bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallographic data processing for free-electron laser sources
Authors: White Thomas A. , Barty Anton , Stellato Francesco , Holton James M. , Kirian Richard A. , Zatsepin Nadia A. , Chapman Henry N.
Published: June 2013

A processing pipeline for diffraction data acquired using the `serial crystallography' methodology with a free-electron laser source is described with reference to the crystallographic analysis suiteCrystFELand the pre-processing programCheetah. A detailed analysis of the nature and impact of indexing ambiguities is presented. Simulations of the Monte Carlo integration scheme, which accounts for the partially recorded nature of the diffraction intensities, are presented and show that the integration of partial reflections could be made to converge more quickly if the bandwidth of the X-rays were to be increased by a small amount or if a slight convergence angle were introduced into the incident beam.
Mobile Technology and Boundary Permeability
Authors: Duxbury Linda , Higgins Christopher , Smart Rob , Stevenson Maggie
Published: June 2013

An extensive review of the literature reveals a lack of insight into why some employees and their families benefit from the adoption of mobile technology while others do not. The paper summarizes the authors' efforts to answer this question. The authors undertook a longitudinal case study of the adoption and use of a BlackBerry Smartphone by 25 professional knowledge workers. Four theoretical lenses were used to help with the data analysis process: boundary theory, the social constructivist view of technology, sensemaking and attribution theory. Analysis of the Time 2 data identified three groups. Segmentors (n = 4) did not use their smartphones outside work hours. Integrators (n = 8), used their smartphones to connect to both work and family anywhere, but not any time (temporally separated work and family roles). Struggling segmentors (n = 13) felt pressured by their organization to use their device 24/7 and did so. The analysis indicates that the relationship between the use of mobile technology and successful boundary management depends on the development of a strategy to manage the device prior to adoption, the ability to change one's strategy to respond to concerns at home, and self‐control.
Imaging of hypoxia with 18F‐FAZA PET in patients with locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Trinkaus Mateya E , Blum Rob , Rischin Danny , Callahan Jason , Bressel Mathias , Segard Tatiana , Roselt Peter , Eu Peter , Binns David , MacManus Michael P , Ball David , Hicks Rodney J
Published: June 2013

Introduction

For many cancers, tumour hypoxia is an adverse prognostic factor, and increases chemoradiation resistance; its importance in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unproven. This study evaluated tumoural hypoxia using fluoroazomycin arabinoside (18F‐FAZA) positron emission tomography (PET) scans among patients with locoregionally advanced NSCLC treated with definitive chemoradiation.

Methods

Patients with stage IIIA‐IIIB NSCLC underwent 18F‐FAZA PET scans and 18F‐2‐deoxyglucose (FDG)‐PET scans within 4 weeks of commencing and 8 weeks following conventionally‐fractionated concurrent platinum‐based chemoradiation (60 Gy). Intra‐lesional hypoxic volumes of the primary and nodal masses were compared with FDG‐PET metabolic volumes. Baseline tumoural hypoxia was correlated with disease free survival (DFS).

Results

Seventeen patients underwent pre‐treatment 18F‐FAZA PET and FDG‐PET scans. Intra‐lesional hypoxia was identified on 11 scans (65%). Baseline lesional hypoxic volumes were consistently smaller than FDG‐PET volumes (P = 0.012). There was no statistical difference between the mean FDG‐PET volumes in patients with or without baseline hypoxia (P = 0.38). Eight patients with baseline hypoxia had post treatment 18F‐FAZA scans and 6 of these (75%) had resolution of imageable hypoxia following chemoradiation. The DFS was not significantly different between the hypoxic or non‐hypoxic groups (median 0.8 years and 1.3 years respectively, P = 0.42).

Conclusions

Intra‐lesional hypoxia, as detected by 18F‐FAZA PET, was present in 65% of patients with locally‐advanced NSCLC and resolved in the majority of patients following chemoradiation. Larger studies are required to evaluate the prognostic significance of the presence and resolution of hypoxia assessed by PET in NSCLC.
Epidemiology of CYP3A4‐Mediated Clopidogrel Drug–Drug Interactions and Their Clinical Consequences
Authors: Tirkkonen Tuire , Heikkilä Pekka , Vahlberg Tero , Huupponen Risto , Laine Kari
Published: June 2013

Aims

Clopidogrel is a prodrug that needs to be activated to inhibit platelet aggregation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical consequences of potential drug–drug interactions of clopidogrel with drugs affecting CYP3A4 activity.

Methods

Co‐administrations of clopidogrel together with well‐established CYP3A4 inhibitors, CYP3A4 inducers, and atorvastatin were investigated in a population‐based pharmacoepidemiological study utilizing data from the national healthcare registers and in more detail from a university hospital register in Finland. The main outcome measures were all‐cause mortality and mortality and morbidity related to thrombosis or bleeding.

Results

In the nationwide analysis, 6.1%, 1.0%, and 20.8% of the clopidogrel‐treated patients were exposed to concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitors, CYP3A4 inducers, and atorvastatin, respectively. In the survival analysis, the adjusted hazard ratio for overall mortality was 2.29 (P < 0.001) for CYP3A4 inducer users and 0.74 (P = 0.003) for atorvastatin users compared with controls (patients receiving clopidogrel without interacting medication). CYP3A4 inhibitor use seemed to prevent from thrombosis: HR 0.67, P < 0.001. The hospitalizations due to bleedings were rarer in atorvastatin and CYP3A4 inhibitor groups compared with controls. Thrombosis complications leading to hospitalizations were more often seen in the atorvastatin group than in the control group.

Conclusions

No uniform untoward effect of concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitor use on the clinical efficacy of clopidogrel was found. In patients receiving concomitant atorvastatin and clopidogrel, the antithrombotic effect of clopidogrel was moderately attenuated, but the combination significantly reduced the overall mortality. CYP3A4 inhibitors and atorvastatin may reduce bleedings in clopidogrel users.
Challenges and policy options in the global bio‐economy: introduction and overview
Authors: Swinnen Johan , Weersink Alfons
Published: June 2013

Agricultural economics is at the nexus of the major policy options surrounding the global bio‐economy. The outputs from agriculture have expanded beyond the traditional food, feed, and fiber to include fuel and other nonfood applications as well as environmental goods due to recent technological developments and changing consumer demands. Numerous policy questions have arisen within the bio‐economy. This article introduces and summarizes several invited panel sessions on issues of special importance in the global bio‐economy: new institutions of dealing with uncertainty and increased volatility related to climate change; structural transformations in agricultural production and food consumption and their effect on development; biofuel policies and development; and determinants of changes in consumer attitudes to new products and technologies.
Low Prevalence of Breastfeeding Initiation within the First Hour of Life in a Rural Area of Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Tang Li , Binns Colin W. , Lee Andy H. , Pan Xiaoping , Chen Shu , Yu Chuan
Published: June 2013

Background

The World Health Organization recommends that newborn infants be breastfed within the first hour of life, a practice that improves infant health and reduces neonatal mortality. The objectives of this study were to report the rate of breastfeeding initiation within 1 hour of birth in Jiangyou, China, to determine its impact on “full breastfeeding” at discharge, and to investigate factors associated with early breastfeeding initiation.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of infant feeding practices was undertaken during 2010 and 2011 in Jiangyou, 2 years after an earthquake caused extensive damage. A total of 695 mothers were recruited from hospitals and health centers and interviewed at discharge.

Results

In this study, 9.1 percent of women began breastfeeding within 1 hour postpartum. Mothers who initiated breastfeeding early were more likely to be fully breastfeeding at discharge (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.23–3.60). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that giving birth at a health center was associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04–0.32), whereas attending antenatal classes (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.36–4.87) and receiving encouragement from hospital staff to initiate breastfeeding (OR 5.60, 95% CI 2.31–13.55) were correlated with putting the baby to the breast soon after delivery.

Conclusions

Early breastfeeding initiation rate was low and the use of prelacteal foods was widespread in Jiangyou. Early breastfeeding initiation was associated with higher “full breastfeeding” rates at discharge. It is important to educate doctors and nurses to assist mothers with early breastfeeding initiation and to discourage the use of non‐breastmilk prelacteal feeds. (BIRTH 40:2 June 2013)
Sildenafil citrate improves erectile function after castration in a rat model
Authors: Mulhall John P. , Verma Nipun , Deveci Serkan , Tal Raanan , Kobylarz Keith , Müller Alexander
Published: June 2013

Take Home Message

The administration of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor commencing at the time of castration might preserve erectile function.

Objective

To determine if sildenafil citrate treatment could improve erectile function after castration.

To determine if sildenafil citrate treatment reduces collagenisation and apoptosis in erectile tissue after castration.

Materials and Methods

In all, 60 Sprague‐Dawley rats were studied; the rats were divided into the following groups: sham – no orchidectomy (S), control – orchidectomy only (O) and treatment – orchidectomy plus sildenafil treatment (V), with 10 rats per group.

Erectile haemodynamics assessment was done at 7 days (S7, O7, V7) and at 28 days (S28, O28, V28) yielding a total of six groupings.

Functional assessment measured the mean maximum intracavernosal pressure–mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) ratio. TUNEL assay was used to define apoptotic indices (AIs) and Masson's trichrome staining was used to evaluate smooth muscle–collagen (SM–C) ratios.

Results

The S28 group had the highest and the O7 group the lowest ICP/MAP ratio, at a mean (sd) of 70 (6)% and 36 (6)%, respectively. Both treatment groups, V7 [42 (12)%] and V28 [49 (13)%] showed statistically significant improvements over their corresponding control groups: O7 [36 (6)%] and O28 [37 (9)%] (P < 0.05). However, ICP/MAP values for V7 and V28 remained significantly below the S28 group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in ICP/MAP values between the 28‐day and 7‐day ICP/MAP ratios within each group (S, O, V).

There were no significant differences in SM–C ratio between the O and V groups (O7 vs V7, P = 0.45; O28 vs V28, P = 0.16).

There were no significant differences in AIs between the O and V groups (O7 vs V7, P = 0.54; O28 vs V28, P = 0.8).

Conclusions

Daily treatment with sildenafil improved erectile function in rats after castration. ICP/MAP ratios increased significantly in the treatment groups compared with the control groups with the greatest erectile function occurring 28 days from administration.

In this series of experiments the improved erectile function recovery with sildenafil after surgical castration cannot be explained by smooth muscle protection and decreased collagenisation.

The improved erectile function with sildenafil after surgical castration cannot be explained by reduced apoptosis in erectile tissue.
Comparison of candidate scaffolds for tissue engineering for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse repair
Authors: Mangera Altaf , Bullock Anthony J. , Roman Sabiniano , Chapple Christopher R. , MacNeil Sheila
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To identify candidate materials which have sufficient potential to be taken forward for an in vivo tissue‐engineering approach to restoring the tissue structure of the pelvic floor in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Materials and Methods

Oral mucosal fibroblasts were seeded onto seven different scaffold materials, AlloDerm ( LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, NJ, USA), cadaveric dermis, porcine dermis, polypropylene, sheep forestomach, porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and thermoannealed poly(L) lactic acid (PLA) under both free and restrained conditions.

The scaffolds were assessed for: cell attachment using AlamarBlue and 4,6‐diamidino‐2phenylindole (DAPI); contraction using serial photographs; and extracellular matrix production using Sirius red staining, immunostaining and scanning electron microscopy.

Finally the biomechanical properties of all the scaffolds were assessed.

Results

Of the seven, there were two biodegradable scaffolds, synthetic PLA and natural SIS, which supported good cell attachment and proliferation.

Immunostaining confirmed the presence of collagen I, III and elastin which was highest in SIS and PLA.

The mechanical properties of PLA were closest to native tissue with an ultimate tensile strength of 0.72 ± 0.18 MPa, ultimate tensile strain 0.53 ± 0.16 and Young's modulus 4.5 ± 2.9 MPa.

Scaffold restraint did not have a significant impact on the above properties in the best scaffolds.

Conclusion

These data support both PLA and SIS as good candidate materials for use in making a tissue‐engineered repair material for SUI or POP.
In pursuit of small molecule chemistry for calcium‐permeable non‐selective TRPC channels – mirage or pot of gold?
Authors: Bon Robin S , Beech David J
Published: June 2013

The primary purpose of this review is to address the progress towards small molecule modulators of human Transient Receptor Potential Canonical proteins (TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6 and TRPC7). These proteins generate channels for calcium and sodium ion entry. They are relevant to many mammalian cell types including acinar gland cells, adipocytes, astrocytes, cardiac myocytes, cochlea hair cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, keratinocytes, leukocytes, mast cells, mesangial cells, neurones, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, platelets, podocytes, smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle and tumour cells. There are broad‐ranging positive roles of the channels in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, survival and turning, vascular permeability, hypertrophy, wound‐healing, hypo‐adiponectinaemia, angiogenesis, neointimal hyperplasia, oedema, thrombosis, muscle endurance, lung hyper‐responsiveness, glomerular filtration, gastrointestinal motility, pancreatitis, seizure, innate fear, motor coordination, saliva secretion, mast cell degranulation, cancer cell drug resistance, survival after myocardial infarction, efferocytosis, hypo‐matrix metalloproteinase, vasoconstriction and vasodilatation. Known small molecule stimulators of the channels include hyperforin, genistein and rosiglitazone, but there is more progress with inhibitors, some of which have promising potency and selectivity. The inhibitors include 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, 2‐aminoquinolines, 2‐aminothiazoles, fatty acids, isothiourea derivatives, naphthalene sulfonamides, N‐phenylanthranilic acids, phenylethylimidazoles, piperazine/piperidine analogues, polyphenols, pyrazoles and steroids. A few of these agents are starting to be useful as tools for determining the physiological and pathophysiological functions of TRPC channels. We suggest that the pursuit of small molecule modulators for TRPC channels is important but that it requires substantial additional effort and investment before we can reap the rewards of highly potent and selective pharmacological modulators.
Mucosal inflammation and incidence of crestal bone loss among implant patients: a 10‐year study
Authors: Cecchinato Denis , Parpaiola Andrea , Lindhe Jan
Published: June 2013

Objective

The objective of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of marginal bone loss and, in addition, peri‐implantitis in subjects and implant sites after 10 years in function.

Material and Methods

One hundred and thirty‐three subjects with a total of 407 implants that had been in function for about 5 years attended a follow‐up visit in 2007 (visit 2; V2). 100 of the 133 subjects returned for a new clinical and radiographic examination in 2012 (visit 3; V3). The clinical examination included assessment of “bleeding on probing” (BoP+) and “probing pocket depth.” Subjects with implant sites that in the radiograph exhibited crater‐shaped marginal bone loss of >0.5 mm were identified as losers.

Results

During the interval between V2 and V3 (about 5 years), 13 implants in 7 subjects exhibited progressive bone loss and were removed. The overall amount of crestal bone loss that had occurred at the remaining implants between visit 1 (V1; ≥1 year of loading) and V3 (10 years) was small (0.36 ± 1.4 mm). The bone‐level reduction was twice as great between V2 and V3 as between V1 and V2. Forty subjects and 75 (26%) implant sites exhibited marginal bone loss of >0.5 mm between V1 and V3. In the interval between V2 and V3, 37 new implant sites lost significant amounts of bone. During the entire 10‐year period (V1–V3), 12% of patients and 5% of implants displayed signs of peri‐implantitis (bone loss >0.5 mm, BoP+, PPD ≥6 mm), while in the V2–V3 interval, the corresponding numbers were 10% (patients) and 4% (implant sites).

Conclusion

Sites with marginal bone loss of ≥1 mm were not common among implant patients. Peri‐implantitis occurred in about 10% of patients and 4% of implant sites.
Effects of Coffee Management on Deforestation Rates and Forest Integrity
Authors: HYLANDER KRISTOFFER , NEMOMISSA SILESHI , DELRUE JOSEFIEN , ENKOSA WOLDEYOHANNES
Published: June 2013

Knowledge about how forest margins are utilized can be crucial for a general understanding of changes in forest cover, forest structure, and biodiversity across landscapes. We studied forest‐agriculture transitions in southwestern Ethiopia and hypothesized that the presence of coffee (Coffea arabica)decreases deforestation rates because of coffee's importance to local economies and its widespread occurrence in forests and forest margins. Using satellite images and elevation data, we compared changes in forest cover over 37 years (1973–2010) across elevations in 2 forest‐agriculture mosaic landscapes (1100 km2 around Bonga and 3000 km2 in Goma‐Gera). In the field in the Bonga area, we determined coffee cover and forest structure in 40 forest margins that differed in time since deforestation. Both the absolute and relative deforestation rates were lower at coffee‐growing elevations compared with at higher elevations (−10/20% vs. −40/50% comparing relative rates at 1800 m asl and 2300–2500 m asl, respectively). Within the coffee‐growing elevation, the proportion of sites with high coffee cover (>20%) was significantly higher in stable margins (42% of sites that had been in the same location for the entire period) than in recently changed margins (0% of sites where expansion of annual crops had changed the margin). Disturbance level and forest structure did not differ between sites with 30% or 3% coffee. However, a growing body of literature on gradients of coffee management in Ethiopia reports coffee's negative effects on abundances of forest‐specialist species. Even if the presence of coffee slows down the conversion of forest to annual‐crop agriculture, there is a risk that an intensification of coffee management will still threaten forest biodiversity, including the genetic diversity of wild coffee. Conservation policy for Ethiopian forests thus needs to develop strategies that acknowledge that forests without coffee production may have higher deforestation risks than forests with coffee production and that forests with coffee production often have lower biodiversity value.

Efectos de la Administración Cafetalera sobre las Tasas de Deforestación y la Integridad de los Bosques
The sensitivity and impact of dye structure and fibre micronaire on the increased dyeability of bioengineered cotton fibres
Authors: Ceylan Özgür , Van Landuyt Lieve , Goubet Florence , De Clerck Karen
Published: June 2013

Previous research reported on a screening method to assess the functionalisation of bioengineered cotton fibres through the absorption of CI Acid Orange 7. The aim of the present paper is to extend this study to different dye classes. Thus the dye absorption of bioengineered cotton fibres containing oligochitin is studied for a series of dye classes. Statistically significant differences were found between cotton lines designed to produce oligochitin in the fibre and their respective controls for all tested dyes, confirming previous results with CI Acid Orange 7. Further, although variations in micronaire influenced dye absorption, it was confirmed for all dyes tested as well as for CI Acid Orange 7 that the oligochitin production had a larger impact on the exhaustion values than the differences in micronaire. The method described in this paper can be applied as a screening tool to meet the challenge of working with small quantities of fibrous materials. Moreover it shows the potential that the incorporated oligochitin has for increasing dyeability with a wide range of dyes and creating fibres with more versatile reactivity.
Rosette‐like structures in the spectrum of spitzoid tumors
Authors: Arps David P. , Harms Paul W. , Chan May P. , Fullen Douglas R.
Published: June 2013

Background

Spitz nevi demonstrate a diverse spectrum of morphologies. Recently, there have been two reported examples of Spitz nevi with rosette‐like structures similar to Homer‐Wright rosettes. Rosettes have also been described in melanomas and in a proliferative nodule arising in a congenital nevus.

Methods

A retrospective review of 104 cases of Spitz nevi and variants (n = 51), pigmented spindle cell nevi (n = 26), combined melanocytic nevi with features of Spitz (n = 8), atypical Spitz tumor (AST, n = 9), and spitzoid melanoma (n = 10).

Results

Rosette‐like structures were present in 3 of the 104 cases (2.9%), including a compound Spitz nevus, a desmoplastic Spitz nevus, and an AST. All three cases demonstrated several foci of small nests of epithelioid cells with peripherally palisaded nuclei arranged around a central area of fibrillar eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical staining of the three spitzoid lesions demonstrated that the rosette‐like structures express S100 protein, Melan‐A, and neuron specific enolase (NSE) and lacked expression of neurofilament, glial fibrillary acidic protein and synaptophysin.

Conclusions

While uncommon, rosette‐like structures can occur as a focal feature in Spitz nevi and AST. Rosette‐like structures may represent a normal morphologic finding in Spitz nevi, and awareness of them may prevent misdiagnosis as a neural tumor or melanoma.
Capillaroscopy of toes
Authors: Jung Peter , Trautinger Franz
Published: June 2013

Background

Nailfold capillaroscopy of fingers is an important tool for diagnosis and monitoring of collagen‐vascular diseases. However, little is known about capillaroscopy of toes.

Patients and methods

Capillaroscopy of the first and second toe was performed in 50 healthy volunteers and 67 patients with chronic venous insufficiency (n = 22), peripheral arterial diseases (n = 24) and collagen‐vascular diseases (n = 21) with a capillaroscope under oil immersion with non‐polarized light and 50‐fold magnification.

Results

Capillary density of toes (5–9/mm) was reduced compared to fingers (7–11/mm).

In contrast to fingers, capillaries of toes show a higher degree of variability. In addition to the classic parallel hairpin form, one may also find tortuous capillaries, ramifications, elongations and capillary bundles. Little difference was noted between patients with vascular and collagen‐vascular diseases as compared to volunteers. More ramifications were observed in peripheral arterial diseases and more capillary bundles were seen in collagen‐vascular diseases. Pathological patterns such as megacapillaries, avascular areas and hemorrhages were not seen in toes.

Conclusions

The physiological capillary pattern differs between fingers and toes. The detected pathologic alterations in vascular and collagen‐vascular diseases have to be confirmed in further studies.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma‐coactivator‐1 alpha coordinates sphingolipid metabolism, lipid raft composition and myelin protein synthesis
Authors: Camacho Alberto , Huang Jeffrey K. , Delint‐Ramirez Ilse , Yew Tan Chong , Fuller Maria , Lelliott Christopher J. , Vidal‐Puig Antonio , Franklin Robin J. M.
Published: June 2013

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma‐coactivator‐1 alpha (PGC1a) is involved in energy and lipid metabolism, and its loss leads to neurodegenerative changes in the striatum. Here we performed lipidomic analysis on brain extracts from PGC1a mutant and wild‐type mice. We found increased phosphatidylcholine and decreased ceramides in the brain of PGC1a‐deficient mice. An analysis of lipid raft fractions revealed increased ceramide, glucocylceramides and GM1 ganglioside in the PGC1a mutants. In the cerebellum, we observed a decrease in proteins associated with myelination, but were unable to detect any morphological abnormalities in compact myelin formation in PGC1a mutants compared with wild‐type mice. Although PGC1a is involved in lipid biosynthesis, we concluded that altered lipid composition in the PGC1a mutant did not directly affect central nervous system myelin morphology.
All quiet on the western front? Royal politics in Galicia from c.800 to c.950
Authors: Portass Robert
Published: June 2013

For complex reasons pertaining to the course of Spanish historiography throughout the twentieth century, the region of Galicia has been seen as politically peripheral to the initial stages of the Reconquista. In this article I argue that Galicia was a key marcher region in the ninth and tenth centuries, and that its magnate class, far from being marginal, was closely implicated in the rudimentary political structures of the kingdom. I propose that documents which seem to disclose little more than idealized abstractions of the political relationships between Astur‐Leonese kings and Galician magnates reveal aspects of elite political practice in action.
Recent technological developments in proteomics shed new light on translational research on diabetic microangiopathy
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Yang Cheng , Tao Yimin , Zhou Hu , Wang Yufan
Published: June 2013

Diabetic microangiopathy has become a heavy social burden worldwide, but at present it is still difficult to predict and diagnose this ailment at an early stage. Various proteomics approaches have been applied to the pathophysiological study of diabetic microangiopathy. Conventional proteomics methods, including gel‐based methods, exhibit limited sensitivity and robustness and have typically been used in high‐ or middle‐abundance biomarker discovery. Clinical samples from patients with diabetic microangiopathy, such as biopsy samples, are minute in size. Therefore sample preparation, quantitative labelling and mass spectrometry technologies need to be optimized for low‐abundance protein detection, multiple‐sample processing and precision quantitation. In this review, we briefly introduce the recent technological developments in proteomics methods and summarize current proteomics‐based, translational research on diabetic microangiopathy. Recent technological developments in proteomics tools may shed new light on the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy and biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to this condition.
Nationwide survey in Japan regarding splenectomy/partial splenic embolization for interferon treatment targeting hepatitis C virus‐related chronic liver disease in patients with low platelet count
Authors: Ikeda Naoto , Imanishi Hiroyasu , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Tanaka Hironori , Iwata Yoshinori , Enomoto Hirayuki , Saito Masaki , Iijima Hiroko , Iimuro Yuji , Fujimoto Jiro , Yamamoto Satoshi , Hirota Shozo , Kudo Masatoshi , Arii Shigeki , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: June 2013

Aim

In chronic liver disease associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV), a low platelet count is a major obstacle in carrying out interferon (IFN) treatment. We used a questionnaire to clarify the extent to which splenectomy/partial splenic embolization (PSE) is performed before IFN treatment, as well as the efficacy and complications thereof.

Methods

Two questionnaires were distributed to 413 medical institutes in Japan specializing in the treatment of liver diseases, and responses were obtained from 204 institutes. Furthermore, a more detailed questionnaire was completed by 10 institutes that experienced cases of death.

Results

In patients with HCV genotype 1b and a high viral load (HCV1b/High), the sustained viral response (SVR) rate was 28% for the splenectomy group and 22% for the PSE group, with no significant difference between these groups. In patients that were not HCV1b/High, the SVR rate was higher in those that underwent splenectomy (71%) compared to the PSE group (56%; P = 0.025). There were cases of death in seven of 799 splenectomy cases (0.89%) and four of 474 PSE cases (0.84%). Infectious diseases were involved in nine of 11 cases of death, with a peculiar patient background of Child–Pugh B (6/10) and an age of 60 years or greater (7/11).

Conclusion

The application of splenectomy/PSE before IFN treatment should be avoided in patients with poor residual hepatic function and/or elderly patients. In HCV1b/High patients, splenectomy/PSE should be performed only after selecting those in which IFN treatment should be highly effective.
Medication adherence feedback intervention predicts improved human immunodeficiency virus clinical markers
Authors: Reich Warren A
Published: June 2013

Thirty‐three participants in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medication adherence feedback (MAF) intervention were compared with 58 HIV‐positive non‐participants in laboratory‐tested CD4 and viral load. The intervention provided adherence feedback and counselling based on a visual display from an electronic pill bottle (MEMSTM). Multiple regression controlling for baseline CD4 and showed that postintervention CD4 was higher for MAF participants than for non‐MAF participants. Non‐MAF participants' CD4 significantly declined over time. MAF participants were also less likely than non‐MAF participants to have a detectable postintervention viral load.
The inter‐rater reliability test of the modified Morse Fall Scale among patients ≥ 55 years old in an acute care hospital in Singapore
Authors: Tang Wing Sze , Chow Yeow Leng , Lin Serena Koh Siew
Published: June 2013

A prospective, descriptive study was conducted in an acute care hospital in Singapore to determine the inter‐rater reliability of the modified Morse Fall Scale by evaluating the degrees of agreement on the ratings of the individual items and overall score between the ‘gold standard’ assessor and the facility assessors. One hundred and forty‐two subjects were recruited during the 1.5 month data collection period. The simple and weighted κ‐values were all > 0.8 except for the item ‘effects of medications’ (κ and κw = 0.63), and the correlation coefficient (rs = 0.89) was significantly high at a significance level of < 0.001. The modified Morse Fall Scale was shown to be a reliable fall risk assessment tool having a relative high inter‐rater reliability level for the overall score and individual items. This study provides evidence‐based psychometric support for the clinical application of this tool.
Are we ready for personalized cancer risk management? The view from breast‐care providers
Authors: Komatsu Hiroko , Yagasaki Kaori
Published: June 2013

Personalized medicine, the tailoring of prevention and treatment, is the future of routine clinical practice. This approach has started to appear in genetic testing for predisposition to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). We explored how breast‐care providers perceived HBOC risk management, using grounded theory. This study found that the frontline healthcare providers perceived HBOC risk management as still being neglected in breast cancer care. Emerging challenges included treatment priority, hesitancy to deal with sensitive issues, easily missed risks, genetic data not being shared among multidisciplinary professionals, and patients being lost to follow‐up. Oncology nurses are ideally placed to facilitate communication and utilization of genetic information among multidisciplinary professionals. Specialized outpatient clinics need to be established to follow up individuals at high risk. There is a need to create a system to meet the future demands of personalized medicine in nursing practice.
Strong Near‐Infrared Photoluminescence Emission of (003)‐Oriented MgTiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Ho Yi‐Da , Huang Cheng‐Liang
Published: June 2013

In this study, ilmenite‐MgTiO3 films were sputtered on p‐type Si(111) substrates and the extrinsic effects, such as grain size, crystallinity, and orientation of photoluminescence (PL) properties of the films are discussed. To reduce the effect of oxygen vacancies (act as shallow defects) on PL emissions in the films, oxygen (O2) was introduced as the sputtering gas and the excitation light source (λ = 532 nm) which has a corresponding energy (hν = 2.33 eV) below the shallow defect states was used. In this study, intense near‐infrared (NIR) PL emission centered at 810.1 nm at room temperature can be observed when the MgTiO3 thin films exhibit the preferred (003)‐orientation and accompanied by the presence of hexagon‐shaped grains. In this study, the experiment results reveal that the NIR emission intensity of MgTiO3 films highly depend on crystal orientation and/or grain morphology.
High–Energy‐Storage Density Capacitors of Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3–PbTiO3 Thin Films with Good Temperature Stability
Authors: Xie Zhenkun , Peng Bin , Meng Siqin , Zhou Yuanyuan , Yue Zhenxing
Published: June 2013

High–energy‐storage density capacitors with thin films of 0.5Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3–0.5PbTiO3 (BNT–PT) were fabricated by chemical solution deposition technique on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates. The dense thin films with pure‐phase perovskite structure could be obtained by annealing at 750°C. High capacitance density (~1925 nF/cm2 at 1 kHz) and extremely high‐energy density (~45.1 J/cm3) under an electric field of 2250 kV/cm were achieved at room temperature. The energy‐storage density and efficiency varied little in a wide temperature range from −190°C to 250°C. The high–energy‐storage density and good temperature stability make BNT–PT films promising candidates for high power electric applications.
Effects of Eu3+ and Er3+ Doping on Photoelectrical Performance of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Shi‐Hua
Published: June 2013

A novel tri‐layer film photoelectrode structure of DSSC by introducing Eu3+ and Er3+ ions into TiO2 film was proposed. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSSC with Er3+:TiO2/Eu3+:TiO2/TiO2 tri‐layer electrode reaches 7.41%, increased by a factor of 1.44 compared to that of the DSSC without Eu3+ and Er3+ doping. The higher efficiency for DSSC with the tri‐layer electrode is mainly attributed to the down‐conversion luminescence effect by Eu3+ ions from ultraviolet light to visible light and up‐conversion luminescence effect by Er3+ ions from infrared light to visible light.
Insight into Metastable Lifetime of α‐Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate in CaCl2 Solution
Authors: Jiang Guangming , Mao Jingwei , Fu Hailu , Zhou Xu , Guan Baohong
Published: June 2013

Alpha calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α‐HH), an important kind of cementitious material, is a metastable phase in CaSO4–H2O system. In CaCl2 solution, thermodynamic metastable window for α‐HH preparation from calcium sulfate dihydrate is constructed as a function of CaCl2 concentration (0–4.0m) and temperature (60°C–130°C), and then the metastability of α‐HH is characterized by the metastable lifetime (MLT). As the concentration of CaCl2 is raised from 1.5 to 4.0m and temperature from 80°C to 110°C, MLT of α‐HH decreases gradually from 2920 to 60 min. The reducing effect of CaCl2 on MLT arises from its contribution to lowering the total interfacial Gibbs free energy required for the subsequent phase transition of α‐HH to anhydrite, the thermodynamic stable phase. This work establishes a method to evaluate the phase metastability and provides a potential approach to optimize the reaction time in metastable material synthesis according to the MLT value for purity control.
Development of an instrument to measure the degree of critical patient's satisfaction with nursing care: research protocol
Authors: De‐La‐Cueva‐Ariza Laura , Romero‐García Marta , Delgado‐Hito Pilar , Acosta‐Mejuto Belén , Jover‐Sancho Carme , Ricart‐Basagaña Mª Teresa , Juandó‐Prats Clara , Solà‐Solé Natalia , Solà‐Ribó Montserrat
Published: June 2013

Aim

To investigate and understand patient's satisfaction with nursing care in the intensive care unit to identify the dimensions of the concept of ‘satisfaction’ from the patient's point of view. To design and validate a questionnaire that measures satisfaction levels in critical patients.

Background

There are many instruments capable of measuring satisfaction with nursing care; however, they do not address the reality for critical patients nor are they applicable in our context.

Design

A dual approach study comprising: a qualitative phase employing Grounded Theory and a quantitative and descriptive phase to prepare and validate the questionnaire.

Methods

Data collection in the qualitative phase will consist of: in‐depth interview after theoretical sampling, on‐site diary and expert discussion group. The sample size will depend on the expected theoretical saturation n = 27–36. Analysis will be based on Grounded Theory. For the quantitative phase, the sampling will be based on convenience (n = 200). A questionnaire will be designed on the basis of qualitative data. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used. The validation will be developed on the basis of the validity of the content, the criteria of the construct and reliability of the instrument by the Cronbach's alpha and test–retest approach. Approval date for this protocol was November 2010.

Discussion

Self‐perceptions, beliefs, experiences, demographic, socio‐cultural epistemological and political factors are determinants for satisfaction, and these should be taken into account when compiling a questionnaire on satisfaction with nursing care among critical patients.
Efficacy of cosmetic products in cellulite reduction: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Turati F. , Pelucchi C. , Marzatico F. , Ferraroni M. , Decarli A. , Gallus S. , La Vecchia C. , Galeone C.
Published: June 2013

Background

The number of original articles investigating the efficacy of cosmetic products in cellulite reduction increased rapidly in the last decade; however, to our knowledge, no systematic review and meta‐analysis has been performed so far.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review of in vivo studies on humans adopting the PRISMA guidelines. Moreover, we used a meta‐analytic approach to estimate the overall effect of cosmetic creams in cellulite treatment from controlled trials with more than 10 patients per arm, using thigh circumference reduction as the outcome measure.

Methods

Medline and Embase were searched up to August 2012 to identify eligible studies.

Results

Twenty‐one original studies were included in the present systematic review. All studies were clinical trials, most of them recruited women only and 67% had an intra‐patient study design. About half of the active cosmetic creams tested only contained one active ingredient among xanthenes, herbals or retinoids. The other studies tested cosmetic creams with more complex formulations and most of them included xanthenes. A total of seven controlled trials satisfied the inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis. The pooled mean difference of thigh circumference reduction between the treated and the controlled group was −0.46 cm (95% confidence intervals, CI: −0.85, −0.08), with significant heterogeneity between studies (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This article provides a systematic evaluation of the scientific evidence of the efficacy of cosmetic products in cellulite reduction and supports a moderate efficacy in thigh circumference reduction.
Comparative morphology of pre‐extrusion larvae, Sebastes mentella and Sebastes norvegicus (Pisces: Sebastidae) in Icelandic waters
Authors: Vergara A. R. , Sigurđsson Þ. , Saborido‐Rey F.
Published: June 2013

This study evaluated potential differences in morphology of unextruded larvae from Sebastes mentella and Sebastes norvegicus in Icelandic waters. Fifty‐four larvae of each species were measured, and 18 measurements were recorded for each specimen (morphometric, meristic and pigmentation patterns). Pre‐extrusion larvae of S. norvegicus were longer than those of S. mentella. Additionally, there were significant differences in morphometric, meristic and pigmentation characters between pre‐extrusion larvae of these species. Pigmentation of S. mentella differed from that of S. norvegicus in several aspects. Dorsal and ventral body pigmentation tended to begin more posteriorly in S. mentella, therefore, the overall length of these pigmented areas tended to be longer in S. norvegicus.
Analysis of the secondary endodontic lesions focusing on the extraradicular microorganisms: an overview
Authors: Del Fabbro Massimo , Samaranayake Lakshman P. , Lolato Alessandra , Weinstein Tommaso , Taschieri Silvio
Published: June 2013

The present study aimed at reviewing the literature on extraradicular infections of endodontically treated teeth, summarizing the main hypotheses on etiopathogenesis and describing the most suitable techniques to identify the composition of pathogenic extraradicular microorganisms. Medline database was searched using the keywords “Apical biofilm,” “extraradicular infection,” “secondary endodontic lesion,” “endodontic retreatment,” “biofilm” either alone or combined with AND. A further hand search was performed on the main endodontic journals. The most frequent bacterial species identified in different studies and with different techniques may vary considerably. Although the presence of some species of microorganisms seems to be determinant, the true origin of extraradicular infection is still undetermined. The literature analysis showed marked differences in methodology, materials, aims, and techniques adopted, which led to highly heterogeneous outcomes. The picture emerging from this review is that extraradicular infection is likely a multifactorial disease that requires further systematic investigation using standardized techniques.
Unfolded protein response to global ischemia following 48 h of reperfusion in the rat brain: the effect of age and meloxicam
Authors: Llorente Irene L. , Burgin Taiana C. , Pérez‐Rodríguez Diego , Martínez‐Villayandre Beatriz , Pérez‐García Carlos C. , Fernández‐López Arsenio
Published: June 2013

The unfolded protein response (UPR) in the hippocampal regions Cornu Ammonis 1 hippocampal region, Cornu Ammonis 3 hippocampal region, and dentate gyrus, as well as in the cerebral cortex of 3‐month‐old and 18‐month‐old rats were studied in a model of 15 min of global cerebral ischemia followed by 48 h of reperfusion. UPR was measured by quantifying the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), C/EBP‐homologous protein (CHOP), GRP78 and GRP94 transcripts using qPCR and the amounts of PDI and GRP78 by western blot. The study shows how the mRNA levels of these genes were similar in 3‐month‐old and 18‐month‐old sham‐operated animals, but the ischemic insult elicited a noticeable increase in the expression of these genes in young animals that was scarcely appreciable in older animals. The striking increase in the mRNA levels of these genes in 3‐month‐old animals was abolished or even reverted by treatment with meloxicam, an anti‐inflammatory agent. Western blot assays showed that the UPR was still detectable 48 h after ischemia in some of the studied areas, and provided evidence that the UPR is different between young and older animals. Western blot assays carried out in young animals also showed that meloxicam elicited different effects on the levels of PDI and GRP78 in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. We conclude that the UPR response to ischemic/reperfusion insult is age‐ and probably inflammation‐dependent and could play an important role in ischemic vulnerability. The UPR appears to be strongly decreased in aged animals, suggesting a reduced ability for cell survival.

image

In this study, we conclude that the unfolded protein response (UPR) to ischemic/reperfusion insult is age‐ and probably inflammation‐dependent and could play an important role in ischemic vulnerability. The UPR strongly decreased in aged rats, suggesting a reduced ability for cell survival. The increase in the mRNA levels of UPR gene transcripts in 3‐month‐old animals was abolished or even reverted by treatment with meloxicam, an anti‐inflammatory agent.
Developmental Hypothyroxinaemia Induced by Maternal Mild Iodine Deficiency Delays Hippocampal Axonal Growth in the Rat Offspring
Authors: Wei W. , Wang Y. , Wang Y. , Dong J. , Min H. , Song B. , Teng W. , Xi Q. , Chen J.
Published: June 2013

Iodine is essential for the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, including triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Thyroid hormones are important for central nervous system development. Mild maternal iodine deficiency (ID)‐induced hypothyroxinaemia causes neurological deficits and mental retardation of the foetus. However, the detailed mechanism underlying these deficits is still largely unknown. Given that the growth‐associated protein of 43 kDa (GAP‐43), semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)/collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) pathway are essential for axonal development, we hypothesise that hippocampal axonal growth‐related proteins may be impaired, which may contribute to hippocampal axonal growth delay in rat offspring exposed to maternal hypothyroxinaemia. To test this hypothesis, maternal hypothyroxinaemia models were established in Wistar rats using a mild ID diet. Besides a negative control group, two maternal hypothyroidism models were created with either a severe ID diet or methimazole in the water. Our results showed that maternal hypothyroxinaemia exposure delayed offspring axonal growth on gestational day 19, postnatal day (PN) 7, PN14 and PN21. Consistent with this, the mean intensity of hippocampal CRMP2 and Tau1 immunofluorescence axonal protein was reduced in the mild ID group. Moreover, maternal hypothyroxinaemia disrupted expressions of GAP‐43 and Sema3A. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of GSK3β and CRMP2 was also affected in the treated offspring, implying a potential mechanism by which hypothyroxinaemia‐exposure affects neurodevelopment. Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that maternal hypothyroxinaemia may impair axonal growth of the offspring.