bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ankle‐brachial index long‐term outcome after first‐ever ischaemic stroke
Authors: Milionis H. , Vemmou A. , Ntaios G. , Makaritsis K. , Koroboki E. , Papavasileiou V. , Savvari P. , Spengos K. , Elisaf M. , Vemmos K.
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

Ankle‐brachial blood pressure index (ABI) is a clinical tool to identify the presence of peripheral artery disease. There is a scarcity of data associating ABI with long‐term outcome in patients with IS. The association between ABI and long‐term outcome in patients with first‐ever acute IS was assessed.

Methods

Ankle‐brachial blood pressure index was assessed in all consecutive patients with a first‐ever acute IS admitted at Alexandra University hospital (Athens, Greece) between January 2005 and December 2010. ABI was considered normal when > 0.90 and ≤ 1.30. The Kaplan–Meier product limit method was used to estimate the probability of 5‐year composite cardiovascular event‐free (defined as recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death) and overall survival. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess whether ABI is an independent predictor of 5‐year mortality and dependence.

Results

Amongst 653 patients, 129 (19.8%) with ABI ≤ 0.9 were identified. Five‐year cumulative composite cardiovascular event‐free and overall survival rates were better in normal ABI stroke patients (log‐rank test: 7.22, P = 0.007 and 23.40, P < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference in 5‐year risk of stroke recurrence between low and normal ABI groups (hazard ratio, HR = 1.23, 95%CI 0.68–2.23). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of 5‐year mortality included age (HR = 2.55 per 10 years, 95%CI 1.86–3.48, P < 0.001), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (per point increase HR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.08–1.16, P < 0.001), and low ABI (HR = 2.22, 95%CI 1.22–4.03, P = 0.009). Age (HR = 1.21 per 10 years, 95%CI 1.01–1.45, P = 0.04) and low ABI (HR = 1.72, 95%CI 1.11–2.67, P = 0.01) were independent predictors of the composite cardiovascular end‐point.

Conclusions

Low ABI in patients with acute IS is associated with increased 5‐year cardiovascular event risk and mortality. However, ABI does not appear to predict long‐term stroke recurrence.
Prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis in a community‐based population of Chinese adults
Authors: Zhang S. , Zhou Y. , Zhang Y. , Gao X. , Zhang Q. , Wang A. , Jia Z. , Wu S. , Zhao X.
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of ischaemic stroke in Asia. Knowledge of the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic ICAS is limited. The prevalence of ICASwas therefore investigated and its risk factors in a Chinese community‐based population were explored.

Methods

From 2010 to 2011, a stratified (by sex and age) random sample of 5440 participants aged 40 years or older were enrolled in the study. ICAS was assessed using transcranial Doppler. Logistic regression was used to evaluate potential risk factors associated with ICAS in participants.

Results

In total, 13.2% (95% CI 12.3–14.1) of the subjects had ICAS, and women were more likely than men to have ICAS in the 40–49 year age group. Hypertension [odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, 95%CI 1.87–2.66], diabetes (OR = 1.99, 95%CI 1.62–2.45), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR = 1.66, 95%CI 1.18–2.34) and elevated high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (OR = 1.55, 95%CI 1.19–2.02) were independently associated with higher prevalence of ICAS after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status and other covariates. Of the 716 ICAS individuals, 90.6% had one or more of these risk factors. Amongst the subjects who had at least one risk factor, 15.2% had ICAS.

Conclusions

Intracranial artery stenosis is common in the Chinese population. Individuals who had one or more risk factors were more likely to have ICAS, suggesting more aggressive risk factor management.
Midbrain atrophy is not a biomarker of progressive supranuclear palsy pathology
Authors: Whitwell J. L. , Jack C. R. , Parisi J. E. , Gunter J. L. , Weigand S. D. , Boeve B. F. , Ahlskog J. E. , Petersen R. C. , Dickson D. W. , Josephs K. A.
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

Midbrain atrophy is a characteristic feature of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), although it is unclear whether it is associated with the PSP syndrome (PSPS) or PSP pathology. The aim of the present study was to determine whether midbrain atrophy is a useful biomarker of PSP pathology, or whether it is only associated with typical PSPS.

Methods

All autopsy‐confirmed subjects were identified with the PSP clinical phenotype (i.e. PSPS) or PSP pathology and a volumetric MRI. Of 24 subjects with PSP pathology, 11 had a clinical diagnosis of PSPS (PSP‐PSPS), and 13 had a non‐PSPS clinical diagnosis (PSP‐other). Three subjects had PSPS and corticobasal degeneration pathology (CBD‐PSPS). Healthy control and disease control groups (i.e. a group without PSPS or PSP pathology) and a group with CBD pathology and corticobasal syndrome (CBD‐CBS) were selected. The midbrain area was measured in all subjects. [Correction added on 21 June 2013, after first online publication: the abbreviation of corticobasal degeneration pathology was changed from CBD‐PSP to CBD‐PSPS.]

Results

The midbrain area was reduced in each group with clinical PSPS (with and without PSP pathology). The group with PSP pathology and non‐PSPS clinical syndromes did not show reduced midbrain area. Midbrain area was smaller in the subjects with PSPS than in those without PSPS (P < 0.0001), with an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.99 (0.88, 0.99). A midbrain area cut‐point of 92 mm2 provided optimum sensitivity (93%) and specificity (89%) for differentiation.

Conclusion

Midbrain atrophy is associated with the clinical presentation of PSPS, but not with the pathological diagnosis of PSP in the absence of clinical PSPS. This finding has important implications for the utility of midbrain measurements as diagnostic biomarkers for PSP pathology.
Access to Documents, Accountability and the Rule of Law—Do Private Watchdogs Matter?
Authors: Adamski Dariusz
Published: June 2013

: The ECJ has not so far developed a single, consistent approach to cases in which the right to access official documents is exercised by individuals and organisations pursuing their individual cause (private watchdogs). While in some cases the Luxembourg jurisprudence has followed a restrictive approach, supporting interests and secondary law provisions conflicting with transparency, in other it has unconditionally endorsed a supreme character of the access right. This contribution confronts both of the approaches whenever the access right exercised by private watchdogs has clashed with confidentiality stemming from secondary law provisions: from state aid, staff rules, data protection, antitrust and beyond. The article argues that most often the judicial standard restricting the access right interferes with a feedback relationship between transparency, accountability and the rule of law. This relationship, when properly construed and appraised, may form a basis for an arguably more uniform and stable judicial standard.
Arthroscopic anatomy of the equine cervical articular process joints
Authors: Pepe M. , Angelone M. , Gialletti R. , Nannarone S. , Beccati F.
Published: June 2013

Reason for performing study

Although arthropathy of the cervical articular process joints (APJs) is common, descriptions of the arthroscopic technique of the cervicalAPJhave not been reported previously.

Objectives

To develop an arthroscopic approach to theAPJand to describe the arthroscopic anatomy of theAPJ.

Study design

Descriptive cadaver study and clinical case report.

Methods

The regional anatomy was reviewed and the technique developed on fresh cadaver necks. A series of cadavericAPJarthroscopies fromC2–C3 toC6–C7 were performed to evaluate the procedure, which was then used in 3 clinical cases. A description of the procedure and the potential complications encountered were recorded.

Results

The equineAPJconsists of cranioventral and caudodorsal recesses; a single entry point at one of these recesses enables almost complete evaluation of cartilage surfaces and the synovial membrane and its villi. Successful entry into bothAPJrecesses was achieved in 22 cadavericAPJs and 5APJs in the 3 clinical cases operated upon. An instrument portal was created to assess the feasibility of surgical arthroscopy. Complications were minor, and dissection of theAPJsfollowing the arthroscopic exploration revealed that the cartilage and periarticular neurovascular structures were not damaged during the procedure.

Conclusions

This study shows that arthroscopic examination of theAPJs of equine cervical vertebra is feasible and can be performed in mature horses. Arthroscopy of theAPJs may provide additional diagnostic information compared to conventional diagnostic techniques.
Investigation of rhythms of secretion and repeatability of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations in healthy horses and horses with pituitarypars intermediadysfunction
Authors: Rendle D. I. , Litchfield E. , Heller J. , Hughes K. J.
Published: June 2013

Reasons for performing study

There is little published information on whether measurement of plasmaACTHconcentration at a single timepoint is a repeatable indicator of pituitarypars intermediadysfunction (PPID).

Objectives

To determine whether ultradian or circadian fluctuations inACTHproduction influence plasmaACTHconcentration in normal horses and horses withPPID.

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

PlasmaACTHconcentration in 8 non‐PPIDhorses and 8 horses withPPIDwas measured at 08.00, 11.00, 14.00 and 17.00 h on 5 nonconsecutive days within a 3 week period. In addition, at 08.30 h on one day, 6 samples were collected from each horse at precisely 5 min intervals over a period of 25 min. Descriptive and graphical analysis was performed and a linear mixed effects model was fitted to assess the effect of time of day onACTHconcentration in non‐PPIDandPPIDhorses.

Results

Evidence of ultradian fluctuation inACTHproduction was not identified in either non‐PPIDorPPIDhorses. Evidence for circadian fluctuation was identified in non‐PPIDhorses; plasmaACTHconcentrations were highest at 08.00 h and decreased through the day. There was no evidence of circadian fluctuation inPPIDhorses. In non‐PPIDhorses, the magnitude of circadian changes inACTHconcentration was smaller than variations in concentration that occurred at random. Intrahorse variability ofACTHconcentration was greater inPPIDhorses than in non‐PPIDhorses.

Conclusions

Ultradian and circadian fluctuations inACTHconcentration are unlikely to influence clinical decision making; however, variations of potential clinical relevance do occur in individual horses, for reasons that remain to be determined, and increase in magnitude with progression ofPPID. Results of the current study indicate that when anACTHconcentration between 19 and 40 pg/ml is measured, further testing should be considered to increase the accuracy ofPPIDdiagnosis.
High‐level secretion of a recombinant protein to the culture medium with a Bacillus subtilis twin‐arginine translocation system in Escherichia coli
Authors: Albiniak Anna M. , Matos Cristina F. R. O. , Branston Steven D. , Freedman Robert B. , Keshavarz‐Moore Eli , Robinson Colin
Published: June 2013

The twin‐arginine translocation (Tat) system transports folded proteins across the plasma membrane in bacteria, and heterologous proteins can be exported by this pathway if a Tat‐type signal peptide is present at the N‐terminus. The system thus has potential for biopharmaceutical production in Escherichia coli, where export to the periplasm is often a favoured approach. Previous studies have shown that E. coli cells can export high levels of protein by the Tat pathway, and the protein product accummulates almost exclusively in the periplasm. In this study, we analysed E. coli cells that express the Bacillus subtilis TatAdCd system in place of the native TatABC system. We show that a heterologous model protein, comprising the TorA signal peptide linked to green fluorescent protein (TorA–GFP), is efficiently exported by the TatAdCd system. However, whereas the GFP is exported initially to the periplasm during batch fermentation, the mature protein is increasingly found in the extracellular culture medium. By the end of a 16‐h fermentation, ~ 90% of exported GFP is present in the medium as active mature protein. The total protein profiles of the medium and periplasm are essentially identical, confirming that the outer membrane becomes leaky during the fermentation process. The cells are otherwise intact, and there is no large‐scale release of cytoplasmic contents. Export levels are relatively high, with ~ 0.35 g GFP·L−1 culture present in the medium. This system thus offers a means of producing recombinant protein in E. coli and harvesting directly from the medium, with potential advantages in terms of ease of purification and downstream processing.
Environmental constraints on oviposition of aquatic invertebrates with contrasting life cycles in two human‐modified streams
Authors: Alp Maria , Indermaur Lukas , Robinson Christopher T.
Published: June 2013

Many streams today have modified channels, substratum composition, flows and temperature regimes. Understanding how these potential stressors affect key processes governing populations is crucial towards counteracting species decline and loss. For aquatic organisms with complex life cycles that include a terrestrial adult stage, successful reproduction involving a transition from the terrestrial to aquatic environment for oviposition can be an important constraint.

Our main goal was to test for the effects of local stream degradation on egg mass densities of macroinvertebrates with different requirements for oviposition habitat. We experimentally manipulated oviposition substrate availability in two Swiss gravel‐bed rivers by adding bricks to stream beds of channelised, restored and near natural reaches differing in their depth profile and availability of large rocks. We followed oviposition on bricks and natural rocks between May and October 2008 and quantified egg mass densities of two aquatic insects with a terrestrial stage (Baetis spp. and Hydropsyche spp.) and an entirely aquatic leech Erpobdella octoculata. Individual and interactive effects of mean water depth fluctuations, depth variability, frequency of large rocks and temperature on egg mass densities were evaluated using a model selection approach.

Response to our manipulation in terms of relative use of bricks for oviposition was strongest in the two insect taxa, whose egg mass densities responded to the presence of large substrata in study reaches. We also found evidence for a weak water level effect on egg mass densities of Baetis, a mayfly that uses protruding rocks for oviposition, in contrast to Hydropsyche, which apparently is capable of diving. While no clear response to our manipulation was found in Erpobdella octoculata, its overall cocoon densities were influenced by the variability of depth profile and increased in reaches with lower streambed heterogeneity.

Our results suggest that stream degradation has high potential to constrain reproduction of many species, in particular those with complex life cycles such as aquatic insects. Investigation in modified riverscapes of the specific effects of different constraints to recruitment processes is a prerequisite for successful management and conservation.
Global drivers and patterns of microbial abundance in soil
Authors: Serna‐Chavez Hector M. , Fierer Noah , van Bodegom Peter M.
Published: June 2013

Aim

While soil microorganisms play key roles in Earth's biogeochemical cycles, methodological constraints and sparse data have hampered our ability to describe and understand the global distribution of soil microbial biomass. Here, we present a comprehensive quantification of the environmental drivers of soil microbial biomass.

Location

Global.

Methods

We used a comprehensive global dataset of georeferenced soil microbial biomass estimates and high‐resolution climatic and soil data.

Results

We show that microbial biomass carbon (CMic) is primarily driven by moisture availability, with this single variable accounting for 34% of the global variance. For the microbial carbon‐to‐soil organic carbon ratio (CMic/COrg), soil nitrogen content was an equally important driver as moisture. In contrast, temperature was not a significant predictor of microbial biomass patterns at a global scale, while temperature likely has an indirect effect on microbial biomass by influencing rates of evapotranspiration and decomposition. As our models explain an unprecedented 50% of the global variance of CMic and CMic/COrg, we were able to leverage gridded environmental information to build the first spatially explicit global estimates of microbial biomass and quantified the global soil microbial carbon pool to equal 14.6 Pg C.

Main Conclusions

Our unbiased models allowed us to build the first global spatially explicit predictions of microbial biomass. These patterns show that soil microbial biomass is not primarily driven by temperature, but instead, biomass is more heterogeneous through the effects of moisture availability and soil nutrients. Our global estimates provide important data for integration into large‐scale carbon and nutrient models that may imply a major step forward in our ability to predict the global carbon balance, now and in a future climate.
Testing instead of assuming the importance of land use change scenarios to model species distributions under climate change
Authors: Martin Youri , Van Dyck Hans , Dendoncker Nicolas , Titeux Nicolas
Published: June 2013

Aim

Species distribution models often assume a changing climate (dynamic climate variables) but unchanged land use (static land use variables) to estimate future species distribution shifts. However, scenarios of projected land use change are available to calculate dynamic land use variables. Surprisingly, the importance of using dynamic instead of static land use variables when projecting potential future species distributions under climate change remains largely unexplored. We tested whether the joint inclusion of land use and climate change scenarios altered the projection of future species distribution compared with the classical approach assuming unchanged land use.

Location

 Europe

Methods

We used land use and climate change scenarios to estimate the future distribution of a butterfly species (Lycaena dispar) according to different perspectives of projected environmental change: (1) land use change (dynamic land use and static climate variables), (2) climate change (static land use and dynamic climate variables) and (3) global change (dynamic land use and climate variables). As the importance of land use variables is known to depend on the spatial resolution of the models, we built them across a range of resolutions (50 km, 10 km and 5 km) to examine the resolution‐dependent relevance of using dynamic instead of static variables.

Results

For each resolution, the projected distribution changes were unaltered when using dynamic instead of static land use variables in the models. It was mainly due to the low thematic resolution of the land use change scenarios that include only few dynamic variables.

Main conclusions

 Even at fine spatial resolution (5 km), the available land use change scenarios poorly represent habitat suitability for the species. Hence, they may be of limited support to estimate future species distributions. Instead of supporting the assumption of unchanged future land use, our results plea for an improvement of the thematic resolution of land use change scenarios.
The current decline of tropical marsupials inAustralia: is history repeating?
Authors: Fisher Diana O. , Johnson Chris N. , Lawes Michael J. , Fritz Susanne A. , McCallum Hamish , Blomberg Simon P. , VanDerWal Jeremy , Abbott Brett , Frank Anke , Legge Sarah , Letnic Mike , Thomas Colette R. , Fisher Alaric , Gordon Iain J. , Kutt Alex
Published: June 2013

Aim

A third of all modern (after 1500) mammal extinctions (24/77) are Australian species. These extinctions have been restricted to southernAustralia, predominantly in species of ‘critical weight range’ (35–5500 g) in drier climate zones. Introduced red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) that prey on species in this range are often blamed. A new wave of declines is now affecting a globally significant proportion of marsupial species (19 species) in the fox‐free northern tropics. We aim to test plausible causes of recent declines in range and determine if mechanisms differ between current tropical declines and past declines, which were in southern (non‐tropical) regions.

Location

Australian continent

Methods

We used multiple regression and random forest models to analyse traits that were associated with declines in species range, and compare variables associated with past extinctions in the southern zones with current tropical (northern) declines.

Results

The same two key variables, body mass and habitat structure, were associated with proportion‐of‐decline in range throughout the continent, but the form of relationships differs with latitude. In the south, medium‐sized species in open habitats of lower rainfall were most likely to decline. In the tropics, small species that occupy open vegetation with moderate rainfall (savanna) are now experiencing the most severe declines. Throughout the continent, large‐bodied species and those in structurally complex habitats (rainforest) are secure.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that there is no mid‐sized ‘critical weight range’ in the north. Because foxes are absent from the tropics, we suggest that northern Australian marsupial declines are associated with predation by feral cats (Felis catus) exacerbated by reduced ground level vegetation in non‐rainforest habitats. To test this, we recommend experiments to remove cats from some locations where tropical mammals are threatened. Our results show that comparative analysis can help to diagnose potential causes of multi‐species decline.
Percutaneous transvenous embolization for portosystemic shunts associated with encephalopathy: Long‐term outcomes in 14 patients
Authors: Naeshiro Noriaki , Kakizawa Hideaki , Aikata Hiroshi , Kan Hiromi , Fujino Hatsue , Fukuhara Takayuki , Kobayashi Tomoki , Honda Yohji , Miyaki Daisuke , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Hyogo Hideyuki , Ishikawa Masaki , Awai Kazuo , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: June 2013

Aim

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous transvenous embolization (PTE) for portosystemic shunt (PSS) associated with encephalopathy

Methods

Fourteen patients with portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. We evaluated technical success, clinical success, complication and outcomes.

Results

In cases in which PSS was one of main causes of PSE, three also had splenorenal shunts, four gastrorenal shunts, four superior mesenteric vein systemic shunts, one inferior mesenteric vein systemic shunt and two main trunk of portal vein inferior vena cava shunts. We used only ethanolamine oleate (EO) in five; EO and coils in five; EO, coils and n‐butyl 2‐cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in two; and coils and NBCA in two patients as embolic materials. The rate of primary and secondary technical success was 93% (13/14 patients) and 100%, respectively. No major complications were encountered related to PTE. Follow‐up period was a median of 27 months (range, 12–79). All patients had sustained disappearance of PSE. PSE recurred in one patient because of another PSS development. Thus, clinical success was achieved in 93% (13/14 patients). The ammonia levels 1 year after PTE were significantly improved compared with pre‐PTE (median, 102 vs 41 μmol/L) and maintained lower levels 2 and 3 years later. Child–Pugh scores did not change significantly. Esophageal varices were aggravated in 29% (4/14 patients). Five patients died, but no death of hepatic failure related to PTE was encountered.

Conclusion

PTE could be one of the useful treatment options for PSE.
Effect of QMix irrigant on bond strength of glass fibre posts to root dentine
Authors: Elnaghy A. M.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To investigate the effect of QMix irrigant compared with several other irrigating solutions on the bond strength of glass fibre posts to root dentine and on smear layer removal after post space preparation.

Methodology

One hundred and fifty single‐rooted teeth were used. The specimens were divided into six groups in each test according to the irrigation regimen used: group 1, distilled water; group 2, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); group 3, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX); group 4, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); group 5, 17% EDTA followed by 2% CHX; and group 6, QMix. Dual‐cure self‐adhesive resin cement (i CEM; Heraeus Kulzer, Hanau, Germany) was used for testing the adhesion of glass fibre post (Reblida; VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany) to root dentine using a micropush‐out test. Debonding specimens were examined with a scanning electron microscope. Scanning electron microscopy was also used to examine and score the treated specimens for debris removal and dentinal tubule opening. Micropush‐out data were analysed using anova and Tukey's test. Debris and dentinal tubule opening scores were analysed with the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests.

Results

QMix and 17% EDTA/2% CHX demonstrated the highest mean bond strength values in all root levels amongst the groups. Most failure modes were adhesive type of failures between post and luting material (42.6%). QMix, 17% EDTA and 17% EDTA/2% CHX performed significantly better than the other groups on smear layer removal and dentinal tubule opening.

Conclusion

QMix is an effective irrigant that can remove smear layer, open dentinal tubules and simplify the irrigation protocol, without compromising the bonding strength of glass fibre posts cemented with a self‐adhesive resin cement to root dentine.
Involvement of SDF‐1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in hydrogen peroxide‐induced extracellular matrix degradation in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Kim D.‐S. , Kang S. I. , Lee S.‐Y. , Noh K.‐T. , Kim E.‐C.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To determine whether chemokines such as SDF‐1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) are responsible for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and to identify the underlying mechanism in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

Method

Human dental pulp cells were exposed to 0.4 mmol H2O2 for 48 h. mRNA expression and protein expression were examined by RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The mRNA expression of chemokine (SDF‐1 and MCP‐1), their receptors (CXCR4 and CXCR2) and extracellular matrix proteins was evaluated by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. The production of SDF‐1, MCP‐1, CXCR4 and CCR2 in the culture medium was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Signal transduction pathway was examined by Western blotting.

Results

Hydrogen peroxide provoked the activation of MCP‐1 and SDF‐1 mRNA and their respective receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR2. H2O2treatment concomitantly downregulated the expression of ECM molecules, such as type I collagen, elastin and fibronectin, and upregulated the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐2, MMP‐8 and MMP‐9. Hydrogen peroxide‐induced ECM degradation and MMP upregulation were blocked by neutralizing antibodies and siRNAs directed against SDF‐1 and MCP‐1. Inhibition of SDF‐1 and MCP‐1 blocked the H2O2‐induced activation of Akt, p38, ERK and NF‐kB.

Conclusion

Inhibition of SDF and MCP‐1 is a potent component of reducing release reactive oxygen species‐induced ECM degradation in HDPCs and may play an important role in pulpal and periapical inflammation.
Detection and measurement of artificial periapical lesions by cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Liang Y.‐H. , Jiang L. , Gao X.‐J. , Shemesh H. , Wesselink P. R. , Wu M.‐K.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To test the ability of periapical radiography (PA) and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) to determine the presence/absence of periapical lesions and examine the reliability of volumetric measurements of periapical lesions on CBCT scans.

Methodology

After tooth extractions in human mandibles, bone defects were cut at the base of extraction sockets to mimic periapical bone lesions. The teeth were then returned into the extraction sockets. Sixty‐three roots of anterior teeth, premolars and molars with artificial periapical lesions and 37 roots without lesions were examined with PA and CBCT. Presence/absence of periapical lesion was noted. The CBCT‐based volume of each lesion (Vct) was measured using Amira software 5.4 (Visage Imaging GmbH, Berlin, Germany). A replica of each lesion was created using silicone impression material, and the volume of the replica was measured using a water displacement method, representing the physical volume of the lesion (Vp). Regression analysis was used to test the correlation between the Vp and Vct values.

Results

The positive and negative predictive values and accuracy for CBCT in diagnosing periapical lesions were all 1, compared with 1, 0.64 and 0.79 for PA diagnosis. Twenty‐one (33%) lesions were undetected by PA. The Vp (21.5 ± 11.0 mm3) and Vct (21.4 ± 11.5 mm3) values of 63 lesions were highly correlated (R2 = 96.9%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Cone‐beam computed tomography is more accurate than PA in diagnosing periapical lesions associated with mandibular teeth. The volumes of artificial mandibular periapical lesions were accurately measured with CBCT data.
The sepsis model: an emerging hypothesis for the lethality of inhalation anthrax
Authors: Coggeshall Kenneth Mark , Lupu Florea , Ballard Jimmy , Metcalf Jordan P. , James Judith A. , Farris Darise , Kurosawa Shinichiro
Published: June 2013

Inhalation anthrax is often described as a toxin‐mediated disease. However, the toxaemia model does not account for the high mortality of inhalation anthrax relative to other forms of the disease or for the pathology present in inhalation anthrax. Patients with inhalation anthrax consistently show extreme bacteraemia and, in contrast to animals challenged with toxin, signs of sepsis. Rather than toxaemia, we propose that death in inhalation anthrax results from an overwhelming bacteraemia that leads to severe sepsis. According to our model, the central role of anthrax toxin is to permit the vegetative bacteria to escape immune detection. Other forms of B. anthracis infection have lower mortality because their overt symptoms early in the course of disease cause patients to seek medical care at a time when the infection and its sequelae can still be reversed by antibiotics. Thus, the sepsis model explains key features of inhalation anthrax and may offer a more complete understanding of disease pathology for researchers as well as those involved in the care of patients.
Association between a rare novel TP53 variant (rs78378222) and melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck and lung cancer susceptibility in non‐Hispanic Whites
Authors: Guan Xiaoxiang , Wang Li‐E , Liu Zhensheng , Sturgis Erich M , Wei Qingyi
Published: June 2013

Recently, several studies have investigated the association between a newly reported rare functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TP53 (rs78378222) and cancer risk, but generated inconsistent findings. The present study further investigated this association with risk of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) and lung cancer. Using volunteers of non‐Hispanic Whites recruited for three large case–control studies, we genotyped the TP53 rs78378222 SNP in 1329 patients with melanoma, 1096 with SCCHN, 1013 with lung cancer and 3000 cancer‐free controls. Overall, we did not observe any variant homozygotes in this study population, nor significant associations between the TP53 rs78378222AC genotype or C allele and risk for melanoma (P = 0.680 and 0.682 respectively) and lung cancer (P = 0.379 and 0.382 respectively), but a protection against SCCHN (P = 0.008 and 0.008 respectively), compared with the AA genotype or A allele. An additional meta‐analysis including 19,423 cancer patients and 54,050 controls did not support such a risk association either. Our studies did not provide statistical evidence of an association between this rare TP53 variant and increased risk of melanoma, nor of lung cancer, but a possible protection against SCCHN.
Association of the family environment with behavioural and cognitive outcomes in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Allen T. M. , Hersh J. , Schoch K. , Curtiss K. , Hooper S. R. , Shashi V.
Published: June 2013

Background

Children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) are at risk for social‐behavioural and neurocognitive sequelae throughout development. The current study examined the impact of family environmental characteristics on social‐behavioural and cognitive outcomes in this paediatric population.

Method

Guardians of children with 22q11DS were recruited through two medical genetics clinics. Consenting guardians were asked to complete several questionnaires regarding their child's social, emotional and behavioural functioning, as well as family social environment and parenting styles. Children with 22q11DS were asked to undergo a cognitive assessment, including IQ and achievement testing, and measures of attention, executive function and memory.

Results

Modest associations were found between aspects of the family social environment and parenting styles with social‐behavioural and cognitive/academic outcomes. Regression models indicated that physical punishment, socioeconomic status, parental control and family organisation significantly predicted social‐behavioural and cognitive outcomes in children with 22q11DS.

Conclusion

Characteristics of the family social environment and parenting approaches appear to be associated with functional outcomes of children with 22q11DS. Understanding the impact of environmental variables on developmental outcomes can be useful in determining more effective targets for intervention. This will be important in order to improve the quality of life of individuals affected by 22q11DS.
A loss of social eating: the experience of individuals living with gastroparesis
Authors: Bennell Jose , Taylor Claire
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To report the experience of patients living with gastroparesis.

Background

The complex illness of gastroparesis is a condition of delayed gastric emptying associated with a range of different symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and depression, resulting in altered eating patterns. Patients are often over‐investigated, treatments are not always successful, and quality of life is often impaired.

Design

A descriptive phenomenology study was undertaken to examine the experience of living with gastroparesis. Nine gastroparesis patients gave in‐depth interviews. The interviews were transcribed, and framework analysis methods applied.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenology study was undertaken. Nine gastroparesis patients gave in‐depth interviews. The interviews were transcribed, and framework analysis methods applied.

Results

Four main themes emerged: the first described their experiences and opinions of medical professionals, the second their understanding of mental health and mental illness, the third how they managed social settings and the fourth their identity and security. Their behaviour around food and mealtimes was often associated with feelings of loss, isolation and rejection, which influenced their reported quality of life. These factors resulted in their personal struggle to understand how this chronic, stigmatising illness affects their identity and their need for security.

Conclusions

The complex illness of gastroparesis affects every aspect of patients' lives. As treatments for gastroparesis continue to evolve, therapies to help these patients address the psychological impact and the feelings of loss they report must not be overlooked.

Relevance to clinical practice

A better understanding of these patients' sense of loss of normal eating behaviour and the associated psychological distress needs to inform gastroparesis service provision with a view to developing a more holistic service for this patient group.
Barriers to information exchange during older patients' transfer: nurses' experiences
Authors: Olsen Rose M , Østnor Bjørg H , Enmarker Ingela , Hellzén Ove
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe nurses' experiences of barriers that influence their information exchange during the transfer of older patients between hospital and home care.

Background

The successful transfer of an older patient across health organisations requires good communication and coordination between providers. Despite an increased focus on the need for cooperation among providers across healthcare organisations, researchers still report problems in the exchange of information between the hospitals and the healthcare systems in the municipalities.

Design

A qualitative study using focus group methodology.

Methods

Three focus group interviews using topic guides were conducted and interpreted. The study included registered nurses (n = 14) from hospital and home care. The data were analysed through content analysis.

Results

Three main themes were identified: barriers associated with the nurse, barriers associated with interpersonal processes and barriers associated with the organisation. These themes included several subthemes.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the challenges that nurses encounter in ensuring a successful information exchange during older patients' transfer through the healthcare system. The barriers negatively influence the nurses' information exchange and may put the patients in a vulnerable and exposed situation. In order for nurses to conduct a successful exchange of information, it is critical that hospital and home care systems facilitate this through adequate resources, clear missions and responsibilities, and understandable policies.

Relevance to clinical practice

Recognition of the barriers that affect nurses' exchange of information is important to ensure patient safety and successful transitions. The barriers described here should help both nurses in practice and their leaders to be more attentive to the prerequisites needed to achieve a satisfactory nursing information exchange and enhance informational continuity.
Child and family health nurses working with families of preschool‐aged children
Authors: Myors Karen A , Schmied Virginia , White Edward
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine child and family health nurses’ perceptions of and practices related to working with families of preschool‐aged children about their child's behaviour.

Background

Emotional and behavioural problems in young children are of increasing concern. Child and family health nurses are well placed to support parents and provide education about behavioural concerns.

Design

A qualitative interpretive study informed by ethnography was used.

Methods

Forty‐eight nurses participated in focus groups. Of these nurses, 11 participated in observations of clinical interactions with 23 mothers. Eight managers were interviewed.

Results

Three themes and two subthemes emerged from the data: Parents as deficit and nurse as expert; Parents have strengths and nurse as partner; Shaping practice – Time pressures and Wanting respect and to be valued.

Conclusions

Child and family health nurses enjoy working with preschool‐aged children; however, complex issues and tensions are evident. Nurses need support at all levels within the health service if they are to negotiate an environment of ongoing change and to be enabled to work in partnership with parents and families and thereby promote the emotional and behavioural development of preschool‐aged children.

Relevance to clinical practice

The universal role of child and family health nurses provides unique opportunities to support parents about child behaviour concerns. Without appropriate support, nurses continue to work within an expert model that may alienate parents and families from using this service.
Sovereign Force and Crime‐focused Law at the Cape Colony
Authors: Pavlich George
Published: June 2013

This paper shows how law enables right‐based versions of the sovereign to take root by studying how British sovereignty was fashioned over the Cape of Good Hope since its occupation in 1795. Challenging notions that sovereignty is predicated on an ability to except itself from law, the analysis shows how the emerging Cape sovereign was authored into being through its active insertion into crime‐focused legal practices.
“Time Immemorial” and Indigenous Rights: A Genealogy and Three Case Studies (Calder, Van der Peet, Tsilhqot'in) from British Columbia
Authors: Weir Lorraine
Published: June 2013

“Time immemorial” has operated as a legal fiction in the discourse of colonization, performing a genealogical function in the construction of “antiquity” and “legal memory” in English law, and repurposed in Indigenous rights cases in Canada. Beginning with a genealogical outline, this paper analyzes “time immemorial” in relation to Settler and Indigenous discourses of time, memory and the land in Calder, Van der Peet, and Tsilhqot'in.
“The Last Refuge of the Scoundrel”: Debating between History and Theory
Authors: Cohen Sagi
Published: June 2013

When “History” is called to represent silence, its metaphysical position is symptomatically felt. Tracing what Fasolt calls “the historian's revolt”, this paper identifies the political impetus behind it as the symptom dictating Foucault's own silences/silencings (regarding Derrida's intervention in his History of Madness). In naming such a symptom/silence – in taking “Derrida's position” – this paper performs its own violence/decision by, both “justifying,” and betraying, this position; by installing itself in, instead of “above,” this curious “debate”. “The last refuge of the scoundrel” appears then as the reflective exteriority of a political antagonism that's based on a metaphysical difference with regards to the legitimate “seat” of authority (in Fasolt, an antagonism between the historian and the Catholic Church). Finally, this trajectory is installed within a wider – metaphysical and historical – context, where Hegel's famous saying, that the University is the Protestant's Church, might yet echo that distant metaphysical decision – still looming, like a “genealogical specter,” over Academia and its Social Sciences.
When Do Outsider CEOs Generate Strategic Change? The Enabling Role of Corporate Stability
Authors: Karaevli Ayse , Zajac Edward J.
Published: June 2013

When academic researchers, business commentators, and boards of directors have debated the merits of hiring new CEOs from outside the firm, the implicit or explicit assumption typically made is that outsider CEOs will provide an advantage in achieving strategic change. In this study, we challenge this assumption by employing a duality perspective on stability/change, and we provide an original conceptual framework to posit that it is the presence of corporate stability (ordinary succession, a long‐tenured predecessor CEO, and good firm performance) that allows outsider CEOs to generate a greater degree of post‐succession strategic change. We use extensive longitudinal data from US airline and chemical industries between 1972 and 2010 to test our hypotheses, and we discuss how our supportive findings challenge long‐standing assumptions regarding the outsider succession–strategic change relationship, and we advocate embracing the non‐intiutive notion that stable (unstable) conditions can be enablers (barriers) of strategic change for outsider CEOs.
Multimodality Evaluation of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with CT Angiography, MR with Arterial Spin Labeling, and Digital Subtraction Angiography: Case Report
Authors: Alexander Matthew , McTaggart Ryan , Santarelli Justin , Fischbein Nancy , Marks Michael , Zaharchuk Greg , Do Huy
Published: June 2013

Dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) are cerebrovascular lesions with pathologic shunting into the venous system from arterial feeders. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has long been considered the gold standard for diagnosis, but advances in noninvasive imaging techniques now play a role in the diagnosis of these complex lesions. Herein, we describe the case of a patient with right‐side pulsatile tinnitus and DAVF diagnosed using computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance with arterial spin labeling, and DSA. Implications for imaging analysis of DAVFs and further research are discussed.
In search of those boundary conditions that might influence the effectiveness of supportive supervision
Authors: Zeni Thomas A. , MacDougall Alexandra E. , Chauhan Rahul S. , Brock Meagan E. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: June 2013

Supportive supervision is doubtlessly beneficial in many instances in organizations. Paustian‐Underdahl, Shanock, Rogelberg, Scott, Justice, and Altman () have examined the predictors of supportive supervision. We might suggest that they have underidentified those factors that impact the potential influence of supportive supervision and suggest a more comprehensive approach to this important variable.
Inhibitory effect of carbazolequinone derivatives on lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ-induced nitric oxide production in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Murata Tomiyasu , Kohno Susumu , Ito Chihiro , Itoigawa Masataka , Sugiura Ayumi , Hikita Kiyomi , Kaneda Norio
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of our synthesized carbazolequinone derivatives on nitric oxide (NO) production in activated macrophages.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with carbazolequinone derivatives. The NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in cell culture supernatants fractions were measured by Greiss and ELISA assay, respectively. The expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was assessed by the real-time RT-PCR method. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation was detected by an NF-κB-dependent luciferase reporter assay.

Key findings

Our synthesized carbazolequinone derivatives (7-methoxy-2-methylcarbazole-1,4-quinone, 6-methoxy-2-methylcarbazole-1,4-quinone and 6-chloro-2-methylcarbazole-1,4-quinone) significantly inhibited LPS/IFN-γ-induced NO production and iNOS expression in RAW264.7 cells. They also inhibited the LPS/IFN-γ-mediated induction of COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. In addition, the LPS/IFN-γ-induced transcription activity of NF-κB was attenuated. Using the RAW264.7-tsAM5NE co-culture system, we found that these carbazolequinone derivatives protected neuronally differentiated tsAM5NE cells from NO-induced cell death by inhibiting the production of NO.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the three carbazolequinone derivatives inhibit LPS/IFN-γ-induced NO production via iNOS and COX-2 downregulation due to NF-κB inhibition. Therefore, these three carbazolequinone derivatives may be useful for developing a new drug against NO-mediated neurodegenerative diseases.