bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insect vectors of sandal spike disease
Authors: Sen‐Sarma P. K.
Published: February 2014

A review of present status of knowledge in respect of insect vectors of sandal spike disease in India has been given. So far, three species of homopterous insects, namely, Moonia albimaculata, Coelidea indica and Nephotettix virescens, have been incriminated as possible vectors of spike disease of sandal. The experimental methods used for the transmission tests have been discussed. Except Nephotettix virescens, the role of remaining two species needs further investigation.

Conclusion: From the account given above, it seems likely that more than one species of leaf‐hoppers are involved in spreading the disease in nature (Sen‐Sarma 1981). Currently leaf‐hopper species occurring in sandal ecosystem are being screened for their ability to transmit the disease.

Insekten als Vektoren bei der “Sandal‐Spike‐Krankheit”

Es wird ein Überblick über den gegenwärtigen Wissensstand zur Frage der Insekten als Vektoren bei der “Sandal‐Spike‐Krankheit” gegeben. Bis jetzt werden die drei Homopteren‐Arten Moonia albimaculata, Coelidea indica und Nephotettix virescens als mögliche Vektoren von “Sandal‐Spike” angesehen. Die experimentellen Methoden für die Transmissionsversuche werden diskutiert. Mit Ausnahme von N. virescens bedarf die Vektorfunktion der beiden anderen Arten weiterer Untersuchungen.

Insectes vecteurs de la maladie épineuse du Santal

Une revue de l'état actuel des connaissances pour ce qui concerne les insectes vecteurs de la maladie épineuse du Santal en Inde est fournie. Ainsi trois espèces d'Homoptères nommés respectivement Moonia albimaculata, Coelidea indica et Nephotettix virescens ont été mis en cause en tant que vecteurs possibles de la maladie épineuse du Santal. Les méthodes expérimentales utilisées pour les essais de transmission on fait l'objet de discussion. A l'exception du Nephotettix virescens, le rǒle des deux autres espèces nécessite une recherche plus poussée.
Facing diversity under institutional constraints: challenging situations for community nurses when providing care to ethnic minority patients
Authors: Debesay Jonas , Harsløf Ivan , Rechel Bernd , Vike Halvard
Published: February 2014

Aims

To explore the challenges faced by community nurses when providing home health care to ethnic minority patients.

Background

Norway has a growing number of immigrants, including older immigrant patients. Community nurses who provide home care encounter considerable challenges when delivering services to an increasingly diverse patient population.

Design

A qualitative study based on a hermeneutics approach.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted involving 19 nurses in Norwegian home health care districts, which had high proportions of minority patients. Data were collected in 2008.

Findings

We identified three critical aspects of the encounters between community nurses and minority patients. The first was intimate care. Nurses perceived the fear of mistakes and crossing boundaries related to the cultural and religious practices of minority patients as particularly stressful. The second was rehabilitation after stroke. The beliefs of nurses in the benefits of rapid rehabilitation conflicted with those of the minority patients and their relatives who favoured extended rest during recovery. Third, the commitment of community nurses to transparency in the care of dying patients was tested severely when they met relatives who believed in religious explanations for the destinies of patients and who wanted to conceal the true diagnosis from terminally ill patients.

Conclusion

Community nurses encountered various challenges due to a lack of experience with highly diverse patient populations. This situation will continue to create difficulties for nurses and minority patients if management support and appropriate training measures are not provided.
Influences on clinical reasoning in family and psychosocial interventions in nursing practice with patients and their families living with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Thirsk Lorraine M. , Moore Sarah G. , Keyko Kacey
Published: February 2014

Aims

To explore how Registered Nurses address psychosocial issues for patients and their families living with chronic kidney disease.

Background

It is in the scope of registered nursing practice to address the emotional, psychological and relational implications of living with chronic disease through psychosocial and family interventions. Patients living with chronic kidney disease frequently report poor quality of life and numerous psychosocial issues; however, they do not find that these issues are always adequately addressed.

Design

This research was hermeneutic inquiry as guided by Gadamer's philosophy of understanding.

Methods

Family/psychosocial nursing practices are examined from the perspective of self‐reports of Registered Nurses working in acute care nephrology units. Interviews with nurses were conducted throughout 2012.

Results

Nurses attribute, or explain, patient and family member behaviour in a variety of ways. These explanations may or may not align with actual patient/family reasons for behaviour. Nurses' explanations influence subsequent nursing practice. While there is some evidence of practices that overcome biased attributions of patient behaviour, the cognitive processes by which nurses develop these explanations are more complex than previously reported in nursing literature.

Conclusion

Clinical reasoning and subsequent nursing practice are influenced by how nurses explain patients'/families' behaviour. Exploration of this issue with the support of social cognition literature suggests a need for further research with significant implications for nursing education and practice to improve family/psychosocial interventions.
Lactoferrin gene knockdown leads to similar effects to iron chelation in human adipocytes
Authors: Moreno‐Navarrete José María , Ortega Francisco , Moreno Maria , Serrano Marta , Ricart Wifredo , Fernández‐Real José Manuel
Published: February 2014

In human and mice adipose tissue, lactoferrin (LTF) has been found to be associated with increased adipogenesis and decreased inflammatory markers. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of LTF knockdown (KD) in human adipocyte differentiation. In addition, the effects of exogenous LTF administration and iron chelation [using deferoxamine (DFO, 10 μM)] were tested. In both subcutaneous and visceral pre‐adipocytes, LTF KD led to decrease significantly adipogenic, lipogenic and insulin signalling‐related gene expression and a significant increase in the gene expression of inflammatory mediators. Human lactoferrin (hLf, 1 μM) administration led to recover adipocyte differentiation in LTF KD pre‐adipocytes. Interestingly, iron chelation triggered similar effects to LTF KD, decreasing significantly adipogenic gene expressions. Of note, DFO (10 μM) and hLf (1 and 10 μM) co‐administration led to a dose‐dependent recovery of adipocyte differentiation. These new data reveal that endogenous LTF biosynthesis during human adipocyte differentiation is essential to achieve this process, possibly, modulating adipocyte iron homoeostasis. hLf administration might be a useful therapeutic target in obesity‐associated adipose tissue dysfunction.
Protease‐modulating polyacrylate‐based hydrogel stimulates wound bed preparation in venous leg ulcers – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Humbert P. , Faivre B. , Véran Y. , Debure C. , Truchetet F. , Bécherel P.‐A. , Plantin P. , Kerihuel J.‐C. , Eming S.A. , Dissemond J. , Weyandt G. , Kaspar D. , Smola H. , Zöllner P. ,   the CLEANSITE study group
Published: February 2014

Background

Stringent control of proteolytic activity represents a major therapeutic approach for wound‐bed preparation.

Objectives

We tested whether a protease‐modulating polyacrylate‐ (PA‐) containing hydrogel resulted in a more efficient wound‐bed preparation of venous leg ulcers when compared to an amorphous hydrogel without known protease‐modulating properties.

Methods

Patients were randomized to the polyacrylate‐based hydrogel (n = 34) or to an amorphous hydrogel (n = 41). Wound beds were evaluated by three blinded experts using photographs taken on days 0, 7 and 14.

Results

After 14 days of treatment there was an absolute decrease in fibrin and necrotic tissue of 37.6 ± 29.9 percentage points in the PA‐based hydrogel group and by 16.8 ± 23.0 percentage points in the amorphous hydrogel group. The absolute increase in the proportion of ulcer area covered by granulation tissue was 36.0 ± 27.4 percentage points in the PA‐based hydrogel group and 14.5 ± 22.0 percentage points in the control group. The differences between the groups were significant (decrease in fibrin and necrotic tissue P = 0.004 and increase in granulation tissue P = 0.0005, respectively).

Conclusion

In particular, long‐standing wounds profited from the treatment with the PA‐based hydrogel. These data suggest that PA‐based hydrogel dressings can stimulate normalization of the wound environment, particularly in hard‐to‐heal ulcers.
Distinct profile of HIF1α, PTCH, EphB2, or DNA repair protein expression and BRAF mutation in colorectal serrated adenoma
Authors: Morimoto Takashi , Mitomi Hiroyuki , Saito Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Michiko , Murakami Takashi , Sakamoto Naoto , Yao Takashi , Watanabe Sumio
Published: February 2014

Background and Aims

The serrated colorectal carcinoma (CRC) as proposed to arise from serrated adenoma (SA) is characterized by upregulation of HIF1α, suppression of PTCH or EphB2, loss of DNA repair proteins, and BRAF mutation. The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations of these candidates involved in the serrated pathway in colorectal polyps.

Methods

We analyzed immunoreactivity of these proteins, methylation of PTCH and EphB2, and mutation of BRAF and Kras in sessile SAs (SSAs; n = 32), traditional SAs (n = 28), hyperplastic polyps (HPs; n = 24), and conventional adenomas (ADs; n = 21).

Results

Increase of nuclear HIF1α expression was more frequent in SA than HP, but less frequent in SA than AD (P < 0.001). Increase of PTCH expression was not found in SSA or HP, but was evident in about half of traditional SA and all AD (P < 0.001). Decrease of EphB2 expression was more prominent in SA than HP or AD (P ≤ 0.005). Loss of hMLH1 and MGMT expression were most frequent in SSA (P < 0.001). Loss of hMSH2 showed more pronounced in SA and HP than AD (P ≤ 0.004). Methylations of PTCH and EphB2 were rare in all categories. BRAF mutation harbored frequently in SA, but not AD; only AD harbored Kras mutation.

Conclusions

This work provides evidence of similarity of HIF1α, EphB2 or DNA repair proteins expression, and BRAF mutation in serrated CRCs and their precursors, especially SSA, compared with AD and HP.
Ovarian Steroids Influence Cerebral Glucose Transporter Expression in a Region‐ and Isoform‐Specific Pattern
Authors: Harrell C. S. , Burgado J. , Kelly S. D. , Neigh G. N.
Published: February 2014

Cerebral glucose uptake is mediated by several members of the family of facilitated glucose transporters (protein nomenclature GLUT; gene nomenclature solute carrier family 2 Slc2a). Glucose uptake differs between the sexes and also varies with menstrual status in women and across the rodent oestrous cycle. The present study demonstrates the extent to which hormonal variation across the four stages of the rat oestrous cycle affects the mRNA abundance of four members of the GLUT family, including the most well characterised cerebral transporters Slc2a1 and Slc2a3, as well as the insulin‐sensitive transporters Slc2a4 and Slc2a8 in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Slc2a1 varied significantly across the cycle in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and Slc2a3 and Slc2a4 also showed significant fluctuation in the hippocampus. Transporter expression significantly increased during pro‐oestrus in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, ovarian hormones are critical for normal expression of GLUT mRNA, as demonstrated by reduced expression of Slc2a1, Slc2a3 and Sl2a8 in the hippocampus after ovariectomy. Collectively, the data reported in the present study demonstrate that glucose transporters are highly sensitive to hormonal variation and that this sensitivity is regionally distinct; thereby fluctuations likely have specific phenotypic implications.
Cellular Actions of Nesfatin‐1 in the Subfornical Organ
Authors: Kuksis M. , Ferguson A. V.
Published: February 2014

Nesfatin‐1, a centrally acting anorexigenic peptide, is produced in several brain areas involved in metabolic processes and has been implicated in the control of ingestive behaviours and cardiovascular functions. The present study aimed to determine whether the subfornical organ (SFO), a central nervous system (CNS) site that has been extensively implicated in the regulation of appetite and thirst, may represent a potential site for central actions of nesfatin‐1. We first used the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and were able to confirm the presence of mRNA for the nucleobindin‐2 gene in the SFO. We then used whole‐cell patch clamp recordings to investigate the influence of nesfatin‐1 on the membrane potential of dissociated SFO neurones. A total of 80.3% (49 of 61) of neurones tested showed a response to nesfatin‐1 (100 nm, 10 nm and 1 nm). Of these, 47.5% depolarised, with a mean depolarisation of 8.2 ± 0.9 mV (n = 29) and 32.8% hyperpolarised with a mean hyperpolarisation of −8.9 ± 1.2 mV (n = 20). Peak magnitudes were seen at a concentration of 1 nm nesfatin‐1, whereas no effect was observed at 100 pm nesftain‐1 (n = 3). Furthermore, voltage clamp ramp and step protocols revealed a nesfatin‐1 induced activation of the delayed rectifier potassium conductance, IK. Pharmacological blockade of this conductance greatly reduced the magnitude and occurrence of the observed hyperpolarisations. The present study thus demonstrates that nesfatin‐1 has the ability to influence the membrane potential of SFO neurones, and thus identifies the SFO as a potential site at which nesfatin‐1 may act to regulate ingestive behaviour and cardiovascular control.
Regional molecular and cellular differences in the female rabbit Achilles tendon complex: potential implications for understanding responses to loading
Authors: Huisman Elise S. , Andersson Gustav , Scott Alexander , Reno Carol R. , Hart David A. , Thornton Gail M.
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was: (i) to analyze the morphology and expression of extracellular matrix genes in six different regions of the Achilles tendon complex of intact normal rabbits; and (ii) to assess the effect of ovariohysterectomy (OVH) on the regional expression of these genes. Female New Zealand White rabbits were separated into two groups: (i) intact normal rabbits (n = 4); and (ii) OVH rabbits (n = 8). For each rabbit, the Achilles tendon complex was dissected into six regions: distal gastrocnemius (DG); distal flexor digitorum superficialis; proximal lateral gastrocnemius (PLG); proximal medial gastrocnemius; proximal flexor digitorum superficialis; and paratenon. For each of the regions, hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed for histological evaluation of intact normal rabbit tissues and mRNA levels for proteoglycans, collagens and genes associated with collagen regulation were assessed by real‐time reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction for both the intact normal and OVH rabbit tissues. The distal regions displayed a more fibrocartilaginous phenotype. For intact normal rabbits, aggrecan mRNA expression was higher in the distal regions of the Achilles tendon complex compared with the proximal regions. Collagen Type I and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression levels were increased in the PLG compared to the DG in the intact normal rabbit tissues. The tendons from OVH rabbits had lower gene expressions for the proteoglycans aggrecan, biglycan, decorin and versican compared with the intact normal rabbits, although the regional differences of increased aggrecan expression in distal regions compared with proximal regions persisted. The tensile and compressive forces experienced in the examined regions may be related to the regional differences found in gene expression. The lower mRNA expression of the genes examined in the OVH group confirms a potential effect of systemic estrogen on tendon.
Outcome of pregnancies in women receiving velaglucerase alfa for Gaucher disease
Authors: Elstein Deborah , Hughes Derralynn , Goker‐Alpan Ozlem , Stivel Miriam , Baris Hagit N. , Cohen Ian J. , Granovsky‐Grisaru Sorina , Samueloff Arnon , Mehta Atul , Zimran Ari
Published: February 2014

Aim

Pregnancy and delivery are affected by and – in turn – impact signs and symptoms of Gaucher disease (GD). Prior to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), the reported missed abortions rate was 25%, with worsening of anemia and thrombocytopenia, with increased frequency of post‐partum hemorrhage, puerperal fever and bone crises during pregnancy. ERT with imiglucerase reduced these adverse events. Velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV), an ERT approved commercially in February 2010, had undergone preclinical reproductive toxicity testing and proven to be safe and effective in phase I/II and III clinical trials. The objective of this study was to ascertain pregnancy outcome in women receiving VPRIV.

Methods

Among records collected from six multinational clinical sites, 21 females (mean age, 32.0 years) with GD received VPRIV.

Results

There were 25 singleton pregnancies (mean gravidity, 2.7; mean parity, 2.0; mean months VPRIV, 31.2). Two primiparous women suffered three first trimester abortions and one missed abortion occurred in a multigravida female. Live birth rate was 84% (mean gestational age, 39.7 weeks). Mean birthweight was 3234.4 g, with APGAR scores above 9. All but three were vaginal deliveries; elective cesarean sections were performed in two patients with hip arthroplasty and one after previous cesarean. Nine patients received regional analgesia/anesthesia. Post‐partum complications were rare, with only one post‐partum (placental) bleed which resolved without intervention. Mean hemoglobin and platelet counts improved during pregnancy (9.45% and 26.0%, respectively).

Conclusion

VPRIV is safe for conception and pregnancy with good maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Transvaginal mesh repair for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Jiang Guojing , Yan Bin , Wang Yu , Ma Qingliang
Published: February 2014

Aim

We compared outcomes for traditional vaginal surgery with uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) versus transvaginal mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of pelvic organ prolapse cases that occurred between February 2007 and December 2011. Success rates for traditional vaginal repair plus USLS and transvaginal mesh repair were determined.

Results

As compared with traditional surgery (n = 81), using mesh (n = 90) for stage III or IV prolapse resulted in higher rates of successful treatment. However, mesh repair also resulted in increased intraoperative blood loss and postoperative adverse events, such as pain and dyspareunia.

Conclusion

Traditional vaginal repair plus USLS was an improvement on traditional surgery, resulting in a higher anatomical success rate. On the other hand, both intraoperative and postoperative complications in mesh repair could be reduced by protective factors such as the surgeon's experience.
Isotonic resistance jaw exercise alters jaw muscle coordination during jaw movements
Authors: Wirianski A. , Deall S. , Whittle T. , Wong M. , Murray G. M. , Peck C. C.
Published: February 2014

The aim was to investigate the effects of isotonic resistance exercise on the electro‐myographic (EMG) activity of the jaw muscles during standardised jaw movements. In 12 asymptomatic adults surface EMG activity was recorded from the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles bilaterally and the right anterior digastric muscle during right lateral jaw movements that tracked a target. Participants were randomly assigned to a Control group or an Exercise group. Jaw movement and EMG activity were collected (i) at baseline, before the exercise task (pre‐exercise); (ii) immediately after the exercise task (isotonic resistance at 60% MVC against right lateral jaw movements); (iii) after 4 weeks of a home‐based exercise programme; and, (iv) at 8‐weeks follow‐up. There were no significant within‐subject or between‐group differences in the velocity and amplitude of the right lateral jaw movements either within or between data collection sessions (P > 0·05). However, over the 8 weeks of the study, three of the tested EMG variables (EMG Duration, Time to Peak EMG from EMG Onset, and Time to Peak EMG activity relative to Movement Onset) showed significant (P < 0·05) differences in the five tested muscles. Many of the significant changes occurred in the Control group, while the Exercise group tended to maintain the majority of the tested variables at pre‐exercise baseline values. The data suggest a level of variability between recording sessions in the recruitment patterns of some of the muscles of mastication for the production of the same right lateral jaw movement and that isotonic resistance exercise may reduce this variability.
How ABBA may help improve neonatal resuscitation training: Auditory prompts to enable coordination of manual inflations and chest compressions
Authors: Roehr Charles Christoph , Schmölzer Georg M , Thio Marta , Dawson Jennifer A , Dold Simone Katrin , Schmalisch Gerd , Davis Peter G
Published: February 2014

Aim

Resuscitation guidelines recommend 90 chest compressions (CCs) and 30 inflations (INFs) per minute for neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (nCPR). We hypothesised that auditory prompts would help coordinate these actions. Our aim was to investigate the effect of musical prompts during nCPR training on adherence to recommended CC and INF rates and on the quality of delivered INFs.

Methods

A simulation study was conducted employing 30 experienced neonatal staff, a respiratory function monitor and a neonatal manikin. The effects of five different auditory prompts on adherence to recommended rates of CC and INF were tested against baseline (no music). The five auditory prompts (popular musical tunes) were investigated in random order. Quality of INFs was assessed by comparing the peak inflation pressures (PIP), positive end‐expiratory pressures (PEEP), percentage mask leak and tidal volumes (VT).

Results

Mean baseline rates at which CCs and INFs were delivered were 80 (SD 6) per minute and 28 (SD 2) per minute, respectively. Listening to auditory prompts had varying effects on CC and INF delivery rates. For CCs, a significant difference to baseline was found only when participants listened to ABBA's ‘SOS’, with 86 (SD 7) per minute (P = 0.04). For INFs, we found a statistically significant improvement to baseline rate only for ‘SOS’, with 29 (SD 2) per minute (P = 0.04), and there was no significant difference in INF quality among the auditory prompts.

Conclusions

Musical prompts can help with adherence to recommended CC and INF rates but do not improve the quality of INFs during nCPR training. The lasting effect of auditory prompts as musical mnemonics on nCPR performance in vivo needs to be established.
An increase in melatonin in transgenic rice causes pleiotropic phenotypes, including enhanced seedling growth, delayed flowering, and low grain yield
Authors: Byeon Yeong , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: February 2014

No previous reports have described the effects of an increase in endogenous melatonin levels on plant yield and reproduction. Here, the phenotypes of melatonin‐rich transgenic rice plants overexpressing sheep serotonin N‐acetyltransferase were investigated under field conditions. Early seedling growth of melatonin‐rich transgenic rice was greatly accelerated, with enhanced biomass relative to the wild type (WT). However, flowering was delayed by 1 wk in the transgenic lines compared with the WT. Grain yields of the melatonin‐rich transgenic lines were reduced by 33% on average. Other phenotypes also varied among the transgenic lines. For example, the transgenic line S1 exhibited greater height and biomass than the WT, while the S10 transgenic line showed diminished height and an increase in panicle numbers per plant. The expression levels of Oryza sativa homeobox1 (OSH1) and TEOSINTE BRANCHED1 (TB1) genes, two key regulators of meristem initiation and maintenance, were not altered in the transgenic lines. These data demonstrate that an alteration of endogenous melatonin levels leads to pleiotropic effects such as height, biomass, panicle number, flowering time, and grain yield, indicating that melatonin behaves as a signaling molecule in plant growth and reproduction.
Tadalafil Effect on Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Bladder Alterations: An Experimental Study in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Filippi Sandra , Comeglio Paolo , Cellai Ilaria , Morelli Annamaria , Maneschi Elena , Sarchielli Erica , Gacci Mauro , Carini Marco , Vannelli Gabriella Barbara , Maggi Mario
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are often associated. Bladder detrusor hyper-contractility—a major LUTS determinant—is characterized by increased Ras homolog gene family, member A/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK) signaling, which is often upregulated in MetS.

Aim

This study investigated the effects of tadalafil dosing on RhoA/ROCK signaling in bladder, in a rabbit model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS.

Methods

Adult male rabbits feeding a HFD for 12 weeks. A subset of HFD animals was treated with tadalafil (2 mg/kg/day, 1 week: the last of the 12 weeks) and compared with HFD and control (feeding a regular diet) rabbits.

Main Outcome Measures

In vitro contractility studies to evaluate the relaxant effect of the selective ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, in carbachol precontracted bladder strips. Evaluation of RhoA activation by its membrane translocation. Immunohistochemistry for ROCK expression has been performed to evaluate ROCK expression in bladder from the different experimental groups. mRNA expression of inflammation, pro-fibrotic markers by quantitative RT-PCR has been performed to evaluate the effect of tadalafil on MetS-induced inflammation and fibrosis within the bladder. The in vitro effect of tadalafil on RhoA/ROCK signaling in bladder smooth muscle cells was evaluated by using chemotaxis assay.

Results

Bladder strips from HFD rabbits showed hyper-responsiveness to Y-27632, indicating RhoA/ROCK overactivity in HFD bladder compared with matched controls. Accordingly, the fraction of activated (translocated to the membrane) RhoA as well as ROCK expression are increased in HFD bladder. Tadalafil dosing normalized HFD-induced bladder hypersensitivity to Y-27632, by reducing RhoA membrane translocation and ROCK overexpression. Tadalafil dosing reduced mRNA expression of inflammatory, pro-fibrotic, and hypoxia markers. A direct inhibitory effect of tadalafil on RhoA/ROCK signaling in bladder smooth muscle cell was demonstrated by using chemotaxis assay. Pre-treatment with tadalafil inhibited both basal and PDGF-induced migration of bladder smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions

Tadalafil dosing reduced RhoA/ROCK signaling and smooth muscle overactivity in an animal model of MetS-associated bladder alterations. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism of action of tadalafil in alleviating LUTS in MetS patients.
Sexual Function, Relationship Adjustment, and the Relational Impact of Pain in Male Partners of Women with Provoked Vulvar Pain
Authors: Smith Kelly B. , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Despite the impact of provoked vulvar pain on women's sexuality and the partnered sexual context in which the pain typically occurs, partners have not been included widely in research.

Aims

To examine sexual and relationship functioning of male partners of women with provoked vulvar pain symptoms using a controlled design and to assess the impact of the pain on their relationship.

Methods

Fifty male pain partners and 56 male controls completed questionnaires to assess sexual communication, sexual functioning/satisfaction, sexual esteem, relationship adjustment, and psychological health. Participants also completed numeric rating scales to assess the importance of sex to them and the extent to which they felt their relationship matched a satisfying relationship. To assess the relational impact of vulvar pain, pain partners were asked to indicate whether the pain had impacted their relationship, and, if yes, rated this impact.

Main Outcome Measures

Main outcome measures included the Dyadic Sexual Communication Scale, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Sexuality Scale, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and numeric rating scales.

Results

Pain partners reported significantly poorer sexual communication and erectile function and less sexual satisfaction compared with controls. They also reported significantly less affectional expression within their relationships and were more likely than controls to report a discrepancy between their relationship and their idea of a satisfying relationship. Almost 73% (n = 32/44) of pain partners reported a negative relational impact of vulvar pain. No significant differences in sexual desire, orgasmic function, sexual esteem, relationship satisfaction and consensus, psychological health, or importance of sex were found between groups.

Conclusions

Provoked vulvar pain partners appear negatively impacted with regard to some sexual and physical aspects of their relationship. As one of the few controlled studies to investigate partner functioning in the context of provoked vulvar pain, this study has future research implications and supports the involvement of partners in treatment.
Sutter's Mill dicarboxylic acids as possible tracers of parent‐body alteration processes
Authors: Pizzarello Sandra , Garvie Laurence A. J.
Published: February 2014

Dicarboxylic acids were searched for in three Sutter's Mill (SM) fragments (SM2 collected prerain, SM12, and SM41) and found to occur almost exclusively as linear species of 3‐ to 14‐carbon long. Between these, concentrations were low, with measured quantities typically less than 10 nmole g−1 of meteorite and a maximum of 6.8 nmole g−1 of meteorite for suberic acid in SM12. The SM acids' molecular distribution is consistent with a nonbiological origin and differs from those of CMs, such as Murchison or Murray, and of some stones of the C2‐ungrouped Tagish Lake meteorite, where they are abundant and varied. Powder X‐ray diffraction of SM12 and SM41 show them to be dominated by clays/amorphous material, with lesser amounts of Fe‐sulfides, magnetite, and calcite. Thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis shows mass losses up to 1000 °C of 11.4% (SM12) and 9.4% (SM41). These losses are low compared with other clay‐rich carbonaceous chondrites, such as Murchison (14.5%) and Orgueil (21.1%). The TG data are indicative of partially dehydrated clays, in accordance with published work on SM2, for which mineralogical studies suggest asteroidal heating to around 500 °C. In view of these compositional traits and mineralogical features, it is suggested that the dicarboxylic acids observed in the SM fragments we analyzed likely represent a combination of molecular species original to the meteorite as well as secondary products formed during parent‐body alteration processes, such as asteroidal heating.
Pretangles and neurofibrillary changes: Similarities and differences between AD and CBD based on molecular and morphological evolution
Authors: Uchihara Toshiki
Published: February 2014

Pretangles are cytoplasmic tau immunoreactivity in neurons without apparent formation of fibrillary structures. In Alzheimer disease, such tau deposition is considered to represent a premature state prior to fibril formation (AD‐pretangles), later to form neurofibrillary tangles and finally ghost tangles. This morphological evolution from pretangles to ghost tangles is in parallel with their profile shift from four repeat (4R) tau‐positive pretangles to three repeat (3R) tau‐positive ghost tangles with both positive neurofibrillary tangles in between. This complementary shift of tau profile from 4R to 3R suggests that these tau epitopes are represented interchangeably along tangle evolution. Similar tau immunoreactivity without fibril formation is also observed in corticobasal degeneration (CBD‐pretangles). CBD‐pretangles and AD‐pretangles share: (i) selective 4R tau immunoreactivity without involvement of 3R tau; and (ii) argyrophilia with Gallyas silver impregnation. However, CBD‐pretangles neither evolve into ghost tangles nor exhibit 3R tau immunoreactivity even at the advanced stage. Because electron microscopic studies on these pretangles are quite limited, it remains to be clarified whether such differences in later evolution are related to their primary ultrastructures, potentially distinct between AD and CBD. As double staining for 3R and 4R tau clarified complementary shift from 4R to 3R tau along evolution from pretangles to ghost tangles, double immunoelectron microscopy, if possible, may clarify similar profile shifts in relation to each tau fibril at the ultrastructural dimension. This will provide a unique viewpoint on how molecular (epitope) representations are related to pathogenesis of fibrillary components.
Targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer therapy
Authors: Wee Susan , Dhanak Dash , Li Haitao , Armstrong Scott A. , Copeland Robert A. , Sims Robert , Baylin Stephen B. , Liu Xiaole Shirley , Schweizer Liang
Published: February 2014

Human gene expression patterns are controlled and coordinated by the activity of a diverse array of epigenetic regulators, including histone methyltransferases, acetyltransferases, and chromatin remodelers. Deregulation of these epigenetic pathways can lead to genome‐wide changes in gene expression, with serious disease consequences. In recent years, research has suggested that cross talk between genomic (i.e., for example, mutations, translocations) and epigenomic factors may drive the etiology of both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Current work in translational research seeks to identify epigenetic regulators whose aberrant activity contributes to oncogenesis, including the histone methyltransferases DOT1L and EZH2 and the bromodomain‐containing BET family, and to develop drugs that inhibit the aberrant activity of these regulators. Preclinical and clinical studies using small‐molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulators have underscored their value for therapeutic intervention, and these inhibitors can also be used to drive further studies into dissecting the functions of epigenetic factors in normal and cancer cells.
Injury to Ulnar Collateral Ligament of Thumb
Authors: Madan Simerjit Singh , Pai Dinker R , Kaur Avneet , Dixit Ruchita
Published: February 2014

Injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of thumb can be incapacitating if untreated or not treated properly. This injury is notorious for frequently being missed by inexperienced health care personnel in emergency departments. It has frequently been described in skiers, but also occurs in other sports such as rugby, soccer, handball, basketball, volleyball and even after a handshake. The UCL of the thumb acts as a primary restraint to valgus stress and is injured if hyperabduction and hyperextension forces are applied to the first metacarpophalangeal joint. The diagnosis is best established clinically, though MRI is the imaging modality of choice. Many treatment options exist, surgical treatment being offered depending on various factors, including timing of presentation (acute or chronic), grade (severity of injury), displacement (Stener lesion), location of tear (mid‐substance or peripheral), associated or concomitant surrounding tissue injury (bone, volar plate, etc.), and patient‐related factors (occupational demands, etc.). This review aims to identify the optimal diagnostic techniques and management options for UCL injury available thus far.
Transcription Factor Runx2 in the Low Bone Mineral Density of Girls with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Wang Wei‐jun , Sun Chao , Liu Zhen , Sun Xu , Zhu Feng , Zhu Ze‐zhang , Qiu Yong
Published: February 2014

Objective

The molecular mechanism of low bone mass in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has not been ascertained. Runx2 is a critical transcription factor regulating osteoblast differentiation and maturation. The present study aimed to explore the possible relationship between Runx2 expression in osteoblasts and bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with AIS.

Methods

Twenty‐two girls with AIS scheduled to corrective surgery with iliac crest as donor site of autograft for spinal fusion were recruited. The BMD of lumbar spine and femoral neck were assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, then patients were divided into two groups with either normal or reduced BMD. Cancellous bone was harvested from their iliac crests for primary culture of osteoblasts. mRNA and protein expression of Runx2 were assayed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Results were compared between the two groups and correlated with BMD.

Results

AIS patients with normal BMD showed comparable maturity and body mass index but significant lower Cobb angle of main curve than those of patients with reduced BMD. The mean BMD of lumbar spine and femoral neck were 0.993 g/m2 and 0.911 g/m2 in patients with normal BMD, and were 0.757 g/m2 and 0.733 g/m2 in those with reduced BMD, respectively. The differences were significant between two groups (P < 0.05). The relative mean mRNA and protein expression of Runx2 were 0.49 ± 0.12 and 0.062 ± 0.020 in AIS with normal BMD, 0.35 ± 0.12 and 0.042 ± 0.006 in AIS with reduced BMD, respectively. Significantly lower Runx2 mRNA and protein expression were found in patients with AIS patients with reduced BMD than in those with normal BMD (P < 0.05). After controlling for age, weight and body mass index, positive correlations were found between Runx2 expression of both mRNA and protein and BMD of lumbar spine and femoral neck.

Conclusion

The abnormal expression of Runx2 in patients with AIS and reduced BMD indicates abnormal regulation of differentiation of their osteoblasts. Runx2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of reduced BMD in patients with AIS.
Breaking the glass ceiling: an interview with Dr. Shirley Graves, a pioneering woman in medicine
Authors: Ahmed Zulfiqar , Mai Christine L. , Elder Badrea , Rodriguez Samuel , Yaster Myron
Published: February 2014

Shirley Graves M.D., D.Sc. (honorary) (1936), Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics at the University of Florida, was one of the most influential women in medicine in the 1960 and 1970s, a time when the medical profession was overwhelmingly male‐dominated. In today's society, it is hard to believe that only 50 years ago, women were scarce in the field of medicine. Yet Dr. Graves was a pioneer in the fields of pediatric anesthesia and pediatric critical care medicine. She identifies her development of the pediatric intensive care unit and her leadership in the Division of Pediatric Anesthesia at the University of Florida as her defining contributions. Through her journal articles, book chapters, national and international lectures, and leadership in the American Society of Anesthesiology and the Florida Society of Anesthesiology, she inspired a generation of men and women physicians to conquer the unthinkable and break through the glass ceiling.
Heart rate variability in unmedicated patients with bipolar disorder in the manic phase
Authors: Chang Hsin‐An , Chang Chuan‐Chia , Tzeng Nian‐Sheng , Kuo Terry B. J. , Lu Ru‐Band , Huang San‐Yuan
Published: February 2014

Aims

Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) has been proposed in bipolar disorder. To date, there has been no adequate study that has investigated resting HRV in unmedicated patients with bipolar disorder in the manic state.

Methods

To examine whether bipolar mania is associated with decreased HRV, 61 unmedicated patients with bipolar mania and 183 healthy volunteers aged 20–65 years were recruited for this case–control analysis. The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Clinical Global Impression‐Severity, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‐A) were used for the clinical ratings. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by measuring HRV parameters and the frequency‐domain indices of HRV were obtained.

Results

Patients with bipolar mania exhibited significantly lower mean RR interval, variance, low‐frequency (LF)‐HRV, and high‐frequency (HF)‐HRV but higher LF/HF compared to controls. Decreased HRV (variance) was associated with the YMRS total scores. Both the YMRS total scores and the Clinical Global Impression‐Severity scores were positively correlated with the LH/HF ratio and inversely correlated with the HF‐HRV. There was no significant correlation between the HAM‐D/HAM‐A scores and any HRV parameter.

Conclusions

Bipolar mania is associated with cardiac autonomic dysregulation, highlighting the importance of assessing HRV in manic patients. Further studies examining the influence of anti‐manic psychotropic drugs on cardiac autonomic regulation in bipolar mania are needed.
Severity of Cutaneous Findings Predict the Presence of Systemic Symptoms in Pediatric Maculopapular Cutaneous Mastocytosis
Authors: Barnes Meredith , Van Livia , DeLong Laura , Lawley Leslie P.
Published: February 2014

Although the prognosis of maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (MPCM), also referred to as urticaria pigmentosa, is often benign, clinicians lack evidence to reliably predict those at risk of associated systemic manifestations. We sought to elucidate clinical markers of disease severity to provide better treatment and prognostic information for individuals with MPCM. A retrospective chart review querying characteristics of children diagnosed with MPCM in the Emory Dermatology Clinic was performed. Follow‐up was obtained through a clinical encounter or telephone interview. Linear regression was used to determine predictors of the number of MPCM‐related systemic symptoms. Of 67 subjects, 57% were male, and the mean age of onset was 4.5 months. The maximum number of MPCM lesions was 1 to 10 in 16%, 11 to 30 in 33%, 31 to 50 in 25%, 51 to 100 in 6%, and more than 100 in 20% of subjects. For their MPCM lesions, 46% of subjects reported itching, 34% flushing, and 25% blistering. Reported systemic symptoms included diarrhea (22%), abdominal pain (15%), wheezing or dyspnea (13%), vomiting (10%), bone pain (10%), headaches (8%), cough (10%), rhinorrhea (8%), irritability (6%), and anaphylaxis (1.5%). In a multivariate linear regression analysis, the maximum number of MPCM lesions (p = 0.02) and the number of skin symptoms (p < 0.01) were statistically significant predictors of the number of systemic symptoms, controlling for age of onset, body sites involved, and sex. The correlation between cutaneous findings and symptomatology could aid clinicians in identifying individuals with MPCM who might warrant systemic evaluation and therapy.
Population‐Focused Nursing: Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations in an RN‐BSN Program
Authors: Jones Melissa , Smith Paul
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this article is to describe an innovative learning activity for online RN‐BSN students designed to foster advocacy for vulnerable populations. The Vulnerable Population Advocacy Assignment, included as a component of the online Population‐Focused Nursing class, provides students with the opportunity to identify and develop an awareness of issues impacting vulnerable populations and to advocate for policy changes that will influence the health of individuals, families, and populations. RN‐BSN students build on previous knowledge and skills in professional communication and advocacy as they develop a policy statement designed to address health disparities impacting local, national, and global populations.
Survival, cold tolerance and seasonality of infection of European horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) by Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi
Authors: Laue B. E. , Steele H. , Green S.
Published: February 2014

Bleeding canker of European horse chestnut, caused by the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi (Pae), is now an established disease throughout several countries in northwest Europe after first emerging in 2001–2002. Pae infects the woody branches of horse chestnut directly via natural discontinuities in the bark, such as lenticels, leaf scars and leaf traces, and nodes. However, the timing of infection in relation to seasonality of host development, and the dispersal mechanisms of Pae, in particular its ability to survive and spread in soil and water, remains unknown. In this study, infection of freshly cut horse chestnut shoots by Pae was assessed at monthly intervals over a 12 month period. Pae infected the greatest numbers of lenticels and leaf scars of horse chestnut when inoculated onto actively elongating shoots in spring and early summer, whereas lesion extension from artificial wound sites was greatest after inoculation during early dormancy. Soil survival experiments showed that Pae was still detectable and viable after 50 weeks' incubation in sterile soil and 41 weeks' incubation in nonsterile soil in the absence of host debris. Pae also remained viable and pathogenic after 1 year's storage in King's B broth at −20 and −80°C, and was not killed by freeze/thaw treatments. Thus Pae is able to survive independently for extended periods in soil and water, and can tolerate lengthy periods of freezing at very low temperatures. Such information may facilitate a greater understanding of the epidemiology and spread of Pae in northern Europe.
Altering the primacy bias—How does a prior task affect mismatch negativity?
Authors: Mullens Daniel , Woodley Jessica , Whitson Lisa , Provost Alexander , Heathcote Andrew , Winkler István , Todd Juanita
Published: February 2014

The role in which two tones are first encountered in an unattended oddball sequence affects how deviance detection, reflected by mismatch negativity, treats them later when the roles reverse: a “primacy bias.” We tested whether this effect is modulated by previous behavioral relevance assigned to the two tones. To this end, sequences in which the roles of the two tones alternated were preceded by a go/no‐go task in which tones were presented with equal probability. Half of the participants were asked to respond to the short sounds, the other half to long sounds. Primacy bias was initially abolished but returned dependent upon the go‐stimulus that the participant was assigned. Results demonstrate a long‐term impact of prior learning on deviance detection, and that even when prior importance/equivalence is learned, the bias ultimately returns. Results are discussed in terms of persistent go‐stimulus specific changes in responsiveness to sound.