bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A common microdeletion affecting a hippocampus‐ and amygdala‐specific isoform of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 is not associated with affective disorders
Authors: Hammer Christian , Degenhardt Franziska , Priebe Lutz , Stütz Adrian M , Heilmann Stefanie , Waszak Sebastian M , Schlattl Andreas , Mangold Elisabeth , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M , Rietschel Marcella , Rappold Gudrun , Korbel Jan , Cichon Sven , Niesler Beate
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Copy number variants (CNVs) have been shown to affect susceptibility for neuropsychiatric disorders. To date, studies implicating the serotonergic system in complex conditions have just focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We therefore sought to identify novel common genetic copy number polymorphisms affecting genes of the serotonergic system, and to assess their putative role in bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

A selection of 41 genes of the serotonergic system encoding receptors, the serotonin transporter, metabolic enzymes and chaperones were investigated using a paired‐end mapping (PEM) approach on next‐generation sequencing data from the pilot project of the 1000 Genomes Project. For association testing, 593 patients with MDD, 1,145 patients with BPAD, and 1,738 healthy controls were included in the study.

Results

PEM led to the identification of a microdeletion in the gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), affecting an amygdala‐ and hippocampus‐specific isoform. It was not associated with BPAD or MDD using a case–control association approach.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence for a role of the TPH2 microdeletion in the pathoetiology of affective disorders. Further studies examining its putative role in behavioral traits regulated by the limbic system are warranted.
Effects of oxidative stress on red blood cell rheology in sickle cell patients
Authors: Hierso Régine , Waltz Xavier , Mora Pierre , Romana Marc , Lemonne Nathalie , Connes Philippe , Hardy‐Dessources Marie‐Dominique
Published: April 2014

Sickle cell anaemia (SS) and sickle cell‐haemoglobin C disease (SC) patients exhibit severe red blood cell (RBC) rheological alterations involved in the development of several complications. The contribution of oxidative stress in these haemorheological abnormalities is still unknown. We compared RBC reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) content, and the haemorheological profile of SS (n = 11), SC (n = 11) and healthy subjects (n = 12) at baseline and after in‐vitro treatment with t‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). We showed: (i) higher RBC ROS content in SS and SC patients, with the highest level observed in SS patients; (ii) lower RBC GSH content in sickle syndrome patients, especially in SS patients; (iii) TBHP increased RBC ROS production and decreased RBC GSH content in all groups; (iv) TBHP decreased RBC aggregation and increased the strength of RBC aggregates in all groups but the increase in RBC aggregates strength was greater in sickle cell patients; (v) TBHP decreased RBC deformability in the three groups but with a higher magnitude in sickle cell patients. These data suggest that RBCs from sickle cell patients have an exaggerated response to oxidative stress, which is accompanied by a profound abnormal haemorheological profile, with greater alterations in SS than in SC patients.
Evaluation of the validity of Hb A2 and mean corpuscular haemoglobin action values in antenatal screening for beta thalassaemia carriers in England
Authors: Daniel Yvonne , Cartwright Ronwyn , Rennie Kristian , Streetly Allison , Howard Jo
Published: April 2014

National antenatal screening of all pregnant women in England is carried out using standards and guidelines produced by the National Health Service Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme. The algorithms for detection of beta thalassaemia carrier status rely on action criteria, which are set using the percentage Hb A2 and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values. Three groups of samples: MCH <27 pg and Hb A2 3·5–3·9%, MCH ≥27 pg and Hb A2 4–4·3% and MCH ≥27 pg and Hb A2 3·5–3·9% were selected from a sample population of 59 500 to assess the validity and predictive value of the action criteria – 25 false positives (0·042% of total) and nine false negatives (0·015% of total) were detected. These findings support the continuation of the current action values.
Assessing the quality of life of children with sickle cell anaemia using self‐, parent‐proxy, and health care professional‐proxy reports
Authors: Constantinou Christina , Payne Nicola , Inusa Baba
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The quality of life (QoL) of children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in the United Kingdom has not been examined, and a discrepancy measure based on Gap theory has rarely been used. This study investigated whether (1) child self‐reports of QoL using a discrepancy measure (the Generic Children's QoL Measure; GCQ) are lower than those from healthy children, (2) proxy reports from parents and health care professionals are lower than child self‐reports, and (3) demographic and disease severity indicators are related to QoL.

Design and methods

An interdependent groups, cross‐sectional design was implemented. Seventy‐four children with SCA, their parent, and members of their health care team completed the GCQ. Demographic and disease severity indicators were recorded. GCQ data from healthy children were obtained from the UK Data Archive.

Results

Contrary to past research, when examining generic discrepancy QoL, children with SCA did not report a lower QoL than healthy children, and parent‐ and health care professional‐proxy reports were not lower than child self‐reports. Few of the demographic and disease severity indicators were related to QoL.

Conclusions

Proxy reports may be used to gain a more complete picture of QoL, but should not be a substitute for self‐reports. The explanation for the relatively high levels of QoL reported is not clear, but children with SCA may have realistic expectations about their ideal‐self, place greater emphasis on aspects other than health in shaping their QoL, and define achievements within the limits of their illness. Future research should focus on psychological factors in explaining QoL.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) generally have a reduced QoL compared with healthy children, but there appears to be no research measuring QoL in paediatric SCD in the United Kingdom.

Proxy QoL reports from parents are often lower than child self‐reports, but there is less research examining proxy reports from health care professionals.

Previous research has measured paediatric QoL using measures of current health‐related QoL, but this is not in line with the WHO's definition of QoL as the discrepancy between current state and expectations.

What does this study add?

Children with Sickle cell anaemia do not have an impaired discrepancy QoL; they may have realistic expectations about their ideal‐self and define achievements within the limits of their illness.

Health care professionals are able to gauge a SCA child's discrepancy QoL better than parents.

The GCQ (a generic discrepancy measure of QoL) takes into account expectations about ideal QoL and does not emphasize health; it may be of use to Psychologists working with SCA children.
Retracted: Glabridin attenuates the migratory and invasive capacity of breast cancer cells by activating microRNA‐200c
Authors: Ye Xianqing , Jiang Fei , Li Yuan , Mu Juan , Si Lu , Wang Xingxing , Ning Shilong , Li Zhong
Published: April 2014

Current treatments for breast cancer, a common malignancy in human females, are less than satisfactory because of high rates of metastasis. Glabridin (GLA), which acts through the FAK/ROS signaling pathway, has been used as an antioxidant and anti‐metastatic agent. However, little is known regarding the effect of microRNA (miRNA) on GLA's anti‐metastatic activity. The miRNA‐200 family, which is frequently expressed at low levels in triple negative breast cancers, inhibits metastasis by blocking the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Here, we found that GLA attenuated the migratory and invasive capacity of breast cancer cells by activating miR‐200c. GLA induced the mesenchymal–epithelial transition in vitro and in vivo, as determined by increased expression of the epithelial marker, E‐cadherin, and decreased expression of the mesenchymal marker, vimentin. Overexpression of miR‐200c enhanced the expression of E‐cadherin and decreased the expression of vimentin. Furthermore, in MDA‐MB‐231 and BT‐549 breast cancer cells exposed to GLA, knockdown of miR‐200c blocked the GLA‐induced mesenchymal–epithelial transition and alleviated the GLA‐induced inhibition of migration and invasion. Thus, elevation of miR‐200c by GLA has considerable therapeutic potential for anti‐metastatic therapy for breast cancer patients.
Possible association of maternal factors with the higher risk of isolated true undescended testis: A population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Mavrogenis Stelios , Urban Róbert , Czeizel Andrew E. , Ács Nándor
Published: April 2014

The objective of the study was to evaluate the possible association of maternal factors with the risk of isolated true undescended testis (ITUT) diagnosed at the third postnatal month because our knowledge is limited regarding the origin of ITUT. Acute and chronic diseases with related drug treatments were compared in the mothers of 2052 cases with ITUT, 24 814 male controls without any defects and 12 082 malformed male controls with other isolated defects in the population‐based large dataset of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980–1996. Prospective medically recorded endometriosis before conception of the study pregnancy in the mothers of 39 cases was associated with a higher risk of ITUT in their sons (odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.42, 1.71–3.42). Dihydrogesterone treatment in the first trimester of pregnancy also showed association with the higher risk of ITUT but based on only five pregnant women. In conclusion, endometriosis before pregnancy may have a role in the origin of ITUT.
Seeking genes responsible for developmental origins of health and disease from the fetal mouse liver following maternal food restriction
Authors: Ogawa Tetsuo , Shibato Junko , Rakwal Randeep , Saito Tomomi , Tamura Gaku , Kuwagata Makiko , Shioda Seiji
Published: April 2014

Low birthweight resulting from a non‐optimal fetal environment is correlated epidemiologically to a higher risk of adult diseases, and which has also been demonstrated using animal models for maternal undernutrition. In this study, we subjected pregnant mice to 50% food restriction (FR), and profiled gene expression and promoter DNA methylation genome‐wide using the fetal livers. The fact that effect of food restriction is opposite between before and after birth encouraged us to hunt for genes that are expressed oppositely to adult calorie restriction (CR) using the maternal livers. Among oppositely regulated genes, we identified trib1 (tribbles homolog 1). Using genetically modified mice, trib1 has been shown to have a demonstrable contribution to a risk of hypertriglyceridaemia and insulin resistance. Our data showed that the trib1 expression and its promoter DNA methylation could be affected physiologically (by maternal nutrition), and therefore might be a strong candidate gene for developmental origins of adult diseases. Furthermore, lepr (leptin receptor) gene was downregulated by maternal FR, indicating its potential role in induction of obesity and diabetes. Gene expression as well as promoter DNA methylation profiling revealed that glucocorticoid receptor target genes were regulated by maternal FR. This supports previous studies that suggest an important role of fetal glucocorticoid exposure in the mechanism of developmental origins of diseases. Our transcriptomics profiling data also suggested that maternal FR impaired development of the immune system. An inventory of candidate genes responsible for developmental origins of health and disease is presented and discussed in this study.
Communicating About Invasive Species: How “Driver” and “Passenger” Models Influence Public Willingness to Take Action
Authors: Hart P. Sol , Larson Brendon M. H.
Published: April 2014

Invasive species may be viewed as “passengers” that spread in response to environmental changes rather than “drivers” of ecological impacts. To date, however, there has been no examination of how these alternative models affect public risk perception, sense of responsibility, and willingness to take action. We report on an experimental study of how these models affected respondents’ (N= 456) willingness to take action to address two invasive species: tamarisk and garlic mustard. We found that the traditional driver model, compared to the passenger model, increased perception of risk to humans and the environment, both of which contributed to willingness to take action. The driver model, however, also decreased personal causal responsibility, though only when human responsibility for introduction was not mentioned. Our findings suggest that these alternative models create trade‐offs for communication that necessitate contextual framing that attends to audience sense of risk and responsibility.
Lung transplantation following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: report of two cases and systematic review of literature
Authors: Soubani Ayman O. , Kingah Pascal , Alshabani Khaled , Muma Gilbert , Haq Athar
Published: April 2014

Background

Non‐infectious pulmonary complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are major cause of morbidity and mortality with limited treatment options. Lung transplantation (LT) has been rarely reported as a treatment option for selected HSCT recipients with these problems.

Objective

Describe the outcome of HSCT recipients who underwent LT.

Methods

Two cases of LT following HSCT from our institution are presented. Cases reported in literature were identified using English language PubMed/MEDLINE with keywords hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, or bronchiolitis obliterans cross‐referenced with lung transplantation. We extracted data on baseline characteristics and survival data following LT.

Results

Total of 84 patients are analyzed. Age at time of LT was median of 22 yr (range 1–66). Seventy‐nine patients were recipients of allogeneic HSCT. The indications for LT were bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS; 63 patients), pulmonary fibrosis (13 patients), BOS/pulmonary fibrosis (five patients), and graft‐versus‐host‐disease (GVHD) of lung (three patients). The median time between HSCT and LT was 52.3 months (range 6–240). The median follow‐up after LT was 36 months (range 0–168). During this time, BOS was documented in 25 patients. Relapse of hematological malignancy was reported in two patients, and new malignancy developed in four patients. At the end of follow‐up, 60 patients were alive and 24 patients died. The probability of survival following LT at 24 and 36 months was 0.88 (95% CI 0.78–0.93) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.67–0.87), respectively.

Conclusion

LT is a potential therapeutic option in selected patients with severe chronic pulmonary disease following HSCT. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate timing and the outcome of this approach.
Gastrointestinal side effects in liver transplant recipients taking enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium vs. mycophenolate mofetil
Authors: Lopez‐Solis Roberto , DeVera Michael , Steel Jennifer , Fedorek Sheila , Sturdevant Mark , Hughes Christopher , Humar Abhinav
Published: April 2014

In the setting of liver transplantation, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may be used as an adjuvant therapy for immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection; however, its use may be limited due to severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. In contrast, enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS) may be associated with less severe side effects and hence better tolerability. We compared the side effects of EC‐MPS to MMF in liver transplant patients in a de novo study (Study I—randomized, prospective, double‐blinded) and a conversion study (Study II). In both studies, the severity of GI symptoms was assessed at various time points using the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) survey, a validated survey of GI symptoms (abdominal pain, reflux, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation). In Study I, the symptoms of 30 recipients receiving EC‐MPS (n = 15) were compared to 15 recipients receiving MMF. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) of the total GSRS scores and symptom syndrome subscores revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two medications over time. A conversion study (Study II) with 29 participants, however, showed that over time, all GI symptoms improved significantly (p < 0.001) when the patients were treated with EC‐MPS instead of MMF.
Learning to imitate individual finger movements by the human neonate
Authors: Nagy Emese , Pal Attila , Orvos Hajnalka
Published: April 2014

Imitation in human neonates, unlike imitation in young infants, is still regarded as controversial. Four studies with 203 newborns are presented to examine the imitation of index finger, two‐ and three‐finger movements in human neonates. Results found differential imitations of all three modelled gestures, a left‐handed pattern, and a rapid learning mechanism. The lateralized behavioural pattern suggests the involvement of a right lateralized neural network, and the mechanisms described in this study – (i) the accurate imitation of all aspects of the model's movements, (ii) the rapid learning component, and the (iii) the early sensitive period might fulfil the criteria for filial imprinting.
Teaching moral reasoning through gesture
Authors: Beaudoin‐Ryan Leanne , Goldin‐Meadow Susan
Published: April 2014

Stem‐cell research. Euthanasia. Personhood. Marriage equality. School shootings. Gun control. Death penalty. Ethical dilemmas regularly spark fierce debate about the underlying moral fabric of societies. How do we prepare today's children to be fully informed and thoughtful citizens, capable of moral and ethical decisions? Current approaches to moral education are controversial, requiring adults to serve as either direct (‘top‐down’) or indirect (‘bottom‐up’) conduits of information about morality. A common thread weaving throughout these two educational initiatives is the ability to take multiple perspectives – increases in perspective taking ability have been found to precede advances in moral reasoning. We propose gesture as a behavior uniquely situated to augment perspective taking ability. Requiring gesture during spatial tasks has been shown to catalyze the production of more sophisticated problem‐solving strategies, allowing children to profit from instruction. Our data demonstrate that requiring gesture during moral reasoning tasks has similar effects, resulting in increased perspective taking ability subsequent to instruction.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v/gAcRIClU_GY
The centipede Strigamia maritima possesses a large complement of Wnt genes with diverse expression patterns
Authors: Hayden Luke , Arthur Wallace
Published: April 2014

The genes of the Wnt family play important roles in the development of many animals. In the arthropods, these genes are known to have multiple functions, including roles in posterior development and segmentation. Despite this, secondary loss of Wnt genes is common among the Arthropoda. Unlike many arthropods, Strigamia maritima, a geophilomorph centipede, possesses a large complement of Wnt ligands, with 11 Wnt genes present. In this study, the expression of each of these genes was examined across a range of stages during embryonic development. The expression of Wnt genes in Strigamia displays much variability. Most Wnt genes are expressed in segmental stripes in the trunk; near the proctodeum; and in the head region. However, despite this overall broad similarity, there are many differences between the various Wnt genes in their exact patterns of expression. These data should be considered in the context of different hypotheses regarding the functional relationships between the Wnt genes and the degree of redundancy present in this system. The findings of this study are consistent with one particular model of Wnt activity, the combinatorial model, whereby the combination of Wnt ligands present in a particular region defines its identity. These findings should also be useful in attempts to reconstruct the evolutionary history of Wnt signaling in arthropods.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: a singleSpanish center's experience over the last 40 yr
Authors: Muñoz‐Linares Cristina , Ojeda Emilio , Forés Rafael , Pastrana Miguel , Cabero Martín , Morillo Daniel , Bautista Guiomar , Baños Isolina , Monteserín Carmen , Bravo Pilar , Jaro Esther , Cedena Teresa , Steegmann Juan Luis , Villegas Ana , Cabrera José Rafael
Published: April 2014

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare clonal disease. To date, many reviews and series have been described. We report the experience of our center by presenting a review of 56PNHpatient cases with an average age at diagnosis of 38 yr and follow‐ups beginning at approximately 40 yr; the median survival rate was 11 yr. The average clonal size upon diagnosis was 48%, presenting a variable evolution. Thrombotic episodes and cancer were five each, and the main causes of death among our patients were equal at 8.9%. Radiological study by magnetic resonance imaging is presented as a fundamental technique for estimating the deposit of iron levels in the liver and kidney, as well as in some decisive cases at the start of eculizumab therapy. Sixteen patients have been treated with eculizumab so far in our series, and being a safe drug, it provides improvement in the patients' quality of life, and the disappearance of clinical symptoms, and avoids the emergence of new thrombosis.
The TIR‐domain‐containing adapter inducing interferon‐β‐dependent signaling cascade plays a crucial role in ischemia–reperfusion‐induced retinal injury, whereas the contribution of the myeloid differentiation primary response 88‐dependent signaling cascade is not as pivotal
Authors: Dvoriantchikova Galina , Santos Andrea Rachelle C. , Danek Dagmara , Dvoriantchikova Xenia , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: April 2014

Toll‐like receptor 4 (Tlr4) plays an important role in ischemia–reperfusion (IR)‐induced retinal inflammation and damage. However, the role of two Tlr4‐dependent signaling cascades, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (Myd88) and TIR‐domain‐containing adapter inducing interferon‐β (Trif), in retinal IR injury is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the contribution of the Myd88‐dependent and Trif‐dependent signaling cascades in retinal damage and inflammation triggered by IR, by using Myd88 knockout (Myd88KO) and Trif knockout (TrifKO) mice. Retinal IR injury was induced by unilateral elevation of intraocular pressure for 45 min by direct corneal cannulation. To study IR‐induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in vitro, we used an oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Our data suggested that Myd88 was present in many retinal layers of sham‐operated and ischemic mice, whereas Trif was mainly present in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). The level of Myd88 was increased in the retina after IR. We found that retinas of TrifKO mice had a significantly reduced neurotoxic pro‐inflammatory response and significantly increased survival of the GCL neurons after IR. Although Myd88KO mice had relatively low levels of inflammation in ischemic retinas, their levels of IR‐induced retinal damage were notably higher than those of TrifKO mice. We also found that Trif‐deficient RGCs were more resistant to death induced by OGD than were RGCs isolated from Myd88KO mice. These data suggested that, as compared with the Myd88‐dependent signaling cascade, Trif signaling contributes significantly to retinal damage after IR.
Food insecurity and dental caries in schoolchildren: a cross‐sectional survey in the western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Frazão Paulo , Benicio Maria H. D. , Narvai Paulo C. , Cardoso Marly A.
Published: April 2014

We analyzed the association between food insecurity and dental caries in 7‐ to 9‐yr‐old schoolchildren. We performed a cross‐sectional survey nested in a population‐based cohort study of 203 schoolchildren. The participants lived in the urban area of a small town within the western Brazilian Amazon. Dental examinations were performed according to criteria recommended by the World Health Organization. The number of decayed deciduous and permanent teeth as a count variable was the outcome measure. Socio–economic status, food security, behavioral variables, and child nutritional status, measured by Z‐score for body mass index (BMI), were investigated, and robust Poisson regression models were used. The results showed a mean (SD) of 3.63 (3.26) teeth affected by untreated caries. Approximately 80% of schoolchildren had at least one untreated decayed tooth, and nearly 60% lived in food‐insecure households. Sex, household wealth index, mother's education level, and food‐insecurity scores were associated with dental caries in the crude analysis. Dental caries was 1.5 times more likely to be associated with high food‐insecurity scores after adjusting for socio–economic status and sex. A significant dose–response relationship was observed. In conclusion, food insecurity is highly associated with dental caries in 7‐ to 9‐yr‐old children and may be seen as a risk factor. These findings suggest that food‐security policies could reduce dental caries.
MC1R and NR4A receptors in cellular stress and DNA repair: implications for UVR protection
Authors: Yin Kelvin , Sturm Richard A. , Smith Aaron G.
Published: April 2014

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the most common mutagen that melanocytes are exposed to. UVR causes a diverse range of DNA photolesions contributing to genome instability and promotes melanoma and non‐melanoma development. Melanocytes are pigment‐producing cells that synthesise the photoprotective melanins when the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) is activated. MC1R is a G‐protein‐coupled receptor expressed predominantly in melanocytes. Its signalling pathway has been directly linked to melanogenesis, enhanced cytoprotection against UV damage and augmented DNA repair response. Interestingly, previous studies have revealed that MC1R signalling induces the transcription of the NR4A subfamily of orphan nuclear receptors in response to UV. In line with this, studies have also observed that NR4A receptors are recruited to distinct nuclear foci in response to cellular stress, independent of their transcriptional roles. Here, we review the regulated expression of NR4A2 and its potential roles upon cellular stress conditions. Current work in developing synthetic NR4A2 agonists further provides exciting avenues for exploring the potential role of NR4A2 as an antiskin cancer drug target.
Comparison of structure and organization of cutaneous lipids in a reconstructed skin model and human skin: spectroscopic imaging and chromatographic profiling
Authors: Tfayli Ali , Bonnier Franck , Farhane Zeineb , Libong Danielle , Byrne Hugh J. , Baillet‐Guffroy Arlette
Published: April 2014

The use of animals for scientific research is increasingly restricted by legislation, increasing the demand for human skin models. These constructs present comparable bulk lipid content to human skin. However, their permeability is significantly higher, limiting their applicability as models of barrier function, although the molecular origins of this reduced barrier function remain unclear. This study analyses the stratum corneum (SC) of one such commercially available reconstructed skin model (RSM) compared with human SC by spectroscopic imaging and chromatographic profiling. Total lipid composition was compared by chromatographic analysis (HPLC). Raman spectroscopy was used to evaluate the conformational order, lateral packing and distribution of lipids in the surface and skin/RSM sections. Although HPLC indicates that all SC lipid classes are present, significant differences are observed in ceramide profiles. Raman imaging demonstrated that the RSM lipids are distributed in a non‐continuous matrix, providing a better understanding of the limited barrier function.
Similar appearance, different mechanisms: xerosis in HIV, atopic dermatitis and ageing
Authors: Mischo Meike , von Kobyletzki Laura B. , Bründermann Erik , Schmidt Diedrich A. , Potthoff Anja , Brockmeyer Norbert H. , Havenith Martina
Published: April 2014

Xerosis is one of the most common dermatologic disorders occurring in the elderly and in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Xerosis has been linked to an impaired skin barrier function of the stratum corneum. Using Raman microspectroscopy, we concentrated on deeper skin layers, viable epidermis and dermis of 47 volunteers and associated molecular alterations to the evolution of xerosis and the skin barrier, for example, lipid, water and antioxidant content. A decrease in lipids within the viable epidermis is found for elderly and HIV‐patients. Lipid and water values of AD patients and their healthy reference group are similar. Decreases in lipids and simultaneous increases in water are found in the dermis for HIV and AD patients in comparison to their healthy reference groups. Excessive levels of epidermal carotenoids, mainly lycopene, in HIV‐patients were found potentially leading to adverse effects such as premature skin ageing.
Photohardening of polymorphic light eruption patients decreases baseline epidermalLangerhans cell density while increasing mast cell numbers in the papillary dermis
Authors: Wolf Peter , Gruber‐Wackernagel Alexandra , Bambach Isabella , Schmidbauer Ulrike , Mayer Gerlinde , Absenger Markus , Fröhlich Eleonore , Byrne Scott N.
Published: April 2014

The pathogenesis of polymorphic light eruption (PLE) has been linked to a lack ofUV‐induced immune suppression. To determine the role of Langerhans cells (LC), mast cells and regulatory T cells, biopsies fromPLEpatients were taken from exposed sites in spring before and after photohardening with 311 nm orPUVAas well as again in summer. Skin sections were assessed for the presence of Langerin/CD1a+LCandCD3+,CD4+,CD25+ or FoxP3+ T cells and mast cells. Photohardening transiently decreased the density of epidermalLCand significantly increased a low baseline mast cell density in the papillary dermis ofPLEpatients. Baseline T cell numbers in the skin were low, and there was no difference inPLEpatients among any time point. This suggests thatLCsuppression together with recruitment of mast cells into photohardened skin may be a key cellular event underlying the mechanism by which phototherapy protects fromPLE.
The Use of Pre‐/Posttest and Self‐Assessment Tools in a French Pronunciation Course
Authors: Lappin‐Fortin Kerry , Rye B. J.
Published: April 2014

This study investigated the relationships between students' self‐assessments and experts' assessments in a university French pronunciation course for nonnative speakers using a pre‐/posttest design. Results indicated that students were relatively accurate when making a global assessment (Time 1) and when judging some specific aspects of their French pronunciation (Time 2), although they tended to overestimate the extent to which their abilities were native‐like. Their self‐assessments were most accurate when evaluating linguistic components for which they had learned concrete rules (e.g., liaisons). In addition, data revealed that students became more native‐like in their pronunciation, particularly with regard to nasal and other new vowel sounds, and a content analysis of students' responses to a free‐response self‐analysis query at the end of the course indicated that their awareness of their pronunciation difficulties had increased. Taken together, the study found that self‐assessment may be a valuable pedagogical tool for helping second language learners to acquire more authentic pronunciation.
RIGID PRICES: EVIDENCE FROM U.S. SCANNER DATA
Authors: Campbell Jeffrey R. , Eden Benjamin
Published: April 2014

This article uses weekly scanner data from two small U.S. cities to characterize time and state dependence of grocers' pricing decisions. In these data, the probability of a nominal adjustment declines with the time since the last price change. A store's price for a particular product typically goes through several price changes in rapid succession before settling down. We also detect state dependence: The probability of a nominal adjustment is highest when a store's price substantially differs from the average of other stores' prices. However, extreme relative prices typically reflect the store's recent changes instead of changes in average prices.
KNOWLEDGE AND GROWTH IN THE VERY LONG RUN
Authors: Strulik Holger
Published: April 2014

This article proposes a theory for the gradual evolution of knowledge diffusion and growth over the very long run. A feedback mechanism between capital accumulation and the ease of knowledge diffusion explains a long epoch of stasis and an epoch of high growth linked by a gradual economic takeoff. The feedback mechanism can explain the Great Divergence, the failure of less developed countries to attract capital from abroad, and the productivity slowdown. An extension toward a two‐region world economy shows robustness of results and other interesting interaction between forerunners and followers of the Industrial Revolution.
OPTIMISM AND PESSIMISM IN GAMES
Authors: Eichberger Jürgen , Kelsey David
Published: April 2014

This article considers the impact of ambiguity in strategic situations. It extends the existing literature on games with ambiguity‐averse players by allowing for optimistic responses to ambiguity. We use the CEU model of ambiguity with a class of capacities introduced by Jaffrray and Philippe (Mathematics of Operations Research 22 (1997), 165–85), which allows us to distinguish ambiguity from ambiguity‐attitude, and propose a new solution concept, equilibrium under ambiguity (EUA), for players who may be characterized by ambiguity‐preference. Applying EUA, we study comparative statics of changes in ambiguity‐attitude in games with strategic complements. This extends work in Eichberger and Kelsey (Journal of Economic Theory 106 (2002), 436–66) on the effects of increasing ambiguity if players are ambiguity averse.
LIFE‐CYCLE LABOR SEARCH WITH STOCHASTIC MATCH QUALITY
Authors: Esteban‐Pretel Julen , Fujimoto Junichi
Published: April 2014

In the United States, unemployment, job finding, and separation rates decline as worker age increases. To explain these facts, we build a search and matching model of the labor market that incorporates a life‐cycle structure and features random match quality as well as human capital accumulation. The calibrated model successfully reproduces the empirical patterns of unemployment and job transition rates over the life cycle and generates plausible wage implications. We then explore the efficiency implications of the model and find that the differences between the market and planner allocations are more important for older workers.
Focus on Feeding! Evaluation of a framework for maximizing mealtime in aged care facilities
Authors: Chang Esther , Brownhill Suzanne , Bidewell John , Johnson Amanda , Ratnayake Shyama
Published: April 2014

Unintentional weight loss is a health risk for residents of aged care facilities, a concern for families and places demands on nursing staff. An existing weight loss framework to assess and manage residents' weight developed by a multidisciplinary team was implemented and evaluated with nurses and residents in aged care facilities within an area health service of Sydney, Australia. Thematic analysis generated seven binary concepts relating to relational, procedural, behavioural, physical, psychological, environmental and temporal aspects of feeding assistance provided by nurses to residents. Theoretical sampling was applied to the literature confirming those concepts which were organized as a model of feeding assistance labelled the Focus on Feeding! Decision Model.

Nurses can play a pivotal role in the assessment of feeding difficulty and implementation of innovative mealtime programs. The Model aims to promote nurses' critical thinking and decision‐making to improve nutritional intake of residents and avoid preventable weight loss.
Arterial hypertension in nursing personnel of an emergency hospital
Authors: Urbanetto Janete de Souza , Prado Lima Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth , da Silva Gustavo Andreia , Bosi de Souza Magnago Tânia Solange , Pinheiro da Costa Bartira Ercilia , Poli‐de‐Figueiredo Carlos Eduardo
Published: April 2014

Risk factors related to the workplace environment are being studied to identify positive associations with hypertension disorders. Hypertension is considered as one of the main modifiable risk factors and most important public health issues. The study aims to describe the prevalence of hypertension and associate it with sociodemographic, labour and health aspects, in the health‐care nursing staff of an emergency hospital.Cross‐sectional study enrolled 606 nursing workers. The data were collected from February to June, and the analysis was conducted in November 2010. Arterial blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) were assessed, and sociodemographic and labour variables were investigated by means of a questionnaire. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of hypertension was 32% (n = 388), with positive associations with age > 49 years (OR = 2.55 (CI: 1.19 to 5.43)), ethnicity (non‐white) (odds ratio (OR) = 2.22, confidence interval (CI) 1.16 to 1.24), BMI (OR = 2.24 (CI: 1.25 to 4.01)) and WHR (OR = 2.65 (CI: 1.95 to 7.763)). Arterial hypertension was frequent in the nursing staff of this emergency hospital. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between occupational aspects and arterial hypertension.
CD5‐positive follicular lymphoma: prognostic significance of this aberrant marker?
Authors: Mayson E. , Saverimuttu J. , Cartwright K.
Published: April 2014

Follicular lymphomas are the most common of the clinically indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. The immunophenotypic pattern of follicular lymphoma classically demonstrates the B‐cell markers CD19, CD20, CD22, CD79a, surface immunoglobulin and CD10. The tumour cells are usually negative for CD5. We described two cases of CD5‐positive follicular lymphoma. This finding has rarely been described. Our aim was to discuss two cases of CD5‐positive follicular lymphoma and review the published literature on the significance of CD5 expression. Bone marrow biopsies showing involvement with follicular lymphoma at our institution over the past 34 months were evaluated for the presence of CD5 positivity by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Two of eight cases (25%) of the follicular lymphomas with marrow involvement at our institution were found to be CD5‐positive. Only 36 cases of CD5‐positive follicular lymphoma have previously been described in the literature. The clinical and therapeutic significance of this remains uncertain. More research into such cases may establish whether the presence of this aberrant marker bears prognostic significance.
Packaged baby and toddler foods: questions of sugar and sodium
Authors: Elliott C. D. , Conlon M. J.
Published: April 2014

Background

Sugar and sodium levels in packaged foods is a critical consideration when it comes to the public health of Americans, yet little is known about the sugar and salt contained in packaged foods targeted at our youngest consumers.

Objectives

To examine the sugar and sodium content of packaged baby and toddler foods sold in the American marketplace and to evaluate them in light of current intake recommendations and the current policy context.

Methods

Content analysis of baby and toddler foods (n = 240) found in nine US retail stores. Summary statistics were created for sugar and sodium; the products' per‐serving sodium levels were assessed in light of the US Institute of Medicine's dietary reference intakes while the products' sugar levels were evaluated in light of American Heart Association recommendations.

Results

Fifty‐eight percent of the products assessed either have a high level of sodium or >20% of calories from sugar. Sodium levels in toddler foods were of concern in certain product categories (i.e., toddler entrées) and 15% of toddler foods exceeded the ‘moderate level’ recommended for sodium. Sugar levels were high in 45% of the products coded, and over half of those products – 56% – were designed for babies. More than one in six products had sugar as the first or second ingredient.

Conclusions

Baby and toddler foods are not, by definition, ‘healthy’ foods and some exceed normal expectations for sugar and sodium. A policy opportunity exists to consider placing limits on the allowable levels of sugar and sodium in these packaged food products.
Taming the Conflict over Educational Equality
Authors: Warnick Bryan R.
Published: April 2014

This article proposes an approach to educational distribution that attempts to minimise enduring tensions among conflicting values. At the foundation of this approach is a threshold of educational adequacy based on what is needed for citizens to participate in a democratic society. This threshold is justified because it minimises conflict with parental rights and because it better manages ‘the bottomless pit’ problem of educational distribution. This threshold is then modified to stipulate that, after the threshold has been reached, public resources should be distributed equally across students from all backgrounds. While this modification is essential to sending messages of equal citizenship, it also leaves a ‘moral residue’ because it allows wealthy parents to invest greater private resources in their children, thus preserving their children's competitive advantage. Minimising this harm requires policy mechanisms outside of schools that more aggressively break the link between educational outcomes, success in market competition, and social goods. Something ‘external’ to educational institutions is necessary, then, for the achievement of educational justice.
Prenatal Equality of Opportunity
Authors: Kollar Eszter , Loi Michele
Published: April 2014

In this article, we defend a normative theory of prenatal equality of opportunity, based on a critical revision of Rawls's principle of fair equality of opportunity (FEO). We argue that if natural endowments are defined as biological properties possessed at birth and the distribution of natural endowments is seen as beyond the scope of justice, Rawls's FEO allows for inequalities that undermine the social conditions of a property‐owning democracy. We show this by considering the foetal programming of disease and the possibility of germ‐line modifications. If children of lower socioeconomic background are more likely to develop in a poor foetal environment and germ‐line enhancements are available only to the rich, initial inequalities between the rich and the poor would grow, and yet FEO would be satisfied. In order to avoid the problem, we propose a revised FEO principle omitting any reference to the comparison of natural endowments. Our revised FEO requires that institutions mitigate social class effect from reproduction and gestation to the greatest extent compatible with parental freedoms and the value of the family.
Evaluation of CFSR climate data for hydrologic prediction in data‐scarce watersheds: an application in the Blue Nile River Basin
Authors: Dile Yihun Taddele , Srinivasan Raghavan
Published: April 2014

Data scarcity has been a huge problem in modeling the water resources of the Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia. Satellite data and different statistical methods have been used to improve the quality of conventional meteorological data. This study assesses the applicability of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction's Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) climate data in modeling the hydrology of the region. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool was set up to compare the performance ofCFSRweather with that of conventional weather in simulating observed streamflow at four river gauging stations in the Lake Tana basin — the upper part of the Upper Blue Nile basin. The conventional weather simulation performed satisfactorily (e.g.,NSE ≥ 0.5) for three gauging stations, while theCFSRweather simulation performed satisfactorily for two. The simulations withCFSRand conventional weather yielded minor differences in the water balance components in all but one watershed, where theCFSRweather simulation gave much higher average annual rainfall, resulting in higher water balance components. Both weather simulations gave similar annual crop yields in the four administrative zones. Overall the simulation with the conventional weather performed better than theCFSRweather. However, in data‐scarce regions such as remote parts of the Upper Blue Nile basin,CFSRweather could be a valuable option for hydrological predictions where conventional gauges are not available.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Related Complications: 16 Years of Experience
Authors: BUITEN MAURITS S. , DE BIE MIHÁLY K. , VAN DER HEIJDEN AAFKE C. , ROTMANS JORIS I. , BOOTSMA MARIANNE , MARC GROENEVELD J.H. , WOLTERBEEK RON , RABELINK TON J. , JUKEMA J.WOUTER , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , VAN ERVEN LIESELOT
Published: April 2014

CKD and ICD Related Complications

Introduction

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation has become an accepted therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, serious comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) are influencing the beneficial effects of ICD therapy. In this study, the association between kidney function and the occurrence of ICD related complications was assessed.

Methods

All patients receiving an ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator between 1996 and 2012 were included. Renal function was categorized as: glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >90, GFR 30–90 or GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Registered complications were pocket hematoma, pneumothorax, lead complications, and device infection.

Results

In 3,147 device recipients, 236 patients (7.5%) suffered from at least 1 complication. Patients with a GFR <30 (n = 110) had a higher event rate for hematoma, pneumothorax, and infection. These patients were older, had a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and a lower body mass index (BMI; P < 0.05). After correcting for these risk factors, hematoma remained independently associated with a GFR <30 mL/min (OR 2.7, CI: 1.05–6.9, P = 0.04). Device infection, pneumothorax, and lead complications were not independently associated with a GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Conclusions

Patients with CKD suffered from more ICD related complications than patients without kidney disease. This was partially associated with kidney dysfunction itself as was the case with the occurrence of hematoma. However, the high burden of risk factors associated with device complications in patients with renal disease played an important role as well.