bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly and its relationship with periodontitis: A review
Authors: Agnihotri Rupali , Gaur Sumit
Published: March 2013

Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic inflammatory diseases commonly seen in the elderly. It has been proposed that the two conditions are interrelated and influence the severity of each other. Recently, the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontopathogen, has been explained in the pathogenesis and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. It can be inferred from the present review that the two conditions share a common pathobiology, genetics and environmental risk factors. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the aforementioned mechanisms might enable the development of conjoint treatment modalities beneficial in treating the geriatric population afflicted by both the disorders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 8–22.
Natural Experimentation Is a Challenging Method for Identifying Headache Triggers
Authors: Houle Timothy T. , Turner Dana P.
Published: March 2013

Objective

In this study, we set out to determine whether individual headache sufferers can learn about the potency of their headache triggers (causes) using only natural experimentation.

Background

Headache patients naturally use the covariation of the presence‐absence of triggers with headache attacks to assess the potency of triggers. The validity of this natural experimentation has never been investigated. A companion study has proposed 3 assumptions that are important for assigning causal status to triggers. This manuscript examines one of these assumptions, constancy in trigger presentation, using real‐world conditions.

Methods

The similarity of day‐to‐day weather conditions over 4 years, as well as the similarity of ovarian hormones and perceived stress over a median of 89 days in 9 regularly cycling headache sufferers, was examined using several available time series. An arbitrary threshold of 90% similarity using Gower's index identified similar days for comparison.

Results

The day‐to‐day variability in just these 3 headache triggers is substantial enough that finding 2 naturally similar days for which to contrast the effect of a fourth trigger (eg, drinking wine vs not drinking wine) will only infrequently occur. Fluctuations in weather patterns resulted in a median of 2.3 days each year that were similar (range 0‐27.4). Considering fluctuations in stress patterns and ovarian hormones, only 1.5 days/month (95% confidence interval 1.2‐2.9) and 2.0 days/month (95% confidence interval 1.9‐2.2), respectively, met our threshold for similarity.

Conclusion

Although assessing the personal causes of headache is an age‐old endeavor, the great many candidate triggers exhibit variability that may prevent sound conclusions without assistance from formal experimentation or statistical balancing.
Migraine‐Like Accompanying Features in Patients With Cluster Headache. How Important Are They?
Authors: Zidverc‐Trajkovic Jasna , Podgorac Ana , Radojicic Aleksandra , Sternic Nadezda
Published: March 2013

Background

According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders diagnostic criteria, the differences between migraine and cluster headache (CH) are clear. In addition to headache attack duration and pain characteristics, the symptoms accompanying headache represent the key features in a differential diagnosis of these 2 primary headache disorders. Just a few studies of patients with CH exist examining the presence of nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and aura, the features commonly accompanying migraine headache.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of migraine‐like features (MF) in patients with CH and establish the significance of these phenomena related to other clinical features and response to treatment.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐five patients with CH were studied, and 24.5% of them experienced at least one of MF during every CH attack. Nausea and vomiting were the most frequently reported MF. The clinical presentation between CH patients with and without MF was not significantly different with the exception of aggravation of pain by effort (20.6% vs 4.1%) and facial sweating (13.2% vs 0.85%), both more frequent in CH patients with MF.

Conclusion

Inferred from the results of our study, the presence of MF in CH patients had no important influence on the diagnosis and treatment of CH patients. The major differences of these 2 primary headache disorders, attack duration, lateralization, and the nature of associated symptoms, as delineated in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, are still useful tools for effective diagnosis.
How Aware Are Migraineurs of Their Triggers?
Authors: Baldacci Filippo , Vedovello Marcella , Ulivi Martina , Vergallo Andrea , Poletti Michele , Borelli Paolo , Nuti Angelo , Bonuccelli Ubaldo
Published: March 2013

Background

Broad discrepancies in the number of migraine triggers have been reported in several studies. Migraineurs do not seem to recognize easily headache triggers in clinical practice.

Objective

To evaluate how aware migraineurs are about their headache triggers.

Materials and methods

We recruited 120 consecutive migraineurs. Each patient was first asked to report spontaneously any migraine trigger. Subsequently, the patient selected from a list of commonly known triggers.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients (72.5%) spontaneously reported at least 1 migraine trigger, and 120 patients (100%) reported at least 1 migraine trigger selecting from a specific list of precipitants. The mean number of spontaneously identified triggers was 1.5 (±1.5), and the total number of triggers identified was 7.20 (±3.9).

Conclusions

A relevant discrepancy between the number of spontaneously recognized triggers and the total number of triggers was found. This may suggest that migraineurs display poor awareness about headache triggers.
Hemicrania Continua Responsive to Botulinum Toxin Type A: A Case Report
Authors: Khalil Modar , Ahmed Fayyaz
Published: March 2013

Background

Hemicrania continua (HC) is a primary headache disorder with full response to indomethacin as one of its diagnostic criteria; however, indomethacin's side effects could limit its use in HC.

Case Result

We report a 33‐year‐old lady whose headache fulfilled the criteria for HC, but the patient developed gastric side effect to indomethacin and did not respond to other pharmacological treatments; however, injecting botulinum toxin type A has led to complete resolution of all of her symptoms.

Discussion

We hypothesize the mechanism by which botulinum toxin type A has led to our results through reviewing recent functional neuroimaging findings used to understand the pathophysiology of different primary headache disorders
Effects of pegylated interferon‐α‐2a monotherapy on growth in Japanese children with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Inui Ayano , Kawamoto Manari , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Komatsu Haruki , Fujisawa Tomoo
Published: March 2013

Aim

The relationship between pegylated interferon (PEG IFN)‐α‐2a and growth of children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) remains unclear. This study was to evaluate the effects of PEG IFN‐α‐2a on growth.

Methods

From 2003–2012, we prospectively analyzed the data of children with CHC through mother‐to‐infant transmission. They were all treatment naive and were treated with PEG IFN‐α‐2a monotherapy.

Results

Among 31 children (19 boys, 12 girls; median age, 6 years) treated with monotherapy during the study period, 21 children (13 boys, eight girls; median age, 7 years) were statistically analyzed. The median treatment period of the 21 children was 48 weeks (range, 48–72). Z‐scores of height and weight before treatment, at the end of treatment and 1 year after treatment were −0.05, −0.24 and −0.12 (height), and +0.11, −0.23 and −0.05 (weight). Both Z‐scores were significantly decreased at the end of the treatment. One year after treatment, Z‐scores of height and bodyweight were significantly improved compared with that of end of treatment but were still lower than those before treatment, with statistical significance. Z‐scores of height growth velocity was significantly increased after the treatment (+0.71), compared with that during treatment (−2.25).

Conclusion

PEG IFN‐α‐2a has an inhibitory effect on children's growth, and Z‐scores of height and bodyweight were decreased at the end of treatment. Although Z‐scores improved after the treatment, they had not returned to the baseline level 1 year after the treatment.
Stability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels among interferon‐naïve HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals treated with combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Grint D , Peters L , Reekie J , Soriano V , Kirk O , Knysz B , Suetnov O , Lazzarin A , Ledergerber B , Rockstroh JK , Mocroft A ,   EuroSIDA in EuroCoord
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease. High HCV RNA levels have been associated with poor treatment response. This study aimed to examine the natural history of HCV RNA in chronically HCV/HIV‐coinfected individuals.

Methods

Mixed models were used to analyse the natural history of HCV RNA changes over time in HIV‐positive patients with chronic HCV infection.

Results

A total of 1541 individuals, predominantly White (91%), male (73%), from southern (35%) and western central Europe (23%) and with HCV genotype 1 (58%), were included in the analysis. The median follow‐up time was 5.0 years [interquartile range (IQR) 2.8 to 8.3 years]. Among patients not on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), HCV RNA levels increased by a mean 27.6% per year [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.1−53.5%; P = 0.0098]. Among patients receiving cART, HCV RNA levels were stable, increasing by a mean 2.6% per year (95% CI −1.1 to 6.5%; P = 0.17). Baseline HCV RNA levels were 25.5% higher (95% CI 8.8 to 39.1%; P = 0.0044) in individuals with HCV genotype 1 compared with HCV genotypes 2, 3 and 4. A 1 log HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL increase in HIV RNA was associated with a 10.9% increase (95% CI 2.3 to 20.2%; P = 0.012) in HCV RNA.

Conclusions

While HCV RNA levels increased significantly in patients prior to receiving cART, among those treated with cART HCV RNA levels remained stable over time.
Released potential: A qualitative study of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program in Australia
Authors: Hurley John , Browne Graeme , Lakeman Richard , Angking DoRhen , Cashin Andrew
Published: March 2013

The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) is a Commonwealth Government funded scheme that supports people living with a mental illness. Despite its significance, the program has received little attention from researchers nor critical discussion within the published work. This paper first critically examines the MHNIP from the contexts of identities, autonomy, and capabilities of mental health nurses (MHN) and then reports on findings from a qualitative study that explored the experiences of staff working in the MHNIP. Key findings from this qualitative study include four main themes indicating that both the program and the nurses working within it are addressing the unmet needs of people living with a mental illness. They achieve these ends by adopting holistic and consumer‐centred approaches and by providing a wide range of therapeutic interventions. As well, the MHN in this study valued the freedom and autonomy of their practice outside public health services and the respect received from colleagues working in other disciplines. Findings suggest that MHN within the study were experienced as having autonomous identities and roles that may be in contrast to the restrictive understandings of MHN capability within the program's funding rules.
Abundance and diversity of birch‐feeding leafminers along latitudinal gradients in northern Europe
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. , van Nieukerken Erik J. , Zverev Vitali , Zvereva Elena L.
Published: March 2013

Latitudinal patterns in biotic interactions, including herbivory, have been widely debated during the past years. In particular, recent meta‐analysis questioned the hypothesis that herbivory increases from the poles towards the equator. Our study was designed to verify this hypothesis by exploring latitudinal patterns in abundance and diversity of birch‐feeding insect herbivores belonging to the leafminer guild in northern Europe, from 59° to 69°N. We collected branches from five mature trees of two birch species (Betula pendula and B. pubescens) at each study site (ten sites for each of five latitudinal gradients) twice per season (in early and late summer of 2008–2011) and attributed all mines found on leaves of these branches to a certain taxon of insects. Latitudinal patterns were quantified by calculating Spearman rank correlation coefficients between both abundance and diversity of leafmining taxa and latitudes of sampling sites. In general, both abundance and diversity of leafminers significantly decreased with latitude. However, we discovered pronounced variation in patterns of latitudinal changes among study years and leafminer taxa. Variation among study years was best explained by mean temperatures in July at the northern ends of our gradients. During cold years, abundance of leafminers significantly decreased with latitude, while during warm years the abundance was either independent of latitude or even increased towards the pole. In the northern boreal forests (66° to 69°N), herbivores demonstrated larger changes in densities in response to temperature variations than in the boreo‐nemoral forests (59° to 62°N). Our data suggest that climate warming will result in a stronger increase in herbivory at higher latitudes than at lower latitudes.
Precise and Accurate In Situ Determination of Lead Isotope Ratios in NIST, USGS, MPI‐DING and CGSG Glass Reference Materials using Femtosecond Laser Ablation MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Kaiyun Chen , Honglin Yuan , Zhian Bao , Chunlei Zong , Mengning Dai
Published: March 2013

Lead isotope ratio data were obtained with good precision and accuracy using a 266 nm femtosecond laser ablation (fLA) system connected to a multi‐collector ICP‐MS (MC‐ICP‐MS) and through careful control of analytical procedures. The mass fractionation coefficient induced by 266 nm femtosecond laser ablation was approximately 28% lower than that by 193 nm excimer laser ablation (eLA) with helium carrier gas. The exponential law correction method for Tl normalisation with optimum adjusted Tl ratio was utilised to obtain Pb isotopic data with good precision and accuracy. The Pb isotopic ratios of the glass reference materials NIST SRM 610, 612, 614; USGS BHVO‐2G, BCR‐2G, GSD‐1G, BIR‐1G; and MPI‐DING GOR132‐G, KL2‐G, T1‐G, StHs60/80‐G, ATHO‐G and ML3B‐G were determined using fLA‐MC‐ICP‐MS. The measured Pb isotopic ratios were in good agreement with the reference or published values within 2s measurement uncertainties. We also present the first high‐precision Pb isotopic data for GSE‐1G, GSC‐1G, GSA‐1G and CGSG‐1, CGSG‐2, CGSG‐4 and CGSG‐5 glass reference materials obtained using the femtosecond laser ablation MC‐ICP‐MS analysis technique.
Reproductive success in a natural population of male three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus: effects of nuptial colour, parasites and body size
Authors: Sparkes T. C. , Rush V. , Kopp D. A. , Foster S. A.
Published: March 2013

The effects of nuptial colour, parasites and body size on reproductive success were examined in a natural population of three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus. Reproductive males were collected, with the contents of their nests, during the embryo‐guarding stage from Lynne Lake (Cook Inlet, Alaska, U.S.A.), and nuptial colour, infection status and body size were recorded. Regression analysis revealed that male body size was the only predictor, of those measured, of reproductive success in nature.
Nurse aide decision making in nursing homes: factors affecting empowerment
Authors: Chaudhuri Tanni , Yeatts Dale E , Cready Cynthia M
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To evaluate factors affecting structural empowerment among nurse aides in nursing homes.

Background

Structural empowerment can be defined as the actual rather than perceived ability to make autonomous decisions within an organisation. Given the paucity of research on the subject, this study helps to close the gap by identifying factors that affect nurse aide empowerment, that is, decision‐making among nurse aides.

Methods

The data for the study come from self‐administered questionnaires distributed to direct‐care workers (nurse aides) in 11 nursing homes in a southern state in the USA. Ordinary least square regression models were estimated to analyse the effects of demographic predictors, personal factors (competency, emotional exhaustion and positive attitude) and structural characteristics (coworker and supervisor support, information availability and shared governance) on nurse aide decision‐making.

Results

Findings suggest race among demographic predictors, emotional exhaustion among personal characteristics, and supervisor support, and shared governance among structural factors, significantly affect nurse aide decision‐making.

Conclusion

It is important to explore race as one of the central determinants of structural empowerment among nurse aides. In addition, the nature and type of emotional exhaustion that propels decision‐making needs to be further examined.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study shows the importance of shared governance and supervisor support for fostering nurse aide empowerment.
Life activities improve heart rate variability in patients with mild hypertension and/or the initial stage of heart failure
Authors: Nakayama Natsuki , Negi Koji , Watanabe Koji , Hirai Makoto
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To determine the effects on heart rate variability of home‐based daily activity in patients with mild hypertension and/or stable angina pectoris and to clarify the relationship between daily activity and sympathovagal balance.

Background

Several prior studies have assessed the ability of exercise training to improve functional capacity and produce beneficial effects on mortality and physical capacity in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Design

A non‐randomised six‐month prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

This study consisted of 41 patients (59–83 years old) with mild hypertension and/or stable angina pectoris. The home‐based daily activity and heart rate variability were measured at the start of the study (BASE) and six months after the start of the study (6MoA). At 6MoA, the active mass increased in 23 patients (the IC group), while it decreased in the remaining 18 patients (the DC group).

Results

There were significant increases in the high‐frequency component in the IC group between the data at BASE and 6MoA. There were significant decreases in the low frequency to high‐frequency ratio (low frequency/high‐frequency) during sleep in the IC group between the data at BASE and 6MoA. The active mass was classified into life activities and walk activities in terms of intensity of activity. In a multivariate model, increased life activitiesrevealed a trend towards an association with increased high‐frequency.

Conclusions

In patients with mild hypertension and/or stable angina pectoris, an increase in active mass improved heart rate variability outcomes with increased high‐frequency and decreased low frequency/high‐frequency during sleep. To increase life activitiesmight improve heart rate variability and prognosis in patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study demonstrated that the potential importance of low‐intensity daily activities in patients with mild hypertension and/or stable angina pectoris.
How do nurse practitioners in acute care affect perceptions of team effectiveness?
Authors: Kilpatrick Kelley
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe how acute care nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness.

Background

Acute care nurse practitioners provide safe and effective care to patients. There is limited evidence of the effects of acute care nurse practitioner roles on healthcare teams, and many of the findings are contradictory. Research is lacking to describe how nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness.

Design

A descriptive multiple‐case study undertaken in two university‐affiliated teaching hospitals in Canada.

Methods

Data were collected from March–May 2009. Data sources included interviews (n = 59), time and motion study, non‐participant observations, documents and field notes. Interviews were conducted individually or in groups using a semi‐structured interview guide. Data were analysed within and across the cases to identify similarities and differences in perceptions of team effectiveness.

Results

Team members believed the nurse practitioners improved the team's effectiveness. They identified six team processes they believed were improved by the addition of the nurse practitioners to the teams. The processes included decision‐making, communication, cohesion, care coordination, problem‐solving and focus on patients and families.

Discussion

The study contributes to our understanding of how nurse practitioners affect perceptions of team effectiveness. Improved team communication and care coordination were believed to be particularly important. Nurse practitioner can facilitate patient‐ and family‐centred care in healthcare teams.

Conclusion

Nurse practitioners improve perceptions of team effectiveness. Further work is needed in different contexts and with patients and families to determine their perceptions of team effectiveness.

Relevance to clinical practice

The nurse practitioner role was believed to be particularly important to improve team communication and care coordination. This constitutes an added value of acute care nurse practitioners roles in healthcare teams. Nurse practitioner roles contribute to patient‐centred care and can improve the quality and safety of the care provided to patients and families.
Systematic reviews of surgical procedures in children: Quantity, coverage and quality
Authors: McGee Richard G , Craig Jonathan C , Rogerson Thomas E , Webster Angela C
Published: March 2013

Aim

Systematic reviews have the potential to map those areas where children are under‐represented in surgical research. We aimed to describe and evaluate the quantity, coverage and the quality of conduct and reporting of systematic reviews of surgical procedures in children.

Methods

We searched four biomedical databases, a systematic review register, reference lists and conducted hand searching to identify relevant reviews. Two reviewers worked independently to critically appraise included studies and abstract data. We assessed reporting quality using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis statement and methodological quality using the Assessment of Multiple SysTemAtic Reviews tool.

Results

Fifteen systematic reviews were identified, representing 0.01% of all paediatric surgical citations in MEDLINE and Embase. Thirteen of the reviews were Cochrane reviews, and most reviews (12/15) addressed subspecialty interests such as otorhinolaryngology. The median number of included trials per systematic review was four (interquartile range 1 to 9.5), the median number of primary outcomes was 5.5 (interquartile range 3.5 to 7.5). In general, reporting and methodological quality was good although there were several omissions, particularly around completeness of reporting of statistical methods used, and utilisation of quality assessments in analyses. Outcomes were often not clearly defined and descriptions of procedures lacked sufficient detail to determine the similarities and differences among surgical procedures within the contributing trials.

Conclusion

Systematic reviews of surgical procedures in children are rarely published. To improve the evidence base and guide research agendas, more systematic reviews should be conducted, using standard guidelines for conduct and reporting.
Vaginal Lubrication After Cervicovaginal Stimulation is Facilitated by Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibition in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Gamé Xavier , Roumiguié Mathieu , Bouali Ourdia , Allard Julien , Gourdy Pierre , Mazerolles Catherine , Rischmann Pascal , Arnal JeanFrançois , Malavaud Bernard
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and estrogen receptors are expressed in the vagina.

Aim

We aimed to assess the impact of sildenafil on vaginal lubrication according to the hormonal status and to determine the role of the neuronal isoform of NOS (nNOS).

Methods

Fourweekold C57/BL6 female mice were sham operated or ovariectomized. At 10 weeks of age, they were injected intraperitoneally by any combination of sildenafil, 7nitroindazole (7NI)—a potent selective nNOS inhibitor—or the corresponding vehicles. Vaginal lubrication was induced in a physiological manner by cervical vaginal probing and quantified depending on the hormonal and pharmacological conditions. The animals were then sacrificed for vaginal histomorphometry.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measure is the quantification of vaginal transudate after cervicovaginal stimulation and vaginal histomorphometry.

Results

Sildenafil increased cervicovaginal probinginduced vaginal lubrication in ovariectomized and shamoperated animals. Ovariectomized mice exhibited decreased vaginal lubrication as compared with shamoperated mice. When taking into account the presence of severe vaginal atrophy, a threefold increase in transudate per gram of vagina wet weight was revealed in ovariectomized animals. Castration markedly reduced the thickness of the vaginal wall. nNOS inhibition by 7NI had no impact on vaginal lubrication.

Conclusions

Irrespective of the hormonal status, sildenafil increased vaginal lubrication. The vaginal effect of sildenafil was independent of the nNOS pathway and more pronounced in ovariectomized animals.
Effects of Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shin Hyun-Woo , Park Ju-Hyun , Park Jong-Wan , Rhee Chae-Seo , Lee Chul Hee , Min Yang-Gi , Kim Dong-Young
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). The improvement of ED after medical therapy including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) is still controversial. Furthermore, the efficacy of surgical treatment has been little investigated.

Aim

The aim of this nonrandomized prospective study was to evaluate the effects of surgical (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP]) and nonsurgical approaches (CPAP and MAD) on ED and quality of life (QOL) in OSAS.

Methods

OSAS patients underwent UPPP (N = 30), CPAP (N = 16), or MAD (N = 10) and completed the Korean versions of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (KIIEF-5) and the Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) before and after a median of 7 months of treatment (interquartile range, 4–15 months). All patients underwent a full-night in-laboratory polysomnography at baseline and follow-up.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measures are the KIIEF-5 and SAQLI scores.

Results

CPAP group showed older age, higher body mass index, and more severe OSAS than other groups. Apnea–hypopnea index and lowest oxygen saturation level improved significantly in all groups, but Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased significantly in UPPP and MAD groups. Significant increase of KIIEF-5 was observed in patients who underwent UPPP (P = 0.039, paired t-test), but not in nonsurgical treatment group. All groups had the tendency of better QOL after treatment, but statistical significance was found only in MAD group. Neck circumference (r = 0.360, P = 0.006) and KIIEF-5 score (r = −0.484, P < 0.001) at baseline were significantly related to the improvement of KIIEF-5.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that ED in OSAS may improve following UPPP. Better disease-specific QOL was observed after both surgical and nonsurgical therapies in OSAS. These findings suggest that interventions for OSAS can provide the alleviation of ED and increase QOL in OSAS patients with ED, especially if they had pronounced complaints of ED and wide neck circumferences.
Accessibility of blood affects the attractiveness of cattle to horn flies
Authors: BREIJO M. , ROCHA S. , URES X. , PEDRANA G. , ALONZO P. , MEIKLE A.
Published: March 2013

The burden of infestation of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae), differs among bovines within the same herd. We hypothesized that these differences might be related to the epidermal thickness of the cattle and the blood intake capacity of the fly. Results showed that dark animals carried more flies and had a thinner epidermis than light‐coloured animals, which was consistent with the greater haemoglobin content found in flies caught on darker cattle. Similarly, epidermal thickness increased with body weight, whereas haemoglobin content decreased. Overall, we suggest that accessibility of blood is a factor that partially explains cattle attractiveness to flies.
Increased number of astrocytes and macrophages/microglial cells in the corpus callosum in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Sugiyama Mikiko , Takao Masaki , Hatsuta Hiroyuki , Funabe Sayaka , Ito Shinji , Obi Tomokazu , Tanaka Fumiaki , Kuroiwa Yoshiyuki , Murayama Shigeo
Published: March 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. Neuropathologically, degeneration of the corticospinal tracts is evident and may be associated with loss of motor neurons in the motor cortex. The data from a recently developed imaging technology, the diffusion tensor imaging method of MRI have suggested that white matter in the corpus callosum (CC) is lost in patients with ALS. However, the specific neuropathologic changes of the commissural fibers remain unclear. To investigate the pathologic changes of the CC in ALS, we analyzed midsagittal sections of the CC from eight individuals with ALS and eight controls by using conventional staining and immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD68, GFAP and phosphorylated neurofilament (SMI‐31). The CC was divided into seven areas. The number of CD68‐immunoreactive macrophages/microglia and GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes was significantly higher in individuals with ALS than in controls in all areas of the CC except the rostrum. Among the patients with ALS, the number of macrophages/microglia and astrocytes was significantly higher in the posterior midbody and isthmus than in the rostrum. There was no significant difference in number of SMI‐31 immunoreactive axons between ALS and control group as well as among each area of the CC. These findings suggest that pathologic changes in the CC in ALS are present in the posterior midbody and isthmus, where callosal motor fibers may traverse between the two hemispheres. CD68 and GFAP immunohistochemistry are sensitive methods to detect those pathologic changes in routine paraffin‐embedded specimens.
Pediatric glioblastoma with oligodendroglioma component: Aggressive clinical phenotype with distinct molecular characteristics
Authors: Mizoguchi Masahiro , Hata Nobuhiro , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Fujioka Yutaka , Murata Hideki , Amano Toshiyuki , Nakamizo Akira , Yoshimoto Koji , Iwaki Toru , Sasaki Tomio
Published: March 2013

The 2007 World Health Organization classification defined a new variant of glioblastoma (GBM) containing oligodendroglioma foci as GBM with an oligodendroglioma component (GBMO), which shows a favorable clinical outcome compared with “classic” GBM. However, all of the reported cases of GBMO have been adult cases, with no previous reports of pediatric cases. In this report, we demonstrated molecular characteristics of a pediatric GBMO case, showing aggressive clinical behavior with 8‐month overall survival. The case showed neither isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 genes (IDH1/2) mutation nor 1p/19q co‐deletion, a hallmark of oligodendroglioal tumors. In addition, microsatellite instability, leading to the putative mechanism of temozolomide (TMZ) resistance, was frequently detected. Molecular genetic analysis may provide critical prognostic and therapeutic insights, especially for the pediatric glioma containing oligodendroglioma components.
Does parental anxiety cause biases in the processing of child‐relevant threat material?
Authors: Cartwright‐Hatton Sam , Abeles Paul , Dixon Clare , Holliday Christine , Hills Becky
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Anxiety leads to biases in processing personally relevant information. This study set out to examine whether anxious parents also experience biases in processing child‐relevant material.

Design and Methods

Ninety parents acted as a control condition, or received a social anxiety or child‐related anxiety induction. They completed a task examining attentional biases in relation to child‐threat words and social‐threat words, and a task examining ability to categorize emotion in children's faces and voices.

Results

There was a trend indicating group differences in attentional bias towards social‐threat words, and this appears to have been only in the social anxiety condition, but not the child anxiety or control conditions. For child‐threat words, attentional bias was present in the child anxiety condition, but not the social anxiety or control conditions. In the emotion recognition task, there was no difference between the control and child anxiety conditions, but the social anxiety condition were more likely to erroneously label children's faces and voices as sad.

Conclusions

Parents' anxious biases may spill over into their child's world.

Practitioner points

Parents' anxious biases may spill over into their child's world.

Anxious parents may have attentional biases towards threats in their children's environment.

Anxious parents may over‐attribute negative emotion to children.
Contingent Identity
Authors: Schwarz Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

It is widely held that if an object a is identical (or non‐identical) to an object b, then it is necessary that a is identical (non‐identical) to b. This view is supported an argument from Leibniz's Law and a popular conception of de re modality. On the other hand, there are good reasons to allow for contingent identity. Various alternative accounts of de re modality have been developed to achieve this kind of generality, and to explain what is wrong with the argument from Leibniz's Law.
Jian ai and the Mohist attack of Early Confucianism
Authors: Chiu Wai Wai
Published: March 2013

In Chinese pre‐Qin period, Mohism was the first school that challenged Confucianism. A common view is that Mohists attacked Confucianism by proposing jian ai, often translated as “universal love,” that opposes Confucian “graded love”. The Confucian‐Mohist debate on ethics is often regarded as a debate between Mohist “universal love,” on the one hand; and Confucian emphasis on family and kinship, on the other. However, it is misleading to translate jian ai as “universal love,” as it distorts our understanding of the debate. The word jian in classical Chinese means “inclusive,” not “impartial”. The Jian Ai chapters in the Mozi do not object to the idea that our moral practices ought to vary according to our relationship with others and their social positions. Furthermore, Mohist jian ai was not proposed in the first instance to refute Confucian ideas. The Confucian‐Mohist debate should not be understood as a battle between nepotism and excessive insistence on impartiality, because both of them advocate that we should care for people in general and that we should maintain close relational ties.
The Incompatibility Problem and Religious Pluralism Beyond Hick
Authors: Ruhmkorff Samuel
Published: March 2013

Religious pluralism is the view that more than one religion is correct, and that no religion enjoys a special status in relation to the ultimate. Yet the world religions appear to be incompatible. How, then, can more than one be correct? Discussions and critiques of religious pluralism usually focus on the work of John Hick, yet there are a number of other pluralists whose responses to this incompatibility problem are importantly different from Hick’s. This article surveys the solutions of Hick, Harrison, Heim, Byrne, and Knitter to the incompatibility problem. I conclude that, while none of these views is without weakness, there are several promising pluralist solutions to this problem. Moreover, confessionalists (i.e. exclusivists and inclusivists) must also address issues related to incompatibility.
Correlation Analysis of Camera Self‐Calibration in Close Range Photogrammetry
Authors: Tang Rongfu , Fritsch Dieter
Published: March 2013

While the Brown self‐calibration model has been widely used in close range photogrammetry for over 40 years, the negative effects of the well‐known high correlations between parameters are not clear. This paper presents a novel view and study of these correlations, which are shown to be inherent in the Brown model due to its polynomial nature; they occur exactly as with additional parameters in aerial photogrammetry. Although it has high correlations with the decentring distortion parameters, the principal point can be located precisely (up to a few pixels) in self‐calibration with an appropriate image configuration. An alternative model of the in‐plane distortion is proposed, which helps to reduce the correlation with principal distance.
BCL10 as a useful marker for pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, especially using endoscopic ultrasound cytology specimens
Authors: Hosoda Waki , Sasaki Eiichi , Murakami Yoshiko , Yamao Kenji , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Yatabe Yasushi
Published: March 2013

Acinar cell carcinomas (ACCs) of the pancreas are characterized by the histological and immunohistochemical features of acinar cell differentiation. Recently, BCL10, originally identified as a recurrent t(1;14)(p22;q32) translocation in MALT B‐cell lymphoma, was found to be immunohistochemically positive in some solid tumors, including ACC. To evaluate its diagnostic efficacy, we performed BCL10 immunohistochemistry and evaluated molecular markers correlated to pancreatic tumor lineages (neuroendocrine markers and a mutation analysis of KRAS and GNAS) using samples from 126 pancreatic tumors (17 ACCs, 24 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, 4 adenosquamous carcinomas, 9 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, 10 mucinous cystic neoplasms, 44 neuroendocrine tumors, 9 serous cystic tumors and 10 solid‐pseudopapillary neoplasms). BCL10 was exclusively expressed in normal acini. In pancreatic tumors, 14 of 17 (82%) ACCs and 2 of 4 (50%) adenosquamous carcinomas were positive, while the other subtypes were almost negative. We subsequently examined the diagnostic utility of BCL10 in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) specimens using 57 pancreatic tumors. BLC10 correctly identified ACCs (9/13) and adenosquamous carcinomas (2/4) but none of the other subtypes (n = 41). Therefore, we suggested that BCL10 expression is a useful marker for acinar cell differentiation, particularly in the diagnosis of EUS‐FNA specimens.
Ore‐forming Ages and Sulfur Isotope Study of Hydrothermal Deposits in Kamchatka, Russia
Authors: Takahashi Ryohei , Matsueda Hiroharu , Okrugin Victor M. , Shikazono Naotatsu , Ono Shuji , Imai Akira , Andreeva Elena D. , Watanabe Koichiro
Published: March 2013

In Kamchatka, Central Koryak, Central Kamchatka and East Kamchatka metallogenic belts are distributed from northwest to southeast. K–Ar age, sulfur isotopic composition of sulfide minerals, and bulk chemical compositions of ores were analyzed for 13 ore deposits including hydrothermal gold‐silver and base metal, in order to elucidate the geological time periods of ore formation, relationship to regional volcanic belts, type of mineralization, and origin of sulfur in sulfides. The dating yielded ore‐forming ages of 41 Ma for the Ametistovoe deposit in the Central Koryak, 17.1 Ma for the Zolotoe deposit and 6.9 Ma for the Aginskoe deposit in the Central Kamchatka, and 7.4 Ma for the Porozhistoe deposit and 5.1 Ma for the Vilyuchinskoe deposit in the East Kamchatka metallogenic belt. The data combined with previous data of ore‐forming ages indicate that the time periods of ore formation in these metallogenic belts become young towards the southeast. The averaged δ34SCDT of sulfides are −2.8‰ for the Ametistovoe deposit in Central Koryak, −1.8‰ to +2.0‰ (av. −0.1‰) for the Zolotoe, Aginskoe, Baranievskoe and Ozernovskoe deposits in Central Kamchatka, and −0.7 to +3.8‰ (av. +1.7‰) for Bolshe‐Bannoe, Kumroch, Vilyuchinskoe, Bystrinskoe, Asachinskoe, Rodnikovoe, and Mutnovskoe deposits in East Kamchatka. The negative δ34SCDT value from the Ametistovoe deposit in Central Koryak is ascribed to the contamination of 32S‐enriched sedimentary sulfur in the Ukelayat‐Lesnaya River trough of basement rock. Comparison of the sulfur isotope compositions of the mineral deposits shows similarity between the Central Koryak and Magadan metallogenic belts, and East Kamchatka and Kuril Islands belts. The Central Kamchatka belt is intermediate between these two groups in term of sulfur isotopic composition.
The Weight of Success: The Body Mass Index and Economic Well‐Being in Southern Africa
Authors: Wittenberg Martin
Published: March 2013

We show that body mass increases with economic resources among most Southern Africans, although not all. Among Black South Africans the relationship is non‐decreasing over virtually the entire range of incomes/wealth. Furthermore in this group other measures of “success” (e.g., employment and education) are also associated with increases in body mass. This is true in both 1998 (the Demographic and Health Survey) and 2008 (National Income Dynamics Survey). A similar relationship holds among residents of Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Malawi, and Namibia. This suggests that body mass can be used as a crude measure of well‐being. This allows us to examine the vexed question in South African labor economics whether there is involuntary unemployment. The fact that the unemployed are lighter than the employed, even when we control for household fixed effects, suggests that they are not choosing this state.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise responses in Paralympic athletes with cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: West C. R. , Taylor B. J. , Campbell I. G. , Romer L. M.
Published: March 2013

We asked whether specific inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improves respiratory structure and function and peak exercise responses in highly trained athletes with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Ten Paralympic wheelchair rugby players with motor‐complete SCI (C5‐C7) were paired by functional classification then randomly assigned to an IMT or placebo group. Diaphragm thickness (B‐mode ultrasonography), respiratory function [spirometry and maximum static inspiratory (PI,max) and expiratory (PE,max) pressures], chronic activity‐related dyspnea (Baseline and Transition Dyspnea Indices), and physiological responses to incremental arm‐crank exercise were assessed before and after 6 weeks of pressure threshold IMT or sham bronchodilator treatment. Compared to placebo, the IMT group showed significant increases in diaphragm thickness (P = 0.001) and PI,max (P = 0.016). There was a significant increase in tidal volume at peak exercise in IMT vs placebo (P = 0.048) and a strong trend toward an increase in peak work rate (P = 0.081, partial eta‐squared = 0.33) and peak oxygen uptake (P = 0.077, partial eta‐squared = 0.34). No other indices changed post‐intervention. In conclusion, IMT resulted in significant diaphragmatic hypertrophy and increased inspiratory muscle strength in highly trained athletes with cervical SCI. The strong trend, with large observed effect, toward an increase in peak aerobic performance suggests IMT may provide a useful adjunct to training in this population.
Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer method for NKG2D and NKG2F single‐nucleotide polymorphism typing using isothermal multiple displacement amplification products
Authors: Kaewmanee M. , Phoksawat W. , Romphruk A. , Romphruk A. V. , Jumnainsong A. , Leelayuwat C.
Published: March 2013

Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) on immune effector cells recognizes multiple stress‐inducible ligands. NKG2D single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes were related to the levels of cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Indeed, these polymorphisms were also located in NKG2F. Isothermal multiple displacement amplification (IMDA) is used for whole genome amplification (WGA) that can amplify very small genomic DNA templates into microgram with whole genome coverage. This is particularly useful in the cases of limited amount of valuable DNA samples requiring multi‐locus genotyping. In this study, we evaluated the quality and applicability of IMDA to genetic studies in terms of sensitivity, efficiency of IMDA re‐amplification and stability of IMDA products. The smallest amount of DNA to be effectively amplified by IMDA was 200 pg yielding final DNA of approximately 16 µg within 1.5 h. IMDA could be re‐amplified only once (second round of amplification), and could be kept for 5 months at 4°C and more than a year at −20°C without loosing genome coverage. The amplified products were used successfully to setup a multiplex polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer for SNP typing of the NKG2D/F genes. The NKG2D/F multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) contained six PCR mixtures for detecting 10 selected SNPs, including 8 NKG2D/F SNP haplotypes and 2 additional NKG2D coding SNPs. This typing procedure will be applicable in both clinical and research laboratories. Thus, our data provide useful information and limitations for utilization of genome‐wide amplification using IMDA and its application for multiplex NKG2D/F typing.
Involvement of nuclear factor of activated T cells in granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor production in canine keratinocytes stimulated with a cysteine protease
Authors: Kimura Tsuyoshi , Sekido Machiko , Iio Aki , Chimura Naoki , Shibata Sanae , Kamishina Harumi , Kamishina Hiroaki , Maeda Sadatoshi
Published: March 2013

Background

A previous study demonstrated that the cysteine protease of Dermatophagoides farinae induced production of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in a canine epidermal keratinocyte progenitor cell line (CPEK); however, the molecular mechanism has not been elucidated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Given that the transcription of GM‐CSF mRNA in human lymphocytes is mainly regulated by the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), it is hypothesized that NFAT also contributes to GM‐CSF production in canine keratinocytes stimulated with a cysteine protease.

Methods

Nuclear translocation of NFAT was evaluated in CPEK cells in the absence or presence of the cysteine protease papain. We also investigated whether blockade of NFAT could inhibit GM‐CSF production.

Results

Papain‐induced nuclear translocation of NFAT, producing GM‐CSF, was partly inhibited by ciclosporin.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The results suggest that GM‐CSF production mediated by the cysteine protease is regulated not only by NFAT but also by unknown signalling pathways in canine keratinocytes.