bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An immunohistochemical evaluation of the proteins Wnt1 and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β in invasive breast carcinomas
Authors: Mylona Eleni , Vamvakaris Ioannis , Giannopoulou Ioanna , Theohari Irene , Papadimitriou Christos , Keramopoulos Antonios , Nakopoulou Lydia
Published: January 2013

Aims

Our purpose was to investigate, in breast carcinomas, the prognostic importance of the proteins Wnt1 and glycogen synthasekinase (GSK)‐3β, and their associations with classic clinicopathological indices.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from 288 invasive breast carcinomas to detect the expression of the proteins Wnt1, GSK3β, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), erbB2, p53, Ki67, caspase‐3 and β‐catenin. Both Wnt1 and GSK3β were detected predominantly in the cytoplasm of the invasive tumour cells and the in‐situ component, while GSK3β was also detected in the stromal fibroblasts. Wnt1 immunoreactivity in the invasive tumour cells showed an inverse association with histological grade (P = 0.002), Ki67 (P = 0.008) and p53 (P = 0.031), while its relation with ER, erbB2 and caspase‐3 was found to be positive (P = 0.007, P = 0.018 and P = 0.03, respectively). Cytoplasmic Wnt1 expression was related to a favourable prognosis within the subgroup of patients with stage II disease (P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Wnt1 expression in the invasive tumour cells seems to promote differentiation and apoptosis, while being related inversely to proliferation. Therefore, this suggests its participation in the primary stages of breast carcinogenesis. The latter is supported further by the immunodetection of Wnt1 in in‐situ carcinomas.
Redox state at ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism: Constraint from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling eclogites
Authors: Okamoto Kazuaki , Jahn Borming , Yui Tzen‐Fu , Akasaka Masahide
Published: January 2013

In order to estimate the fluid composition, C‐species of the CCSD (Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling) eclogites were investigated. Graphite is always recognized with pyrite in the eclogites, suggesting their growth from the H2O‐rich (CO2‐poor) fluids released during metamorphism. The studied eclogites contain vacancy (CaEs component =Ca0.5□0.5AlSi2O6) in clinopyroxene. Therefore, Fe3+ content in clinopyroxene cannot be calculated based on their chemical composition determined by an electron probe micro analyzer. We estimated Fe3+/ΣFe based on the Mössbauer analysis and calculated the pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions from the assemblage of phengite‐garnet‐clinopyroxene‐(coesite) as P = 3–4 GPa, and T = 650–780°C. The P–T‐values obtained in this study show lower values than those which were previously reported elsewhere for the CCSD eclogites, suggesting that the effect of Fe3+ estimation is significant.
Premature death of TDP‐43 (A315T) transgenic mice due to gastrointestinal complications prior to development of full neurological symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Esmaeili Mohammad A. , Panahi Marzieh , Yadav Shilpi , Hennings Leah , Kiaei Mahmoud
Published: January 2013

Abnormal distribution, modification and aggregation of transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) are the hallmarks of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, especially frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin‐positive inclusions (FTLD‐U) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Transgenic mouse lines overexpressing wild‐type or mutant TDP‐43 exhibit ALS‐like symptom, motor abnormalities and early paralysis followed by death. Reports on lifespan and phenotypic behaviour in Prp‐TDP‐43 (A315T) vary, and these animals are not fully characterized. Although it has been proposed that the approximate 20% loss of motor neurons at end stage is responsible for the severe weakness and death in TDP‐43 mice, this degree of neurologic damage appears insufficient to cause death. Hence we studied these mice to further characterize and determine the reason for the death. Our characterization of TDP‐43 transgenic mice showed that these mice develop ALS‐like symptoms that later become compounded by gastrointestinal (GI) complications that resulted in death. This is the first report of a set of pathological evidence in the GI track that is strong indicator for the cause of death of Prp‐hTDP‐43 (A315T) transgenic mice.
Experimental development of bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws in rodents
Authors: Conte Neto Nicolau , Spolidorio Luis C. , Andrade Cleverton R. , S. Bastos Alliny , Guimarães Morgana , Marcantonio Elcio
Published: January 2013

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) following the use of bisphosphonates has become of increased interest in the scientific community, due in particular to its as‐yet‐unsolved pathogenesis. An experimental model of ONJ was induced in normal male rats [alendronate (ALN); 1 mg/Kg/day; n = 10] and matched controls (saline solution; n = 10). After 60 days of drug treatment, all animals were subjected to extractions of the left first lower molars and were euthanized at 3 and 28 days postsurgery. The following analyses were performed: (i) descriptive and quantitative (scores) histological evaluation, (ii) stereometry of distal sockets and (iii) biochemical measurement of C‐telopeptide cross‐linked collagen type I (CTX) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP). The results showed that 28 days postsurgery the animals treated with ALN had areas of exposed and necrotic bone, associated with significant infection, especially in the interalveolar septum area and crestal regions, compared with controls. The levels of CTX, BALP and bone volume, as well as the degrees of inflammation and vascularization, were significantly reduced in these animals. Therefore, analysis of the data presented suggests that ALN therapy is associated with the development of osteonecrosis in the jaws of rodents after tooth extraction.
First documented case of imported tick‐borne encephalitis in Australia
Authors: Chaudhuri A. , Růžek D.
Published: January 2013

We report a case of tick‐borne encephalitis that has not been described before in Australia. The patient was a returned traveller from Russia who had typical manifestations of this infection. Clinical diagnosis was elusive because of the peculiar biphasic nature of the illness and its rarity in Australia. Laboratory diagnosis was also challenging and required testing at a reference laboratory in the Czech Republic because of the unavailability of specific assays in Australia. This report aims to make physicians from non‐endemic regions aware that tick‐borne encephalitis can be imported and to familiarise them with its clinical course.
Changes in serum prostate‐specific antigen levels and the identification of prostate cancer in a large managed care population
Authors: Wallner Lauren P. , Frencher Stanley K. , Hsu Jin‐Wen Y. , Chao Chun R. , Nichol Michael B. , Loo Ronald K. , Jacobsen Steven J.
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The use of a single, elevated PSA level to screen for prostate cancer is controversial given its reported low specificity and the questionable benefits of PSA screening on prostate cancer mortality. Current guidelines in the USA recommend against screening using a single PSA measurement. Previous studies suggest that using changes in PSA level over time, or PSA velocity, may improve the detection of prostate cancer and/or aggressive disease; however, this is also controversial as other studies suggest PSA velocity does not improve detection and may further contribute to the overdetection of indolent prostate cancer.

Given the questions that remain regarding the use of the rate of change in PSA as a screening tool for prostate cancer because of previous conflicting studies, which to date have included small, highly selected populations, this study adds to the existing knowledge by assessing this question in general practice settings among a large, diverse population.

Objective

To determine whether the rate of change in total serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels accurately detects prostate cancer and to evaluate whether it adds any predictive value to a single measurement of serum PSA alone, in general practice settings.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort of 219 388 community‐dwelling men, aged ≥45 years, enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California health plan, with no history of prostate cancer and at least three PSA measurements, were followed from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2007, for the development of biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer.

Annual percent changes in total serum PSA levels were estimated using linear mixed models.

The accuracy of prostate cancer prediction was assessed for prostate cancer overall and for aggressive disease (Gleason score ≥7) and compared with that of a single measure of PSA level using area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves (AUCs).

Results

The men in this cohort experienced a mean change of 2.9% in PSA levels per year and the rate of change in PSA increased modestly with age (P ≤ 0.001).

Annual percent changes in PSA accurately predicted the presence of prostate cancer (AUC = 0.963) and aggressive disease (AUC = 0.955) and had more predictive accuracy for aggressive disease than did a single measurement of PSA alone (AUC = 0.727).

Conclusions

Longitudinal measures of PSA improve the accuracy of aggressive prostate cancer detection when compared with a single measurement of PSA alone.

Findings from this study provide insight into the usefulness of PSA velocity as a detection marker for aggressive prostate cancer.
Do differences in clinical symptoms and referral patterns contribute to the gender gap in bladder cancer?
Authors: Henning Armin , Wehrberger Marlies , Madersbacher Stephan , Pycha Armin , Martini Thomas , Comploj Evi , Jeschke Klaus , Tripolt Christian , Rauchenwald Michael
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is more prevalent in men than women; however, in women the tumour stage is generally more advanced at the time of the diagnosis and the prognosis is worse. Possible explanations include anatomical, genetic and socio‐economic factors.

The study shows that clinical symptoms before the first‐time diagnosis of UCB did not differ between the sexes, while primary care and referral patterns did. Women were more likely to receive symptomatic treatment or therapies for alleged UTIs without further investigation or referral to urological evaluation. The study highlights the fact that there may be a diagnostic delay in women which could contribute to the gender‐dependent disparities in stage distribution and prognosis of UCB.

Objective

To evaluate gender‐dependent disparities regarding clinical symptoms, referral patterns or treatments before diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB).

Patients and Methods

A consecutive series of patients with newly diagnosed UCB completed a questionnaire at the time of admission for elective transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT).

The questionnaire surveyed the presence of haematuria, dysuria, urgency and bladder pain as well as the number of consultations and treatments before urological evaluation.

Tumour characteristics, clinical symptoms, treatments and referrals were compared between men and women in the patient series.

Results

In men (n = 130) the distribution of tumour stages was pTa 62.3%, pT1 23.1% and pT ≥ 2 12.3%. The respective percentages in women (n = 38) were pTa 57.9%, pT1 23.7% and pT ≥ 2 18.4% (P > 0.05).

The prevalence of clinical symptoms in men vs women was as follows: gross haematuria 65 vs 68%, dysuria 32 vs 44%, urgency 61 vs 47%, and nocturia 57 vs 66%, respectively (P > 0.05).

A total of 78% of men vs 55% of women directly consulted a urologist (P < 0.05).

Symptomatic treatment for voiding disorders/pain was given without further evaluation to 19% of men vs 47% of women 1 year before the diagnosis of UCB (P < 0.05).

A total of 3.8% of men vs 15.8% of women received three or more treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs) within the same time period (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In the present study there were no gender‐related differences in clinical symptoms of UCB, but women were more likely to be treated for voiding complaints or alleged UTIs without further evaluation or referral to urology than men.

Gender‐dependent disparities in referral patterns exist and might delay definitive diagnosis of UCB in women.
International partnerships and the development of a Sister Hospital Programme
Authors: Brown D. , Rickard G. , Mustriwati K.A. , Seiler J.
Published: January 2013

BROWN D., RICKARD G., MUSTRIWATI K.A. & SEILER J. (2013) International partnerships and the development of a Sister Hospital Program. International Nursing Review60, 45–51

Background:  Despite some progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, there are still major discrepancies in health service provision between developed and developing countries. Nurses are key players to improving the quality of health services. Increasingly, partnerships are being initiated between nurses of different countries to enable those working in developing countries to improve standards of clinical care.

Aim:  This paper describes a partnership between two major teaching hospitals: one in Indonesia and one in Australia, designed to assist in improving standards of clinical care within the Indonesian hospital.

Methods:  The nature of the partnership, conceptualized as a Sister Hospital Program, is described. The processes and outcomes of the pilot programme conducted in 2011 are outlined. A brief description of the methods used to gain financial support from the Northern Territory Government is provided. The programme offered a skills development programme for selected staff from Sanglah General Hospital in Bali at Royal Darwin Hospital in northern Australia.

Instruments:  The paper uses Green's PROCEED‐PRECEDE framework both to describe and evaluate the pilot programme.

Results:  The skills development programme was enthusiastically evaluated by staff from both hospitals and has led to major changes in the management of patients within the Emergency Department of Sanglah General Hospital. The success of the pilot has resulted in longer‐term funding by the Australian government.

Wider policy outcomes:  The partnership model described in the paper is submitted as a possible framework for others wishing to build long‐term and collaborative relationships between nurses of different nations.
Work environment and participation: the case of teachers in Denmark and New Zealand
Authors: Knudsen Herman , Markey Raymond , Simpkin Gay
Published: January 2013

Employees' participation in decision making at work is often identified as a key element in work environment quality. In this comparative case study, the focus is on teachers' work in Denmark and Zealand. The substantial variations in work environment quality found across four schools are shown to be associated with corresponding differences in participation. In particular, perceived work environment quality is associated with collective and representative forms of participation.
Guiding Teachers in the Use of a Standards‐Based Mathematics Curriculum: Teacher Perceptions and Subsequent Instructional Practices After an Intensive Professional Development Program
Authors: McGee Jennifer R. , Wang Chuang , Polly Drew
Published: January 2013

Reforms in mathematics education call for K‐12 teachers to employ standards‐based pedagogies, which embody the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics' principles and standards. In order to effectively support teachers' implementation of standards‐based curricula, professional development must be provided that meets teachers' needs. The professional development program in this study focused on the implementation of a standards‐based mathematics curriculum entitled Investigations in Number, Data, and Space (Investigations). This study uses Guskey's framework as a guide to examining teachers' perceptions of the impact of the professional development that they received; their perceptions of mathematics teaching and learning; and how elements of the professional development translated into practice. Twenty‐two participants were randomly selected from the 53 professional development participants to be interviewed and observed during their mathematics teaching. Using a constant comparison method, the data sources in this study highlighted themes surrounding teachers' experiences with professional development and the implementation of the curricula. The analysis of the data sources in this study highlighted themes surrounding teachers' experiences with professional development: teachers as learners, teachers as self‐evaluators, shifting paradigms, enactment of professional development content into practice, and the influence of the state standardized mathematics test. The results of this study have several implications for future professional development and also highlight some of the more general issues that teachers face when attempting to enact new knowledge and skills into their practice.
Early Repolarization Pattern Associated with Sudden Cardiac Death: Long‐Term Follow‐Up in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: FURUKAWA YOSHIO , YAMADA TAKAHISA , MORITA TAKASHI , IWASAKI YUSUKE , KAWASAKI MASATO , KIKUCHI ATSUSHI , NAITO TAKASHI , FUJIMOTO TADAO , OZU KENTARO , KONDO TAKUMI , SENGOKU KAORUKO , YAMAMOTO HIRONORI , MASUYAMA TOHRU , FUKUNAMI MASATAKE
Published: January 2013

Early Repolarization Pattern in CHF

Background

Identification of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) at a risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important objective. Early repolarization pattern (ERP) is associated with ventricular fibrillation in patients without structural heart diseases. Moreover, ERP was reported to be associated with SCD in patients with old myocardial infarction in a case‐control study. However, little information is available on the prognostic significance of ERP in CHF patients. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether ERP is associated with SCD in CHF patients.

Methods and Results

The study population consisted of 132 consecutive outpatients with NYHA class I, II and III congestive heart failure and radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40%. All patients underwent the standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram at enrollment, where we assessed the presence of ERP using the criteria of J‐point elevation ≥ 0.1 mV in at least 2 inferior or lateral leads. The primary endpoint of this study was SCD. At enrollment, 16 patients had ERP. During the follow‐up period of 6.7 ± 3.5 years, 26 patients had SCD. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that SCD was observed significantly more frequently in patients with ERP than in those without ERP (63% [10/16] vs 14% [16/116], P < 0.0001]. A multivariate Cox analysis revealed that ERP was significantly and independently associated with SCD (hazard ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–8.6; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

ERP in inferior leads would be associated with an increased risk of SCD in CHF patients.
EuropeanUnion Budget Contributions and Expenditures: A Lorenz Curve Approach
Authors: Groot Loek , Zonneveld Erik
Published: January 2013

This article investigates the (in)equality of the European budget with respect to financial contributions and expenditures across Member States. Standard tools from the measurement of income inequality, including the Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient, are applied to the distribution ofEuropeanUnion contributions and expenditure. In addition, the inequality in the allocation of the budget is juxtaposed against the distribution of voting power within the Council of Ministers. Redistribution from rich to poor members can mainly be attributed to unequal per capita contributions in funding theEUbudget, while voting power rather than the needs of individual members dominates with respect to expenditure. The accession to theEUof relatively smaller easternEuropean countries in 2004 and 2007 delivered more voting power to poorer countries with relatively small population shares. This change reinforced the voting power effect in expenditures.
Effectiveness of a calcium sodium phosphosilicate containing prophylaxis paste in reducing dentine hypersensitivity immediately and 4 weeks after a single application: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Neuhaus Klaus W. , Milleman Jeffery L. , Milleman Kimberly R. , Mongiello Kimberly A. , Simonton Thomas C. , Clark Courtney E. , Proskin Howard M. , Seemann Rainer
Published: January 2013

Aims

The aim of this single‐site, randomized, controlled, double‐blind, 3‐arm parallel study was to determine the effectiveness of a prophylaxis paste containing 15% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS; NovaMin®) with and without fluoride in reducing dentine hypersensitivity immediately after a single application and 28 days following dental scaling and root planing.

Materials & Methods

Overall, 151 subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects received a scaling and root planing procedure followed by a final prophylaxis step using one of three different prophylaxis pastes: Test‐A (15% NovaMin® and NaF), Test‐B (15% NovaMin®) and a control. Dentine hypersensitivity was assessed by tactile stimulus (Yeaple Probe®) and by air blast (Schiff scale) at baseline, immediately after and 28 days after a prophylaxis procedure. One hundred and forty‐nine subjects completed the study.

Results

Subjects having received the test prophylaxis pastes showed statistically lower (anova, p < 0.05) dentine hypersensitivity compared with the control group immediately after the prophylaxis procedure (Yeaple Probe®: Test‐A = 20.9 ± 12.6, Test‐B = 22.7 ± 12.9, Control=11.2 ± 3.1; Schiff score: Test‐A = 1.1 ± 0.6, Test‐B = 1.1 ± 0.6, Control = 2.0 ± 0.7) and after 28 days (Yeaple probe: Test‐A = 21.5 ± 11.9, Test‐B = 20.6 ± 11.3, Control = 11.8 ± 6.0; Schiff score: Test‐A = 1.0 ± 0.6, Test‐B = 1.0 ± 0.6, Control = 2.0 ± 0.7).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the single application of both fluoridated and non‐fluoridated prophylaxis pastes containing 15% CSPS (NovaMin®) provided a significant reduction of dentine hypersensitivity up to at least 28 days.
Determinants of alveolar ridge preservation differ by anatomic location
Authors: Leblebicioglu Binnaz , Salas Mabel , Ort Yirae , Johnson Ashley , Yildiz Vedat O. , Kim Do‐Gyoon , Agarwal Sudha , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: January 2013

Aim

To investigate and compare outcomes following alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in posterior maxilla and mandible.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients (54 ± 3 years) with single posterior tooth extraction were included. ARP was performed with freeze‐dried bone allograft and collagen membrane. Clinical parameters were recorded at extraction and re‐entry. Harvested bone cores were analysed by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry.

Results

In both jaws, ARP prevented ridge height loss, but ridge width was significantly reduced by approximately 2.5 mm. Healing time, initial clinical attachment loss and amount of keratinized tissue at extraction site were identified as determinants of ridge height outcome. Buccal plate thickness and tooth root length were identified as determinants of ridge width outcome. In addition, initial ridge width was positively correlated with ridge width loss. Micro‐CT revealed greater mineralization per unit volume in new bone compared with existing bone in mandible (p < 0.001). Distributions of residual graft, new cellular bone and immature tissue were similar in both jaws.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, the results indicate that in different anatomic locations different factors may determine ARP outcomes. Further studies are needed to better understand determinants of ARP outcomes.
A comparative analysis of the mechanisms underlying speciation on Lord Howe Island
Authors: Papadopulos A. S. T. , Price Z. , Devaux C. , Hipperson H. , Smadja C. M. , Hutton I. , Baker W. J. , Butlin R. K. , Savolainen V.
Published: January 2013

On Lord Howe Island, speciation is thought to have taken placein situin a diverse array of distantly related plant taxa (Metrosideros,HoweaandCoprosma;Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA108, 2011, 13188). We now investigate whether the speciation processes were driven by divergent natural selection in each genus by examining the extent of ecological and genetic divergence. We present new and extensive, ecological and genetic data for all three genera. Consistent with ecologically driven speciation, outlier loci were detected using genome scan methods. This mechanism is supported by individual‐based analyses of genotype–environment correlationswithinspecies, demonstrating that local adaptation is currently widespread on the island. Genetic analyses show that prezygotic isolating barriers within species are currently insufficiently strong to allow further population differentiation. Interspecific hybridization was found in bothHoweaandCoprosma, and species distribution modelling indicates that competitive exclusion may result in selection against admixed individuals. Colonization of new niches, partly fuelled by the rapid generation of new adaptive genotypes via hybridization, appears to have resulted in the adaptive radiation inCoprosma– supporting the ‘Syngameon hypothesis’.
Watershed degradation and the growing risk of erosion in Hawassa‐Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebretsadik Zenebe Mekonnen
Published: January 2013

Watershed degradation has resulted in high risk of erosion followed by risk of flooding in the lowlands and has become the most livelihoods' threatening factor in Ethiopia in general and in the fragile watersheds of Hawassa Zuria District in particular. The objectives of this study were: (a) to assess farmers' practices of land, water and biomass management in order to improve their livelihoods; (b) to assess the existing risks and interventions and the condition of the watershed; (c) to assess the socio‐economic patterns of the farmers in the watershed. A group discussion with different stakeholders, key informant interviews and observational survey through transect walks have been used as methods of data collection. The study result has shown that the most threatening factor of degradation is gully erosion due to vegetation removal from the watershed. About 94% of the farmers used and agreed that they stabilised gullies by physical and biological measures; 60% and 88% of the respondents, respectively have indicated diversion of run‐off above the gully and improvement of gully catchments as a means of gully erosion measures and reduce flooding risks in the lowlands. Community awareness creation on natural resource conservation and management as well as resolving tenure disagreements can also play role in gully control and land rehabilitation.
Midlife Physical Activity Preserves Lower Extremity Function in Older Adults: Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility–Reykjavik Study
Authors: Chang Milan , Saczynski Jane S. , Snaedal Jon , Bjornsson Sigurbjorn , Einarsson Bjorn , Garcia Melissa , Aspelund Thor , Siggeirsdottir Kristine , Gudnason Vilmundur , Launer Lenore J. , Harris Tamara B. , Jonsson Palmi V.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To examine the long‐term association between midlife physical activity (PA) and lower extremity function (LEF) in late life.

Design

Longitudinal study with an average of 25 years of follow‐up.

Setting

Community‐dwelling old population in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Participants

Four thousand seven hundred fifty‐three community‐dwelling men and women (mean age 76 ± 6) in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Measurements

On the basis of weekly hours of regular PA reported at the midlife examination, participants were classified as active or inactive. Measures of LEF in late life were gait speed on a 6‐m walk, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and knee extension (KE) strength tests. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association.

Results

Participants who were active in midlife had significantly better LEF (faster gait speed, β = 0.50, P ≤ .001; faster TUG time, β = –0.53 P ≤ .001; stronger KE strength, β = 1.3, P ≤ .001) in late life than those who were not active in midlife after adjusting for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors. After adjustment for cognitive function in late life (speed of processing, memory, and executive function), participants who were active in midlife had significantly faster gait speed (β = 0.04, P ≤ .001), faster TUG time (β = −0.34, P ≤ .001), and greater KE strength (β = 0.87, P ≤ .001) in old age than those who were not active in midlife.

Conclusion

Regular PA in midlife is associated with better performance of LEF in later life, even after controlling for late‐life cognitive function.
A Community‐Based Culturally Competent Oral Health Promotion for Migrant Older Adults Living in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Mariño Rodrigo , Calache Hanny , Morgan Mike
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of a theory‐based oral health promotion intervention in a community environment by a nondental peer educator on the oral hygiene and gingival health of independent‐living Italian older adults.

Design

A quasiexperimental design with a pretest–posttest nonequivalent control group with no intervention.

Setting

Ten Melbourne‐based Italian social clubs participated in this evaluation.

Participants

One hundred forty‐four active members of the social clubs.

Intervention

A series of oral health seminars and four supervised brushing sessions at club premises. The intervention did not involve any direct oral health professional clinical care. Clubs were allocated to the control or intervention group.

Measurements

Dental plaque levels and gingival bleeding scores were determined. A series of one‐way analyses of covariance were conducted using the baseline measures as covariates.

Results

Controlling for pretest scores, the experimental group was significantly more likely than the control group to have improved gingival status and self‐efficacy. No significant effects were found regarding dental plaque.

Conclusion

Within the setting of Italian social clubs, the intervention was effective at increasing self‐efficacy and reducing gingival bleeding. As such, it represents a useful approach for the design of oral health interventions in older migrant adults.
Clinician Roles and Responsibilities During Care Transitions of Older Adults
Authors: Schoenborn Nancy L. , Arbaje Alicia I. , Eubank Kathryn J. , Maynor Kenric , Carrese Joseph A.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To identify the perceived roles and responsibilities of clinicians during care transitions of older adults.

Design

Qualitative study involving 1‐hour in‐depth semistructured interviews. Audiotapes of interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed, and themes and subthemes were generated.

Setting

An acute care hospital, a skilled nursing facility, two community‐based outpatient practices, and one home healthcare agency.

Participants

Forty healthcare professionals directly involved in care transitions of older adults (18 physicians, 11 home healthcare administrative and field staff, four social workers, three nurse practitioners, three physician assistants, and one hospital case manager).

Measurements

Perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding clinicians' roles and responsibilities during care transitions were examined and described.

Results

Content analysis revealed several themes: components of clinicians' roles during care transitions; congruence between self‐ and others' perceived ideal roles but incongruence between ideal and routine roles; ambiguity in accountability in the postdischarge period; factors prompting clinicians to act closer to ideal roles; and barriers to performing ideal roles. A conceptual framework was created to summarize clinicians' roles during care transitions.

Conclusion

This study reports differences between what healthcare professionals perceive as ideal roles of clinicians during care transitions and what clinicians actually do routinely. Certain patient and clinician factors prompt clinicians to act closer to the ideal roles. Multiple barriers interfere with consistent practice of ideal roles. Future investigations could evaluate interventions targeting various components of the conceptual framework and relevant outcomes.
Evaluation of the lymphocyte trafficking drug FTY720 in vaginal tissues
Authors: Tsuiki Ai , Luo Wei , Henning Tara , Vishwanathan Sundaram , Dinh Chuong , Adams Debra , Sweeney Elizabeth , Mitchell James , Bachman Shannon , Sharma Prachi , Powell Nathaniel , Hendry Michael , McNicholl Janet , Kersh Ellen
Published: January 2013

Background

FTY720 is an immunomodulatory agent that reduces lymphocytes in peripheral tissues and circulation. Such agents may be effective as vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention. Systemic or vaginal application of FTY720 may reduce lymphocyte concentrations in genital tissues, reducing HIV target cell numbers.

Methods

Five female pigtail macaques received topical vaginal gel FTY720 (n = 2), intravenous (IV) FTY720 (n = 2), or placebo gel (n = 1) in this pilot study. Circulating and mucosal lymphocytes and genital mucosa, cytokines, and tissue histology were analyzed to document topical and IV FTY720 effects.

Results

Topical and IV FTY720 appeared to decrease the levels of cervicovaginal IL‐8, IL‐1ra, and genital inflammatory cells. Small sample size precluded statistical analysis. Topical administration had no overt adverse effects.

Conclusions

This study introduces FTY720 as an immunomodulatory agent for the vaginal mucosa, compares topical effects to those of IV administration, and provides the basis for future studies involving FTY720 for HIV prevention.
Exophthalmos due to odontogenic intraorbital abscess in Cebus apella
Authors: Oriá Arianne P. , Pinna Melissa H. , Estrela‐Lima Alessandra , Junior Deusdete G. , Libório Fernanda A. , de Assis Dórea Neto Francisco , Oliveira Alberto V. D. , Nogueira Marcos , Requião Katia
Published: January 2013

Background

The accumulation of pus in the orbit originating from an infected dental root is classified as odontogenic intraorbital abscess.

Methods

Clinical, laboratory, and image evaluation of a non‐human primate was performed.

Results

The patient was cured after surgical therapy.

Conclusions

This represents the first report of an odontogenic periodontal abscess in Cebus apella.
Male‐specific alteration in excitatory post‐synaptic development and social interaction in pre‐natal valproic acid exposure model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kim Ki Chan , Kim Pitna , Go Hyo Sang , Choi Chang Soon , Park Jin Hee , Kim Hee Jin , Jeon Se Jin , dela Pena Ike Campomayor , Han Seol‐Heui , Cheong Jae Hoon , Ryu Jong Hoon , Shin Chan Young
Published: January 2013

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by three main behavioral symptoms including social deficits, impaired communication, and stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. ASD prevalence shows gender bias to male. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a drug used in epilepsy and bipolar disorder, induces autistic symptoms in both human and rodents. As we reported previously, prenatally VPA‐exposed animals at E12 showed impairment in social behavior without any overt reproductive toxicity. Social interactions were not significantly different between male and female rats in control condition. However, VPA‐exposed male offspring showed significantly impaired social interaction while female offspring showed only marginal deficits in social interaction. Similar male inclination was observed in hyperactivity behavior induced by VPA. In addition to the ASD‐like behavioral phenotype, prenatally VPA‐exposed rat offspring shows crooked tail phenotype, which was not different between male and female groups. Both male and female rat showed reduced GABAergic neuronal marker GAD and increased glutamatergic neuronal marker vGluT1 expression. Interestingly, despite of the similar increased expression of vGluT1, post‐synaptic marker proteins such as PSD‐95 and α‐CAMKII expression was significantly elevated only in male offspring. Electron microscopy showed increased number of post‐synapse in male but not in female at 4 weeks of age. These results might suggest that the altered glutamatergic neuronal differentiation leads to deranged post‐synaptic maturation only in male offspring prenatally exposed to VPA. Consistent with the increased post‐synaptic compartment, VPA‐exposed male rats showed higher sensitivity to electric shock than VPA‐exposed female rats. These results suggest that prenatally VPA‐exposed rats show the male preponderance of ASD‐like behaviors including defective social interaction similar to human autistic patients, which might be caused by ectopic increase in glutamatergic synapses in male rats.
Neuronal Galectin‐4 is required for axon growth and for the organization of axonal membrane L1 delivery and clustering
Authors: Velasco Silvia , Díez‐Revuelta Natalia , Hernández‐Iglesias Teresa , Kaltner Herbert , André Sabine , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Abad‐Rodríguez José
Published: January 2013

Axon membrane glycoproteins are essential for neuronal differentiation, although the mechanisms underlying their polarized sorting and organization are poorly understood. We describe here that galectin‐4 (Gal‐4), a lectin highly expressed in gastrointestinal tissues and involved in epithelial glycoprotein transport, is expressed by hippocampal and cortical neurons where it is sorted to discrete segments of the axonal membrane in a microtubule‐ and sulfatide‐dependent manner. Gal‐4 knockdown retards axon growth, an effect that can be rescued by recombinant Gal‐4 addition. This Gal‐4 reduction, as inhibition of sulfatide synthesis does, lowers the presence and clustered organization of axon growth‐promoting molecule NCAM L1 at the axon membrane. Furthermore, we find that Gal‐4 interacts with L1 by specifically binding to LacNAc branch ends of L1 N‐glycans. Impairing the maturation of these N‐glycans precludes Gal‐4/L1 association resulting in a failure of L1 membrane cluster organization. In all, Gal‐4 sorts to axon plasma membrane segments by binding to sulfatide‐containing microtubule‐associated carriers and being bivalent, it organizes the transport of L1, and likely other axonal glycoproteins, by attaching them to the carriers through their LacNAc termini. This mechanism would underlie L1 functional organization on the plasma membrane, required for proper axon growth.
Age‐dependent dystonia in striatal Gγ7 deficient mice is reversed by the dopamine D2 receptor agonist pramipexole
Authors: Sasaki Keita , Yamasaki Tatsuro , Omotuyi Idowu O. , Mishina Masayoshi , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: January 2013

Gγ7 is enriched in striatum and forms a heterotrimeric complex with Gαolf/Gβ, which is coupled to D1 receptor (D1R). Here, we attempted to characterize the pathophysiological, neurochemical, and pharmacological features of mice deficient of Gγ7 gene. Gγ7 knockout mice exhibited age‐dependent deficiency in rotarod behavior and increased dystonia‐like clasping reflex without loss of striatal neurons. The neurochemical basis for the motor manifestations using immunoblot analysis revealed increased levels of D1R, ChAT and NMDA receptor subunits (NR1 and NR2B) concurrent with decreased levels of D2R and Gαolf, possibly because of the secondary changes of decreased Gαolf/Gγ7‐mediated D1R transmission. These behavioral and neurochemical changes are closely related to those observed in Huntington's disease (HD) human subjects and HD model mice. Taking advantage of the finding of D2R down‐regulation in Gγ7 knockout mice and the dopamine‐mediated synergistic relationship in the control of locomotion between D2R‐striatopallidal and D1R‐stritonigral neurons, we hypothesized that D2‐agonist pramipexole would reverse behavioral dyskinesia caused by defective D1R/Gαolf signaling. Indeed, the rotarod deficiency and clasping reflex were reversed by pramipexole treatment under chronic administration. These findings suggest that Gγ7 knockout mice could be a new type of movement disorders, including HD and useful for the evaluation of therapeutic candidates.
Stress‐induced changes in adrenal neuropeptide Y expression are regulated by a negative feedback loop
Authors: Wang Qian , Whim Matthew D.
Published: January 2013

Neuropeptide Y is a co‐transmitter that is synthesized by chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. During the fight‐or‐flight response these cells release NPY in addition to epinephrine and norepinephrine. Following the stress‐induced reflex, the levels of NPY are increased as part of a homeostatic response that modulates catecholaminergic signaling. Here, we examined the control of NPY expression in mice after brief exposure to the cold water forced swim test. This treatment led to a shift in NPY expression between two populations of chromaffin cells that reversed over the course of 1 week. When NPY(GFP) BAC transgenic animals were exposed to stress, there was an increase in cytoplasmic, non‐secretable GFP, indicating that stress increased NPY promoter activity. In vivo blockage of Y2 (but not Y1 or Y5) receptors increased basal adrenal NPY expression and so modulated the effects of stress. We conclude that release of NPY mediates a negative feedback loop that inhibits its own expression. Thus, the levels of NPY are determined by a balance between the potentiating effects of stress and the tonic inhibitory actions of Y2 receptors. This may be an efficient way to ensure the levels of this modulator do not decline following intense sympathetic activity.
The effects of litter accumulation through succession on seed bank formation for small‐ and large‐seeded species
Authors: Egawa Chika , Tsuyuzaki Shiro
Published: January 2013

Questions

How does litter accumulation through succession affect secondary seed dispersal and buried seed viability and consequently control seed bank formation for small‐ and large‐seeded species?

Location

A post‐mined peatland in northern Japan (45°06′ N, 141°42′ E) where the chronological sequence of plant community succession is known.

Methods

The movements of seeds after reaching the ground surface and the availability of viable seeds potentially contributing to seed bank formation at various depths were experimentally investigated for 1 yr in four species that produce different‐sized seeds: Drosera rotundifolia (seed mass 0.01 mg), Lobelia sessilifolia (0.25 mg), Rhynchospora alba (0.87 mg) and Moliniopsis japonica (1.82 mg). The experiments were conducted in three successional stages with 0‐, 4‐ and 9‐cm thick litter layers.

Results

Seed emigration decreased and seed retention increased with an increase in litter thickness. Large seeds were retained within the litter throughout the experimental period, and fewer seeds were buried in peat compared to small seeds trapped by thick litter, which had shifted downward by the following early spring. Litter contributed to increasing the number of viable and ungerminated seeds. The number of viable seeds for all species was nearly zero on the bare peat surface. The numbers of viable seeds on and beneath the peat surface increased with increases in litter cover thickness.

Conclusions

The patterns of secondary seed dispersal and the availability of viable seeds were altered by litter accumulation through the progress of succession. Moreover, the effects of litter on seeds varied among species for which seed size differed. Overall, our results suggest that temporal changes in litter thickness through the progress of succession can play an important role in seed bank formation, which has potential impacts on the long‐term dynamics of plant populations and the whole community.
H2A.Z/H2B.Z double‐variant nucleosomes inhabit the AT‐rich promoter regions of the Plasmodium falciparum genome
Authors: Hoeijmakers Wieteke A. M. , Salcedo‐Amaya Adriana M. , Smits Arne H. , Françoijs Kees‐Jan , Treeck Moritz , Gilberger Tim‐Wolf , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Bártfai Richárd
Published: January 2013

Histone variants are key components of the epigenetic code and evolved to perform specific functions in transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, chromosome segregation and other fundamental processes. Although variants for histone H2A and H3 are found throughout the eukaryotic kingdom, variants of histone H2B and H4 are rarely encountered. H2B.Z is one of those rare H2B variants and is apicomplexan‐specific. Here we show that in Plasmodium falciparum H2B.Z localizes to euchromatic intergenic regions throughout intraerythrocytic development and together with H2A.Z forms a double‐variant nucleosome subtype. These nucleosomes are enriched in promoters over 3′ intergenic regions and their occupancy generally correlates with the strength of the promoter, but not with its temporal activity. Remarkably, H2B.Z occupancy levels exhibit a clear correlation with the base‐composition of the underlying DNA, raising the intriguing possibility that the extreme AT content of the intergenic regions within the Plasmodium genome might be instructive for histone variant deposition. In summary, our data show that the H2A.Z/H2B.Z double‐variant nucleosome demarcates putative regulatory regions of the P. falciparum epigenome and likely provides a scaffold for dynamic regulation of gene expression in this deadly human pathogen.
A novel interference mechanism by a type IIIB CRISPR‐Cmr module in Sulfolobus
Authors: Deng Ling , Garrett Roger A. , Shah Shiraz A. , Peng Xu , She Qunxin
Published: January 2013

Recent studies on CRISPR‐based adaptive immune systems have revealed extensive structural and functional diversity of the interference complexes which often coexist intracellularly. The archaeon Sulfolobus islandicus REY15A encodes three interference modules, one of type IA and two of type IIIB. Earlier we showed that type IA activity eliminated plasmid vectors carrying matching protospacers with specific CCN PAM sequences. Here we demonstrate that interference‐mediated by one type IIIB module Cmr‐α, and a Csx1 protein, efficiently eliminated plasmid vectors carrying matching protospacers but lacking PAM motifs. Moreover, Cmr‐α‐mediated interference was dependent on directional transcription of the protospacer, in contrast to the transcription‐independent activities of the type IA and type IIIA DNA interference. We infer that the interference mechanism involves transcription‐dependent DNA targeting. A rationale is provided for the intracellular coexistence of the different interference systems in S. islandicus REY15A which cooperate functionally by sharing a single Cas6 protein for crRNA processing and utilize crRNA products from identical CRISPR spacers.