bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecal Calprotectin as a Correlative Marker in Clinical Severity of Infectious Diarrhea and Usefulness in Evaluating Bacterial or Viral Pathogens in Children
Authors: Chen Chien‐Chang , Huang Jing‐Long , Chang Chee‐Jen , Kong Man‐Shan
Published: December 2012

Background:

Calprotectin is a marker associated with intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study is to explore the diagnostic value of fecal calprotectin in predicting bacterial/viral diarrhea and the application of fecal calprotectin in the clinical course of infectious diarrhea.

Methods:

Patients ages from 3 months to 10 years with infectious diarrhea were enrolled, and from each patient, 2 to 3 stool samples were collected. Fecal calprotectin levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and compared by pathogen and disease activity. A univariate linear regression was used to determine the correlation between fecal calprotectin and the clinical parameters, and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used for the time course analyses.

Results:

The data include 451 evaluations for 153 individuals across 3 different time points. The fecal calprotectin level was higher in patients with Salmonella infection (median with range 765 [252–1246] μg/g) or Campylobacter infection (689 [307–1046] μg/g) compared with patients with rotavirus infection (89 [11–426] μg/g), norovirus infection (93 [25–405] μg/g), or adenovirus infection (95 [65–224] μg/g). Fecal calprotectin concentrations were elevated in patients with severe (843 [284–1246] μg/g) or moderate (402 [71–995] μg/g) disease activity compared with those with mild (87 [11–438] μg/g) disease activity (P < 0.05). GEE analysis suggests that fecal calprotectin is correlated with clinical severity (eg, Vesikari score) and may provide information for disease management.

Conclusions:

Fecal calprotectin levels increased during bacterial infection and as disease severity increased, and its levels on the initial evaluation and follow‐up visit are correlated with clinical severity. Fecal calprotectin may be a useful marker for application in children during infectious diarrhea.
Management of Ingested Magnets in Children
Authors: Hussain Sunny Z. , Bousvaros Athos , Gilger Mark , Mamula Petar , Gupta Sandeep , Kramer Robert , Noel R. Adam
Published: December 2012

We describe a comprehensive algorithm for the management of ingested rare‐earth magnets in children. These newer and smaller neodymium magnets sold as adult toys are much stronger than the traditional magnets, and can attract each other with formidable forces. If >1 magnet is swallowed at the same time, or a magnet is co‐ingested with another metallic object, the loops of intestine can be squeezed between them resulting in bowel damage including perforations. An algorithm that uses the number of magnets ingested, location of magnets, and the timing of ingestion before intervention helps to delineate the roles of the pediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons in the management of these cases.
Portal Hypertension in Children and Young Adults With Biliary Atresia
Authors: Shneider Benjamin L. , Abel Bob , Haber Barbara , Karpen Saul J. , Magee John C. , Romero Rene , Schwarz Kathleen , Bass Lee M. , Kerkar Nanda , Miethke Alexander G. , Rosenthal Philip , Turmelle Yumirle , Robuck Patricia R. , Sokol Ronald J. ,   Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network (ChiLDREN)
Published: December 2012

Objective:

Biliary atresia (BA) frequently results in portal hypertension (PHT), complications of which lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network was used to perform a cross‐sectional multicentered analysis of PHT in children with BA.

Methods:

Subjects with BA receiving medical management at a Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network site were enrolled. A priori, clinically evident PHT was defined as “definite” when there was either history of a complication of PHT or clinical findings consistent with PHT (both splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia). PHT was denoted as “possible” if one of the findings was present in the absence of a complication, whereas PHT was “absent” if none of the criteria were met.

Results:

A total of 163 subjects were enrolled between May 2006 and December 2009. At baseline, definite PHT was present in 49%, possible in 17%, and absent in 34% of subjects. Demographics, growth, and anthropometrics were similar amongst the 3 PHT categories. Alanine aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, and sodium levels were similar, whereas there were significant differences in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/alanine aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, white blood cell count, platelet count, and AST/platelet count between definite and absent PHT. Thirty‐four percent of those with definite PHT had either prothrombin time >15 seconds or albumin <3 g/dL.

Conclusions:

Clinically definable PHT is present in two‐thirds of North American long‐term BA survivors with their native livers. The presence of PHT is associated with measures of hepatic injury and dysfunction, although in this selected cohort, the degree of hepatic dysfunction is relatively mild and growth is preserved.
FUS binds the CTD of RNA polymerase II and regulates its phosphorylation at Ser2
Authors: Schwartz Jacob C. , Ebmeier Christopher C. , Podell Elaine R. , Heimiller Joseph , Taatjes Dylan J. , Cech Thomas R.
Published: December 2012

Mutations in the RNA-binding protein FUS (fused in sarcoma)/TLS have been shown to cause the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the normal role of FUS is incompletely understood. We found that FUS binds the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (RNAP2) and prevents inappropriate hyperphosphorylation of Ser2 in the RNAP2 CTD at thousands of human genes. The loss of FUS leads to RNAP2 accumulation at the transcription start site and a shift in mRNA isoform expression toward early polyadenylation sites. Thus, in addition to its role in alternative RNA splicing, FUS has a general function in orchestrating CTD phosphorylation during RNAP2 transcription.
The autoregulated instability of Polo-like kinase 4 limits centrosome duplication to once per cell cycle
Authors: Holland Andrew J. , Fachinetti Daniele , Zhu Quan , Bauer Manuel , Verma Inder M. , Nigg Erich A. , Cleveland Don W.
Published: December 2012

Centrioles organize the centrosome, and accurate control of their number is critical for the maintenance of genomic integrity. Centriole duplication occurs once per cell cycle and is controlled by Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4). We showed previously that Plk4 phosphorylates itself to promote its degradation by the proteasome. Here we demonstrate that this autoregulated instability controls the abundance of endogenous Plk4. Preventing Plk4 autoregulation causes centrosome amplification, stabilization of p53, and loss of cell proliferation; moreover, suppression of p53 allows growth of cells carrying amplified centrosomes. Plk4 autoregulation thus guards against genome instability by limiting centrosome duplication to once per cell cycle.
Building information modelling in Denmark and Iceland
Authors: Anker Jensen Per , Ingi Jóhannesson Elvar
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of building information modelling (BIM) in the Nordic countries of Europe with particular focus on the Danish building industry with the aim of making use of its experience for the Icelandic building industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on two separate analyses. In the first part, the deployment of information and communication technology (ICT) in the Icelandic building industry is investigated and compared with the other Nordic countries. In the second part the experience in Denmark from implementing and working with BIM is studied. Based on findings from both parts, ideas and recommendations are put forward for the Icelandic building industry about feasible ways of implementing BIM.

Findings

Among the results are that the use of BIM is very limited in the Icelandic companies compared to the other Nordic countries.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to the Nordic countries in Europe, but many recommendations could be relevant to other countries.

Practical implications

It is recommended to the Icelandic building authorities to get into cooperation with their Nordic counterparts for making standards and guidelines related to BIM. Public building clients are also encouraged to consider initiating projects based on making simple building models of existing buildings in order to introduce the BIM technology to the industry. Icelandic companies are recommended to start implementing BIM immediately although in small steps.

Originality/value

The research has particular value by its focus on how learning from implementation of BIM in one country can be used in another country.
History‐of‐management‐thought about social responsibility
Authors: Randy Evans W. , Pane Haden Stephanie S. , Clayton Russell W. , Novicevic Milorad M.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the development of the social responsibility (SR) of business concept and related management philosophies through the history‐of‐management‐thought perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The history‐of‐management‐thought approach to social responsibility (SR) is grounded in the paradigm of continuing progress exemplified by the contributions of great management thinkers (e.g. Fayol, Taylor, Follett, Barnard). A historical evolution of the SR concept is provided, together with tracing the development of stakeholder theory in its attempt to depict the relationship between stakeholder management and SR.

Findings

Three management philosophies (recognition of the external environment, a need for collaboration, and a need for a shared understanding) emerge from both classical and modern management thinkers. Recent conceptualizations have added depth by clarifying the meaning of social responsibility and in addition, detailing the nature of firm‐stakeholder relationships. Despite voluminous literature, achieving collaborative integration between firms and stakeholders in practice appears elusive.

Practical implications

These management philosophies can help organizations navigate the intertwined relationship between business and society. Business leaders need to consider the vital role of trust in building more collaborative relationships.

Originality/value

The unique contribution of this paper is to provide the first history‐of‐management‐thought perspective on the social responsibility of business by tracing changes in the conceptualization of this concept, including the related stakeholder paradigm, to their roots in the works of renowned management thinkers.
The relevance of management to society: Peter Drucker's oeuvre from the 1940s and 1950s
Authors: Chong Derrick
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the continuing relevance to management education of the writings of Peter Drucker (1909‐2005) from the 1940s and 1950s, with particular reference toThe Practice of Management(1954).

Design/methodology/approach

Drucker's contribution to management writing from the 1940s and 1950s is examined via a liberal humanist perspective, which is to suggest that he attempted to develop an educated imagination in his readers.

Findings

Drucker contributes to current discussions on the role of business in society and the nature of capitalism. His insistence on the business corporation being a social institution and management as a social system with multiple stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to examining Drucker's writings. Future research can include why Drucker has won acclaim outside of the USA (with the rise of Drucker Societies) and why he is absent from many undergraduate and postgraduate reading lists in management education.

Practical implications

The current crisis of capitalism would benefit from Drucker's perspective of the US model of capitalism from the middle of the twentieth century.

Originality/value

Though well‐known as a management thinker, Drucker is also marginalized by many academics, and hence is outside the reading lists of many business and management students. This paper seeks to reclaim territory for Drucker as part of current discussions on the future of capitalism and the role of the business corporation.
Sensitive skin evaluation in the Japanese population
Authors: KAMIDE Ryoichi , MISERY Laurent , PEREZ‐CULLELL Nuria , SIBAUD Vincent , TAÏEB Charles
Published: December 2012

Sensitive skin syndrome was first described in 1977; however, no robust study has been carried out to evaluate its prevalence in Japan. A national representative sample of the Japanese population over the age of 18 years was taken. Individuals were questioned by telephone and selected according to the quota method. When asked “Do you have a sensitive skin?”, 52.84% of men and 55.98% of women answered “rather sensitive” or “very sensitive”. There was no significant difference (P = 0.22) between the two sexes. The non‐response rate among respondents was zero, suggesting that the term “sensitive skin” held a meaning for the majority of the population. Concerning questions about the onset of a rash, tingling or irritation in the presence of various factors, such as emotional issues, cold, heat, sun, dry air, air‐conditioning, water, air pollution and temperature variations, respondents with rather sensitive or very sensitive skin responded “yes” more often than others: approximately three‐times more often for water (18.97%/6.15%), air pollution (39.29%/12.45%) and warm climatic conditions (29.74%/9.8%). To our knowledge, this epidemiological study is the first to focus on sensitive skin among Japanese people of this century. It is of particular interest for two reasons: (i) it was conducted on a representative sample of the Japanese population; and (ii) the methodology used was identical to that used for sensitive skin assessment studies conducted in Europe and the USA, making it possible to draw certain comparisons.
Causes of vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus under the at‐risk prevention strategy in Japan
Authors: Torii Yuka , Kimura Hiroshi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Suzuki Michio , Kawada Jun‐ichi , Kojima Seiji , Katano Yoshiaki , Goto Hidemi , Ito Yoshinori
Published: December 2012

The number of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier babies has decreased markedly since the introduction in Japan of an “at‐risk” strategy for preventing HBV infection. However, elimination of HBV infection from our country appears difficult. To clarify the limitations of the at‐risk strategy for preventing vertical transmission of HBV, causes of vertical transmission in a single hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The following causes were presumed in 17 carrier pediatric cases: five patients had prenatal HBV infection, HBV infection during/after the immunization program was confirmed in five cases, two patients had prenatal infection or infection during the immunization program and three cases were caused by human error (by the patients' guardians). Because their mothers were HBV‐negative at screening and only developed acute hepatitis B in the perinatal period, another two cases (Cases 3 and 10) did not undergo immunization because they were not subjects of the at‐risk strategy. Sequence analyses in ten patients revealed genotype C (subgenotype, C2/Ce) in nine cases and genotype A (subgenotype, A2/Ae) in one case (Case 3). In Japan, HBV subgenotype Ae has recently been found more frequently among sexually active men with acute hepatitis. There are concerns that horizontal transmission of HBV from these men to their pregnant partners could increase. These data suggest clear limitations to the at‐risk strategy in Japan and the possibility that the increase in genotype A may influence vertical transmission of HBV.
Neutralization of bacterial endotoxins by frog antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Schadich Ermin , Mason Drusilla , Cole Anthony L.
Published: December 2012

The ability of skin antimicrobial peptides of the southern bell frog, Litoria raniformis, to neutralize in vitro the endotoxin, proinflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) complex, from two different gram‐negative bacterial pathogens, human pathogen Escherichia coli (0111:B4) and frog pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae, was investigated. The LPS neutralization activity of the natural mixture of skin antimicrobial peptides was measured using chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate assays. These skin antimicrobial peptides neutralized the LPSs from both pathogens at physiologically relevant concentrations (IC50 < 100 µg/mL) showing their potential for non‐specific LPS neutralization in vivo in the skin of infected frogs and for development of anti‐endotoxin agents.
Urbanization and wetland communities: applying metacommunity theory to understand the local and landscape effects
Authors: Johnson Pieter T. J. , Hoverman Jason T. , McKenzie Valerie J. , Blaustein Andrew R. , Richgels Katherine L. D.
Published: December 2012

Urbanization is a growing threat to ecological communities and has become a leading cause of population extirpations in a wide range of taxa. Because the effects of urbanization are often multifaceted, identifying the pathways through which changes in communities occur has remained a persistent challenge.

We draw upon metacommunity theory to evaluate competing explanations for the effects of urbanization, focusing on the relative importance of processes at local (e.g. abiotic and biotic characteristics) and regional (e.g. habitat connectivity and dispersal) scales. Over 4 years, we sampled 201 wetlands in theFrontRange region ofColorado, which is one of the most rapidly developing areas in theUSA.

Wetlands embedded within urban areas exhibited significantly lower taxonomic richness and diversity compared to those in agricultural or grassland areas. Relative to grassland wetlands, urban wetlands supported a 60% lower richness of amphibians and aquatic reptiles and a 33% lower richness of aquatic insects, molluscs and crayfish. These patterns were associated with changes in biotic factors (introduced fishes and bullfrogs), abiotic factors (nutrients, conductivity and vegetation) and landscape characteristics (road density and surrounding wetland area).

The use of an information‐theoretic approach and structural equation modelling suggested that the effects of urbanization on richness were mainly driven by changes in road density. Analyses of community composition indicated that discrete communities formed along the urban systems gradient, such that actively dispersing predators associated more negatively with urban system relative to herbivores with passive dispersal.

Synthesis and applications. These results highlight the importance of considering both local and regional factors in addressing conservation‐related challenges and underscore the benefits of linking conceptual work on metacommunity theory with applied efforts to mitigate the effects of urbanization.
Fine‐tuning the assessment of large‐scale temporal trends in biodiversity using the example ofBritish breeding birds
Authors: Studeny Angelika C. , Buckland Stephen T. , Harrison Philip J. , Illian Janine B. , Magurran Anne E. , Newson Stuart E.
Published: December 2012

Bird populations are seen as useful indicators of the health of wildlife and the countryside because they occupy a range of habitats, they tend to be towards the top of the food chain, and data is provided by long‐term surveys. Hence, many countries apply wild bird indicators (WBIs), quantifying trends in biodiversity, to monitor environmental health. TheUK'sWBI, for example, has become one of the government's headline indicators of sustainable development. Understanding the population changes underlying the estimated trends is indispensable if we are to allocate limited resources more effectively. Employing a novel set of measures alongside the traditional geometric mean index, we analyse diversity trends amongBritish breeding birds. It reveals that species that are scarce, but not yet in the focus of conservation action, may be the ‘losers’ in biodiversity action plans. This suggests that additional resources should be devoted to species showing long‐term decline before they reach the low population levels that currently trigger large‐scale species‐specific rescue projects.
Not fit for purpose: a call for separate and distinct pedagogies as part of a national framework for those with severe and profound learning difficulties
Authors: Imray Peter , Hinchcliffe Viv
Published: December 2012

The introduction of the National Curriculum in 1988 caused much discussion (some of it angst‐ridden) among both academics and practitioners working with pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties, and much of the meat (and the angst) of these discussions is still going on today. We argue that 24 years is a long experiment; that despite the best intentions of many, the experiment has failed; it is therefore well past time for separate and distinct pedagogies to be formulated for both severe and profound learning difficulties. Such pedagogies can only exist as part of the current National Curriculum if they are recognised as distinct curriculum models for those with severe and profound learning difficulties.
Hepcidin is a Potential Regulator of Iron Status in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tsuchiya Ken , Nitta Kosaku
Published: December 2012

Hepcidin is a small defensin‐like peptide produced primarily by hepatocytes, but also by other cells, including macrophages. In addition to hepcidin's antimicrobial properties, it is the main regulator of iron metabolism and controls both the amount of dietary iron absorbed in the duodenum and the iron release by reticuloendothelial cells. Hepcidin expression is upregulated by a variety of stimuli, including inflammation and iron overload, and downregulated by anemia, hypoxia, and iron deficiency. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased serum hepcidin levels, and the increased levels may contribute to the development and severity of anemia and to resistance to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs). Elevated serum hepcidin levels contribute to the dysregulation of iron homeostasis in CKD patients. Although parenteral iron supplementation can bypass some of the iron‐blocking effects of hepcidin in CKD patients with anemia, and free iron and iron stores increase as a result, the anemia is only partially corrected, and the ESA dose requirements remain significantly higher than needed for physiological replacement. Treatment with agents that lower serum hepcidin levels or inhibit its actions may be an effective strategy for restoring normal iron homeostasis and improving anemia in CKD patients. The aim of this article was to review the regulation of hepcidin levels and the role of hepcidin in CKD‐related anemia, and to discuss hepcidin's potential as a clinical biomarker and several investigational treatments designed to lower serum hepcidin levels.
Barcoding Atlantic Canada's commonly encountered marine fishes
Authors: McCusker M. R. , Denti D. , Van Guelpen L. , Kenchington E. , Bentzen P.
Published: December 2012

Marine fishes from the northwest Atlantic Ocean were analysed to determine whether barcoding was effective at identifying species. Our data included 177 species, 136 genera, 81 families and 28 orders. Overall, 88% of nominal species formed monophyletic clusters based on >500 bp of the CO1 region, and the average bootstrap value for these species was 98%. Although clearly effective, the percentage of species that were distinguishable with barcoding based on the criterion of reciprocal monophyletic clusters was slightly lower than has been documented in other studies of marine fishes. Eelpouts, sculpins and rocklings proved to be among the most challenging groups for barcoding, although we suspect that difficult identifications based on traditional (morphology based) taxonomy played a role. Within several taxa, speciation may have occurred too recently for barcoding to be effective (e.g. within Sebastes, Thunnus and Ammodytes) or the designation of distinct species may have been erroneous (e.g. within Antimora and Macrourus). Results were consistent with previous work recognizing particularly high levels of divergence within certain taxa, some of which have been recognized as distinct species (e.g. Osmerus mordax and Osmerus dentex; and Liparis gibbus and Liparis bathyarcticus), and some of which have not (e.g. within Halargyreus johnsonii and within Mallotus villosus). The results from this study suggest that morphology‐based identification and taxonomy can be challenging in marine fishes, even within a region as well characterized as Atlantic Canada. Barcoding proved to be a very useful tool for species identification that will likely find a wide range of applications, including the fisheries trade, studies of range expansion, ecological analyses and population assessments.
Predicting fluid responsiveness with transthoracic echocardiography is not yet evidence based
Authors: WETTERSLEV M. , HAASE N. , JOHANSEN R. R. , PERNER A.
Published: December 2012

An essential part of intensive care is to accurately identify fluid responders among patients with circulatory failure. Over the past few years, new techniques have been assessed for rapid and non‐invasive prediction of fluid responsiveness. As transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is becoming an integrated tool in the intensive care unit, this systematic review examined studies evaluating the predictive value of TTE for fluid responsiveness. In October 2012, we searched Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies evaluating the predictive value of TTE‐derived variables for fluid responsiveness defined as change in thermodilution cardiac output or stroke volume after a fluid challenge or a passive leg raising test. The use of thermodilution was used as inclusion criterion because it is the only method validated to show the change in cardiac output or stroke volume, which defines fluid responsiveness. Of the 4294 evaluated citations, only one study fully met our inclusion criteria. In this study, the predictive value of variations in inferior vena cava diameter (> 16%) for fluid responsiveness was moderate with sensitivity of 71% [95% confidence interval (CI) 44–90], specificity of 100% (95% CI 73–100) and an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.90 (95% CI 0.73–0.98). Only one study of TTE‐based methods fulfilled the criteria for valid assessment of fluid responsiveness. Before recommending the use of TTE in predicting fluid responsiveness, proper evaluation including thermodilution technique as the gold standard is needed.
Preliminary study on ecology of Bulinus jousseaumei in Schistosoma haematobium endemic rural community of Nigeria
Authors: Salawu Oyetunde T. , Odaibo Alex B.
Published: December 2012

The endemicity of schistosomiasis depends to a large extent on the presence of appropriate freshwater snail species with latent infection, and the quality of the microhabitat of the snails may favour or hinder their development and growth. Monthly in situ determinations of water temperature, pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), conductivity and dissolved oxygen were carried out. Monthly sampling of snails was also conducted. The planorbid snail species morphologically identified were Gyraulus costulatus, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus globosus, B. senegalensis, B. jousseaumei, Segmentorbis augustus, Ferrisia sp and Lymnaea natalensis. The most abundant snail species was Gyraulus costulatus (62.2%). Snail density correlated positively with dissolved oxygen (r = 0.349; P = 0.266), while a negative relationship occurred between snail density and conductivity (r = −0.064; P = 0.843). None of the B. globosus examined shed cercariae, while 12.5% of B. jousseaumei shed cercariae. The occurrence of B. jousseaumei in this study proves its presence in Nigeria and suggests its combined roles with B. globosus in the transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in the endemic rural communities of Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Further studies on the geographical distribution of B. jousseaumei are recommended for better understanding of its epidemiological contribution to schistosomiasis in Nigeria.
Corporate Governance Reform and State Ownership: Evidence from China
Authors: Lu Yao , Shi Xinzheng
Published: December 2012

Using a sample of propensity‐score matched overseas and domestically listed firms, we examine whether the effect of corporate governance reform (CGR) in 2001 in China varies among firms with different ownership structures. The positive effect of the CGR is weaker for firms with more state‐owned shares, and product market competition increases the effect of the CGR on such firms. These findings suggest that government regulations on corporate governance and market competition can serve as complementary solutions to agency problems that arise from state ownership.
Maternal and newborn vitamin D status and its impact on food allergy development in the German LINA cohort study
Authors: Weisse K. , Winkler S. , Hirche F. , Herberth G. , Hinz D. , Bauer M. , Röder S. , Rolle‐Kampczyk U. , von Bergen M. , Olek S. , Sack U. , Richter T. , Diez U. , Borte M. , Stangl G. I. , Lehmann I.
Published: December 2012

Background

Vitamin D levels are known to be associated with atopic disease development; however, existing data are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether corresponding maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels are associated with atopic outcomes in early infancy.

Methods

Within the LINA cohort study (Lifestyle and environmental factors and their Influence on Newborns Allergy risk), 25(OH)D was measured in blood samples of 378 mother–child pairs during pregnancy and at birth. Information about children's atopic manifestations during the first 2 years of life was obtained from questionnaires filled out by the parents during pregnancy and annually thereafter. Cord blood regulatory T cells (Treg) were detected by methylation‐specific PCR using a Treg‐specific demethylated region in the FOXP3 gene.

Results

The median maternal 25(OH)D3 level was 22.19 ng/ml (IQR 14.40–31.19 ng/ml); the median cord blood 25(OH)D3 10.95 ng/ml (6.99–17.39 ng/ml). A high correlation was seen between maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D3 levels, both showing a seasonal distribution. Maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D3 was positively associated with children's risk for food allergy within the first 2 years. Further, higher maternal 25(OH)D3 resulted in a higher risk for sensitization against food allergens at the age of two. Cord blood 25(OH)D3 levels were negatively correlated with regulatory T cell numbers.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that high vitamin D levels in pregnancy and at birth may contribute to a higher risk for food allergy and therefore argues against vitamin D supplement to protect against allergy.
Topical treatment targeting sphingosine‐1‐phosphate and sphingosine lyase abrogates experimental allergic rhinitis in a murine model
Authors: KleinJan A. , van Nimwegen M. , Leman K. , Hoogsteden H. C. , Lambrecht B. N.
Published: December 2012

Background

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) plays a crucial role in homeostasis of the immune system by regulating lymphocyte recirculation and inflammatory cell recruitment. The levels of S1P are tightly controlled through regulated production and controlled breakdown by sphingosine‐lyase (SL). The S1P analogue FTY720 has been developed as an immunosuppressant in transplantation and tested as a treatment for various inflammatory diseases. FTY720 exploits S1P biology by acting as a S1P1 and S1P 3 agonist and by inhibiting S1P breakdown by SL.

Objective

Here, we investigate interfering S1P in allergic rhinitis (AR) and its way of action.

Methods

Allergic rhinitis was induced by sensitizing mice to ovalbumin (OVA) and challenging the nose with OVA allergen. At the time of allergen challenge, mice received topical intranasal treatment with FTY720. To address the relative contribution of SL inhibition in mediating its effects, some mice were treated with the SL inhibitor 2‐acetyl‐4‐tetrahydroxybutyl (THI).

Results

FTY720 treatment resulted in significantly fewer eosinophils, mast cells and dendritic cells in the nasal mucosa of AR animals, compared with diluent treatment. Levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10 and IL‐13 produced by lymph node cells fell significantly in FTY720‐treated animals. Moreover, FTY720 proved potent enough to suppress inflammation in a model of persistent AR. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that FTY720 impaired Th2 differentiation and proliferation important in driving eosinophilia and induced apoptosis in mast cells.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that interfering with S1P metabolism is a powerful and feasible strategy to develop new topical agents that suppress AR.
The Myth of “Broken Britain”: Welfare Reform and the Production of Ignorance
Authors: Slater Tom
Published: December 2012

Abstract: This article takes on the challenge of what Robert Proctor calls “agnotology” (the study of ignorance) to analyse the current assault on the British welfare state by think tanks, policy elites and conservative politicians. The assault is traced back to the emergence of the Centre for Social Justice think tank, founded in 2004 by the current Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan‐Smith. I argue that a familiar litany of social pathologies (family breakdown, worklessness, antisocial behaviour, personal responsibility, out‐of‐wedlock childbirth, dependency) is repeatedly invoked by the architects of welfare reform to manufacture ignorance of alternative ways of addressing poverty and social injustice. Structural causes of poverty have been strategically ignored in favour of a single behavioural explanation—“Broken Britain”—where “family breakdown” has become the central problem to be tackled by the philanthropic fantasy of a “Big Society”. My agnotological approach critically explores the troubling relationship between (mis)information and state power.
“Partitioning the Sensible” at Park 51: Rancière, Islamophobia, and Common Politics
Authors: Ruez Derek
Published: December 2012

Abstract: This paper uses Jacques Rancière's conception of the partition of the sensible to interrogate the aesthetic regimes and spatial coordinates that animated public debate about Park 51—the Islamic community center near the World Trade Center site in Manhattan. Understanding conflicts over mosques as potential struggles over the conditions of membership in a community, I suggest that many of the arguments in favor of Park 51 reinforced a partition of the sensible in which Islamophobia could resonate. At stake in these debates—which turned on different understandings of the distance that separated the proposed center from the WTC site—is the relationship between American Muslims and the narratives of trauma constructed around the September 11th attacks. I conclude by exploring the projects proposed by Park 51 organizers as potential sites of everyday micropolitics that could subtly “jolt” existing orders in the interest of reconfiguring the “common sense” of a community.
High‐salt diet increases hormonal sensitivity in skin pre‐capillary resistance vessels
Authors: Helle F. , Karlsen T. V. , Tenstad O. , Titze J. , Wiig H.
Published: December 2012

Aims

Recent data indicate that the skin of rats on a high‐salt diet is able to accumulate Na+without commensurate water. This extrarenal mechanism of Na+homoeostasis could affect skin vasoregulation. We hypothesized that the major resistance vessel of rat skin, the pre‐capillary arterioles, has increased vasoreactivity within the physiological range of circulatingANG II, a hormone relevant to salt‐sensitive hypertension.

Methods and results

Skin arterioles from skin and muscle were isolated using the agar‐infusion technique. Vessels from rats fed high‐salt and low‐salt diet had similar lumen diameter and media area/lumen area ratio. Contractile sensitivity toANG IIwas increased in skin vessels from high‐salt vessels at all doses tested starting at 10−10 m(P < 0.01). Pre‐capillary arterioles from muscle displayed similar contractions toANG II, independent of the diet. AsANG IIand the renin–angiotensin system are strongly involved in salt conservation, we explored whether vasoreactivity for noradrenaline was increased as well, because this is a functionally unrelated hormone. At low doses, contractions were similar, but at 10−5and 10−4 m, noradrenaline produced stronger contractions in skin vessels from high‐salt compared with low‐salt rats (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate significantly increased hormonal vasoreactivity of skin vessels from rats on a high‐salt diet, which could increase peripheral resistance in many situations and contribute to higher pressure in salt‐sensitive hypertension. As vessels from adjacent muscle were unaffected, we raise the interesting possibility that increased vasoreactivity in the skin could be linked to osmotically inactive Na+accumulation.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), TRPV4, and the kidney
Authors: Kaßmann M. , Harteneck C. , Zhu Z. , Nürnberg B. , Tepel M. , Gollasch M.
Published: December 2012

Recent preclinical data indicate that activators of transient receptor potential channels of the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV1) may improve the outcome of ischaemic acute kidney injury (AKI). The underlying mechanisms are unclear, but may involve TRPV1 channels in dorsal root ganglion neurones that innervate the kidney. Recent data identified TRPV4, together with TRPV1, to serve as major calcium influx channels in endothelial cells. In these cells, gating of individual TRPV4 channels within a four‐channel cluster provides elementary calcium influx (calcium sparklets) to open calcium‐activated potassium channels and promote vasodilation. The TRPV receptors can also form heteromers that exhibit unique conductance and gating properties, further increasing their spatio‐functional diversity. This review summarizes data on electrophysiological properties of TRPV1/4 and their modulation by endogenous channel agonists such as 20‐HETE, phospholipase C and phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase (PI3 kinase). We review important roles of TRPV1 and TRPV4 in kidney physiology and renal ischaemia reperfusion injury; further studies are warranted to address renoprotective mechanism of vanilloid receptors in ischaemic AKI including the role of the capsaicin receptor TRPV1 in primary sensory nerves and/or endothelium. Particular attention should be paid to understand the kidneys' ability to respond to ischaemic stimuli after catheter‐based renal denervation therapy in man, whereas the discovery of novel pharmacological TRPV modulators may be a successful strategy for better treatment of acute or chronic kidney failure.
Systematic review: Coca‐Cola can effectively dissolve gastric phytobezoars as a first‐line treatment
Authors: Ladas S. D. , Kamberoglou D. , Karamanolis G. , Vlachogiannakos J. , Zouboulis‐Vafiadis I.
Published: December 2012

Background

Gastric phytobezoars represent the most common bezoars in patients with poor gastric motility. A variety of dissolution therapies and endoscopic fragmentation techniques have been evaluated as conservative treatment so as to avoid surgery.

Aim

To investigate the effectiveness of Coca‐Cola for gastric phytobezoars dissolution.

Methods

We performed a systematic search to identify publications on gastric phytobezoars to assess the efficacy of Coca‐Cola as a dissolution therapy. Diospyrobezoars, formed after persimmon ingestion, are a distinct type of phytobezoars characterized by their hard consistency. Thus, these two subgroups of bezoars were compared in terms of successful dissolution.

Results

Over a 10‐year period (2002–2012), 24 papers including 46 patients have been published. In 91.3% of the cases, phytobezoar resolution with Coca‐Cola administration was successful, either as a single treatment (50%) or combined with further endoscopic techniques, whereas only 4 patients underwent surgery. Phytobezoars were more likely to dissolve after initial attempt with Coca‐Cola compared with diospyrobezoars (60.6% vs. 23%, P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Coca‐Cola alone is effective in gastric phytobezoar dissolution in half of the cases and, combined with additional endoscopic methods, is successful in more than 90% of them.
AJapaneseBlack breeding herd exhibiting low blood urea nitrogen: A metabolic profile study examining the effect on reproductive performance
Authors: Watanabe Urara , Okamoto Koji , Miyamoto Akio , Otoi Takeshige , Yamato Osamu , Tshering Chenga , Takagi Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2012

Ten reared cows of aJapaneseBlack cattle herd inKagoshima prefecture,Japan, exhibited extremely low blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration (2.6 ± 0.6 mg/dL). Examination of dietary feed nutrition and relevant pastureland soil content suggested a correlation with crude protein (CP) deficiency or unbalanced nutritional dietary feeds. Thirteen months after the introduction of a dietary remedial measure (bean cake supplementation),BUN, total cholesterol and albumin concentration from five of the original 10 cows increased significantly compared with their values of before the dietary remedy. The postpartum day open period was significantly lower after the dietary remedial measure than that before it. The abnormally lowBUNlevels of the cattle herd may be due to inadequate dietary nutritional content, primarily from the imbalance of total digestible nutrient andCPof the feed and far lower han averageCPvalue. In conclusion, routine examination of serum biochemical parameters inJapaneseBlack breeding cattle may be a useful strategy for determining subclinical metabolic failure of cattle herds, and consequently, its effect on reproductive performance of the herd.
Selection for testis size and correlated responses of female reproductive traits in golden hamsters
Authors: Furukawa Tsutomu , Awata Takashi , Satoh Masahiro
Published: December 2012

Golden hamsters were selected for large (high selection direction: H) and small (low selection direction: L) testis size, as measured in live males at age 13 weeks over six generations. The selection response and correlated responses in female reproductive traits were evaluated in terms of the divergence between H and L lines for testis size. In males, the differences in testis size at 13 weeks, testis weight at 19 weeks, and body weight at 13 and 19 weeks were significant at the 1% level from generation 1 onward. The realized heritability of testis size, as estimated from regression of the selection responses on effective selection differentials, was 0.29. This was similar to the heritability estimated by using the multiple‐trait animal model restricted maximum likelihood (0.30). In females, significant differences in ovulation rate at the 5% level were detected in generations 5 and 6. Litter size 1 day after birth also diverged between the H and L lines, but the difference was not consistently significant. The realized genetic correlation between testis size and ovulation rate was 0.67.
The survival of multidrug‐resistant bacteria in thermophilic and mesophilic anaerobic co‐digestion of dairy manure and waste milk
Authors: Beneragama Nilmini , Iwasaki Masahiro , Lateef Suraju A. , Yamashiro Takaki , Ihara Ikko , Umetsu Kazutaka
Published: December 2012

Anaerobic digestion is considered as a promising method to manage animal waste with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Current research was conducted to investigate the survival of multidrug‐resistant bacteria (MDRB) resistant to three groups of antibiotics: (i) cefazolin, neomycin, vancomycin, kanamycin (group 1); (ii) penicillin, oxytetracycline, ampicillin, streptomycin (group 2); and (iii) cefazolin, neomycin, vancomycin, kanamycin, penicillin, oxytetracycline, ampicillin, streptomycin (group 3), in anaerobic digestion of dairy manure and co‐digestion of dairy manure and waste milk at 37°C and 55°C for 22 days, respectively. The population densities of three groups of MDRB on peptone, tryptone, yeast and glucose agar plates incubated at 30°C for 7 days before and after digestion showed 100% destruction in both digestates at thermophilic temperature. Overall reduction of more than 90% of three groups of MDRB was observed in mesophilic digestion with no significant differences (P > 0.05) between manure and milk mixture. Co‐digestion of dairy manure and waste milk always produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher total gas and methane gas than digestion of manure alone at both temperatures. Gas production in each case was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in thermophilic digestion than in mesophilic digestion. The results demonstrate that thermophilic co‐digestion of dairy manure and waste milk offers more benefits in terms of the environment and economy.
The heat shock transcription factor 1 as a potential new therapeutic target in multiple myeloma
Authors: Heimberger Tanja , Andrulis Mindaugas , Riedel Simone , Stühmer Thorsten , Schraud Heike , Beilhack Andreas , Bumm Thomas , Bogen Bjarne , Einsele Hermann , Bargou Ralf C. , Chatterjee Manik
Published: December 2012

The heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) has recently been reported to promote malignant transformation and growth. Here we provide experimental evidence for a role of HSF1 in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that HSF1 was overexpressed in half of the investigated MM samples, including virtually all cases with extramedullary manifestations or anaplastic morphology. HSF1 function was inhibited either by siRNA‐mediated knockdown or pharmacologically through treatment with triptolide. Both approaches caused depletion of HSF1, lowered the constitutively high expression of a multitude of protective HSPs (such as HSP90, HSP70, HSP40 and HSP27), induced apoptosis in human MM cells in vitro, and strongly reduced MM tumour growth in vivo. Furthermore, we observed that treatment‐induced upregulation of HSPs after proteasome or HSP90 inhibition was critically dependent on HSF1. Importantly, the apoptotic effects of the HSP90 inhibitor NVP‐AUY922 or the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib were strongly enhanced in combination with triptolide, suggesting a salvage role of HSF1‐dependent HSP induction in response to drug treatment. Collectively, our data indicate that inhibition of HSF1 affects multiple protective HSPs and might therefore represent a therapeutic strategy – in particular in combination with proteasome or HSP90 inhibitors.
Erythrocyte adenosine deaminase: diagnostic value for Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia
Authors: Fargo John H. , Kratz Christian P. , Giri Neelam , Savage Sharon A. , Wong Carolyn , Backer Karen , Alter Blanche P. , Glader Bertil
Published: December 2012

Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia (DBA) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS) characterized by red cell aplasia. Mutations in ribosomal genes are found in more than 50% of cases. Elevated erythrocyte adenosine deaminase (eADA) was first noted in DBA in 1983. In this study we determined the value of eADA for the diagnosis of DBA compared with other IBMFS; the association of eADA in DBA with age, gender or other haematological parameters; and the association with known DBA‐related gene mutations. For the diagnosis of DBA compared with non‐DBA patients with other bone marrow failure syndromes, eADA had a sensitivity of 84%, specificity 95%, and positive and negative predictive values of 91%. In patients with DBA there was no association between eADA and gender, age, or other haematological parameters. Erythrocyte ADA segregated with, as well as independent of, known DBA gene mutations. While eADA was an excellent confirmatory test for DBA, 16% of patients with classical clinical DBA had a normal eADA.