bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BCN Checkpoint, a community‐based centre for men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, shows high efficiency in HIV detection and linkage to care
Authors: Meulbroek M , Ditzel E , Saz J , Taboada H , Pérez F , Pérez A , Carrillo A , Font G , Marazzi G , Uya J , Cabrero J , Ingrami M , Marín R , Coll J , Pujol F
Published: August 2013

Objectives

We assessed the efficiency of BCN Checkpoint in detecting new cases of HIV infection and efficiently linking newly diagnosed individuals to care.

Methods

This study analysed during 2007‐2012 the number of tests performed and the number of persons tested in BCN Checkpoint, the HIV prevalence, global and in first visits, the capacity of HIV detection compared to the reported cases in MSM in Catalonia, and the linkage to care rate.

Results

During the six years a total of 17.319 tests were performed and 618 HIV‐positive cases were detected. Median prevalence of clients who visited the centre for the first time was 5.4% (4.1‐5.8). BCN Checkpoint detected 36.3% (35.0‐40.4) of all reported cases in MSM during 2009‐2011. Linkage to care was achieved directly in 90.5% of the cases and only 2.4% of cases were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

A community‐based centre, addressed to a key population at risk, can be less effort consuming (time and funding) and show high efficiency in HIV detection and linkage to care.
Acceptability, feasibility and costs of universal offer of rapid point of care testing for HIV in an acute admissions unit: results of the RAPID project
Authors: Burns F , Edwards SG , Woods J , Haidari G , Calderon Y , Leider J , Morris S , Tobin R , Cartledge J , Brown M
Published: August 2013

Objectives

UK guidance recommends that acute medical admissions are offered an HIV test. Our aim was to determine whether a dedicated staff member using a multimedia tool, a model found effective in the USA, is an acceptable, feasible, and cost‐effective model when translated to a UK setting.

Methods

Over 4 months in 2010, a health advisor (HA) approached 19–65‐year‐olds at a central London acute medical admissions unit and offered a rapid HIV point of care test (POCT) with the aid of an educational video. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through surveys and uptake rates. Costs per case of HIV infection identified were established.

Results

Of the 606 eligible people admitted during the pilot, 324 (53.5%) could not be approached or were individuals for whom testing was deemed inappropriate. In total, 23.0% of eligible admissions had an HIV POCT. Of the patients who watched the video and had not recently been tested for HIV, 93.6% (131 of 140) agreed to an HIV test; four further patients had an HIV test but did not watch the video. Three tests (2.2%; three of 135) were reactive and all were confirmed HIV positive on laboratory testing. HIV testing in this setting was felt to be appropriate by 97.5% of individuals. The cost per patient was £21, and the cost per case of HIV identified was £1083.

Conclusions

Universal POCT HIV testing in an acute medical setting, facilitated by an educational video and dedicated staff, appears acceptable, feasible, effective, and low cost. These findings support the recommendation of HIV testing for all medical admissions in high‐prevalence settings, although with this model a significant proportion remained untested.
Comparison of two HIV testing strategies in primary care centres: indicator‐condition‐guided testing vs. testing of those with non‐indicator conditions
Authors: Menacho I , Sequeira E , Muns M , Barba O , Leal L , Clusa T , Fernandez E , Moreno L , Raben D , Lundgren J , Gatell JM , Garcia F , Cayuelas L , Aragunde V , Vergara M , Catalan M , Moreno MA , Hormigo G , Siso A , Herreras Z , Sebastian L , Benito L , Picas A , Hoyo J , Giner MJ , Cararach D , Moles E , Moro ML , Arrabal P , Roca D , Prego S , Ferrer X , Egido A , Ventosa C , Garcia S , Muñoz S , Massana A , Sole J , Curiel M , Heras F , Leon A
Published: August 2013

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare prospectively indicator‐condition (IC)‐guided testing versus testing of those with non‐indicator conditions (NICs) in four primary care centres (PCCs) in Barcelona, Spain.

Methods

From October 2009 to February 2011, patients aged from 18 to 65 years old who attended a PCC for a new herpes zoster infection, seborrhoeic eczema, mononucleosis syndrome or leucopenia/thrombopenia were included in the IC group, and one in every 10 randomly selected patients consulting for other reasons were included in the NIC group. A proportion of patients in each group were offered an HIV test; those who agreed to be tested were given a rapid finger‐stick HIV test (€6 per test). Epidemiological and clinical data were collected and analysed.

Results

During the study period, 775 patients attended with one of the four selected ICs, while 66 043 patients presented with an NIC. HIV screening was offered to 89 patients with ICs (offer rate 11.5%), of whom 85 agreed to and completed testing (94.4 and 100% acceptance and completion rates, respectively). In the NIC group, an HIV test was offered to 344 persons (offer rate 5.2%), of whom 313 accepted (90.9%) and 304 completed (97.1%) testing. HIV tests were positive in four persons [prevalence 4.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–11.6%] in the IC group and in one person in the NIC group (prevalence 0.3%; 95% CI 0.01–1.82%; P < 0.009). If every eligible person had taken an HIV test, we would have spent €4650 in the IC group and €396 258 in the NIC group, and an estimated 36 (95% CI 25–49) and 198 persons (95% CI 171–227), respectively, would have been diagnosed with HIV infection. The estimated cost per new HIV diagnosis would have been €129 (95% CI €107–153) in the IC group and €2001 (95% CI €1913–2088) in the NIC group.

Conclusions

Although the number of patients included in the study was small and the results should be treated with caution, IC‐guided HIV testing, based on four selected ICs, in PCCs seems to be a more feasible and less expensive strategy to improve diagnosis of HIV infection in Spain than a nontargeted HIV testing strategy.
HIV testing uptake among female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Tbilisi, Georgia
Authors: Tsereteli N , Chikovani I , Chkhaidze N , Goguadze K , Shengelia N , Rukhadze N
Published: August 2013

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate HIV testing practice among female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tbilisi, Georgia and to identify determinants of never testing behaviour among MSM.

Methods

Data obtained in two rounds of bio‐behavioural surveys among FSWs (2006 and 2009) and MSM (2007 and 2010) were analysed. Determinants of never testing behaviour among MSM were investigated among 278 respondents recruited in 2010 through respondent‐driven sampling.

Results

Knowledge about the availability of HIV testing and never testing behaviour did not show changes among FSWs and MSM. Every third FSW and every second MSM had never been tested for HIV according to the latest surveys in 2010. In bivariate analysis among MSM, consistent condom use during anal intercourse with a male partner in the last year, awareness of HIV testing locations and preventive programme coverage were negatively associated with never testing behaviour, while those who considered themselves at no risk of HIV transmission were more likely to have never been tested. In multivariate analysis, lower odds of never testing for HIV remained for those who were aware of HIV testing locations [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04–0.32] and who reported being covered by HIV prevention programmes (AOR 0.26; 95% CI 0.12–0.56).

Conclusions

In view of the concentrated HIV epidemic among MSM in Georgia and the low rate of HIV testing uptake, interventions in this key population should take into consideration the factors associated with testing behaviour. The barriers to HIV testing and counselling uptake should be further investigated.
Human embryonic stem cell differentiation into odontoblastic lineage: an in vitro study
Authors: Kidwai F. K. , Movahednia M. M. , Iqbal K. , Jokhun D. S. , Cao T. , Fawzy A. S.
Published: August 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into odontoblastic lineage in an optimized culture milieu.

Methodology

In Phase 1, hESCs were differentiated into mesenchymal stem cells (H9‐MSCs). In Phase 2, H9‐MSCs were then differentiated into odontoblast‐like cells (H9‐Odont) under the stimulation of FGF‐8 and BMP‐4. Alternatively, H9‐MSCs were differentiated into osteogenic lineage (H9‐Osteo). In Phase 3, H9‐Odont were seeded on 17% EDTA‐treated dentine substrates in the presence of FGF‐8 and BMP‐4 for further differentiation. All experiments were performed in triplicate (n = 3). One‐way anova was used to test hESC differentiation into different cell types. Post hoc Tukey's test was used to compare between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

H9‐Odont expressed the odontoblastic marker DSPP gene 125.47 ± 0.1 (SD)‐folds higher compared with H9‐MSCs at mRNA level (real‐time RT‐PCR). Additionally, the flow cytometry results revealed 53.1 ± 3.4 (SD) % of DSP (+) cells in H9‐Odont. Alternatively, H9‐Osteo expressed 5.9 ± 2.2 (SD) % of DSP (+) cells. Moreover, the SEM results demonstrated that H9‐Odont were found to undergo morphological changes from a fibroblast‐like shape into more rounded shapes with cytoplasmic extensions into the dentinal tubules when seeded on 17% EDTA‐treated dentine substrate in the presence of FGF‐8 and BMP‐4. However, H9‐Osteo and H9‐MSCs did not show similar morphological changes under similar culture milieu.

Conclusion

This study supports the potential of hESCs as a stable, consistent, unlimited and ‘off‐the‐shelf’ cell source to obtain odontoblastic cells for future clinical and research applications.
Audit Effort and Pricing Differences among the Large Audit Firms: Evidence from a Public Sector Setting
Authors: Bradbury Michael E. , Botica Redmayne Nives
Published: August 2013

This study examines differences in audit fees and fee components (i.e., audit hours and billing rates) among the big five auditors (BIG5) in a for‐profit, public sector setting. Most prior audit hours literature employs evidence from a single auditor. As we employ evidence from all BIG5 auditors, we are able to generalize the results of prior research. We show that higher financial risk increases the number of audit hours but not fee per hours and that a different mix of audit hours and billing rates is used to audit different industries. This suggests that it is important to control for industry in future audit effort studies. We also show that the BIG5 auditors have similar audit fees. However, within the BIG5, auditors employ a different mix of audit hours and billing rates and we show that this difference reflects whether the auditors are classified as structured or unstructured. These results should be interpreted in the light of the limitations of this study, which include the small sample size, the public sector setting and the classification of auditors as structured or unstructured.
Precipitation Amount and Intensity Trends Across Southwest Saudi Arabia
Authors: Furl Chad , Sharif H.O. , Alzahrani Muhammad , El Hassan Almoutaz , Mazari Newfel
Published: August 2013

This study examines precipitation accumulation and intensity trends across a region in southwest Saudi Arabia characterized by distinct seasonal weather patterns and mountainous terrain. The region is an example of an arid/semiarid area faced with maintaining sustainable water resources with a growing population. Annual and seasonal trends in precipitation amount were examined from 29 rain gages divided among four geographically unique regions from 1945/1946 to 2009. Two of the regions displayed significantly declining annual trends over the time series using a Mann‐Kendall test modified for autocorrelation (α < 0.05). Seasonal analysis revealed insignificant declining trends in at least two of the regions during each season. The largest and most consistent declining trends occurred during wintertime where all regions experienced negative trends. Several intensity metrics were examined in the study area from four additional stations containing daily data from 1985 to 2011. Intensity metrics included total precipitation, wet day count, simple intensity index, maximum daily annual rainfall, and upper/lower precipitation distribution changes. In general, no coherent trends were found among the daily stations suggesting precipitation is intensifying across the study area. The work represents the first of its size in the study area, and one of few in the region due to the lack of available long‐term data needed to properly examine precipitation changes.
Occupancy patterns of large mammals in the Far North of Ontario under imperfect detection and spatial autocorrelation
Authors: Poley Lucy G. , Pond Bruce A. , Schaefer James A. , Brown Glen S. , Ray Justina C. , Johnson Devin S.
Published: August 2013

Aim

An understanding of the factors that influence species distributions in heterogeneous landscapes is important when making decisions regarding conservation. Moreover, occupancy probabilities based on detection data can reveal important species–habitat relationships. Accounting for the spatial autocorrelation of detection data increases the statistical validity of occupancy models, but is not often considered. Using novel occupancy modelling that explicitly incorporates detectability and spatial autocorrelation, we assessed the influence of habitat on occupancy patterns of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), moose (Alces alces) and wolves (Canis lupus) across a broad biogeographical extent where fire is the dominant agent of disturbance.

Location

Northern Ontario, Canada.

Methods

We aerially surveyed 3851 sampling units, each covering 100 km2, for woodland caribou, moose and wolves in February–March in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and visited 1663 units more than once to estimate detectability. We used restricted spatial regression to model occupancy probabilities of each species with respect to habitat factors in two ecozones, accounting for both imperfect detection and lack of independence of sampling units.

Results

Covariates influencing species detection varied among ecozones and species. Caribou occupancy was positively related to bogs and negatively related to disturbed areas, while moose occupancy showed opposite responses to these covariates. Wolf occupancy was related to high prey occupancy. Explicitly accounting for spatial autocorrelation in detection data reduced the chance of type I error in occupancy estimates compared with non‐spatial models.

Main conclusions

Habitat relationships and occupancy patterns support the hypothesis that caribou remain spatially segregated from moose to reduce predation risk. The broad scale of analysis indicated changes in species–habitat relationships, suggesting that limiting factors vary across biogeographical gradients. The spatial pattern in caribou occupancy allowed us to identify important areas used by caribou across the region, including the ecotone between fire‐driven boreal forests and peatland complexes. The evidence for significant relationships between caribou and land cover, predators and alternate prey underscores the need for careful planning of development and infrastructure in the area.
Pollinator shifts betweenOphrys sphegodespopulations: might adaptation to different pollinators drive population divergence?
Authors: Breitkopf H. , Schlüter P. M. , Xu S. , Schiestl F. P. , Cozzolino S. , Scopece G.
Published: August 2013

Local adaptation to different pollinators is considered one of the possible initial stages of ecological speciation as reproductive isolation is a by‐product of the divergence in pollination systems. However, pollinator‐mediated divergent selection will not necessarily result in complete reproductive isolation, because incipient speciation is often overcome by gene flow. We investigated the potential of pollinator shift in the sexually deceptive orchidsOphrys sphegodesandOphrys exaltataand compared the levels of floral isolation vs. genetic distance among populations with contrasting predominant pollinators. We analysed floral hydrocarbons as a proxy for floral divergence between populations. Floral adoption of pollinators and their fidelity was tested using pollinator choice experiments. Interpopulation gene flow and population differentiation levels were estimated usingAFLPmarkers. TheTyrrhenianO. sphegodespopulation preferentially attracted the pollinator beeAndrena bimaculata, whereas theAdriaticO. sphegodespopulation exclusively attractedA. nigroaenea. Significant differences in scent component proportions were identified inO. sphegodespopulations that attracted different preferred pollinators. High interpopulation gene flow was detected, but populations were genetically structured at species level. The high interpopulation gene flow levels independent of preferred pollinators suggest that local adaptation to different pollinators has not (yet) generated detectable genome‐wide separation. Alternatively, despite extensive gene flow, few genes underlying floral isolation remain differentiated as a consequence of divergent selection. Different pollination ecotypes inO. sphegodesmight represent a local selective response imposed by temporal variation in a geographical mosaic of pollinators as a consequence of the frequent disturbance regimes typical ofOphryshabitats.
No correlation between multi‐locus heterozygosity and fitness in the common buzzard despite heterozygote advantage for plumage colour
Authors: Boerner M. , Hoffman J. I. , Amos W. , Chakarov N. , Kruger O.
Published: August 2013

Correlations between heterozygosity and fitness are frequently found but rarely well understood. Fitness can be affected by single loci of large effect which correlate with neutral markers via linkage disequilibrium, or as a result of variation in genome‐wide heterozygosity following inbreeding. We explored these alternatives in the common buzzard, a raptor species in which three colour morphs differ in their lifetime reproductive success. Using 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci, we evaluated potential genetic differences among the morphs which may lead to subpopulation structuring and tested for correlations between three fitness‐related traits and heterozygosity, both genome wide and at each locus separately. Despite their assortative mating pattern, the buzzard morphs were found to be genetically undifferentiated. Multilocus heterozygosity was only found to be correlated with a single fitness‐related trait, infection with the blood parasite, Leucocytozoon buteonis, and this was via interactions with vole abundance and age. One locus also showed a significant relationship with blood parasite infection and ectoparasite infestation. The vicinity of this locus contains two genes, one of which is potentially implicated in the immune system of birds. We conclude that genome‐wide heterozygosity is unlikely to be a major determinant of parasite burden and body condition in the polymorphic common buzzard.
DOES URBAN PROXIMITY ENHANCE TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY? EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE AGRICULTURE
Authors: Duvivier Chloé
Published: August 2013

This paper assesses whether cities enhance the technical efficiency of nearby rural counties by allowing for heterogeneous urban effects both by region and city type. An empirical application is demonstrated using the Chinese county‐level agricultural data from 2005 to 2009. We find that urban proximity significantly enhances efficiency in the Eastern region, while its effect is lower and less significant for the Central region and not significant at all for the Western region. In addition, urban effects vary across the urban hierarchy. We find that provincial‐level cities have a deteriorating impact on technical efficiency, while lower‐level cities enhance technical efficiency in most regions. Implications of these findings in terms of urban and regional planning are discussed.
Designing a Basic Income System with a Social Welfare Function
Authors: ABOUDI RONNY , THON DOMINIQUE , ZHENG MINGLI
Published: August 2013

There is an irreducible conflict between, on the one hand, the desire to allocate income in society in an equitable way and, on the other, the desire to alleviate poverty. The conflict materializes itself in the problem of designing a basic income (or negative income tax) system which requires formulating a workable compromise. This paper approaches the problem through solving a mathematical program whose utility‐based objective function explicitly embodies both considerations. The solution describes a simple basic income system and its comparative statics indicate how the specification of the objective function leads to a more, or less, pro‐poor solution.
Review of Equine Piroplasmosis
Authors: Wise L.N. , Kappmeyer L.S. , Mealey R.H. , Knowles D.P.
Published: August 2013

Equine piroplasmosis is caused by one of 2 erythrocytic parasites Babesia caballi or Theileria equi. Although the genus of the latter remains controversial, the most recent designation, Theileria, is utilized in this review. Shared pathogenesis includes tick‐borne transmission and erythrolysis leading to anemia as the primary clinical outcome. Although both parasites are able to persist indefinitely in their equid hosts, thus far, only B. caballi transmits across tick generations. Pathogenesis further diverges after transmission to equids in that B. caballi immediately infects erythrocytes, whereas T. equi infects peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The recent re‐emergence of T. equi in the United States has increased awareness of these tick‐borne pathogens, especially in terms of diagnosis and control. This review focuses in part on factors leading to the re‐emergence of infection and disease of these globally important pathogens.
Repeatability of the Combined Glucose‐Insulin Tolerance Test and the Effect of a Stressor before Testing in Horses of 2 Breeds
Authors: Bröjer J. , Lindåse S. , Hedenskog J. , Alvarsson K. , Nostell K.
Published: August 2013

Background

The increasing number of horses diagnosed with insulin resistance (IR) and the suggested link between IR and laminitis has highlighted the need to accurately diagnose IR in clinical practice.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the repeatability of the combined glucose‐insulin tolerance test (CGIT) as well as to determine the effect of 2 different breeds and the effect of a stressor on the test results.

Animals

Clinically normal horses, 9 Standardbred horses and 9 Icelandic horses.

Methods

Prospective clinical nonrandomized trial. The CGIT was performed on all horses on 2 occasions 3 weeks apart. An additional CGIT was performed on four of the Standardbred and four of the Icelandic horses after transportation to a new environment (stressor) the day before testing.

Results

Calculated parameters for the glucose curve of the CGIT had low repeatability, whereas the parameters for the insulin curve had high repeatability. There was an effect of breed (Standarbred versus Icelandic horse) as well as stress on the glucose dynamics, but not on the insulin dynamics of the CGIT.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Repeatability of the glucose dynamics of the CGIT is low. In addition, there appears to be breed differences in the glucose dynamics. It is therefore suggested that diagnosis of IR should not be made solely based on results from the glucose curve of the CGIT.
Overstating the Satisfaction of Lawyers
Authors: Chambers David L.
Published: August 2013

Recent literature commonly reports US lawyers as disheartened and discontented, but more than two dozen statistically based studies report that the great majority of lawyers put themselves on the satisfied side of scales of job satisfaction. The claim of this article is that, in three ways, these statistically based studies convey an overly rosy impression of lawyers' attitudes: first, that many of those who put themselves above midpoints on satisfaction scales are barely more positive than negative about their careers and often have profound ambivalence about their work; second, that surveys conducted at a single point in time necessarily fail to include the views of those who once worked in that setting but have now gone elsewhere; and third, that few studies address the problems of bias that may be caused by lower rates of response from the least satisfied persons in the population sampled.
Borrelia burgdorferi BbHtrA degrades host ECM proteins and stimulates release of inflammatory cytokines in vitro
Authors: Russell Theresa M. , Delorey Mark J. , Johnson Barbara J. B.
Published: August 2013

The Lyme disease spirochaete, Borrelia burgdorferi, causes damage to diverse host tissues and induces inflammation but the mechanisms of injury are poorly understood. We recently reported that a surface‐exposed B. burgdorferi protease, which is expressed during human disease and is conserved within the major Lyme disease spirochaete species, degrades the extracellular matrix proteoglycan, aggrecan. Here we demonstrate that BbHtrA also degrades fibronectin and numerous proteoglycans found in skin, joints and neural tissues. BbHtrA degradation of fibronectin released known pro‐inflammatory fibronectin fragments FnIII13–14 and Fnf‐29, which may amplify the inflammatory processes triggered by the presence of the bacteria. When this hypothesis was tested directly by exposing chondrocytes to BbHtrA in vitro, inflammatory cytokines (sICAM‐1 and IL‐6) and chemokines (CXCL1, CCL1, CCL2 and CCL5) that are hallmarks of Lyme disease were induced. These results provide the first evidence that, by utilizing BbHtrA, B. burgdorferi may actively participate in its dissemination and in the tissue damage and inflammation observed in Lyme disease.
Patient with insidious hypoactive delirium associated with pregabalin
Authors: Mezaki Naomi , Ishihara Tomohiko , Ozawa Tetsutaro , Takeuchi Ryoko , Onodera Osamu , Shimohata Takayoshi , Nishizawa Masatoyo
Published: August 2013

Pregabalin has favorable effects on several types of neurological pain, but can cause side‐effects including dizziness, somnolence and delirium. Delirium presents as two variants in terms of psychomotor disturbance: the hyperactive type, showing agitation and vigilance; and the hypoactive type, showing lethargy and decreased motor activity. Patients with delirium associated with pregabalin therapy have been reported to experience hyperactive delirium. Here, we report the case of a 68‐year‐old patient with insidious hypoactive delirium caused by pregabalin therapy for postherpetic neuralgia. Delirium improved after discontinuation of pregabalin. Hypoactive delirium is considered to be more common than the hyperactive type in older adults, and is likely to be overlooked. Attention should thus be paid to latent cases of hypoactive delirium associated with pregabalin therapy in elderly individuals.
Neural correlates of consciousness
Authors: Rees Geraint
Published: August 2013

Jon Driver's scientific work was characterized by an innovative combination of new methods for studying mental processes in the human brain in an integrative manner. In our collaborative work, he applied this approach to the study of attention and awareness, and their relationship to neural activity in the human brain. Here I review Jon's scientific work that relates to the neural basis of human consciousness, relating our collaborative work to a broader scientific context. I seek to show how his insights led to a deeper understanding of the causal connections between distant brain structures that are now believed to characterize the neural underpinnings of human consciousness.
Black currant seed oil supplementation of mothers enhances IFN‐γ and suppresses IL‐4 production in breast milk
Authors: Linnamaa Pia , Nieminen Kaisa , Koulu Leena , Tuomasjukka Saska , Kallio Heikki , Yang Baoru , Tahvonen Raija , Savolainen Johannes
Published: August 2013

Background

The first year of infancy is crucial for the development of atopic immune response. Inadequate early Th1 and Treg responses and increased production of Th2 cytokines are associated with atopy. Breast milk contains several immunomodulatory cytokines and other factors that might influence the maturation of the infant's immune system. We assessed the cytokines in breast milk of mother of newborn infants and their associations with black currant seed oil (BCSO) supplementation during pregnancy, mother's atopic status and the development of infant's atopic dermatitis.

Methods

Mothers and infants from an intervention study by black currant seed oil (n = 31) or olive oil as placebo (n = 30) were included in the study. Breast milk samples were collected during the first 3 months of breastfeeding. Breast milk levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐12, IFN‐γ and TNF were measured by Luminex technology.

Results

BCSO intervention group had decreased level of IL‐4 (p = 0.044) and elevated level of IFN‐γ (p = 0.014) in breast milk as compared to olive oil group. No significant differences were observed in IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐12 and TNF levels between the BCSO and olive oil groups. Mothers who had atopic dermatitis had significantly decreased levels of IL‐10 (p = 0.044) in breast milk. Breast milk of the mothers of the children who developed atopic dermatitis had lower levels of IFN‐γ (p = 0.039) as compared to the breast milk of the mothers of the children without dermatitis.

Conclusion

Dietary intervention with BCSO had immunomodulatory effects on breast milk cytokine production towards Th2 to Th1 immunodeviation.
Chronic pruritus associated with dermatologic disease in infancy and childhood: Update from an interdisciplinary group of dermatologists and pediatricians
Authors: Metz Martin , Wahn Ulrich , Gieler Uwe , Stock Philippe , Schmitt Jochen , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike
Published: August 2013

An effective treatment strategy for chronic pruritus in children with dermatologic disorders should consider the multidimensional aspects of pruritus, the unique challenges associated with treating pruritic skin disorders in the pediatric population, and evidence‐based therapies with demonstrated antipruritic benefits and clinically relevant effects on patient/family quality of life (QoL). The Course of Advanced Learning for the Management of ITch (CALM‐IT) Task Force is an interdisciplinary group of experts specializing in core aspects of pruritus treatment, integrating pediatrics, dermatology, psychotherapy, pruritus management, and sleep. CALM‐IT recently convened to provide updated guidance on managing chronic pruritus associated with dermatologic diseases in pediatric patients, with a special focus on atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic spontaneous urticaria (csU). This review highlights the updated concepts and best practices, which were built upon international PRACTALL consensus and modified for children and infants with AD and csU. CALM‐IT supports the routine use of basic skin therapy and the escalation of topical medications, according to severity and focused on rapid itch control. Anti‐inflammatory agents should be appropriate for infants and children (i.e., with an optimized therapeutic index) and have proven antipruritic properties, such as those demonstrated by methylprednisolone aceponate. New experimental findings do not support the use of non‐sedating oral antihistamines as adjuvant antipruritic therapy for AD. In csU, oral H1‐antihistamine use is justified, consistent with the distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms of itch underlying AD and csU. All encompassing QoL assessments should consider the burden of both patient and caregiver and should address outstanding unmet clinical needs of pediatric patients. Future research areas include integrated QoL assessments and multidisciplinary treatment programs with pediatric‐targeted pruritic therapies providing rapid itch control.
Collision of extensive exocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 revealed by cytogenetic analysis of loss of heterozygosity: A case report
Authors: Moriyoshi Koki , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Miyagawa‐Hayashino Aya , Fujimoto Masakazu , Kawaguchi Michiya , Haga Hironori
Published: August 2013

The combination of exocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms is rarely found in the pancreas. These combined lesions vary from a clonal tumor with mixed differentiation to the incidental co‐existence of two or more independent tumors, but the differential diagnosis is sometimes difficult. Here we report a case of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) with extensive ductal and neuroendocrine neoplastic changes. These two types of tumors admixed markedly in some parts, which made it difficult to determine the pathological diagnosis based on histological findings. Cytogenetic analysis showed that loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the MEN1 locus exists in neuroendocrine but not in exocrine neoplasms, indicating that independent mechanisms of tumorigenesis may occur in these two types of tumors. This case shows the usefulness of cytogenetic analysis for the diagnosis of combined tumors of the pancreas. Extensive exocrine neoplastic change, including pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) in virtually all pancreatic ducts and a focus of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) with focal invasion, was a distinguishing feature of the present case. The possible association of ductal tumorigenesis and a MEN1 background is discussed.
Overexpression ofCaWRKY27, a subgroupIIe WRKYtranscription factor ofCapsicum annuum, positively regulates tobacco resistance toRalstonia solanacearuminfection
Authors: Dang Fengfeng , Wang Yuna , She Jianju , Lei Yufen , Liu Zhiqin , Eulgem Thomas , Lai Yan , Lin Jing , Yu Lu , Lei Dan , Guan Deyi , Li Xia , Yuan Qian , He Shuilin
Published: August 2013

WRKYproteins are encoded by a large gene family and are linked to many biological processes across a range of plant species. The functions and underlying mechanisms ofWRKYproteins have been investigated primarily in model plants such asArabidopsisand rice. The roles of these transcription factors in non‐model plants, including pepper and other Solanaceae, are poorly understood. Here, we characterize the expression and function of a subgroupIIe WRKYprotein from pepper (Capsicum annuum), denoted asCaWRKY27. The protein localized to nuclei and activated the transcription of a reporterGUSgene construct driven by the35Spromoter that contained two copies of the W‐box in its proximal upstream region. Inoculation of pepper cultivars withRalstonia solanacearuminduced the expression ofCaWRKY27transcript in 76a, a bacterial wilt‐resistant pepper cultivar, whereas it downregulated the expression ofCaWRKY27transcript in Gui‐1‐3, a bacterial wilt‐susceptible pepper cultivar.CaWRKY27transcript levels were also increased by treatments with salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and ethephon (ETH). Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressingCaWRKY27exhibited resistance toR. solanacearuminfection compared to that of wild‐type plants. This resistance was coupled with increased transcript levels in a number of marker genes, including hypersensitive response genes, andSA‐,JA‐ andET‐associated genes. By contrast, virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) ofCaWRKY27increased the susceptibility of pepper plants toR. solanacearuminfection. These results suggest thatCaWRKY27acts as a positive regulator in tobacco resistance responses toR. solanacearuminfection through modulation ofSA‐,JA‐ andET‐mediated signaling pathways.
Identification of Conservative MicroRNAs in Saanen Dairy Goat Testis Through Deep Sequencing
Authors: Wu J , Zhu H , Song W , Li M , Liu C , Li N , Tang F , Mu H , Liao M , Li X , Guan W , Li X , Hua J
Published: August 2013

Contents

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a kind of small non‐coding RNA molecules that function as important gene expression regulators by targeting messenger RNAs for post‐transcriptional endonucleolytic cleavage or translational inhibition. In this study, small RNA libraries were constructed based on adult dairy goat testicular tissues and sequenced using the Illumina high‐throughput sequencing technology. Blasted to miRNAs of cow and sheep in miRBase 19.0, 373 conserved miRNAs were identified in dairy goat testis and 91 novel paired‐miRNAs were found. Expression of miRNAs in the dairy goat testis (miR‐10b, miR‐126‐3p, miR‐126‐5p, miR‐34c, miR‐449b and miR‐1468) was confirmed by qRT‐PCR. In addition, the 128 conserved miRNAs were found by comparing the miRNA expression profiles in dairy goat testis with those in cow and mouse, which all might be involved in dairy goat testis development and meiosis. This study reveals the first miRNA profile related to the biology of testis in the dairy goat. The characterization of these miRNAs could contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of reproductive physiology and development in the dairy goat.
3D reconstruction of skin pathological tissue: the understanding of microrelief pattern and dermal ridge
Authors: Oh Ga Na , Yoon Jung Hee , Kye Hee Sang , Kim Dai Hyun , Kim Jong Yeob , Choi Jae Eun , Seo Soo Hong , Kye Young Chul , Ahn Hyo Hyun , Rhyu Im Joo
Published: August 2013

Aim

Most studies about the structures of the human skin have been on the general histologic features of the skin. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the microrelief (MR) pattern and histologic structure of the human skin, and to find the usefulness of the three‐dimensional reconstruction (3DR) technique of pathological skin tissue.

Materials, Subjects, and Methods

Human skin specimens were obtained from the medial forearm, abdomen, and volar aspects of the finger tips of cadavers. Two‐dimensional surface‐viewed images of the skin showing MR patterns were obtained using dry dermoscopy. Histologic structures of the skin were evaluated by 3D images obtained using the 3DR technique.

Results

MR was deeper and wider in the abdomen than in the medial side of the forearm. In the medial side of the forearm, 10.27 rete ridges were distributed in a plateau, on average. In the abdomen, about 14.37 rete ridges were distributed in a plateau. From 3DR technique, MR pattern thought to be a superordinate concept to rete ridges.

Conclusion

The 3DR technique was useful and may allow a better understanding of the pathogenetic changes in the skin surface in aging skin.
A Simply Analytic Study of Buckled Thin Films on Compliant Substrates
Authors: Cheng Huanyu , Song Jizhou
Published: August 2013

Buckling of stiff thin films on compliant substrates enables many new applications, such as stretchable electronics. Song et al. [2008, “Buckling of a Stiff Thin Film on a Compliant Substrate in Large Deformation,” Int. J. Solids Struct., 45(10), pp. 3107–3121] developed a finite deformation theory to explain the buckled amplitude and wavelength very well. This theory not only accounts for finite geometry change, but also the finite strain and a nonlinear constitutive model for the substrate. To provide a better physical insight, this paper investigates those three effects, and shows that finite geometry change dominates in the finite deformation theory and the simplified analysis leads to results that agree well with experiments and the finite element method.
Molecular Mechanism for Age-Related Memory Loss: The Histone-Binding Protein RbAp48
Authors: Pavlopoulos Elias , Jones Sidonie , Kosmidis Stylianos , Close Maggie , Kim Carla , Kovalerchik Olga , Small Scott A. , Kandel Eric R.
Published: August 2013

A histone-binding protein that declines with age in the human dentate gyrus can reverse age-related memory deficits in mice.
Primer hydatid cyst of the deltoid muscle
Authors: Boyaci Nurefsan , Boyaci Ahmet , Karakas Ekrem , Altay Mehmet Akif
Published: August 2013

A primary intramuscular hydatid cyst should be considered for the differential diagnosis of cystic soft tissue masses especially in endemic areas, although primary muscular hydatidosis is a rare clinical entity. A case of a 48-year-old male patient with a primary intramuscular hydatid cyst located in the deltoid muscle is reported.
Sitting time and cardiometabolic risk in US adults: associations by sex, race, socioeconomic status and activity level
Authors: Staiano A E , Harrington D M , Barreira T V , Katzmarzyk P T
Published: August 2013

Background

Sitting time is associated with adverse health outcomes including chronic disease and premature mortality. However, it is not known if the association of sitting time with cardiometabolic risk factors varies across sociodemographic or health factors.

Methods

The sample included 4560 adults (≥20 years) who participated in the cross-sectional 2007–2010 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants self-reported typical daily sitting time. Weight, height, blood pressure, and fasting triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), glucose and insulin were measured. Homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β cell function (HOMA-%B) were calculated. A subsample of 3727 participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to obtain 2 h postload glucose levels. Population-weighted linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between sitting time and each cardiometabolic risk factor, stratified by sex, race, socioeconomic status and activity level. Analyses were controlled for demographics, socioeconomic status, survey cycle, personal and family medical history, diet and physical activity.

Results

Sitting time was significantly associated with adverse levels of waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides, HDL-C, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-%B and 2 h postload glucose, but not with blood pressure or glucose level. In stratified analyses, sitting time was most consistently related to cardiometabolic risk factors among low and middle socioeconomic groups and for those who reported no weekly physical activity, but there were few differences between sex or race groups.

Conclusions

Self-reported sitting time was associated with adverse cardiometabolic risk factors consistently across sex and race groups in a representative US sample, independent of other risk factors. Excessive sitting warrants a public health concern.
Food web structure within an estuary of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence undergoing eutrophication
Authors: Schein Allison , Courtenay Simon C. , Kidd Karen A. , Campbell K. Alexander , van den Heuvel Michael R.
Published: August 2013

This study compared food web structure in eutrophied Ulva lactuca-dominated areas within an estuary in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, with Zostera marina beds within the same estuary. The estuarine food web consisted only of primary producers, mesograzers, and secondary grazers, with the absence of piscivorous top predators. It was hypothesized that the altered plant habitat would lead to structural changes in the food web and the dominance of benthic carbon. Stomach contents from mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), fourspine stickleback (Apeltes quadracus), and American eel (Anguilla rostrata) showed that only mummichog had significant differences in prey items between the different habitats. Stable isotopes showed that there were no significant differences in the food web structure and individual species’ 13C values. A 13C spike in particulate organic matter during the onset of anoxia in July, presumably due to bacterial blooms, indicated the complete dominance of benthic carbon the pelagic food web during this month. Thus, blooms of heterotrophs during anoxic events may have the greatest influence on nutrient cycling in estuaries undergoing eutrophication.
ROBUST INTERVAL-BASED MINIMAX-REGRET ANALYSIS METHOD FOR FILTER MANAGEMENT OF FLUID POWER SYSTEM
Authors: NIE SONGLIN , JI HUI , HUANG YEQING , HU ZHEN , LI YONGPING
Published: August 2013

Fluid contamination is one of the main reasons for the wear failure and the related downtime in a hydraulic power system. Filters play an important role in controlling the contamination effectively, increasing the reliability of the system, and maintaining the system economically. Due to the uncertainties of system parameters, the complicated relationship among components, as well as the lack of effective approach, managing filters is becoming one of the biggest challenges for engineers and decision makers. In this study, a robust interval-based minimax-regret analysis (RIMA) method is developed for the filter management in a fluid power system (FPS) under uncertainty. The RIMA method can handle the uncertainties existed in contaminant ingressions of the system and contaminant holding capacity of filters without making assumption on probabilistic distributions for random variables. Through analyzing the system cost of all possible filter management alternatives, an interval element regret matrix can be obtained, which enables decision makers to identify the optimal filter management strategy under uncertainty. The results of a case study indicate that the reasonable solutions generated can help decision makers understand the consequence of short-term and long-term decisions, identify optimal strategies for filter allocation and selection with minimized system-maintenance cost and system-failure risk.
SOLUTIONS OF THE DIRAC EQUATION WITH THE SHIFTED DENG–FAN POTENTIAL INCLUDING YUKAWA-LIKE TENSOR INTERACTION
Authors: YAHYA W. A. , FALAYE B. J. , OLUWADARE O. J. , OYEWUMI K. J.
Published: August 2013

By using the Nikiforov–Uvarov method, we give the approximate analytical solutions of the Dirac equation with the shifted Deng–Fan potential including the Yukawa-like tensor interaction under the spin and pseudospin symmetry conditions. After using an improved approximation scheme, we solved the resulting schrödinger-like equation analytically. Numerical results of the energy eigenvalues are also obtained, as expected, the tensor interaction removes degeneracies between spin and pseudospin doublets.
PREDICTING THE VERTEBRAL BODY POSITION BASED ON PALPATED SPINOUS PROCESS POSITION
Authors: CHENG SU-CHUN , HSIAO CHIH-KUN , TSOU JUI-YI , LIN RUEY-MO , SU FONG-CHIN
Published: August 2013

Palpation is an essential skill of manual therapy. Clinical techniques of physical therapy usually assume that the movement direction of palpating spinous process (SP) is the direction of the vertebral body center (VBC). This study investigated the distance [SP–projected VBC (PVBC)] between the surface palpation of the five SPs and the radiographically projected vertebral center locations (PVBC) on the skin of the lumbar spine in 37 patients with low back pain (LBP). The measurement of SP–PVBC was intended to describe if palpation on SPs could explain the positions of the VBC. The SP–PVBC distance was the greatest at L1 (35.9 mm) and the smallest at L4 (15.1 mm). The predictive analysis investigated the relationships between SP–PVBC and the geometric measurements of the lumbar anatomical structures. The geometric characteristics of the lumbar spine affected the SP–PVBC distance in different levels, with the R2 values from 0.66–0.89, except 0.38 in the L4 level. Increases in the SP inclination as well as vertebral inclinations, and increases in the SP height (SPH) were factors that were found to be significantly related to the SP–PVBC distance (p < 0.05). The results indicate that the orientation of the VBC and the SP may not be the same, and tilting and rotation of the vertebrae may occur when applying manual techniques through SPs. Physical therapists need to be aware that the tilting or rolling effect of vertebrae may not be avoidable once the treatment is done via palpation on SPs.