bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading dual language books: Improving early literacy skills in linguistically diverse classrooms
Authors: Naqvi Rahat , Thorne Keoma J , Pfitscher Christina M , Nordstokke David W , McKeough Anne
Published: October 2012

Research has determined that dual language books have a positive effect on literacy achievement, motivation, and family involvement in children’s schooling. In this study we used quantitative methods to complement the largely qualitative extant research. We analyzed the early literacy skills of 105 kindergarten children (45 comparison, 60 treatment) with diverse language backgrounds (35% English, 31% Punjabi, 16% Urdu, 18% other languages) from eight kindergarten classes in four suburban Canadian schools. Statistical analyses indicated that children who were read to using dual language books, written in French, Punjabi, and Urdu, demonstrated significantly greater gains in graphophonemic knowledge than children who were read to in English only. This gain occurred specifically in children who spoke the targeted languages at home; children who did not speak the targeted languages were not negatively affected. Findings are discussed in terms of developing metalinguistic awareness and directions for practice and research are discussed.
A preliminary evaluation of the Parent–Child Mother Goose Program in relation to children’s language and parenting stress
Authors: Terrett Gill , White Roxanne , Spreckley Michèle
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in children’s language skills and parenting stress following participation in the Parent–Child Mother Goose Program (PCMGP). The intervention group consisted of 29 parents (age range 24 to 43 years, M = 33.5, SD = 4.1) and 30 children (18 females and 12 males) with ages ranging from 1 to 46 months ( M = 14.2, SD = 13.0), who were participating in the PCMGP. The comparison group consisted of 22 parents (age range 28 to 43 years, M = 34.5, SD = 3.7) and 25 children (14 females and 11 males) with ages ranging from 5 to 37 months ( M = 18.2, SD = 10.7), who were participating in community playgroups. Children’s scores on receptive and expressive language using the Preschool Language Scale-3, and parenting stress scores using three subscales of the Parenting Stress Index were obtained at the beginning of the research (pre-test) and again 15 weeks later (post-test). Results revealed that the PCMGP children showed greater improvement in language skills, especially their expressive communication skills. The parents participating in the PCMGP also reported a more positive impact on their perceptions of their child’s demandingness compared to the comparison playgroup parents. This study highlights the potential effectiveness of the PCMGP as an early intervention program in relation to aspects of both receptive and expressive language and parental stress, and adds to the limited existing literature evaluating this program.
Building a model of early years professionalism from practitioners’ perspectives
Authors: Brock Avril
Published: October 2012

Practitioner voice has been absent from debates regarding what constitutes professional behaviour and practice in the early years. This research identifies and uses the professional knowledge of a group of early years educators to create a typology of professionalism. The typology comprises seven inter-related dimensions of early years professionalism: 1) knowledge, 2) qualifications, training and professional development, 3) skills, 4) autonomy, 5) values 6) ethics and 7) rewards. This typology of professionalism was derived during a two-phase study and aims to contribute to ongoing debates about what constitutes professional practice within and across the early years (birth to five years). Phase 1 comprised a sample of 12 early years educators in England, from a range of professional backgrounds, and Phase 2 returned for further reflections to nine of this sample, six years later. They talked about their best work for children and their families and how this developed over time. Their perceptions of children’s needs were at the heart of their professionalism and they interpreted policy and curriculum in ways that they believed met those needs. Their views on professionalism remained constant during both phases of research despite a shifting policy scene in early years.
Peer rejection in preschool: Foregrounding children’s voices
Authors: Tay-Lim Joanna , Gan Linda
Published: October 2012

Existing studies on peer rejection are predominantly quantitative in nature and do not adequately engage children’s voices and provide a comprehensive view of the peer rejection phenomenon. There are also limited studies at the preschool level, especially in the Singapore context. This study addresses these limitations by presenting insights into what constitutes a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. The objective is to investigate the subjective perceptions of the rejection phenomenon as experienced by different preschool children, and to draw out the essential characteristics of these experiences. A qualitative collective case study methodology informed by phenomenology was employed. It utilized in-depth individual interviews and children’s dialogic engagement with their drawings to elicit the meaning of experiences from eight preschool children from four to seven years old. Seven major themes and 31 sub-themes emerged from the data, illustrating the complexities of the children’s perceptions. They demonstrate that the children were capable of identifying and appraising their peer rejection experiences in terms of attributions, coping mechanisms and effects. The study reveals that peer rejection appeared to be an inevitable component of peer interactions, predisposing them to a host of adverse consequences. Although there are common elements, the personal construction of experiences led to diversities existing within the phenomenon, illustrating the uniqueness of some of the experiences. The implications for appropriate pedagogical practices to help preschool children cope more effectively with peer rejection are presented.
Young Brazilian and Norwegian children’s concepts of strategies and goals for emotion regulation
Authors: Vikan Arne , Kårstad Silja Berg , Dias Maria
Published: October 2012

Four-hundred-and-eighty children in the age groups of four and six years, 240 each from Brazil and Norway, were asked how their feelings of anger, sadness and fear were reduced in a recollected episode, to propose emotion regulation strategies for protagonists and to envisage the result of regulation strategies. A majority of even the youngest children could propose a strategy. Play, Social interaction, Entertainment and Situation change were the most frequent strategy types, and the Brazilians showed a higher frequency of Entertainment and Play, a lower frequency of Situation change, and proposed more frequent help from others than the Norwegians. The results also showed that strategies were related to emotion type. Play was, for instance, more frequently proposed as a strategy mainly to reduce anger and sadness, and motoric activities were proposed to reduce anger more frequently than sadness and fear. Children’s goals for emotion regulation were good feelings, a quiet environment, play and forgetting negative emotions.
Characteristics of Depressed Caregivers of Veterans With Dementia
Authors: Bejjani Carla , Snow A. Lynn , Judge Katherine S. , Bass David M. , Morgan Robert O. , Wilson Nancy , Walder Annette , Looman Wendy J. , McCarthy Catherine , Kunik Mark E.
Published: October 2012

This study examined the characteristics of caregivers and persons with dementia (PWD) to determine their association with caregiver depression. Participants included 508 PWD (veterans) and 486 caregivers from Boston, Houston, Providence, Beaumont (Texas), and Oklahoma City, identified from diagnoses from medical records and recruited from February 2007 to July 2009, for a larger study evaluating Partners in Dementia Care, a care-coordination intervention. Characteristics evaluated for PWD included activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive impairment, and disruptive behavior. Caregiver characteristics evaluated included caregiver unmet needs, support-service use, and number of informal helpers. Caregiver depression was measured using the Iowa form 11-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Depressed caregivers reported significantly more unmet needs than the nondepressed caregivers. Depressed caregivers also reported a high frequency of disruptive behavior in their PWD. Caregiver perceptions of unmet needs may be an important target for intervention.
Learning Organizational Culture and Firm Performance
Authors: Song Ji Hoon , Kolb Judith A.
Published: October 2012

The aim of the current research is to examine the relationships between learning culture and performance along with the mediating interaction of knowledge creation. Data for this study were collected from five Korean firms through use of in-house intranet self-response surveys. Responses from 633 manager-level employees were used to identify the relationships among four variables: cultural aspects of the learning organization, four modes of knowledge creation practices, perceived level of knowledge gaining, and perceived level of financial performance. All constructs previously have been identified as related concepts in certain ways; however, no specific and empirically verified structural complex model exists. In this research, first, the influential and causal relations among the variables were examined, and second, a model comparison was conducted between the initially proposed and alternatively proposed structural models. Structural equation modeling and canonical correlation analysis were used for the analyses. The results suggest that the input-related concept of learning culture is not directly related to outcome-related organizational financial improvement but rather has mediating effects through the process-related concept of knowledge creation. Suggestions for future research and implications for human resource development and performance-oriented management are discussed.
Theorizing leadership authenticity: A Sartrean perspective
Authors: Lawler John , Ashman Ian
Published: October 2012

Authenticity, a growing area of interest in leadership studies, is an important concept within existentialist thinking. Currently it is largely untheorized. Here the concept is examined using Sartre’s work. Current literature implies authenticity as relating to an ‘inner’ or ‘true’ self which existentialist thinking rejects, opening the way for a different approach to theorizing authenticity. There is a need to consider context, and subjective and inter-subjective experience to understand and to practice authentic existential leadership.
Current and future treatments for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yiannopoulou Konstantina G. , Papageorgiou Sokratis G.
Published: October 2012

Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) is increasingly being recognized as one of the most important medical and social problems in older people in industrialized and non-industrialized nations. To date, only symptomatic treatments exist for this disease, all trying to counterbalance the neurotransmitter disturbance. Three cholinesterase inhibitors (CIs) are currently available and have been approved for the treatment of mild to moderate AD. A further therapeutic option available for moderate to severe AD is memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor noncompetitive antagonist. Treatments capable of stopping or at least effectively modifying the course of AD, referred to as ‘disease-modifying’ drugs, are still under extensive research. To block the progression of the disease they have to interfere with the pathogenic steps responsible for the clinical symptoms, including the deposition of extracellular amyloid β plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangle formation, inflammation, oxidative damage, iron deregulation and cholesterol metabolism. In this review we discuss current symptomatic treatments and new potential disease-modifying therapies for AD that are currently being studied in phase I–III trials.
Job design under lean manufacturing and its impact on employee outcomes
Authors: Cullinane Sarah-Jane , Bosak Janine , Flood Patrick C. , Demerouti Evangelia
Published: October 2012

The implications of lean manufacturing for employee well-being remain unclear as previous research yields conflicting findings and struggles to identify an applicable model of job design. This paper adapts and integrates both the job characteristics model and the job demands–resources model to demonstrate the everyday implications of lean manufacturing for job design, and in doing so, how job designed according to lean manufacturing principles influence motivational and health-related outcomes for employees. A research agenda is created to improve our understanding of the employee experience of lean work, and a number of practical implications for the configuration of jobs under lean manufacturing are outlined.
Drivers and outcomes of team psychological empowerment
Authors: Maynard M. Travis , Mathieu John E. , Gilson Lucy L. , O’Boyle Ernest H. , Cigularov Konstantin P.
Published: October 2012

Using meta-analysis and structural equation modeling, we examine the unique and combined relationships between team psychological empowerment, its antecedents, and outcomes. First, we seek to extend the team psychological empowerment nomological network by including team members’ affective reactions as an outcome. In addition, we consider the moderating influence of team type, how empowerment was measured, and team size on the relationships between team psychological empowerment, its antecedents, and outcomes. Second, we use our analytical results to clarify a number of theoretical perspectives, but more importantly to offer suggestions regarding where research in the area of team psychological empowerment should proceed. Finally, in keeping with the broader team effectiveness framework, we present our recommendations for future research using the following categories: (a) antecedents, (b) outcomes, (c) moderators, (d) mediators, and (e) additional directions for future research.
Human basophils interact with memory T cells to augment Th17 responses
Authors: Wakahara Keiko , Baba Nobuyasu , Van Vu Quang , Bégin Philippe , Rubio Manuel , Ferraro Pasquale , Panzini Benoît , Wassef Ramses , Lahaie Raymond , Caussignac Yves , Tamaz Raja , Richard Carole , Soucy Geneviève , Delespesse Guy , Sarfati Marika
Published: October 2012

Basophils are a rare population of granulocytes that have long been associated with IgE-mediated and Th2-associated allergic diseases. However, the role of basophils in Th17 and/or Th1 diseases has not been reported. In the present study, we report that basophils can be detected in the mucosa of Th17-associated lung and inflammatory bowel disease and accumulate in inflamed colons containing large quantities of IL-33. We also demonstrate that circulating basophils increased memory Th17 responses. Accordingly, IL-3– or IL-33–activated basophils amplified IL-17 release in effector memory T cells (TEM), central memory T cells (TCM), and CCR6+ CD4 T cells. More specifically, basophils promoted the emergence of IL-17+IFN-γ− and IL-17+IFN-γ+, but not IL-17−IFN-γ+ CD4 T cells in TEM and TCM. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the enhancing effect of IL-17 production by basophils in TEM involved the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, occurred in a contact-independent manner, and was partially mediated by histamine via H2 and H4 histamine receptors. The results of the present study reveal a previously unknown function for basophils in augmenting Th17 and Th17/Th1 cytokine expression in memory CD4 T cells. Because basophils accumulated in inflamed inflammatory bowel disease tissues, we propose that these cells are key players in chronic inflammatory disorders beyond Th2.
Gene number determination and genetic polymorphism of the gamma delta T cell co-receptor WC1 genes
Authors: Chen Chuang , Herzig Carolyn TA , Alexander Leeson J , Keele John W , McDaneld Tara G , Telfer Janice C , Baldwin Cynthia L
Published: October 2012

Background

WC1 co-receptors belong to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily and are encoded by a multi-gene family. Expression of particular WC1 genes defines functional subpopulations of WC1+γδ T cells. We have previously identified partial or complete genomic sequences for thirteen different WC1 genes through annotation of the bovine genome Btau_3.1 build. We also identified two WC1 cDNA sequences from other cattle that did not correspond to sequences in the Btau_3.1 build. Their absence in the Btau_3.1 build may have reflected gaps in the genome assembly or polymorphisms among animals. Since the response of γδ T cells to bacterial challenge is determined by WC1 gene expression, it was critical to understand whether individual cattle or breeds differ in the number of WC1 genes or display polymorphisms.

Results

Real-time quantitative PCR using DNA from the animal whose genome was sequenced (“Dominette”) and sixteen other animals representing ten breeds of cattle, showed that the number of genes coding for WC1 co-receptors is thirteen. The complete coding sequences of those thirteen WC1 genes is presented, including the correction of an error in theWC1-2gene due to mis-assembly in the Btau_3.1 build. All other cDNA sequences were found to agree with the previous annotation of complete or partial WC1 genes. PCR amplification and sequencing of the most variable N-terminal SRCR domain (domain 1 which has the SRCR “a” pattern) of each of the thirteen WC1 genes showed that the sequences are highly conserved among individuals and breeds. Of 160 sequences of domain 1 from three breeds of cattle, no additional sequences beyond the thirteen described WC1 genes were found. Analysis of the complete WC1 cDNA sequences indicated that the thirteen WC1 genes code for three distinct WC1 molecular forms.

Conclusion

The bovine WC1 multi-gene family is composed of thirteen genes coding for three structural forms whose sequences are highly conserved among individual cattle and breeds. The sequence diversity necessary for WC1 genes to function as a multi-genic pattern recognition receptor array is encoded in the genome, rather than generated by recombinatorial diversity or hypermutation.
Rapidly progressing subperiosteal orbital abscess: an unexpected complication of a group-A streptococcal pharyngitis in a healthy young patient
Authors: Costantinides Fulvia , Luzzati Roberto , Tognetto Daniele , Bazzocchi Gabriele , Biasotto Matteo , Tirelli Gian Carlo
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Complications associated to group-A streptococcal pharyingitis include non-suppurative complications such as acute rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis and suppurative complications such as peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscess, sinusitis, mastoiditis, otitis media, meningitis, brain abscess, or thrombosis of the intracranial venous sinuses.

Case presentation

We described a case of a 15-year-old patient with a history of acute pharyngodinia early followed by improvise fever and a progressive formation of a diffuse orbital edema, corneal hyperaemia, diplopia and severe decrease of visual acuity.

The patient was surgically treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) after the response of a maxillofacial computed tomography scans that showed a pansinusitis complicated by a left orbital cellulites. Numerous colonies ofStreptococcus pyogeneswere found in the samples of pus and an antibiotic therapy with meropenem was initiated on the basis of the sensitivity test to antibiotics. The patient was finally discharged with diagnosis of left orbital cellulites with periorbital abscess, endophtalmitis and acute pansinusitis as a consequence of streptococcal pharyngitis.

Conclusion

The case highlights the possible unusual complication of a group-A streptococcal pharyingitis in a immunocompetent child and the needing of a prompt surgical and medical approach toward the maxillofacial complications associated to the infection.
Identifying an outbreak of a novel swine disease using test requests for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome as a syndromic surveillance tool
Authors: O’Sullivan Terri L , Friendship Robert M , Pearl David L , McEwen Beverly , Dewey Catherine E
Published: October 2012

Background

Animal disease monitoring and surveillance are crucial for ensuring the health of animals, humans and the environment. Many studies have investigated the utility of monitoring syndromes associated with data from veterinary laboratory submissions, but no research has focused on how negative test results from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory data can be used to improve our knowledge of disease outbreaks. For example, if a diagnostic laboratory was seeing a disproportionate number of negative test results for a known disease could this information be an indication of a novel disease outbreak? The objective of this study was to determine the association between the porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) outbreak in Ontario 2004–2006 and the results of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PPRSV) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the results of PRRSV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tests requested by veterinarians.

Results

Retrospective data were collected from the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario Canada and were comprised of weekly counts of PRRSV ELISA and PRRSV PCR diagnostic tests requested by swine practitioners from 2000–2007. The results of the PRRSV ELISA and PRRSV PCRs were analysed separately in two models using logistic regression with the dependent variables being: the weekly probability of PRRSV ELISA positivity, and the weekly probability of PRRSV PCR positivity, respectively. The weekly probability of PRRSV PCR positivity decreased during the PVCAD outbreak (OR=0.66, P=0.01). The weekly probability of PRRSV ELISA positivity was not associated with the PCVAD outbreak.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that during the PCVAD outbreak in Ontario from December 2004-May 2006, the probability of a positive PRRSV PCR at the AHL decreased. We conclude that when a decrease in test positivity occurs for a known disease, it may suggest that a new disease agent is emerging in the population. Hence, monitoring the test results of commonly used first-order tests for a known disease (e.g. PRRSV) has the potential to be a unique form of syndromic data for the timely identification of novel disease outbreaks in swine populations.
Chemical composition and molecular structure of polysaccharide-protein biopolymer from Durio zibethinusseed: extraction and purification process
Authors: Amid Bahareh Tabatabaee , Mirhosseini Hamed , Kostadinović Sanja
Published: October 2012

Background

The biological functions of natural biopolymers from plant sources depend on their chemical composition and molecular structure. In addition, the extraction and further processing conditions significantly influence the chemical and molecular structure of the plant biopolymer. The main objective of the present study was to characterize the chemical and molecular structure of a natural biopolymer from Durio zibethinus seed. A size-exclusion chromatography coupled to multi angle laser light-scattering (SEC-MALS) was applied to analyze the molecular weight (Mw), number average molecular weight (Mn), and polydispersity index (Mw/Mn).

Results

The most abundant monosaccharide in the carbohydrate composition of durian seed gum were galactose (48.6-59.9%), glucose (37.1-45.1%), arabinose (0.58-3.41%), and xylose (0.3-3.21%). The predominant fatty acid of the lipid fraction from the durian seed gum were palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), and linolenic acid (C18:2). The most abundant amino acids of durian seed gum were: leucine (30.9-37.3%), lysine (6.04-8.36%), aspartic acid (6.10-7.19%), glycine (6.07-7.42%), alanine (5.24-6.14%), glutamic acid (5.57-7.09%), valine (4.5-5.50%), proline (3.87-4.81%), serine (4.39-5.18%), threonine (3.44-6.50%), isoleucine (3.30-4.07%), and phenylalanine (3.11-9.04%).

Conclusion

The presence of essential amino acids in the chemical structure of durian seed gum reinforces its nutritional value.
Emerging role of the interleukin (IL)-33/ST2 axis in gut mucosal wound healing and fibrosis
Authors: Lopetuso Loris R , Scaldaferri Franco , Pizarro Theresa T
Published: October 2012

Interleukin (IL)-33 (IL-1F11) is the newest member of the IL-1Family of cytokines and has been best characterized as a potent inducer of T helper (Th)2 immune responses. Increasing evidence, however, indicates that IL-33 also represents an important mediator of mucosal healing and epithelial restoration and repair. As such, IL-33 follows the trend of several innate-type cytokines, including members of the IL-1Family (for example, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-18), that possess dichotomous roles of inducing a potent proinflammatory response, while also promoting protection and the return to immune homeostasis. This dual function is best depicted in the gut mucosa and is dependent upon the immunological/genetic status of the host and/or the type and phase of the ongoing inflammatory process. IL-33 has also been described as a prototypic ‘alarmin’ that has the ability to signal local, innate immune responses of trauma or infection in an effort to mount an effective, physiologic inflammatory reaction to induce mucosal healing and restore normal gut equilibrium. Finally, several recent studies have reported the role of IL-33 during fibrogenesis as fibrosis is commonly thought to occur as the end stage of dysregulated wound healing wherein chronic tissue damage is paired with uncontrolled activation of mesenchymal cells. Taken together, aside from its established function of promoting potent Th2 immune responses, IL-33 is emerging as an important cytokine for the induction of mucosal healing and restoration of intestinal homeostasis, as well as playing a central role in fibrosis and wound repair. The present review will focus on what is currently known regarding IL-33’s role in gut mucosal wound healing and fibrosis, as well as touch on its potential contribution to tumorigenesis and GI-related cancer, an alternate outcome of dysregulated epithelial proliferation.
Ubiquinol decreases monocytic expression and DNA methylation of the pro-inflammatory chemokine ligand 2 gene in humans
Authors: Fischer Alexandra , Onur Simone , Schmelzer Constance , Döring Frank
Published: October 2012

Background

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential cofactor in the respiratory chain and serves in its reduced form, ubiquinol, as a potent antioxidant. Studies in vitro and in vivo provide evidence that ubiquinol reduces inflammatory processes via gene expression. Here we investigate the putative link between expression and DNA methylation of ubiquinol sensitive genes in monocytes obtained from human volunteers supplemented with 150 mg/ day ubiquinol for 14 days.

Findings

Ubiquinol decreases the expression of the pro-inflammatory chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 gene (CXCL2) more than 10-fold. Bisulfite-/ MALDI-TOF-based analysis of regulatory regions of the CXCL2 gene identified six adjacent CpG islands which showed a 3.4-fold decrease of methylation status after ubiquinol supplementation. This effect seems to be rather gene specific, because ubiquinol reduced the expression of two other pro-inflammatory genes (PMAIP1, MMD) without changing the methylation pattern of the respective gene.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ubiquinol decreases monocytic expression and DNA methylation of the pro-inflammatory CXCL2 gene in humans. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN26780329.
Vanishing left ventricular thrombus in a woman with peripartum cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Altuwaijri Wafa A , Kirkpatrick Iain DC , Jassal Davinder S , Soni Anita
Published: October 2012

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cardiac disorder characterized by the development of heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or up to 5 months postpartum in women without other identifiable causes of cardiac failure. The combination of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and hypercoaguability can cause thromboembolic complications including intra-cardiac thrombi.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old Caucasian female with PPCM demonstrated multiple thrombi in the LV on transthoracic echocardiography. Following anticoagulation with parenteral heparin, a cardiac MRI four days later demonstrated near resolution of the thrombi.

Conclusion

We review the presentation, diagnosis and management of LV thrombi in the clinical setting of PPCM.
Intraocular lens iris fixation. Clinical and macular OCT outcomes
Authors: Garcia-Rojas Leonardo , Paulin-Huerta Juan Manuel , Chavez-Mondragon Eduardo , Ramirez-Miranda Arturo
Published: October 2012

Background

To assess the efficacy, clinical outcomes, visual acuity (VA), incidence of adverse effects, and complications of peripheral iris fixation of 3-piece acrylic IOLs in eyes lacking capsular support. Thirteen patients who underwent implantation and peripheral iris fixation of a 3-piece foldable acrylic PC IOL for aphakia in the absence of capsular support were followed after surgery. Clinical outcomes and macular SD-OCT (Cirrus OCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany) were analyzed.

Findings

The final CDVA was 20/40 or better in 8 eyes (62%), 20/60 or better in 12 eyes (92%), and one case of 20/80 due to corneal astigmatism and mild persistent edema. No intraoperative complications were reported. There were seven cases of medically controlled ocular hypertension after surgery due to the presence of viscoelastic in the AC. There were no cases of cystoid macular edema, chronic iridocyclitis, IOL subluxation, pigment dispersion, or glaucoma. Macular edema did not develop in any case by means of SD-OCT.

Conclusions

We think that this technique for iris suture fixation provides safe and effective results. Patients had substantial improvements in UDVA and CDVA. This surgical strategy may be individualized however; age, cornea status, angle structures, iris anatomy, and glaucoma are important considerations in selecting candidates for an appropriate IOL fixation method.
Association between the IVS4G > T mutation in the TCF7L2 gene and susceptibility to diabetes in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Furgeri Daniela Tenório , Marson Fernando Augusto de Lima , Ribeiro Antonio Fernando , Bertuzzo Carmen Silvia
Published: October 2012

Background

Clinical complications appear to be a decisive factor for the prognosis of patients. Diabetes is an important complication of cystic fibrosis(CF). In our study we evaluated the association between the IVS4G>T mutation in the TCF7L2 gene with the presence of diabetes in patients with CF.

Findings

We evaluated 145 patients with CF in relation to the genotype of the IVS4G>T mutation. For this, the PCR method associated with specific enzyme digestion was used. The genotypes G/G, G/T and T/T were observed to have frequencies of 54 (37.2%), 78 (53.8%) and 13 (9%), respectively. There was no association between genotype and the occurrence of diabetes among patients.

Conclusions

In our sample, no association was found between the IVS4G>T mutation in the TCF7L2 gene and diabetes.
Implications of the impact of prevalence on test thresholds and outcomes: lessons from tuberculosis
Authors: Bentley Tanya GK , Catanzaro Antonino , Ganiats Theodore G
Published: October 2012

Background

With today’s rapid advances in technology and understanding of disease, more screening and diagnostic tests have become available in a variety of sociodemographic and clinical settings. This analysis quantifies the impact of varying prevalence rates on test performance for given sensitivity and specificity values.

Methods

Using a worked example of latent tuberculosis infection, we compared true-positive (TP) and false-positive (FP) results when varying prevalence and test sensitivity and specificity. We used estimates from published literature to estimate two tests’ sensitivity (81%, QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube; 88%, T-SPOT®.TB) and specificity (99%; 88%), and we used World Health Organization data to estimate disease prevalence in five countries.

Results

Varying sensitivity impacted outcomes most in high-prevalence settings; change in specificity had greater impact in low-prevalence settings. In switching from QuantiFERON-TB to T-SPOT.TB (higher sensitivity, lower specificity), trade-offs between increasing case identification (TPs) and decreasing unnecessary treatments (FPs) varied dramatically with prevalence. Lower-prevalence settings paid a greater “price” of more FPs for each TP gained, with 37.7 FPs per TP in the United States (5% prevalence) versus 2.5 in the Ivory Coast (55% prevalence).

Conclusions

Prevalence affects test performance for given sensitivity and specificity values. To optimize test performance, disease prevalence should be incorporated in testing decisions, and sensitivity and specificity should be set locally, not globally. In lower-prevalence settings, using highly specific assays may optimize outcomes.
Cloning and identification of novel hydrolase genes from a dairy cow rumen metagenomic library and characterization of a cellulase gene
Authors: Gong Xia , Gruninger Robert J , Qi Meng , Paterson Lyn , Forster Robert J , Teather Ron M , McAllister Tim A
Published: October 2012

Background

Interest in cellulose degrading enzymes has increased in recent years due to the expansion of the cellulosic biofuel industry. The rumen is a highly adapted environment for the degradation of cellulose and a promising source of enzymes for industrial use. To identify cellulase enzymes that may be of such use we have undertaken a functional metagenomic screen to identify cellulase enzymes from the bacterial community in the rumen of a grass-hay fed dairy cow.

Results

Twenty five clones specifying cellulose activity were identified. Subcloning and sequence analysis of a subset of these hydrolase-positive clones identified 10 endoglucanase genes. Preliminary characterization of the encoded cellulases was carried out using crude extracts of each of the subclones. Zymogram analysis using carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate showed a single positive band for each subclone, confirming that only one functional cellulase gene was present in each. One cellulase gene, designated Cel14b22, was expressed at a high level in Escherichia coli and purified for further characterization. The purified recombinant enzyme showed optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 50°C. It was stable over a broad pH range, from pH 4.0 to 10.0. The activity was significantly enhanced by Mn2+ and dramatically reduced by Fe3+ or Cu2+. The enzyme hydrolyzed a wide range of beta-1,3-, and beta-1,4-linked polysaccharides, with varying activities. Activities toward microcrystalline cellulose and filter paper were relatively high, while the highest activity was toward Oat Gum.

Conclusion

The present study shows that a functional metagenomic approach can be used to isolate previously uncharacterized cellulases from the rumen environment.
DICER1 RNase IIIb domain mutations are infrequent in testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: de Boer Carmela M , Eini Ronak , Gillis Ad M , Stoop Hans , Looijenga Leendert HJ , White Stefan J
Published: October 2012

Background

Testicular Germ Cell Tumours (TGCT) are the most frequently occurring malignancy in males from 15–45 years of age. They are derived from germ cells unable to undergo physiological maturation, although the genetic basis for this is poorly understood. A recent report showed that mutations in the RNase IIIb domain of DICER1, a micro-RNA (miRNA) processing enzyme, are common in non-epithelial ovarian cancers. DICER1 mutations were found in 60% of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours, clustering in four codons encoding metal-binding sites. Additional analysis of 14 TGCT DNA samples identified one case that also contained a mutation at one of these sites.

Findings

A number of previous studies have shown that DICER1 mutations are found in <1% of most cancers. To provide a more accurate estimate of the frequency of such mutations in TGCTs, we have analysed 96 TGCT samples using high resolution melting curve analysis for sequence variants in these four codons. Although we did not detect any mutations in any of these sites, we did identify a novel mutation (c.1725 R>Q) within the RNase IIIb domain in one TGCT sample, which was predicted to disturb DICER1 function.

Conclusion

Overall our findings suggest a mutation frequency in TGCTs of ~1%. We conclude therefore that hot-spot mutations, frequently seen in Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours, are not common in TGCTs.
The effects of oviposition-site deprivation on Anopheles gambiae reproduction
Authors: Dieter Kathryne L , Huestis Diana L , Lehmann Tovi
Published: October 2012

Background

The African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, depends on availability of suitable surface water for oviposition. Short and long dry spells occur throughout the year in many parts of its range that limit its access to oviposition sites. Although not well understood, oviposition-site deprivation has been found to rapidly reduce egg batch size and hatch rate of several mosquito species. We conducted laboratory experiments to assess these effects of oviposition-site deprivation on An. gambiae and to evaluate the role of nutrition and sperm viability as mediators of these effects.

Methods

Anopheles gambiae adults (1–2 d old) from the G3 laboratory colony were assigned to the following treatment groups: oviposition-deprived (fed once and then deprived of oviposition site for 7 or 14 d), multiple-fed control (fed regularly once a week and allowed to lay eggs without delay), and age matched blood-deprived control (fed once, three days before water for oviposition was provided). Egg batch size and hatch rate were measured. In the second experiment two additional treatment groups were included: oviposition-deprived females that received either a second (supplemental) blood meal or virgin males (supplemental mating) 4 days prior to receiving water for oviposition.

Results

An. gambiae was highly sensitive to oviposition-site deprivation. Egg batch size dropped sharply to 0–3.5 egg/female within 14 days, due to reduced oviposition rate rather than a reduced number of eggs/batch. Egg hatch rate also fell dramatically to 0-2% within 7 days. The frequency of brown eggs that fail to tan was elevated. A supplemental blood meal, but not ‘supplemental insemination,’ recovered the oviposition rate of females subjected to oviposition-site deprivation. Similarly, a supplemental blood meal, but not ‘supplemental insemination,’ partly recovered hatch rate, but this increase was marginally significant (P < 0.069).

Conclusions

Even a short dry spell resulting in oviposition-site deprivation for several days may result in a dramatic decline of An. gambiae populations via reduced fecundity and fertility. However, females taking supplemental blood meals regain at least some reproductive success. If mosquitoes subjected to oviposition-site deprivation increase the frequency of blood feeding, malaria transmission may even increase during a short dry spell. The relevance of oviposition-site deprivation as a cue to alter the physiology of An. gambiae during the long dry season is not evident from these results because no reduction in hatch rate was evident in wild M-form An. gambiae collected in the dry season in the Sahel by previous studies.
Direct mail improves knowledge of basic life support guidelines in general practice: a randomised study
Authors: Secher Niels , Mikkelsen Mette Marie , Adelborg Kasper , Mikkelsen Ronni , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Rubak Jens Mørch , Vedsted Peter , Løfgren Bo
Published: October 2012

Background

Implementation of new guidelines into clinical practice is often incomplete. Direct mail is a simple way of providing information to physicians and may improve implementation of new guidelines on basic life support (BLS). The aim of this study was to describe knowledge of the most recent European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines for BLS among general practitioners (GPs) and investigate whether direct mail improves theoretical knowledge of these guidelines.

Methods

All general practice clinics (n=351) in Central Denmark Region were randomised to receive either direct mail (intervention) or no direct mail (control). The direct mail consisted of the official ERC BLS/AED poster and a cover letter outlining changes in compression depth and frequency in the new guidelines. In general practice clinics randomised to intervention, every GP received a direct mail addressed personally to him/her. Two weeks later, a multiple-choice questionnaire on demographics and BLS guidelines were mailed to GPs in both groups.

Results

In total, 830 GPs were included in this study (direct mail, n=408; control, n=422). The response rate was 58%. The majority (91%) of GPs receiving direct mail were familiar with BLS Guidelines 2010 compared to 72% in the control group (P<0.001). Direct mail improved knowledge of the new recommended chest compression depth (67% vs. 40%, P<0.001) and chest compression frequency (62% vs. 40%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Direct mail improved knowledge of changes in BLS guidelines and thus facilitated the implementation of this knowledge into clinical practice. Resuscitation councils and medical societies may consider using direct mail as a simple strategy to facilitate implementation of changes in clinical guidelines.
Development of a validated HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of flavonoids in Cuscuta chinensis Lam. by ultra-violet detection
Authors: Hajimehdipoor Homa , kondori Babak Mokhtari , Amin Gholam Reza , Adib Noushin , Rastegar Hossein , Shekarchi Maryam
Published: October 2012

Background

Cuscutaspecies known as dodder, have been used in traditional medicine of eastern and southern Asian countries as liver and kidney tonic. Flavonoids are considered as the main biologically active constituents inCuscutaplants especially inC. chinensisLam.

Objective

In the present study, a fast, simple and reliable method for the simultaneous determination and quantization ofC. chinensisflavonols including hyperoside, rutin, isorhamnetin and kaempferol has been developed.

Materials and methods

The chromatographic separation was carried out on a reversed phase ACE 5 C18with eluting at a flow rate of 1 ml/min using a gradient withO-phosphoric acid 0.25% : acetonitrile for 42 min. UV spectra were collected across the range of 200–900 nm, extracting 360 nm for the chromatograms. The method was validated according to linearity, selectivity, precision, recovery, LOD and LOQ.

Results

The method was selective for determination of rutin, hyperoside, isorhamnetin and kampferol. The calibration graphs of flavonols were linear with r2 > 0.999. RSDs% of intra- and inter-day precisions were found 1.3&3.4 for rutin, 1.5&2.8 for hyperoside, 1.3&3.3 for isorhamnetin and 1.7 & 2.9 for kaempferol which were satisfactory. LODs and LOQs were calculated as 1.73 & 8.19 for rutin, 0.09 & 4.19 for hyperoside, 2.09 & 6.3 for isorhamnetin and 0.18 & 0.56 for kaempferol. The recovery averages of above-mentioned flavonols were 90.3%, 97.4%, 98.7% and 90.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

The simplicity of the method makes it highly valuable for quality control ofC. chinensisaccording to quantization of flavonols.
HSV-1-induced chemokine expression via IFI16-dependent and IFI16-independent pathways in human monocyte-derived macrophages
Authors: Søby Stine , Laursen Rune R , Østergaard Lars , Melchjorsen Jesper
Published: October 2012

Background

Innate recognition is essential in the antiviral response against infection by herpes simplex virus (HSV). Chemokines are important for control of HSV via recruitment of natural killer cells, T lymphocytes, and antigen-presenting cells. We previously found that early HSV-1-mediated chemokine responses are not dependent on TLR2 and TLR9 in human macrophages. Here, we investigated the role of the recently identified innate IFN-inducible DNA receptor IFI16 during HSV-1 infection in human macrophages.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were purified from buffy coats and monocytes were differentiated to macrophages. Macrophages infected with HSV-1 were analyzed using siRNA-mediated knock-down of IFI16 by real-time PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting.

Results

We determined that both CXCL10 and CCL3 are induced independent of HSV-1 replication. IFI16 mediates CCL3 mRNA accumulation during early HSV-1 infection. In contrast, CXCL10 was induced independently of IFI16.

Conclusions

Our data provide the first evidence of HSV-1-induced innate immune responses via IFI16 in human primary macrophages. In addition, the data suggest that at least one additional unidentified receptor or innate sensing mechanism is involved in recognizing HSV-1 prior to viral replication.
Gender, anthropometric factors and risk of colorectal cancer with particular reference to tumour location and TNM stage: a cohort study
Authors: Brändstedt Jenny , Wangefjord Sakarias , Nodin Björn , Gaber Alexander , Manjer Jonas , Jirström Karin
Published: October 2012

Background

It remains unclear whether the increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with obesity differs by gender, distribution of fat, tumour location and clinical (TNM) stage. The primary aim of this study was to examine these associations in 584 incident colorectal cancer cases from a Swedish prospective population-based cohort including 28098 men and women.

Methods

Seven anthropometric factors; height, weight, bodyfat percentage, hip circumference, waist circumference, BMI and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were categorized into quartiles of baseline anthropometric measurements. Relative risks of CRC, total risk as well as risk of different TNM stages, and risk of tumours located to the colon or rectum, were calculated for all cases, women and men, respectively, using multivariate Cox regression models.

Results

Obesity, as defined by all anthropometric variables, was significantly associated with an overall increased risk of CRC in both women and men. While none of the anthropometric measures was significantly associated with risk of tumour (T)-stage 1 and 2 tumours, all anthropometric variables were significantly associated with an increased risk of T-stage 3 and 4, in particular in men. In men, increasing quartiles of weight, hip, waist, BMI and WHR were significantly associated with an increased risk of lymph node positive (N1 and N2) disease, and risk of both non-metastatic (M0) and metastatic (M1) disease. In women, there were no or weak associations between obesity and risk of node-positive disease, but statistically significant associations between increased weight, bodyfat percentage, hip, BMI and M0 disease. Interestingly, there was an increased risk of colon but not rectal cancer in men, and rectal but not colon cancer in women, by increased measures of weight, hip-, waist circumference and bodyfat percentage.

Conclusions

This study is the first to show a relationship between obesity, measured as several different anthropometric factors, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer of more advanced clinical stage, in particular in men. These findings suggest that risk of CRC differs according to the method of characterising obesity, and also according to gender, location, and tumour stage.