bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EsrC, an envelope stress‐regulated repressor of the mexCD‐oprJ multidrug efflux operon in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Purssell Andrew , Fruci Michael , Mikalauskas Alaya , Gilmour Christie , Poole Keith
Published: August 2014

mexCD‐oprJ is an envelope stress‐inducible multidrug efflux operon of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A gene encoding a homologue of the NfxB repressor of this operon, PA4596, occurs downstream of oprJ and was proposed as a second repressor of this efflux operon. Inactivation of this gene had no impact on mexCD‐oprJ expression in cells not exposed to envelope stress although its loss under envelope stress conditions yielded a > 10‐fold increase in mexCD‐oprJ expression. Consistent with PA4596 functioning as a mexCD‐oprJ repressor, the purified protein was able to bind to a DNA fragment carrying the mexCD‐oprJ promoter region. Expression of PA4596 was induced under conditions of envelope stress dependent on the AlgU envelope stress sigma factor, consistent with PA4596 operating under envelope stress conditions where it possibly serves to moderate envelope stress‐inducible mexCD‐oprJ expression. nfxB mutants showed elevated PA4596 expression and purified NfxB bound to DNA encompassing the PA4596 upstream region, an indication that NfxB functions as a repressor of PA4596 expression. Elimination of PA4596 in P. aeruginosa lacking nfxB and hyperexpressing mexCD‐oprJ had no additional impact on mexCD‐oprJ expression, regardless of the presence of envelope stress, suggesting that PA4596 repressor activity may be dependent on NfxB. This envelope stress‐regulated repressor of mexCD‐oprJ has been renamed esrC.
XacR – a novel transcriptional regulator of D‐xylose and L‐arabinose catabolism in the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Johnsen Ulrike , Sutter Jan‐Moritz , Schulz Anne‐Christine , Tästensen Julia‐Beate , Schönheit Peter
Published: August 2014

The haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii degrades D‐xylose and L‐arabinose via oxidative pathways to α‐ketoglutarate. The genes involved in these pathways are clustered and were transcriptionally upregulated by both D‐xylose and L‐arabinose suggesting a common regulator. Adjacent to the gene cluster, a putative IclR‐like transcriptional regulator, HVO_B0040, was identified. It is shown that HVO_B0040, designated xacR, encodes an activator of both D‐xylose and L‐arabinose catabolism: in ΔxacR cells, transcripts of genes involved in pentose catabolism could not be detected; transcript formation could be recovered by complementation, indicating XacR dependent transcriptional activation. Upstream activation promoter regions and nucleotide sequences that were essential for XacR‐mediated activation of pentose‐specific genes were identified by in vivo deletion and scanning mutagenesis. Besides its activator function XacR acted as repressor of its own synthesis: xacR deletion resulted in an increase of xacR promoter activity. A palindromic sequence was identified at the operator site of xacR promoter, and mutation of this sequence also resulted in an increase and thus derepression of xacR promoter activity. It is concluded that the palindromic sequence represents the binding site of XacR as repressor. This is the first report of a transcriptional regulator of pentose catabolism in the domain of archaea.
Explaining Price Dispersion and Dynamics in Laboratory Bertrand Markets
Authors: Bayer Ralph‐C. , Wu Hang , Chan Mickey
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a quantal response learning model to explain sellers' pricing and learning behaviour observed in a laboratory Bertrand market experiment. In the model, sellers hold beliefs about their opponents' strategies and play quantal best responses to these beliefs. After each round, sellers update their beliefs based on the information learned from previous play. The results indicate that when sellers have full past price information, the model explains the price distributions within periods and the dynamics across periods. The fit is particularly good if one allows for sellers being risk averse. In contrast, quantal response equilibrium does not work well.
When do Structured Funds become too Good to be True? An Experiment
Authors: Breaban Adriana , Matallín‐Sáez Juan Carlos , Barreda‐Tarrazona Iván , Balaguer‐Franch Mª Rosario
Published: August 2014

In this experiment, structured funds are sequentially offered to investors as an alternative to bonds. Our results show that the order in which information is presented generates significant biases in decision‐making. These biases can have both positive and negative consequences on investors' financial behaviour. In fact, when the investment alternatives are made easier to compare, ‘too good to be true’ offers are more easily spotted. Simultaneously, when funds' expected performance shows an apparently positive trend, funds are more often chosen. The ‘too good to be true’ effect is alleviated by high transparency of the information on the funds return.
Use of Strategy Methods in Experimental Pivotal‐Voting Game
Authors: Kuo Yen , Wang Joseph Tao‐yi
Published: August 2014

We use the strategy method to conduct laboratory experiments on a nine‐player heterogeneous‐cost voting game. We replicate the underdog and competition effect, but find significantly higher voter turnout rates to be only partially explained by logit quantal response equilibrium. We examine round‐by‐round changes in cut‐off behaviour and find that voters are highly responsive to historical pivotal events. Voters also respond to past winning and tying, but only as a minority (upsetting the majority), demonstrating an ‘underdog winning effect’, receiving extra utility when winning as a minority. An equilibrium with such asymmetry in utility explains the high minority turnout (and high majority turnout as a best response).
Claims to legitimacy count: Why sanctions fail to instigate democratisation in authoritarian regimes
Authors: Grauvogel Julia , von Soest Christian
Published: August 2014

International sanctions are one of the most commonly used tools to instigate democratisation in the post‐Cold War era. However, despite long‐term sanction pressure by the European Union, the United States and/or the United Nations, non‐democratic rule has proven to be extremely persistent. Which domestic and international factors account for the regimes' ability to resist external pressure? Based on a new global dataset on sanctions from 1990 to 2011, the results of a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) provide new insights for the research on sanctions and on authoritarian regimes. Most significantly, sanctions strengthen authoritarian rule if the regime manages to incorporate their existence into its legitimation strategy. Such an unintended ‘rally‐round‐the‐flag’ effect occurs where sanctions are imposed on regimes that possess strong claims to legitimacy and have only limited economic and societal linkages to the sender of sanctions.
Who's behind that mask and cape? The Asian leopard cat's Agouti (ASIP) allele likely affects coat colour phenotype in the Bengal cat breed
Authors: Gershony L. C. , Penedo M. C. T. , Davis B. W. , Murphy W. J. , Helps C. R. , Lyons L. A.
Published: August 2014

Coat colours and patterns are highly variable in cats and are determined mainly by several genes with Mendelian inheritance. A 2‐bp deletion in agouti signalling protein (ASIP) is associated with melanism in domestic cats. Bengal cats are hybrids between domestic cats and Asian leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), and the charcoal coat colouration/pattern in Bengals presents as a possible incomplete melanism. The complete coding region of ASIP was directly sequenced in Asian leopard, domestic and Bengal cats. Twenty‐seven variants were identified between domestic and leopard cats and were investigated in Bengals and Savannahs, a hybrid with servals (Leptailurus serval). The leopard cat ASIP haplotype was distinguished from domestic cat by four synonymous and four non‐synonymous exonic SNPs, as well as 19 intronic variants, including a 42‐bp deletion in intron 4. Fifty‐six of 64 reported charcoal cats were compound heterozygotes at ASIP, with leopard cat agouti (APbe) and domestic cat non‐agouti (a) haplotypes. Twenty‐four Bengals had an additional unique haplotype (A2) for exon 2 that was not identified in leopard cats, servals or jungle cats (Felis chaus). The compound heterozygote state suggests the leopard cat allele, in combination with the recessive non‐agouti allele, influences Bengal markings, producing a darker, yet not completely melanistic coat. This is the first validation of a leopard cat allele segregating in the Bengal breed and likely affecting their overall pelage phenotype. Genetic testing services need to be aware of the possible segregation of wild felid alleles in all assays performed on hybrid cats.
Transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialization for the treatment of grade III and IV haemorrhoids: a 3‐year experience
Authors: Loganathan Arun , Das Atandrilla , Luck Andrew , Hewett Peter
Published: August 2014

Background

Transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is increasingly perceived as an effective and better tolerated alternative to excisional haemorrhoidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes and the patient experience of THD in an Australian population with grade III or IV haemorrhoids.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively maintained database on patients who had undergone THD over a 3‐year period was performed. Data were collected on demographics, operative data, complications, recurrences and readmissions, postoperative pain and further interventions. Patient perceptions and satisfaction with the procedure were assessed with a telephone survey.

Results

A total of 85 patients with a mean age of 55 (±14) years with grade III (85%) or grade IV (15%) haemorrhoids underwent THD. Indications for surgery were predominantly bleeding (87%) and prolapse (41%). Median outpatients follow‐up was 42 days and median telephone follow‐up was 802 days. Median operating time was 25 min (±12). Twenty‐four per cent of patients suffered complications, including postoperative bleeding (7%), constipation (7%), local sepsis (6%), anal fissure (5%) and temporary incontinence (2%). Severe postoperative pain occurred in 16% of the patients. The symptom recurrence rate was 19% and reintervention rate was 14%. About 98.8% of patients reported good or excellent overall satisfaction with the procedure.

Conclusion

THD is a relatively new technique for the treatment of haemorrhoids, which is increasingly being used as an alternative to excisional haemorrhoidectomy. This study shows that patients' satisfaction with THD is high despite a moderate complication and recurrence rate and significant incidence of postoperative pain.
Modified elliptical rotation flap for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Dizen Hayrettin , Yoldas Ömer , Yıldız Mustafa , Cilekar Murat , Dilektaşlı Evren
Published: August 2014

Background

Although various surgical procedures have been described for pilonidal sinus disease, the best surgical technique is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term results of modified elliptical rotation flap (MERF) for pilonidal sinus disease in terms of post‐operative complications, recurrence and quality of life.

Method

Data of 121 patients (10 women, 111 men) who were operated on for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease between 2011 and 2013 were analysed. Elliptical rotation flap procedure which was described by Nessar et al. was modified. Complications, quality of life and recurrence were evaluated.

Results

The mean operating time was 31 (range, 20–55) min. The mean time for complete healing was 2.26 ± 0.72 weeks. The mean time for returning to daily activities was 9.0 ± 2.2 days. There were no flap necrosis and recurrence. Post‐operative infection developed in five (4.1%) patients, which was managed by removal of a few skin sutures, drainage and prolonged antibiotic use. Four patients (3.3%) developed a seroma, three of them having a partial wound dehiscence (2.5%). Neither haematoma formation nor complete dehiscence were observed.

Conclusion

MERF seems to be an effective and reliable procedure having low morbidity rates and no recurrence. Further prospective randomized studies comparing the MERF with other flap techniques will provide better information about the technique.
Changes in middle cerebral artery velocimetry of fetuses diagnosed postnatally with mild or moderate hemolytic disease
Authors: Simetka Ondrej , Petros Michal , Lubusky Marek , Liska Miroslav , Dolezalkova Erika , Matura David , Wiedermannova Hana , Procházka Martin
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To determine the longitudinal trends of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA PSV) in fetuses with mild or moderate hemolytic disease according to the need for postnatal therapy.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University referral center.

Sample

Twenty‐three fetuses from singleton alloimmunized pregnancies.

Methods

Serial measurements of MCA PSV were performed. After delivery, newborns were grouped by the need for postnatal management into mild hemolytic disease, which required no or only phototherapy (n = 14, group 1), and moderate hemolytic disease, where postnatal top‐up or exchange transfusions were required (n = 9, group 2).

Main outcome measures

Serial Doppler MCA PSV data transformed to multiples of the median, analyzed with linear regression and exponential models.

Results

We performed 83 measurements in group 1: 3‐8 per fetus; mean GA at inclusion, 23 weeks and 65 measurements in group 2: 4‐15 per fetus; mean GA at inclusion, 22 weeks. The estimated mean slopes of the MCA PSVs increased with the degree of postnatal therapy required (group 1: MCA PSV = 0.003 GA + 1.298; group 2: MCA PSV = 0.035 GA + 0.436). The relative average increments (RAI) were 4.7% and 7.1%, respectively. The two groups exhibited significant differences in mean slope and RAI (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Fetuses that required postnatal transfusions due to hemolytic disease showed an enhanced progressive increase in MCA PSVs compared to those without transfusion requirement. This information might enable their identification during pregnancy.
Cell‐mediated immune response: a clinical review of the therapeutic potential of human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Meyer Sonja Izquierdo , Fuglsang Katrine , Blaakaer Jan
Published: August 2014

Objective

This clinical review aims to assess the efficacy of human papillomavirus 16/18 (HPV16/18) vaccination on the cell‐mediated immune response in women with existing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer induced by HPV16 or HPV18.

Data sources and study selection

A focused and thorough literature search conducted in five different databases found 996 publications. Six relevant articles were chosen for further review. In total, 154 patients (>18 years of age) were enrolled in prospective study trials with 3–15 months of follow up. The vaccine applications were administered two to four times. The vaccines contained different combinations of HPV16 and HPV18 and early proteins, E6 and E7. The primary outcome was the cell‐mediated immune response. Correlation to clinical outcome (histopathology) and human leukocyte antigen genes were secondary endpoints.

Results

All vaccines triggered a detectable cell‐mediated immune response, some of which were statistically significant. Correlations between immunological response and clinical outcome (histopathology) were not significant, so neoplasms may not be susceptible to vaccine‐generated cytotoxic T cells (CD8+).

Conclusions

Prophylactic HPV vaccines have been introduced to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in young women. Women already infected with HPV could benefit from a therapeutic HPV vaccination. Hence, it is important to continue the development of therapeutic HPV vaccines to lower the rate of HPV‐associated malignancies and crucial to evaluate vaccine efficacy clinically. This clinical review represents an attempt to elucidate the theories supporting the development of an HPV vaccine with a therapeutic effect on human papillomavirus‐induced malignancies of the cervix.
Does screening for Down's syndrome cause anxiety in pregnant women? A systematic review
Authors: Lou Stina , Mikkelsen Line , Hvidman Lone , Petersen Olav B. , Nielsen Camilla Palmhøj
Published: August 2014

Background

Prenatal screening for Down's syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities is included in prenatal care programs in many countries. However, the potential association between prenatal screening and maternal anxiety remains an issue of debate.

Objective

To systematically review and summarize the current scientific evidence on whether screening for Down's syndrome might cause anxiety in pregnant women with a negative or a false‐positive screening result.

Methods

Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, PsychInfo and Cochrane) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials or cohort studies comparing screening and no screening, or comparing different types of screening for Down's syndrome. The search was limited to studies published between September 2001 and April 2013. In all, 316 studies were identified through search of databases and 40 were included for full‐text assessment. Two observers independently screened the articles and seven studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. They were subsequently assessed for risk of bias and level of evidence.

Main outcome measures

Quantitative measurements of maternal anxiety or worry.

Results

Two studies compared anxiety in pregnant women who accepted or declined screening and showed no difference between groups. All studies described a decrease in anxiety following a screen‐negative result. Four studies reported that women's anxiety levels increased significantly upon receiving a screen‐positive result. However, after a normal diagnostic result, anxiety levels declined to the same level as for screen‐negative women.

Conclusion

Studies using quantitative, validated measures to estimate anxiety showed no association between screening and residual anxiety.
Identifying functional co‐activation patterns in neuroimaging studies via poisson graphical models
Authors: Xue Wenqiong , Kang Jian , Bowman F. DuBois , Wager Tor D. , Guo Jian
Published: August 2014

Studying the interactions between different brain regions is essential to achieve a more complete understanding of brain function. In this article, we focus on identifying functional co‐activation patterns and undirected functional networks in neuroimaging studies. We build a functional brain network, using a sparse covariance matrix, with elements representing associations between region‐level peak activations. We adopt a penalized likelihood approach to impose sparsity on the covariance matrix based on an extended multivariate Poisson model. We obtain penalized maximum likelihood estimates via the expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm and optimize an associated tuning parameter by maximizing the predictive log‐likelihood. Permutation tests on the brain co‐activation patterns provide region pair and network‐level inference. Simulations suggest that the proposed approach has minimal biases and provides a coverage rate close to 95% of covariance estimations. Conducting a meta‐analysis of 162 functional neuroimaging studies on emotions, our model identifies a functional network that consists of connected regions within the basal ganglia, limbic system, and other emotion‐related brain regions. We characterize this network through statistical inference on region‐pair connections as well as by graph measures.
A randomized trial of prophylactic palifermin on gastrointestinal toxicity after intensive induction therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Bradstock Kenneth F. , Link Emma , Collins Marnie , Di Iulio Juliana , Lewis Ian D. , Schwarer Anthony , Enno Arno , Marlton Paula , Hahn Uwe , Szer Jeff , Cull Gavin , Seymour John F. ,   the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group
Published: August 2014

Gastrointestinal toxicity, including oral mucositis, is a frequent complication of intensive combination chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and contributes substantially to treatment‐related mortality. We conducted a placebo‐controlled randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of palifermin (keratinocyte growth factor), given at 60 μg/kg per daily IV for 3 d before and after chemotherapy, for mucosal protection in adult patients with previously untreated AML receiving induction therapy with idarubicin, high‐dose cytarabine and etoposide. Among 155 randomized patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of grade 3 and 4 oral mucositis (primary study endpoint) between the two treatment arms (three in palifermin arm (4%), 8 in placebo arm (10%; P = 0·21); however, when considering the severity of oral mucositis (World Health Organization grade 0–4), there was evidence of reduced rates of higher grades of oral mucositis in the palifermin arm (P = 0·0007, test for trend). There was a statistically significantly lower rate of grades 3 and 4 gastrointestinal adverse events in the palifermin arm (21% vs. 44% in placebo arm; P = 0·003), mainly due to a reduction in severe diarrhoea (8% palifermin, 26% placebo; P = 0·01). Palifermin has activity as a mucosal protectant in AML patients receiving intensive chemotherapy. This trial is registered at ACTRN012605000095662.
Wheat allergy in children – new tools for diagnostics
Authors: Mäkelä M. J. , Eriksson C. , Kotaniemi‐Syrjänen A. , Palosuo K. , Marsh J. , Borres M. , Kuitunen M. , Pelkonen A. S.
Published: August 2014

Background

The detection of wheat‐specific IgE in children often leads to a suspicion of wheat allergy, but little information is available on the most reliable wheat allergens for predicting clinical reactivity.

Objective

To evaluate the role of allergenic components of wheat in wheat allergy diagnostics.

Methods

One hundred and eight children (median age 1.5 years; range 0.6–17.3 years) with suspected wheat allergy underwent open or double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled oral wheat challenges. Responsiveness to different allergenic components of wheat was studied by skin prick tests and by determination of serum IgE antibodies using a semi‐quantitative microarray assay.

Results

Thirty (28%) children reacted with immediate symptoms, and 27 (25%) with delayed symptoms to ingested wheat, whereas 51 (47%) children exhibited no reactions in oral wheat challenges. Positive IgE responses to any of the 12 allergenic components of wheat was seen in 93%, 41%, and 43% of those with immediate, delayed or no reactions to ingested wheat, respectively (P < 0.001 to P < 0.05 in every comparisons between those with immediate reactions and those with no reactions). Positive IgE responses to ≥5 different allergenic components improved significantly the diagnostic accuracy (with a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 5.10). Alpha‐amylase inhibitors (AAI), in particular dimeric AAI 0.19 (LR+ 6.12), alpha‐, beta‐, and gamma‐gliadins (LR+ from 3.57 to 4.53), and high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) glutenin subunits (LR+ 4.37) were the single allergenic components of wheat differentiating most effectively those with immediate symptoms from those who did not exhibit any reactions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Wheat allergy diagnostics is difficult, even using sophisticated component methods. Our results confirm earlier findings about gliadins and identify the dimeric AAI 0.19, as a relevant allergen in clinically reactive patients when compared to non‐reactive subjects. The accuracy of wheat allergy diagnosis may be improved by measuring IgE responses to several components of wheat.
Immunotherapy with B cell epitopes ameliorates inflammatory responses in Balb/c mice
Authors: Sharma P , Gaur S N , Arora N
Published: August 2014

Osmotin, a protein from the pathogenesis-related family (PR-5), has been identified as an allergen based on in-silico and in-vitro studies. In the present study, three B cell epitopes of osmotin with single and double amino acid modifications were studied for immunotherapy in a murine model. The single-modification peptides (P-1-1, P-2-1 and P-3-1) and double-modification peptides (P-1-2, P-2-2 and P-3-2) showed significantly lower immunoglobulin (Ig)E binding with patients' sera compared to osmotin (P < 0·01). These peptides showed reduced IgE binding compared to the unmodified peptides (B cell epitopes) P-1, P-2 and P-3. Among the modified peptides, P-2-1, P-3-1, P-2-2 and P-3-2 showed significant reduction in IgE binding and were used for immunotherapy in mice. The sera of mice group treated with peptides showed a significant increase in IgG2a level and a significant decrease in IgE and IgG1 levels (P < 0·05). The mice that received peptide immunotherapy showed a shift from a T helper type 2 (Th2) to Th1 type where interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 levels were elevated, with a significant increase in groups treated with peptides P-3-1 and P-3-2 (P < 0·05). There was a reduction in the IL-4 and IL-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in the peptide-treated mice groups. Total cell count and eosinophil count in BALF of the peptide-treated groups was also reduced compared to the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated group. Lung histology showed a significant reduction in cellular infiltrate in mice treated with P-2-2 and P-3-2 compared to PBS. In conclusion, peptides P-2-2 and P-3-2 lowered inflammatory responses and induced a Th1 response in mice.
Ethical Research Involving Children: Encouraging Reflexive Engagement in Research with Children and Young People
Authors: Graham Anne , Powell Mary Ann , Taylor Nicola
Published: August 2014

Research involving children raises complex and well‐documented ethical questions and challenges that extend far beyond the reach of formal review and governance systems, where these exist. However, researchers collectively have a wealth of knowledge and experience in applying universal ethical principles in diverse social, cultural and methodological settings, which offers much potential for understanding how ethical concerns are responded to in situ. Through extensive consultation and research, the Ethical Research Involving Children (ERIC) project, discussed in this article, has drawn on this collective knowledge in generating evidence‐based resources that highlight best practice while grounding ethical decision‐making in lived experience.
Approaches to Reduce Bullying in Schools – A Critical Analysis from the Viewpoint of First‐ and Second‐Order Perspectives on Bullying
Authors: Kousholt Kristine , Fisker Tine Basse
Published: August 2014

In this article, recent research literature on bullying in schools is discussed. The authors approach the discussion from a critical angle, distinguishing between first‐order perspectives (bullying as part of individuals’ dysfunction) and second‐order perspectives (bullying as part of social processes) to embrace the different understandings of bullying and to discuss these critically. The purpose is to present important knowledge to reduce bullying and to engage in a discussion of different perspectives on bullying. This article contributes to the existing knowledge of the field by discussing and developing the original concepts of first‐ and second‐order interventions.
Peri‐implant bone organization surrounding zirconia‐microgrooved surfaces circularly polarized light and confocal laser scanning microscopy study
Authors: Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Abboud Marcus , Romanos Georgios , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Gomez‐Moreno Gerardo , Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To study the peri‐implant bone organization pattern of immediately loaded (IL) zirconia implants with microgrooved surfaces.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐eight dental implants of 4 mm diameter and 10 mm length were inserted after two months postextraction healing in the edentulous mandible of six dogs. Three groups of sixteen implants were used, titanium implants (Control), zirconia implants (test A), and zirconia‐microgrooved implants (test B), which were loaded immediately. After 4‐month healing period, implant–bone samples were processed and analyzed by circularly polarized light (CPL) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in two regions of interest ROI1 (to evaluate the interthread bone) and ROI2 (to evaluate the bone adjacent to the threads) of 1 mm thickness × 10 mm length each one.

Results

Bone organization differs near to the test B, compared with test A and control surfaces, active remodeling was detected surrounding test B implants, with alternancy of organized zones, meanwhile controls and test A areas showed organized areas mainly at 2 mm of implant surfaces. Transverse collagen fibers were significatively higher at ROI1 for test B implants (60.34 ± 4.34%), compared with controls (47.25 ± 3.51%) and test A (43.78 ± 2.78%) groups (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, it was not found any significant difference between groups in ROI2 (P > 0.05). CLSM confirmed the presence of collagen mineralized matrix inside microgrooves of test B groups. 3D reconstruction showed blood vessels in direct contact with the implant surfaces of all groups and bone and blood vessels penetration inside the microgrooves in test B group.

Conclusion

The organized pattern of the microgrooved surfaces is able to induce transverse collagen fiber microenvironment reaction to the load, being positive to promote and to maintain the bone remodeling; in addition blood vessels and bone cells are able to penetrate microgrooved surfaces.
Occupational contact dermatitis caused by D‐limonene
Authors: Pesonen Maria , Suomela Sari , Kuuliala Outi , Henriks‐Eckerman Maj‐Len , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina
Published: August 2014

Background

Limonene is widely used as a fragrance substance and solvent in cleansing products. Oxidized limonene is a frequent contact allergen among consumers of cosmetics, personal care products, and scented household cleaning products. Less is known about the sources of occupational exposure and occupational contact dermatitis caused by limonene.

Objective

To report 14 patients with occupational contact allergy to limonene.

Methods

The patients were examined in 2008–2013. An in‐house preparation of oxidized limonene was patch tested as 3% and 5% in petrolatum from 2008 to August 2010, and after this as 3%, 1% and 0.3% pet. From 2012 onwards, a commercial test substance of limonene hydroperoxides was also used. We assessed the patients' occupational and domestic exposure to limonene.

Results

Occupational limonene allergy was observed in workers who used limonene‐containing machine‐cleaning detergents and hand cleansers, and in workers who used limonene‐containing surface cleaners and dishwashing liquids similar to those used by consumers. In 3 cases, the occupational limonene allergy resulted from work‐related use of limonene‐containing, leave‐on cosmetic products.

Conclusions

Limonene is a frequent occupational sensitizer in hand cleansers and cleaning products. Occupational limonene contact allergy may also be caused by exposure to cosmetic products scented with limonene.
Sexual concerns among kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Muehrer Rebecca J. , Lanuza Dorothy M. , Brown Roger L. , Djamali Arjang
Published: August 2014

Background

Little is known about the specific sexual concerns of kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. The primary objectives of this study were to: (i) describe the importance of sexuality to KTx recipients; (ii) investigate the sexual concerns of KTx recipients; and (iii) examine the relationship between sexual concerns and quality of life (QOL). A secondary objective was to examine potential sexual concern differences by gender, pre‐transplant dialysis status, and donor type.

Methods

This study employed a cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design. Sexual concerns were identified using the Sexual Concerns Questionnaire, which contains seven subscales. QOL was measured with the SF‐8 and the QOL Uniscale.

Results

Nearly 73% of subjects rated sexuality as important. Subscales indicating highest area of sexual concerns were communication with healthcare providers about sexuality (Mean (M) = 2.70) and sexual pleasure concerns (M = 2.45). Higher concern ratings regarding health consequences of sexual activity, quality of sexual relationship, sexual pleasure, sexual functioning problems, and pessimistic beliefs about treatment were significantly, inversely related to QOL. Women had significantly higher scores on the Sexual Pleasure and Communication with Healthcare Providers subscales than men.

Conclusions

This study reports the sexual concerns of KTx recipients' who are an average of four yr since surgery, and the relationship of these concerns to QOL.
Response to GEMOX plus erlotinib in pancreatic cancer is associated with ERCC1 overexpression
Authors: Fuereder Thorsten , Stift Judith , Kuehrer Irene , Stranzl Nadja , Hoeflmayer Doris , Kornek Gabriela , Scheithauer Werner
Published: August 2014

Introduction

There are no data about the efficacy of gemcitabine in combination with oxaliplatin (GEMOX) and erlotinib for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). Thus, we performed this retrospective analysis in mPC patients to investigate the activity and safety of GEMOX plus erlotinib and correlated the benefit with ERCC1 expression, a potential biomarker for treatment response.

Patients and methods

Patients with untreated mPC receiving off‐protocol GEMOX plus erlotinib were included. Data collection included baseline demographic, response and toxicity data as well as PFS and OS. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed to stain for ERCC1 expression.

Results

A total of 51 patients were included. The median age was 62 years and the median ECOG performance score was 1 (range, 0–1). Objective response or disease stabilization was achieved in 54% of the patients. The median PFS was 4·4 months (95% CI 4·4–5·4) and median OS was 8·5 months (95% CI 6·1–10·9). The 27 patients, who benefited from this regimen, had a median PFS of 6·7, a median OS of 11·2 months and an overexpression of ERCC1 (histoscore 10, P ≤ 0·05) compared to nonresponders (histoscore 7·2). Myelosuppression was the most frequent side effect. The most common severe nonhematological toxicities were diarrhoea and skin toxicity in six (12%) patients each.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the combination of GEMOX plus erlotinib is safe and active in about half of the patients. Patients, who had a higher ERCC1 staining pattern, benefited most from this therapy. Prospective biomarker studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Stage‐dependent C‐reflex, pain‐like behavior and opioid analgesia during the induction of chronic arthritis in rats
Authors: Alvarez Pedro , Hernández Alejandro , Constandil Luis , Infante Claudio , Pelissier Teresa
Published: August 2014

Chronic arthritis (CA) is a common clinical entity associated with persistent pain and limited response to opioid analgesic therapy. However, it is unknown whether these features of CA change depending on its stage of evolution. To address this, in a well‐established animal model of CA we studied the time course of electromyographic responses to electrical stimulation of C fibers (C‐reflex), pain‐like behavior as a response to mechanical nociceptive stimulation, and the inhibition of both responses by a prototypic opioid analgesic, morphine. To induce CA, rats received a single injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the ankle joint and the C‐reflex responses to electrical stimuli or the nociceptive response to paw pressure test were studied 2, 4 or 6 weeks later. The C‐reflexes evoked by threshold and supra‐threshold electrical stimulation exhibited progressive increases together with enhancement of the nociceptive behavior to mechanical stimulation during induction of monoarthritis. Notably, while systemic morphine produced antinociceptive effects upon both experimental approaches, the effects were markedly reduced during the early stages of CA but enhanced at later stages. These data indicate that C‐reflex and pain‐like responses evolve in parallel, and are inhibited by morphine in a stage‐dependent manner through the induction of CA. The present results may contribute to explain the enhanced pain response and variable analgesic efficacy of opioids that characterize arthritic pain in humans.
Incidence, risk factors, etiology, severity and short‐term outcome of non‐traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in young adults
Authors: Koivunen R.‐J. , Satopää J. , Meretoja A. , Strbian D. , Haapaniemi E. , Niemelä M. , Tatlisumak T. , Putaala J.
Published: August 2014

Background and purpose

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common and severe form of stroke but is scarcely studied in young adults. Our aim was to study risk factors, clinical presentation and early mortality of ICH in the young and compare these features with older patients.

Methods

All consecutive patients aged between 16 and 49 diagnosed with a first‐ever ICH at the Departments of Neurology or Neurosurgery of the Helsinki University Central Hospital between January 2000 and March 2010 (n = 336) were analyzed retrospectively. Comparisons were performed amongst demographic subgroups and with patients over 49 years of age enrolled between January 2005 and March 2010 (n = 921).

Results

In the young patients, median age was 42 years (interquartile range 34–47), 59.5% were male, and annual incidence was 4.9 (95% confidence interval 4.5–5.3) per 100 000. The most prevalent risk factors were hypertension (29.8%) and smoking (22.3%). Compared with older patients hypertensive microangiopathy was less common (25.0% vs. 34.3%, P = 0.002) and structural lesions more common (25.0% vs. 4.9%, P < 0.001) assumed etiologies of ICH. The cause remained elusive in 32.1% of all young patients and in 22.5% of those who underwent magnetic resonance imaging and any angiography (n = 89, P = 0.023). Three‐month mortality rate was lower in young patients compared with older ones (17.0% vs. 32.7%, P < 0.001). Hematoma volumes were similar across all ages (P = 0.324) and independently predicted mortality in older patients but not in the young.

Conclusions

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the young appears less fatal and has a different spectrum of causes and factors associated with short‐term mortality than for the elderly.
Classifying fishers' behaviour. An invitation to fishing styles
Authors: Boonstra Wiebren J , Hentati‐Sundberg Jonas
Published: August 2014

The study and classification of fishers' behaviour remains a much debated topic. There is a tension between detailed empirical studies, which highlight the variety and diversity of fisheries, and the parsimony and generalization required to satisfy science and policy demands. This study contributes to this debate. The first section reviews quantitative methods currently used for classifying fishing practices. The review uncovers significant weaknesses in quantitative classification methods, which, we argue, can be improved through the complementary use of qualitative methods. To this purpose, we introduce the concept of ‘fishing style’, which integrates quantitative classification methods with qualitative analysis. We explain the scientific premises of the fishing‐style concept, outline a general methodological framework and present a fishing‐style analysis of Swedish Baltic Sea fisheries. Based on these results, we conclude that it is possible to classify fishing practices in a relatively uniform and limited number of styles that can highlight the rich, empirical diversity of fishers' behaviour. We therefore propose that fishing‐style analysis, based on an integration of quantitative and qualitative methods, can be an important step towards more effective and sustainable fisheries management.
Affirmative action and school choice
Authors: Alcalde José , Subiza Begoña
Published: August 2014

This paper studies a way of introducing affirmative action in the school choice problem to implement integration policies. The paper proposes the use of a natural two‐step mechanism. The (equitable) first step is introduced as an adaptation of the deferred‐acceptance algorithm designed by Gale and Shapley, when students are divided into two groups. The (efficient) second step captures the idea of exchanging places inherent to Gale's top trading cycle.
Intra‐industry trade and the demand for child labor
Authors: Estevez Kristian , Levy Ting
Published: August 2014

This paper examines the role of firm heterogeneity in the demand for child labor in an intra‐industry trade setting. Firms differ in their productivity levels and can employ children in producing a heterogeneous good. The effect of trade liberalization will depend on how changes in a firm's productivity parameter affects the relative productivity between adults and children. When the productivity elasticity of children is higher (lower) than that of adults, trade liberalization will result in an increase (decrease) in the demand for child labor. Increasing the risk of using child labor will decrease its demand in most scenarios.
Early radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy improves cancer‐specific survival only in patients with highly aggressive prostate cancer: Validation of recently released criteria
Authors: Gandaglia Giorgio , Karakiewicz Pierre I , Briganti Alberto , Trudeau Vincent , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Kim Simon P , Montorsi Francesco , Nguyen Paul L , Abdollah Firas , Sun Maxine
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To test the effect of radiotherapy administered within 6 months after radical prostatectomy on cancer‐specific mortality in prostate cancer patients after stratification according to a risk score.

Methods

Overall, 7616 patients with pT3/4 N0/1 prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy between 1995 and 2009 within the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Medicare‐linked database were included in the study. Competing‐risks regression models were carried out to test the effect of early radiotherapy on cancer‐specific mortality in the entire cohort, and after stratifying patients according to the risk score based on the number and nature of adverse pathological characteristics (Gleason score 8–10; pT3b/4, lymph node invasion).

Results

The risk score was associated with increasing 5‐ and 10‐year cancer‐specific mortality rates (P < 0.001). When considering only patients with a risk score ≥ 2, 5‐ and 10‐year cancer‐specific mortality rates were significantly lower for individuals undergoing early radiotherapy compared with their counterparts not receiving early radiotherapy (2.9 and 6.9 vs 5.7 and 16.2%, respectively; P = 0.002). The corresponding number required to treat to prevent one death from prostate cancer at 10‐year follow up was 10. Early radiotherapy was not associated with lower cancer‐specific mortality rates overall and in patients with a risk score <2. This was confirmed in multivariable analyses, where early radiotherapy decreased the risk of cancer‐specific mortality only in patients with a risk score ≥ 2 (P ≤ 0.02).

Conclusions

The presence of two or more of the following pathological features might be used to identify patients who benefit from early radiotherapy: Gleason score 8–10, pT3b/4 and lymph node invasion.
Synthesis of Hexagonal Columnar ZrB2 Powders Through Dissolution‐Recrystallization Approach by Microwave Heating Method
Authors: Ding Zhihui , Deng Qihuang , Shi Diwei , Zhou Xiaobing , Li Yong , Ran Songlin , Huang Qing
Published: August 2014

Hexagonal Columnar ZrB2 powders were obtained from irregular commercial powder at low temperature using microwave heating technique. It was confirmed that the raw ZrB2 powders first underwent dissolution process in the glassy coating, followed by re‐crystallization. A growth mechanism involving selective attachment is proposed to explain the formation of the hexagonal tubules.
Supply Chain Risk Management Approaches Under Different Conditions of Risk
Authors: Manuj Ila , Esper Terry L. , Stank Theodore P.
Published: August 2014

A recent Deloitte study of 600 Supply Chain and C‐Level executives revealed that 45% felt that their supply chain risk management programs were only somewhat effective or not effective at all, while a mere 33% used risk management approaches to proactively and strategically manage supply chain risk based on conditions in their operating environment. Using a two‐method approach, the research summarized in this paper investigates the effectiveness of different supply chain risk management approaches by examining how performance varies when these approaches are applied under different risk conditions. The results counter prevailing knowledge regarding the appropriate use of such widely acknowledged risk management approaches as postponement and speculation, and highlight the dangers of functionally isolated decision making. The results lend credence to increasing calls for interdisciplinary research to address broad‐based supply and demand chain problems, and support the need to utilize performance metrics such as net profit to accurately assess supply chain decisions.
Water Sorption, Solubility, and Color Stability of Giomer Restoratives
Authors: Gonulol Nihan , Ozer Sezin , Sen Tunc Emine
Published: August 2014

Objectives

This study compared the color stability, water sorption, and solubility of a giomer composite and two nanohybrid composite resins.

Materials and Methods

Disc‐shaped specimens (1‐mm thickness × 15‐mm diameter) of a giomer (Beautifil II, Shofu, Kyoto, Japan) and two nanohybrid (Filtek Z550, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA; Tetric N‐Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) composites (N = 10) were prepared. Baseline color measurements were taken, and specimens were immersed in water for 28 days. Following immersion, color values were remeasured, and color‐change values (ΔE) were calculated. Water sorption and solubility were assessed by mass gain or loss after storage in water for 28 days. Data were analyzed with one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's post‐hoc tests (p = 0.05). Pearson's correlation test was used to assess possible correlations between water sorption and solubility, water sorption and color stability, and solubility and color stability (p = 0.05).

Results

Water sorbtion (%) and color change (ΔE) varied significantly among groups, with Beautifil II exhibiting the highest values (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in water solubility values among the groups (p = 0.661); however, a linear, positive correlation was detected between solubility and discoloration (r = 0.368, p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Water sorption and discoloration values of the giomer composite group were significantly higher than those of the nanohybrids tested.

Clinical Significance

The high levels of water sorption and discoloration of giomer composites are likely to have an adverse effect on esthetic restorations.
Institutional development of freshwater fish stocking in Mexico
Authors: Ibáñez A. L. , Pérez‐Ramírez M. , García‐Calderón J. L.
Published: August 2014

By using freshwater fish stocking information from the Mexican government, this work described the current situation of the national stocking and its associated fishery policy. There is a lack of effective freshwater stocking programmes as a result of limited fisheries management, unharmonized fisheries regulations and institutional performance. The fry production has decreased from 140 to 20 million in the past 11 years.
Lardy brains make Parkinson's disease mice worse
Authors: Cookson Mark R.
Published: August 2014

Read the full article ‘Diet‐induced obesity accelerates the onset of terminal phenotypes in α‐synuclein transgenic mice’ on page 848.