bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis of Rice Aleurone Cells: Probing the Existence of an Alternative Gibberellin Receptor
Authors: Yano Kenji , Aya Koichiro , Hirano Ko , Ordonio Reynante Lacsamana , Ueguchi-Tanaka Miyako , Matsuoka Makoto
Published: December 2014

Current gibberellin (GA) research indicates that GA must be perceived in plant nuclei by its cognate receptor, GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF1 (GID1). Recognition of GA by GID1 relieves the repression mediated by the DELLA protein, a model known as the GID1-DELLA GA perception system. There have been reports of potential GA-binding proteins in the plasma membrane that perceive GA and induce α-amylase expression in cereal aleurone cells, which is mechanistically different from the GID1-DELLA system. Therefore, we examined the expression of the rice (Oryza sativa) α-amylase genes in rice mutants impaired in the GA receptor (gid1) and the DELLA repressor (slender rice1; slr1) and confirmed their lack of response to GA in gid1 mutants and constitutive expression in slr1 mutants. We also examined the expression of GA-regulated genes by genome-wide microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses and confirmed that all GA-regulated genes are modulated by the GID1-DELLA system. Furthermore, we studied the regulatory network involved in GA signaling by using a set of mutants defective in genes involved in GA perception and gene expression, namely gid1, slr1, gid2 (a GA-related F-box protein mutant), and gamyb (a GA-related trans-acting factor mutant). Almost all GA up-regulated genes were regulated by the four named GA-signaling components. On the other hand, GA down-regulated genes showed different expression patterns with respect to GID2 and GAMYB (e.g. a considerable number of genes are not controlled by GAMYB or GID2 and GAMYB). Based on these observations, we present a comprehensive discussion of the intricate network of GA-regulated genes in rice aleurone cells.
Successful treatment of oral itraconazole for infantile hemangiomas: A case series
Authors: Ran Yuping , Chen Shuang , Dai Yalin , Kang Daoxian , Lama Jebina , Ran Xin , Zhuang Kaiwen
Published: December 2014

Infantile hemangiomas can present a therapeutic challenge to clinicians, especially when associated with severe pain and feeding difficulties. The standard therapeutic management includes corticosteroids and propranolol. However, the clinical response is not always satisfactory. We present six cases of infantile hemangiomas successfully treated with oral itraconazole approximately 5 mg/kg per day. In the first month, the red color of the lesions became a little lighter and the growth of the lesions was controlled in all cases. An obvious clinical improvement was noted in all cases during the 3‐month period, with 80–100% improvement in each patient at the end of the treatment, which was judged by both their parents and the dermatologists. Compliance with treatment instructions of oral itraconazole in infants was judged to be very good. Side‐effects were mild and limited. Although itraconazole can inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo associated with some cancers, further research is required to understand the pathogenesis of infantile hemangiomas and the mechanism of itraconazole.
Primary cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Mucor irregularis in an elderly person
Authors: Yamaguchi Sayaka , Okubo Yuko , Katano Azusa , Sano Ayako , Uezato Hiroshi , Takahashi Kenzo
Published: December 2014

Primary cutaneous mucormycosis is a rare but often lethal severe fungal infection, which usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of primary cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Mucor irregularis in an elderly patient. Seven months after the surgical dissection of the involved skin, cutaneous mucormycosis recurred at the peripheral edge of the skin graft. Shortly subsequent to the administration of liposomal amphotericin B, the remaining skin lesion was excised again. M. irregularis is rarely but increasingly reported as a cause of mucormycosis in immunocompetent individuals, especially in Asian farmers. M. irregularis may be largely disseminated in the soils of Asia and thus the trivial trauma at the time of farm work may be a trigger for the onset. These cases tend to leave severe cosmetic damage even in healthy individuals, although the vital prognosis is not affected.
The Sociological Analysis of Violence: New Perspectives
Authors: Wieviorka Michel
Published: December 2014

Violence has been a central preoccupation for political and social scientists, and this paper begins with a critical appraisal of the classical approaches to the phenomenon of violence, showing how despite their considerable differences, they are not necessarily contradictory. Via engagement with the recent work of Randall Collins, the paper pays particular attention to the limits of symbolic interactionism. The paper then places the subject central to sociological analysis, showing how it is possible to avoid the determinism of classical sociology by exploring the meaning of violence for the subjects who use it, and how these meanings relate to the processes of subjectivation and desubjectivation.
Circuit Life Versus Bleeding Risk: The Impact of Achieved Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Versus Achieved Filtration Fraction
Authors: MacEwen Clare , Watkinson Peter , Winearls Christopher
Published: December 2014

Whilst prolonging hemofilter (circuit) life, heparin increases bleeding risk. The impact of achieved activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) on circuit life and bleeding risk has not been assessed in a modern critically ill cohort. Lowering filtration fraction may be an alternative means of prolonging circuit life, but is often overlooked in critical care. An observational study of 309 consecutive circuits in a general intensive care unit was conducted using a wide target APTT range. Multilevel modeling was used to predict circuit life and bleeding according to achieved APTT and filtration fraction. Independent predictors of circuit failure (i.e. unplanned ending of treatment) included filtration fraction (P < 0.001, HR 1.07 per 1% increase), peak APTT (P < 0.001, HR 0.8 per 10 s increase or 0.3 APTR increase) and baseline PT (P = 0.014, HR 0.91 for every 50% increase). The only significant predictor of bleeding was peak APTT (P = 0.017, OR 1.05 per 10 s increase). Every 10 s APTT increase was associated with a 20% reduction in circuit failure, but a 5% increase in hemorrhage. A 3% reduction in filtration fraction was associated with the same improvement in circuit life as a 10 s increase in APTT. Increasing APTT prolongs circuit life but carries a substantial risk of bleeding even in modern practice. Filtration fraction has a large impact on circuit life in the critically ill: a 3% reduction in filtration fraction, e.g. by increasing blood flow or delivering some of the clearance via dialysis, would be expected to reduce circuit failure as much as a 10 s increase in APTT.
Repetitive Immunoadsorption Cycles for Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Daeschlein Georg , Scholz Sebastian , Lutze Stine , Eming Ruediger , Arnold Andreas , Haase Hermann , Hertl Michael , Jünger Michael
Published: December 2014

The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of repetitive IgE immunoadsorption (IA) cycles in severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with high serum IgE levels. A total of seven patients with severe AD with a history of no significant or longterm Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) reduction and total serum IgE levels >700 IU/mL were enrolled. The patients received one to five series of IA (Ig‐Therasorb adsorber columns; Miltenyi Biotec, Teterow, Germany) each consisting of five consecutive treatments which were performed on a monthly regimen. Overall, one patient received one, two patients two, one patient three, two patients four and one patient five cycles of IA. IA was well tolerated in all the studied AD patients and led to a significant decrease of SCORAD and IgE levels during each IA cycle in all the patients. The relative decrease of SCORAD and serum IgE levels after treatment was 11.1% and 80%, respectively, after five immunoadsorption series, 24.1% and 83.6%, respectively, after four series, 37.6% and 75.9%, respectively, after three series, 27.9% and 74.2%, respectively, after two series, and 25.1% and 74.8% after the 1st IA cycle. One of the patients exhibited a long lasting clinical benefit over more than 12 months after the 5th IA cycle. Repetitive IA with more than two cycles at intervals of 4 weeks induces a profound and persisting IgE reduction which is remarkable clinical efficacy improving SCORAD in severe AD with high serum IgE levels.
Characterization of the KstR2 regulator responsible of the lower cholesterol degradative pathway in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: García‐Fernández Julia , Galán Beatriz , Medrano Francisco J. , García José L.
Published: December 2014

The interaction of KstR2‐dependent promoters of the divergon constituted by the MSMEG_6000‐5999 and MSMEG_6001–6004 operons of Mycobacterium smegmatis which encode the genes involved in the lower cholesterol degradative pathway has been characterized. Footprint analyses have demonstrated experimentally for the first time that KstR2 specifically binds to an operator region of 29 nucleotides containing the palindromic sequence AAGCAAGNNCTTGCTT. This region overlaps with the –10 and –35 boxes of the putative P6000 and P6001 divergent promoters, suggesting that KstR2 represses their transcription by preventing the binding of the ribonucleic acid polymerase. A three‐dimensional model of the KstR2 protein revealed a typical TetR‐type regulator folding with two domains, a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)‐binding N‐terminal domain and a regulator‐binding C‐terminal domain composed by three and six helices respectively. KstR2 is an all alpha protein as confirmed by circular dichroism. We have determined that M. smegmatis is able to grow using sitolactone (HIL) as the only carbon source and that this compound induces the kstR2 regulon in vivo. HIL or its open form 5OH‐HIP were unable to release in vitro the KstR2–DNA operator interaction, suggesting that 5OH‐HIP‐CoA or a further derivative would induce the lower cholesterol catabolic pathway.
Genetic markers that influence feed efficiency phenotypes also affect cattle temperament as measured by flight speed
Authors: Lindholm‐Perry A. K. , Kuehn L. A. , Freetly H. C. , Snelling W. M.
Published: December 2014

Flight speed is a predictive indicator of cattle temperament and is associated with feed efficiency phenotypes. Genetic markers associated with both traits may assist with selection of calmer animals with improved economic value. A preliminary genome‐wide association study determined chromosomal regions on BTA9, and 17 were associated with flight speed. The genes quaking (QKI), glutamate receptor, ionotropic, AMPA 2 (GRIA2) and glycine receptor β (GLRB) were identified in these regions as potential functional candidates. Beef steers (n = 1057) were genotyped with SNPs located within and flanking these genes. One SNP located near QKI and one near GRIA2 were nominally associated with flight speed (P ≤ 0.05) although neither was significant after Bonferroni correction. Several studies have shown a correlation between flight speed and feed intake or gain; therefore, we also analyzed SNPs on BTA6:38–39 Mb known to be associated with average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) for association with flight speed. Several SNPs on BTA6 were associated with flight speed (P ≤ 0.005), and three were significant after Bonferroni correction. These results suggest that the genes tested are unlikely to contribute to flight speed variation for our cattle population, but SNPs on BTA6 associated with ADG and ADFI may influence temperament. Use of these markers to select for economically important feed efficiency phenotypes may produce cattle with more desirable temperaments.
Diagnostic accuracy of anaesthesiologists’ prediction of difficult airway management in daily clinical practice: a cohort study of 188 064 patients registered in the Danish Anaesthesia Database
Authors: Nørskov A. K. , Rosenstock C. V. , Wetterslev J. , Astrup G. , Afshari A. , Lundstrøm L. H.
Published: December 2014

Both the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the UK NAP4 project recommend that an unspecified pre‐operative airway assessment be made. However, the choice of assessment is ultimately at the discretion of the individual anaesthesiologist. We retrieved a cohort of 188 064 cases from the Danish Anaesthesia Database, and investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the anaesthesiologists’ predictions of difficult tracheal intubation and difficult mask ventilation. Of 3391 difficult intubations, 3154 (93%) were unanticipated. When difficult intubation was anticipated, 229 of 929 (25%) had an actual difficult intubation. Likewise, difficult mask ventilation was unanticipated in 808 of 857 (94%) cases, and when anticipated (218 cases), difficult mask ventilation actually occurred in 49 (22%) cases. We present a previously unpublished estimate of the accuracy of anaesthesiologists’ prediction of airway management difficulties in daily routine practice. Prediction of airway difficulties remains a challenging task, and our results underline the importance of being constantly prepared for unexpected difficulties.
Histidine‐Tryptophan‐Ketoglutarate Solution With Added Ebselen Augments Myocardial Protection in Neonatal Porcine Hearts Undergoing Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Jinping , Li Shoujun , Yan Fuxia , Xue Qinghua , Wang Huiying , Sun Peng , Long Cun
Published: December 2014

Whether modified histidine‐tryptophan‐ketoglutarate (HTK) solution offers myocardial protection to newborn heart has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to compare myocardial protection using HTK added by ebselen with HTK in a piglet model of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Fifteen piglets were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (C group, n = 5), HTK solution group (HTK group, n = 5), and HTK added by 10 nM ebselen group (HTK+E group, n = 5). Animals in the two experimental groups were placed on hypothermic CPB, after which the ascending aorta had been clamped for 2 h. The control animals underwent normothermic CPB without cardiac arrest. Myocardial antioxidant activities, myocytes apoptosis and mitochondrial structures, as well as the release of cytochrome c and the expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, and HSP72 protein in myocardium were measured. Increased myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Mn‐SOD activities, decreased TUNEL‐positive cells, and reduced release of cytochrome c were noted in the HTK+E group compared with those in the HTK group (P = 0.021, P = 0.020, P = 0.045, and P = 0.010, respectively). The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio in the HTK group was significantly higher than that in the C group (P = 0.024). The expression of HSP72 protein and mRNA in the HTK+E group was higher than that in the HTK group (P = 0.039 and P = 0.035, respectively). Mitochondrial score under electron microscope in the HTK+E group was lower than that in the HTK group (P = 0.047). Improved antioxidant defense, reduced myocytes apoptosis, and better preserved mitochondrial structure were observed in the HTK+E group. Ebselen added to HTK provides better myocardioprotection to HTK solution for the neonatal heart.
Long‐term outcomes of thalidomide in refractory Crohn's disease
Authors: Gerich M. E. , Yoon J. L. , Targan S. R. , Ippoliti A. F. , Vasiliauskas E. A.
Published: December 2014

Background

Several open‐label and retrospective studies have indicated that thalidomide may be beneficial in patients with refractory Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

To report our long‐term experience with the use of thalidomide for adults with refractory Crohn's disease.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of long‐term clinical and safety outcomes among adults treated with thalidomide for refractory Crohn's disease. Response was defined as a clinician's assessment of improvement after at least 7 days treatment of one or more of the following: bowel movement frequency, fistula output, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, extraintestinal manifestations, or well‐being. Remission required all of the following: <3 stools/day, no bleeding, abdominal pain or extraintestinal manifestations and increased well‐being.

Results

Thirty‐seven adults with refractory Crohn's disease were treated with thalidomide for a median of 4.4 months and followed up for a median of 58 months. Clinical response and remission rates were 54% and 19%, respectively. About 40% of patients were able to stop steroids. Response rates were higher for those treated with more than 50 mg/day (85%) than for those treated with a maximum of 50 mg/day (40%; P = 0.01). An adverse event occurred in 68% of patients. Approximately one‐third of patients (38%) experienced neuropathy.

Conclusions

Thalidomide appears to be safe and effective in some patients with refractory Crohn's disease. Although side effects may limit long‐term use, thalidomide has potential to induce significant clinical responses.
Step by step: A microgenetic study of the development of strategy choice in infancy
Authors: Berger Sarah E. , Chin Brian , Basra Sandeep , Kim Hannah
Published: December 2014

To examine patterns of strategy choice and discovery during problem‐solving of a novel locomotor task, 13.5‐ and 18‐month‐old infants were placed at the top of a staircase and encouraged to descend. Spontaneous stair descent strategy choices were documented step by step and trial by trial to provide a microgenetic account of problem‐solving in action. Younger infants tended to begin each trial walking, were more likely to choose walking with each successive step, and were more likely to lose their balance and have to be rescued by an experimenter. Conversely, older infants tended to begin each trial scooting, were more likely to choose scooting with each successive step, and were more likely to use a handrail to augment balance on stairs. Documenting problem‐solving microgenetically across age groups revealed striking similarities between younger infants' strategy development and older children's behaviour on more traditionally cognitive tasks, including using alternative strategies, mapping prior experiences with strategies to a novel task, and strengthening new strategies. As cognitive resources are taxed during a challenging task, resources available for weighing alternatives or inhibiting a well‐used strategy are reduced. With increased motor experience, infants can more easily consider alternative strategies and maintain those solutions over the course of the trial.
Momelotinib treatment‐emergent neuropathy: prevalence, risk factors and outcome in 100 patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Abdelrahman Ramy A. , Begna Kebede H. , Al‐Kali Aref , Hogan William J. , Litzow Mark R. , Pardanani Animesh , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: December 2014

Momelotinib (a JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor) induces both anaemia and spleen responses in myelofibrosis (MF). Momelotinib treatment‐emergent peripheral neuropathy (TE‐PN) was documented in 44 (44%) of 100 MF patients treated at our institution; median time of TE‐PN onset was 32 weeks and duration 11 months. Improvement after drug dose reduction or discontinuation was documented in only two patients. TE‐PN was significantly associated with treatment response (P = 0·02) and longer survival (P = 0·048) but significance was lost during multivariate analysis that included treatment duration. TE‐PN did not correlate with initial or maximum momelotinib dose or previous treatment with JAK inhibitor or thalidomide.
Political Structure and the Limits of Recognition and Representation in Ghana
Authors: Stacey Paul
Published: December 2014

Recent studies of democratization in sub‐Saharan Africa often focus on government recognition granted to traditional authorities. This article examines northern Ghana, where chiefs of a minority group are denied formal recognition but pressure state officials to recognize their status as land custodians. This leads to contests and debates between state officials, chiefs and communities over whether the customary institutions have in fact been recognized for what they claim to be. The article uses episodes of contention to nuance conceptualizations of recognition as a specific relationship between actors and institutions, and as a question of government policy or choice. Recognition and non‐recognition are contested in a grey zone of social constructions. Non‐recognition persists as a continuation of colonial policy, state law path trajectory, and state officials’ endeavours to stay out of ‘traditional’ affairs. However, customary rights to land are validated by the new local government institution, and chiefs use newfound positions to expand their jurisdictions. Stakeholders affirm unequal social categories underpinning different understandings of recognition. The article examines contentions that hinge on interpretations of who is recognizing and not recognizing whom, and actors’ efforts to reshape and reproduce political structures.
Marine antimicrobial peptide tachyplesin as an efficient nanocarrier for macromolecule delivery in plant and mammalian cells
Authors: Jain Aastha , Yadav Bhoopesh K. , Chugh Archana
Published: December 2014

Membrane‐active peptides can be classified as cell‐penetrating peptides and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are known to play interchangeable roles. In this study, this dual behaviour was studied for the marine AMP, tachyplesin. It is a well‐established cyclic peptide known to possess antimicrobial properties and was investigated for its cell‐penetrating property and cargo delivery ability. Because of its derivation from a marine organism as well as cyclic nature, it has been shown to possess higher stability in vitro. In this study, its internalization as a cell‐penetrating peptide was established and characterized in both plant and mammalian systems. It was shown to deliver cargo molecules in both living systems, emerging as an efficient nonviral macromolecule nanocarrier.
Prevalence of Coinfection with Gastric Non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) Species in Helicobacter pylori‐infected Patients Suffering from Gastric Disease in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Jie , He Lihua , Haesebrouck Freddy , Gong Yanan , Flahou Bram , Cao Qizhi , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: December 2014

Background

The Helicobacter heilmannii sensu lato (H. heilmannii s.l.) group consists of long, spiral‐shaped bacteria naturally colonizing the stomach of animals. Moreover, bacteria belonging to this group have been observed in 0.2–6% of human gastric biopsy specimens, and associations have been made with the development of chronic gastritis, peptic ulceration, and gastric MALT lymphoma in humans.

Materials and Methods

To gain insight into the prevalence of H. heilmannii s.l. infections in patients suffering from gastric disease in China, H. heilmannii s.l. species‐specific PCRs were performed on DNA extracts from rapid urease test (RUT)‐positive gastric biopsies from 1517 patients followed by nucleotide sequencing. At the same time, Helicobacter pylori cultivation and specific PCR was performed to assess H. pylori infection in these patients.

Results

In total, H. heilmannii s.l. infection was detected in 11.87% (178/1499) of H. pylori‐positive patients. The prevalence of H. suis, H. felis, H. bizzozeronii, H. heilmannii sensu stricto (s.s.), and H. salomonis in the patients was 6.94%, 2.20%, 0.13%, 0.07%, and 2.54%, respectively. Results revealed that all patients with H. heilmannii s.l. infection were co‐infected with H. pylori, and some patients were co‐infected with more than two different Helicobacter species.

Conclusions

Helicobacter heilmannii s.l. infections are fairly common in Chinese patients. This should be kept in mind when diagnosing the cause of gastric pathologies in patients. Helicobacter suis was shown to be by far the most prevalent H. heilmannii s.l.species.
Eccrine porocarcinoma: epidemiologic and histopathologic characteristics
Authors: Riera‐Leal Lizbeth , Guevara‐Gutiérrez Elizabeth , Barrientos‐García Juan Gabriel , Madrigal‐Kasem Rodrigo , Briseño‐Rodríguez Gabriela , Tlacuilo‐Parra Alberto
Published: December 2014

Background

Porocarcinoma is a rare tumor, representing 0.005% of all malignant epithelial neoplasms. The majority of publications are single case reports. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiologic and histopathologic characteristics of patients diagnosed with eccrine porocarcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out from January 1994 to December 2010. Cases with a histopathological diagnosis of eccrine porocarcinoma were included. The investigated variables were frequency, gender, age, time of evolution, localization, morphology, referral clinical diagnosis, and histopathology patterns. The information was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

During this 17‐year period, 33 cases diagnosed with eccrine porocarcinoma were detected. Female gender was predominant with 64% cases. The average age was 74 ± 12 years. The most frequent location was the head with 37% cases; the most common observed morphology was nodular, in 46%. The main referral diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 67% of cases. With regard to the histopathology characteristics, necrosis predominated in 64% cases, comedonecrosis in 45% cases, squamous differentiation in 42% cases, and melanocyte colonization in 21%.

Conclusions

Our series presents some clinical and histopathology differences with previously reported, such as the most frequent localization in the head and the presence of melanocyte colonization.
Systematic review of treatments for chronic spontaneous urticaria with inadequate response to licensed first‐line treatments
Authors: Mitchell Sarah , Balp Maria‐Magdalena , Samuel Miny , McBride Doreen , Maurer Marcus
Published: December 2014

Background

Patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are sometimes unresponsive to nonsedating, second‐generation, H1 antihistamines; this study summarizes published clinical evidence for patients who remain symptomatic despite treatment.

Objective

To evaluate, via a systematic literature review, clinical evidence of management strategies for patients with CSU who remain symptomatic despite approved use of nonsedating H1 antihistamines.

Methods

Using a prespecified protocol, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library (1 January 1960–20 December 2011), and published conference abstracts (2010–2012). Rigorous criteria identified trials in patients with CSU who had a history of inadequate response to previous treatment or had used combination treatments. Trials evaluating treatment‐naïve patients or first‐line therapies were excluded.

Results

Qualitative data synthesized from 26 randomized, controlled trials, four prospective studies, and one retrospective study showed cyclosporine, desloratadine plus dapsone or dipyridamole, montelukast, and omalizumab reduced urticaria activity scores, weals, and pruritus, versus placebo. Optimal treatment doses and durations were unclear due to varying trial durations, outcome measurement scales, and assessment timings. No safety concerns were reported.

Conclusions

This review confirms that available evidence to guide treatment choice for patients with CSU with inadequate response to H1 antihistamines varies in quality. Further research is warranted due to low‐quality trials with methodological and reporting limitations.
Engaging men for gender justice: Overcoming barriers to girls' education in the Pashtun tribes ofPakistan
Authors: Jamal Aamir
Published: December 2014

Resistance to girls' education is a social justice and human rights issue in many countries. InPakistan, where the lowest school enrollment for girls is inPashtun areas borderingAfghanistan, it is especially problematic.Pashtun society is patriarchal: Men have the power to construct obstacles to girls' education, and to remove them. This article therefore explores a different way of overcoming barriers to gender justice, namely through the participation of men. A qualitativeDelphi process and in‐depth interviews withPashtun men led to their consensus on seven key points of leverage where action could be taken. Participants agreed that progress toward gender parity could be achieved only by making allies of powerful community leaders, especially religious leaders, and by utilizing existing institutions, such as the mosque,Jirga (council of elders), and the men's guest house. For each point of leverage, a policy recommendation is made for increasing girls' participation in education.
Infant Recognition of Hebrew Vocalic Word Patterns
Authors: Segal Osnat , Keren‐Portnoy Tamar , Vihman Marilyn
Published: December 2014

The ability of infants to recognize phonotactic patterns in their native language is widely acknowledged. However, the specific ability of infants to recognize patterns created by nonadjacent vowels in words has seldom been investigated. In Semitic languages such as Hebrew, groups of multisyllabic words are identical in their nonadjacent vowel sequences and stress position but differ in the consonants interposed between the vowels. The goals of this study were to assess whether infants learning Hebrew show a preference for (1) a nonadjacent vocalic pattern or template, common in Hebrew nouns (CéCeC), over a nonattested nonadjacent vocalic pattern (CóCoC), and (2) a nonadjacent vocalic pattern common in Hebrew words (CaCóC) over an existing but less common pattern (CaCéC). Twenty Hebrew‐learning infants aged 8 to 11 months were presented with lists of nonsense words featuring the first two patterns (Experiment 1), and 20 were presented with nonsense words featuring the second two patterns (Experiment 2). The results showed longer listening to CéCeC than to CóCoC lists and to CaCóC than to CaCéC lists, suggesting that infants recognized the common nonadjacent vocalic patterns in both cases. The study thus demonstrates that Hebrew‐learning infants are able to disregard the intervening consonants within words and generalize their vocalic pattern to previously unheard nonwords, whether this pattern includes identical or different vowels and regardless of the rhythmic pattern of the word (trochaic or iambic). Analysis of the occurrence of the relevant vowel patterns in input speech in three Hebrew corpora (two addressed to children and one to adults) suggests that exposure to these patterns in words underlies the infants' preferences.
How do children view other children who have visible enamel defects?
Authors: Craig Sally A. , Baker Sarah R. , Rodd Helen D.
Published: December 2014

Background

Facial and dental appearance influences how individuals are perceived by others.

Aim

This study aimed to determine whether young people make judgements about other young people with visible enamel opacities.

Design

Focus group findings were used to develop a social attribute questionnaire to capture young people's dental appearance‐related judgements. 547 pupils (aged 11–15 years), from two different schools, participated in the study. Half the participants were given full‐face photographs of a boy and girl without an enamel defect, and the other half were given the same two photographs with the subjects' incisors digitally modified to show enamel opacities. Participants completed the attribute questionnaire to rate the photographic subjects according to six positive and five negative descriptors using a four‐point Likert scale. The total attribute score (TAS) could range from 11 (most negative) to 44 (most positive).

Results

TAS was significantly lower for photographic subjects with enamel defects compared to the same subject with normal enamel appearance (P < 0.001, one sample t‐test). Gender had a significant impact on TAS, with boys making more negative judgements than girls. Age and socio‐economic status did not have an effect.

Conclusion

Young people may make negative psychosocial judgements on the basis of enamel appearance.
A High‐Temperature Neutron Diffraction Study of Nb2AlC and TiNbAlC
Authors: Bentzel Grady W. , Lane Nina J. , Vogel Sven C. , An Ke , Barsoum Michel W. , Caspi El'ad N.
Published: December 2014

Herein, we report on the crystal structures of Nb2AlC and TiNbAlC—actual composition (Ti0.45,Nb0.55)2AlC—compounds determined from Rietveld analysis of neutron diffraction patterns in the 300–1173 K temperature range. The average linear thermal expansion coefficients of a Nb2AlC sample in the a and c directions are, respectively, 7.9(5) × 10−6 and 7.7(5) × 10−6 K−1 on one neutron diffractometer and 7.3(3) × 10−6 and 7.0(2) × 10−6 K−1 on a second diffractometer. The respective values for the (Ti0.45,Nb0.55)2AlC composition—only tested on one diffractometer—are 8.5(3) × 10−6 and 7.5(5) × 10−6 K−1. These values are relatively low compared to other MAX phases. Like other MAX phases, however, the atomic displacement parameters (APDs) show that the Al atoms vibrate with higher amplitudes than the Ti and C atoms, and more along the basal planes than normal to them. When the predictions of the APDs obtained from density functional theory are compared to the experimental results, good quantitative agreement is found for the Al atoms. In case of the Nb and C atoms, the agreement was more qualitative.
The SCM Knowledge Supply Chain: Integrating World Views to Advance the Discipline
Authors: Waller Matthew A. , Fawcett Stanley E.
Published: December 2014

Supply chain management is a discipline immersed in knowledge creation and dissemination concerning the integration of business processes across functions and among firms. Academics are the producers and distributors in this knowledge supply chain. The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) provides numerous opportunities to integrate functions and processes between academics and practitioners. The Journal of Business Logistics, the CSCMP Educators' Conference, the CSCMP Annual Global Conference, and CSCMP per se, provide the venue for linking academics to practice, bridging the gap between the two groups as part of the same universe of value creation. Being actively involved in all of these makes a researcher more complete, relevant, and rigorous.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest During Sex in Patients with Either Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia or Long‐QT Syndrome: A Rare But Shocking Experience
Authors: LOAR ROBERT W. , BOS J. MARTIJN , CANNON BRYAN C. , ACKERMAN MICHAEL J.
Published: December 2014

Sudden Cardiac Arrest During Sex in Cardiac Channelopathies

Background

Patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and long‐QT syndrome (LQTS) are susceptible to cardiac events during sympathetic nervous system activation. Herein, we sought to determine the risk of cardiac events associated with sex in CPVT and LQTS patients.

Methods and Results

We reviewed the electronic medical record of patients seen in the Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic. There were 445 patients ≥18 years diagnosed with LQTS (N = 402, age at diagnosis 30 ± 16 years) or CPVT (N = 43, age at diagnosis 25 ± 15 years). No sex‐induced cardiac events occurred in the LQTS population, and 2 occurred in the CPVT population. Sex‐induced events were more likely in CPVT (2/43, 4.7%) than LQTS (0/402, 0%, P = 0.008). One case involved a 22‐year‐old CPVT1 female with prior cardiac arrest, who experienced several appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks during intercourse while taking β‐blockers. The second case was a 52‐year‐old CPVT1 male with history of recurrent exercise‐triggered syncope, who had syncope during sex in the setting of β‐blocker noncompliance. Extrapolating from published estimates of intercourse frequency by age, the overall event rate was only 0.0004%, and 0.005% among the CPVT cohort.

Conclusions

Potentially life‐threatening cardiac events during sex in patients with CPVT are rare and even rarer in LQTS. Overall, the cardiac event per intercourse rate is extremely low. Patients and their partners should be reassured that sex is a low‐risk activity from a cardiac standpoint.
Dietary intake in infants with complex congenital heart disease: a case–control study on macro‐ and micronutrient intake, meal frequency and growth
Authors: Hansson L. , Öhlund I. , Lind T. , Stecksén‐Blicks C. , Rydberg A.
Published: December 2014

Background

Children with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) need considerable nutritional support to reach normal growth. The actual intake of macro‐ and micronutrients in outpatient CHD infants over a 6‐month period in infancy is not described in the literature. The present study aimed to prospectively investigate the distribution between macro‐ and micronutrient intake, meal frequency and growth in children with CHD.

Methods

At 6, 9 and 12 months of age, a 3‐day food diary and anthropometric data were collected in 11 infants with severe CHD and 22 healthy age‐ and feeding‐matched controls. Macro‐ and micronutrient intake, meal frequency and growth were calculated.

Results

Compared to the healthy controls, CHD infants had a statistically significantly higher intake of fat at 9 months of age (4.8 versus 3.6 g kg−1day−1), a higher percentage energy (E%) from fat, (40.6% versus 34.5%) and a lower E% from carbohydrates (46.1% versus 39.6%) at 12 months of age, and a lower intake of iron (7.22 versus 9.28 mg day−1) at 6 months of age. Meal frequency was significantly higher at 6 and 9 months of age (P < 0.01). Mean Z‐score weight for height, weight for age and body mass index for age were significant lower (P < 0.01) at all time points.

Conclusions

Despite a higher intake of energy from fat and a higher meal frequency, the intake does not meet the needs for growth, and the results may indicate a low intake of micronutrients in CHD infants.
Dental fluorosis in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury, New South Wales, Australia: policy implications
Authors: Bal Ikreet S. , Dennison Peter J. , Evans R. Wendell
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the adjustment of the fluoride concentration to 1 ppm in the drinking water supplied to the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia in 1993 was associated with fluorosis incidence.

Methods

In 2003, children attending schools in the Blue Mountains and a control region (fluoridated in 1967) that had been randomly selected at baseline in 1992 were examined for dental fluorosis (maxillary central incisors only) using Dean's index. A fluoride history for each child was obtained by questionnaire. Associations between fluorosis and 58 potential explanatory variables were explored.

Results

The response rate was 63%. A total of 1138 children aged from 7 to 11 years with erupted permanent central incisors were examined for dental fluorosis. Fluorosis prevalence was the same in both regions. The Community Index of Dental Fluorosis values were slightly different, but were both above 0.6, indicative of public health concern.

Conclusions

For the group as a whole, we concluded that: (a) fluorosis prevalence (0.39) in both regions was similar; and (b) the higher‐than‐expected prevalence and severity of fluorosis was due mainly to two factors: (a) the higher‐than‐optimal fluoride level in drinking water; and (b) swallowing of fluoride toothpaste in early childhood.
Impact of periodontal status on oral health‐related quality of life among police personnel in Virajpet, India
Authors: Abhishek Kanuvanaghatta N. , Jain Jithesh , Shamarao Supreetha , Khanapure Sneha C.
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the association between oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and periodontal status among police personnel in Virajpet, India.

Methods

Police personnel were randomly selected from the 296 police staff working in Virajpet, India. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect information on their demographics and dental visit behavior, and to determine their OHRQoL. The community periodontal index (CPI) and loss of attachment were used to assess periodontal status.

Results

All 72 invited participants joined this study. The majority (n = 133) had good OHRQoL. For those with a good OHRQoL, 74 had CPI = 0, 25 had CPI = 1, 20 had CPI = 2, and 14 had CPI ≥ 3. For those who had an average or poor OHRQoL (n = 37), 19 had CPI = 0, one had CPI = 1, eight had CPI = 2, and nine had CPI ≥ 3. There was a statistically‐significant association between OHRQoL and CPI (P < 0.003). Most participants with good OHRQoL (127/133), but only less than half with an average or poor OHRQoL (22/37), had no loss of periodontal attachment (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In the present study, there was an association between OHRQoL and periodontal status among police personnel in Virajpet, Coorg.
Effects of propofol and sevoflurane on isolated human umbilical arteries pre‐contracted with dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline
Authors: Gunduz Ergun , Arun Oguzhan , Bagci Sengal Taylan , Oc Bahar , Salman Alper , Yilmaz Setenay Arzu , Celik Cetin , Duman Ates
Published: December 2014

Aim

To assess the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on the contraction elicited by dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline on isolated human umbilical arteries.

Methods

Umbilical arteries were cut into endothelium‐denuded spiral strips and suspended in organ baths containing Krebs–Henseleit solution bubbled with O2+CO2 mixture. Control contraction to phenylephrine (10−5 M) was recorded. Response curves were obtained to 10−5 M dopamine, 10−5 M adrenaline or 10−5 M noradrenaline. Afterwards, either cumulative propofol (10−6 M, 10−5 M and 10−4 M) or cumulative sevoflurane (1.2%, 2.4% and 3.6%) was added to the organ bath, and the responses were recorded. Responses are expressed percentage of phenylephrine‐induced contraction (mean ± standard deviation) (P < 0.05 = significance).

Results

Propofol and sevoflurane elicited concentration‐dependent relaxations in strips pre‐contracted with dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline (P < 0.05). Highest (10−4 M) concentration of propofol caused significantly higher relaxation compared with the highest (3.6%) concentration of sevoflurane in the contraction elicited by dopamine. High (10−5 M) and highest concentrations of propofol caused significantly higher relaxation compared with the high (2.4%) and highest concentrations of sevoflurane on the contraction elicited by adrenaline. High and highest concentrations of sevoflurane caused significantly higher relaxation compared with the high and highest concentrations of propofol on the contraction elicited by noradrenaline.

Conclusion

Dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline elicit contractions in human umbilical arteries, and noradrenaline causes the highest contraction. Both propofol and sevoflurane inhibit these contractions in a dose‐dependent manner. Propofol caused greater relaxation in the contractions elicited by dopamine and adrenaline while sevoflurane caused greater relaxation in the contraction elicited by noradrenaline.
Molar tubal ectopic pregnancy: Report of two cases
Authors: Mbarki Chaouki , Jerbi Emna , Hsayaoui Najeh , Zouari Fatma , Ben Brahim Ehsen , Oueslati Hedhili
Published: December 2014

Ectopic molar pregnancy is a rare occurrence and consequently not often considered as a diagnostic possibility. We report two cases of molar hydatidiform tubal pregnancy. Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was confirmed on clinical biological and sonographic investigations. Diagnosis of molar pregnancy was done on histopathology. The clinical course was favorable for both patients. Although rare, molar changes can occur at any site of an ectopic pregnancy. Clinical diagnosis of a molar pregnancy is difficult but histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis.
Carotid Ultrasonography Can Identify Stroke Patients Ineligible for Intravenous Thrombolysis Therapy due to Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Hama Yuka , Koga Masatoshi , Tokunaga Keisuke , Takizawa Hotake , Miyashita Kotaro , Iba Yutaka , Toyoda Kazunori
Published: December 2014

Acute aortic dissection is the most common acute aortic condition requiring urgent surgical therapy. Due to lack of typical symptoms, it is sometimes difficult to identify acute aortic dissection causing ischemic stroke. We report a case of a patient with acute ischemic stroke who was deemed ineligible for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator treatment based on a finding of acute aortic dissection detected by carotid ultrasonography. After urgent aortic replacement surgery, the patient recovered with no neurological deficit. This case underscores the crucial role of carotid ultrasonography for the investigation of possible underlying acute aortic dissection when considering the use of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy for hyperacute stroke.
Symptomatic Spinal Migration of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage due to Ruptured Intradural Vertebral Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Ovalı Gülgün Yılmaz , Adam Gürhan , Çınar Celal , Bozkaya Halil , Çallı Cem , Kitiş Ömer , Oran İsmail
Published: December 2014

A 55‐year‐old patient was admitted to the hospital with severe acute back pain. Thoracolumbar magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed hemorrhage in subarachnoidal‐subdural space. On cranial MR imaging and MR angiography, an aneurysm was suspected in the V4 segment of the right vertebral artery. Angiography showed a fusiform dissecting aneurysm in the V4 segment of right vertebral artery. The final diagnosis was ruptured V4 segment aneurysm with subsequent symptomatic migration of hemorrhage into the spinal subarachnoidal‐subdural space. The patient was treated endovascularly by coil occlusion of both the aneurysm and vertebral artery. This rare cause and possible mechanisms for spinal migration of intracranial hemorrhage after aneurysmal rupture is discussed.
Monitoring of Short‐Term Erythropoietin Therapy in Rats with Acute Spinal Cord Injury Using Manganese‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Freitag Martin Thomas , Márton Gábor , Pajer Krisztián , Hartmann Jens , Walder Nadja , Rossmann Markus , Parzer Peter , Redl Heinz , Nógrádi Antal , Stieltjes Bram
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate the short‐term outcome of erythropoietin (EPO) therapy in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) using manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI).

METHODS

Rats were divided in an EPO and a control group. Laminectomy at Th11 was performed, followed by SCI. MnCl2 was applied into the cisterna magna and functional recovery was examined after injury using BBB‐scoring. Then, rats were euthanized and the spinal cord was extracted for MEMRI. Finally, histological analysis was performed and correlated with MEMRI.

RESULTS

EPO‐treated animals showed significantly better functional recovery (P = .008, r = .62) and higher mean signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in MEMRI compared to controls for slices 10‐13 (P = .017, R2 = .31) at the level of the lesion epicenter. Functional recovery correlated significantly with higher SNR values, determined using the mean SNR between slices 10 and 13 (P = .047, R2 = .36). In this region, histology revealed a significantly decreased number of microglia cells and apoptosis in EPO‐treated animals.

CONCLUSION

MEMRI successfully depicts the therapeutic effect of EPO in early SCI that leads to a significant recovery in rats, a significantly reduced immune response and significantly reduced number of apoptotic cells at the height of the lesion epicenter.