bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet‐rich plasma enhances the differentiation of dental pulp progenitor cells into odontoblasts
Authors: Yeom K. H. , Ariyoshi W. , Okinaga T. , Washio A. , Morotomi T. , Kitamura C. , Nishihara T.
Published: February 2015

Aim

To investigate the effects of PRP on odontoblastic differentiation using dental pulp progenitor cells derived from the dental papilla of rat incisors.

Methodology

Monolayer cultures of odontoblastic lineage KN‐3 cells were incubated with PRP for various time periods. The expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentine matrix protein‐1 (DMP‐1) was determined using real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. To further clarify the role of PRP in odontogenesis, KN‐3 cells were stimulated with PRP in the presence of ascorbic acid and β‐glycerophosphate. The cells were stained for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and ALP activity was quantified in cell lysates. The formation of mineralized nodules was assessed by alizarin red staining. Statistical analysis was performed by one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

PRP increased the mRNA and protein expressions of odontoblastic markers, such as DSPP and DMP‐1. Furthermore, PRP stimulated the ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation induced by ascorbic acid and β‐glycerophosphate in a time‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

PRP enhances odontoblastic differentiation of KN‐3 cells. These results indicate that PRP could be a potential candidate for use in the regeneration of dentine–pulp complex.
Modelling household conservation behaviour among ethnic consumers: the path from values to behaviours
Authors: Segev Sigal
Published: February 2015

This article tests a model that explains household conservation behaviour among ethnic consumers. Increasing immigration into Western countries has raised serious questions about the extent to which emerging ethnic communities contribute to environmental degradation or sustainability in their host countries. Previous research focused mainly on measuring ethnic consumers' environmental attitudes, worldviews and concerns, assuming that these ultimately lead to pro‐environmental behaviours. However, these studies overlooked the reality in which pro‐environmental attitudes are not automatically being translated into corresponding behaviours. This study explores the relationship between a set of factors that drive pro‐environmental behaviour, proposing a hierarchical model that depicts a flow from values to household conservation behaviours (i.e. recycling, water, electricity and energy conservation) and the intervening cognitive, affective and psychological variables. Results from a sample of 410 American Hispanic students indicate that the cultural value of collectivism influences conservation behaviour through the more specific factors of environmental values, environmental concern, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) and concrete environmental knowledge. Interestingly, the influence of PCE was more apparent in routine, easy‐to‐perform behaviours such as water conservation and the behavioural aspect of electricity conservation. The influence of concrete environmental knowledge was more powerful in predicting recycling, the use of electricity‐efficient home appliances and energy conservation. Implications for the promotion of conservation behaviour and consumer education as well as directions for future research are discussed.
International Differences in Fiscal Outcomes during the Global Crisis
Authors: Bénétrix Agustín S. , Lane Philip R.
Published: February 2015

We examine the cross‐country dispersion in fiscal outcomes during 2008–09. Controlling for output, we find that the declines in the overall and structural fiscal balances were larger for those countries experiencing larger increases in unemployment and where credit growth during the pre‐crisis period was more rapid. However, controlling for output and unemployment, there is no systematic covariation between fiscal outcomes and a wider range of initial conditions and country characteristics that have been cited as possible drivers of fiscal outcomes during this episode.
Combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga program for urinary incontinence in middle‐aged women
Authors: Kim Gwang Suk , Kim Eun Gyeong , Shin Ki Young , Choo Hee Jung , Kim Mi Ja
Published: February 2015

Aim

Urinary incontinence is a major health problem among middle‐aged women. Pelvic muscle exercise is one of the primary interventions, but difficulty performing this exercise has led researchers to seek alternative or conjunctive exercise. This study aimed to examine the effect of a combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga intervention program on urinary incontinence.

Methods

A single group pre‐/post‐test design was used. Subjects were recruited from a community health center in Seoul, Korea, and a questionnaire survey was conducted. Fifty‐five women participated in the first day of the program, 34 of whom completed the 8 week, twice weekly intervention program. Urinary incontinence was measured by five domains of urinary tract symptoms: filling factor, voiding factor, incontinence factor, sexual function, and quality of life. Also measured were attitude toward pelvic muscle exercise and pelvic muscle strength.

Results

Significant improvements were found in attitude toward pelvic muscle exercise, pelvic muscle strength, and incontinence factor. Daily performance of pelvic muscle exercise was positively correlated with improved incontinence factor and with quality of life related to urinary tract symptoms.

Conclusion

A combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga program was effective for improving overall urinary incontinence in community health center attendees in Korea. Further study is needed with a control group, different populations, and a longer intervention period.
Integrating self‐control with physical attractiveness and cognitive ability to examine pathways to career success
Authors: Converse Patrick D. , Thackray Michelle , Piccone Katrina , Sudduth Mary Margaret , Tocci Michael C. , Miloslavic Stephanie A.
Published: February 2015

Physical attractiveness, cognitive ability, and self‐control predict many important outcomes but are rarely examined in combination, particularly in the context of career success. Drawing from Judge et al.'s (2009, J. Appl. Psychol., 94, 742) model of income antecedents and Caspi et al.'s (1989, J. Pers., 57, 375) concepts of cumulative and interactional continuity, this study investigated the pathways leading from these characteristics to career outcomes. Specifically, we developed a model with links involving (1) attractiveness, intelligence, and self‐control; (2) self‐evaluations, delinquent behaviours, educational attainment, and job complexity; and (3) income and job satisfaction. The model was examined with data from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Results supported a slightly modified model, with major findings indicating attractiveness, intelligence, and self‐control measured during adolescence predicted later self‐evaluations or delinquent behaviour; these variables predicted later education level; education level predicted job complexity; and job complexity predicted income and job satisfaction. Implications related to this integrated model are discussed.

Practitioner points

Interventions might focus on enhancing self‐control‐related skills in adolescents in an effort to improve later work‐related outcomes.

Core self‐evaluations and delinquent tendencies could also be targeted during adolescence to influence life pathways relevant to career outcomes.
Development of Microsatellite Markers for Miiuy Croaker, Miichthys miiuy (Sciaenidae), and Their Application in Verifying Gynogenesis of Large Yellow Croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea, Induced with M. miiuy Sperm
Authors: Miao Liang , Li Ming‐Yun , Chen Ying‐Ying , Guo Xiao‐Fei , Xu Yu‐Min , Li Xiao‐Meng , Chen Jiong
Published: February 2015

A total of 30 microsatellite markers were isolated from miiuy croaker, Miichthys miiuy, and characterized. Of these, 24 were polymorphic with an average of 4.33 alleles per locus (range: 2–8). The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities ranged from 0.0667 to 1.0000 (mean: 0.6361) and 0.3828 to 0.8139 (mean: 0.6443), respectively. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.576, ranging from 0.348 to 0.823. Eight loci deviated significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Twelve of the 30 primer pairs amplified DNA sequences of large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea, and 10 were polymorphic. Except for MM007, sequence alignments of microsatellite flanking regions of the other 11 loci were highly similar between the two species. The gynogenetic P. crocea induced by the sperm of M. miiuy were verified using four cross‐amplified primer pairs. No specific paternal bands were found in the offspring, indicating exclusive maternal inheritance.
Interpersonal justice and actual choice as ways of determining personal injury law and policy
Authors: Campbell David
Published: February 2015

Adapting the concept of ‘interpersonal justice’ used by Professor Robertson to provide a ‘meta-doctrinal’ defence of the law of negligence, this paper asks whether the personal injury system can be thought to have a democratic justification in common beliefs in such justice. It is widely acknowledged that the gross functional inadequacy of the personal injury system makes it implausible to claim that that system can be justified on grounds of compensation or deterrence. But that inadequacy makes it equally implausible to claim that common citizens would choose that system, which exists only because it is effectively compulsory. Constructing a market in first-person insurance would put the existence of the personal injury system to the test of actual choice.
Workers with elderly dependants: employment law's response to the latest care-giving conundrum
Authors: James Grace , Spruce Emma
Published: February 2015

This paper considers how employment laws are being used in response to what we have termed ‘the eldercare–workplace conundrum’. It is well known that people are now living longer but health is still failing in a significant percentage of older people, meaning that many adults require care for longer, albeit to varying degrees and for varying amounts of time. Many of these individuals will receive care from relatives or close friends who are participating in the labour market: this is increasingly likely as adults are expected or want to remain in paid work for longer, often into their sixties and seventies. The requirements of elderly dependants can cause these workers huge difficulties and dilemmas as they attempt, across time, to accommodate the particular needs of the person for whom they wish to provide care, often a loved one, and meet the particular demands of their employment relationship. In this paper, we consider why this is an area of social policy that warrants effective legal engagement and consider, drawing on various examples of legal responses in other countries that face similar conundrums, what might improve legal engagement in this area.
Accumulation of transportin 1 in the fused in sarcoma‐positive neuronal inclusions in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis without FUS mutation
Authors: Tokushige Shin‐ichi , Sasaki Takuya , Hatsuta Hiroyuki , Uchino Akiko , Kakuta Yukio , Shimizu Jun , Tsuji Shoji , Nakayama Takahiro , Imafuku Ichiro , Murayama Shigeo
Published: February 2015

We describe a female patient with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with fused in sarcoma (FUS)‐immunoreactive neuronal inclusions. She presented with weakness mainly in the upper extremities that had started at the age of 53 years. She died at the age of 61 years. Neuronal loss and gliosis accompanying FUS‐positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions involved the upper and lower motor neurons, brainstem motor neurons, basal ganglia, substantia nigra, cerebellar dentate nuclei, thalamus, hypothalamic nuclei, and red nuclei. Most of these inclusions were positive for transportin 1, in a pattern similar to frontotemporal lobar degeneration with FUS and different from familial ALS‐FUS. Mutational analysis showed no mutations in the FUS gene. Our findings show that transportin 1 accumulates in the FUS‐positive inclusions in sporadic ALS‐FUS.
Irritable bowel syndrome: an integrated explanatory model for clinical practice
Authors: Hungin A. P. S. , Becher A. , Cayley B. , Heidelbaugh J. J. , Muris J. W. M. , Rubin G. , Seifert B. , Russell A. , De Wit N. J.
Published: February 2015

Background

Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a symptom‐based diagnosis, clinicians' management of and communication about the disorder is often hampered by an unclear conceptual understanding of the nature of the problem. We aimed to elucidate an integrated explanatory model (EM) for IBS from the existing literature for pragmatic use in the clinical setting.

Methods

Systematic and exploratory literature searches were performed in PubMed to identify publications on IBS and EMs.

Key Results

The searches did not identify a single, integrated EM for IBS. However, three main hypotheses were elucidated that could provide components with which to develop an IBS EM: (i) altered peripheral regulation of gut function (including sensory and secretory mechanisms); (ii) altered brain–gut signaling (including visceral hypersensitivity); and (iii) psychological distress. Genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic changes may, to some degree, underlie the etiology and pathophysiology of IBS and could increase the susceptibility to developing the disorder. The three model components also fit into one integrated explanation for abdominal symptoms and changes in stool habit. Additionally, IBS may share a common pathophysiological mechanism with other associated functional syndromes.

Conclusions & Inferences

It was possible to elucidate an integrated, three‐component EM as a basis for clinicians to conceptualize the nature of IBS, with the potential to contribute to better diagnosis and management, and dialog with sufferers.
Combination of attentional and spatial working memory deficits in Bálint–Holmes syndrome
Authors: Pisella Laure , Biotti Damien , Vighetto Alain
Published: February 2015

This study aims to investigate whether attention and spatiotemporal integration deficits are dissociated in patients with bilateral posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), and whether it is their combination that leads to a severe clinical handicap. We recorded performance and ocular behavior of four PCA patients and four age‐matched controls in visual search and counting tasks. We measured the percentage of targets detected and the mean detection time in a “pop‐out” search. We also compared counting ability when a set of dots is presented briefly (in healthy individuals, the automatic deployment of attention over space allows a fast estimation of quantity) or for unlimited duration (favoring sequential counting, hence spatiotemporal integration). All patients showed reduced deployment of attention over space (simultanagnosia), resulting in increased visual search times and underestimations of the number of briefly presented dots. Only two patients showed ocular revisiting behavior that caused frequent omissions in visual search and overestimations of the number of dots presented for unlimited duration. The impairment to deploy attention is considered here as a bilateral covert attention deficit. Disorganized ocular exploration appears to be independent and is hypothesized to result from processes maintaining a salience map over time (spatial working memory) and especially across saccades.
Laser therapy reduces gelatinolytic activity in the rat trigeminal ganglion during temporomandibular joint inflammation
Authors: Desiderá AC , Nascimento GC , Gerlach RF , Leite‐Panissi CRA
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To investigate whether low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) alters the expression and activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) during different stages of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation in rats. It also evaluated whether LLLT modifies mechanical allodynia and orofacial hyperalgesia.

Materials and Methods

Wistar rats (±250 g) were divided into groups that received saline (SAL) or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA, 50 μl) in the TMJ, and that later underwent LLLT (20 J cm−2) at their TMJ or not (groups SAL, SAL + LLLT, CFA, and CFA + LLLT). LLLT was applied on days 3, 5, 7, and 9 after SAL or CFA. Mechanical allodynia was evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10; orofacial hyperalgesia was assessed on day 10. Gelatin zymography and in situ zymography aided quantification of MMPs in the TG.

Results

Low‐level laser therapy abolished the reduction in the mechanical orofacial threshold and the increase in orofacial rubbing during the orofacial formalin test induced by CFA. LLLT also decreased the CFA‐induced rise in the levels of MMP‐9 and MMP‐2 as well as the gelatinolytic activity in the TG.

Conclusion

Low‐level laser therapy could constitute an adjuvant therapy to treat temporomandibular disorders and prevent inflammation‐induced alterations in the levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 and in the gelatinolytic activity in TGs.
What lessons can be learned about asthma phenotypes in children from cohort studies?
Authors: Just J. , Saint Pierre P. , Amat F. , Gouvis‐Echraghi R. , Lambert‐Guillemot N. , Guiddir T. , Annesi Maesano I.
Published: February 2015

‘Phenotyping’ asthma by multivariate analyses and more recently by unsupervised analysis has been performed in children cohorts. We describe the key findings that have emerged from these cohorts. It would appear that there are three wheeze phenotypes in children of preschool age: the mild episodic viral wheeze phenotype; the multitrigger atopic wheeze; and, less often encountered, the severe non‐atopic wheeze. Early onset of allergy in asthma (more prevalent in boys) is associated with poor prognosis unlike the severe non‐atopic wheeze phenotype which has a female predominance. The prognosis of the severe non‐atopic wheeze depends on time of onset (early or late) of allergic expression. At school age, the risk of severe asthmatic exacerbations is associated with eosinophil predominant inflammation frequently related to allergic asthma, whereas neutrophil inflammation is associated with moderate‐to‐severe asthma with poorer lung function. Nevertheless, allergic asthma is also a heterogeneous disease with a severe allergic phenotype strongly associated with atopic dermatitis and very high eosinophil‐driven inflammatory markers. Further studies are required to find non‐invasive biological markers in very young children to better define wheezing phenotypes associated with an elevated risk of developing severe asthma with a view to personalizing treatment.
The Role of Contract Expirations in Service Parts Management
Authors: Pinçe Çerağ , Frenk J. B. G. , Dekker Rommert
Published: February 2015

The majority of after‐sales service providers manage their service parts inventory by focusing on the availability of service parts. This approach, combined with automatic replenishment systems, leads to reactive inventory control policies where base stock levels are adjusted only after a service contract expires. Consequently, service providers often face excess stock of critical service parts that are difficult to dispose due to their specificity. In this study, we address this problem by developing inventory control policies taking into account contract expirations. Our key idea is to reduce the base stock level of the one‐for‐one policy before obsolescence (a full or partial drop in demand rate) occurs and let demand take away excess stock. We refer to this policy as the single‐adjustment policy. We benchmark the single‐adjustment policy with the multiple‐adjustment policy (allowing multiple base stock adjustments) formulated as a dynamic program and verify that for a wide range of instances the single‐adjustment policy is an effective heuristic for the multiple‐adjustment policy. We also compare the single‐adjustment policy with the world‐dependent base stock policy offered by Song and Zipkin (1993) and identify the parameter combinations where both policies yield similar costs. We consider two special cases of the single‐adjustment policy where the base stock level is kept fixed or the base stock adjustment is postponed to the contract expiration time. We find that the initial demand rate, contract expiration time, and size of the drop in demand rate are the three key parameters driving the choice between the single‐adjustment policy and its special cases.
Two Backorder Compensation Mechanisms in Inventory Systems with Impatient Customers
Authors: Chen Jian , Huang Shuo , Hassin Refael , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2015

We study a compensation mechanism design problem with customer‐choice behavior in a continuous review setting where the production and demand processes are stochastic. When a stockout occurs, the firm controls backorders on the basis of certain compensation policies. Customers make decisions to maximize their utility, which is decreasing in the price, the waiting time, and the customer's impatience factor. We assume that the impatience factor is private information held by the customer only. Two compensation mechanisms are designed to control backorders, namely uniform compensation and priority auction with an admission price. Under uniform compensation, the firm offers the same discount to all customers, whereas under auction compensation, priority is granted according to the customers' bid prices. We obtain the optimal stockout price and base stock level under each mechanism, and analyze the properties of the respective optimal policies. Assuming linear waiting costs with uniformly distributed impatience factor, we find that the auction mechanism (1) maintains a lower base stock level and results in greater profit and (2) benefits customers with relatively lower or higher impatience factors, but customers with a medium impatience factor may be rendered worse off. We further show that both compensation mechanisms are suitable for products with a high unit profit, a high lost sales penalty cost, and a high holding cost.
Bounding Optimal Expected Revenues for Assortment Optimization under Mixtures of Multinomial Logits
Authors: Feldman Jacob , Topaloglu Huseyin
Published: February 2015

We consider assortment problems under a mixture of multinomial logit models. There is a fixed revenue associated with each product. There are multiple customer types. Customers of different types choose according to different multinomial logit models whose parameters depend on the type of the customer. The goal is to find a set of products to offer so as to maximize the expected revenue obtained over all customer types. This assortment problem under the multinomial logit model with multiple customer types is NP‐complete. Although there are heuristics to find good assortments, it is difficult to verify the optimality gap of the heuristics. In this study, motivated by the difficulty of finding optimal solutions and verifying the optimality gap of heuristics, we develop an approach to construct an upper bound on the optimal expected revenue. Our approach can quickly provide upper bounds and these upper bounds can be quite tight. In our computational experiments, over a large set of randomly generated problem instances, the upper bounds provided by our approach deviate from the optimal expected revenues by 0.15% on average and by less than one percent in the worst case. By using our upper bounds, we are able to verify the optimality gaps of a greedy heuristic accurately, even when optimal solutions are not available.
The source of the truth bias: Heuristic processing?
Authors: Street Chris N. H. , Masip Jaume
Published: February 2015

People believe others are telling the truth more often than they actually are; this is called the truth bias. Surprisingly, when a speaker is judged at multiple points across their statement the truth bias declines. Previous claims argue this is evidence of a shift from (biased) heuristic processing to (reasoned) analytical processing. In four experiments we contrast the heuristic‐analytic model (HAM) with alternative accounts. In Experiment 1, the decrease in truth responding was not the result of speakers appearing more deceptive, but was instead attributable to the rater's processing style. Yet contrary to HAMs, across three experiments we found the decline in bias was not related to the amount of processing time available (Experiments 1–3) or the communication channel (Experiment 2). In Experiment 4 we found support for a new account: that the bias reflects whether raters perceive the statement to be internally consistent.
Crowding Out or Welfare Promotion? How Foreign Aid Affects Social Expenditures in Latin American Welfare Systems
Authors: Berens Sarah A.
Published: February 2015

Foreign assistance constitutes a significant share of government revenue in many low‐ and middle‐income economies and is targeted at poverty reduction and the promotion of social and economic well‐being. This study therefore examines fiscal responses by Latin American welfare states to the inflow of such aid. As a form of external non‐tax revenue, aid can function as a substitution for public welfare expenditure, with a crowding out effect being the likely outcome. This article investigates whether overall aid and aid that is particularly targeted at the social sector substitutes public welfare provision and, if so, whether it also substitutes its function. A time‐series cross‐section analysis of 19 Latin American countries for the period 1980–2008 provides limited support for the assumption that foreign aid payments influence the welfare budget. It is only the health care sector in middle‐income countries which experiences a small decrease in expenditures. Social security and education expenditures are not affected.
Effect of active infection on cytochrome P450‐mediated metabolism of cyclosporine in renal transplant patients
Authors: Hegazy S.K. , Adam A.G. , Hamdy N.A. , Khalafallah N.M.
Published: February 2015

Background

Infections downregulate cytochrome‐P activities and thus may alter drug disposition, especially for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index. Cyclosporine (CyA), still used for the prevention of allograft rejection in renal transplant recipients in Egypt, seems to be affected by these infectious changes, based on random clinical observations. In the present study, the effects of bacterial and fungal infection on CyA metabolism were studied in renal transplant patients and subsequent nephrotoxicity was monitored.

Methods

Twenty renal transplant patients, diagnosed with fungal or bacterial infection, were recruited from the renal transplantation outpatient clinic in Alexandria University Hospitals. No dose adjustment in CyA was performed at least 1 week before the onset of infection. Exclusion criteria were patients with acute or chronic unstable liver disease, elderly patients, and patients on concomitant drugs affecting CyA metabolism. CyA trough levels and serum creatinine (SCR) concentrations were measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and enzymatic assay, respectively, pre‐infection, during infection and in many cases, post infection.

Results

CyA trough levels and SCR concentrations increased significantly during the infection (P < 0.001, P = 0.002) respectively. Of the patients, 87% experienced a concomitant rise in CyA trough level and SCR concentrations. No significant difference between pre‐infection and post‐infection levels of CyA trough and SCR was found.

Conclusions

CyA trough and SCR levels increased during bacterial and fungal infections and returned to pre‐infection levels once the infection was resolved. The data generated stress the importance of monitoring CyA levels during episodes of infection. Our recommendations concerning CyA dose adjustment differ according to severity and duration of infection.
Adverse Drug Reaction reports for cardiometabolic drugs from sub‐Saharan Africa: a study in VigiBase
Authors: Berhe Derbew Fikadu , Juhlin Kristina , Star Kristina , Beyene Kidanemariam G. M. , Dheda Mukesh , Haaijer‐Ruskamp Flora M. , Taxis Katja , Mol Peter G. M.
Published: February 2015

Objective

Identifying key features in individual case safety reports (ICSR) of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with cardiometabolic drugs from sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) compared with reports from the rest of the world (RoW).

Methods

Reports on suspected ADRs of cardiometabolic drugs (ATC: A10[antidiabetic], B01[antithrombotics] and C[cardiovascular]) were extracted from WHO Global database, VigiBase®(1992–2013). We used vigiPoint, a logarithmic odds ratios (log2 OR)‐based method to study disproportional reporting between SSA and RoW. Case‐defining features were considered relevant if the lower limit of the 99% CI > 0.5.

Results

In SSA, 3773 (9%) of reported ADRs were for cardiometabolic drugs, in RoW for 18%. Of these, 79% originated from South Africa and 81% were received after 2007. Most reports were for drugs acting on the renin–angiotensin system (36% SSA & 14% RoW). Compared with RoW, reports were more often sent for patients 18–44 years old (log2 OR 0.95 [99 CI 0.80; 1.09]) or with non‐fatal outcome (log2 OR 1.16 [99 CI 1.10; 1.22]). Eight ADRs (cough, angioedema, lip swelling, face oedema, swollen tongue, throat irritation, drug ineffective and blood glucose abnormal) and seven drugs (enalapril, rosuvastatin, perindopril, vildagliptin, insulin glulisine, nifedipine and insulin lispro) were disproportionally more reported in SSA than in the RoW.

Conclusions

‘In recent years, the number of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) has sharply increased. The data showed the well‐known population‐based differential ADR profile of ACE inhibitors in the SSA population.’
Platelet transfusion and catheter insertion for plasma exchange in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and a low platelet count
Authors: Riviere Etienne , Saint‐Léger Mélanie , James Chloé , Delmas Yahsou , Clouzeau Benjamin , Bui Nam , Vital Anne , Coppo Paul , Gruson Didier , Boyer Alexandre
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

In thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), platelet (PLT) transfusion is contraindicated unless a life‐threatening hemorrhage occurs. However, when PLT count is low (<20 × 109/L), their benefit–risk balance before central venous catheter (CVC) insertion for plasma exchange (PE) has not specifically been addressed in guidelines.

CASE REPORTS

We report two cases in which PLTs were transfused before CVC insertion for PE, resulting in fatal myocardial infarction or neurologic complications.

DISCUSSION

To date, there is a paucity of high‐quality, evidence‐based information on prophylactic PLT transfusion for CVC placement in TTP. Several monocenter series report that CVC could be inserted safely without PLT transfusion by experienced teams under ultrasound guidance. Uncertainty makes most physicians uncomfortable with this decision and this is a common reason why PLT transfusion remains a “precautionary” albeit misguided position.

CONCLUSION

We propose a practical algorithm to avoid unnecessary PLT transfusion before CVC insertion for rapid PE in the initial management of TTP patients. We recommend no prophylactic PLT transfusion but CVC insertion in a compressible vein under ultrasound guidance by an experienced team or quick PE started on two peripheral veins if possible. PLTs should only be transfused in case of severe bleeding in association with plasma infusion and CVC insertion for immediate PE.
COMBINATION OF RADIATION THERAPY AND FIROCOXIB FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANINE NASAL CARCINOMA
Authors: Cancedda Simona , Sabattini Silvia , Bettini Giuliano , Leone Vito F. , Laganga Paola , Rossi Federica , Terragni Rossella , Gnudi Giacomo , Vignoli Massimo
Published: February 2015

Carcinomas represent two‐thirds of canine nasosinal neoplasms. Although radiation therapy (RT) is the standard of care, the incidence of local recurrence following treatment is high. Cyclooxygenase‐isoform‐2 (COX‐2) is expressed in 71–95% of canine nasal carcinomas and has been implicated in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Accordingly, COX‐2 inhibition seems rational to improve outcome. Dogs with histologically confirmed, previously untreated nasal carcinomas were randomized to receive the combination of a selective COX‐2 inhibitor (firocoxib) and palliative RT (Group 1) or RT and placebo (Group 2). Patients were regularly monitored with blood tests, urinalysis, and computed tomography. Pet owners were asked to complete monthly a quality‐of‐life questionnaire. Twenty‐four dogs were prospectively enrolled. According to Adams modified system, there were five stage 1, five stage 2, three stage 3, and 11 stage 4 tumors. Two dogs had metastases to regional lymph nodes. Median progression‐free interval and overall survival were 228 and 335 days in Group 1 (n= 12) and 234 and 244 days in Group 2 (n= 12). These differences were not statistically significant. The involvement of regional lymph nodes was significantly associated with progression‐free interval and overall survival (P= 0.004). Quality of life was significantly improved in Group 1 (P= 0.008). In particular, a significant difference was observed for activity and appetite. Although not providing a significant enhancement of progression‐free interval and overall survival, firocoxib in combination with RT is safe and improved life quality in dogs with nasal carcinomas.
Construction of spline curves on smooth manifolds by action of Lie groups
Authors: Pobegailo A. P.
Published: February 2015

Polynomials for blending parametric curves in Lie groups are defined. Properties of these polynomials are proved. Blending parametric curves in Lie groups with these polynomials is considered. Then application of the proposed technique to construction of spline curves on smooth manifolds is presented. As an example, construction of spherical spline curves using the proposed approach is depicted.
Thermomechanical Properties of Cycled Ceramic/Glass Composite Seals for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Dev Bodhayan , Walter Mark E.
Published: February 2015

The present research focuses on a novel ceramic/glass composite seal. These seals first underwent a curing cycle. The cycled seal was then characterized with a laser dilatometer to identify the glass transition, softening temperature, and thermal expansion properties. High temperature ring-on-ring (RoR) experiments were performed to study the effect of glass transition and softening temperatures on mechanical response. X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques in conjunction with post-test micrographs were used to understand the observed mechanical response. In addition, Weibull statistical analysis performed on cycled seals showed that Weibull modulus had decreased and Weibull characteristics strength had increased with multiple thermal cycles.
Forced Flexural Gravity Wave Motion in Two-Layer Fluid
Authors: Mondal R. , Bhattacharjee J. , Sahoo T.
Published: February 2015

Generation of flexural gravity waves in a two-layer fluid due to the forced motion of a vertical rigid wavemaker is studied in both finite and infinite water depths. The two-dimensional (2D) fluid domain having an interface is covered by a semi-infinite ice sheet, which is modeled as an elastic beam. As an application of the wavemaker problem, flexural gravity wave reflection by a vertical cliff is analyzed. Under the assumptions of small amplitude water wave theory and structural response, the mathematical models are solved using a recently developed expansion formulae and the associated orthogonal mode-coupling relations as appropriate for finite and infinite water depths. Effect of three types of edges such as free edge, simply supported edge, and built-in edge on the wave reflection by the vertical cliff is analyzed whilst, for the wavemaker, the floating ice sheet is assumed to have free edge. Effect of various physical parameters on the wave motion is studied by analyzing the reflection coefficients, deflection of the ice sheet, interface elevation, strain and shear force on the floating ice sheet.
Impact of ISO 9000 Quality Program on Power Generating Industry
Authors: Ullmann Klaus , Kautz Hans R.
Published: February 2015

The objective of the ‘Roman Contracts’ concluded in 1957 was to establish a common European market, i.e. a gradual economic (and possibly political) union. This, however, required an increasing understanding that national reservations would have to be abolished and some basic measures implemented. Here European standardization plays an essential part, also with respect to harmonization — a presently very popular term in Europe. Harmonization means adaptation/standardization of the inevitably differing national, technical regulatory guides. The following milestones were decisive and determining for the harmonization of the regulatory guides:

• Various decisions of the European Court of Justice1 concerning the limitation of the national reservations;

• the new concept for the technical harmonization [1].
The gravity tunnel in a non-uniform Earth
Authors: Klotz Alexander R.
Published: February 2015

This paper examines the gravity tunnel using the internal structure of Earth as ascertained from seismic data. Numerically, it is found that the time taken to fall along the diameter is 38 min, compared to 42 min for a planet with uniform density. The time taken to fall along a straight line between any two points is no longer independent of distance but interpolates between 42 min for short trips and 38 min for long trips. The brachistochrone path (minimizing the time between any two points) is similar in shape to the uniform-density solution but tends to reach a greater maximum depth and takes less time to traverse. Although the assumption of uniform density works well in many cases, the simpler assumption of a constant gravitational field serves as a better approximation to the true results.
Cell types in the mouse cortex and hippocampus revealed by single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Zeisel Amit , Muñoz-Manchado Ana B. , Codeluppi Simone , Lönnerberg Peter , La Manno Gioele , Juréus Anna , Marques Sueli , Munguba Hermany , He Liqun , Betsholtz Christer , Rolny Charlotte , Castelo-Branco Gonçalo , Hjerling-Leffler Jens , Linnarsson Sten
Published: February 2015

Cellular diversity in the brain revealed

The mammalian brain has an extraordinarily large number of cells. Although there are quite a few different cell types, many cells in any one category tend to look alike. Zeisel
et al.
analyzed the transcriptomes of mouse brain cells to reveal more than meets the eye. Interneurons of similar type were found in dissimilar regions of the brain. Oligodendrocytes that seemed to be all of one class were differentiated by their molecular signatures into a half-dozen classes. Microglia associated with blood vessels were distinguished from look-alike perivascular macrophages. Thus, the complex microanatomy of the brain can be revealed by the RNAs expressed in its cells.

Science
, this issue p.
1138
Targeted nanoparticles containing the proresolving peptide Ac2-26 protect against advanced atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice
Authors: Fredman Gabrielle , Kamaly Nazila , Spolitu Stefano , Milton Jaclyn , Ghorpade Devram , Chiasson Raymond , Kuriakose George , Perretti Mauro , Farokhzad Omid , Tabas Ira
Published: February 2015

Targeted nanoparticles containing Ac2-26 protect against the progression of advanced atherosclerosis in mice by promoting resolution of inflammation through activating FPR2/ALX on myeloid cells.
Rational development and characterization of humanized anti–EGFR variant III chimeric antigen receptor T cells for glioblastoma
Authors: Johnson Laura A. , Scholler John , Ohkuri Takayuki , Kosaka Akemi , Patel Prachi R. , McGettigan Shannon E. , Nace Arben K. , Dentchev Tzvete , Thekkat Pramod , Loew Andreas , Boesteanu Alina C. , Cogdill Alexandria P. , Chen Taylor , Fraietta Joseph A. , Kloss Christopher C. , Posey Avery D. , Engels Boris , Singh Reshma , Ezell Tucker , Idamakanti Neeraja , Ramones Melissa H. , Li Na , Zhou Li , Plesa Gabriela , Seykora John T. , Okada Hideho , June Carl H. , Brogdon Jennifer L. , Maus Marcela V.
Published: February 2015

A chimeric antigen receptor redirects T cells to treat glioblastoma.
(Re)solving atherosclerosis
Authors: Soehnlein Oliver
Published: February 2015

Delivery of nanoparticles with arterial tropism containing the Annexin A1 fragment Ac2-26 reduces signs of lesion instability in a mouse model of advanced atherosclerosis.
A mighty "MyD" guardian of heart function
Authors: Haldar Saptarsi M.
Published: February 2015

Myeloid cells secrete a paracrine factor that protects the heart during a heart attack.
Genome Sequence and Annotation of Helicobacter pylori Strain Hp238, Isolated from a Taiwanese Patient with Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma
Authors: Kao Cheng-Yen , Chen Jenn-Wei , Huang Yi-Ting , Sheu Shew-Meei , Sheu Bor-Shyang , Wu Jiunn-Jong
Published: February 2015

We present the complete genome sequence of
Helicobacter pylori
strain Hp238, isolated from a Taiwanese patient with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Importantly,
H. pylori
strain Hp238 can multiply in THP-1 cells after internalization through the induction of autophagosome formation. These genome data will help to identify genes associated with
H. pylori
intracellular multiplication and pathogenesis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. TP-A0873, a Producer of a Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Bohemamine
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Hosoyama Akira , Fujita Nobuyuki , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: February 2015

Streptomyces sp. TP-A0873, isolated from deep-sea water, produces three different classes of secondary metabolites: antimycin, bohemamine, and alkylated butenolides. In order to assess the biosynthetic potential of this strain, draft genome sequencing was carried out. The genome contained at least 14 gene clusters for polyketide synthase (PKS) and nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS).
Draft Genome Sequence of
Phomopsis longicolla
Type Strain TWH P74, a Fungus Causing Phomopsis Seed Decay in Soybean
Authors: Li Shuxian , Song Qijian , Ji Pingsheng , Cregan Perry
Published: February 2015

Phomopsis longicolla
is the primary cause of Phomopsis seed decay in soybean. Here, we report the
de novo
assembled draft genome sequence of the P. longicolla type strain TWH P74 (ATCC 60325), which was originally isolated by Hobbs et al. from soybean seed in Ohio in 1983.
Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter sp. MWB30, Isolated from a Crude Oil-Contaminated Seashore
Authors: Kim Jonghyun , Kim Soo Jung , Kim Seon Hee , Moon Yoon-Jung , Park Sung-Joon , Kim Seung Il , Kahng Hyung-Yeel , Chung Young-Ho
Published: February 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of Arthrobacter sp. MWB30 strain, isolated from a crude oil-contaminated seashore in Tae-an, South Korea, which is able to degrade the crude oil and its derivatives. The draft genome sequence of 4,647,008 bp provides a resource for the identification of crude oil-degrading mechanisms in strain MWB30.
Analysis of Quorum-Sensing Pantoea stewartii Strain M073a through Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Mohamad Nur Izzati , Tan Wen-Si , Chang Chien-Yi , Tee Kok Keng , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: February 2015

Pantoea stewartii
strain M073a is a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from a tropical waterfall. This strain exhibits quorum-sensing activity. Here, the assembly and annotation of its genome are presented.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter fetus subsp.
testudinum
Strain Pet-3, Isolated from a Lizard (Hydrosaurus pustulatus)
Authors: Wang Chao-Min , Wu Zong-Yen , Shia Wei-Yau , Jhou Yi-Jyun , Tung Kwong-Chung , Shyu Ching-Lin
Published: February 2015

The whole-genome sequence for
Campylobacter fetus
subsp.
testudinum
, a pathogen isolated from humans and turtles, has been reported recently. We present another completed genome sequence of the
C. fetus
subsp.
testudinum
strain pet-3, which was isolated from a lizard in Taiwan, for further genomic comparison study.
Sequence Analysis of Staphylococcus hyicus ATCC 11249
T
, an Etiological Agent of Exudative Epidermitis in Swine, Reveals a Type VII Secretion System Locus and a Novel 116-Kilobase Genomic Island Harboring Toxin-Encoding Genes
Authors: Calcutt Michael J. , Foecking Mark F. , Hsieh Hsin-Yeh , Adkins Pamela R. F. , Stewart George C. , Middleton John R.
Published: February 2015

Staphylococcus hyicus
is the primary etiological agent of exudative epidermitis in swine. Analysis of the complete genome sequence of the type strain revealed a locus encoding a type VII secretion system and a large chromosomal island harboring the genes encoding exfoliative toxin ExhA and an EDIN toxin homolog.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Rhodobacteraceae
Strain PD-2, an Algicidal Bacterium with a Quorum-Sensing System, Isolated from the Marine Microalga
Prorocentrum donghaiense
Authors: Zheng Li , Cui Zhisong , Xu Luyan , Sun Chengjun , Powell Ryan J. , Hill Russell T.
Published: February 2015

Rhodobacteraceae
strain PD-2 was isolated from the marine microalga
Prorocentrum donghaiense
. It has algicidal activity toward its host and could produce
N
-acylhomoserine lactone signals. Here, we present the draft genome of strain PD-2, which contains 5,227,214 bp with an average GC content of 66.19%. There were 4,864 encoding gene sequences and two clusters of
luxI
and
luxR
homologues identified.
Whole-Genome Sequence of a Bordetella pertussis Brazilian Vaccine Strain
Authors: Akamatsu M. A. , Nishiyama M. Y. , Morone M. , Oliveira U. C. , Bezerra M. F. B. , Sakauchi M. A. , Raw I. , Junqueira de Azevedo I. L. M. , Kitajima J. P. , Carvalho E. , Ho P. L.
Published: February 2015

Despite the reduction in incidence after vaccination, pertussis disease is still considered a public health problem worldwide, mainly due to recent and potential new outbreaks. We report here the complete genome of the
Bordetella pertussis
Butantan strain used in the Brazilian National Immunization Program as a whole-cell pertussis antigen to compose vaccines such as DTwP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whole-cell pertussis).
Complete Genome Sequence of the Nitrogen-Fixing and Solvent-Producing Clostridium pasteurianum DSM 525
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Grosse-Honebrink Alexander , Zhang Ying , Minton Nigel P. , Daniel Rolf
Published: February 2015

Here, we report on the closed genome sequence of
Clostridium pasteurianum
DSM 525, which is an anaerobic, Gram-positive and endospore-forming organism. C. pasteurianum can fix N
2
and produce solvents such as butanol and 1,3-propanediol from carbohydrates. The genome consists of a single 4,350,673-bp replicon.
Complete Genome Sequence and Methylome Analysis of Bacillus Strain X1
Authors: Fomenkov Alexey , Lunnen Keith D. , Zhu Zhenyu , Anton Brian P. , Wilson Geoffrey G. , Vincze Tamas , Roberts Richard J.
Published: February 2015

Bacillus strain X1 is the source strain for the restriction enzyme BstXI. Its complete sequence and full methylome was determined using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing.