bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between thromboelastography and conventional coagulation tests after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in the paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Pekelharing J. , Furck A. , Banya W. , Macrae D. , Davidson S. J.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Following paediatric cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), there is a risk of significant postoperative bleeding. A number of risk factors are associated with postoperative bleeding including; age, complexity of the surgery, dilution and consumption of clotting factors. We conducted a prospective audit comparing different coagulation tests used following paediatric CPB to determine whether thromboelastography (TEG) on the intensive care unit or routine laboratory coagulation assays including fibrinogen are better at assessing bleeding and bleeding risk.

Methods

Tests on arrival in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) included the following: fibrinogen, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, full blood count and TEG. Bleeding was measured in the first 1–4 h via chest drain loss. Bleeding was considered significant if ≥5 ml/kg/h.

Results

Of 107 patients admitted to PICU, 23/107 were considered to be bleeding during the first hour. Fibrinogen concentration had the best correlation with the amount of first‐hour blood loss (rs = 0.52), followed by APTT (rs = 0.44) and TEG MA (rs = 0.34). TEG parameter TEG MA correlated with platelet count (rs = 0.68) and fibrinogen (rs = 0.66).

Conclusions

Thromboelastography did not show better correlation with postoperative bleeding than conventional clotting tests. TEG parameter maximum amplitude correlates with platelet count and fibrinogen.
An analysis of the small RNA transcriptome of four developmental stages of the citrus red mite (Panonychus citri)
Authors: Liu B. , Dou W. , Ding T‐B. , Zhong R. , Liao C‐Y. , Xia W‐K. , Wang J‐J.
Published: December 2013

The citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) can feed on more than 112 plant species around the world. Endogenous small RNAs (sRNAs) have proved to be important components of gene regulation in many eukaryotes. Recently, many sRNAs have been shown to be involved in various biological processes, such as development in many animals, including insects; however, to date, no sRNAs have been reported in the citrus red mite. Using Illumina sequencing, several categories of sRNAs were identified, including 594 known microRNAs (miRNAs) grouped into 206 families and 31 novel miRNAs in the four developmental stages of citrus red mite. In addition, according to bioinformatics analysis and S‐Poly(T) miRNA assays, the expression level of many miRNAs varied among the developmental stages. Furthermore, the prediction of miRNAs target genes and their functional annotation indicated that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of multiple pathways in the citrus red mite. As the first report of the sRNA world in citrus red mite, the present study furthers our understanding of the roles played by sRNAs in the development of citrus red mite and the data may help to develop methods of controlling the pests in the field.
Strengthening of Thermoelectric Performance via Ir Doping in Layered Ca3Co4O9 System
Authors: Huang Yanan , Zhao Bangchuan , Lin Shuai , Ang Ran , Song Wenhai , Sun Yuping
Published: December 2013

The effects of Ir doping on thermoelectric (TE) as well as transport and magnetic properties of Ca3Co4−xIrxO9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) series samples have been investigated systematically. Based on the analysis of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, the valence state of the doped Ir ions is suggested to be +4. As Ir ions are doped into system, both the resistivity and the metal‐insulator transition temperature increase till to x = 0.3, indicating the more stable spin‐density‐wave state in these Ir‐doped samples. The thermopower increases monotonously with increasing x. For x = 0.4 sample, its room‐temperature thermopower S300K reaches 166.2 μV/K, which is 36% larger than that of the undoped sample. The results show that a proper Ir doping may be an effective route to strengthen the TE performance of Ca3Co4O9 system, which is suggested to originate from the variations of carrier concentration and lattice disharmony induced by Ir doping. At the same time, Ir doping suppresses the low‐temperature ferrimagnetic state and also introduces a spin‐glass behavior at low temperatures.
Near‐Infrared Quantum Cutting via Downconversion Energy Transfers in Ho3+/Yb3+ Codoped Tellurite Glass Ceramics
Authors: Zhou Xianju , Wang Yongjie , Zhao Xiaoqi , Li Li , Wang Zhongqing , Li Qingxu
Published: December 2013

The different concentration of Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped tellurite glasses were prepared by high‐temperature melting‐quenching method. On excitation of Ho3+ ions with blue photon at 449 nm as well as ultraviolet (UV) photon at 360 nm, the near infrared emission at 977 nm from Yb3+ and 981, 1020 nm from Ho3+, which could be absorbed by silicon and enhance the efficiency of the silicon‐based solar cell, were observed. The energy‐transfer process of Ho3+ and Yb3+ ions and involved mechanism have been investigated and discussed. The first‐order energy transfer (ET) through cross relaxation and a back ET from Yb3+ to Ho3+ occurred in the near‐infrared quantum cutting (NIR QC) system are proposed and verified. The NIR quantum efficiency achieved 166% when Yb3+ doping concentration is 20 mol%.
A Resurgence in Field Research is Essential to Better Understand the Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution of Microbial Eukaryotes
Authors: Heger Thierry J. , Edgcomb Virginia P. , Kim Eunsoo , Lukeš Julius , Leander Brian S. , Yubuki Naoji
Published: December 2013

The discovery and characterization of protist communities from diverse environments are crucial for understanding the overall evolutionary history of life on earth. However, major questions about the diversity, ecology, and evolutionary history of protists remain unanswered, notably because data obtained from natural protist communities, especially of heterotrophic species, remain limited. In this review, we discuss the challenges associated with “field protistology”, defined here as the exploration, characterization, and interpretation of microbial eukaryotic diversity within the context of natural environments or field experiments, and provide suggestions to help fill this important gap in knowledge. We also argue that increased efforts in field studies that combine molecular and microscopical methods offer the most promising path toward (1) the discovery of new lineages that expand the tree of eukaryotes; (2) the recognition of novel evolutionary patterns and processes; (3) the untangling of ecological interactions and functions, and their roles in larger ecosystem processes; and (4) the evaluation of protist adaptations to a changing climate.
UNDERWRITERS AND THE BROKEN CHINESE WALL: INSTITUTIONAL HOLDINGS AND POST‐IPO SECURITIES LITIGATION
Authors: Barabanov Sergey S. , Ozocak Onem , Pukthuanthong Kuntara , Walker Thomas J.
Published: December 2013

We examine whether underwriters have an information advantage over other institutional investors in new public companies. Focusing on firms targeted by IPO‐related class action litigation and a matched sample of nonsued firms, we find evidence suggesting that lead underwriters retain an information advantage in the firms they take public and that they capitalize on this information by closing out or reducing their holdings in sued firms prior to the eventual litigation date. An examination of analyst opinions suggests that analysts affiliated with lead underwriters are reluctant to reduce their earnings forecasts or downgrade sued firms before the litigation date.
Presence of spur cells as a highly predictive factor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Alexopoulou Alexandra , Vasilieva Larisa , Kanellopoulou Theoni , Pouriki Sophia , Soultati Aspasia , Dourakis Spyridon P
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

The presence of spur‐cell anemia (SCA) is due to lipid disturbances of the erythrocyte membrane and may develop in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. The accurate predicting value of SC for survival has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate SCA as a prognostic indicator in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated clinical, laboratory parameters, and survival in patients with cirrhosis, with or without SCA, during the period 2008–2011. Patients who had at admission renal failure, other causes of hemolytic anemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, sepsis, and/or active bleeding, were excluded. One hundred sixteen patients with cirrhosis were included. The presence of SCA (SC rate higher or equal to 5% [≥ 5%]) was diagnosed in 36 (31%) patients.

Results

Patients with SCA compared to those without had more advanced liver disease (higher Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD], P < 0.001), higher total bilirubin (P < 0.001), and International Normalized Ratio (P < 0.001). Patients with SCA had worse survival (log rank P < 0.001). Survival of patients with SCA at the first, second, and third month of follow‐up was 77%, 45%, and 33%, respectively. In multivariate Cox's regression analysis, the presence of SCA was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio = 3.17 [95% CI 1.55–6.48]).

Conclusions

The presence of spur‐cell anemia is not uncommon in cirrhosis and seems to be strongly associated with mortality. SCA can be used in combination with MELD as an additional predictor of early mortality.
Changes of HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients after 5 years of entecavir treatment
Authors: Seto Wai‐Kay , Lam Yuk‐Fai , Fung James , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Huang Fung‐Yu , Hung Ivan Fan‐Ngai , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) kinetics during long‐term entecavir therapy has not been well investigated.

Methods

We described the cumulative serologic, virologic, and biochemical outcomes and the occurrence of signature entecavir mutations among 222 Chinese treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving entecavir for up to 5 years.

Results

The median rate of HBsAg reduction over 5 years was 0.125 log IU/mL/year. Patients with high baseline HBV DNA levels (≥ 8 log copies/mL or ≥ 7.3 log IU/mL), when compared with those with baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA < 7.3 log IU/mL, had a significantly greater median rate of HBsAg reduction (0.178 and 0.102 log IU/mL/year, respectively, P < 0.001). The difference in HBsAg decline was most prominent in the first year (0.324 and 0.062 log IU/mL/year, respectively, P < 0.001). Greater median rates of HBsAg reduction were also found in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive patients when compared with HBeAg‐negative patients (0.144 and 0.098 log IU/mL/year, P = 0.015), and in patients with high baseline HBsAg levels (≥ 3 log IU/mL), when compared with patients with low baseline HBsAg < 3 log IU/mL (0.131 and 0.045 log IU/mL/year, respectively, P = 0.001). The 5‐year cumulative rate of HBV DNA undetectability (< 20 IU/mL) was 97.1%. There were two cases of entecavir resistance, resulting in a 5‐year cumulative resistance rate of 1.2%.

Conclusion

In contrast to the profound HBV DNA suppression, long‐term entecavir treatment achieved only a slow decline in serum HBsAg. Although certain patient subgroups exhibit a more rapid HBsAg reduction, additional therapeutic agents are needed to increase the chance of HBsAg seroclearance in CHB.
Long‐term outcomes of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the era of antiviral therapy in Korea
Authors: Park Yoon Hea , Kim Beom Kyung , Kim Ja Kyung , Kim Hyeon Chang , Kim Do Young , Park Jun Yong , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Kim Seung Up , Shin Seung Hwan , Hahn Kyu Yeon , Ahn Sang Hoon
Published: December 2013

Background and Aims

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and ultimately liver‐related deaths. Recently, owing to potent antiviral therapy with minimal side‐effects, sustained suppression of hepatitis B virus replication can be achieved, thereby preventing such complications. We aimed to reappraise clinical courses regarding disease progression in the era of antiviral therapy.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2005, treatment‐naïve Korean CHB patients without cirrhosis were enrolled and followed up for at least 5 years. During follow up, antiviral therapy was commenced according to Korean Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines, if eligible, and ultrasonography and laboratory and clinical assessment were performed regularly. Primary end‐points were development of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, HCC, or liver‐related deaths.

Results

Of 360 patients, 323 (89.7%) received antiviral therapy such as lamivudine (70.6%), entecavir (8.7%), or telbivudine (6.5%). During follow up, cirrhosis developed in 29 (8.1%), hepatic decompensation in 4 (1.1%), and HCC in 15 (4.2%) patients. Annual incidences of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and HCC were 1.05%, 0.14%, and 0.53% per person‐year, respectively. Age was an independent predictor for developing cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.075, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.037–1.116; P < 0.001), whereas age (HR 1.060, 95% CI 1.012–1.111; P = 0.014) and cirrhosis (HR 17.470, 95% CI 5.081–60.063; P < 0.001) were those for developing HCC.

Conclusions

In the era of antiviral therapy, overall clinical courses have been much improved since introduction of lamivudine in 1999. However, patients with older age or cirrhosis are still subject to HCC development despite appropriate antiviral therapy, necessitating cautious surveillance.
High sensitivity of quick view capsule endoscopy for detection of small bowel Crohn's disease
Authors: Halling Morten Lee , Nathan Torben , Kjeldsen Jens , Jensen Michael Dam
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Capsule endoscopy (CE) has a high sensitivity for diagnosing small bowel Crohn's disease, but video analysis is time‐consuming. The quick view (qv) function is an effective tool to reduce time consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of missed small bowel ulcerations with qv‐CE compared with standard view and the diagnostic accuracy of qv‐CE in suspected Crohn's disease.

Methods

This study consisted of two parts: (i) 12 small bowel segments with Crohn's disease of varying severity were selected for a detailed analysis of the number and type of lesions visualized with CE and qv‐CE, and (ii) a blinded study of the diagnostic accuracy of qv‐CE including 40 patients with suspected Crohn's disease. Ileocolonoscopy and CE served as gold standard.

Results

Part 1: CE visualized 171 ulcerations compared with 102 detected with qv‐CE (miss rate 40%, P = 0.02). Part 2: qv‐CE identified 15 of 16 patients with small bowel Crohn's disease corresponding to a 94% sensitivity, and overall, 39 out of 40 patients were classified correct (diagnostic accuracy 98%). Qv‐CE was false negative in one patient because of a leap of 3 min and 20 s in the terminal ileum. Reading times varied from 5 to 18 min (median 10).

Conclusion

Despite a significant number of missed lesions, qv‐CE is a safe and time‐reducing method for diagnosing small bowel Crohn's disease. To avoid false negative cases, we recommend viewing the terminal ileum in standard view.
Conscious and unconscious processing of facial expressions: Evidence from two split‐brain patients
Authors: Prete Giulia , D'Ascenzo Stefania , Laeng Bruno , Fabri Mara , Foschi Nicoletta , Tommasi Luca
Published: December 2013

We investigated how the brain's hemispheres process explicit and implicit facial expressions in two ‘split‐brain’ patients (one with a complete and one with a partial anterior resection). Photographs of faces expressing positive, negative or neutral emotions were shown either centrally or bilaterally. The task consisted in judging the friendliness of each person in the photographs. Half of the photograph stimuli were ‘hybrid faces’, that is an amalgamation of filtered images which contained emotional information only in the low range of spatial frequency, blended to a neutral expression of the same individual in the rest of the spatial frequencies. The other half of the images contained unfiltered faces. With the hybrid faces the patients and a matched control group were more influenced in their social judgements by the emotional expression of the face shown in the left visual field (LVF). When the expressions were shown explicitly, that is without filtering, the control group and the partially callosotomized patient based their judgement on the face shown in the LVF, whereas the complete split‐brain patient based his ratings mainly on the face presented in the right visual field. We conclude that the processing of implicit emotions does not require the integrity of callosal fibres and can take place within subcortical routes lateralized in the right hemisphere.
The Visual Spatial Learning Test: Differential impairment during the premanifest and manifest stages of Huntington's disease
Authors: Pirogovsky Eva , Nicoll Diane R. , Challener Dillon M. , Breen Elizabeth , Gluhm Shea , Corey‐Bloom Jody , Gilbert Paul E.
Published: December 2013

Visual spatial memory was assessed using the Visual Spatial Learning Test (VSLT) in individuals with mild to moderate Huntington's disease (HD), pre‐manifest gene carriers for HD, and demographically similar controls. The VSLT has been demonstrated to be a valid, normed measure of non‐verbal memory involving minimal motoric responses. The VSLT assesses immediate and delayed memory for designs, positions of the designs, and design/position associations. The HD group was significantly impaired (p < .05) relative to both the control and Pre‐HD groups on immediate and delayed memory for the designs, positions, and design/position associations. Although there were no differences between the Pre‐HD and control groups on immediate or delayed memory for designs or positions, the Pre‐HD group was significantly impaired (p < .05) relative to the control group on immediate and delayed memory for design/position associations. The results offer novel insight into a relatively unexamined memory deficit that may occur in gene carriers for HD prior to phenoconversion. The data indicate that the VSLT may be a useful measure of visuospatial memory during the premanifest and manifest stages of HD.
Allometry of left ventricular myocardial innervation
Authors: Schipke Julia , Mayhew Terry M. , Mühlfeld Christian
Published: December 2013

Body mass (BM) of terrestrial mammalian species ranges from a few grams in the case of the Etruscan shrew to a few tonnes for an elephant. The mass‐specific metabolic rate, as well as heart rate, decrease with increasing BM, whereas heart mass is proportional to BM. In the present study, we investigated the scaling behaviour of several compartments of the left ventricular myocardium, notably its innervation, capillaries and cardiomyocytes. Myocardial samples were taken from 10 mammalian species with BM between approximately 2 g and 900 kg. Samples were analysed by design‐based stereology and electron microscopy and the resulting data were subjected to linear regression and correlation analyses. The total length of nerve fibres (axons) in the left ventricle increased from 0.017 km (0.020 km) in the shrew to 7237 km (13 938 km) in the horse. The innervation density was similar among species but the mean number of axons per nerve fibre profile increased with rising BM. The total length of capillaries increased from 0.119 km (shrew) to 10 897 km (horse). The volume of cardiomyocytes was 0.017 cm3 in the shrew and 1818 cm3 in the horse. Scaling of the data against BM indicated a higher degree of complexity of the axon tree in larger animals and an allometric relationship between total length of nerve fibres/axons and BM. In contrast, the density of nerve fibres is independent of BM. It seems that the structural components of the autonomic nervous system in the heart are related to BM and heart mass rather than to functional parameters such as metabolic rate.
The building blocks of job insecurity: The impact of environmental and person‐related variables on job insecurity perceptions
Authors: Debus Maike E. , König Cornelius J. , Kleinmann Martin
Published: December 2013

This study unites two perspectives concerning the determinants of job insecurity perceptions that exist in the literature and that resemble the classical nature–nurture debate. On the ‘nurture’ side, we investigated the company performance and type of contract, while we focused on negative affectivity and locus of control on the ‘nature’ side. In addition to demonstrating the known main effects of the respective predictors, we examined the proportional reduction in prediction error for both predictor types. Based on Lazarus’ stress model, we also hypothesized interactive effects between the environmental and person‐related predictors. Multilevel analyses of 640 employees from 50 companies revealed that all four variables significantly and incrementally predicted job insecurity in the hypothesized direction. Interestingly, the person‐related variables contributed more than twice as much to the reduction in prediction error in job insecurity perceptions when compared with the environmental variables. Among the hypothesized interaction effects, only locus of control significantly interacted with type of contract in predicting job insecurity perceptions (employees on a temporary contract experienced a steeper incline in job insecurity perceptions with increasing levels of external locus of control relative to employees on a permanent contract). We discuss implications for the conceptualization of job insecurity as well as practical implications.

Practitioner points

The study shows that the person‐related variables negative affectivity and locus of control weigh more heavily in the reduction in prediction error in job insecurity perceptions compared with the environmental variables company performance and type of contract. Above this, external locus of control was more strongly related to job insecurity perceptions among employees on a temporary contract, compared with employees on a permanent contract.

To reduce job insecurity perceptions, managers should try to decrease temporary contract arrangements and take employees’ personality dispositions into account (e.g., when assigning employees to work teams). By doing so, employees with extremely high negative affectivity and a strong external locus of control might be ‘positively’ affected by other team members (with less severe levels on these traits).

Moreover, managers should try to reduce any negative cues about future employment prospects that employees could interpret the wrong way. Instead, managers should try to give positive feedback concerning employment (if this fits the situation at hand) and/or verbalize negative messages with an unambiguous interpretation.
Seroprevalence of herpes virus associated with the presence and severity of oral mucositis in children diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia
Authors: Santos de Faria Andreza Barkokebas , Silva Igor Henrique Moraes , de Godoy Almeida Roberta , Silva Sirleide Pereira da , Carvalho Alessandra Tavares , Leão Jair Carneiro
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is the hematologic neoplasia most commonly diagnosed in children. Among the secondary side effects of chemotherapy, mucositis is the most frequent complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of herpes viruses HSV‐1, EBV, and CMV and the presence and severity of oral mucositis in children and adolescents diagnosed with ALL.

Methodology

Ninety‐two patients diagnosed with ALL were evaluated. Serum samples were collected before chemotherapy and tested by ELISA method. Presence of mucositis was observed on the first day before antineoplastic therapy (D0) and on 7th day post‐therapy (D7). Classification of mucositis intensity was performed according to toxicity criteria established by the National Cancer Institute.

Results

70.7% of the patients presented mucositis on the D7, and of these, 60% were classified as Grade I and 40% as Grade II; of the 92 individuals tested, 59 (64.1%) presented antibodies for HSV‐1, 57 (62%) for EBV, 75 (81.5%) for CMV_IgG, and 21 (22.8%) for CMV_IgM. Using a logistic regression model, the presence of HSV‐1 was observed to be 4.10 times greater in Grade II mucositis severity than in Grade I (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, it was possible to conclude that infection by the herpes viruses HSV‐1, EBV, and CMV is ubiquitous in the studied population and that HSV‐1 may be a risk factor for aggravating the severity of mucositis.
A low dicer expression is associated with resistance to 5‐FU‐based chemoradiotherapy and a shorter overall survival in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kawahara Kenta , Nakayama Hideki , Nagata Masashi , Yoshida Ryoji , Hirosue Akiyuki , Tanaka Takuya , Nakagawa Yoshihiro , Matsuoka Yuichiro , Kojima Taku , Takamune Yasuo , Yoshitake Yoshihiro , Hiraki Akimitsu , Shinohara Masanori
Published: December 2013

Background

The deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is associated with multiple processes involved in cancer progression. RNase III endonucleases, Dicer and Drosha, are key enzymes for miRNA biogenesis, and it has been reported that altered expressions of these molecules affect the clinical outcomes of patients with various cancers. However, the clinical value of measuring the levels of Dicer and Drosha in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the expressions of Dicer and Drosha in patients with OSCC.

Methods

Oral squamous cell carcinoma specimens were obtained from 61 patients who underwent surgery following 5‐fluorouracil‐based chemoradiotherapy at Kumamoto University Hospital between October 2003 and January 2009. Paraffin‐embedded sections obtained from biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed. The associations between Dicer, Drosha, and various clinicopathological features were examined, and the effects of Dicer and Drosha on the prognosis were evaluated.

Results

A low Dicer tumor expression was significantly correlated with the pathological response to chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, a Cox regression analysis based on the overall survival revealed the Dicer expression status (hazard ratio, 0.34; P = 0.048) and pathological response to chemoradiotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.21; P = 0.014) to be significant prognostic factors in OSCC patients. On the other hand, the Drosha expression was not associated with any clinicopathological features or the prognosis.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Dicer is a potential biomarker for predicting the clinical response to 5‐FU‐based chemoradiotherapy and the overall survival in patients with OSCC.
Should intravenous immunoglobulin be used in infants with isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility?
Authors: Keir Amy K , Dunn Michael , Callum Jeannie
Published: December 2013

The use of intravenous immunoglobulin in isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Blood Authority, Australia. However, the evidence these recommendations are based on appears limited and, in some instances, outdated. In our article, we review the current available literature to help answer the question, ‘In infants with isoimmune haemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility [P], does use of intravenous immunoglobulin and intensive phototherapy [I] compared with intensive phototherapy alone [C] provide any clinically important benefits [O]?’
Hizikia fusiformis fractions successfully improve atopic dermatitis indices in anti-CD3-stimulated splenocytes and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-treated BALB/c mice
Authors: Lee Kyu Ho , Kim Hee Jung , Kim Hae Bok , Kim Seung Tae , Choi Young Ri , Seo Da Woom , Yu Jung Min , Jang Su Kil , Kim Sang Moo , Lee Do-Ik , Joo Seong Soo
Published: December 2013

Objectives

In the present study, we aimed to examine whether fractions from an edible sea weed, Hizikia fusiformis, had immunomodulatory effects, particularly an anti-atopic effect, by attenuating the expression of T cell-dependent cytokines using in-vitro and in-vivo animal atopic dermatitis-like models.

Methods

The anti-atopic activities were examined in in vitro, and a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis-like mouse model using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic-mobility shift and histophathological analysis.

Key findings

Our results showed that the final fraction (F2′) of H. fusiformis contained a higher amount of butanoic acid which was not found in the other fractions, and effectively inhibited T cell activation by inhibiting dephosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells in electrophoretic-mobility shift assay. As a consequence, helper T cell-dependent cytokines, such as interleukin-2, -4 and interferon-γ, were significantly inhibited while activated with an anti-CD3 antibody. We also showed that skin challenged with DNCB successfully recovered when treated with 2.5 mg/kg, comparable to that by 0.25% prednicarbate. These results indicate that F2′ may contribute to inhibit T cell activation by eliminating Th cell-dependent cytokines.

Conclusions

Taken together, we concluded that F2′ containing butanoic acid may be a new functional anti-atopic candidate, which probably acts through nuclear factor of activated T cell inactivation mechanisms.
Interactions between drugs and polymers influencing hot melt extrusion
Authors: Li Yongcheng , Pang Huishi , Guo Zhefei , Lin Ling , Dong Yixuan , Li Ge , Lu Ming , Wu Chuangbin
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Hot melt extrusion (HME) as a technique for producing amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) has been widely used in pharmaceutical research. The biggest challenge for the application of HME is the thermal degradation of drug, poor physical stability of ASD and precipitation of drug during dissolution. Interactions between drugs and polymers may play an important role in overcoming these barriers. In this review, influence of drug–polymer interactions on HME and the methods for characterizing the drug–polymer interactions were reviewed.

Key findings

Strong drug–polymer interactions, especially ionic interactions and hydrogen bonds, are helpful to improving the thermal stability of drug during HME, enhancing the physical stability of ASD during storage and maintaining supersaturated solution after dissolution in gastrointestinal tract. The interactions can be quantitatively and qualitatively characterized by many analysing methods.

Conclusions

As many factors collectively determine the properties of HME products, drug–polymer interactions play an extremely important role. However, the action mechanisms of drug–polymer interactions need intensive investigation to provide more useful information for optimizing the formulation and the process parameters of HME.
Comparative oral bioavailability of geniposide following oral administration of geniposide, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruits extracts and Gardenia herbal formulation in rats
Authors: Cheng Sharleen , Lin Lie-Chwen , Lin Chi-Hung , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: December 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic data between pure compound of the major active component, single herbal extract and complex herbal formulation by determining bioavailability of geniposide in each group following intravenous and oral administrations.

Methods

A conscious and freely moving rat model was used in this experiment to avoid the stress caused by restraint or anaesthesia. The pure compound of geniposide, Gardenia fruits (Chinese name: Zhi-Zi), and extracts of a Gardenia herbal formulation (Chinese name: Zhi-Zi-Chi-Tang) were administered at doses of 200 mg/kg, 4.69 g/kg and 10.82 g/kg for oral administration and fed by gavages to rats, respectively. The earlier doses are equivalent to geniposide administration dose of 200 mg/kg.

Key findings

The results show that after oral administration of geniposide, Gardenia fruits and Gardenia herbal formulation, the bioavailability were 4.23%, 32.32% and 27.17%, respectively. The results of oral bioavailability of geniposide also suggest that Gardenia fruits extract, single herb, is a more efficient way for geniposide, pure compound, absorption than traditional herbal formulation administration and direct pure compound administration.

Conclusions

The conclusion reveals that herbal ingredient–ingredient or herb–herb interaction may affect the oral absorption of geniposide-related herbal formulation.
Association of aggressive periodontitis with reduced erythrocyte counts and reduced hemoglobin levels
Authors: Anand P. S. , Sagar D. K. , Ashok S. , Kamath K. P.
Published: December 2013

Background and Objective

Studies have shown that erythrocyte counts and hemoglobin levels are reduced in patients with chronic periodontitis, suggesting that this condition may be associated with anemia of chronic disease. Although increased leukocyte counts have been reported in aggressive periodontitis, very little is known about the effects of aggressive periodontitis on erythrocyte counts. The present study was undertaken to determine whether generalized aggressive periodontitis is associated with reduced erythrocyte counts and reduced hemoglobin levels.

Material and Methods

The present study was conducted as a case–control study in which 64 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis were categorized as cases and 58 periodontally healthy individuals were categorized as controls. Erythrocyte parameters (such as erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit and erythrocyte indices) and clinical parameters (such as gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level and percentage of severe sites) were recorded.

Results

Significant differences were observed between cases and controls in mean erythrocyte count (4.45 ± 0.6 × 106 erythrocytes/μL and 4.78 ± 0.56 × 106 erythrocytes/μL respectively, p = 0.002) and hemoglobin level (12.43 ± 1.83 g/dL and 13.53 ± 1.64 g/dL, respectively, p = 0.001). Other erythrocyte parameters, such as hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, were also significantly lower among cases compared with controls. Logistic regression analyses showed that generalized aggressive periodontitis was significantly associated with lower erythrocyte counts ( p = 0.032) and a lower hemoglobin concentration ( p = 0.017).

Conclusion

The findings of the present study suggest that patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis tend to have lower erythrocyte counts and lower hemoglobin levels compared with periodontally healthy controls. This suggests that generalized aggressive periodontitis, like chronic periodontitis, may be associated with a risk for anemia of chronic disease.
Articulating minority nationhood: cultural and political dimensions in Québec's reasonable accommodation debate
Authors: Laxer Emily , Carson Rachael Dianne , Korteweg Anna C.
Published: December 2013

Given their precarious position within larger states, national minorities cannot rely on federal governments to affirm their nationhood. Moreover, insofar as nationhood is predicated on a shared history, language and culture, immigrants place additional strains on the maintenance of national distinctiveness and the political claims that derive from it. In 2006–2007, following a series of confrontations over religious practices in the public sphere, Québec's provincial government appointed the Bouchard–Taylor Commission to investigate avenues for the accommodation of immigrant‐related cultural and religious differences. While it failed to generate policy, the commission did provide a discursive space for the (re)assertion of Québécois nationhood. Analysing the production of national identity in newspaper debates of the Bouchard–Taylor report, we offer an alternative to the ethnic–civic paradigm in nationalism theory. Rather than treat ethnic and civic as two separate ends of a single continuum, we conceptualise a relationship between two dimensions: one of culture and one of politics. We show that in contemporary articulations of Québec national identity, the prerequisites of political membership derive their meaning from a productive tension between blood‐based and adoptive conceptions of national culture.
Nation versus class in Ukraine
Authors: Shulman Stephen
Published: December 2013

This article evaluates the long‐standing but rarely‐tested proposition that nationalism and nationhood mask the extent of class divisions in a society. Specifically, it examines three possible routes by which state‐nationhood might subjectively mitigate the importance of class. Nationhood may shape people's perception of the magnitude of economic inequalities, their perception of the magnitude of class conflict or their assessment of their own class position. An analysis of a mass public opinion survey from Ukraine in 2011 demonstrates that contrary to theoretical arguments advanced by a wide variety of scholars, national identity and national sentiments have very little or no impact on the perceived salience of class divisions in Ukraine. Contradictory forces within the national idea itself are identified to explain this outcome.
In‐hospital costs associated with chronic constipation in Belgium: a retrospective database study
Authors: Chevalier P. , Lamotte M. , Joseph A. , Dubois D. , Boeckxstaens G.
Published: December 2013

Background

Real‐life data on the economic burden of chronic idiopathic constipation are scarce. The objectives of this study were to assess hospitalization resource use and costs associated with chronic constipation and its complications in Belgium.

Methods

This was a single country, retrospective study using the IMS Hospital Disease Database (2008), which comprises data on 34% of acute hospital beds in Belgium and contains information on patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), billed costs, drug use, diagnoses, and procedures. Stays with a primary diagnosis of constipation, or a secondary diagnosis of constipation and a concomitant diagnosis of a constipation‐related complication, were selected. Patients with diagnoses of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, or who had stays involving potentially constipation‐inducing procedures, were excluded as having secondary constipation. Patients receiving opioids, calcium‐antagonists, antipsychotics or antidepressants were excluded as having drug‐induced constipation.

Key Results

In total, 1541 eligible patients were identified. The average unadjusted cost per day in hospital for idiopathic constipation was €441 (€311 ± 1.4 in day clinic visits without overnight stays; €711 ± 14.0 in full hospitalizations with complications). The average LOS in a full hospitalization setting was 7.0 and 4.0 days in stays with and without complications, respectively. The most frequent drug and procedural treatments were osmotically acting laxatives (with complications: 42.61%; without complications: 35.69%), and transanal enema (2.32% and 2.03%), respectively.

Conclusions & Inferences

The burden of constipation is often underestimated; it is a condition reflected by hospital‐related costs comparable to such indications as migraine, which increase when associated with complications.
Superior aluminium (Al) tolerance of Stylosanthes is achieved mainly by malate synthesis through an Al‐enhanced malic enzyme, SgME1
Authors: Sun Lili , Liang Cuiyue , Chen Zhijian , Liu Pandao , Tian Jiang , Liu Guodao , Liao Hong
Published: December 2013

Stylosanthes (stylo) is a dominant leguminous forage in the tropics. Previous studies suggest that stylo has great potential for aluminium (Al) tolerance, but little is known about the underlying mechanism.

A novel malic enzyme, SgME1, was identified from the Al‐tolerant genotype TPRC2001‐1 after 72 h Al exposure by two‐dimensional electrophoresis, and the encoding gene was cloned and characterized via heterologous expression in yeast, Arabidopsis thaliana and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) hairy roots.

Internal Al detoxification might be mainly responsible for the 72 h Al tolerance of TPRC2001‐1, as indicated by 5.8‐fold higher root malate concentrations and approximately two‐fold higher Al concentrations in roots and root symplasts of TPRC2001‐1 than those of the Al‐sensitive genotype Fine‐stem. An accompanying increase in malate secretion might also reduce a fraction of Al uptake in TPRC2001‐1. Gene and protein expression of SgME1 was only enhanced in TPRC2001‐1 after 72 h Al exposure. Overexpressing SgME1 enhanced malate synthesis and rescued yeast, A. thaliana and bean hairy roots from Al toxicity via increasing intracellular malate concentrations and/or accompanied malate exudation.

These results provide strong evidence that superior Al tolerance of stylo is mainly conferred by Al‐enhanced malate synthesis, functionally controlled by SgME1.
Coexisting orchid species have distinct mycorrhizal communities and display strong spatial segregation
Authors: Jacquemyn Hans , Brys Rein , Merckx Vincent S. F. T. , Waud Michael , Lievens Bart , Wiegand Thorsten
Published: December 2013

Because orchids are dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for germination and establishment of seedlings, differences in the mycorrhizal communities associating with orchids can be expected to mediate the abundance, spatial distribution and coexistence of terrestrial orchids in natural communities.

We assessed the small‐scale spatial distribution of seven orchid species co‐occurring in 25 × 25 m plots in twoMediterranean grasslands. In order to characterize the mycorrhizal community associating with each orchid species, 454 pyrosequencing was used. The extent of spatial clustering was assessed using techniques of spatial point pattern analysis.

The community of mycorrhizal fungi consisted mainly of members of the Tulasnellaceae, Thelephoraceae andCeratobasidiaceae, although sporadically members of theSebacinaceae,Russulaceae andCortinariaceae were observed. Pronounced differences in mycorrhizal communities were observed between species, whereas strong clustering and significant segregation characterized the spatial distribution of orchid species. However, spatial segregation was not significantly related to phylogenetic dissimilarity of fungal communities.

Our results indicate that co‐occurring orchid species have distinctive mycorrhizal communities and show strong spatial segregation, suggesting that mycorrhizal fungi are important factors driving niche partitioning in terrestrial orchids and may therefore contribute to orchid coexistence.
Capacity building in nutrition science: revisiting the curricula for medical professionals
Authors: DiMaria‐Ghalili Rose Ann , Edwards Marilyn , Friedman Gerald , Jaferi Azra , Kohlmeier Martin , Kris‐Etherton Penny , Lenders Carine , Palmer Carole , Wylie‐Rosett Judith
Published: December 2013

The current nutrition education curricula for students in U.S. medical schools, and schools of other health professions, such as nursing and oral health, do not provide enough opportunity to gain knowledge of the interactions among micro‐ and macronutrients, their role in maintaining optimal body functions, factors that interfere with these interactions, or, importantly, how to integrate this knowledge into medical practice. There is a need to better prepare healthcare professionals for identifying nutrition risk and managing hospitalized patients, especially those with chronic conditions, using an interprofessional, team‐based approach. A major goal of this report is to revisit current nutrition training programs for physicians and other healthcare professionals in order to explore opportunities for providing healthcare providers with the essential tools of preventative and therapeutic nutrition intervention strategies. The issues addressed include whether a consensus exists on how to integrate basic and applied nutrition into the general healthcare professional curriculum, and if so, at which stages of training and at what depth should these integrations occur; how nutrition education is dealt with and achieved throughout all the health professions; and whether current nutrition education models are sufficient. To help address these issues, the report will review current nutrition education practices—their strengths and weaknesses—as well as evaluate promising new initiatives, and offer proposals for new directions for nutrition education training of future generation of medical practitioners.
Circadian clocks, brain function, and development
Authors: Frank Ellen , Sidor Michelle M. , Gamble Karen L. , Cirelli Chiara , Sharkey Katherine M. , Hoyle Nathaniel , Tikotzky Liat , Talbot Lisa S. , McCarthy Michael J. , Hasler Brant P.
Published: December 2013

Circadian clocks are temporal interfaces that organize biological systems and behavior to dynamic external environments. Components of the molecular clock are expressed throughout the brain and are centrally poised to play an important role in brain function. This paper focuses on key issues concerning the relationship among circadian clocks, brain function, and development, and discusses three topic areas: (1) sleep and its relationship to the circadian system; (2) systems development and psychopathology (spanning the prenatal period through late life); and (3) circadian factors and their application to neuropsychiatric disorders. We also explore circadian genetics and psychopathology and the selective pressures on the evolution of clocks. Last, a lively debate is presented on whether circadian factors are central to mood disorders. Emerging from research on circadian rhythms is a model of the interaction among genes, sleep, and the environment that converges on the circadian clock to influence susceptibility to developing psychopathology. This model may lend insight into effective treatments for mood disorders and inform development of new interventions.
The effect of caffeine on spontaneous pupillary oscillations
Authors: Wilhelm Barbara , Stuiber Gitta , Lüdtke Holger , Wilhelm Helmut
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, but the duration and extent of its influence on the pupil are not known. The aim of this study was to determine whether caffeine could have an effect on pupillary sleepiness waves, measured with the Pupillographic Sleepiness Test (PST) during routine clinical PST testing, where the caffeine dose‐response of a participant cannot be registered before recording.

Methods

Twenty participants (aged between 22 and 51 years, (mean 30.9 years ±8.9 SD, 11 women and nine men),.were tested at seven different time‐points over 4.5 h. Each participant was tested under four conditions with coffee drunk or not between 1 and 2 h before the first measurement and/or 15 min afterwards.

Results

Caffeine caused a reduction in the Pupillary Unrest Index (PUI) with a maximal effect 1.25 h after consumption. A prolonged effect is found if coffee was consumed between 1 and 2 h before the first measurement. More excessive coffee consumers show prolongation of the effect. Subjective scales of sleepiness, alertness and craving for caffeine were significantly correlated to linear logarithm of PUI (lnPUI).

Conclusions

We conclude that caffeine causes a dampening of the pupillary oscillations in well‐rested participants. As caffeine consumption can affect the PST for up to 6.5 h after intake, it is recommended that if PST measurements are to be carried out in the morning, caffeine consumption should not be allowed after midnight.