bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD30+ clonal T‐cell lymphoid proliferation of the skin in a patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome
Authors: Kempf Werner , Kazakov Dmitry V. , Szep Zoltan , Vanecek Tomas
Published: November 2014

We report a hitherto undescribed unusual CD30+ clonal T‐cell proliferation in a 46‐year‐old man with the lymphocytic variant of hypereosinophilic syndrome with a 17‐year history of pruritus, generalized persistent papulonodular skin lesions and peripheral blood hypereosinophilia. A skin biopsy showed an eosinophil‐rich infiltrate with small to medium‐sized CD30+ lymphocytes and Churg‐Strauss granulomas. Peripheral blood flow cytometry revealed an aberrant T‐cell clone which, molecular genetically, was identical to the T‐cell clone detected in the skin. No genetic aberrations of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), FIP1L1‐PDGFRA, PDGFRB or FGFR1 were found. The skin lesions showed transient response to systemic and topical corticosteroids. The skin lesions represent cutaneous involvement by clonal T‐cells in hypereosinophilic syndrome and differ from known cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders.
Temperature effects on reproduction and adult lifespan of the smaller fruit tortrix, Grapholita lobarzewskii
Authors: Graf B. , Höpli H.U. , Höhn H.
Published: November 2014

The effects of temperature on adult lifespan, reproduction, and oviposition behaviour of Grapholita lobarzewskii Nowicki (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) were studied under controlled and semi‐field conditions to improve the basis for phenological forecasting. The average female lifespan ranged from 18.9 days at 25.1 °C to 65.3 days at 11.0 °C. For adult female ageing, a lower thermal threshold (THR) of 8.6 °C and a thermal constant (K) of 298 degree days (dd) were established. At constant temperatures, fecundity ranged from 0.3 eggs per female at 11.0 °C to 107 eggs per female at 21.2 °C. The highest fecundity of 127 eggs per female was observed at fluctuating temperatures. Oviposition lasted on average 350 dd, but 50% of the eggs were laid within the first 100 dd after adult emergence. Grapholita lobarzewskii had a distinct circadian rhythm for oviposition. Females began to lay eggs at ca. 16:00 hours and ceased at 24:00 hours with the peak occurring generally at 19:00 hours. Females reacted very sensitively to sudden temperature changes. A temperature drop of 3.1 °C could cause a 1‐day interruption of oviposition.
Intrathoracic oesophageal perforation and secondary pleuropneumonia: Five cases
Authors: Hepworth‐Warren K. L. , Wilgenbusch C. M. , Wong D. M. , Fales‐Williams A. J. , Wiechert S. A. , Sponseller B. A.
Published: November 2014

Perforation of the oesophagus is an uncommon event that can occur for a variety of reasons. While cervical ruptures of the oesophagus can be managed successfully, intrathoracic lesions warrant a far worse prognosis. Intrathoracic rupture of the oesophagus can occur spontaneously, with no known history of oesophageal obstruction, and may not be identified until a septic pleuropneumonia develops. This report describes the history, clinical presentation, response to therapy and outcome of 5 cases of intrathoracic oesophageal perforation and secondary septic pleuropneumonia.
Hypoxia after transarterial chemoembolization may trigger a progenitor cell phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lai Jin‐Ping , Conley Andrew , Knudsen Beatrice S , Guindi Maha
Published: November 2014

Aims

To test the hypothesis that the hypoxia marker carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), and the cholangiocytic/progenitor markers cytokeratin (CK) 19 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), may be expressed in areas of hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry for CAIX, CK19 and EpCAM (BerEP4) was performed in 57 HCCs, including 40 residual/recurrent tumours adjacent to the TACE treatment site and 17 untreated tumours from the same 40 patients. CAIX was exxpressed in 19 of 40 residual/recurrent HCCs and in two of 17 untreated HCCs. The rate of CAIX immunoreactivity in the treated tumours was significantly higher than that in the non‐treated tumours (47.5% versus 11.8%, P = 0.015). CK19 and EpCAM were expressed in six of 19 and in seven of 19 CAIX‐positive TACE‐treated HCCs, respectively, but were not expressed in CAIX‐negative tumours or untreated tumours. There were significant associations between CK19 and CAIX immunoreactivity, and between EpCAM and CAIX immunoreactivity (P = 0.007 and P = 0.003, respectively). Double staining of CAIX and CK19 showed co‐localization of both proteins in five of six cases. Three of seven EpCAM‐positive tumours were also positive for CK19.

Conclusions

Hypoxia may trigger the expression of proteins that are normally associated with cholangiocytic/progenitor cell differentiation, suggesting that TACE paradoxically causes an aggressive tumour phenotype.
GATA‐binding protein 3, gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15 and mammaglobin have distinct prognostic implications in different invasive breast carcinoma subgroups
Authors: Ni Yun Bi , Tsang Julia Y S , Chan Siu Ki , Tse Gary M
Published: November 2014

Aims

To evaluate the prognostic significance of GATA‐binding protein 3 (GATA‐3), gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15 (GCDFP‐15) and mammaglobin (MGB) in invasive breast carcinomas (IBCs).

Methods and results

GATA‐3, GCDFP‐15 and MGB were expressed in 37.9% (370/976), 26.0% (254/978) and 35.3% (348/986) of this cohort of 1017 IBCs, respectively. GCDFP‐15 was an independent favourable prognostic factor in all cases [disease‐free survival (DFS), hazard ratio (HR) 0.587, P = 0.049; overall survival (OS), HR 0.512, P = 0.049], as well as in oestrogen receptor (ER)‐negative (DFS, HR 0.353, P = 0.012; OS, HR 0.310, P = 0.017) and HER2‐positive (DFS, HR 0.279, P = 0.036; OS, HR 0.235, P = 0.050) cases; it also refined the prognostication of molecular apocrine cancers. GATA‐3 and MGB did not show any prognostic significance.

Conclusions

The commonly used breast carcinoma biomarkers vary in their prognostic implications. GCDFP‐15 independently indicated a favourable prognosis, especially in ER‐negative, HER2‐positive and molecular apocrine cancers. GATA‐3 and MGB were not associated with outcome.
Periapical cemento‐osseous dysplasia: a case report with twelve‐year follow‐up and review of literature
Authors: Senia E. S. , Sarao M. S.
Published: November 2014

Aim

To present a case report describing the long‐term behaviour of periapical cemento‐osseous dysplasia by observing the radiographic changes that took place over a period of 12 years. A review of the pertinent literature is also presented.

A healthy 26‐year‐old white female was referred to the Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center Endodontic Department for evaluation of an asymptomatic radiolucency at the apex of the right mandibular lateral incisor. Following a clinical evaluation that included pulp testing, a diagnosis of periapical cemento‐osseous dysplasia (PCOD) was made. No treatment was rendered but follow‐up visits were recommended. The patient was subsequently re‐evaluated 8 times over a period of 12 years. During that time the lesion changed in appearance, displaying the various phases of PCOD. At the same time, lesions affecting the three adjoining incisors appeared and behaved in a similar manner. At the 12‐year recall, the right lateral and both central incisors revealed no evidence of PCOD and an almost normal trabecular pattern of bone could be seen. Misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment of PCOD may be avoided with careful pulp testing and knowledge of its most common locations of occurrence, radiographic appearances (phases) and benign behaviour.
Poverty and quality of life of Chinese children: From the perspective of deprivation
Authors: Wong Yu‐Cheung , Wang Ting‐Yan , Xu Yuebin
Published: November 2014

Using data from the Family and Children Survey of Beijing 2011, the authors constructed a child poverty measure – Child Deprivation Indicators (CDIs) – and explored the relationship between poverty and children's quality of life. The CDIs were found to be a more valid child poverty measure than the conventional measure which is based mainly on individuals' social assistance status. The findings show that deprived children are worse off in terms of living conditions. Furthermore, deprived boys and girls are disadvantaged differently; boys in self‐efficacy and girls in physical development. The findings have four important implications: (i) policy makers should look beyond those on social assistance; (ii) more public funding should be invested in deprived children's informal education and social interaction; (iii) dealing with structural problems relating to parents' socioeconomic status (SES) would be helpful to alleviate child deprivation; (iv) different types of support should be provided to deprived boys and girls for their disadvantages are not identical.
A Novel Blue‐Emitting Phosphor of Eu2+‐Activated Magnesium Haloborate Mg3B7O13Cl
Authors: Qiao Xuebin , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: November 2014

Eu2+‐doped magnesium haloborate Mg3B7O13Cl was synthesized by the conventional high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The phase formation was confirmed by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements and structure refinement. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and decay curves were measured. Under the excitation of near‐UV light, Eu2+‐doped Mg3B7O13Cl presents a narrow blue‐emitting band centered at 423 nm. The maximum absolute quantum efficiency (QE) of Mg3B7O13Cl:Eu2+ phosphor was measured to be 80% excited at 385 nm light at 300 K. The thermal stability of the blue luminescence was evaluated by the luminescence decays as a function of temperature. The phosphor shows an excellent thermal stability on temperature quenching effects. Moreover, Mg3B7O13Cl:Eu2+ phosphor shows scintillation characteristics excited by X‐ray irradiation at room temperature and presents a blue luminescence band with a fast lifetime of 600 ns.
Microwave Dielectric Properties of MLi2Ti6O14 [M=Ba and Sr] Ceramics and Their Compatibility with Sliver
Authors: Su Congxue , Fang Weishuang , Wei Zhenhai , Tang Ying , Fang Liang
Published: November 2014

Microwave dielectric properties of Li‐containing orthorhombic compounds with the composition of MLi2Ti6O14 (M = Ba and Sr) were investigated. The ceramics were synthesized by the conventional solid‐state reaction route. The optimized sintering temperatures for the BaLi2Ti6O14 and SrLi2Ti6O14 ceramics are 1025°C and 1000°C, respectively. Favorable microwave dielectric properties were obtained with moderate εr of 31.7 and 33.6, quality factor Q × f values of 23 300 (at 7.3 GHz) and 8700 GHz (at 6.8 GHz), and low‐temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) values of −15.4 and −2.7 ppm/°C for BaLi2Ti6O14 and SrLi2Ti6O14 ceramics, respectively. The addition of BaCu(B2O5) can effectively reduce the sintering temperature below 930°C without degrading the microwave dielectric properties. Compatibility with Ag electrode indicates these materials could be applied to low‐temperature cofired ceramic devices.
Luminescence Properties and Energy‐Transfer Behavior of a Novel and Color‐Tunable LaMgAl11O19:Tm3+, Dy3+ Phosphor for White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Min Xin , Fang Minghao , Huang Zhaohui , Liu Yan'gai , Tang Chao , Wu Xiaowen
Published: November 2014

Novel LaMgAl11O19:Tm3+, Dy3+ phosphors were prepared utilizing a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. The phase formation, luminescence properties, energy‐transfer mechanism from the Tm3+ to the Dy3+ ions, the thermal stability, and CIE coordinates were investigated. When excited at 359 nm, the LaMgAl11O19: xTm3+ phosphors exhibit strong blue emission bands at 455 nm. After codoping with Dy3+ and excitation at 359 nm, the LaMgAl11O19:0.03Tm3+, yDy3+ phosphors emitted white light consisting of the characteristic emission peaks of Tm3+ and Dy3+. The Dy3+ emission intensity increased with the Dy3+ concentration due to the energy transfer from Tm3+ to Dy3+, and concentration quenching due to the high Dy3+ doping concentration (y = 0.1 mol) did not occur. The calculation of the CIE coordinates of the LaMgAl11O19:Tm3+, yDy3+ phosphors revealed the tunability of the emission color from blue to bluish‐white and to white by changing the excitation wavelength and the doping concentration. An energy transfer from Tm3+ to Dy3+ by dipole–dipole interaction was confirmed by the decay curve, lifetime, and energy‐transfer efficiency measurements. When excited at 359 nm, the LaMgAl11O19:Tm3+, Dy3+ phosphor also showed good thermal stability, suggesting that it can be used in white LEDs excited by a GaN‐based ultraviolet LED.
Numbers and Policy in Care for People with Intellectual Disability in the United Kingdom
Authors: Glover Gyles
Published: November 2014

Background

Statements or commitments making use of numbers have an important place in government policy. They appear at all stages of the policy process: campaigning, formulation, monitoring and evaluation. Many types of source are involved including research studies, national survey information, routine operational data collections and special systems devised to monitor particular initiatives.

Method

The paper presents examples of policy uses of numerical evidence, and some sources of data that have been used to support them in the field of care for people with intellectual developmental disability in England.

Conclusions

Different levels of precision or coverage are required at different stages of the process. Different types of numerical data are appropriate at the various stages of the policy process.
Building bridges in dietary counselling: an exploratory study examining the usefulness of wellness and wellbeing concepts
Authors: McMahon A.‐T. , Tay P. C. , Tapsell L. , Williams P.
Published: November 2014

Background

Over the last decade, professional discourse around health ownership has been evolving to recognise an individually‐driven wellness/wellbeing approach. Concurrently, dietetic competencies have changed to include client‐centred counselling incorporating individual client's perspectives within dietary prescriptions. The present exploratory research aimed to explore how client‐centred counselling practice was being represented in the dietetic literature and to examine dietitians' perspectives about working with clients in the current environment.

Methods

To explore the professional position, a literature search was conducted using keywords encompassing client‐centred care and competency within professional dietetic journals (2001–2010). To develop a contextual case study, 10 in‐depth interviews with dietitians delivering weight‐loss prescriptions within a clinical trial were conducted. Recordings of their perspectives on roles, opportunities/barriers and counselling strategies were transcribed verbatim and examined using inductive thematic and content analysis.

Results

Eleven articles were incorporated into a narrative review describing practice issues related to traditional forms of consultation and the effectiveness of client‐centred approaches. The over‐riding theme from the interviews (Professional Identity Dilemma) highlighted tension felt by dietitians in their dual role as nutrition expert and counsellor, trained to deliver biomedical imperatives (clinical targets), and their challenge to accept client‐defined health perspectives. Supporting themes (Adherence factors and Constructs of health) exposed details on barriers to dietary change and the impact of contextual factors on this change that were linked to wellness and wellbeing concepts.

Conclusions

Appreciating wellness and wellbeing concepts may add a useful adjunct to client‐centred approaches to dietary counselling through building bridges between clinical targets and client health perspectives.
Elevated spinal monoamine neurotransmitters after antenatal hypoxia–ischemia in rabbit cerebral palsy model
Authors: Drobyshevsky Alexander , Takada Silvia Honda , Luo Kehuan , Derrick Matthew , Yu Lei , Quinlan Katharina A. , Vasquez‐Vivar Jeannette , Nogueira Maria Inês , Tan Sidhartha
Published: November 2014

We hypothesized that a deficiency in the descending serotonergic input to spinal cord may underlie postnatal muscle hypertonia after global antenatal hypoxic‐ischemic injury in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy. Neurotransmitter content was determined by HPLC in the spinal cord of newborns with and without muscle hypertonia after fetal global hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury and naïve controls. Contrary to our hypothesis, serotonin levels in both cervical and lumbar expansions and norepinephrine in cervical expansion were increased in hypertonic kits relative to non‐hypertonic kits and controls, with unchanged number of serotonergic cells in caudal raphe by stereological count. Serotonergic fiber length per unit of volume was also increased in hypertonic kits’ cervical and lumbar spinal cord, both in dorsal and ventral horns. Gene expression of serotonin transporter was increased and 5‐HTR2 receptors were decreased in hypertonic kits relative to controls in cervical and lumbar cord. Intrathecal administration of non‐selective serotonin receptor inhibitor methysergide decreased muscle tone in hypertonic kits only. Conversely, intrathecal administration of serotonin solution increased muscle tone only in non‐hypertonic kits. We speculate that maturation of serotonergic system in spinal cord may be directly affected by decreased corticospinal connectivity after antenatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury.

image

Following prenatal hypoxia–ischemia, newborn rabbits exhibit elevated levels of serotonin in the spinal cord that were linked to muscle hypertonia. Serotonergic terminal density was also increased in hypertonic newborns’ spinal cord. Intrathecal administration of the non‐selective serotonin receptor inhibitor methysergide decreased muscle tone in hypertonic newborns only. Elevated spinal serotonin thus suggests a novel pathophysiological mechanism of hypertonia in cerebral palsy.
Different effects of bisphenol‐A on memory behavior and synaptic modification in intact and estrogen‐deprived female mice
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Gu Ting , Shen Qiaoqiao
Published: November 2014

Bisphenol‐A (BPA) has the capability of interfering with the effects of estrogens on modulating brain function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BPA on memory and synaptic modification in the hippocampus of female mice under different levels of cycling estrogen. BPA exposure (40, 400 μg/kg/day) for 8 weeks did not affect spatial memory and passive avoidance task of gonadally intact mice but improved ovariectomy (Ovx)‐induced memory impairment, whereas co‐exposure of BPA with estradiol benzoate (EB) diminished the rescue effect of EB on memory behavior of Ovx mice. The results of morphometric measurement showed that BPA positively modified the synaptic interface structure and increased the synaptic density of CA1 pyramidal cell in the hippocampus of Ovx females, but inhibited the enhancement of EB on synaptic modification and synaptogenesis of Ovx mice. Furthermore, BPA up‐regulated synaptic proteins synapsin I and PSD‐95 and NMDA receptor NR2B but inhibited EB‐induced increase in PSD‐95 and NR2B in the hippocampus of Ovx mice. These results suggest that BPA interfered with normal hormonal regulation in synaptic plasticity and memory of female mice as a potent estrogen mimetic and as a disruptor of estrogen under various concentrations of cycling estrogen.

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We showed that bisphenol‐A (BPA) improved ovariectomy (Ovx)‐induced memory impairment but diminished the rescue effect of estradial on memory of Ovx mice. BPA increased the synaptic density of the Ovx hippocampus, but inhibited the enhancement of estradial on synaptogenesis of Ovx mice. Our findings provided evidence hat BPA interfered with hormonal regulation in synaptic plasticity and memory of female mice as a potent estrogen mimetic and as a disruptor of estrogen under various concentration of cycling estrogen.
Identification of the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling in the trajectory of serotonergic differentiation in a rapid assay in mouse embryonic stem cells in vitro
Authors: Yamasaki Atsushi , Kasai Atsushi , Toi Akihiro , Kurita Maki , Kimoto Saki , Hayata‐Takano Atsuko , Nakazawa Takanobu , Nagayasu Kazuki , Shintani Norihito , Hashimoto Ryota , Ito Akira , Meltzer Herbert Y. , Ago Yukio , Waschek James A. , Onaka Yusuke , Matsuda Toshio , Baba Akemichi , Hashimoto Hitoshi
Published: November 2014

The mechanism by which extracellular molecules control serotonergic cell fate remains elusive. Recently, we showed that noggin, which inactivates bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), induces serotonergic differentiation of mouse embryonic (ES) and induced pluripotent stem cells with coordinated gene expression along the serotonergic lineage. Here, we created a rapid assay for serotonergic induction by generating knock‐in ES cells expressing a naturally secreted Gaussia luciferase driven by the enhancer of Pet‐1/Fev, a landmark of serotonergic differentiation. Using these cells, we performed candidate‐based screening and identified BMP type I receptor kinase inhibitors LDN‐193189 and DMH1 as activators of luciferase. LDN‐193189 induced ES cells to express the genes encoding Pet‐1, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, and the serotonin transporter, and increased serotonin release without altering dopamine release. In contrast, TGF‐β receptor inhibitor SB‐431542 selectively inhibited serotonergic differentiation, without changing overall neuronal differentiation. LDN‐193189 inhibited expression of the BMP signaling target gene Id, and induced the TGF‐β target gene Lefty, whereas the opposite effect was observed with SB‐431542. This study thus provides a new tool to investigate serotonergic differentiation and suggests that inhibition of BMP type I receptors and concomitant activation of TGF‐β receptor signaling are implicated in serotonergic differentiation.

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Candidate‐based screening for serotonergic induction using a rapid assay in mouse embryonic stem cells revealed that the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor kinase inhibitors selectively induce serotonergic differentiation, whereas the TGF‐β receptor inhibitor SB‐431542 inhibits the differentiation. These results suggest that inhibition of BMP type I receptors and concomitant activation of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) receptor signaling are involved in the early trajectory of serotonergic differentiation.
To what extent is the work environment of staff related to person‐centred care? A cross‐sectional study of residential aged care
Authors: Sjögren Karin , Lindkvist Marie , Sandman Per‐Olof , Zingmark Karin , Edvardsson David
Published: November 2014

Aims and objectives

To explore the relationship between staff characteristics, perceived work environment and person‐centred care in residential aged care units.

Background

Person‐centred care is often described as the model of choice in residential aged care and in the care of persons with dementia. Few empirical studies have reported on the relationship between how staff experience different aspects of their work and person‐centred care.

Design

The study had a cross‐sectional quantitative design.

Methods

Staff in 151 residential aged care units in Sweden (n = 1169) completed surveys which included questions about staff characteristics, valid and reliable measures of person‐centred care, satisfaction with work and care, job strain, stress of conscience and psychosocial unit climate. Statistical analyses of correlations, group differences and multiple linear regression analysis estimated with generalised estimating equation were conducted.

Results

Higher levels of staff satisfaction, lower levels of job strain, lower levels of stress of conscience, higher levels of a supportive psychosocial unit climate and a higher proportion of staff with continuing education in dementia care were associated with higher levels of person‐centred care. Job strain and a supportive psychosocial climate, explained most of the variation in person‐centred care.

Conclusions

This study shows that the work environment as perceived by staff is associated with the extent to which staff perceive the care as being person‐centred in residential aged care. These empirical findings support the theoretical postulation that the work environment is an important aspect of person‐centred care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Promoting a positive and supportive psychosocial climate and a work environment where staff experience balance between demands and control in their work, to enable person‐centred care practice, seems to be important implications for managers and leaders in residential aged care.
Interventions combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour to promote medication adherence: a literature review
Authors: Spoelstra Sandra L. , Schueller Monica , Hilton Melissa , Ridenour Kimberly
Published: November 2014

Aims and objectives

This article presents an integrative review of the evidence for combined motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural interventions that promote medication adherence. We undertook this review to establish a scientific foundation for development of interventions to promote medication adherence and to guide clinical practice.

Background

The World Health Organization has designated medication adherence as a global problem. Motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour interventions have been found to individually promote medication adherence. However, there is a gap in the literature on the effect of combined motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural approaches to promote medication adherence.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

COCHRANE, PubMed and CINAHL were searched to access relevant studies between 2004–2014. Inclusion criteria were interventions combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy with medication adherence as the outcome. Articles were assessed for measures of adherence and methodological rigour. Analysis was performed using an integrative review process.

Results

Six articles met the inclusion criteria. A randomised controlled trial reported pretreatment missed doses of 5·58 and post‐treatment of 0·92 and trended towards significance. Four cohort studies had effect sizes of 0·19–0·35 (p < 0·05). A case study had a pretreatment adherence rate of 25% and post‐treatment 77% (p < 0·01).

Conclusions

Although there were a limited number of studies on combined motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural interventions, five out of six were effective at improving medication adherence. Future studies with large rigorous randomised trials are needed.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review provides clinicians with the state of the science in relation to combined motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy interventions that promote medication adherence. A summary of intervention components and talking points are provided to aid nurses in informing decision‐making and translating evidence into practice.
Risk score comprising maternal and obstetric factors to identify late preterm infants at risk for neonatal intensive care unit admission
Authors: Phaloprakarn Chadakarn , Manusirivithaya Sumonmal , Boonyarittipong Payon
Published: November 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an antepartum risk score based on maternal and obstetric characteristics to predict the requirement for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission among late preterm infants.

Material and Methods

A chart review was performed of 455 singleton late preterm deliveries at our institution between July 2010 and December 2011. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop a risk score, which was derived from β coefficients of the significant variables. A receiver–operator curve was plotted to determine the optimal cut‐off score for predicting NICU admission. Validation of the score was tested in another cohort of 450 women who delivered a singleton late preterm infant between January 2012 and June 2013.

Results

A total of 98 infants (21.5%) in the development cohort were admitted to the NICU. The significant factors for NICU admission included: premature rupture of membranes, antepartum hemorrhage, medical disorders during pregnancy, prenatal estimation of fetal weight, gestational age at delivery, and mode of delivery. These six variables were integrated into a risk‐scoring model, which ranged from −2 to 9 points. A cut‐off score of ≥1 produced the maximum area under the receiver–operator curve of 0.764. At this cut‐off point, the sensitivity was 79.6% and specificity was 73.1%. When the risk score was tested in the validation cohort, similar results were demonstrated.

Conclusion

An antepartum risk score was developed to predict the requirement for NICU admission among late preterm infants and was validated in an independent cohort.
Lipid‐soluble fraction of Shakuyaku‐kanzo‐to inhibits myometrial contraction in pregnant women
Authors: Sumi Genichiro , Yasuda Katsuhiko , Tsuji Shoko , Kanamori Chiharu , Tsuzuki Tomoko , Cho Hisayuu , Nishigaki Akemi , Okada Hidetaka , Kanzaki Hideharu
Published: November 2014

Aim

Shakuyaku‐kanzo‐to, a Kampo medicine composed equally of shakuyaku and kanzo, is an antispasmodic drug that can inhibit contraction of uterine smooth muscles in pregnant women and rats. We aimed to test the inhibitory effects of water‐ and lipid‐soluble extracts of shakuyaku‐kanzo‐to, shakuyaku, and kanzo in order to identify the fraction responsible for inhibiting uterine smooth muscle contraction in pregnancy.

Material and Methods

Myometrial tissues were obtained from pregnant women and rats. The water‐ and lipid‐soluble fractions of shakuyaku‐kanzo‐to, shakuyaku, and kanzo were obtained using the method of Bligh and Dyer. Lipid‐soluble fractions were also partially purified using thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) with a chloroform : methanol : water (65:25:4 by volume) solvent system to yield four TLC fractions. The effect of each fraction on oxytocin‐induced myometrial contraction was examined in vitro.

Results

Lipid‐soluble fractions obtained from shakuyaku‐kanzo‐to and kanzo inhibited myometrial contraction; water‐soluble fractions had no effect. Of the four TLC fractions, the inhibitory effect was greatest with TLC fraction 1 (0.75 < Rf value ≤ 1.0). Neither the water‐soluble nor the lipid‐soluble fraction from shakuyaku inhibited myometrial contraction.

Conclusions

These results suggest that lipid‐soluble substances with low polarity derived from kanzo are responsible for the inhibitory effect of shakuyaku‐kanzo‐to on myometrial contraction.
Statins and Male Sexual Health: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Davis Richard , Reveles Kelly R. , Ali Sayed K. , Mortensen Eric M. , Frei Christopher R. , Mansi Ishak
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Conflicting reports exist regarding the role of statins in male gonadal and sexual function. Some studies report a beneficial effect, particularly for erectile dysfunction (ED), through statins’ anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective properties. Others suggest that statins might be associated with sexual dysfunction through negative effects on hormone levels.

Aim

This study aims to compare the risk of gonadal or sexual dysfunction in statin users vs. nonusers in a single-payer healthcare system.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all male patients (30–85 years) enrolled in the Tricare San Antonio market. Using 79 baseline characteristics, we created a propensity score-matched cohort of statin users and nonusers. The study duration was divided into a baseline period (October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2005) to describe patient baseline characteristics, and a follow-up period (October 1, 2005 to March 1, 2012) to determine patient outcomes. Statin users were defined as those prescribed a statin for ≥3 months between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005.

Main Outcome Measures

Outcomes were identified as the occurrence of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), ED, infertility, testicular dysfunction, or psychosexual dysfunction during the follow-up period as identified by inpatient or outpatient International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of statin use with patient outcomes.

Results

Of 20,731 patients who met study criteria, we propensity score-matched 3,302 statin users with 3,302 nonusers. Statin use in men was not significantly associated with an increased or decreased risk of BPH (odds ratio [OR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–1.19), ED (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.90–1.13), infertility (OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.66–2.29), testicular dysfunction (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.73–1.14), or psychosexual dysfunction (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.94–1.14).

Conclusions

Statin use was not associated with increased risk of being diagnosed with gonadal or sexual dysfunction in men. Further studies using a larger sample may be needed.
Changes in Physical Properties of Enzyme‐Treated Beef Before and After Mastication
Authors: Takei Ryo , Hayashi Masahiro , Umene Shingo , Narita Kazuyoshi , Kobayashi Yasunori , Masunaga Hiroaki
Published: November 2014

This study was conducted to determine whether enzymatically softened beef is more easily ingested by individuals with decreased masticatory function while retaining the original appearance and palatability using a homogeneous enzyme permeation (HEP) method. The number of mastication cycles required to induce the first swallow of normally cooked beef (NB) and HEP‐treated beef (HEPB) was investigated. Pre‐ and post‐mastication samples were also tested for firmness, viscoelastic properties, compression stress and disintegrability. Compared with NB, HEPB was shown to require less than one‐third the number of mastication cycles while retaining approximately 1/15 the firmness. HEP treatment reduced the coefficient of viscosity to less than 1/20 of NB. Stress increased abruptly with compression of post‐mastication NB samples, while a lower increase was observed for HEPB. Disintegration tests revealed fewer residues for HEPB.

HEPB demonstrated sufficient softness, good deformability and quick water dispersibility while retaining the same shape as NB.

Practical Application

With these features, beef made using the homogeneous enzyme permeation method is expected to expand the applicability of oral nutrition and help establish a new approach to nutritional management for people with difficulty masticating. This technology has already been used for food products named “iEat” (EN Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Japan), which are produced for patients with masticatory difficulties.
Community assembly in a tropical cloud forest related to specific leaf area and maximum species height
Authors: Long Wenxing , Schamp Brandon S. , Zang Runguo , Ding Yi , Huang Yunfeng , Xiang Yangzhou
Published: November 2014

Question

We tested whether co‐existing tree species in tropical dwarf forests were deterministically assembled along gradients of air temperature, relative humidity and light availability, according to two important functional traits, specific leaf area (SLA) and maximum species height (Hmax).

Location

Tropical montane cloud forest, Bawangling Nature Reserve, Hainan Island, south China.

Methods

Null model analyses were used in conjunction with trait and species composition data collected to test our hypotheses at four plot sizes (25 m2, 100 m2, 400 m2 and 900 m2), addressing whether the consistent importance of variation in SLA and Hmax extends to these unique forests, as well as theoretical predictions concerning how patterns change with plot size.

Results

Low SLA species were significantly over‐represented within forest communities for the two largest plot sizes, and taller‐growing tree species were over‐represented across all four plot sizes. Plot‐level analyses indicated that low SLA species were associated with lower temperatures.

Conclusions

Our results show that tropical dwarf forests are deterministically assembled with respect to these two traits, and are consistent with other studies indicating that SLA responds to abiotic filters. Co‐existing tree species were not significantly divergent for these two traits, indicating that variation in these two traits among trees does not contribute to niche differences (i.e. limiting similarity) and therefore co‐existence within forest plots. Finally, our study demonstrates that patterns of community assembly change with plot size; however, trait convergence did not increase with plot size as previously predicted.
Propagule abundance and richness are equivalent or higher in communities restored with local ecotypes relative to cultivars of dominant species
Authors: Willand Jason E. , Baer Sara G. , Gibson David J.
Published: November 2014

Question

Does population source of dominant species influence propagule abundance and richness for ecological restoration, and are effects consistent across different species pools?

Location

Illinois, USA.

Methods

Abundance and richness of ramets, emerged seedlings, seed rain and the soil seed bank were measured in a restoration experiment consisting of a split‐plot design with population source of dominant grasses (cultivar vs local ecotype) as the whole‐plot factor and sown subordinate species (three unique pools of non‐dominant species) as the subplot factor, respectively. Different sown species pools were included to assess whether any observed differences in propagule abundance or richness between the dominant species sources was generalizable across varying interspecific interactions.

Results

Abundance of emerged ramets was similar between communities sown with cultivar and local ecotypes of the dominant grasses, but differed among sown species pools in prairie restored with cultivars but not with local ecotypes. Number of emerged seedlings also differed among species pools, but only in communities sown with local ecotypes of the dominant grasses. There was also higher seedling emergence in communities sown with local ecotypes relative to cultivars of the dominant grasses in one species pool. Richness of the seed rain was influenced by an interaction between dominant grass population source and sown species pool, resulting from (1) higher richness in prairie restored with local ecotypes than cultivars of the native grasses in one species pool, and (2) differences in richness among species pools that occurred only in prairie restored with the local ecotype grass source. Abundance and richness of the seed bank was not affected by dominant grass population source.

Conclusions

This study addressed a poorly understood potential effect of using cultivars in ecological restoration, specifically on the abundance and supply of propagules for community assembly. We found no consistent negative effect of dominant grass cultivars on propagule supply. These results suggest that if both local ecotype and cultivar sources are available for restoration, using local ecotypes could result in more seedling germination and richness in the seed rain.
Working with standards—post‐crisis positioning of bank advisors
Authors: Grosen Sidsel Lond
Published: November 2014

Taking recent developments in the financial sector as its point of departure, this article examines how bank advisors are positioned. Increased complexity in banking products and the risk orientation that has followed the financial crisis make demands on the quality of advice. Drawing on qualitative interview studies in two Danish banks, the article questions whether the dominant understanding of bank advisors as primarily sales persons comprises their current positioning. Contradictory demands on bank advisors emerge in the simultaneous emphasis on advisory aspects of the work and in the imposition of new standard procedures; while one points to a positioning as professional advisors, the other tends to undermine it and makes the positioning ambiguous.
Purine import into malaria parasites as a target for antimalarial drug development
Authors: Frame I. J. , Deniskin Roman , Arora Avish , Akabas Myles H.
Published: November 2014

Infection with Plasmodium species parasites causes malaria. Plasmodium parasites are purine auxotrophs. In all life cycle stages, they require purines for RNA and DNA synthesis and other cellular metabolic processes. Purines are imported from the host erythrocyte by equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs). They are processed via purine salvage pathway enzymes to form the required purine nucleotides. The Plasmodium falciparum genome encodes four putative ENTs (PfENT1–4). Genetic, biochemical, and physiologic evidence suggest that PfENT1 is the primary purine transporter supplying the purine salvage pathway. Protein mass spectrometry shows that PfENT1 is expressed in all parasite stages. PfENT1 knockout parasites are not viable in culture at purine concentrations found in human blood (<10 μM). Thus, PfENT1 is a potential target for novel antimalarial drugs, but no PfENT1 inhibitors have been identified to test the hypothesis. Identifying inhibitors of PfENT1 is an essential step to validate PfENT1 as a potential antimalarial drug target.
New functions and signaling mechanisms for the class of adhesion G protein–coupled receptors
Authors: Liebscher Ines , Ackley Brian , Araç Demet , Ariestanti Donna M. , Aust Gabriela , Bae Byoung‐il , Bista Bigyan R. , Bridges James P. , Duman Joseph G. , Engel Felix B. , Giera Stefanie , Goffinet André M. , Hall Randy A. , Hamann Jörg , Hartmann Nicole , Lin Hsi‐Hsien , Liu Mingyao , Luo Rong , Mogha Amit , Monk Kelly R. , Peeters Miriam C. , Prömel Simone , Ressl Susanne , Schiöth Helgi B. , Sigoillot Séverine M. , Song Helen , Talbot William S. , Tall Gregory G. , White James P. , Wolfrum Uwe , Xu Lei , Piao Xianhua
Published: November 2014

The class of adhesion G protein–coupled receptors (aGPCRs), with 33 human homologs, is the second largest family of GPCRs. In addition to a seven‐transmembrane α‐helix—a structural feature of all GPCRs—the class of aGPCRs is characterized by the presence of a large N‐terminal extracellular region. In addition, all aGPCRs but one (GPR123) contain a GPCR autoproteolysis–inducing (GAIN) domain that mediates autoproteolytic cleavage at the GPCR autoproteolysis site motif to generate N‐ and a C‐terminal fragments (NTF and CTF, respectively) during protein maturation. Subsequently, the NTF and CTF are associated noncovalently as a heterodimer at the plasma membrane. While the biological function of the GAIN domain–mediated autocleavage is not fully understood, mounting evidence suggests that the NTF and CTF possess distinct biological activities in addition to their function as a receptor unit. We discuss recent advances in understanding the biological functions, signaling mechanisms, and disease associations of the aGPCRs.
Deficiency of PdxR in Streptococcus mutans affects vitamin B6 metabolism, acid tolerance response and biofilm formation
Authors: Liao S. , Bitoun J.P. , Nguyen A.H. , Bozner D. , Yao X. , Wen Z.T.
Published: November 2014

Streptococcus mutans, a key etiological agent of the human dental caries, lives primarily on the tooth surface in tenacious biofilms. The SMU864 locus, designated pdxR, is predicted to encode a member of the novel MocR/GabR family proteins, which are featured with a winged helix DNA‐binding N‐terminal domain and a C‐terminal domain highly homologous to the pyridoxal phosphate‐dependent aspartate aminotransferases. A pdxR‐deficient mutant, TW296, was constructed using allelic exchange. PdxR deficiency in S. mutans had little effect on cell morphology and growth when grown in brain heart infusion. However, when compared with its parent strain, UA159, the PdxR‐deficient mutant displayed major defects in acid tolerance response and formed significantly fewer biofilms (P < 0.01). When analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, PdxR deficiency was found to drastically reduce expression of an apparent operon encoding a pyridoxal kinase (SMU865) and a pyridoxal permease (SMU866) of the salvage pathway of vitamin B6 biosynthesis. In addition, PdxR deficiency also altered the expression of genes for ClpL protease, glucosyltransferase B and adhesin SpaP, which are known to play important roles in stress tolerance and biofilm formation. Consistently, PdxR‐deficiency affected the growth of the deficient mutant when grown in defined medium with and without vitamin B6. Further studies revealed that although S. mutans is known to require vitamin B6 to grow in defined medium, B6 vitamers, especially pyridoxal, were strongly inhibitory at millimolar concentrations, against S. mutans growth and biofilm formation. Our results suggest that PdxR in S. mutans plays an important role in regulation of vitamin B6 metabolism, acid tolerance response and biofilm formation.
Synthesis and regulation of chlorogenic acid in potato: Rerouting phenylpropanoid flux in HQT‐silenced lines
Authors: Payyavula Raja S. , Shakya Roshani , Sengoda Venkatesan G. , Munyaneza Joseph E. , Swamy Prashant , Navarre Duroy A.
Published: November 2014

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is the major phenolic sink in potato tubers and can constitute over 90% of total phenylpropanoids. The regulation of CGA biosynthesis in potato and the role of the CGA biosynthetic gene hydroxycinnamoyl CoA:quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT) was characterized. A sucrose induced accumulation of CGA correlated with the increased expression of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) rather than HQT. Transient expression of the potato MYB transcription factor StAN1 (anthocyanin 1) in tobacco increased CGA. RNAi suppression of HQT resulted in over a 90% reduction in CGA and resulted in early flowering. The reduction in total phenolics and antioxidant capacity was less than the reduction in CGA, suggesting flux was rerouted into other phenylpropanoids. Network analysis showed distinct patterns in different organs, with anthocyanins and phenolic acids showing negative correlations in leaves and flowers and positive in tubers. Some flavonols increased in flowers, but not in leaves or tubers. Anthocyanins increased in flowers and showed a trend to increase in leaves, but not tubers. HQT suppression increased biosynthesis of caffeoyl polyamines, some of which are not previously reported in potato. Decreased PAL expression and enzyme activity was observed in HQT suppressed lines, suggesting the existence of a regulatory loop between CGA and PAL. Electrophysiology detected no effect of CGA suppression on potato psyllid feeding. Collectively, this research showed that CGA in potatoes is synthesized through HQT and HQT suppression altered phenotype and redirected phenylpropanoid flux.
Phototoxic Plant Burns: Report of a Case and Review of Topical Wound Treatment in Children
Authors: Pfurtscheller Klaus , Trop Marija
Published: November 2014

Acute photodermatitis provoked by skin contact with giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a rare cause of phytophotodermatitis in children. We report the case of a 10‐year‐old girl with extensive photodermatitis after contact with giant hogweed and prolonged exposure to sunlight. The lesions involved 10% of the body surface area, mainly the lower extremities. After initial application of topical steroids to the skin erythema, the topical approach was changed due to extensive bullae. Debridement and temporary wound closure with an adequate dressing was undertaken. This is the first case report of application of Suprathel (PolyMedics Innovations, Denkendorf, Germany) on a phytophototoxic burn‐like wound with a favorable outcome.
Isolated Benign Primary Cutaneous Plasmacytosis in a Child
Authors: On Hye Rang , Lee Sang Eun , Kim You Chan , Kim Soo‐Chan
Published: November 2014

Isolated benign primary cutaneous plasmacytosis in a child is a very rare and benign disease. Herein we present a case of this condition occurring in a child who showed good response to topical corticosteroid.