bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meanings of being a close relative of a family member treated with haemodialysis approaching end of life
Authors: Axelsson Lena , Klang Birgitta , Lundh Hagelin Carina , Jacobson Stefan H , Gleissman Sissel Andreassen
Published: May 2014

Aims and objectives

To describe and elucidate the meanings of being a close relative of a severely ill family member treated with maintenance haemodialysis approaching the end of life.

Background

End‐stage renal disease together with comorbidities, haemodialysis treatment and high mortality rates also affects the lives of close relatives, who report burdens and impaired quality of life. To improve care, more understanding is needed of close relatives' experiences during these patients' end of life.

Design

This study has a qualitative interpretative design.

Methods

Fourteen retrospective qualitative interviews were conducted with close relatives (aged 48–93 years) of deceased patients who had been treated with haemodialysis. The interview text was interpreted using a phenomenological hermeneutical method in three phases.

Results

The findings of the structural analysis were formulated as six themes: Striving to be supportive and helpful without doing harm to the ill person's self; Needing increasing strength and support; Balancing the will to help with one's own ongoing life; Increasing responsibility involving dilemmas; Striving for a good life together in the present and Living with awareness of death.

Conclusions

Close relatives strive for balance and well‐being accompanying their ill family member through the end of life. They are facing moral dilemmas and growing demands as their responsibility increases with the deterioration of their family member. Support from and interaction with the healthcare professionals is then of significance.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings challenge healthcare professionals in haemodialysis settings to identify close relatives' individual resources and needs towards the patients' end of life. Healthcare professionals in haemodialysis settings need to offer close relatives opportunities to talk about the future and what may be expected at end of life, with or without haemodialysis. They should also contact the closest relative after the death as they may need confirmation and closure.
A classification study for chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum ×grandiflorum Tzvelv.) cultivars based on multivariate statistical analyses
Authors: ZHANG Yuan , LUO Xin‐Yan , ZHU Jun , WANG Chen , HONG Yan , LU Jie , LIU Qian‐Qian , LI Bao‐Qin , ZHU Ming‐Li , WANG Zi‐Fan , ZHANG Ya‐Qiong , SONG Xue‐Bin , LV Peng‐Yan , DAI Si‐Lan
Published: May 2014

The Chinese traditional chrysanthemum cultivar is a marvelous group of Chrysanthemum ×grandiflorum Tzvelv., whose floral characters are rich in variation. However, neither the values of floral characters for the classification of chrysanthemums nor the relevance of different characters are yet known. Moreover, the existing classification systems of chrysanthemums are incomplete and unsystematic. In the present study, we selected 16 floral morphological characters on which to carry out diversity and relativity analyses by seven multivariate statistical analysis methods, and we further studied the cultivar classification. The analyses of nested variance, diversity index, and principle components showed that 10 floral morphological characters were of great value for chrysanthemum classification. Clustering analysis classified these 10 characters into three types, in which the variation of the ray floret factor was the highest. The analysis of partial correlations showed that the petal type was significantly affected by the length of the ray florets, the bending state of the outer‐layer ray florets, and the tip shape of the ray florets; besides these three characters, the flower head type was also affected by the angle of the outer‐layer ray florets and the length and distribution of the disc florets. The multiple linear regression equations for petal type and flower head type were successfully established. All of the cultivars were classified into four groups and 18 forms by cluster and discriminant analyses. These results provide a reference that can be used for cultivar identification and classification of chrysanthemums.
The Effect of Vasectomy on the Sexual Life of Couples
Authors: Mohamad Al-Ali Badereddin , Shamloul Rany , Ramsauer Josef , Bella Anthony J. , Scrinzi Ulfrit , Treu Thomas , Jungwirth Andreas
Published: May 2014

Introduction

There are several contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy, reversible as well as nonreversible ones. The sexual satisfaction of couples is affected by many types of contraceptives used.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the effect of vasectomy on the sexual life and satisfaction of couples.

Methods

Seventy-six couples took part in this evaluation and filled out respective questionnaires before and after vasectomy. All the questionnaires were evaluated statistically for differences in the respective sexual domain scores.

Main Outcome Measures

Standardized questionnaires were used. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as well as postoperative pain score were completed by men. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was completed by the female partner. For statistical analysis, the T-Square Test was used.

Results

The average age of couples, who chose the vasectomy procedure, was 37 years for women and 39 years for men. The contraception method most frequently used prior to the vasectomy was the birth control pill. For the male partner, the IIEF showed no significant change in the respective domains. Out of the 76 couples, 93% of the males and 96% of their female partners would recommend and do vasectomy again. The postoperative pain score was 3.5 on 0–10 scale, and there were no postoperative complications reported. The best improvement of the sexual function was noticed for the female partners. The FSFI showed a significant improvement in the domains desire (P < 0.05), arousal (P < 0.05), orgasm (P < 0.05), lubrication (P < 0.05), and satisfaction (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This is the first report to our very best knowledge that showed the positive impact of vasectomy on sexual satisfaction of couples. Vasectomy is a safe operation with minimal complication rates.
Advances in Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities for Intracranial Tumors
Authors: Dickinson P.J.
Published: May 2014

Intracranial neoplasia is a common clinical condition in domestic companion animals, particularly in dogs. Application of advances in standard diagnostic and therapeutic modalities together with a broad interest in the development of novel translational therapeutic strategies in dogs has resulted in clinically relevant improvements in outcome for many canine patients. This review highlights the status of current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to intracranial neoplasia and areas of novel treatment currently in development.
Simple questionnaire for screening patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Matsumura Tsuyoshi , Kimura Takashi , Kokunai Yosuke , Nakamori Masayuki , Ogata Katsuhisa , Fujimura Harutoshi , Takahashi Masanori P , Mochizuki Hideki , Sakoda Saburo
Published: May 2014

Background and Aim

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disease, and patients often visit a variety of specialists before being correctly diagnosed. IdentifyingDM1 is not an easy task, particularly for non‐neurologists. We tried to develop a simple and useful screener to identifyDM1.

Methods

In the present study, we proposed and refined a simple questionnaire for screening patients withDM1. A preliminary study showed that the sensitivity and specificity of a well‐designed questionnaire was comparable with that of a physical examination. We developed a nine‐item questionnaire that assessed cataract history, dysphagia, myotonia, drop foot, the ability to whistle, lift the head, sit‐up and unscrew a bottle cap, and family history.

Results

A total of 95DM1 patients, 121 healthy controls and 132 disease controls completed the questionnaire. Many healthy controls were family members ofDM1 patients; therefore, family history was excluded from statistical analyses. InDM1 patients with mild symptoms, sensitivity exceeded 70% for three items (sit‐up, drop foot, myotonia). In healthy controls, specificity exceeded 70% for all items. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the combination of lifting the head, sit‐up, unscrewing a bottle cap and myotonia items had high capability to distinguishDM1 patients with mild symptoms from healthy controls and disease controls with mild symptoms.

Conclusion

This simple questionnaire might help to identifyDM1 patients.
Post‐partum spontaneous coronary artery dissection and the use of veno‐arterial extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Evans Rachel
Published: May 2014

Aims

To present a rare case of a post‐partum spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rarely seen condition which does not yet have a universally agreed treatment method and the role of the intensive care unit (ICU) nurse when caring for the adult ECMO patient.

Background

The use of extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the adult patient has increased slowly since the first reported successful treatment in 1972 (Hill et al., 1972) and is seen increasingly as a successful therapy when conventional medical treatment has failed. In this case, a young lady 2 weeks post‐partum presented with acute coronary syndrome secondary to a SCAD. ECMO was used successfully as a bridge to myocardial recovery following coronary artery bypass grafts and cardiogenic shock.

Design and method

A case study underpinned by a review of existing literature relating to spontaneous coronary artery dissection and extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation.

Results and conclusions

ECMO is still a relatively new and invasive technology but continues to improve survival rates in critically ill patients where conventional medical treatment has failed. This article highlights requirement for further research into several aspects of care for the adult ECMO patient. Questions to be answered raised in this case study include recommendations for the weaning of inotropes and vasoconstrictors, frequency of blood gas sampling and whether it remains essential to have two nurses caring for the ECMO patient.

Relevance to clinical practice

As medical treatment progresses, there is an increasing demand for therapies such as ECMO to become more readily available for the care of the critically ill adult patient. This article highlights challenges that may be faced and what changes could be made to further improve standards of care and survival rates for ECMO patients.
Critical care nurses management of prolonged weaning: an interview study
Authors: Cederwall Carl‐Johan , Plos Kaety , Rose Louise , Dübeck Amanda , Ringdal Mona
Published: May 2014

Background

For most critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) weaning is uncomplicated. For the remainder, weaning is a challenge and may result in further complications and increased risk of mortality. Critical care nurses (CCNs) require substantial knowledge and experience to manage patients experiencing prolonged weaning.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore CCNs approach for management of patients experiencing prolonged weaning in the ICU.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 19 experienced CCNs were conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Participants used various strategies for weaning that were grouped into four categories: individualized planning for the weaning process, assessing patient's capacity, managing the process and team interaction. The overall theme that emerged was: CCNs drive the weaning process using both a patient centred and targeted approach.

Conclusion

CCNs in these ICUs performed weaning using a patient centred approach to plan, initiate, assess and establish a holistic weaning process. Team collaboration among all health care practitioners was important. CCNs have a key role in prioritizing weaning and driving the process forward.

Relevance to clinical practice

Closeness to the patient and a key role in management of the mechanical ventilated patient in ICU gives the CCN unique potential to develop and create models and tools for prolonged weaning. These tools, specially designed for patients undergoing prolonged weaning, would give focus on continuous planning, collaborating, managing and evaluation in the process of liberating patients from mechanical ventilation.
Flower visitation by birds in Europe
Authors: da Silva Luís P. , Ramos Jaime A. , Olesen Jens M. , Traveset Anna , Heleno Ruben H.
Published: May 2014

Most flowering plants depend on animal pollination. Several animal groups, including many birds, have specialized in exploiting floral nectar, while simultaneously pollinating the flowers they visit. These specialized pollinators are present in all continents except Europe and Antarctica, and thus, insects are often considered the only ecologically relevant pollinators in Europe. Nevertheless, generalist birds are also known to visit flowers, and several reports of flower visitation by birds in this continent prompted us to review available information in order to estimate its prevalence. We retrieved reports of flower–bird interactions from 62 publications. Forty‐six bird species visited the flowers of 95 plant species, 26 of these being exotic to Europe, yielding a total of 243 specific interactions. The ecological importance of bird–flower visitation in Europe is still unknown, particularly in terms of plant reproductive output, but effective pollination has been confirmed for several native and exotic plant species. We suggest nectar and pollen to be important food resources for several bird species, especially tits Cyanistes and Sylvia and Phylloscopus warblers during winter and spring. The prevalence of bird flower‐visitation, and thus potential bird pollination, is slightly more common in the Mediterranean basin, which is a stopover to many migrant bird species, which might actually increase their effectiveness as pollinators by promoting long‐distance pollen flow. We argue that research on bird pollination in Europe deserves further attention to explore its ecological and evolutionary relevance.
Association of Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression with Left Atrial Ablation Outcomes
Authors: EFREMIDIS MICHAEL , LETSAS KONSTANTINOS P. , LIONI LOUIZA , GIANNOPOULOS GEORGIOS , KORANTZOPOULOS PANAGIOTIS , VLACHOS KONSTANTINOS , DIMOPOULOS NIKOLAOS P. , KARLIS DIMITRIOS , BOURAS GEORGIOS , SIDERIS ANTONIOS , DEFTEREOS SPYRIDON
Published: May 2014

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with significant impairment of quality of life (QoL). Anxiety and depression are common in AF patients and might predispose to AF. We sought to investigate associations of preablative QoL and stress parameters with AF ablation outcomes, as well as possible changes in QoL, anxiety, and depression parameters after ablation.

Methods

A total of 57 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF underwent pulmonary vein (PV) antral isolation. The Short‐Form Life Survey‐36 items (SF‐36), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were assessed before and at 6 months after ablation.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 8.0 ± 2.5 months, 41 patients (71.9%) remained free from arrhythmia. Baseline mental health summary QoL SF‐36 score was significantly lower in patients with AF recurrence (53.2 ± 10.3 vs 69.7 ± 17.9; P = 0.001), while the physical health summary score did not differ significantly between patients with and without recurrence. Patients with recurrence had higher baseline STAI‐trait (41.9 ± 1.5 vs 34.7 ± 4.9) and BDI (17.3 ± 9.7 vs 5.4 ± 3.0) scores (P < 0.001 for both). In multivariable analysis, SF‐36 mental health summary, STAI‐trait, and BDI scores remained significant predictors of recurrence after adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, diabetes, and hypertension. Mental and physical domain SF‐36 summary scores were significantly improved 6 months after ablation (P = 0.001) and a significant reduction in symptoms of depression (P = 0.001) and anxiety (P = 0.001) was observed.

Conclusions

Baseline QoL, anxiety, and depression metrics were associated with AF recurrence following PV antral isolation. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in QoL, anxiety, and depression after left atrial ablation.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator System with Floating Atrial Sensing Dipole: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: IORI MATTEO , GIACOPELLI DANIELE , QUARTIERI FABIO , BOTTONI NICOLA , MANARI ANTONIO
Published: May 2014

Background

The concept of a single‐lead dual‐chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with floating sensing atrial dipole has been proven safe and functional. We report a single‐center experience with this ICD system; the major focus of the work is on the recorded atrial activation and its stability on a medium term follow‐up.

Methods

Thirteen patients received a DX ICD (BIOTRONIK SE & Co, Berlin, Germany) with the Linox Smart S DXProMRI ICD lead; the implantation data were reported. Daily P‐ and R‐wave sensing amplitude was collected and followed up during 200 days; their coefficient of variance (CV) was calculated. In addition, all the atrial and ventricular high‐rate episodes were analyzed.

Results

The total x‐ray exposure time was 3.9 ± 1.8 minutes. The overall mean sensing was 4.2 ± 1.9 mV for P wave and 12.9 ± 4.5 mV for R wave. The CV was significantly higher for the P‐wave amplitude than for the R‐wave one (0.25 ± 0.11 vs 0.08 ± 0.06; P < 0.001). A total of 27 high ventricular rate episodes were recorded and correctly discriminated by the device. Fifty‐six high atrial rate episodes were recorded, 49 were true arrhythmic events.

Conclusions

The single‐lead ICD system with floating atrial dipole provides reliable atrial sensing amplitude over time. The physician, without the implantation of an additional lead, has the atrial information that may be used for the discrimination of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia/ventricular tachycardia, for the early detection of atrial fibrillation episodes and for the evaluation of changes in the patient's heart status.
Strategies for preventing side effects of systemic opioid in postoperative pediatric patients
Authors: Jitpakdee Thanaporn , Mandee Sahatsa
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives

Opioid is the gold standard for treating moderate‐to‐severe pain in pediatric patients. However, its undesirable side effects lead to unsatisfied postoperative pain management outcome (Pediatr Anesth, 17, 2007, 756). The most commonly reported opioid‐related side effects are vomiting (40%), pruritus (20–60%) (Anesthesiology, 77, 1992, 162; Drugs, 67, 2007, 2323), and constipation (15–90%) (Int J Clin Pract, 61, 2007, 1181). The potential life‐threatening adverse event, respiratory depression, is less common (0.0013%) (Pediatr Anesth, 20, 2010, 119). The aim of this review was to evaluate prevention strategies that have been shown to decrease opioid side effects in pediatric patients during the postoperative period.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted from 1984 to February 2013. Meta‐analysis, systematic review, and randomized, placebo‐controlled studies were obtained from PubMed and the Cochrane Library. The medical subject heading (MeSH) terms were opioid analgesics, adverse effects, pediatrics, children, side effects, and postoperative pain.

Results and conclusion

Data from 62 studies were reviewed. The strategies that could effectively prevent and reduce opioid side effects in pediatric patients during the postoperative period included minimizing the amount of opioid consumption by a multimodal approach, opioid titration, using local anesthetic techniques and providing the specific prophylaxis for each side effect.
A Maximum Entropy Joint Demand Estimation and Capacity Control Policy
Authors: Maglaras Costis , Eren Serkan
Published: May 2014

We propose a tractable, data‐driven demand estimation procedure based on the use of maximum entropy (ME) distributions, and apply it to a stochastic capacity control problem motivated from airline revenue management. Specifically, we study the two fare class “Littlewood” problem in a setting where the firm has access to only potentially censored sales observations; this is also known as the repeated newsvendor problem. We propose a heuristic that iteratively fits an ME distribution to all observed sales data, and in each iteration selects a protection level based on the estimated distribution. When the underlying demand distribution is discrete, we show that the sequence of protection levels converges to the optimal one almost surely, and that the ME demand forecast converges to the true demand distribution for all values below the optimal protection level. That is, the proposed heuristic avoids the “spiral down” effect, making it attractive for problems of joint forecasting and revenue optimization problems in the presence of censored observations.
Promotion Planning and Supply Chain Contracting in a High–Low Pricing Environment
Authors: Breiter Andreas , Huchzermeier Arnd
Published: May 2014

Demand forecast errors threaten the profitability of high–low price promotion strategies. This article shows how to match demand and supply effectively by means of two‐segment demand forecasting and supply contracts. We find that demand depends on the path of past retail prices, which leads to only a limited number of reachable demand states. However, forecast errors cannot be entirely eliminated because competitive promotions entail some degree of random (i.e., last‐minute) pricing. A hedging approach can be deployed to distribute demand risk efficiently over multiple promotional campaigns and within the supply chain. A retailer that employs a portfolio of forward, option, and spot contracts can avoid both stockouts and excess inventories while achieving the first‐best solution and Pareto improvements. We provide an improved forecasting method as well as stochastic programs to solve for optimal production and purchasing policies such that the right amount of inventory is available at the right time. By connecting a stockpiling model of demand with the supply side, we derive insights on optimal risk management strategies for both manufacturers and retailers in a market environment characterized by frequent price promotions and multiple discount levels. We employ a data set of the German retail market for a key generator of store traffic—namely, diapers.
Checking for Systematic Value Preferences Using the Method of Triads
Authors: Ciuk David J. , Jacoby William G.
Published: May 2014

Value preferences have long been central to research in political science and psychology. Despite their well‐established theoretical importance, however, their measurement is still an open question. Early research on values relied heavily on ranking instruments for data collection, but more recent work calls this measurement technique into question. Specifically, it is argued that traditional ranking instruments are (1) too long, (2) too complex, and (3) may force respondents to make ad hoc differentiations between values of similar importance, behind which there is no systematic preference. As a result, the reliability of the measure is called into question, and measurement error remains a concern. In this article, we discuss the method of triads—a technique used to gather rankings data that affords the researcher the opportunity to assess the extent to which random error affects preference rankings. Using the method of triads to collect preference data on five values central to American political culture, we find that Americans' value preferences are clearly structured and driven by systematic preferences, even when psychological theory suggests they may not. We also compare the predictive validity of the data collected with the method of triads against that of the data collected with traditional importance ratings. We show that models of ideology, party identification, presidential approval, and vote‐choice fit to “triads” data explain more variance than models fit to ratings data.
Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth
Authors: Shaw Gary M. , Wise Paul H. , Mayo Jonathan , Carmichael Suzan L. , Ley Catherine , Lyell Deirdre J. , Shachar Bat Zion , Melsop Kathryn , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Stevenson David K. , Parsonnet Julie , Gould Jeffrey B. ,   March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University School of Medicine
Published: May 2014

Background

Findings from studies examining risk of preterm birth associated with elevated prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) have been inconsistent.

Methods

Within a large population‐based cohort, we explored associations between prepregnancy BMI and spontaneous preterm birth across a spectrum of BMI, gestational age, and racial/ethnic categories. We analysed data for 989 687 singleton births in California, 2007–09. Preterm birth was grouped as 20–23, 24–27, 28–31, or 32–36 weeks gestation (compared with 37–41 weeks). BMI was categorised as <18.5 (underweight); 18.5–24.9 (normal); 25.0–29.9 (overweight); 30.0–34.9 (obese I); 35.0–39.9 (obese II); and ≥40.0 (obese III). We assessed associations between BMI and spontaneous preterm birth of varying severity among non‐Hispanic White, Hispanic, and non‐Hispanic Black women.

Results

Analyses of mothers without hypertension and diabetes, adjusted for age, education, height, and prenatal care initiation, showed obesity categories I–III to be associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth at 20–23 and 24–27 weeks among those of parity 1 in each race/ethnic group. Relative risks for obese III and preterm birth at 20–23 weeks were 6.29 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.06, 12.9], 4.34 [95% CI 2.30, 8.16], and 4.45 [95% CI 2.53, 7.82] for non‐Hispanic Whites, non‐Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics, respectively. A similar, but lower risk, pattern was observed for women of parity ≥2 and preterm birth at 20–23 weeks. Underweight was associated with modest risks for preterm birth at ≥24 weeks among women in each racial/ethnic group regardless of parity.

Conclusions

The association between women's prepregnancy BMI and risk of spontaneous preterm birth is complex and is influenced by race/ethnicity, gestational age, and parity.
Characterization of sexual reproductive processes in Chara braunii (Charales, Charophyceae)
Authors: Sato Machiko , Sakayama Hidetoshi , Sato Mamiko , Ito Motomi , Sekimoto Hiroyuki
Published: May 2014

Chara braunii is distributed worldwide and is the most common charalean species in Japan. This species is monoecious and produces numerous sets of sex organs, each of which consists of one antheridium and one oogonium, under laboratory culture conditions. In this study, we report that light intensity strongly affected the vegetative phase and sexual reproductive phase of this species. Under high‐light conditions (70.0 μmol photons m−2 s−1), thalli grew but did not form reproductive organs. Under a low‐light intensity (10.0 μmol photons m−2 s−1), algal bodies formed many reproductive organs. In addition, antheridia without the corresponding oogonia (lone antheridia) were observed under low‐light conditions. The absence of oogonium primordia adjacent to the lone antheridium was confirmed by several microscopic approaches. The addition of liquid fertilizer increased the total number of sex organs and growth; however, the number of lone antheridia decreased with increasing fertilizer concentrations. Exogenously applied gibberellin did not affect the number of lone antheridia. These results suggest that regulatory mechanisms for the appropriate allocation of resources exist in this alga, similar to those reported in some land plants.
Effect of weed interference on Zea mays: Growth analysis
Authors: Ghanizadeh Hossein , Lorzadeh Shapoor , Aryannia Nazer
Published: May 2014

In order to investigate the effect of weed competition on corn, growth trials were conducted in Shushtar, Iran, using a comparative growth analysis. In this study, two sets of treatments were imposed, based on the phenological stages of corn development, using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results showed that barnyardgrass and redroot pigweed were the most dominant weeds in these trials. Increasing the duration of weed interference reduced the corn leaf area index gradually. The reduction in the corn leaf area index led to a decline in the crop growth rate as a result of a reduction in the ability of corn to capture light and its photosynthetic ability. The total dry matter and relative growth rate of corn were decreased when the weeds were removed later as a result of a reduction in the leaf area index. According to these results, the leaf area index has a critical role in weed–crop competition.
Mechanism of the rice hull‐induced germination of Monochoria vaginalis seeds in darkness
Authors: Yokota Takao , Handa Hiromi , Yamada Yumiko , Yoneyama Koichi , Takeuchi Yasutomo
Published: May 2014

The seeds of Monochoria vaginalis require light to germinate. However, they are able to germinate in darkness in the presence of rice hulls. The mechanism of this phenomenon was investigated in this study, in which only the unsterilized seeds of Monochoria were induced to germinate by the presence of a rice hull extract. The rice hull extract was able to be replaced by either a mixture of amino acids and phosphate or a yeast extract. The culture media in which germination was observed always showed turbidity, indicating the propagation of bacteria, which were identified as Bacillus sp., Pedobacter sp., Pantoea sp. and Sphingomonas sp. Treatment with the individual bacterial species or combinations of these bacteria induced Monochoria seed germination when added to the media containing the rice hull extract. It was concluded that the rice hull extract accelerates the propagation of bacteria, which in turn digest the seed coat of Monochoria, facilitating its germination.
Growth and reproductive success of the seed‐derived plants of Sagittaria trifolia emerging at different times
Authors: Daimon Nanako , Miura Reiichi , Tominaga Tohru
Published: May 2014

In order to clarify the growth and reproductive success of seed‐derived Sagittaria trifolia individuals emerging at different times within a season, seeds were sown on May 16, June 16 and July 22 2010 and allowed to grow in pots under shaded and unshaded conditions. The timing of when the first inflorescence of each seedling appeared was recorded, as well as the number of seeds and tubers produced and the dry weight of each organ. In total, 220 seedlings were used, 23–59 in each treatment. As the sowing time was delayed, so too was the appearance of the first inflorescence. Additionally, the number of inflorescences, fruits and seeds produced by the unshaded plants significantly decreased with the sowing time. The total dry weight was significantly greater in the unshaded than in the shaded plants: the July‐sown, shaded plants grew very poorly. The relative resource allocation to the tubers was greater in the late‐emerging, shaded seedlings. Even in the shaded groups, except for the July‐sown plants, most of the plants set seed. Therefore, when addressing weed control in paddy fields, one should keep seedlings in mind, in addition to plants that have grown from tubers.
Assessing quality of healing in skin: Review of available methods and devices
Authors: Junker Johan P. E. , Philip Justin , Kiwanuka Elizabeth , Hackl Florian , Caterson Edward J. , Eriksson Elof
Published: May 2014

The process of wound healing is dynamic and takes place over months to years, during which there is a resolution of angiogenesis, continued wound contraction, and connective tissue remodeling. The outcome of this process is most commonly the formation of a scar, defined as a fibrous tissue replacing normal tissues destroyed by injury or disease. Scars often have a lowered or total loss of vital skin functions and imbue a large burden on both the patient and the health care system as a whole. Scar treatments are plentiful but are often unsatisfactory or inconsistent. No single treatment method has been universally adopted. To evaluate the clinical treatment as well as research focused on developing novel methods for scar management, objective studies of the progression of scar formation and the properties of mature scars are needed. Several parameters, including barrier function as well as mechanical and physiological properties, need to be taken into account when both categorizing and treating healing wounds and scars. To date, there is no available methodology that provides a comprehensive evaluation of a scar's properties. This review aims at presenting an overview of available scar assessment methods and devices, ranging from analysis of collagen properties in tissue biopsies to noninvasive methods for studies of mechanical parameters such as breaking strength and skin elasticity. In the cases where conclusive studies have been performed, the differences between normal skin and scar with respect to the above parameters are presented. Furthermore, this review highlights areas where the development of additional modalities are needed.
Negative pressure wound therapy is associated with up‐regulation of bFGF and ERK1/2 in human diabetic foot wounds
Authors: Yang Shao‐Ling , Han Rui , Liu Yu , Hu Li‐Ye , Li Xiao‐Ling , Zhu Lv‐Yun
Published: May 2014

Chronic foot wounds are a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization for patients with diabetes. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is known to promote healing of diabetic foot wounds, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We propose to gain molecular insights into the wound healing promoting signals underlying the effects of NPWT on diabetic foot wounds in humans. We assessed 30 patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Of these cases, 15 were treated with NPWT, while 15 patients were treated with traditional gauze therapy. Granulated tissue was harvested before and after treatment in both patient groups and histologically analyzed with hematoxylin & eosin as well as Masson's trichrome staining methods. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, previously associated with promoting cellular growth and/or wound healing. Unlike controls, the wounds in the NPWT‐treated diabetic patients developed characteristic features of granulated tissue with increased collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical analysis also revealed an increase in bFGF levels in NPWT‐treated patients. Western blot analysis further showed a significant up‐regulation of bFGF and phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein levels in the NPWT‐treated diabetic patients vs. controls. Our studies reveal that NPWT is associated with an up‐regulation of bFGF and ERK1/2 signaling, which may be involved in promoting the NPWT‐mediated wound healing response.
Flow and Heat Transfer Analysis of an Electro-Osmotic Flow Micropump for Chip Cooling
Authors: Pramod K. , Sen A. K.
Published: May 2014

This paper reports theoretical and numerical analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer in a cascade electro-osmotic flow (EOF) micropump for chip cooling. A simple analytical model is developed to determine the temperature distribution in a two-dimensional (2D) single channel EOF micropump with forced convection due to a voltage difference between both ends. Numerical simulations are performed to determine the temperature distribution in the domain which is compared with that predicted by the model. A novel cascade EOF micropump with multiple microchannels in series and parallel and with an array of interdigitated electrodes along the flow direction is proposed. The simulations predict the maximum flow rate and pressure capability of one single stage of the micropump and the analytical model employs equivalent circuit theory to predict the total flow rate and back pressure. Each stage of the proposed micropump comprises sump and pump regions having opposing electric field directions. The various design parameters of the micropump includes the height of the pump and sump (h), number of stages (n), channel width (w), thickness of the channel wall or fin (r), and width ratio of the pump and sump (s:p) regions. Numerical simulations are performed to predict the effects of these design parameters on the pump performance which is compared with that predicted by the analytical model. The micropump is used for cooling cooling of an Intel® CoreTM i5 chip which produces a maximum heat of 95 W over an area of 3.75 × 3.75 cm. Based on the parametric studies a design for the cascade EOF micropump is proposed which provides a maximum flow rate of 14.16 ml/min and a maximum back pressure of 572.5 Pa to maintain a maximum chip temperature of 310.63 K.
Phase Dependent Tool Wear in Turning Ti-6Al-4V Using Polycrystalline Diamond and Carbide Inserts
Authors: Schrock David J. , Kang Di , Bieler Thomas R. , Kwon Patrick
Published: May 2014

Tool wear of polycrystalline diamond inserts was analyzed in turning experiments on Ti-6Al-4V. Evidence of phase transformation in turning titanium work material is presented and its impact on tool wear is discussed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to analyze the rake face of the turning inserts. At cutting speed of 61 m/min, the rake face exhibited scalloped-shaped, fractured wear, characteristic of typical attrition wear. At cutting speed of 122 m/min, a smooth crater was observed, which is a typical characteristic of diffusion/dissolution wear. At the cutting speed of 91 m/min, the wear features were a combination of those observed at speeds of 61 m/min and 122 m/min. A comparison of the wear on the polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tools to that of WC-6Co from our earlier work is also discussed. Microstructural analysis of the of both the undeformed work material and the chip using electron-backscatter diffraction provided evidence to support the phase transformation. Temperature estimates on the rake face of the tool previously extracted from Finite Element Method (FEM) support the possibility of phase transformation at the high cutting speed tested. The difference in the wear pattern was also linked to the extent of recrystallization in the titanium work material. At 61 m/min there was more alpha phase in the work material without much recrystallization, which generated uneven scalloped wear. At 122 m/min, phase transformation of the existing alpha phase to the beta phase in the work material and recrystallization increased the dissolution/diffusion wear process.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Head Phantom Bite Tray Fit Reproducibility
Authors: Gossman Michael S. , Levy Joshua R.
Published: May 2014

This research examines the accuracy of The Phantom Laboratory RSVP Phantom™ II with a jaw system that replicates patient biting. The research study examines the positional reproducibility as applicable for radiation oncology patients receiving stereotactic treatment. A bite tray was seated and locked into the phantom jaw system. Infrared passive fiducial array markers were attached to the bite tray. A head band containing a fiducial array was fit around the phantom skull. Ceiling mounted infrared cameras monitoring fiducial locations were used to calculate the spatial position of the bite tray relative to the stationary head band, as the bite tray was repeatedly removed, reinserted, and locked. For 100 sample mounts, the RSVP Phantom™ II jaw system proved to replicate the desired position with an average accuracy of 0.012 ± 0.001 mm and with a maximum difference of only 0.303 ± 0.001 mm. The innovation of the RSVP Phantom II jaw system is ideally suited for stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy for commissioning and quality assurance.
T Cell Receptor Signals to NF-κB Are Transmitted by a Cytosolic p62-Bcl10-Malt1-IKK Signalosome
Authors: Paul Suman , Traver Maria K. , Kashyap Anuj K. , Washington Michael A. , Latoche Joseph R. , Schaefer Brian C.
Published: May 2014

Assembly of a multiprotein complex containing the adaptor protein p62 promotes NF-κB activation in T cells.
A Nanoparticle-Based Combination Chemotherapy Delivery System for Enhanced Tumor Killing by Dynamic Rewiring of Signaling Pathways
Authors: Morton Stephen W. , Lee Michael J. , Deng Zhou J. , Dreaden Erik C. , Siouve Elise , Shopsowitz Kevin E. , Shah Nisarg J. , Yaffe Michael B. , Hammond Paula T.
Published: May 2014

Nanoparticles containing two drugs released at different times effectively kill tumor cells.
One Hormone, Two Phases
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: May 2014

Inflorescence architecture is shaped by a biphasic signaling network involving the plant hormone gibberellin.
Casting a NET in Gout
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: May 2014

Aggregated neutrophil extracellular traps resolve gout-associated inflammation by degrading proinflammatory mediators.
Signals of a Successful Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: May 2014

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, a surgery to reduce stomach size, requires signaling by the farsenoid-X receptor to effectively treat obesity.
Zinc Finger Endonuclease Targeting
PSIP1
Inhibits HIV-1 Integration
Authors: Badia Roger , Pauls Eduardo , Riveira-Munoz Eva , Clotet Bonaventura , Esté José A. , Ballana Ester
Published: May 2014

Genome editing using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) has been successfully applied to disrupt CCR5 or CXCR4 host factors and inhibit viral entry and infection. Gene therapy using ZFNs to modify the
PSIP1
gene, which encodes the lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) protein, might restrain an early step of the viral replication cycle at the integration level. ZFNs targeting the
PSIP1
gene (ZFN
LEDGF
) were designed to specifically recognize the sequence after the integrase binding domain (IBD) of the LEDGF/p75 protein. ZFN
LEDGF
successfully recognized the target region of the
PSIP1
gene in TZM-bl cells by heteroduplex formation and DNA sequence analysis. Gene editing induced a frameshift of the coding region and resulted in the abolishment of LEDGF expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Functional assays revealed that infection with the HIV-1 R5 BaL or X4 NL4-3 viral strains was impaired in LEDGF/p75 knockout cells regardless of entry tropism due to a blockade in HIV-1 proviral integration into the host genome. However, residual infection was detected in the LEDGF knockout cells. Indeed, LEDGF knockout restriction was overcome at a high multiplicity of infection, suggesting alternative mechanisms for HIV-1 genome integration rather than through LEDGF/p75. However, the observed residual integration was sensitive to the integrase inhibitor raltegravir. These results demonstrate that the described ZFN
LEDGF
effectively targets the
PSIP1
gene, which is involved in the early steps of the viral replication cycle; thus, ZFN
LEDGF
may become a potential antiviral agent for restricting HIV-1 integration. Moreover, LEDGF knockout cells represent a potent tool for elucidating the role of HIV integration cofactors in virus replication.
Case Report and Cohort Analysis of Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Daptomycin
Authors: Bohm Nicole , Makowski Charles , Machado Mario , Davie Adam , Seabrook Nelson , Wheless Lee , Bevill Benjamin , Clark Bradley , Kyle T. Rogers
Published: May 2014

A patient receiving daptomycin developed asymptomatic transaminitis and hyperbilirubinemia without concurrent multiorgan dysfunction or elevation of his creatinine kinase level. After ruling out other etiologies, the liver injury was attributed to daptomycin and was subsequently resolved. A single-center retrospective cohort analysis of baseline and follow-up liver function panels (
n
= 614) from all admissions from 2008 to 2013 during which daptomycin was administered did not reveal any other cases of probable or definite drug-induced liver injury associated with daptomycin.
Draft Genome Sequence of Erwinia mallotivora BT-MARDI, Causative Agent of Papaya Dieback Disease
Authors: Redzuan R. Ahmad , Abu Bakar N. , Rozano L. , Badrun R. , Mat Amin N. , Mohd Raih M. F.
Published: May 2014

Erwinia mallotivora
was isolated from papaya trees infected with dieback disease, which were planted at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Malaysia. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of
E. mallotivora
BT-MARDI, which offers an important source of information for understanding pathogen and host interaction during papaya dieback development.
Genome Sequence of Chlamydia suis MD56, Isolated from the Conjunctiva of a Weaned Piglet
Authors: Donati Manuela , Huot-Creasy Heather , Humphrys Michael , Di Paolo Maria , Di Francesco Antonietta , Myers Garry S. A.
Published: May 2014

Chlamydia suis
is a natural pathogen of pigs (
Sus scrofa
) and causes conjunctivitis, pneumonia, enteritis, and various reproductive disorders that adversely impact this economically important animal. Here, we report the first
C. suis
genome, that of
C. suis
MD56, isolated from a conjunctival swab of a weaned piglet.
“The Farmer’s Dilemma”—an Interrupted Case Study for Learning Bacterial Genetics in the Context of the Impact of Microbes on the Organic Food Industry and Biotechnology
Authors: Stewart Richard , Stein Daniel C. , Yuan Robert T. , Smith Ann C.
Published: May 2014

Case studies are well established pedagogical tools for engaging students in learning and offer the opportunity to use real world examples to give context to student learning. Finding a case study story that meets learning outcomes and resonates with students is a challenge. Our solution was an end-of-semester, capstone project for the honors students in our general microbiology course. “The Farmer’s Dilemma,” an interrupted case study with associated questions, was developed from a story line proposed by the students. The case and associated teaching notes indicate how we actively engage students in learning bacterial genetics via a story about the impact of microbes on the organic food industry and biotechnology
Science Café Course: An Innovative Means of Improving Communication Skills of Undergraduate Biology Majors
Authors: Goldina Anna , Weeks Ophelia I.
Published: May 2014

To help bridge the increasing gap between scientists and the public, we developed an innovative two-semester course called Science Café. In this course, undergraduate biology majors learn to develop communication skills to be better able to explain science concepts and current developments in science to non-scientists. Students develop and host outreach events on various topics relevant to the community, thereby increasing interactions between budding scientists and the public. Such a Science Café course emphasizes development of science communication skills early, at the undergraduate level, and empowers students to use their science knowledge in everyday interactions with the public to increase science literacy, get involved in the local community and engage the public in a dialogue on various pressing science issues. We believe that undergraduate science majors can be great ambassadors for science and are often overlooked since many aspire to go on to medical/veterinary/pharmacy schools. However, science communication skills are especially important for these types of students because when they become healthcare professionals, they will interact with the public as part of their everyday jobs and can thus be great representatives for the field.