bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Tomato spotted wilt virus on a New Host Leuzea carthamoides in Bulgaria and the World
Authors: Dikova B. , Petrov N. , Djourmanski A. , Lambev H.
Published: May 2013

The Siberian plant Leuzea carthamoides or maral root was introduced to Europe as a medicinal crop. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae, caused a harmful outbreak on L. carthamoides in central Bulgaria near the town of Kazanluk in 2009. In 2011, TSWV was identified on young sprouts from the rootages of L. carthamoides in the same place near the town of Kazanluk, Bulgaria, by means of indicator (test) plants, double antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA, and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Disease symptoms were small yellow spots on the young leaves grown from the tested sprouts and distortions of the leaf lamina. The old leaves had large yellow spots and necrosis, without deformations. Most of those L. carthamoides plants with such symptoms died in the second and third year. The number of the plants in the plantations decreased 20 to 40% during the 3-year period and some of these losses were from the virus disease except the environment conditions. DAS-ELISA was carried out with polyclonal TSWV antiserum of LOEWE Biochemica, GmbH, Germany. We obtained positive extinction values ODλ 405nm 0.358 ± 0.091 compared to the negative 0.053 ± 0.016 and the positive control 0.510 at a confidential interval at P ≤ 0.05. TSWV symptoms were observed on the following indicator plants according to Antignus et al. (1) and DPV/412 (2): Chenopodium quinoa, Cucumis sativus, Datura stramonium, Nicotiana glutinosa, N. rustica, N. tabacum cv. Samsun NN, and Petunia hybrida. TSWV caused on C. quinoa and on cotyledons of C. sativus cv. Delikates local chlorotic lesions only. In this TSWV differed from CMV because CMV caused systemic mosaic symptoms. Local small necrotic lesions and no systemic symptoms were observed on P. hybrida. We noticed systemic symptoms caused from TSWV on D. stramonium, N. glutinosa, N. rustica, and N. tabacum cv. Samsun NN. The systemic symptoms were chlorotic spots, concentric ring spots, and line patterns proceeding to necrosis. RT-PCR, adapted by Mumford et al. (3), was carried out on samples of L. carthamoides. Oligonucleotide primer sequences were used in accordance with Mumford et al. (3). The DNA fragment was visualized by UV trans-illumination. A fragment of the TSWV genome with a length of 276 base pairs was found in three young L. carthamoides leaf samples taken from the sprouts (marker 100 bp). The PCR fragment was sequenced and deposited to NCBI with GenBank Accession No. KC918808. PCR master mix without RNA template was used as a negative control. L. carthamoides is a newly established TSWV host in the world. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TSWV in L. carthamoides identified by RT-PCR.

References: (1) Y. Antignus et al. Phytoparasitica 25:319, 1997. (2) R. Kormelink. Descriptions of Plant Viruses, p. 412, 2005. (3) R. A. Mumford et al. J. Virol. Methods 57:109, 1996.
Cow's Milk–Associated Gastrointestinal Symptoms Evaluated Using the Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Food Challenge
Authors: Merras‐Salmio Laura , Pelkonen Anna S. , Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Kuitunen Mikael , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: May 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suspicion of cow's‐milk allergy in infants with unspecific gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms using the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study, which recruited 57 consecutive children with gastrointestinally manifested symptoms suspected of cow's‐milk allergy. All patients underwent a 5‐day double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge for cow's milk.

Results:

The median age of the patients was 8.7 months. None had measurable cow's‐milk–specific IgE. The food challenge was positive in 18 (32%) cases, with symptoms manifesting within 48 hours in 17 of 18 cases. The only symptom that correlated with the positive challenge was loose stools, reported as a presenting symptom in 78% of challenge‐positive and in 46% of challenge‐negative children (P = 0.043). During active challenge, the respective proportions were 82% and 2% (P < 0.0001). No serious adverse effects were manifested during the challenges. In the challenge‐negative group, significant placebo reactions occurred in 18 (46%) patients. In the challenge‐negative children, adult‐type hypolactasia genotype CC frequency was higher (31%, P = 0.033) than national prevalence of 18%.

Conclusions:

In an infant with unspecific GI symptoms suspected of cow's‐milk allergy, this diagnosis is seldom confirmed. Other reasons for the troublesome GI symptoms should also be identified.
Mapping functional transcription factor networks from gene expression data
Authors: Haynes Brian C. , Maier Ezekiel J. , Kramer Michael H. , Wang Patricia I. , Brown Holly , Brent Michael R.
Published: May 2013

A critical step in understanding how a genome functions is determining which transcription factors (TFs) regulate each gene. Accordingly, extensive effort has been devoted to mapping TF networks. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, protein–DNA interactions have been identified for most TFs by ChIP-chip, and expression profiling has been done on strains deleted for most TFs. These studies revealed that there is little overlap between the genes whose promoters are bound by a TF and those whose expression changes when the TF is deleted, leaving us without a definitive TF network for any eukaryote and without an efficient method for mapping functional TF networks. This paper describes NetProphet, a novel algorithm that improves the efficiency of network mapping from gene expression data. NetProphet exploits a fundamental observation about the nature of TF networks: The response to disrupting or overexpressing a TF is strongest on its direct targets and dissipates rapidly as it propagates through the network. Using S. cerevisiae data, we show that NetProphet can predict thousands of direct, functional regulatory interactions, using only gene expression data. The targets that NetProphet predicts for a TF are at least as likely to have sites matching the TF's binding specificity as the targets implicated by ChIP. Unlike most ChIP targets, the NetProphet targets also show evidence of functional regulation. This suggests a surprising conclusion: The best way to begin mapping direct, functional TF-promoter interactions may not be by measuring binding. We also show that NetProphet yields new insights into the functions of several yeast TFs, including a well-studied TF, Cbf1, and a completely unstudied TF, Eds1.
Integrated nonlinear optical imaging microscope for on-axis crystal detection and centering at a synchrotron beamline
Authors: Madden Jeremy T. , Toth Scott J. , Dettmar Christopher M. , Newman Justin A. , Oglesbee Robert A. , Hedderich Hartmut G. , Everly R. Michael , Becker Michael , Ronau Judith A. , Buchanan Susan K. , Cherezov Vadim , Morrow Marie E. , Xu Shenglan , Ferguson Dale , Makarov Oleg , Das Chittaranjan , Fischetti Robert , Simpson Garth J.
Published: May 2013

Nonlinear optical (NLO) instrumentation has been integrated with synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) for combined single-platform analysis, initially targeting applications for automated crystal centering. Second-harmonic-generation microscopy and two-photon-excited ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy were evaluated for crystal detection and assessed by X-ray raster scanning. Two optical designs were constructed and characterized; one positioned downstream of the sample and one integrated into the upstream optical path of the diffractometer. Both instruments enabled protein crystal identification with integration times between 80 and 150 µs per pixel, representing a ∼103–104-fold reduction in the per-pixel exposure time relative to X-ray raster scanning. Quantitative centering and analysis of phenylalanine hydroxylase fromChromobacterium violaceumcPAH,Trichinella spiralisdeubiquitinating enzyme TsUCH37, human κ-opioid receptor complex kOR-T4L produced in lipidic cubic phase (LCP), intimin prepared in LCP, and α-cellulose samples were performed by collecting multiple NLO images. The crystalline samples were characterized by single-crystal diffraction patterns, while α-cellulose was characterized by fiber diffraction. Good agreement was observed between the sample positions identified by NLO and XRD raster measurements for all samples studied.
Positioning theory and narratives in the organization: teaching MSc students to apply theory to practice
Authors: Boston Paula
Published: May 2013

This short article presents a teaching session on the topic of positioning theory and narratives within the organizational context. The theory is made more accessible to students through playful group experiential learning in which the university assessment process is considered from different discourses and positions. Students could see how, in role, they were positioned and positioned others. Organizational narratives were brought to life.

Practitioner points

Novelty and playfulness are important in the teaching of theory

Using the ‘organization created around learning’ offers a refreshing new arena in which to apply theory

Positioning theory is best understood through experiential learning. By using the role play, the student is exposed simultaneously to at least three positions; their own personal perspective, that of the character in the role play and the experience of listening to others
Risk of obstetric anal sphincter lacerations among obese women
Authors: Lindholm ES , Altman D
Published: May 2013

Objective

To assess the risk for obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in relation to maternal obesity among primiparous women in Sweden.

Design

A population‐based study.

Setting

Sweden.

Population

All women with vaginal delivery and singleton pregnancy in Sweden in the years 2003–2008 (n = 210 678).

Methods

The Medical Birth Registry, the National Board of Health and Welfare, was used to identify cases of rupture and body mass index (BMI) classes. The population was categorised into four classes with BMI of <25, 25 to <30, 30 to <35 and >35 kg/m2.

Main outcome measures

Odds ratios were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. In order to estimate the effect of BMI on obstetric anal sphincter lacerations, with possible confounders accounted for, uni‐ and multivariate logistic regressions were performed.

Results

In total, 8958 (4.25%) cases of anal sphincter lacerations (grade III–IV) occurred; increasing BMI showed a significant near‐dose–response type of protective effect against grade III–IV lacerations when compared with women with BMI <25 kg/m2: BMI 25 to <30 kg/m2, 0.89; BMI 30 to <35 kg/m2, 0.84; BMI > 35 kg/m2, 0.70.

Conclusion

Overweight and obesity were associated with a decreased risk for obstetric anal sphincter lacerations.
Centers of endemism and diversity patterns for typhlocybine leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) in China
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Huang Min , Wang Xiu‐Shuang , Ji Li‐Qiang , Zhang Ya‐Lin
Published: May 2013

This study identifies ‘centers of endemism’ for typhlocybine leafhoppers in China, revealing diversity patterns and congruence of patterns between total species richness and endemism. Distribution patterns of 774 Typhlocybinae (607 described and 167 undescribed species) were mapped on a 1.5° × 1.5° latitude/longitude grid. Total species richness, endemic species richness and weighted endemism richness were calculated for each grid cell. Grid cells within the top 5% highest values of weighted endemism richness were considered as ‘centers of endemism’. Diversity patterns by latitude and altitude were obtained through calculating the gradient richness. A congruence of diversity patterns between total species richness and endemism was confirmed using correlation analysis. To investigate the bioclimatic factors (19 variables) contributing to the congruence between total species richness and endemism, we compared the factor's difference between non‐endemic and endemic species using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Eleven centers of endemism, roughly delineated by mountain ranges, were identified in central and southern China, including the south Yunnan, Hengduan Mountains, Qinling Mountains, Hainan Island, Taiwan Island and six mountain areas located in western Sichuan, northwest Fujian, southeast Guizhou, southeast Hunan, central and western Guangdong, and north Zhejiang. Total species richness and endemic species richness decreased with increased latitude and had a consistent unimodal response to altitude. The proportions of endemism decreased with increased latitude and increased with rising altitude. Diversity patterns between total species richness and endemism were highly consistent, and ‘Precipitation of Coldest Period’ and ‘Temperature of Coldest Period’ may contribute to the congruence of pattern. Migration ability may play a role in the relationship of endemism and species richness; climate, environment factors and important geologic isolation events can also play crucial effects on relationships under special conditions.
Low MHC variation in the polar bear: implications in the face of Arctic warming?
Authors: Weber D. S. , Van Coeverden De Groot P. J. , Peacock E. , Schrenzel M. D. , Perez D. A. , Thomas S. , Shelton J. M. , Else C. K. , Darby L. L. , Acosta L. , Harris C. , Youngblood J. , Boag P. , Desalle R.
Published: May 2013

Animals in the Arctic have low pathogen diversity but with rapid climate warming, this is expected to change. One insidious consequence of climate change is exposure of Arctic species to new pathogens derived from more southern species expanding their range northward. To assess potential vulnerability of polar bears to disease exposure, we examined genetic variation in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci (part of immune system) in Canadian polar bears and found low genetic diversity, consistent with long‐standing exposure to low pathogen/parasite loads. All polar bears surveyed showed maximum linkage disequilibrium between DRB/DQB loci and 12% of individuals had a duplicated DQB gene haplotype. These results may reflect balancing selection at these loci, a response to an earlier immune‐challenge and/or be artifacts of polar bear‐brown bear divergence. Consistent with the latter, we found one DQA allele in polar bears that was also a brown bear DQA allele. The reported low MHC diversity and high linkage disequilibrium may have serious implications for polar bear resistance to new pathogens, which would be maladaptive to species in an environment undergoing rapid climate change, such as the Arctic.
Prior extended daily access to cocaine elevates the reward threshold in a conditioned place preference test
Authors: Su Zu‐In , Wenzel Jennifer , Ettenberg Aaron , Ben‐Shahar Osnat
Published: May 2013

We have previously shown that extended‐access subjects exhibit heightened motivation for cocaine in the runway model, as reflected by reduced number of retreats. This heightened motivation could reflect either an increase in cocaine‐induced reward or a decrease in cocaine‐induced aversion. The current experiment was therefore devised to assess the cocaine‐induced reward and aversion in extended‐access rats using a place conditioning test. Rats trained to lever press for intravenous (IV) cocaine (0.25 mg/infusion) were provided 6‐hour daily access to the drug over 10 days. Lever pressing in control subjects produced IV infusions of saline. Following drug self‐administration, subjects underwent place conditioning for the immediate or delayed effects of cocaine (1.0 or 2.5 mg/kg, IV). In control subjects, the immediate effects of the low dose of cocaine produced conditioned places preferences (CPPs), while the delayed effects produced conditioned place aversions (CPAs). In contrast, the animals receiving low cocaine dose for 6 hours, exhibited place aversions but not preferences; an effect that was reversed when the dose of cocaine was increased. Additionally, in the 6‐hour group, delayed conditioning was associated with a reduction in zif268 immunoreactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens shell while immediate conditioning was associated with an increase in zif268‐positive cells in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Collectively, these data suggest that extended daily access to cocaine produces a shift in the subject's perceived reward threshold that is paralleled by alterations in the activity of both the reward and stress pathways.
The first goblin spiders of the genus Camptoscaphiella (Araneae: Oonopidae) from New Caledonia
Authors: Baehr Barbara C , Harvey Mark S
Published: May 2013

The first species of the goblin spider genus Camptoscaphiella Caporiacco from New Caledonia are recorded and described. C. monteithi new species was found on the summit of Mt Rembai, and C. potteri new species was found on Mt Mandjélia, suggesting that they are high‐altitude specialists.
Direct hospital costs of total laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with fast‐track open hysterectomy at a tertiary hospital: a retrospective case‐controlled study
Authors: Rhou Yoon J.J. , Pather Selvan , Loadsman John A. , Campbell Neil , Philp Shannon , Carter Jonathan
Published: May 2013

Aims

To assess the direct intraoperative and postoperative costs in women undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy and fast‐track open hysterectomy.

Methods

A retrospective review of the direct hospital‐related costs in a matched cohort of women undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and fast‐track open hysterectomy (FTOH) at a tertiary hospital. All costs were calculated, including the cost of advanced high‐energy laparoscopic devices. The effect of the learning curve on cost in laparoscopic hysterectomy was also assessed, as was the hospital case‐weighted cost, which was compared with the actual cost.

Results

Fifty women were included in each arm of the study. TLH had a higher intraoperative cost, but a lower postoperative cost than FTOH (AUD$3877 vs AUD$2776 P < 0.001, AUD$3965 vs AUD$6233 P < 0.001). The total cost of TLH was not different from FTOH (AUD$7842 vs AUD$9009 P = 0.068) and after a learning curve; TLH cost less than FTOH (AUD$6797 vs AUD$8647, P < 0.001). The use of high‐energy devices did not impact on the cost benefit of TLH, and hospital case‐weight‐based funding correlated poorly with actual cost.

Conclusion

Despite the use of fast‐track recovery protocols, the cost of TLH is no different to FTOH and after a learning curve is cheaper than open hysterectomy. Judicious use of advanced energy devices does not impact on the cost, and hospital case‐weight‐based funding model in our hospital is inaccurate when compared to directly calculated hospital costs.
A Model of Endogenous Government Formation
Authors: Bassi Anna
Published: May 2013

Political parties bargain over the allocation of cabinet portfolios when forming coalition governments. Noncooperative theories of legislative bargaining typically predict that the “formateur” enjoys a disproportionate share of government ministry positions. However, empirical evidence indicates that parties receive shares of portfolios proportional to their share of legislative seats that a government party contributes to the government coalition in support of Gamson's Law of portfolio allocation. This article examines government formation as a process in which both the government coalition and the formateur are determined endogenously. In equilibrium, if parties have similar preferences over cabinet portfolios, the share of seats they are allocated is proportional to the parties’ sizes.
New Computerized Indices for Quantitative Evaluation of Depression and Asymmetry in Patients With Chest Wall Deformities
Authors: Kim Ho Chul , Choi Hyuk , Jin Seung Oh , Lee Jae Jo , Nam Kyoung‐Won , Kim In‐Young , Nam Ki Chang , Park Hyung Joo , Lee Kwang Ho , Kim Min Gi
Published: May 2013

An evaluation index that can quantitatively assess the severity of chest wall deformities is essential to prepare and assess corrective surgical operations for patients with these deformities, including funnel chest patients. In previous studies, our group proposed several automatically calculated indices that represent the severity of depression and asymmetry in the chest wall. These indices showed sufficient performance in most cases of deformities, including those involving asymmetric and symmetric depression; however, their linearity declined when assessing complex deformities. The purpose of this study is to propose two automated indices that provide linear evaluation output for all types of chest wall deformities, including complex deformities, and to evaluate their performance and clinical feasibility. Six reference chest wall boundary curves were obtained from 60 computed tomography (CT) images of a normal chest. Next, an active contour model‐based image processing technique was used to extract boundary curves from images of patients with real chest wall deformities. Third, the required parameters were extracted from the boundary curves and the targeted indices were calculated. Finally, the performance of the proposed indices was evaluated using 33 synthetic images and 60 real chest CT images of patients with chest wall deformities. The newly proposed indices can be automatically calculated from the original CT images and showed sufficient performance for all types of chest wall deformities. We believe that the newly proposed indices can facilitate pre‐ and postoperative evaluation of chest wall deformities in clinical practice.
Preliminary Validation of a New Magnetic Wireless Blood Pump
Authors: Kim Sung Hoon , Ishiyama Kazushi , Hashi Shuichiro , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Hayatsu Yukihiro , Akiyama Masatoshi , Saiki Yoshikatsu , Yambe Tomoyuki
Published: May 2013

In general, a blood pump must be small, have a simple configuration, and have sufficient hydrodynamic performance. Herein, we introduce new mechanisms for a wireless blood pump that is small and simple and provides wireless and battery‐free operation. To achieve wireless and battery‐free operation, we implement magnetic torque and force control methods that use two external drivers: an external coil and a permanent magnet with a DC‐motor, respectively. Power harvesting can be used to drive an electronic circuit for wireless monitoring (the observation of the pump conditions and temperature) without the use of an internal battery. The power harvesting will be used as a power source to drive other electronic devices, such as various biosensors with their driving circuits. To have both a compact size and sufficient pumping capability, the fully magnetic impeller has five stages and each stage includes four backward‐curved blades. The pump has total and inner volumes of 20 and 9.8 cc, respectively, and weighs 52 g. The pump produces a flow rate of approximately 8 L/min at 80 mm Hg and the power generator produces 0.3 W of electrical power at 120 Ω. The pump also produces a minimum flow rate of 1.5 L/min and a pressure of 30 mm Hg for circulation at a maximum distance of 7.5 cm.
Brain gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) abnormalities in bipolar disorder
Authors: Brady Roscoe O , McCarthy Julie M , Prescot Andrew P , Jensen J Eric , Cooper Alissa J , Cohen Bruce M , Renshaw Perry F , Öngür Dost
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) abnormalities have been implicated in bipolar disorder. However, due to discrepant studies measuring postmortem, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, and in vivo brain levels of GABA, the nature of these abnormalities is unclear. Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we investigated tissue levels of GABA in the anterior cingulate cortex and parieto‐occipital cortex of participants with bipolar disorder and healthy controls.

Methods

Fourteen stably medicated euthymic outpatients with bipolar disorder type I (mean age 32.6 years, eight male) and 14 healthy control participants (mean age 36.9 years, 10 male) completed a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan at 4‐Tesla after providing informed consent. We collected data from two 16.7‐mL voxels using MEGAPRESS, and they were analyzed using LCModel.

Results

GABA/creatine ratios were elevated in bipolar disorder participants compared to healthy controls [F(1,21) = 4.4, p = 0.048] in the anterior cingulate cortex (25.1% elevation) and the parieto‐occipital cortex (14.6% elevation). Bipolar disorder participants not taking GABA‐modulating medications demonstrated greater GABA/creatine elevations than patients taking GABA‐modulating medications.

Conclusions

We found higher GABA/creatine levels in euthymic bipolar disorder outpatients compared to healthy controls, and the extent of this elevation may be affected by the use of GABA‐modulating medications. Our findings suggest that elevated brain GABA levels in bipolar disorder may be associated with GABAergic dysfunction and that GABA‐modulating medications reduce GABA levels in this condition.
A comparative study of psychopathology, symptom severity, and short‐term outcome of postpartum and nonpostpartum mania
Authors: Ganjekar Sundarnag , Desai Geetha , Chandra Prabha S
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Most studies acknowledge that postpartum psychosis is a variant of bipolar disorder with certain unique clinical features. There have been several descriptions of similarities and differences between postpartum psychosis and postpartum mania to support this conclusion. However, not many studies have compared postpartum‐onset and nonpostpartum‐onset mania. This study compared short‐term outcome, clinical features, and severity of symptoms between these two groups.

Methods

Two groups of women (n = 30 each) matching the study criteria were recruited from psychiatric inpatient units in India during the period from April 2007 to August 2008. They had been systematically assessed for psychiatric symptoms and symptom severity using the Comprehensive Psychopathology Rating Scale (CPRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF). To evaluate short‐term outcome, all assessments were conducted within a week of admission and were repeated at six weeks.

Results

Women with postpartum‐onset mania had higher scores on the HDRS, indicating more depressive symptoms. The score on the anxiety factor of the HDRS was also higher in the postpartum group. Based on CPRS ratings, perplexity, muscle tension, worrying, inner tension, lability of mood, lassitude, and disorientation were more common in the postpartum group, while typical manic symptoms were more common in the nonpostpartum group. Duration of hospital stay and short‐term outcome were, however, similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

Symptoms of depression and anxiety are more common and more severe in mania of postpartum onset and typical manic symptoms are fewer. However, six‐week outcomes appear similar to those of nonpostpartum mania.
Young Children Give Priority to Ownership When Judging Who Should Use an Object
Authors: Neary Karen R. , Friedman Ori
Published: May 2013

This study provides evidence that children give priority to ownership when judging who should use an object. Children (N = 269) and adults (N = 154) considered disputes over objects. In disputes between a character using an object and the owner of the object, children, as young as 3 years and as old as 7 years, sided with the owner, and did so more than adults. However, children aged 4 and older disregarded owners' rights in dilemmas where these were pitted against the need to prevent harm. These findings suggest that ownership is central in children's judgments about object use and constrain developmental accounts of how children acquire an appreciation of ownership.
Random measurements of adiponectin and IL‐6 may not be indicative of the 24‐h profile in critically ill patients
Authors: Robinson Katherine , Jones Mark , Ordonez Jenny , Grice Jeffrey , Davidson Ben , Prins John , Venkatesh Bala
Published: May 2013

Context

The anti‐inflammatory role of adiponectin has prompted interest in a potential role in acute inflammatory conditions associated with critical illness. It is unclear whether a random adiponectin measurement adequately reflects the 24‐h profile in critically ill patients.

Objective

To assess the temporal profile of total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in 15 critically ill patients.

Design

A prospective, observational study.

Setting

Level II intensive care unit in a metropolitan hospital.

Patients or Other Participants

Fifteen critically ill patients expected to stay in the ICU for longer than 48 h were eligible for enrolment.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Serial, hourly measurements of total and HMW adiponectin and IL‐6.

Results

Over a 24‐h period, total and HMW adiponectin display considerable within‐patient variability (coefficient of variation 34% and 87% respectively) and show no trend over time. Averaging 2 or 3 continuous measures reduced within‐patient variability of both total and HMW adiponectin by up to 50% compared to one measure. There was a negative correlation between serum glucose and adiponectin (total P = 0·016, HMW P = 0·039). No relationship existed between adiponectin and IL‐6 (total P = 0·62, HMW P = 0·35).

Conclusions

Marked within‐patient, hourly variability in total and HMW adiponectin is evident in critically ill patients. A random measurement may not be reflective of the 24‐h profile in these patients. A negative correlation exists between adiponectin and blood glucose levels and a positive correlation between adiponectin and oxygen saturation. No clear relationship exists between adiponectin and IL‐6.
Adrenal insufficiency is prevalent in HbE/β‐thalassaemia paediatric patients irrespective of their clinical severity and transfusion requirement
Authors: Nakavachara Pairunyar , Viprakasit Vip
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Transfusion dependency is known to cause endocrinopathies in patients with thalassaemia such as adrenal insufficiency, because transfusion‐related iron overload is injurious to endocrine organs. Children with HbE/ß‐thalassaemia vary greatly in red cell transfusion requirement and some are transfusion dependent (TD), whereas others are nontransfusion dependent (NTD). Because iron overload is thought to be the primary cause of adrenal insufficiency, TD children with HbE/ß‐thalassaemia are considered likely candidates for the development of adrenal insufficiency, while the adrenal function of NTD children is generally considered to be normal. As yet, the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency among children with NTD HbE/β‐thalassaemia is not known. The present study was performed to (i) assess the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in children with both TD and NTD HbE/β‐thalassaemia and to evaluate whether there is any difference in the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency between both groups and (ii) determine the type of adrenal insufficiency (primary or secondary).

Methods

We investigated the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency among TD (n = 42) and NTD (n = 43) children with HbE/β‐thalassaemia by assessing morning serum cortisol levels, and we distinguished between primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency by assessing the cortisol responses following the 1‐ and 250‐μg ACTH stimulation tests.

Results

The prevalence of adrenal insufficiency among TD and NTD children with HbE/β‐thalassaemia was 50% and 53·5%, respectively. By using the 250‐μg ACTH stimulation test, at least 39% and 23·5% were diagnosed with adrenal gland hypofunction in TD and NTD children, respectively.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that adrenal insufficiency is common among all children with HbE/β‐thalassaemia, irrespective of their transfusion history or requirement. Our findings have important implications for the clinical management of these children.
Randomized controlled trial: comparison of two surgical techniques for closing the wound following ileostomy closure: purse string vs direct suture
Authors: Dusch N. , Goranova D. , Herrle F. , Niedergethmann M. , Kienle P.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following ileostomy closure with a frequency of up to 40%. This prospective randomized controlled trial was initiated to compare two surgical techniques – direct suture (DS) and purse‐string suture (PSS) – used to close the wound following ileostomy closure. The primary end‐point was the SSI rate. Secondary end‐points were cosmetic outcome [using two validated scales: the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ)] and the influence of other factors on the SSI rate.

Method

Of a total of 99 patients screened, 84 were included in this study. Forty‐three patients were randomized into the PSS group and 41 were randomized into the DS group. Follow up was performed within 3 days after surgery, at discharge, and 30 days and 6 months after the operation.

Results

In the PSS group there were no cases of SSI compared with 10 (24%) cases in the DS group (P = 0.0004). There were no statistically significant differences in cosmetic outcome between the two groups. No other statistically significant factors influencing the incidence of SSI could be identified.

Conclusion

The rate of SSI is significantly lower following PSS than following DS, and both techniques have a similar cosmetic outcome. PSS closure should be considered as standard of care for wound closure after ileostomy reversal.
Aberrant B‐lymphocyte responses in lupus: inherent or induced and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Taher Taher E. , Muhammad Hawzheen A. , Rahim Asad , Flores‐Borja Fabian , Renaudineau Yves , Isenberg David A. , Mageed Rizgar A.
Published: May 2013

Background

Lupus is a prototype autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology. The disease is complex; manifest diverse clinical symptoms and disease mechanisms. This complexity has provided many leads to explore: from disease mechanisms to approaches for therapy. B‐lymphocytes play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the cause of aberrant B‐lymphocyte responses in patients and, indeed, its causal relationship with the disease remain unclear.

Design

This article provides a synopsis of current knowledge of immunological abnormalities in lupus with an emphasis on abnormalities in the B‐lymphocyte compartment.

Results

There is evidence for abnormalities in most compartments of the immune system in animal models and patients with lupus including an ever expanding list of abnormalities within the B‐lymphocyte compartment. In addition, recent genome‐wide linkage analyses in large cohorts of patients have identified new sets of genetic association factors some with potential links with defective B‐lymphocyte responses although their full pathophysiological effects remain to be determined. The accumulating knowledge may help in the identification and application of new targeted therapies for treating lupus disease.

Conclusions

Cellular, molecular and genetic studies have provided significant insights into potential causes of immunological defects associated with lupus. Most of this insight relate to defects in B‐ and T‐lymphocyte tolerance, signalling and responses. For B‐lymphocytes, there is evidence for altered regulation of inter and intracellular signalling pathways at multiple levels. Some of these abnormalities will be discussed within the context of potential implications for disease pathogenesis and targeted therapies.
Adult behavior of an ambrosia gall midge Illiciomyia yukawai (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and synchronization between its emergence and host plant phenology
Authors: Yukawa Junichi , Nakagawa Kohjin , Saigou Tetsumi , Awa Takahiro , Fukuda Takeshi , Higashi Masahiko
Published: May 2013

The adult behavior of an ambrosia gall midge Illiciomyia yukawai (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces leaf galls on Illicium anisatum (Illiciaceae) was studied at the population level from 1977 to 1995 in Kagoshima, Japan. Most males emerged between 0:00 and 08:00 h and females between 05:00 and 11:00 h. Males swarmed around the host trees between 05:00 and 11:00 h. Mating occurred on the host leaves mainly between 06:00 and 08:00 h. Females then left the host trees for somewhere else, possibly to collect symbiont fungal conidia. From 08:00 to 16:00 h, females were observed ovipositing into the host shoots. The low development threshold temperature for overwintered larvae was 14°C, while the thermal constant for emergence differed with individuals. Thermal totals above 14°C up to the 50% emergence date varied yearly from 33.1 to 68.7 degree‐days. The 50% emergence date varied from 9 to 18 May. The thermal totals significantly correlated with the 50% emergence date but did not correlate with the date when 50% of shoots became suitable for oviposition. Thus, the host‐plant responded to thermal effects differently from the gall midge. Illiciomyia yukawai has been synchronizing well with the host‐plant phenology but will suffer from asynchrony when global warming becomes more conspicuous.
Climate warming affects biological invasions by shifting interactions of plants and herbivores
Authors: Lu Xinmin , Siemann Evan , Shao Xu , Wei Hui , Ding Jianqing
Published: May 2013

Plants and herbivorous insects can each be dramatically affected by temperature. Climate warming may impact plant invasion success directly but also indirectly through changes in their natural enemies. To date, however, there are no tests of how climate warming shifts the interactions among invasive plants and their natural enemies to affect invasion success. Field surveys covering the full latitudinal range of invasive Alternanthera philoxeroides in China showed that a beetle introduced for biocontrol was rare or absent at higher latitudes. In contrast, plant cover and mass increased with latitude. In a 2‐year field experiment near the northern limit of beetle distribution, we found the beetle sustained populations across years under elevated temperature, dramatically decreasing A. philoxeroides growth, but it failed to overwinter in ambient temperature. Together, these results suggest that warming will allow the natural enemy to expand its range, potentially benefiting biocontrol in regions that are currently too cold for the natural enemy. However, the invader may also expand its range further north in response to warming. In such cases where plants tolerate cold better than their natural enemies, the geographical gap between plant and herbivorous insect ranges may not disappear but will shift to higher latitudes, leading to a new zone of enemy release. Therefore, warming will not only affect plant invasions directly but also drive either enemy release or increase that will result in contrasting effects on invasive plants. The findings are also critical for future management of invasive species under climate change.
High genomic similarity betweenEuropean type hepatitisEvirus subgenotype 3e strains isolated from an acute hepatitis patient and a wild boar inMie,Japan
Authors: Okano Hiroshi , Nakano Tatsunori , Sugimoto Kazushi , Takahashi Kazuaki , Nagashima Shigeo , Takahashi Masaharu , Arai Masahiro , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: May 2013

A 67‐year‐old male living inTsu city,Mie prefecture,Japan was referred to our hospital for further examination of acute liver injury and was diagnosed as having clinical hepatitisEvirus (HEV) infection inJanuary 2010. TheHEVstrain (HE‐JA11‐1701) isolated from the patient belonged to genotype 3 and European‐type subgenotype 3e. It was presumed that the patient had been infected from a wild boar (Sus scrofa leucomystax) because he consumed meat/viscera from a wild boar that he had captured himself as a hunter approximately 2 months before disease onset. A specimen of the boar meat/viscera that the patient had ingested was not available. However, theHE‐JA11‐1701 strain was 99.8% identical within the 412‐nucleotide sequence of the open reading frame 2 region to aHEVstrain (JBOAR012‐Mie08) that had been recovered from a wild boar captured near the patient's hunting area in 2008. A phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the twoHEVstrains had a close genetic relationship and were segregated into subgenotype 3e, supported by a high bootstrap value of 99%. Of note, theHE‐JA11‐1701 andJBOAR012‐Mie08strains were remotely related to the 3e strains reported inJapan and European countries, with a nucleotide difference of 7.9–13.9%, reinforcing the uniqueness of the 3e strains obtained in the present study. These results strongly support our speculation that the patient developed acute hepatitisEvia consumption ofHEV‐infected boar meat/viscera. Genetic analyses ofHEVstrains are useful for tracing infectious sources in sporadic cases of acute hepatitisE.
An empirical study of patient participation in guideline development: exploring the potential for articulating patient knowledge in evidence‐based epistemic settings
Authors: van de Bovenkamp Hester M. , Zuiderent‐Jerak Teun
Published: May 2013

Background

Patient participation on both the individual and the collective level attracts broad attention from policy makers and researchers. Participation is expected to make decision making more democratic and increase the quality of decisions, but empirical evidence for this remains wanting.

Objective

To study why problems arise in participation practice and to think critically about the consequence for future participation practices. We contribute to this discussion by looking at patient participation in guideline development.

Methods

Dutch guidelines (n = 62) were analysed using an extended version of the AGREE instrument. In addition, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with actors involved in guideline development (n = 25).

Results

The guidelines analysed generally scored low on the item of patient participation. The interviews provided us with important information on why this is the case. Although some respondents point out the added value of participation, many report on difficulties in the participation practice. Patient experiences sit uncomfortably with the EBM structure of guideline development. Moreover, patients who develop epistemic credibility needed to participate in evidence‐based guideline development lose credibility as representatives for ‘true’ patients.

Discussion and conclusions

We conclude that other options may increase the quality of care for patients by paying attention to their (individual) experiences. It will mean that patients are not present at every decision‐making table in health care, which may produce a more elegant version of democratic patienthood; a version that neither produces tokenistic practices of direct participation nor that denies patients the chance to contribute to matters where this may be truly meaningful.
Transport process of sand grains from fluvial to deep marine regions estimated by luminescence of feldspar: example from theKumano area, centralJapan
Authors: Shirai Masaaki , Hayashizaki Ryo
Published: May 2013

Using the concept of bleaching in optical dating, a new index of sediment sample bleaching percentage (BLP‐2) was developed and applied to evaluate sand grain transport from riverine to deep‐marine environments. As bleached grains in modern sediments have no optically stimulated luminescence (OSL)/infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signal, bleached and unbleached feldspar grains are distinguished byIRSLintensity. TheBLP‐2 distribution of present deposits around theKumano area, on thePacific coast of centralJapan, suggests that sand grains in surface turbidites obtained from the bottom of theKumanoTrough are of flood/storm origin rather than seismogenic origin. The distribution ofBLP‐2 tentatively suggests sand grain erosion–transport–depositional processes; for example, origin and transport agencies of shelf sand, and influence of coastal erosion on the beach deposit. Although the presentBLPanalysis is not yet supported by a rigorous statistical test, it is useful to distinguish recent deposition and remobilization of sand grains. Furthermore, if the depositional age and the luminescence age of sand grains are accurately estimated, sand grain transport processes of old (lateQuaternary) sediments may be estimated by the methodology similar to that of the present study.
The antioxidant capacity of polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica by citric acid extraction
Authors: Lu Jianghong , You Lijun , Lin Zongyi , Zhao Mouming , Cui Chun
Published: May 2013

An optimal citric acid extraction condition (pH 2.0; extraction temperature: 120 °C; extraction time: 3 h) was developed to obtain polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica. The yield of polysaccharide was 13.31 ± 0.08%, with IC50 value of DPPH radical scavenging activity of 0.98 ± 0.01 mg mL−1. The viscosity of polysaccharide extracted by citric acid (LJPA) was eight times lower than that of polysaccharide extracted by hot water (LJPW), which may be attributed to the low average molecular weight of LJPA (17.12 kDa). Gas chromatography analysis indicated that LJPA was composed of rhamnose, fucose, xylose, manose, glucose and galactose with relative molar percentages of 4.51%, 20.27%, 12.43%, 12.81%, 10.29% and 39.69% respectively. Furthermore, LJPA exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacities including oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing power than LJPW. Citric acid extraction showed a positive influence on the polysaccharide degradation and antioxidant capacities of L. japonica.
Bifidobacterial growth–promoting effect of yak milk κ‐casein hydrolysates produced with different proteases
Authors: Tang Xi , Tian Qian , Cheng Xue , Li Nan , Mao Xue‐Ying
Published: May 2013

The growth‐promoting effects of κ‐casein hydrolysates produced by four different proteases (trypsin, alcalase, papain and chymosin) on bifidobacteria (Bb12 and BBMN68) viability were evaluated. Results showed that the obtained κ‐casein hydrolysates possessed better property for improving the viability of Bb12 and BBMN68 than native κ‐casein. The bifidobacterium viability and pH drop were dependent on the added hydrolysates. The addition of κ‐casein hydrolysates improved the viability of Bb12 and BBMN68 to a variable extent. The κ‐casein hydrolysate produced with papain (KCHP) is the best for Bb12 and κ‐casein hydrolysate produced with trypsin (KCHT) is the best for BBMN68. Proper amino acid profiles improved the viability of Bb12 and BBMN68. The bifidobacterial growth‐promoting capacity of κ‐casein hydrolysate may be due to its high content of Ala, Met, Tyr, Phe and Arg residues, especially Tyr which is richer in para‐κ‐casein than in casein glycomacropeptide (GMP). In addition, the sialic acid content of κ‐casein hydrolysate produced with the tested proteases did not show a direct relationship with its bifidobacterial growth–promoting effect. The obtained peptides possessed growth‐promoting activity for Bb12 and BBMN68 existed in para‐κ‐casein.