bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating full‐length cytokeratin 18 for predicting prognosis of hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure patients with lamivudine treatment
Authors: Ding Guofeng , Li Zhi , Zhang Lei , Ma Hui , Li Hui
Published: July 2015

Aim

The predictive value of circulating full‐length cytokeratin 18 (M65) on prognosis of hepatitis B virus‐related liver failure is still not well investigated. The aim of this study was to reveal the association between serum M65 levels and outcomes of hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, and to further clarify clinical significance of M65 in lamivudine treatment.

Methods

Ninety‐six patients with hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure were recruited between January 2011 and December 2013, and 52 of them received lamivudine treatment. Blood were obtained from participants at admission, and M65 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Other necessary data were collected from medical records.

Results

The liver failure patients were divided into high and low level groups according to the serum M65 levels. After 24‐week follow up, survival incidences were significantly higher in the low level group than that in the high level group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval = 0.1–0.7). In addition, the survival incidences and albumin levels improved in the patients with lamivudine treatment compared with the patients without lamivudine treatment in the low level group (OR = 5.4, 95% CI = 1.1–26.0 and OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.3–13.2). A similar improvement was not observed in the high level group.

Conclusion

The study suggested that the circulating M65 may serve as a relatively independent prognostic parameter for liver failure. If prospectively validated in further studies, M65 measurement may also be a useful method for optimizing antiviral therapy.
Twenty‐year follow‐up of root filled teeth in a Swedish population receiving high‐cost dental care
Authors: Petersson K. , Fransson H. , Wolf E. , Håkansson J.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To study the 20‐year survival rate and periapical status of root filled teeth in a Swedish population requiring high‐cost dental care and to identify factors related to survival and normal periapical status at follow‐up.

Methodology

The study population comprised 104 patients selected from four local health insurance districts with treatment plans including radiographs submitted for approval for reimbursement from the Swedish National Dental Insurance in 1977. In 1998, a clinical and radiographic follow‐up examination was conducted, to register the status of 449 teeth identified as root filled at baseline. Differences in tooth survival and periapical status at follow‐up, with reference to periapical status and quality of root filling at baseline, were analysed by chi‐square tests. Multiple regression analysis was used to describe tooth survival and normal periapical status at follow‐up, with the explanatory baseline variables: tooth type, type of restoration, type of post, quality of root filling, periapical status, marginal bone loss and caries. Differences were considered significant at a 5% level.

Results

Two hundred and ninety (65%) of the root filled teeth survived at follow‐up. Baseline variables associated with low odds for tooth survival were mandibular molar, maxillary premolar, prefabricated posts other than screw posts, severe marginal bone loss, caries and apical periodontitis (AP). Normal periapical status at follow‐up was registered in 49% of the root filled teeth. Baseline variables associated with low odds for normal periapical status (high risk for AP) at follow‐up were mandibular molar, maxillary premolar, AP, severe marginal bone loss and inadequate root filling quality. Of the root filled teeth with AP at baseline, 42% had been left untreated during the observation period, and at follow‐up, the AP persisted in 57% of these teeth.

Conclusions

After 20 years, 65% of the root filled teeth had survived and one‐third remained with a sound periapical condition, without any further treatment. Almost half of the APs registered at baseline were left without treatment, and more than half of them persisted after 20 years.
Structural and Optical Property of Titanium Oxide Film Prepared by Energy Filtering Magnetron Sputtering Technique
Authors: Wang Zhaoyong , Yao Ning , Hu Xing
Published: July 2015

Titanium oxide (TiO2) film was deposited by an improved direct current magnetron sputtering (DMS) technique. The improved technique was named as energy filtering magnetron sputtering (EFMS) technique. The phase, surface morphology, and optical property of the film were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and spectroscopic ellipsometer, respectively. Results show that the TiO2 film prepared by the EFMS technique has good crystallization of the anatase phase without subsequent annealing process. The film is denser and the grain size is smaller. The crystallite sizes of the TiO2 films prepared by the DMS and EFMS techniques are obtained at about 17.3 and 12.5 nm. The TiO2 film deposited by the EFMS technique has higher refractive index and larger band gap owing to the result of the quantum size effect.
Hierarchical Structure of Porous Silicon Nitride Ceramics with Aligned Pore Channels Prepared by Ice‐Templating and Nitridation of Silicon Powder
Authors: Kim Dong Seok , Kim Do Kyung
Published: July 2015

A unique hierarchical porous structure of silicon nitride ceramic with 76.5% porosity is fabricated by combining an ice‐templating method and nitridation for a silicon powder. The porous silicon nitride ceramics were composed of a lamellar structure with aligned pore channels and ceramic walls filled with fibrous whiskers. This study is focused on the influences of freezing rate on the microstructures and properties of the silicon nitride ceramics. The properties were characterized by compressive strength and gas permeability, which were shown to vary with controlled microstructure. The compressive strength and the permeability reached up to 32.2 MPa and 0.035−12 m2, respectively.
Divine Development: Transnational Indian Religious Organizations in the United States and India
Authors: Agarwala Rina
Published: July 2015

This article examines how Indian Americans’ religious organizations send not only financial remittances to India, but also social remittances that shape development ideologies. Comparing Indian-American Hindu and Muslim organizations, I find both groups draw from their socioeconomic experiences in India and use their position as elite immigrants in the United States to identify and empower their respective religious constituencies in India and overturn different social relations (not just religious practices). Hindu Americans draw from their majority status in India to overturn India's lower position in the world system and support poverty alleviation efforts within a neoliberal development framework. Indian-American Muslims draw from their poor status in India to overturn economic inequities within India by shifting India's development rhetoric from identity to class. Collective religious identities (expressed through organizations) not only affect the intensity of immigrants’ development efforts, but also their content and ideology. These findings urge us to fold transnational religious organizations into contemporary discussions on migration and development.
Appreciation of the research supervisory relationship by postgraduate nursing students
Authors: van Wyk N.C. , Coetzee I.M. , Havenga Y. , Heyns T.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The quality of the relationship between postgraduate students and their supervisors often determines the progress of the students.

Background

Successful supervision according to students is associated with the expertise of the supervisors and their willingness to share their knowledge with their students. On the other hand, supervisors expect their students to be able to work independently to a large extent. Contradictory expectations of supervisors and postgraduate students can cause delays in the progress of students.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the aspects of the supervisory relationship that postgraduate students in nursing science at a selected university in South Africa appreciate.

Method

A qualitative research design with an appreciative inquiry approach was used and 18 students under the guidance of an independent facilitator provided the data during group interviews.

Findings and discussion

Specific personal and professional qualities of the supervisors contribute to a valued supervisory relationship. Regarding personal qualities, the supervisors should show their understanding of the unique circumstances of the students in challenging times. Supervisors should also be expert researchers. The valued relationship refers to an open and trusting relationship between the students and the supervisors.

Conclusion

The students' appreciation of the research supervisory relationship contributes to the understanding of the expectations of postgraduate students regarding the support that they need to become scholars in an academic discipline.

Implications for nursing and health policy

There is a need for continuing professional development of supervisors to sensitize them about the expectations of the students.
Lecture capture with real‐time rearrangement of visual elements: impact on student performance
Authors: Yu P.‐T. , Wang B.‐Y. , Su M.‐H.
Published: July 2015

The primary goal of this study is to create and test a lecture‐capture system that can rearrange visual elements while recording is still taking place, in such a way that student performance can be positively influenced. The system we have devised is capable of integrating and rearranging multimedia sources, including learning content, the instructor and students' images, into lecture videos that are embedded in a website for students to review after school. The present study employed a two‐group experimental design, with 153 participants (145 females and 8 males) making up an experimental group in which lecture courses were recorded using the new lecture‐capture system, and 149 participants (140 females and 9 males) forming a control group whose lectures were recorded by traditional means. All participants were in the freshman college and studying Introduction to Computer and Information Science in one of six classes, and were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The participants' midterm examination and final examination scores were collected as indicators of their academic performance, with their mathematics entrance scores used as a pre‐test. The findings obtained from analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) suggest that appropriate rearrangement of visual elements in lecture videos can significantly impact students' learning performance.
Targeting Household Air Pollution for Curbing the Cardiovascular Disease Burden: A Health Priority in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques N. , Essouma Mickael , Bigna Jean Joel R.
Published: July 2015

Household air pollution (HAP) is a major public health problem, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa where most of the populations still rely on solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting. This narrative review highlights the direct and indirect evidence of the important role of HAP in cardiovascular disease, especially in sub‐Saharan African countries where highest rates of major cardiovascular disease and death are observed, and thus provides ample reason for promotion of preventive interventions to reduce HAP exposures in the region. There is an urgent need for efficient strategies to educate populations on the health issues associated with this health hazard, to provide affordable clean cooking energy for poor people and to promote improved household ventilation. High‐quality data on household energy practices and patterns of HAP and related health issues are still needed for efficient policy making in this region.
Elevated Serum Level of Interleukin 17 in a Population With Prehypertension
Authors: Yao Wei , Sun Yuemin , Wang Xuechun , Niu Kaijun
Published: July 2015

Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The authors hypothesized that interleukin 17 (IL‐17) might contribute to the prehypertensive state. This study evaluated the relationship between serum levels of IL‐17 and prehypertension. A total of 394 participants were enrolled, after excluding for hypertension or treated hypertension, and divided into two groups (optimal blood pressure [BP] and prehypertension) based on the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure classification of BP. Optimal BP was defined as systolic BP <120 mm Hg and diastolic BP <80 mm Hg. Prehypertension was defined as systolic BP of 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic BP of 80 to 89 mm Hg. IL‐17A levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The mean serum IL‐17 concentration in the prehypertension group was significantly higher than in the optimal BP group. The cohort was divided into quartiles Q1 (≤3.5 ng/L), Q2 (3.60 to 6.10 ng/L), Q3 (6.20 to 10.00 ng/L), and Q4 (≥10.10 ng/L) based on IL‐17 levels. The Q2 to Q4 groups had increasing odds ratios for having prehypertension compared with the Q1 group. Elevated serum IL‐17 was accompanied by a rise in systolic BP. Thus, increased serum IL‐17 levels are associated with prehypertension.
Difference between old and young adults in contribution of β‐cell function and sarcopenia in developing diabetes mellitus
Authors: Koo Bo Kyung , Roh Eun , Yang Ye Seul , Moon Min Kyong
Published: July 2015

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the difference in contributing factors in developing diabetes between old and young adults.

Materials and Methods

Subjects with recent‐onset diabetes were selected from a nationwide survey data and classified according to age: elderly (age ≥75 years), middle‐age (age 45–64 years) and young (age 25–39 years). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and β‐cell function were calculated. Sarcopenia was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

The prevalence of recent‐onset diabetes was 13.5%, 8.0%, and 1.4% in patients aged ≥75 years (unweighted n = 1,082), 45–64 years (unweighted n = 6,532), and 25–39 years (unweighted n = 5,178), respectively. Homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function along with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance showed increasing trends as onset age increased in recent‐onset diabetes (P for trend < 0.001 in both). Elderly‐onset diabetic patients had significantly higher homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance compared with the middle‐age‐onset group (P < 0.001 and 0.014, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia was significantly associated with recent‐onset diabetes only in patients aged ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.478, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.379–4.452) but not in patients aged 45–64 years. In the middle‐age group, abdominal obesity (OR 2.933, 95% CI 2.086–4.122), hypertriglyceridemia (OR 1.529, 95% CI 1.078–2.169]) and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (OR 1.930, 95% CI 1.383–2.695) were associated with recent‐onset diabetes.

Conclusions

Elderly‐onset diabetic patients had higher insulin resistance and relatively preserved β‐cell function compared with middle‐age‐onset patients. Sarcopenia might play a more important role in developing diabetes in the elderly population.
Effect of Particle Sizes of Soy Okara on Textural, Color, Sensory and Rheological Properties of Pork Meat Gels
Authors: Wang Shuilian , Chang Tong , Wang Chenjie , Shi Liu , Wang Wei , Yang Hong , Cui Min
Published: July 2015

Soy okara is a by‐product from ground soybeans after removal of its water‐extractable fraction for soymilk and tofu production. There is a potential to use okara as an extender in meat products. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of particle sizes of okara on the color, textural, sensory and rheological properties of pork meat gels. Okara of different particle sizes was added into pork meat to prepare gels. Pork meat gels with okara of smaller particle sizes showed higher L* values, but gels with okara of larger particle sizes had higher firmness, cohesiveness, chewiness and resilience. The storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of pork batters also decreased with the reduction of the particle sizes of okara. However, the sensory evaluation showed that pork meatballs with okara of smaller particle sizes were preferred by the panelists. This study demonstrated that soy okara might be added into meat products as a dietary supplement for value‐added applications and quality improvements.

Practical Applications

The corresponding results of this investigation can be considered of great importance for developing a novel meat product that contains dietary fiber with improved functional properties, lower material cost and more nutritional benefit.
Feasibility and safety of a novel dedicated device for one‐step EUS‐guided biliary drainage: A randomized trial
Authors: Park Do Hyun , Lee Tae Hoon , Paik Woo Hyun , Choi Jun‐Ho , Song Tae Jun , Lee Sang Soo , Seo Dong‐Wan , Lee Sung Koo , Kim Myung‐Hwan
Published: July 2015

Background and Aims

EUS‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) has been proposed as an alternative for patients after failed ERCP. To date, the evaluation of dedicated device for one‐step EUS‐BD has been limited. To determine feasibility and safety of a newly designed 7F stent introducer with tapered metal tip as a push‐type dilator for one‐step metal stent placement without additional fistula dilation in EUS‐BD.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with malignant biliary obstruction and failed ERCP were randomly assigned to a dedicated stent introducer with a modified hybrid metal stent (DH group, n = 16) or a conventional 8.5F biliary metal stent introducer with a fully covered metal stent (FC group, n = 16). The technical success, procedural times, clinical success rate, and adverse event rates were evaluated.

Results

One‐step technical success without additional fistula dilation in the DH was 88% (14/16). Multi‐step process in a stent placement was performed in all patients of the FC group. The procedural time in the DH was significantly shorter than the FC (10 vs. 15 min, P = 0.007). No difference in overall technical or clinical success was seen between the groups. The rate of an early adverse event was common in the FC compared with the DH (31.3% [5/16] in the FC vs. 6.3% [1/16] in the DH, P = 0.172), although not statistically significant.

Conclusions

A dedicated device for one‐step EUS‐BD may be technically feasible, safe, and shorten the procedural times with less chance of an additional fistula dilation process, resulting in a potential reduction of the early adverse events.
Combining quantitative 2D and 3D image analysis in the serial block face SEM: application to secretory organelles of pancreatic islet cells
Authors: SHOMORONY A. , PFEIFER C.R. , ARONOVA M.A. , ZHANG G. , CAI T. , XU H. , NOTKINS A.L. , LEAPMAN R.D.
Published: July 2015

A combination of two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) analyses of tissue volume ultrastructure acquired by serial block face scanning electron microscopy can greatly shorten the time required to obtain quantitative information from big data sets that contain many billions of voxels. Thus, to analyse the number of organelles of a specific type, or the total volume enclosed by a population of organelles within a cell, it is possible to estimate the number density or volume fraction of that organelle using a stereological approach to analyse randomly selected 2D block face views through the cells, and to combine such estimates with precise measurement of 3D cell volumes by delineating the plasma membrane in successive block face images. The validity of such an approach can be easily tested since the entire 3D tissue volume is available in the serial block face scanning electron microscopy data set. We have applied this hybrid 3D/2D technique to determine the number of secretory granules in the endocrine α and β cells of mouse pancreatic islets of Langerhans, and have been able to estimate the total insulin content of a β cell.
Exploring why people with SMI smoke and why they may want to quit: baseline data from the SCIMITAR RCT
Authors: Peckham E. , Bradshaw T. J. , Brabyn S. , Knowles S. , Gilbody S.
Published: July 2015

Accessible summary

People with severe mental ill health are up to three times more likely to smoke than other members of the general population.

Life expectancy in this client group is reduced by up to 30 years, and smoking is the single most important cause of premature death.

The aim of this study was to explore why people with severe mental ill health smoked and why they might want to stop smoking or cut down on the amount of cigarettes that they smoked.

The study found that people with severe mental ill health are motivated to cut down or stop smoking, and this is mainly due to concerns about their own health. The reasons people gave for smoking were to relieve stress, to help relax and for something to do when they are bored.

Health professionals should offer evidence supported smoking cessation therapy to people with severe mental ill health. In addition to standard National Health Service smoking cessation treatments such as pharmacotherapy and behavioural support. Practitioners should help people with serious mental ill health to identify meaningful activities to relieve boredom and challenge any incorrect beliefs they hold that smoking helps relaxation and relieves stress.

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature mortality for people with serious mental ill health (SMI). Yet little is known about the reasons why service users smoke or what their motivations for quitting might be. The aim of this paper is to explore smoking behaviours, reasons for smoking and motivations for cutting down/stopping smoking in individuals with SMI who expressed an interest in cutting down or stopping smoking. Prior to randomization, the smoking behaviours and motivations for wanting to cut down or stop smoking of participants in a randomized trial were systematically assessed. Participant's primary reasons for continuing to smoke were that they believed it helped them to cope with stress, to relax and relieve boredom. Participant's main motivations for wanting to cut down or stop smoking were related to concerns for their own health. Previous attempts to stop smoking had often been made alone without access to evidence supported smoking cessation therapy. Future recommendations include helping people with SMI to increase their activity levels to relieve boredom and inspire confidence in their ability to stop smoking and challenging beliefs that smoking aids relaxation and relieves stress.
Downregulation of RANKL and RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio in human periodontal ligament cells during their osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Tang X. , Han J. , Meng H. , Zhao Y. , Wang H. , Liu J. , Lin L. , Zhang D. , Li C. , Ma C.
Published: July 2015

Background and Objective

Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) are considered the promising seed cells in periodontal tissue engineering. Previous studies have discovered the ability of hPDLCs in alveolar bone formation. It remains unclear, however, how the expression of factors associated with osteoclastogenesis in hPDLCs change during their osteogenic differentiation.

Objective

The present study aimed to observe the regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in hPDLCs during their osteogenic differentiation.

Material and Methods

hPDLCs were treated with (M group) or without (C group) the osteogenic induction medium. Alkaline phosphatase activity was displayed with the Gomori calcium phosphate method. Mineralized nodules were detected with von Kossa staining. Expression levels of RANKL and OPG in hPDLCs were analyzed with real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to display the TRAP activity in Raw264.7 cells co‐cultured with hPDLCs in the M group and the C group.

Results

We found that alkaline phosphatase staining was shown to be remarkably higher in the M group than that in the C group during the 21 d interval. Mineralized nodules could be seen in the M group but not in the C group. The expression levels of RANKL mRNA significantly decreased in the M group by 1.69‐fold (p = 0.096) at day 7, by 2.04‐fold (p = 0.000) at day 14 and by 1.84‐fold (p = 0.023) at day 21, compared with the corresponding levels of RANKL in the C group. Similarly, the levels of RANKL protein decreased in the M group by 1.82‐fold (p = 0.062) at day 7, by 5.64‐fold (p = 0.000) at day 14 and by 4.84‐fold (p = 0.000) at day 21. The mRNA and protein expression levels of OPG tended to increase in the M group. As a result, the RANKL/OPG mRNA and protein ratios were significantly downregulated by osteogenic induction. In addition, the number of TRAP staining‐positive multinuclear cells in the M group was significantly less than in the C group (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

hPDLCs may help inhibit the resorption of alveolar bone during their osteogenic differentiation by reducing the RANKL expression and the RANKL/OPG ratio.
Evaluation of the Treatment of Congenital Penile Curvature Including Psychosexual Assessment
Authors: Zachalski Wojciech , Krajka Kazimierz , Matuszewski Marcin
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Penile corporoplasty is a well-established treatment method of congenital penile deviation (CPD). Anatomical results are good with only slight differences between surgical procedures used. The disease however has huge influence on young male quality of life. This issue is not well analyzed in the literature.

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate quality of life of the patients affected with CPD before and after the surgical treatment

Methods

Study population consisted of 107 patients with CPD referred for surgical management. Patients were evaluated with not only clinical assessment, but also by four questionnaires measuring various aspects of quality of life. They were: Short-Form Medical Outcomes, Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire for Man, Beck Depression Inventory, and International Index of Erectile Function.

Results

Quality of life measurements showed deep decrease in the general quality of life, sexual performance, depression scale, as well as in physical and mental health in men with CPD. All these parameters were restored to normal after the successful surgical treatment with any method.

Conclusion

CPD deeply decreases the quality of life of the affected men in many aspects. Surgical treatment is able to repair the anatomical deformity and as well as significantly restore the patients' psychosocial well-being.
Male-to-Female Genital Reassignment Surgery: A Retrospective Review of Surgical Technique and Complications in 60 Patients
Authors: Raigosa Mauricio , Avvedimento Stefano , Yoon Tai Sik , Cruz-Gimeno Juan , Rodriguez Guillermo , Fontdevila Joan
Published: July 2015

Background

Patients with male-to-female gender dysphoria (GD) require multidisciplinary assessment and management. Nowadays, more and more patients decide to undergo genital reassignment surgery (GRS) to have aesthetic and functional external female genitalia. Different techniques of this procedure have been described. Orchiectomy, penile disassembly, creation of a neovaginal cavity, repositioning of urethral meatus, and clitorolabioplasty may be identified as the five major steps in all of these techniques.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 60 patients who underwent genital reassignment procedure for male-to-female GD at our department between November 2008 and August 2013 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Data were collected on surgical technique, postoperative dilations protocol, complications, and functional and aesthetic outcomes. We describe and critically evaluate the surgical technique used in our department.

Results

Follow-up ranged from 14 to 46 months. Two patients developed late neovaginal stricture, and two patients experienced rectovaginal fistulae (one required surgical revision with dermal porcine graft placement). Minor complications occurred in 13 patients and included urethral stenosis, partial wound dehiscence, and minor bleeding. Secondary aesthetic revision surgery was performed in 13 cases.

Conclusions

GRS can provide good functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients with male-to-female GD. However, despite a careful planning and meticulous surgical technique, secondary procedures are frequently required to improve the function and appearance of the neovagina.
Quorum sensing inhibitors from Leucetta chagosensis Dendy, 1863
Authors: Mai T. , Tintillier F. , Lucasson A. , Moriou C. , Bonno E. , Petek S. , Magré K. , Al Mourabit A. , Saulnier D. , Debitus C.
Published: July 2015

Sponges are a rich source for investigation of bioactive small molecules. They have been mostly investigated for the search of new pharmacological models or therapeutic agents for the treatment of human diseases. Micro-organisms can also represent a virulent pathogen for marine invertebrates such as sponges, which need to protect themselves against these microbes. Sponges' self defence mechanisms involving dialogue molecules thus represent a pertinent research track for potent anti-infective and anti-biofilm activities such as quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). The investigation of the QSI crude extract of Leucetta chagosensis Dendy, 1863 led to the isolation of three new alkaloids, isonaamine D, di-isonaamidine A and leucettamine D, along with the known isonaamine A and isonaamidine A. Isonaamidine A and isonaamine D were identified as inhibitors of the three quorum sensing pathways of Vibrio harveyi (CAI-1, AI-2 and harveyi auto inducer), but isonaamidine A displayed the strongest activity on AI-2 biosensor. Both compounds are new examples of natural QSIs of V. harveyi. These results outline the importance of these secondary metabolites for their producing organisms themselves in their natural environment, as well as the potential of the marine resource for aquaculture needs.

Significance and Impact of the Study

A new type of quorum sensing inhibitors was isolated from the sponge Leucetta chagosensis. One of them inhibits strongly the AI-2 channel of Vibrio harveyi, a marine pathogen of special importance in aquaculture. The activity of five different related compounds, including three new natural products discovered there, was investigated leading to structure-activity relationships which are useful for the design of new quorum sensing inhibitors to control marine infectious pathogens.
Covering Legal Mobilization: A Bottom‐Up Analysis of Wards Cove v.
Atonio
Authors: Lovell George I. , McCann Michael , Taylor Kirstine
Published: July 2015

We develop a political history of Wards Cove v. Atonio (1989) to show
how Robert Cover's concepts of jurisgenesis and jurispathy can enrich the
legal mobilization framework for understanding law and social change. We
illustrate the value of the hybrid theory by recovering the Wards Cove
workers’ own understanding of the role of litigation in their struggle for
workplace rights. The cannery worker plaintiffs exemplified Cover's dual
logic by articulating aspirational narratives of social justice and by
critically rebuking the Supreme Court's ruling as the “death throe” for
progressive minority workers’ rights advocacy. The cannery workers’ story
also highlights the importance of integrating legal mobilization scholars’
focus on extrajudicial political engagement into Cover's judge‐centered
analysis. Our aim is to forge a theoretical bridge between Cover's
provocative arguments about law and the analytical tradition of social
science scholarship on the politics of legal mobilization.
A unified assessment of marine Mediterranean assemblages: a lesson from benthic hydroids
Authors: González‐Duarte Manuel M. , Megina Cesar , De Vito Doris , Di Camillo Cristina Goia , Puce Stefania , Piraino Stefano
Published: July 2015

Hydroids are important components of the communities of rocky bottom shallow coastal areas. The hydrozoan fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is probably one of most investigated in the world, with lots of faunistic and biogeographical studies. However, quantitative studies using the same sampling methodology and controlled sampling effort have been restricted to areas in the Western and Central Mediterranean. We compared hydroid assemblages in four areas of the Mediterranean Sea, from the Gulf of Cádiz to the South Adriatic Sea, following the same sampling and quantification methodology. Our analysis showed the dominant Atlantic character of the assemblages of the Gulf of Cádiz and the South Alboran Sea because of the influence of the inflowing Atlantic waters. Conversely, the hydroid assemblages of the North Alboran Sea were more similar to the assemblages in the Ligurian and in the South Adriatic, and with a number of species ranking between the observed in these two Mediterranean zones. Fourteen species were identified as making the most significant contributions to characterizing the Mediterranean hydroid species pool from a quantitative point of view. These taxa include species previously named as typical components of the Mediterranean hydroid fauna as well as those only recently recorded in the region (Eudendrium moulouyensis) and invaders such as Clytia hummelincki.
Climate change and warm‐water species at the north‐western boundary of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Parravicini Valeriano , Mangialajo Luisa , Mousseau Laure , Peirano Andrea , Morri Carla , Montefalcone Monica , Francour Patrice , Kulbicki Michel , Bianchi Carlo Nike
Published: July 2015

The effects of global change are particularly serious in areas where range shifts of species are physically constrained such as the Ligurian Sea, which is one of the coldest sectors of the Mediterranean. In this basin, historical information on water temperature (from the sea surface down to 75 m depth) dates back to the 1950s. Early studies also recorded warm‐water species occurrence. Thanks to these data we provide the first detailed characterization of water temperature variation from 1958 up to 2010 in the layer 0–75 m depth. We coupled this analysis with the available information on rocky reef epibenthic communities (literature review from 1955 to 1964 and field data from 1980 to 2010). The analysis of water temperature revealed several patterns of variation: a cooling phase from 1958 to 1980, a phase of rapid warming from 1980 to 1990 and a phase of slower warming from 1990 to 2010. Inter‐annual variation in temperature increased over the entire period for the water layer down to 20 m. Warm‐water native and alien species richness increased during the warming phases. Literature estimates suggest a decrease in warm‐water native species richness during the cooling phase. The analysis of quantitative data collected in the early 1990s and late 2000s indicated a decrease in the cover of warm‐water native species on shallow rocky reefs and an increase in deeper waters. We argue that increased inter‐annual variation in water temperature may disadvantage native warm‐water species in shallow waters. Our results indicate that the effect of temperature rises in cold, constrained basins may be more complex than the simple prediction of species changing their geographical range according to their thermal limits.
Too much knowledge for a nurse? Use of physical assessment by final‐semester nursing students
Authors: Douglas Clint , Windsor Carol , Lewis Peter
Published: July 2015

There is debate around the scope of physical assessment skills that should be taught in undergraduate nursing programs. Yet this debate is largely uninformed by evidence on what is learned and practiced by nursing students. This study examined the pattern and correlates of physical assessment skill utilization by 208 graduating nursing students at an Australian university, including measures of knowledge, frequency of use, and perceived barriers to physical assessment skills during clinical practice. Of the 126 skills surveyed, on average, only five were used every time students practiced. Core skills reflected inspection or general observation of the patient; none involved complex palpation, percussion, or auscultation. Skill utilization was also shaped by specialty area. Most skills (70%) were, on average, never performed or learned and students perceived nursing physical assessment was marginalized in both university and workplace contexts. Lack of confidence was, thus, a significant barrier to use of skills. Based on these findings, we argue that the current debate must shift to how we might best support students to integrate comprehensive physical assessment into nursing practice.
Enhanced leaf photosynthesis as a target to increase grain yield: insights from transgenic rice lines with variable Rieske FeS protein content in the cytochrome b6/f complex
Authors: Yamori Wataru , Kondo Eri , Sugiura Daisuke , Terashima Ichiro , Suzuki Yuji , Makino Amane
Published: July 2015

Although photosynthesis is the most important source for biomass and grain yield, a lack of correlation between photosynthesis and plant yield among different genotypes of various crop species has been frequently observed. Such observations contribute to the ongoing debate whether enhancing leaf photosynthesis can improve yield potential. Here, transgenic rice plants that contain variable amounts of the Rieske FeS protein in the cytochrome (cyt) b6/f complex between 10 and 100% of wild‐type levels have been used to investigate the effect of reductions of these proteins on photosynthesis, plant growth and yield. Reductions of the cyt b6/f complex did not affect the electron transport rates through photosystem I but decreased electron transport rates through photosystem II, leading to concomitant decreases in CO2 assimilation rates. There was a strong control of plant growth and grain yield by the rate of leaf photosynthesis, leading to the conclusion that enhancing photosynthesis at the single‐leaf level would be a useful target for improving crop productivity and yield both via conventional breeding and biotechnology. The data here also suggest that changing photosynthetic electron transport rates via manipulation of the cyt b6/f complex could be a potential target for enhancing photosynthetic capacity in higher plants.
Physiological relevance of plant 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin overoxidation level and oligomerization status
Authors: Cerveau Delphine , Ouahrani Djelloul , Marok Mohamed Amine , Blanchard Laurence , Rey Pascal
Published: July 2015

Peroxiredoxins are ubiquitous thioredoxin‐dependent peroxidases presumed to display, upon environmental constraints, a chaperone function resulting from a redox‐dependent conformational switch. In this work, using biochemical and genetic approaches, we aimed to unravel the factors regulating the redox status and the conformation of the plastidial 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin (2‐Cys PRX) in plants. In Arabidopsis, we show that in optimal growth conditions, the overoxidation level mainly depends on the availability of thioredoxin‐related electron donors, but not on sulfiredoxin, the enzyme reducing the 2‐Cys PRX overoxidized form. We also observed that upon various physiological temperature, osmotic and light stress conditions, the overoxidation level and oligomerization status of 2‐Cys PRX can moderately vary depending on the constraint type. Further, no major change was noticed regarding protein conformation in water‐stressed Arabidopsis, barley and potato plants, whereas species‐dependent up‐ and down‐variations in overoxidation were observed. In contrast, both 2‐Cys PRX overoxidation and oligomerization were strongly induced during a severe oxidative stress generated by methyl viologen. From these data, revealing that the oligomerization status of plant 2‐Cys PRX does not exhibit important variation and is not tightly linked to the protein redox status upon physiologically relevant environmental constraints, the possible in planta functions of 2‐Cys PRX are discussed.
Genetic variation in circadian regulation of nocturnal stomatal conductance enhances carbon assimilation and growth
Authors: Resco de Dios Víctor , Loik Michael E. , Smith Renee , Aspinwall Michael J. , Tissue David T.
Published: July 2015

Circadian resonance, whereby a plant's endogenous rhythms are tuned to match environmental cues, has been repeatedly shown to be adaptive, although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Concomitantly, the adaptive value of nocturnal transpiration in C3 plants remains unknown because it occurs without carbon assimilation. These seemingly unrelated processes are interconnected because circadian regulation drives temporal patterns in nocturnal stomatal conductance, with maximum values occurring immediately before dawn for many species. We grew individuals of six Eucalyptus camaldulensis genotypes in naturally lit glasshouses and measured sunset, predawn and midday leaf gas exchange and whole‐plant biomass production. We tested whether sunrise anticipation by the circadian clock and subsequent increases in genotype predawn stomatal conductance led to rapid stomatal opening upon illumination, ultimately affecting genotype differences in carbon assimilation and growth. We observed faster stomatal responses to light inputs at sunrise in genotypes with higher predawn stomatal conductance. Moreover, early morning and midday stomatal conductance and carbon assimilation, leaf area and total plant biomass were all positively correlated with predawn stomatal conductance across genotypes. Our results lead to the novel hypothesis that genotypic variation in the circadian‐regulated capacity to anticipate sunrise could be an important factor underlying intraspecific variation in tree growth.
Constant change: dynamic regulation of membrane transport by calcium signalling networks keeps plants in tune with their environment
Authors: Kleist Thomas J. , Luan Sheng
Published: July 2015

Despite substantial variation and irregularities in their environment, plants must conform to spatiotemporal demands on the molecular composition of their cytosol. Cell membranes are the major interface between organisms and their environment and the basis for controlling the contents and intracellular organization of the cell. Membrane transport proteins (MTPs) govern the flow of molecules across membranes, and their activities are closely monitored and regulated by cell signalling networks. By continuously adjusting MTP activities, plants can mitigate the effects of environmental perturbations, but effective implementation of this strategy is reliant on precise coordination among transport systems that reside in distinct cell types and membranes. Here, we examine the role of calcium signalling in the coordination of membrane transport, with an emphasis on potassium transport. Potassium is an exceptionally abundant and mobile ion in plants, and plant potassium transport has been intensively studied for decades. Classic and recent studies have underscored the importance of calcium in plant environmental responses and membrane transport regulation. In reviewing recent advances in our understanding of the coding and decoding of calcium signals, we highlight established and emerging roles of calcium signalling in coordinating membrane transport among multiple subcellular locations and distinct transport systems in plants, drawing examples from the CBL‐CIPK signalling network. By synthesizing classical studies and recent findings, we aim to provide timely insights on the role of calcium signalling networks in the modulation of membrane transport and its importance in plant environmental responses.
Phototherapy on the Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Prospective Analysis of 20 Cases
Authors: dos Santos Lúcia de Fátima C. , de Andrade Samantha C. , Nogueira Gessé E. C. , Leão Jair C. , de Freitas Patrícia M.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to report the effect of laser phototherapy (LPT) on the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). This prospective clinical study reports on preliminary outcomes of twenty volunteers diagnosed with BMS who have undergone the conventional treatment prior to laser phototherapy. LPT consisted of weekly sessions of LPT (660 nm), for a period of 10 weeks. The laser protocol consisted of the following parameters: 40 mW, 10 J cm2 and 0.4 J per point, irradiation time of 10 s. In all sessions, the burning intensity was evaluated with a 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The burning intensity evaluation by VAS was performed immediately before and after each LPT session. Nonparametric test of Wilcoxon was used for statistical analysis, considering a significance level of 5%. All volunteers reported reduced burning intensity in all sessions when compared to the previous one and reduction in VAS scores by up to 49% in the last clinical session when compared to the first session. When only the VAS baseline of the first session was compared with the consecutive sessions, there was a statistically significant reduction in VAS scores in almost all sessions. The LPT may be an alternative treatment for the relief of oral burning symptoms in patients with BMS.
Periconceptional Seafood Intake and Fetal Growth
Authors: Mohanty April F. , Thompson Mary Lou , Burbacher Thomas M. , Siscovick David S. , Williams Michelle A. , Enquobahrie Daniel A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Previous reports of associations of maternal seafood intake with fetal growth were inconsistent. Further, little is known whether associations differ across seafood subtypes or fetal growth indices.

Methods

Among 3141 participants of the Omega study, a pregnancy cohort study, we investigated associations of periconceptional shell, lean, and fatty fish intake with fetal growth indices. We categorised food frequency questionnaire reported seafood intake into frequencies of: <0.2 servings/month, 0.2 servings/month ‐<0.5 servings/week, 0.5–1 servings/week, and >1 servings/week. We abstracted birthweight, birth length, and head circumference from medical records. Using generalised linear models with a log link, the Poisson family, and robust standard errors, we estimated relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for low birthweight (LBW, <2500 g) and linear regression models to estimate mean differences for continuous fetal growth indices across seafood intake categories.

Results

Medians (interquartile range) of shell, lean, and fatty fish intake were 0.3 (0–0.9), 0.5 (0–1.0), and 0.5 (0.1–1.0) servings/week, respectively. Lean fish intake of >1 servings/week (vs. <0.2 servings/month) was associated with a 2.2‐fold higher risk of LBW (95% CI 1.2, 4.1). Shellfish intake of >1 servings/week (vs. <0.2 servings/month) was associated with a 0.6 kg/m3 higher mean ponderal index (95% CI 0.0, 1.2 kg/m3). There was no evidence for associations of total seafood or seafood subtype intake with other fetal growth indices.

Conclusions

Higher intakes of lean fish and shellfish were associated with a higher risk of LBW and higher mean ponderal index, respectively. Findings highlight the importance of considerations of seafood subtype in similar investigations.