bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The phytomelanin layer in traditional members of Bidens and Coreopsis and phylogeny of the Coreopsideae (Compositae)
Authors: Tadesse Mesfin , Crawford Daniel J.
Published: October 2013

The phytomelanin layer on the pericarp of cypselae (achenes) of many members of traditional Bidens and Coreopsis, both considered polyphyletic, was studied with the help of scanning electron (SEM) and light (LM) microscopes. It is found to be more prominent in taxa kept within Bidens than in Coreopsis. The black ‘peg‐like’ phytomelanin found in traditional members of Bidens is also found in some members of Coreopsis. Some traditional members of Coreopsis display distinctive pericarp morphology but lack phytomelanin. The pericarp in Bidens is striated, i.e. it is interrupted by longitudinal bands of parenchyma through which the embryo emerges during seed germination. No striation was found in cypselae of traditional Coreopsis. Emergence of the seed in taxa with this type of pericarp morphology is observed to be by rupturing the carpel wall along the sutures. Characteristic morphology of the phytomelanin layer and other cellular secretions on the pericarp in representative species of these genera and segregates as well as the probable adaptive value of this layer and that of the parenchyma is discussed. Coreopsis sect. Tuckermannia (Nutt.) Blake, C. sect. Pugiopappus (A. Gray) Blake, and C. sect. Euleptosyne (A. Gray) Blake, are elevated to the genus Leptosyne DC., while Coreopsis sect. Electra (DC.) Blake is returned to Electra DC. A key to the segregate genera and the remaining sections of Coreopsis as well as new combinations and synonyms are provided.
Campylocentrum guarinae sp. nov. (Vandeae, Orchidaceae) from Colombia
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kolanowska Marta
Published: October 2013

A new species of Campylocentrum from the Colombian Andes, C. guarinae, is described, illustrated and placed within a key to Colombian species of the genus. The new species resembles C. lansbergii from which it differs in vegetative and floral characters. The main differences between these species are described and illustrated.
The richness and abundance of epigaeic mountain beetles in north‐western Patagonia, Argentina: assessment of patterns and environmental correlates
Authors: Werenkraut Victoria , Ruggiero Adriana
Published: October 2013

Aim

Our aims were: (1) to study the shape of the species richness–elevation and abundance–elevation relationships (SRERandAER, respectively) in epigaeic mountain beetles; and (2) to analyse how richness and abundance of the beetles vary across the full gradient and within the forests and steppes in association with environmental variables representing productivity, thermal limitation, water–energy dynamics, environmental heterogeneity and soil characteristics.

Location

Five mountains at temperate latitudes in north‐western Patagonia, Argentina.

Methods

We collected beetles using 486 pitfall traps arranged in fifty‐four 100 m² grid plots of nine traps, established at intervals of about 100 m of elevation from the base to the summit of each mountain. We used multi‐model selection and the Akaike information criterion to find the best ecological explanation for species richness and abundance variation.

Results

TheAERwas hump‐shaped in four mountains and negative in one;the SRERwas negative in one case, humped in two cases, and either low‐plateau or humped in the remaining two. Across the full gradient, the increase in vegetation cover, mainly associated with the presence of forests, predominately accounted forSRERs andAERs. In the forests, energy variables combined with precipitation, soil attributes and environmental heterogeneity accounted for richness and abundance. In the steppes, potential evapotranspiration and plant productivity were important.

Main conclusions

We confirmed different forms in the shape ofSRERs, and the predominance of hump‐shaped patterns inAERs. Vegetation type (forests versus steppes) accounted for most of the variation in species richness and abundance on all mountains. Associations with local environmental factors were rather more variable and changed with the spatial extent of analysis, thus confirming the spatial dependence of the species richness/abundance–environment relationships.
Children of Parents With Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Umberger Wendy
Published: October 2013

Topic

Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is a prevalent occurrence and is experienced by adults in their child‐rearing years. Somatic or psychiatric illness in a parent constitutes a potential threat to the physical, mental health, and normative development in children.

Purpose

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to answer the question: What are the effects of parental CNCP on children in the family system?

Sources Used

The search was performed using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Premier. Search terms used were “parent pain or parent chronic pain or parent illness or parent chronic illness” and “child or adolescent or teenager.” Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed a priori. Eighteen articles (n = 18) met criteria and were included in the sample.

Conclusions

Three clusters were identified: (a) child/adolescent somatic complaints or behavior; (b) child/adolescent internalizing or externalizing symptoms; and (c) important mediating and moderating variables. The results of this review show that children and adolescents whose parents suffer from CNCP are at risk for more and similar‐to‐parent pain complaints and greater degree of internalizing and externalizing symptoms than those with healthy parents. Implications for clinical nursing practice and research are given.
Total Atrial Conduction Time Assessed by Tissue Doppler Imaging (PA‐TDI Interval) to Predict Early Recurrence of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation After Successful Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: MÜLLER PATRICK , SCHIEDAT FABIAN , BIALEK ANNA , BÖSCHE LEIF , EWERS AYDAN , KARA KAFFER , DIETRICH JOHANNES W. , MÜGGE ANDREAS , DENEKE THOMAS
Published: October 2013

TACT Assessed by PA‐TDI Interval

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether total atrial conduction time (TACT) assessed via tissue Doppler imaging (PA‐TDI interval) can identify patients with early recurrent atrial fibrillation (ERAF) after successful direct‐current electrical cardioversion (CV) of persistent atrial fibrillation (persPAF).

Methods and Results

A total of 54 patients without antiarrhythmic drug medication (mean ± SD: 66 ± 10.4 years; 33% women) with persPAF and successful CV were enrolled between May 2012 and May 2013.

TACT was measured 6 hours after successful CV in the left atrium by tissue Doppler imaging (PA‐TDI interval). ERAF was determined via Holter‐electrocardiogram over a period of 7 days after CV. Receiver opearting characteristic analysis was used to determine an optimal cutoff value of PA‐TDI interval for prognosis of ERAF. Based on this result, recurrence‐free survival was assessed with Mantel–Haenszel's log‐rank test. ERAF occurred in 23 patients (43%). PA‐TDI interval was longer in patients with ERAF compared to those who maintained sinus rhythm (mean ± SD: 163.5 ± 11.1 vs 132.3 ± 11.2 milliseconds; P < 0.00001). At the cutoff value of 152 milliseconds, PA‐TDI interval sensitivity and specificity related to ERAF were 87% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

Measuring PA‐TDI interval may help to predict ERAF after successful CV in patients with persAF.
Clinical Relevance of Routinely Measured Vital Signs in Hospitalized Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Storm‐Versloot Marja N. , Verweij Lotte , Lucas Cees , Ludikhuize Jeroen , Goslings J. Carel , Legemate Dink A. , Vermeulen Hester
Published: October 2013

Background

Conflicting evidence exists on the effectiveness of routinely measured vital signs on the early detection of increased probability of adverse events.

Purpose

To assess the clinical relevance of routinely measured vital signs in medically and surgically hospitalized patients through a systematic review.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Meta‐analysen van diagnostisch onderzoek (in Dutch; MEDION) were searched to January 2013.

Study Selection

Prospective studies evaluating routine vital sign measurements of hospitalized patients, in relation to mortality, septic or circulatory shock, intensive care unit admission, bleeding, reoperation, or infection.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently assessed potential bias and extracted data to calculate likelihood ratios (LRs) and predictive values.

Data Synthesis

Fifteen studies were performed in medical (n = 7), surgical (n = 4), or combined patient populations (n = 4; totaling 42,565 participants). Only three studies were relatively free from potential bias. For temperature, the positive LR (LR+) ranged from 0 to 9.88 (median 1.78; n = 9 studies); heart rate 0.82 to 6.79 (median 1.51; n = 5 studies); blood pressure 0.72 to 4.7 (median 2.97; n = 4 studies); oxygen saturation 0.65 to 6.35 (median 1.74; n = 2 studies); and respiratory rate 1.27 to 1.89 (n = 3 studies). Overall, three studies reported area under the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) data, ranging from 0.59 to 0.76. Two studies reported on combined vital signs, in which one study found an LR+ of 47.0, but in the other the AUC was not influenced.

Conclusions

Some discriminative LR+ were found, suggesting the clinical relevance of routine vital sign measurements. However, the subject is poorly studied, and many studies have methodological flaws. Further rigorous research is needed specifically intended to investigate the clinical relevance of routinely measured vital signs.

Clinical Relevance

The results of this research are important for clinical nurses to underpin daily routine practices and clinical decision making.
Relational regulation theory and the role of social support and organisational fairness for nurses in a general acute context
Authors: Rodwell John , Munro Louise
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To present a novel approach to nurse stress by exploring the demand–control–support model with organisational justice through the lens of relational regulation theory.

Background

Nursing is often stressful due to high demands and dissatisfaction with pay, which impacts the mental well‐being and productivity of nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A validated questionnaire was sent to the work addresses of all nursing and midwifery staff in a medium‐sized general acute hospital in Australia. A total of 190 nurses and midwives returned completed questionnaires for the analyses.

Results

The multiple regression analyses demonstrated that the model applies to the prototypical context of a general acute hospital and that job control, supervisor support and outside work support improve the job satisfaction and mental health of nurses.

Conclusions

Most importantly, supervisor support was found to buffer the impact of excessive work demands. Fairness of procedures, distribution of resources and the quality and consistency of information are also beneficial. Relational regulation theory is applied to these findings as a novel way to conceptualise the mechanisms of support and fairness in nursing.

Relevance to clinical practice

The importance of nurses' well‐being and job satisfaction is a priority for improving clinical outcomes. Practically, this means nurse managers should be encouraging nurses in the pursuit of diverse relational activities both at work and outside work.
Lack of association between LIPC‐514 C/T polymorphism of hepatic lipase and endometriosis in Iranian women
Authors: Sahmani Mehdi , Ghaleh Talaat Dabbaghi , Darabi Maryam , Darabi Masoud , Rashvand Zahra , Najafipour Reza
Published: October 2013

Aim

Patients with endometriosis may suffer from dyslipidemia. Hepatic lipase (HL) is involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins and has an important role in reverse cholesterol transport. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the LIPC‐514 C/T polymorphism in the HL gene and the risk of endometriosis in a group of Iranian women.

Methods

Ninety‐seven patients with endometriosis and 107 women who were negative for endometriosis after diagnostic laparoscopy, as control group, were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Samples were analyzed for polymorphism of the HL gene using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

Multivariate analysis was used to examine the association between the risk of endometriosis and LIPC‐514 C/T polymorphism. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of the LIPC‐514 C/T polymorphism between patients and the controls (60.7% CC, 34.6% CT, 4.7% TT versus 68.4%, 27.4%, 4.2%, respectively, P = 0.52).

Conclusion

The present study suggested that the LIPC‐514 C/T polymorphism of the HL gene has no significant association with the risk of endometriosis in the studied Iranian women.
High‐risk human papilloma virus management in pregnancy with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia during pregnancy and postpartum in China
Authors: He Yue , Wu Yu‐Mei , Zhao Qun , Wang Tong , Song Fang , Zhu Li
Published: October 2013

Aim

 To investigate the relationship between cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and high‐risk human papilloma virus (HR‐HPV) during pregnancy and postpartum in China.

Methods

In this prospective case–control study, 168 pregnant women with CIN and cervicitis were diagnosed by colposcopic cervical biopsy. All the cases underwent hybrid capture assay version II (HCII) to detect HR‐HPV DNA load amounts and the tests were completed in 3–6 months after childbirth.

Results

During pregnancy: as the CIN grade increased, the HR‐HPV infection rates increased (P = 0.002), but HR‐HPV DNA load amounts (in logarithms) did not change obviously (P = 0.719). 3–6 months postpartum: as the CIN grade increased, the natural negative rate of HR‐HPV decreased (P = 0.000), while the amount of HR‐HPV DNA (in logarithms) increased (P = 0.036); especially the amount of HR‐HPV DNA in pregnant women with CINIII was significantly higher than that of other grades. During pregnancy and 3–6 months postpartum : the amount of HR‐HPV DNA (in logarithms) during pregnancy was higher than that of 3–6 months postpartum with the same grade of CIN.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the importance of undergoing the HCII test 3–6 months postpartum. It should be noted that HR‐HPV may turn negative in pregnancy with CINIII 3–6 months after childbirth. Further treatments of pregnancy with CIN should be considered according to the CIN grade diagnosed by cervical biopsy via colposcopy 3–6 months after birth, but not according to the persistence of HR‐HPV during pregnancy.
High‐risk human papillomavirus correlates with recurrence after laser ablation for treatment of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3: A long‐term follow‐up retrospective study
Authors: Inaba Kanako , Nagasaka Kazunori , Kawana Kei , Arimoto Takahide , Matsumoto Yoko , Tsuruga Tetsushi , Mori‐Uchino Mayuyo , Miura Shiho , Sone Kenbun , Oda Katsutoshi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Yano Tetsu , Kozuma Shiro , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: October 2013

Aim

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of laser ablation as a conservative treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (CIN3) and assess whether the human papillomavirus (HPV) test is useful to predict recurrence after treatment.

Materials and Methods

A total of 134 patients who received laser ablation for treatment of CIN3 were enrolled in this study. During the follow‐up period, patients were followed with cytological and colposcopic evaluations. Recurrence of CIN3 was regarded as the primary end‐point. HPV genotype was tested before and after treatment. Post‐treatment cumulative recurrence rates were estimated and comparisons by both patient age and HPV genotype were performed.

Results

Overall cumulative recurrence rate of CIN3 in the first year after treatment was 22.6% for all patients. No significant correlation was shown between patient age and recurrence. Patients infected by specific genotypes (16, 18, 31, 33, 52, and 58) frequently failed to clear the infection after treatment. The 1‐year recurrence‐free survival in those positive after treatment for eight high‐risk genotypes (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58) was significantly lower (66.7%), compared to that in those positive for other high‐risk types (78.6%). The recurrence‐free survival of those who remained HPV‐positive after treatment was significantly lower than those who turned negative.

Conclusion

Laser ablation should be performed prudently with appropriate patient counseling about recurrence rate. Considering its minimal invasiveness, laser ablation is effective, especially for young patients who are negative for eight high‐risk genotypes. With regard to HPV testing, although genotyping has significant value for predicting recurrence, screening for all genotypes warrants further evaluation.
Increased proatherogenic monocyte–platelet cross‐talk in monocyte subpopulations of patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Czepluch F. S. , Kuschicke H. , Dellas C. , Riggert J. , Hasenfuss G. , Schäfer K.
Published: October 2013

Background

Monocytes and platelets are important cellular mediators of atherosclerosis. Human monocytes can be divided into CD14++CD16−, CD14++CD16+ and CD14+CD16++ cells, which differ in their functional properties. The aim of this study was to examine monocyte subset distribution, monocyte–platelet aggregate (MPA) formation and expression of CCR5, the receptor of the platelet‐derived chemokine CCL5, and to determine whether these parameters are altered in individuals with coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

Peripheral blood cells from 64 healthy blood donors (HBDs) and 60 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were stained with antibodies against CD14, CD16, CD42b and CCR5 and analysed by flow cytometry. Circulating CCL5 levels were determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In patients with CAD, the relative proportion of the CD14++CD16− monocyte subset was elevated (P < 0.05) and of the CD14+CD16++ subset was reduced (P < 0.001) compared with the HBD group. Furthermore, MPA formation significantly increased in patients with CAD in all three monocyte subsets. In both study groups, the majority of CCR5+ cells was detected in CD14++CD16+ monocytes (P < 0.001 versus CD14++CD16− and CD14+CD16++), although the CCR5+ monocyte number was reduced in patients with CAD (CD14++CD16−/CD14+CD16++, P < 0.001; CD14++CD16+, P < 0.05) compared with the HBD group, particularly in those who were not taking statins. Ex vivo incubation of monocytes from HBDs with plasma from patients with CAD also decreased CCR5+ expression (P < 0.05 versus plasma from HBDs). Serum CCL5 levels were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

The increased monocyte–platelet cross‐talk in patients with CAD might have contributed to atherosclerosis progression. The decreased CCR5+ monocyte numbers in patients with CAD could have resulted from CCR5+ cell recruitment into atherosclerotic lesions or CCR5 downregulation in response to circulating factors.
Influence of age, disease onset and ApoE4 on visual medial temporal lobe atrophy cut‐offs
Authors: Pereira J. B. , Cavallin L. , Spulber G. , Aguilar C. , Mecocci P. , Vellas B. , Tsolaki M. , Kłoszewska I. , Soininen H. , Spenger C. , Aarsland D. , Lovestone S. , Simmons A. , Wahlund L.‐O. , Westman E. ,   AddNeuroMed consortium and for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2013

Background

Visual assessment of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA; range 0–4, from no atrophy to increasing atrophy of the choroid fissure, temporal horns and hippocampus) is a sensitive radiological marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One of the critical elements for visual MTA assessment is the cut‐off score that determines deviation from normality.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of different MTA cut‐off scores to classify control subjects, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients from two large independent cohorts, AddNeuroMed and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Of note, we evaluated the effects of clinical, demographic and genetic variables on the classification performance according to the different cut‐offs.

Results

A cut‐off of ≥1.5 based on the mean MTA scores of both hemispheres showed higher sensitivity in classifying patients with AD (84.5%) and MCI subjects (75.8%) who converted to dementia compared to an age‐dependent cut‐off. The age‐dependent cut‐off showed higher specificity or ability to correctly identify control subjects (83.2%) and those with MCI who remained stable (65.5%). Increasing age, early‐onset disease and absence of the ApoE ε4 allele had a stronger influence on classifications using the ≥1.5 cut‐off. Above 75 years of age, an alternative cut‐off of ≥2.0 should be applied to achieve a classification accuracy for both patients with AD and control subjects that is clinically useful.

Conclusion

Clinical, demographic and genetic variables can influence the classification of MTA cut‐off scores, leading to misdiagnosis in some cases. These variables, in addition to the differential sensitivity and specificity of each cut‐off, should be carefully considered when performing visual MTA assessment.
WHERE IS AN OIL SHOCK?
Authors: Engemann Kristie M. , Owyang Michael T. , Wall Howard J.
Published: October 2013

Much of the literature examining the effects of oil shocks asks the question “What is an oil shock?” and has concluded that oil‐price increases are asymmetric in their effects on the U.S. economy. That is, sharp increases in oil prices affect economic activity adversely, but sharp decreases in oil prices have no effect. We reconsider the directional symmetry of oil‐price shocks by addressing the question “Where is an oil shock?” the answer to which reveals a great deal of spatial/directional asymmetry across states. Although most states have typical responses to oil‐price shocks—they are affected by positive shocks only—the rest experience either negative shocks only (five states), both positive and negative shocks (five states), or neither shock (five states).
Thoracoscopic pericardial window for management of pericardial effusion in 15 dogs
Authors: Atencia S. , Doyle R. S. , Whitley N. T.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To report short‐term complications and long‐term outcomes of thoracoscopic pericardial window for management of pericardial effusion in dogs.

Methods

Retrospective study of dogs in which thoracoscopic pericardial window was performed using a three‐cannula technique. Surgery time, complications, postoperative management, area of resected pericardium, histopathology results and outcome were evaluated.

Results

Diagnoses included dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion (n = 10), cardiac mass (n = 4) and mesothelioma (n = 1). One case required conversion to sternotomy. Median thoracoscopic surgery time was 52 · 5 (range, 45‐80) minutes. Complications occurred in four (26%) cases. Median time to discharge was one (range, 1‐6) day. Of dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion, one is alive at 150 days, one was lost to follow‐up at 180 days while eight were euthanased of which five were for unrelated reasons. All dogs with neoplastic causes died or were euthanased because of their illness. Median survival time for dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion (635 days; range, 70‐1165) was significantly longer than that for dogs with neoplasia (30 days; range, 1‐107).

Clinical Significance

Thoracoscopic pericardial window is of low morbidity with short surgery and hospitalisation times. It provides good long‐term control of idiopathic pericardial effusion but short‐term palliation of clinical signs in dogs with neoplastic disease.
European fossil fruits ofSphenothecarelated to extant Asian species ofSymplocos
Authors: MANCHESTER Steven R. , FRITSCH Peter W.
Published: October 2013

We are compelled to sink the European fossil fruit genusSphenothecaKirchheimer into extantSymplocosbased on newly recognized morphological and anatomical similarity with the fruits of extantSymplocos tanakaeMatsum. of Japan andSymplocos henryiBrand of SW China. Recognition ofSymplocos incurva(Kirchheimer) comb. nov. andSymplocos bornensis(Mai) comb. nov. increases the number of late Paleogene and Neogene European species ofSymplocosto 13. The close relationship between this fossil species and extant species of theSymplocos lucidaclade of eastern Asia suggests that migration of this group between Europe and Asia was facilitated by the closure of the Turgai Strait that commenced during the Oligocene.
Nonresponders, Partial Responders, and Complete Responders to PDE5 Inhibitors Therapy According to IIEF Criteria: Validation of an Anchor-Based Treatment Responder Classification
Authors: Yang May , Ni Xiao , Sontag Angelina , Litman Heather J. , Rosen Raymond C.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Despite widespread use of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in erectile dysfunction (ED) research, there are no published criteria for classifying ED treatment responders in clinical trials or patient management settings. A new classification for treatment response in men with ED has been developed and validated in a large clinical trial database.

Aim

The study aims to test discriminant and convergent validity of the responder classification and examine the role of covariates.

Method

Treatment assignment was used to test discriminant validity. The diary-based Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) question (“Did your erection last long enough for you to have successful intercourse?”) and Global Assessment Question (GAQ) (“Has the treatment you have been taking over the past study interval improved your erections?”) were used to evaluate convergent validity. Chi-square and Cochran–Armitage trend tests were used to examine outcome associations. Logistic regression was used to further assess the relationship of outcomes controlling for covariates.

Main Outcome Measure

The classification measure was developed and validated in a database from 17 clinical trials in 3,252 men with ED randomized to placebo or tadalafil. The treatment responder is defined as complete (erectile function [EF] ≥ 26); partial (EF < 26; met minimal clinically important difference [MCID] criteria); or nonresponder following treatment (EF < 26; did not meet MCID).

Results

The new responder definition performed consistently well in all prespecified tests of validity. Eighty-nine percent of subjects classified as complete responders were in the treatment group, and the responder definition was associated with changes on the SEP and GAQ measures, respectively (SEP odds ratio [OR] = 14, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 11–17; GAQ OR = 50, 95% CI 39–88; complete vs. nonresponders).

Conclusions

We developed and validated a novel method of defining an ED treatment responder based on multiple IIEF criteria and using other measures (SEP, GAQ) for validation. The results have implications for understanding results of clinical trials in ED, and in monitoring response to treatment in the clinic.
Mothers' lived experiences of support when living with young children with congenital heart defects
Authors: Bruce Elisabeth , Lilja Catrine , Sundin Karin
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the meanings of support as disclosed by mothers of children with congenital heart defects (CHD).

Design and Method

Narrative interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of children withCHD. A phenomenological‐hermeneutic method was used for interpretation of the transcribed interviews.

Results

The comprehensive understanding of mothers' lived experiences of support emerged as the experiences of receiving good support, receiving “poor support,” and absence of support.

Practice Implications

Mothers receiving person‐centered and family‐centered care feel more supported and are more likely to adapt to the stresses of parenting a child withCHD.
Criminal thinking in a Middle Eastern prison sample of thieves, drug dealers, and murderers
Authors: Megreya Ahmed M. , Bindemann Markus , Brown Anna
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) has been applied extensively to the study of criminal behaviour and cognition. This study aimed to explore the psychometric characteristics (factorial structure, reliability, and external validity) of an Arabic version of the PICTS, to explore cross‐cultural differences between a sample of Middle Eastern (Egyptian) prisoners and Western prison samples, and to examine the influence of type of crime on criminal thinking styles.

Method

A group of 130 Egyptian male prisoners who had been sentenced for theft, drug dealing, or murder completed the PICTS. Their scores were compared with the reported data of American, British, and Dutch prisoners.

Results

The Arabic PICTS showed scale reliabilities estimated by coefficient alpha comparable to the English version, and reliabilities estimated as test–retest correlations were high. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the PICTS subscale scores of Egyptian prisoners best fitted a two‐factor model, in which one dimension comprised mollification, entitlement, super optimism, sentimentality, and discontinuity, and the second dimension reflected the thinking styles of power orientation, cut‐off and cognitive indolence. Observed levels of thinking styles varied by type of crime, specifically among prisoners sentenced for theft, drug dealing, and murder. Cultural differences in criminal thinking styles were also found, whereby the Egyptian prisoners recorded the highest scores in most thinking styles, while American, Dutch, and English prisoners were more comparable to each other.

Conclusions

This study provides one of the first investigations of criminal thinking styles in a non‐Western sample and suggests that cross‐cultural differences in the structure of these thinking styles exist. In addition, the results indicate that criminal thinking styles need to be understood by the type of crime for which a person has been sentenced.
Construction and application of a novel hepatocyte‐directed vector to simultaneous knockdown and overexpression of multiple genes
Authors: Geng Jianlin , Wei Haiming , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang
Published: October 2013

Background & Aims

Liver disease, such as malignancy and hepatitis, often correlates with several genetic disorders. We aimed to construct a hepatocyte‐specific vector that could manipulate multiple genes simultaneously.

Methods

We selected a highly efficient hepatocyte‐specific α‐foetoprotein (AFP) enhancer/albumin promoter (an RNA polymerase II promoter) to express our gene of interest and transcribe microRNA‐based shRNAs (shRNAmir). Multiple shRNAmirs were assembled together in tandem to enhance the gene‐silencing effect. By employing the AFP enhancer/albumin promoter and inserting an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), a hepatocyte‐specific, multi‐reporter vector that overexpressed both β‐galactosidase (LacZ) and DsRed2 while simultaneously knocking down both EGFP and luciferase expression was successfully constructed and functionally tested in vitro.

Results

The reporter genes in the multireporter vector were easily replaced by immune‐related genes to construct the Multi‐Vector, which overexpressed human interleukin 10 and silenced both CCL5 and CX3CL1 (FKN) simultaneously in vivo; visualization of DsRed2 coexpressed to monitor vector function in vivo confirmed that the Multi‐Vector was successfully introduced into the host. Simultaneous manipulation of these multiple genes by the Multi‐Vector synergistically inhibited acute liver injury induced by Poly I:C/D‐GalN injection in mice. The multifunctional cassette was also packaged in and successfully delivered by an adenoviral vector.

Conclusions

We successfully engineered a vector that can simultaneously regulate multiple genes from a single multigene‐containing vector in a hepatocyte‐specific manner, suggesting the possibility that this method could be extensively and practically utilized in liver gene therapy.
BEHAVIORAL PORTFOLIO SELECTION: ASYMPTOTICS AND STABILITY ALONG A SEQUENCE OF MODELS
Authors: Reichlin Christian
Published: October 2013

We consider a sequence of financial markets that converges weakly in a suitable sense and maximize a behavioral preference functional in each market. For expected concave utilities, it is well known that the maximal expected utilities and the corresponding final positions converge to the corresponding quantities in the limit model. We prove similar results for nonconcave utilities and distorted expectations as employed in behavioral finance, and we illustrate by a counterexample that these results require a stronger notion of convergence of the underlying models compared to the concave utility maximization. We use the results to analyze the stability of behavioral portfolio selection problems and to provide numerically tractable methods to solve such problems in complete continuous‐time models.
Rhodotorula minuta as onychomycosis agent in a Chinese patient: first report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Jie , Chen Min , Chen Hongduo , Pan Weihua , Liao Wanqing
Published: October 2013

Onychomycosis is a common superficial fungal infection, which usually caused by dermatophytes, yeast and non‐dermatophytic moulds. Recently, we isolated a Rhodotorula minuta isolate from a 15‐year‐old immunocompetent girl student in Hangzhou (China) that was identified using microscopy, culture morphology, histological diagnosis, API 20C AUX Yeast Identification Kit and sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer region. In vitro, antifungal susceptibility tests showed that this yeast isolate was susceptible to low concentrations of amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and 5‐flvoriconaz but that it appeared to be dose‐dependent susceptible to fluconazole(MIC = 16 μg/ml). Furthermore, the effective result of therapy with itraconazole against R. minuta was consistent with that of susceptibility tests.
Circulating levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product are inversely associated with vascular calcification in patients on haemodialysis independent of S100A12 (EN‐RAGE) levels
Authors: Kim Hyung Soo , Chung Wookyung , Kim Ae Jin , Ro Han , Chang Jae Hyun , Lee Hyun Hee , Jung Ji Yong
Published: October 2013

Aim

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has emerged as a central regulator of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) has an anti‐inflammatory effect by quenching ligands for RAGE. On the other hand, extracellular RAGE‐binding protein S100A12 (EN‐RAGE) shows a pro‐inflammatory effect in a way, but may play pleiotropic roles related to inflammatory process. Therefore, we determined the levels of sRAGE and S100A12 in haemodialysis (HD) patients and evaluated their relationship with vascular calcification.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study with 199 HD patients. Plain X‐ray images of the lateral lumbar spine from all subjects were studied to calculate semiquantitative vascular calcification scores (VCS), as described by Kauppila. Commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to quantify the serum concentration of sRAGE and S100A12.

Results

The patients were 57.1 ± 13.7 years of age; 54.3% were male, 49.2% were diabetic, and 36.2% had a history of cardiovascular disease. In a univariate analysis, serum sRAGE was negatively associated with VCS (log sRAGE, r = –0.208, P = 0.003), whereas S100A12 showed a positive tendency (log S100A12, r = 0.235, P = 0.085). Even after adjustments for confounding risk factors, sRAGE was independently associated with VCS (β = –1.679, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the circulating sRAGE level was inversely associated with VCS in HD patients independent of the S100A12 level and the severity of systemic inflammation.
Realising the value of plant molecular pharming to benefit the poor in developing countries and emerging economies
Authors: Ma Julian K‐C. , Christou Paul , Chikwamba Rachel , Haydon Hugh , Paul Mathew , Ferrer Merardo Pujol , Ramalingam Sathishkumar , Rech Elibio , Rybicki Edward , Wigdorowitz Andres , Yang Dai‐Chang , Thangaraj Harry
Published: October 2013

Molecular Pharming, the production of recombinant pharmaceuticals through plant biotechnology, has the potential to transform the biologics sector of the pharmaceutical industry. More fascinating however, is how it might be used to improve access to modern medicines, and improve health of the poor in developing countries and emerging economies. Although improving global health through molecular pharming has been discussed for at least two decades, little progress has actually been made. In this manuscript, a four point plan is described to maximise the opportunity for molecular pharming to provide solutions. These are (i) to identify and prioritise important drug targets that are relevant to the poor; (ii) to support research and development partners in low to middle income countries to develop local expertise, transfer technology and build capacity; (iii) to increase collaboration between regulatory bodies to enable national regulatory frameworks to be developed in low to middle income countries; and (iv) to promote intellectual property management approaches that include socially responsible licensing. An existing case study is described to illustrate how this might be achieved.
Transcriptome dynamics during fibre development in contrasting genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum L.
Authors: Nigam Deepti , Kavita Palacharla , Tripathi Rajiv K. , Ranjan Alok , Goel Ridhi , Asif Mehar , Shukla Alpika , Singh Gunjita , Rana Debashis , Sawant Samir V.
Published: October 2013

Understanding the contribution of genetic background in fibre quality traits is important for the development of future cotton varieties with superior fibre quality. We used Affymetrix microarray (Santa Clara, CA) and Roche 454 GSFLX (Branford, CT) for comparative transcriptome analysis between two superior and three inferior genotypes at six fibre developmental stages. Microarray‐based analysis of variance (ANOVA) for 89 microarrays encompassing five contrasting genotypes and six developmental stages suggests that the stages of the fibre development have a more pronounced effect on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than the genetic background of genotypes. Superior genotypes showed enriched activity of cell wall enzymes, such as pectin methyl esterase, at early elongation stage, enriched metabolic activities such as lipid, amino acid and ribosomal protein subunits at peak elongation, and prolonged combinatorial regulation of brassinosteroid and auxin at later stages. Our efforts on transcriptome sequencing were focused on changes in gene expression at 25 DPA. Transcriptome sequencing resulted in the generation of 475 658 and 429 408 high‐quality reads from superior and inferior genotypes, respectively. A total of 24 609 novel transcripts were identified manually for Gossypium hirsutum with no hits in NCBI ‘nr’ database. Gene ontology analyses showed that the genes for ribosome biogenesis, protein transport and fatty acid biosynthesis were over‐represented in superior genotype, whereas salt stress, abscisic acid stimuli and water deprivation leading to the increased proteolytic activity were more pronounced in inferior genotype.
Asymmetrical effects of mesophyll conductance on fundamental photosynthetic parameters and their relationships estimated from leaf gas exchange measurements
Authors: SUN YING , GU LIANHONG , DICKINSON ROBERT E. , PALLARDY STEPHEN G. , BAKER JOHN , CAO YONGHUI , DAMATTA FÁBIO MURILO , DONG XUEJUN , ELLSWORTH DAVID , VAN GOETHEM DAVINA , JENSEN ANNA M. , LAW BEVERLY E. , LOOS RODOLFO , MARTINS SAMUEL C. VITOR , NORBY RICHARD J. , WARREN JEFFREY , WESTON DAVID , WINTER KLAUS
Published: October 2013

Worldwide measurements of nearly 130C3species covering all major plant functional types are analysed in conjunction with model simulations to determine the effects of mesophyll conductance (gm) on photosynthetic parameters and their relationships estimated fromA/Cicurves. We find that an assumption of infinitegmresults in up to 75% underestimation for maximum carboxylation rateVcmax, 60% for maximum electron transport rateJmax, and 40% for triose phosphate utilization rateTu.Vcmaxis most sensitive,Jmaxis less sensitive, andTuhas the least sensitivity to the variation ofgm. Because of this asymmetrical effect ofgm, the ratios ofJmaxtoVcmax,TutoVcmaxandTutoJmaxare all overestimated. An infinitegmassumption also limits the freedom of variation of estimated parameters and artificially constrains parameter relationships to stronger shapes. These findings suggest the importance of quantifyinggmfor understandingin situphotosynthetic machinery functioning. We show that a nonzero resistance toCO2movement in chloroplasts has small effects on estimated parameters. A non‐linear function withgmas input is developed to convert the parameters estimated under an assumption of infinitegmto proper values. This function will facilitategmrepresentation in global carbon cycle models.
Effects of water availability on emerald ash borer larval performance and phloem phenolics of Manchurian and black ash
Authors: CHAKRABORTY SOURAV , WHITEHILL JUSTIN G. A. , HILL AMY L. , OPIYO STEPHEN O. , CIPOLLINI DON , HERMS DANIEL A. , BONELLO PIERLUIGI
Published: October 2013

The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle is a significant threat to the survival ofNorthAmerican ash. In previous work, we identified putative biochemical and molecular markers of constitutiveEABresistance inManchurian ash, anAsian species co‐evolved withEAB. Here, we employed high‐throughput high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC‐PDA‐MS)to characterize the induced response of soluble phloem phenolics toEABattack in resistantManchurian and susceptible black ash under conditions of either normal or low water availability, and the effects of water availability on larval performance. Total larval mass per tree was lower inManchurian than in black ash. Low water increased larval numbers and mean larval mass overall, but more so inManchurian ash. Low water did not affect levels of phenolics in either host species, but six phenolics decreased in response toEAB. In both ashes, pinoresinolAwas induced byEAB, especially inManchurian ash. PinoresinolAand pinoresinolBwere negatively correlated with each other in both species. The higher accumulation of pinoresinolAinManchurian ash after attack may help explain the resistance of this species toEAB, but none of the responses measured here could explain increased larval performance in trees subjected to low water availability.
Alternative transcription generates multiple Mitf isoforms with different expression patterns and activities in medaka
Authors: Li Mingyou , Zhu Feng , Hong Ni , Zhang Lei , Hong Yunhan
Published: October 2013

Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (Mitf) is best known for distinct functions in multiple cell lineages including melanocytes, mast cells, and osteoclasts. In mammals, mitf produces multiple Mitf isoforms by alternative transcription and splicing. The fish medaka has two mitf genes, mitf1 and mitf2. Here, we report differential expression and activities of medaka Mitf isoforms. Molecular cloning identified four mitf1 variants encoding isoforms Mitf1A, MitfB, MitfH, and MitfM, and only one mitf2RNA encoding Mitf2M, which exhibited differential expression. Mitf1 isoforms and Mitf2M differed dramatically in activating the dazl and tyrosinase promoters DAZ and TYR. Interestingly, Mitf1ΔN, an N‐terminus‐less Mitf1 mutant form, retained activity to activate TYR but not DAZ. Importantly, Mitf1B was also sufficient for inducing melanocyte differentiation and endogenous tyrosinase RNA expression in medaka embryonic stem cells. Intriguingly, Mitf1 isoforms possessed considerable differences in inducing the expression of multiple cell lineage marker genes. Therefore, alternative mitf transcription is a conserved mechanism from fish to mammals, and medaka Mitf1 isoforms show differences in expression and activity. We conclude that differential expression of isoforms contributes to multiple distinct functions of Mitf in vertebrates.
Bacterial Vaginosis in the Context of Lichen Sclerosus in a Prepubertal Girl
Authors: Feito‐Rodríguez Marta , Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Casas‐Rivero José , García‐Rodríguez Julio , de Lucas‐Laguna Raul
Published: October 2013

Group A beta‐hemolytic streptococcus cause most vulvovaginal infections seen in prepubertal girls. Bacterial vaginosis is a common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age but is rare in children. Data are insufficient to suggest that bacterial vaginosis is an exclusively sexually transmitted disease. We report a 10‐year‐old girl with no history or suspicion of sexual abuse who developed bacterial vaginosis in the context of a lichen sclerosus being treated with tacrolimus ointment. Secondary bacterial infection in lichen sclerosus is uncommon. We speculate that the immunosuppressive effect of topical tacrolimus could have triggered the infection.
Is Being a Good Learner Enough? An Examination of the Interplay Between Learning Goal Orientation and Impression Management Tactics on Creativity
Authors: Liu Dong , Wang Sheng , Wayne Sandy J.
Published: October 2013

This study explores how protégés’ learning goal orientation (LGO) and impression management (IM) tactics interact to explain mentors’ provision of mentoring functions and ultimately, protégés’ creativity. Using longitudinal data from 917 mentor–protégé dyads participating in an 8‐month mentoring program, we found that protégés’ mentor‐focused and self‐focused IM tactics strengthened the relationship between protégés’ LGO and the extent of mentoring provided by mentors, whereas job‐focused IM tactics weakened this relationship. Moreover, these IM tactics moderated the indirect effect of protégés’ LGO on protégés’ creativity through the extent of mentoring provided by mentors. Implications for organizational theory and practice are discussed.
Reduced intensity transplantation for congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia: Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Woods Gary , Bajwa Rajinder P. S. , Rose Melissa J.
Published: October 2013

CAMT is a bone marrow failure syndrome that usually presents with isolated thrombocytopenia soon after birth. HSCT is curative, and MAC is associated with increased transplant‐related morbidity and mortality, especially in the unrelated setting. We used a RIC regimen with alemtuzumab, fludarabine, and melphalan in a seven‐month‐old patient with CAMT who underwent a MUD HSCT. The transplant was well tolerated with few complications. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred on day +12 and +29, respectively, and she had 100% donor chimerisms on days +19.