home. What is missing from the discussion is a description of how facilitators mediate understanding within the programme. The purpose of this article is to describe how facilitators working with Karen and Iranian families mediated parents' understanding of the key concepts within the parent‐only segment of a bilingual family literacy programme for immigrant and refugee families in western Canada. Drawing principally from observational field notes at two sites of the programme, we describe the activities and instruction that took place during the introduction to the session,Rhythm, Raps and Rhymes. Supporting data were drawn from a larger 3‐year study. Our findings indicate that the facilitators at both sites mediated the parents' understanding of the benefits of rhythm and rhyme to early literacy by using culturally familiar and relevant content delivered in both the first language of the community and in English, and by drawing from culturally familiar pedagogical practices. Results of this study have implications for the delivery of family literacy programmes within culturally diverse communities.
Does beach seine fishery permanently alter macroinvertebrate communities and sediment characteristics in the Southern Caspian Sea?
Authors: Nemati Haniyeh , Shokri Mohammad Reza , Pazooki Jamileh
Published: February 2014

The impacts of a beach seine fishery on macroinvertebrate communities and sediment characteristics were investigated in the Southwest Caspian Sea. Samples from a single impacted site that was regularly seined were compared with two control sites outside the fishing area. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled on four occasions: 6 months prior to the opening of the beach seine fishery (Time 1), 1 day immediately after the closing of beach seining (Time 2), 1 week after closing (Time 3), and 1 month after closing (Time 4). No significant differences were detected in total density, Shannon diversity, or evenness of the macroinvertebrate assemblages between impact and control sites. Unlike density, species richness increased significantly immediately after fishery closure at all sites. A significant difference was detected in the number of species between Time 2 and Time 3 at all sites and the number of species was reduced at Time 4 in all sites. Pontogammarids increased by twofold in the impact site 1 day immediately after closing beach seine fishery and leveled off toward the end of the closed season. The amplified density of pontogammarids 1 day after fishery closing at the impact site might be driven in part by an increase in sediment oxygen content resulting from disturbance of the sea floor. An alternative explanation is that the effect of fish predation on pontogammarids has largely been minimized at the impact site after 6 months of continuous fishing activity. No significant changes in the sedimentary organic content and chlorophyll‐a between the impact and control sites were observed during the courses of sampling; however, a significant change occurred between the average sedimentary pheopigment content of the control sites and that of the impact site. The conclusion from the present study is that beach seine fishery does not harm to benthic communities. The closed season also seemed to allow recovery to pre‐season levels of macroinvertebrate richness and sedimentary chlorophyll‐a.
Population structure and reticulate evolution of Saccharomyces eubayanus and its lager‐brewing hybrids
Authors: Peris David , Sylvester Kayla , Libkind Diego , Gonçalves Paula , Sampaio José Paulo , Alexander William G. , Hittinger Chris Todd
Published: February 2014

Reticulate evolution can be a major driver of diversification into new niches, especially in disturbed habitats and at the edges of ranges. Industrial fermentation strains of yeast provide a window into these processes, but progress has been hampered by a limited understanding of the natural diversity and distribution of Saccharomyces species and populations. For example, lager beer is brewed with Saccharomyces pastorianus, an alloploid hybrid of S. cerevisiae and S. eubayanus, a species only recently discovered in Patagonia, Argentina. Here, we report that genetically diverse strains of S. eubayanus are readily isolated from Patagonia, demonstrating that the species is well established there. Analyses of multilocus sequence data strongly suggest that there are two diverse and highly differentiated Patagonian populations. The low nucleotide diversity found in the S. eubayanus moiety of hybrid European brewing strains suggests that their alleles were drawn from a small subpopulation that is closely related to one of the Patagonian populations. For the first time, we also report the rare isolation of S. eubayanus outside Patagonia, in Wisconsin, USA. In contrast to the clear population differentiation in Patagonia, the North American strains represent a recent and possibly transient admixture of the two Patagonian populations. These complex and varied reticulation events are not adequately captured by conventional phylogenetic methods and required analyses of Bayesian concordance factors and phylogenetic networks to accurately summarize and interpret. These findings show how genetically diverse eukaryotic microbes can produce rare but economically important hybrids with low genetic diversity when they migrate from their natural ecological context.
A Structuralist Inflation Curve
Authors: Barbosa‐Filho Nelson H.
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a structuralist model of inflation and applies it to the US economy. The model uses a mark‐up rule to specify inflation as a function of income distribution and capacity utilization, as usual in structuralist macroeconomics, but it also includes inflation expectations, the government's inflation target and cost pressures from non‐labor inputs as explaining variables. The model shows how inflation and income distribution, measured by the wage share of income, are connected through an inflation curve in the long run.
Case of elderly‐onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder mimicking cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Ohe Yasuko , Fukuoka Takuya , Deguchi Ichiro , Hayashi Takeshi , Tanahashi Norio
Published: February 2014

We report a case of elderly‐onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in a 90‐year‐old woman who initially presented with transverse myelopathy. Because of cervical canal stenosis, she was initially suspected to have cervical spondylotic mylopathy. However, the presence of anti‐aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) antibody warranted a diagnosis of NMOSD. This case shows that NMOSD should be considered even in elderly patients, and tests for the presence of anti‐AQP‐4 antibody should be carried out when an extensive cervical spinal lesion is encountered.