bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slovak and Croatian invocation of Europe: the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising and the Jasenovac Memorial Museum
Authors: Radonic Ljiljana
Published: March 2014

Even though self-critical dealing with the past has not been an official criterion for joining the EU, the founding of theTask Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Researchand the Holocaust conference in Stockholm at the beginning of 2000 seem to have generated informal standards of confronting and exhibiting the Holocaust in the context of “Europeanization of Memory.” Comparative analysis shows that post-Communist museums dealing with the World War II period perform in the context of those informal standards. Both theJasenovac Memorial Museumin Croatia and theMuseum of the Slovak National Uprisingin Banská Bystrica were founded in the Communist era and played an important role in supporting the founding myths of the two countries. Both were subjected to historical revisionism during the 1990s. In the current exhibitions from 2004/2006, both memorial museums stress being part of Europe and refer, to “international standards” of musealization, while the Jasenovac memorial claims to focus on “the individual victim.” But stressing the European dimension of resistance and the Holocaust obscures such key aspects as the civil war and the responsibility of the respective collaborating regime.
Shared Medical Appointments in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Rahaghi Franck F. , Chastain Veronica L. , Benavides Rosanna , Ferrer Gustavo , Ramirez Jose , Mehta Jinesh , Oliveira Eduardo , Smolley Laurence
Published: March 2014

We aimed to adapt the shared medical appointment (SMA) model to the care of pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients and evaluate patient satisfaction. Our SMA team included a PH specialist, a PH nurse, and one research fellow. Eight to twelve PH patients with a family member were invited during office visits and by phone calls. Attendance was verified and encouraged by phone calls and informational letters. The meetings started with a 30‐minute presentation on various PH topics, which was followed by each patient's individual visit and a focused examination in front of the group, allowing group questions and interaction. Of the total number of patients (n = 53), 84% stated that they would attend a future SMA. The care provided was rated excellent to very good by 98% of the patients. Ninety‐two percent stated that they improved their understanding of the disease and treatment options, and 59% acknowledged a preference for the group visit over the private visit. Twenty‐five percent of patients stated that they were very likely to likely to some extent to agree to change or seek a change in treatment modality on the basis of conversation with other patients in the SMA. The majority of our patients expressed no privacy concerns before the meeting (76%), and even more expressed no such concerns afterward (88%). In conclusion, the SMA model allows PH patients to increase understanding of their disease process while integrating peer support, promoting social interaction, and addressing patients' emotional needs. Other (rare) pulmonary diseases may benefit from this model.
TCF7L2is a master regulator of insulin production and processing
Authors: Zhou Yuedan , Park Soo Young , Su Jing , Bailey Kathleen , Ottosson-Laakso Emilia , Shcherbina Liliya , Oskolkov Nikolay , Zhang Enming , Thevenin Thomas , Fadista João , Bennet Hedvig , Vikman Petter , Wierup Nils , Fex Malin , Rung Johan , Wollheim Claes , Nobrega Marcelo , Renström Erik , Groop Leif , Hansson Ola
Published: March 2014

Although variants in the T-cell factor 7-like 2 gene (TCF7L2) confer the strongest risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by presumed effects on islet function, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We have identified TCF7L2-target genes and described the regulatory network downstream of TCF7L2 responsible for its effect on insulin secretion in rodents and human pancreatic islets.ISL1is a direct target of TCF7L2 and regulates proinsulin production and processing viaMAFA,PDX1,NKX6.1,PCSK1andPCSK2and possibly clearance of proinsulin viaSLC30A8. Taken together, these results demonstrate that not only synthesis of proinsulin is regulated by TCF7L2, but also processing and possibly clearance of proinsulin and insulin in a genotype dependent manner. These multiple targets in key pathways may explain whyTCF7L2has emerged as the gene showing the strongest association with T2D.
Temperature-dependent optical rotatory power in the presence of birefringence of KTA and KTP crystals by the high-accuracy universal polarimeter method at 632.8 nm wavelength
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez C. , Fragoso-López A. B. , Herreros-Cedrés J. , Guerrero-Lemus R.
Published: March 2014

Temperature-dependent simultaneous measurement of birefringence and optical rotatory power (ORP) for orthorhombic crystals of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and potassium titanyl arsenate (KTA) has been achieved by using the high-accuracy universal polarimeter method at 632.8 nm wavelength. The birefringence and ORP changes along the (110) planes for KTA and KTP crystals were found to have a nearly parabolic form for the temperature range 297–493 K. The thermal variation coefficients were found to be 0.9 (5) × 10−5 K−1and 5.6 (3) × 10−8 K−2for KTA and 0.9 (5) × 10−5K−1and 5.7 (3) × 10−8 K−2for KTP. The ORPs at 297 K were found to be 20.0 (20) and 20.5 (15)° mm−1for KTA and KTP, respectively. The thermal variation coefficients of the ORP were found to be 1.8 (2) × 10−3° mm−1 K−1and 1.1 (1) × 10–5° mm−1 K−2for KTA and 1.9 (2) × 10−3° mm−1 K−1and 1.2 (1) × 10−5° mm−1 K−2for KTP.
A method for accurate texture determination of thin oxide films by glancing-angle laboratory X-ray diffraction
Authors: Garner Alistair , Preuss Michael , Frankel Philipp
Published: March 2014

The present article describes a modification to the standard method of glancing-angle X-ray diffraction for accurate measurement of the texture of thin oxide films. The technique resolves the problems caused by overlapping diffraction peaks originating from multiphase materials with asymmetric unit cells and the peak broadening associated with sample tilt during glancing-angle texture measurement. The entire 2θ range of interest is recorded as a function of sample orientation, and the integrated intensities from different crystallographic planes are extracted from fitted diffraction profiles. The technique allows for pole figures to be plotted from diffraction peaks that could otherwise not be resolved and separates contributions from neighbouring peaks, leading to a more accurate representation of the existing oxide texture. The proposed method has been used for determining texture in a 3 µm layer of monoclinic/tetragonal zirconium oxide grown during aqueous corrosion testing and has been verified by additional synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements.
WinCSD: software package for crystallographic calculations (Version 4)
Authors: Akselrud Lev , Grin Yuri
Published: March 2014

The fourth version of the program packageWinCSDis multi-purpose computer software for crystallographic calculations using single-crystal and powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data. The software environment and the graphical user interface are built using the platform of the Microsoft .NET Framework, which grants independence from changing Windows operating systems and allows for transferring to other operating systems. Graphic applications use the three-dimensional OpenGL graphics language.WinCSDcovers the complete spectrum of crystallographic calculations, including powder diffraction pattern deconvolution, crystal structure solution and refinement in 3 + dspace, refinement of the multipole model and electron density studies from diffraction data, and graphical representation of crystallographic information.
Neutron diffraction studies of a double-crystal (+n,–m) setting containing a fully asymmetric diffraction geometry of a bent perfect crystal with output beam expansion
Authors: Mikula Pavol , Vrána Miroslav , Pilch Jan , Seok Seong Baek , Woo Wanchuck , Em Vyacheslav
Published: March 2014

The neutron diffraction properties of a double-crystal (+n,−m) setting, which contains a bent perfect Si(311) crystal in the fully asymmetric diffraction (FAD) geometry with output beam expansion and a bent perfect Si(220) crystal in the symmetric diffraction geometry, are presented. Generally, there are two possibilities for the FAD geometry: either with output beam compression or with output beam expansion. In this case, attention has been focused on the latter. The properties of the (+n,−m) double-bent-crystal arrangement of a bent perfect crystal FAD Si(311) geometry, in combination with a bent Si(220) crystal slab in the symmetric diffraction geometry, were studied. It was found that, after beam expansion, this FAD geometry can provide a monochromatic beam of rather large cross section but very small divergence.
Cinnamic acid hydrogen bonds to isoniazid andN′-(propan-2-ylidene)isonicotinohydrazide, anin situreaction product of isoniazid and acetone
Authors: Sarcevica Inese , Orola Liana , Veidis Mikelis V. , Belyakov Sergey
Published: March 2014

A new polymorph of the cinnamic acid–isoniazid cocrystal has been prepared by slow evaporation, namely cinnamic acid–pyridine-4-carbohydrazide (1/1), C9H8O2·C6H7N3O. The crystal structure is characterized by a hydrogen-bonded tetrameric arrangement of two molecules of isoniazid and two of cinnamic acid. Possible modification of the hydrogen bonding was investigated by changing the hydrazide group of isoniazidviaanin situreaction with acetone and cocrystallization with cinnamic acid. In the structure of cinnamic acid–N′-(propan-2-ylidene)isonicotinohydrazide (1/1), C9H8O2·C9H11N3O, carboxylic acid–pyridine O—H...N and hydrazide–hydrazide N—H...O hydrogen bonds are formed.
K6[Fe8.27(HPO3)12]: a new mixed-valence iron phosphite
Authors: Hamchaoui Farida , Alonzo Véronique , Rebbah Houria , Le Fur Eric
Published: March 2014

The title compound, hexapotassium octairon(II,III) dodecaphosphonate, exhibiting a two-dimensional structure, is a new mixed alkali/3dmetal phosphite. It crystallizes in the space groupR\overline{3}m, with two crystallographically independent Fe atoms occupying sites of \overline{3}m(Fe1) and 3m(Fe2) symmetry. The Fe2 site is fully occupied, whereas the Fe1 site presents an occupancy factor of 0.757 (3). The three independent O atoms, one of which is disordered, are situated on a mirror and all other atoms are located on special positions with 3msymmetry. Layers of formula [Fe3(HPO3)4]2−are observed in the structure, formed by linear Fe3O12trimer units, which contain face-sharing FeO6octahedra interconnected by (HPO3)2−phosphite oxoanions. The partial occupancy of the Fe1 site might be described by the formation of two [Fe(HPO3)2]−layers derived from the [Fe3(HPO3)4]2−layer when the Fe1 atom is absent. Fe2+is localized at the Fe1 and Fe2 sites of the [Fe3(HPO3)4]2−sheets, whereas Fe3+is found at the Fe2 sites of the [Fe(HPO3)2]−sheets, according to bond-valence calculations. The K+cations are located in the interlayer spaces, between the [Fe3(HPO3)4]2−layers, and between the [Fe3(HPO3)4]2−and [Fe(HPO3)2]−layers.
The transcriptional co‐activator multiprotein bridging factor 1 from the fungal insect pathogen, Beauveria bassiana, mediates regulation of hyphal morphogenesis, stress tolerance and virulence
Authors: Ying Sheng‐Hua , Ji Xiao‐Ping , Wang Xiu‐Xiu , Feng Ming‐Guang , Keyhani Nemat O.
Published: March 2014

Multiprotein bridging factors (MBFs) are evolutionarily highly conserved cofactors that link TATA‐binding protein and the associated basal transcription machinery to transcription factors. The filamentous fungus, Beauveria bassiana, has a multipotential lifestyle capable of growing as a saprophyte, plant endophyte and insect pathogen. Deletion of the single B. bassiana MBF homologue (BbMBF1) affected fungal growth and hyphal morphogenesis, stress response and virulence. Compared with wild type, the ΔBbMBF1 strain displayed increased sensitivity to UV‐irradiation and to oxidative, osmotic and heat stress, and decreased virulence in both topical and intrahaemocoel injection bioassays using the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella larvae. Although only minor radial growth effects were seen for the ΔBbMBF1 strain, aberrant hyphal morphogenesis was observed, which could be rescued by growth in rich broth media. Transcriptional analysis during stress response showed altered gene expression in ΔBbMBF1 during growth under osmotic, oxidative and thermal stress conditions. Genome‐wide expression analyses during growth under unstressed and thermal stress conditions revealed global gene expression changes and a set of putative targets for MBF1 mediated gene expression control. Our data indicate that BbMBF1 acts as a key regulatory cofactor controlling stress responses and virulence and that MBF1 dependent and independent pathways control proper hyphal morphogenesis.
The New Ruins of Ireland? Unfinished Estates in the Post‐Celtic Tiger Era
Authors: Kitchin Rob , O'Callaghan Cian , Gleeson Justin
Published: March 2014

In the wake of the global financial crisis, and as Europe's financial and fiscal woes continue, Ireland's beleaguered economy has attracted a great deal of scrutiny, with much made of the country's status as one of the PIIGS and the fact that it was bailed out by the troika of the IMF, EU and ECB in November 2010. Whilst most attention has been directed at Ireland's banks and the strategy of the Irish government in managing the crisis, substantial interest (both nationally and internationally) has been focused on the property sector and in particular the phenomenon of so‐called ‘ghost estates’ (or, in official terms, unfinished estates). As of October 2011 there were 2,846 such estates in Ireland, and they have come to visibly symbolize the collapse of Ireland's ‘Celtic Tiger’ economy. In this essay, we examine the unfinished estates phenomenon, placing them within the context of Ireland's property boom during the Celtic Tiger years, and conceptualize them as ‘new ruins’ created through the search for a spatial fix by speculative capitalism in a time of neoliberalism. We detail the characteristics and geography of such estates, the various problems afflicting the estates and their residents, and the Irish government's response to those problems. In the final section we examine the estates as exemplars of new ruins, the remainder and reminder of Celtic Tiger excess.
Green Light for Green Agricultural Policies? An Analysis at Regional and Global Scales
Authors: Pelikan Janine , Britz Wolfgang , Hertel Thomas W.
Published: March 2014

This paper analyses the effects of introducing biodiversity‐targeted ecological focus area (EFA) requirements on all farms with arable land in the EU by quantifying their global, regional, economic and environmental impacts in a mutually consistent way. To capture these impacts, different spatial scales need to be considered – ranging from on‐farm decisions regarding the EFA in the EU, to supply response around the world. In order to address this challenge, we combine the supply side of the CAPRI model, which offers high spatial, farm and policy resolution in the EU, with the GTAP model of global trade and land use. Both models are linked through a multi‐product, restricted‐revenue function for the EU crop sector. The results predict improved environmental status in the high‐yielding regions of the EU. However, output price increases lead to intensification in the more marginal areas of the EU where little or no additional land is taken out of production. The decrease in arable land in the EU is partially compensated by an increase of crop land, as well as increased fertiliser applications, in other regions of the globe. Thus, the improvement of environmental status in the EU comes at the price of global intensification, as well as the loss of forest and grassland areas outside the EU. Overall, we find that every hectare of land that is taken out of production in the EU increases greenhouse gas emissions in the rest of the world by 20.8 tonnes CO2 equivalent.
Sex Determination from the Frontal Bone: A Geometric Morphometric Study
Authors: Perlaza Néstor A.
Published: March 2014

Sex estimation in human skeletal remains when using the cranium through traditional methods is a fundamental pillar in human identification; however, it may be possible to incur in a margin of error due because of the state of preservation in incomplete or fragmented remains. The aim of this investigation was sex estimation through the geometric morphometric analysis of the frontal bone. The sample employed 60 lateral radiographs of adult subjects of both sexes (30 males and 30 females), aged between 18 and 40 years, with mean age for males of 28 ± 4 and 30 ± 6 years for females. Thin‐plate splines evidenced strong expansion of the glabellar region in males and contraction in females. No significant differences were found between sexes with respect to size. The findings suggest differences in shape and size in the glabellar region, besides reaffirming the use of geometric morphometrics as a quantitative method in sex estimation.
A Comparative Analysis of the Investment Characteristics of Alternative Gold Assets
Authors: Pullen Tim , Benson Karen , Faff Robert
Published: March 2014

Employing daily data over the period 1987–2010, we examine the diversifying, hedging and safe haven properties of gold bullion, gold stocks, gold mutual funds, and gold exchange traded funds (ETFs). First, with regard to gold bullion, we document a clear and strong hedging role over a mere diversifying capability. Second, our results highlight that gold stocks, gold mutual funds, and gold ETFs tend to be diversifiers. Third, both gold bullion and gold ETFs show support for the safe haven property. However, gold stocks and gold mutual funds display very little evidence of the safe haven characteristic. Consequently, investors who are keen on securing the safe haven features of gold investment cannot generally rely on gold stocks or mutual funds. Instead, they need to take positions directly in bullion or gold ETFs.
Parents and children's perceptions of distress related to oral mucositis during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kamsvåg‐Magnusson Tove , Thorsell‐Cederberg Jenny , Svanberg Anncarin , von Essen Louise , Arvidson Johan , Mellgren Karin , Toporski Jacek , Ljungman Gustaf
Published: March 2014

Aim

Oral mucositis is a common and debilitating side effect of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Our study investigated parents' and children's experiences of oral mucositis treatment and whether the parents' perceptions accurately reflected the children's views.

Methods

We analysed 71 questionnaires completed by the parents of children who had undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, together with 38 questionnaires completed by children who were 7 years of age or over.

Results

The parent proxy and child self‐reports showed good to excellent agreement. For example, 86% of the parents and 83% of the children reported oral pain and 44% of the parents and 47% of the children reported difficulty swallowing often or very often. The majority of the parents (61%) were satisfied with the pain treatment that had been given to their child. However, the treatment provided for oral mucositis was not altogether consistent.

Conclusion

Oral mucositis affected the majority of the children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, causing considerable pain and discomfort. The parent proxy reports proved to be reliable and are an important supplement to child self‐reports on symptoms related to oral mucositis. But there is a clear need to establish more evidence‐based care for children suffering from oral mucositis.
The use of pharmacological prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patients with severe active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Pleet J. L. , Vaughn B. P. , Morris J. A. , Moss A. C. , Cheifetz A. S.
Published: March 2014

Background

Hospitalised patients with inflammatory bowel disease are 1.5‐ to 3.5‐fold more likely to develop venous thromboembolism compared to controls. Clinical guidelines recommend pharmacological prophylaxis.

Aim

To determine the rate of pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis prescription and administration in a cohort of hospitalised patients with severe active ulcerative colitis and to assess predictors of failure to order pharmacological prophylaxis at 24 h.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of hospitalised patients with severe active ulcerative colitis, identified by ICD‐9‐CM discharge code 556.x, admitted to a single tertiary care hospital from 1 January 2005 to 31 August 2012. Adequate thromboembolism prophylaxis was defined as an order for low‐dose unfractionated heparin two to three times daily, low‐molecular weight heparin 40 mg daily or fondaparinux 2.5 mg daily ordered and administered for >80% of the admission. Patient related factors associated with failure to order prophylaxis at 24 h were accessed as secondary outcomes.

Results

Three hundred and thirty‐six patients were hospitalised with severe active ulcerative colitis. Hospitalists had prescribed appropriate pharmacological prophylaxis by 48 h in only 37% of cases. Of these, nurses administered all prescribed doses in 18% of cases. Only 7% of patients (22/304, 95% CI: 5–11%) received adequate pharmacological prophylaxis for >80% of their hospitalisation. Hematochezia (P = 0.002), elevated platelets (P = 0.008), male gender coupled with younger age (P = 0.005) and admission on a biologic (P = 0.03) were associated with failure to order prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Hospitalised patients admitted with severe active ulcerative colitis are not receiving appropriate pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
Recruitment of HP1β to UVA‐induced DNA lesions is independent of radiation‐induced changes in A‐type lamins
Authors: Sehnalová Petra , Legartová Soňa , Cmarko Dušan , Kozubek Stanislav , Bártová Eva
Published: March 2014

Background Information

The optimal repair of DNA lesions is fundamental for physiological processes. We asked whether the recruitment of HP1β, 53BP1 and BMI1 proteins to ultraviolet (UVA)‐induced DNA lesions requires functional A‐type lamins.

Results

We found that UVA irradiation of nuclear lamina abolished the fluorescence of mCherry‐tagged A‐type lamins and destroyed the nuclear lamina as also observed by electron microscopy studies. Similarly, an absence of endogenous A‐ and B‐type lamins was found in irradiated regions by UVA. However, irradiation did not affect the recruitment of HP1β, 53BP1 and BMI1 to DNA lesions. The UVA‐induced shrinkage of the nuclear lamina, which anchors chromatin, explains why UVA‐micro‐irradiated chromatin is relaxed. Conversely, additional experiments with γ‐irradiation showed that the nuclear lamina remained intact and the genome‐wide level of HP1β was stable. Fluorescence intensity of HP1β and BMI1 in UVA‐induced DNA lesions and level of HP1β after γ‐irradiation were unaffected by deficiency in A‐type lamins, whereas those parameters of 53BP1 were changed.

Conclusions

We conclude that only the 53BP1 status in DNA lesions, induced by UVA or γ‐rays, is affected by A‐type lamin deficiency, which was not observed for heterochromatin‐related proteins HP1β and BMI1.
Nitric oxide production by polymorphonuclear leucocytes in infected cystic fibrosis sputum consumes oxygen
Authors: Kolpen M , Bjarnsholt T , Moser C , Hansen C R , Rickelt L F , Kühl M , Hempel C , Pressler T , Høiby N , Jensen P Ø
Published: March 2014

Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is characterized by persisting mucoid biofilms in hypoxic endobronchial mucus. These biofilms are surrounded by numerous polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs), which consume a major part of present molecular oxygen (O2) due to production of superoxide (O2−). In this study, we show that the PMNs also consume O2 for production of nitric oxide (NO) by the nitric oxide synthases (NOS) in the infected endobronchial mucus. Fresh expectorated sputum samples (n = 28) from chronically infected CF patients (n = 22) were analysed by quantifying and visualizing the NO production. NO production was detected by optode measurements combined with fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and spectrophotometry. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) resulted in reduced O2 consumption (P < 0·0008, n = 8) and a lower fraction of cells with fluorescence from the NO-indicator 4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF-FM) (P < 0·002, n = 8). PMNs stained with DAF-FM and the superoxide indicator hydroethidine (HE) and host cells with inducible NOS (iNOS) were identified in the sputum. In addition, the production of the stable end-products of NO in CF sputum was correlated with the concentration of PMNs; NO3− (P < 0·04, r = 0·66, n = 10) and NO2− (P< 0·006, r = 0·78, n = 11). The present study suggests that besides consumption of O2 for production of reactive oxygen species, the PMNs in CF sputum also consume O2 for production of NO.
Pathological vitreous causes cell line‐derived (but not donor‐derived) retinal pigment epithelial cells to display proliferative vitreoretinopathy‐like features in culture
Authors: Sharma Maryada , Tiwari Anil , Sharma Shweta , Bansal Reema , Gupta Vishali , Gupta Amod , Luthra‐Guptasarma Manni
Published: March 2014

Background

It is well understood that epithelial mesenchymal transformation occurs when retinal pigment epithelial cells, sourced from either a cell line or cadaver eye, are cultured in the presence of cadaver‐derived vitreous. We sought to study the changes in retinal pigment epithelial cells when cell line‐derived retinal pigment epithelial cells are cultured in the presence of pathological vitreous.

Design

Prospective study.

Samples

42 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

Methods

D407 retinal pigment epithelial cells were cultured in the presence of cadaver‐derived vitreous or vitreous/subretinal fluid derived from patients undergoing retinal reattachment surgeries. Besides the changes in phenotypic characteristics, the viability, proliferation, migration, mesenchymal marker expression and changes in the extracellular matrix components were also evaluated.

Main Outcome Measures

Fibrotic phenotype in cell culture.

Results

Our study clearly demonstrates that cell line‐derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (unlike donor‐derived retinal pigment epithelial cells) cultured in the presence of patient‐derived vitreous/subretinal fluid, exhibit characteristic features of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Conclusions

We propose that it is the synergistic effect of the combined use of (i) pathological vitreous, rather than cadaver‐derived vitreous (since rhegmatogenous retinal detachment‐derived pathological vitreous and subretinal fluid contain exaggerated amounts of growth factors, which could predispose to proliferative vitreoretinopathy development) and (ii) cells from an immortal cell culture (cell line), rather than from primary cell cultures (since cells subjected to continuous serial passaging acquire some mesenchymal characteristics), which together result in not only a unique phenotype, but also prime these cells towards display of features associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
Dexamethasone intravitreous implant versus bevacizumab for central retinal vein occlusion‐related macular oedema: a prospective randomized comparison
Authors: Gado Ahmed S , Macky Tamer A
Published: March 2014

Background

To compare the efficiency of dexamethasone implants to bevacizumab injections in macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.

Design

Randomized clinical trial at Cairo University Hospitals.

Participants

Sixty eyes of 60 newly diagnosed patients with macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion with best corrected visual acuity 0.3 logMAR (6/12) to counting fingers, no evidence of retinal ischaemia and/or neovascularization on fluorescein angiography and central subfield thickness ≥300 μm on ocular coherence tomography.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned (30 eyes each group) to either intravitreal dexamethasone implant or bevacizumab injections repeated whenever needed. Best corrected visual acuity and ocular coherence tomography were done at baseline and monthly for 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures

Comparing best corrected visual acuity and central foveal subfield thickness between both groups during the 6‐month period.

Results

There was no significant difference in best corrected visual acuity between the two groups during the 6 months (P‐values > 0.05). The bevacizumab group had a statistically significant thinner central subfield thickness at 1 month (P‐value 0.006) and no statistically significant difference for the rest of the 6 months (P‐values > 0.05). There was a statistically significant higher intraocular pressure for dexamethasone implant group (compared with bevacizumab) at 3–6 months (P‐values < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

Both drugs provided effective best corrected visual acuity improvements and central subfield thickness reductions that showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
Incidence and impact outcome of pulmonary embolism in critically ill patients with severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
Authors: Bahloul Mabrouk , Chaari Anis , Tounsi Ahmed , Baccouche Najeh , Abid Hanen , Chtara Kamilia , Ben Hamida Chokri , Ghadhoune Hatem , Dammak Hassen , Chelly Hedi , Bouaziz Mounir
Published: March 2014

Purpose

We aimed to determine the incidence and the prognostic impact [mortality and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (LOS)] of pulmonary embolism (PE) in critically ill patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

This is a retrospective study performed during a 5‐year period in the ICU of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital (Sfax, Tunisia). All patients with severe acute exacerbation of COPD were included. The diagnosis of PE is confirmed by spiral computed tomography scan showing one or more filling defects or obstruction in the pulmonary artery or its branches.

Results

During the study period, 131 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD were admitted in our ICU. The mean age (±standard deviation) was 68.6 ± 9.2 years, ranging from 39 to 99 years (median: 70 years). During their ICU stay, 23 patients (17.5%) developed PE. The diagnosis was confirmed within 48 h from ICU admission in all cases but one. The comparison between the two groups (with and without PE) showed that they had the same baseline characteristics. However, all PE group developed shock on ICU admission or during ICU stay. Signs of right heart failure were more observed in the PE group. ICU mortality was significantly higher in the PE group (69.5% vs 44%; P = 0.029). In addition, the ICU LOS was significantly higher in the PE group than the PE‐free group (P = 0.007). Finally, PE was identified as an independent factor predicting poor outcome [odds ratio = 3.49, 95% CI (1.01–11.1); P = 0.035].

Conclusion

Our study showed that PE is common in patients with severe COPD exacerbation requiring ICU admission. Moreover, PE was significantly associated with higher mortality and ICU LOS in critically ill patients with severe COPD exacerbation.
Modelling species distributional shifts across broad spatial extents by linking dynamic occupancy models with public‐based surveys
Authors: Santika Truly , McAlpine Clive A. , Lunney Daniel , Wilson Kerrie A. , Rhodes Jonathan R.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To understand climate and landscape drivers of species distributional shifts across broad spatial extents by integrating dynamic occupancy models with distribution data collected from the public.

Location

New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

We used data on koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) presence and absence collected across the state of NSW from public surveys between 1987 and 2011. A dynamic occupancy model was built to quantify the role of climate and land use change on koala extinction risk and occupancy. We contrasted the model results against the more usual static occupancy model approach. We then developed scenarios of future climate, land clearing and urbanization and predicted the distribution of the koalas over the next 20 years based on the dynamic occupancy model.

Results

The static model indicates koala occupancy in 1987 and in 2011 depended most strongly on annual rainfall and distance to water features. Housing density and its interaction with Eucalyptus forest cover only minimally affected koala occupancy. However, for the dynamic occupancy model, extinction risk (the metric of dominant concern for species conservation) depended most strongly on Eucalyptus forest cover and its interaction with housing density, while annual rainfall only minimally affected extinction risk. We predicted extinction risk to be higher in western NSW than in the east and that extinction risk may increase under future scenarios of climate and land use change.

Main conclusions

This study underlines the importance of incorporating extinction dynamics when modelling species distributional shifts under climate and land use change and we provide an approach for doing so using public‐based surveys. As conservation objectives usually aim to maximize persistence, this is likely to lead to more reliable identification of conservation priorities than using static species distribution models. Combining public‐based surveys and dynamic occupancy models provides a powerful approach for achieving this across broad spatial extents, thus providing an alternative approach when field‐based data collection is impractical.
Termites like it hot and humid: the ability of arboreal tropical termites to mediate their nest environment against ambient conditions
Authors: FULLER CLAIRE A. , POSTAVA‐DAVIGNON MARIELLE
Published: March 2014

Tropical termites are physiologically adapted to a narrow range of climatic conditions, and as a result may be particularly impacted by global climate change. Because of their key roles as decomposers and ecosystem engineers, any climatic impact on termites could have serious ramifications for tropical ecosystems. The ability of termites to mediate their nest environment could allow them to cope with these changes.

The temperature and RH in nests of the tropical termite Nasutitermes acajutlae were compared with ambient conditions on the island of St John, U.S. Virgin Islands, over a 5‐year period using data loggers inserted into nest cartons.

Nest conditions were found to be significantly warmer, more humid, and less variable than ambient conditions with respect to both temperature and RH.

A comparison of dead nests, live non‐reproductive nests, and live reproductive nests revealed that temperature mediation appears to be primarily the result of the presence of termites, with reproductive nests producing the highest temperatures, while high RH is maintained by the insulating effects of the nest material.

Environmental variability across the years of this study had a significant influence on nest temperature and RH, suggesting that if tropical conditions become warmer and drier as predicted, N. acajutlae may have difficulty adapting over the long term.
A new method to quantify how water repellency compromises soils' filtering function
Authors: Müller K. , Deurer M. , Kawamoto K. , Kuroda T. , Subedi S. , Hiradate S. , Komatsu T. , Clothier B. E.
Published: March 2014

Soil water repellency (SWR) is known to lead to preferential flow and to degrade the soil's filtering efficiency. However, no method is available to quantify directly how SWR affects the transport of reactive solutes. We propose a new method for conducting solute transport experiments in water‐repellent soils. It involves sequentially applying two liquids, one water, the other a reference fully wetting liquid, namely aqueous ethanol, to the same intact soil core with air‐drying between liquids. We applied this approach to quantify the impact of SWR on the filtering of the herbicide 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) in two Andosols. In batch experiments conducted prior to the transport experiments, 2,4‐D sorption was not influenced by aqueous ethanol for one soil. However, sorption in the second soil followed the co‐solvency theory, which predicts decreasing sorption with increasing solvent fractions. Thus, sorption experiments are necessary to complement our new method. Breakthrough curves were characterized by preferential flow with large initial concentrations, tailing and a long prevalence of solutes remaining in the soil. In the soil in which 2,4‐D sorption was unaffected by aqueous ethanol, SWR increased 2,4‐D losses by four and 50 times in the first 5‐mm outflow compared with the 2,4‐D losses with water. After 50‐mm outflow, the 2,4‐D losses were similar for one core, but in the other core they were still about four times greater with water than with aqueous ethanol. This method to quantify the reduction of the soil's filtering efficiency by SWR is needed for assessing the increased risk of groundwater contamination by solutes exogenously applied to water‐repellent soils.
In vivodiffusion characteristics following perineural injection of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve with mepivacaine or iohexol in horses
Authors: Contino E. K. , King M. R. , Valdés‐Martínez A. , McIlwraith C. W.
Published: March 2014

Reasons for performing study

Hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy is a common injury of sport horses but diagnosis can be difficult because diagnostic analgesia of the region lacks specificity. Perineural analgesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN) has been proposed as a more specific method of isolating pain of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament but the technique has not been evaluatedin vivo.

Objectives

To determine the extent of diffusion of contrast medium and mepivacaine followingDBLPNanalgesia using a single‐needle injection technique and to determine if there is inadvertent involvement of the tarsal sheath and/or tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint using this technique.

Study design

In vivoexperimental study.

Methods

Perineural injection of theDBLPNwas performed in 16 limbs with 3 ml of either mepivacaine hydrochloride or positive contrast medium. Contrast medium‐injected limbs were radiographed 5, 15, and 30 min post injection and diffusion characteristics were described. In mepivacaine‐injected limbs, synovial fluid from theTMTjoint was obtained 10 and 20 min post injection and mepivacaine concentrations were analysed.

Results

At 5, 15 and 30 min post injection, the contrast medium extended, on average, 19.6, 20.6 and 21.0 mm proximal and 38.0, 43.5 and 51.9 mm distal to the injection site, respectively. Three of 8 (37.5%) limbs had evidence of contrast medium in the tarsal sheath. Two of 8 (25%) limbs had mepivacaine concentrations within theTMTjoint sufficient to produce analgesia (>300 mg/l) at 10 min post injection.

Conclusions

Contrast medium diffused further in a distal direction than in a proximal direction. Analgesia of theDBLPNcan result in inadvertent involvement of the tarsal sheath and/orTMTjoint.
Outcome of palmar/plantar digital neurectomy in horses with foot pain evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging: 50 cases (2005–2011)
Authors: Gutierrez‐Nibeyro S. D. , Werpy N. M. , White N. A. , Mitchell M. A. , Edwards R. B. , Mitchell R. D. , Gold S. J. , Allen A. K.
Published: March 2014

Reasons for performing study

There is limited knowledge of the foot lesions that influence the outcome of palmar/plantar digital neurectomy (PDN).

Objectives

1) To report the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of horses that underwent PDN to alleviate chronic foot pain due to lesions diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2) factors that may influence the outcome of PDN.

Study design

Multicentre retrospective study.

Methods

Medical records of 50 horses subjected to PDN due to chronic foot pain were reviewed. Age, breed, sex, athletic activity, duration of lameness, affected limb(s), response to anaesthesia of the palmar/plantar digital nerves, MRI findings and surgical technique were analysed together with follow‐up data to identify factors that influenced the long‐term outcomes.

Results

Forty‐six of 50 horses (92%) responded positively to surgery; 40 (80%) were able to return to their previous athletic use for a median time of 20 months (range: 12–72 months). Eighteen (36%) horses developed post operative complications including residual lameness, painful neuromas, or early recurrence of lameness. Horses with pre‐existing core or linear lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) had significantly shorter periods of lameness resolution after surgery than horses with dorsal border lesions of the DDFT or other foot lesions.

Conclusions

Palmar/plantar digital neurectomy can improve or resolve lameness in horses with foot pain unresponsive to medical therapy without serious post operative complications. However, horses with core or linear lesions of the DDFT should not be subjected to PDN as these horses experience residual lameness or early recurrent lameness after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to identify these horses.
A New Method for Estimating Recharge to Unconfined Aquifers Using Differential River Gauging
Authors: McCallum Andrew M. , Andersen Martin S. , Acworth R. Ian
Published: March 2014

In semiarid and arid environments, leakage from rivers is a major source of recharge to underlying unconfined aquifers. Differential river gauging is widely used to estimate the recharge. However, the methods commonly applied are limited in that the temporal resolution is event‐scale or longer. In this paper, a novel method is presented for quantifying both the total recharge volume for an event, and variation in recharge rate during an event from hydrographs recorded at the upstream and downstream ends of a river reach. The proposed method is applied to river hydrographs to illustrate the method steps and investigate recharge processes occurring in a sub‐catchment of the Murray Darling Basin (Australia). Interestingly, although it is the large flood events which are commonly assumed to be the main source of recharge to an aquifer, our analysis revealed that the smaller flow events were more important in providing recharge.
The Association Between Helicobacter pylori Status and Incidence of Metachronous Gastric Cancer After Endoscopic Resection of Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kim Young‐Il , Choi Il Ju , Kook Myeong‐Cherl , Cho Soo‐Jeong , Lee Jong Yeul , Kim Chan Gyoo , Ryu Keun Won , Kim Young‐Woo
Published: March 2014

Background

The long‐term effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication in preventing metachronous gastric cancer (GC) development after endoscopic resection (ER) of early gastric cancer (EGC) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of H. pylori status on the incidence of metachronous GC after ER during long‐term follow‐up.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 374 patients who underwent ER for EGC. Helicobacter pylori status was assessed by histology, rapid urease test, and serology. According to the H. pylori status after ER, included patients were classified into H. pylori‐negative group (n = 218), H. pylori‐eradicated group (n = 49), and H. pylori‐persistent group (n = 107). Metachronous GC incidence and risk factors according to H. pylori status were analyzed.

Results

Median follow‐up duration after ER was 4.3 years (range 1.0–11.3 years). During the follow‐up period, metachronous GC had developed in 13 patients (6.0% [13/218]) in the H. pylori‐negative group, 2 patients (4.1% [2/49]) in the H. pylori‐eradicated group, and 16 patients (15.0% [16/107]) in the H. pylori‐persistent group. Cumulative incidence of metachronous GC was significantly higher in patients with H. pylori‐persistent group than in those with H. pylori‐negative (p = .011, log‐rank test) and H. pylori‐eradicated group (p = .006, log‐rank test). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, age ≥65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.29, p = .038), family history of GC (HR 2.60, p = .014), and H. pylori‐persistent status (HR 2.42, p = .019) were associated with metachronous GC development.

Conclusions

Persistent H. pylori infection after ER may increase risk of metachronous GC development.
Restoration of natural killer cell activity by pegylated interferon‐alpha/ribavirin therapy in chronic hepatitis C patient
Authors: Nakamura Ikuo , Asano Takeharu , Asabe Shinichi , Ando Mayumi , Sano Takatomo , Miyata Yuki , Taira Junichi , Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Imai Yasuharu , Moriyasu Fuminori , Imawari Michio
Published: March 2014

Aim

The combination therapy of pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin (PEG IFN/RBV) is one of the effective treatments for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. Natural killer (NK)‐cell activity was reported to be impaired in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this study was to examine whether PEG IFN/RBV therapy could restore NK activity in CHC patients.

Methods

In 19 CHC patients, PEG IFN/RBV therapy was performed. Just before (0M), at 3 months of the therapy (3M) and at 6 months after completion of the therapy (6M), NK activity and the frequency of NK cells, CD56dimNK cells and CD56brightNK cells in peripheral blood was estimated by creatinine release assay and flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed by anova and Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

anova showed that NK activity significantly improved at 6M (vs 0M, P < 0.05) in the patients studied and in the patients with sustained virological response (SVR). It also showed that frequency of CD56brightNK cells was significantly increased at 6M (vs 0M, P < 0.05) in the patients studied and in the SVR group. However, no significant change in NK activity and frequency of CD56brightNK cells were detected in non‐SVR group. Furthermore, NK activity ratio (6M/0M) in the SVR group was revealed to be higher compared with that in the non‐SVR group by analysis using Mann–Whitney U‐test (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PEG IFN/RBV therapy in CHC patients could improve NK activity by increasing the frequency of CD56brightNK cells in SVR patients. Our study also revealed that eradication of HCV could restore NK‐cell activity.
Using Biomarkers to Assess the Validity of Sexual Behavior Reporting across Interview Modes among Young Women in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kelly Christine A. , Hewett Paul C. , Mensch Barbara S. , Rankin Johanna C. , Nsobya Samuel L. , Kalibala Samuel , Kakande Pamela N.
Published: March 2014

Understanding the transmission dynamics of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is critically dependent on accurate behavioral data. This study investigates the effect of the mode of questionnaire delivery on the quality of sexual behavior reporting in a 2010 survey conducted in Kampala, Uganda, among 18–24‐year‐old women. We compare the reported prevalence of five sexual outcomes across three interview modes: traditional face‐to‐face interviewing (FTFI) in which question rewording was permitted, FTFI administered via computer‐assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) in which questions were read as written, and audio computer‐assisted self‐interviewing (ACASI) in which participants listened to prerecorded questions and entered responses using a computer touchscreen. We then assess the validity of the data by evaluating the reporting of sexual experience against three biological markers. Results suggest that ACASI elicits higher reporting of some key indicators than FTFI does, but self‐reports from all interview modes were subject to validity concerns when compared with biomarker data. The study highlights the important role that biomarkers can play in sexual behavior research.