bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of nutritional intervention(s) and the treatment of pressure ulcers— A systematic literature review
Authors: Siang Choo Tze , Hayter Mark , Watson Roger
Published: February 2013

This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional intervention in the treatment of pressure ulcers. Four databases were searched systematically using the keywords formulated and papers were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature search period included articles published from 1 January 2000 to 30 December 2011 (inclusive). Six papers on randomized controlled trials were retrieved. All six trials showed positive outcomes in pressure ulcer healing with nutritional interventions. Secondary outcomes such as lower number of dressings required, less time spent on dressing changes and lower occurrence of infections were reported. The main results emerged from this study generally supported the use of nutritional interventions in the treatment of pressure ulcers. Various methodological issues associated with these trials were highlighted. The implications for clinical practice need to bear in mind both the methodological problems raised and limitations of this review.
Time trends of assessments for medical dispute cases in Taiwan: a 20‐year nationwide study
Authors: Wu C.‐Y. , Weng H.‐C. , Chen R.‐C.
Published: February 2013

Background

In Taiwan, nearly all medical dispute cases were reviewed by an official Medical Review Committee (MRC).

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the time trends of assessment reports by the MRC to estimate the changing trends of medical malpractice litigation.

Methods

All assessment reports of the MRC from a nationwide database were reviewed. The assessment reports were analysed according to the year of completion. We further analysed the time trends by adjusting numbers for the size of the general population and numbers of physicians. Stratified analyses were also conducted by region and commission authority.

Results

Between 1987 and 2006, the MRC completed a total of 5324 assessment reports, with 4949 reports involving a medical dispute and the remaining 375 reports not involving a medical dispute. The numbers of assessment reports increased from 139 in 1987 to 221 in 1996 and 361 in 2006. The assessment increased from 0.70 per 100 000 people in 1987 to 1.03 and 1.58 per 100 000 people in 1996 and 2006 respectively. There was a stable trend of 8.5–10.0 assessments per 1000 physicians annually during the study period. Rising trends were consistent for all regions of Taiwan and for all criminal cases, but increases were more significant for civil cases.

Conclusions

The numbers of medical dispute cases have increased significantly over the past 20 years. More studies to investigate the reasons of the rising trends and to find resolving methods to decrease the numbers of medical dispute will be helpful in the future.
Development and validation of diabetes empowerment questionnaire in Iranian people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Aghili R. , Khamseh M.E. , Malek M. , Banikarimi A.S. , Baradaran H.R. , Ebrahim Valojerdi A.
Published: February 2013

Background

Diabetes self‐management education programmes which have been reported to improve the self‐efficacy of diabetic people can lead to their empowerment. Specialized diabetes nurses also play a fundamental role in empowering patients with diabetes through improving their knowledge and self‐care.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure empowerment in Iranian people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Important subscales of patient empowerment were identified by an expert panel. The subscales included active self‐care, coping with personal and social concerns, basic knowledge related to diabetes management and patient‐physician communication. Questions related to each subscale were generated and the expert panel renewed the questionnaire to ensure relevance and clarity of the items. Patient focus groups were conducted to establish the face validity of the questionnaire. The final questionnaire consisted of 15 items organized in three subscales.

In a population‐based study, a sample of 378 people with type 2 diabetes was recruited. Reliability coefficient (Cronbach's α) was calculated for all of the subscales. Convergent validity was assessed by Pearson's product moment correlation. The scree test was used to select significant subscales.

Findings

Two hundred forty‐seven female and 131 male subjects with type 2 diabetes filled out the questionnaire. Three subscales were derived from factor analysis considering item‐component loading of 0.4 as significant: ‘active self‐care’ (Cronbach's α: 0.78), ‘basic knowledge related to diabetes management’ (Cronbach's α: 0.72) and ‘coping with personal and social concerns’ (Cronbach's α: 0.51).

The scree plot of the eigenvalues of 15 items proposed three subscale solutions. Internal consistency reliabilities for the three subscales were acceptable (α: 0.51–0.78).

Conclusions

The Diabetes Empowerment Questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess patient empowerment in Iranian people with type 2 diabetes.
Motivation for physical activity in young adults with physical disabilities during a rehabilitation stay: a longitudinal test of self‐determination theory
Authors: Saebu Martin , Sørensen Marit , Halvari Hallgeir
Published: February 2013

We tested a self‐determination theory (SDT) process model during a 3 week physical activity rehabilitation stay among young adults with a physical disability (N = 44, Mage = 24.7, SD = 5.1). As hypothesized, perceived autonomy support positively predicted needs satisfaction at the end of the stay (r = .38, p < .01). Further, needs satisfaction was positively linked to changes in autonomous motivation for physical activity (r = .47, p < .01). Both changes in autonomous motivation and self‐efficacy were associated with physical activity increases over the stay (r = .57, p < .01 and r = .47, p < .01, respectively). Bootstrapping results supported the SDT process model, indicating a support for a development toward more self‐determined motivation in rehabilitation.
Feeding ecology of two lanternfishes Diaphus garmani and Diaphus chrysorhynchus
Authors: Tanaka H. , Sassa C. , Ohshimo S. , Aoki I.
Published: February 2013

The feeding ecology of two dominant lanternfishes Diaphus garmani and Diaphus chrysorhynchus was studied in the continental slope region of the East China Sea, off western Kyushu (31–33° N; 128–130° E). Stomach contents of D. garmani were composed mainly of crustacean zooplankton, such as copepods, euphausiids, decapod larvae and amphipods, and also of appendicularians. Stomach contents of D. chrysorhynchus were composed mainly of crustacean zooplankton, cephalopods and fishes. Diel changes in stomach fullness indicated that D. garmani fed more actively at night than in the day. On the other hand, although feeding activity of D. chrysorhynchus did not change drastically between day and night, it tended to feed on large prey items in the benthopelagic zone during the day and on zooplankton in the epipelagic zone at night. Daily rations of food were estimated to be 2·54% of body dry mass for D. garmani, and 2·38% of body dry mass for D. chrysorhynchus.
p21‐activated kinase‐2 is a critical mediator of transforming growth factor‐β‐induced hepatoma cell migration
Authors: Sato Munehiro , Matsuda Yasunobu , Wakai Toshifumi , Kubota Masayuki , Osawa Mami , Fujimaki Shun , Sanpei Ayumi , Takamura Masaaki , Yamagiwa Satoshi , Aoyagi Yutaka
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) has been shown to play a central role in the promotion of cell motility, but its functional mechanism has remained unclear. With the aim of investigating the diagnostic and treatment modalities for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the signaling pathway that may contribute to TGF‐β‐mediated cell invasion in hepatoma cells was evaluated.

Methods

Three hepatoma cell lines, HepG2, PLC/PRF/5, and HLF, were treated with TGF‐β, and the involvement of the non‐canonical TGF‐β pathway was analyzed by cell migration assays. HepG2 cells were treated with a p21‐activated kinase‐2 (PAK2)‐targeting small interfering RNA and analyzed for their cell motility. The relationships between the PAK2 status and the clinicopathological characteristics of 62 HCC patients were also analyzed.

Results

The cell migration assays showed that Akt is a critical regulator of TGF‐β‐mediated cell migration. Western blotting analyses showed that TGF‐β stimulated Akt and PAK2 in all three hepatoma cell lines, and phosphorylated PAK2 was blocked by Akt inhibitor. Suppression of PAK2 expression by small interfering RNA resulted in increased focal adhesions with significantly repressed cell migration in the presence of TGF‐β. Clinicopathological analyses showed that the phosphorylation level of PAK2 was closely associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and early recurrence of HCC.

Conclusions

PAK2 may be a critical mediator of TGF‐β‐mediated hepatoma cell migration, and may represent a potential target for the treatment of HCC.
Feeling rejected or invited: Experiences of persons seeking care advice at the Swedish Healthcare Direct organization
Authors: Winneby Ewa , Flensner Gullvi , Rudolfsson Gudrun
Published: February 2013

Aim

Swedish Healthcare Direct is an organization staffed by registered nurses who act as telenurses and assess callers' need for care, taking both medical and personal aspects into account. They direct the care seeker to: emergency care (level I), a care center on duty (level II), their regular doctor (level III), or provide advice about self‐care strategies (level IV). In this assessment process, the nurse and care seeker should reach mutual agreement. The aim and focus of the present study was to elucidate the care seeker's situation and experiences of the care received after being triaged and directed to level II, although the telenurse in fact assessed their medical problems as corresponding to level III.

Methods

A total of eight recent Swedish Healthcare Direct users were interviewed in this qualitative study. Data were analyzed by means of content analysis.

Results

Three themes emerged – “feeling trapped”, “feeling disrespected”, and “feeling invited” – comprising seven subthemes.

Conclusion

Care seekers experienced suffering as well as struggling to be allowed to be a patient. When not met by an ethically correct stance, they continued to seek care. In contrast, when they encountered commitment and an ethically correct attitude, their health process began and they had no further need for contact.
Expression of orexin A and its receptor 1 in the human prostate
Authors: Valiante Salvatore , Liguori Giovanna , Tafuri Simona , Campese Roberto , Monaco Roberto , Paino Salvatore , Laforgia Vincenza , Staiano Norma , Vittoria Alfredo
Published: February 2013

The peptides orexin A (OXA) and orexin B, deriving from the cleavage of the precursor molecule prepro‐orexin, bind two G‐coupled transmembrane receptors, named as receptor 1 (OX1R) and receptor 2 for orexin, showing different affinity‐binding properties. First discovered in the rat hypothalamus, orexins and their receptors have been also found in many peripheral tissues where they exert neuroendocrine, autocrine and paracrine functions. Because inconclusive data on their localization in the mammalian prostate are reported, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of prepro‐orexin, OXA and OX1R in the human normal and hyperplastic gland. Immunohistochemistry revealed the localization of both OXA and OX1R in the cytoplasm of the follicular exocrine epithelium of all tested normal and hyperplastic prostates. Positive immunostaining was mainly observed in the basal cells of the stratified epithelium, and only rarely in the apical cells. The expression of mRNAs coding for prepro‐orexin and OX1R and of proteins in the tissues was also ascertained by polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis, respectively. In order to gain insights into the functional activity of OXA in the prostate, we administered different concentrations of OXA to cultured prostatic epithelial cells PNT1A. We first demonstrated that PNT1A cells express OX1R. The addition of OXA did not affect PNT1A cell proliferation, while it enhanced cAMP synthesis and Ca2+ release from intracellular storage. Overall, our results definitely demonstrate the expression of OXA and OX1R in the human prostate, and suggest an active role for them in the metabolism of the gland.
Reference‐free SNP discovery for the Eurasian beaver from restriction site–associated DNA paired‐end data
Authors: Senn Helen , Ogden Rob , Cezard Timothee , Gharbi Karim , Iqbal Zamin , Johnson Eric , Kamps‐Hughes Nick , Rosell Frank , McEwing Ross
Published: February 2013

In this study, we used restriction site–associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to discover SNP markers suitable for population genetic and parentage analysis with the aim of using them for monitoring the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fibre) to Scotland. In the absence of a reference genome for beaver, we built contigs and discovered SNPs within them using paired‐end RAD data, so as to have sufficient flanking region around the SNPs to conduct marker design. To do this, we used a simple pipeline which catalogued the Read 1 data in stacks and then used the assembler cortex_var to conduct de novo assembly and genotyping of multiple samples using the Read 2 data. The analysis of around 1.1 billion short reads of sequence data was reduced to a set of 2579 high‐quality candidate SNP markers that were polymorphic in Norwegian and Bavarian beaver. Both laboratory validation of a subset of eight of the SNPs (1.3% error) and internal validation by confirming patterns of Mendelian inheritance in a family group (0.9% error) confirmed the success of this approach.
Nuclear and chloroplast DNA phylogeography reveals Pleistocene divergence and subsequent secondary contact of two genetic lineages of the tropical rainforest tree species Shorea leprosula (Dipterocarpaceae) in South‐East Asia
Authors: Ohtani Masato , Kondo Toshiaki , Tani Naoki , Ueno Saneyoshi , Lee Leong S. , Ng Kevin K. S. , Muhammad Norwati , Finkeldey Reiner , Na'iem Mohamad , Indrioko Sapto , Kamiya Koichi , Harada Ko , Diway Bibian , Khoo Eyen , Kawamura Kensuke , Tsumura Yoshihiko
Published: February 2013

Tropical rainforests in South‐East Asia have been affected by climatic fluctuations during past glacial eras. To examine how the accompanying changes in land areas and temperature have affected the genetic properties of rainforest trees in the region, we investigated the phylogeographic patterns of a widespread dipterocarp species, Shorea leprosula. Two types of DNA markers were used: expressed sequence tag‐based simple sequence repeats and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequence variations. Both sets of markers revealed clear genetic differentiation between populations in Borneo and those in the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra (Malay/Sumatra). However, in the south‐western part of Borneo, genetic admixture of the lineages was observed in the two marker types. Coalescent simulation based on cpDNA sequence variation suggested that the two lineages arose 0.28–0.09 million years before present and that following their divergence migration from Malay/Sumatra to Borneo strongly exceeded migration in the opposite direction. We conclude that the genetic structure of S. leprosula was largely formed during the middle Pleistocene and was subsequently modified by eastward migration across the subaerially exposed Sunda Shelf.
The utility of balloon enteroscopy in the diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma of the small intestine: A case report
Authors: Miyazaki Tamihiro , Arihiro Seiji , Mitobe Jimi , Aoki Yoshihiko , Takikawa Shingo , Saruta Masayuki , Matsuoka Mika , Koike Kazuhiko , Kato Tomohiro , Kashiwagi Hideyuki , Ikegami Masahiro , Tajiri Hisao
Published: February 2013

The diagnosis of the rare neoplasm histiocytic sarcoma (HS) relies on morphology and the presence of immunophenotypic features of histiocytic lineage. More than 57 cases, including 16 cases involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, have been described since the World Health Organization issued its classification system for tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue in 2001. HS is often diagnosed in its late stages, at which point the prognosis is poor. Only a small proportion of these patients can undergo surgical resection with curative intent. The present report describes how HS can be diagnosed at a stage of favorable prognosis using balloon enteroscopy (BE), thereby enabling surgical resection before the development of metastases. This strategy is reviewed in the setting of a patient with jejunal HS, followed by a discussion of data from 16 other reported cases of GI HS.
Nonfragile H∞ Filtering of Continuous Markov Jump Linear Systems With General Transition Probabilities
Authors: Shen Mouquan , Yang Guang-Hong
Published: February 2013

This paper concerns the mode dependent H∞ filter design for continuous Markov jump linear systems. The filter gain to be designed is assumed to have additive variations and the transition probabilities are allowed to be known, uncertain with known bounds and unknown. Attention is focused on the design of a mode dependent nonfragile full order filter, which guarantees the filtering error system to be stochastically stable and has a prescribed H∞ disturbance attenuation performance. Sufficient conditions for the desired filter design are given in the framework of linear matrix inequality. If the filter gain variations become zero and the transition probabilities are completely known, the proposed method is reduced to the standard H∞ filtering results. A numerical examples is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
How Cells Know Where They Are
Authors: Lander Arthur D.
Published: February 2013

Development, regeneration, and even day-to-day physiology require plant and animal cells to make decisions based on their locations. The principles by which cells may do this are deceptively straightforward. But when reliability needs to be high—as often occurs during development—successful strategies tend to be anything but simple. Increasingly, the challenge facing biologists is to relate the diverse diffusible molecules, control circuits, and gene regulatory networks that help cells know where they are to the varied, sometimes stringent, constraints imposed by the need for real-world precision and accuracy.
Minimal "Self" Peptides That Inhibit Phagocytic Clearance and Enhance Delivery of Nanoparticles
Authors: Rodriguez Pia L. , Harada Takamasa , Christian David A. , Pantano Diego A. , Tsai Richard K. , Discher Dennis E.
Published: February 2013

Stealth Delivery

Delivery of therapeutics and imaging agents is hampered by the ability of the innate immune system to recognize and clear foreign particles. "Self" cells are protected from phagocytic clearance by the membrane protein CD47 that interacts with signal regulatory protein-α (SIRPα) on macrophages. Taking advantage of this protective strategy,

Rodriguez
et al.

(p.
971
) labeled nanoparticles with computationally designed minimal human-CD47–based peptide (hCD47). When injected into a strain of mice in which macrophages expressed a SIRPα that cross-reacts with hCD47, the peptide prevented clearance of nanoparticles and enhanced drug delivery to tumors.
Optimization of Routine Identification of Clinically Relevant Gram-Negative Bacteria by Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry and the Bruker Biotyper
Authors: Ford Bradley A. , Burnham Carey-Ann D.
Published: February 2013

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) might complement and one day replace phenotypic identification of bacteria in the clinical microbiology laboratory, but there is no consensus standard regarding the requirements for its validation prior to clinical use in the United States. The objective of this study was to assess the preanalytical variables influencing Gram-negative identification by use of the Bruker Biotyper MALDI-TOF MS system, including density of organism spotting on a stainless steel target plate and the direct overlay of organisms with formic acid. A heavy smear with formic acid overlay was either superior or equivalent to alternative smear conditions. Microbiological preanalytical variables were also assayed, such as culture medium, growth temperature, and use of serial subculture. Postanalytical analysis included the application of modified species-level identification acceptance criteria. Biotyper identifications were compared with those using traditional phenotypic methods, and discrepancies were resolved with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared to the recommended score cutoffs of the manufacturer, the application of optimized Biotyper score cutoffs for species-level identification increased the rate of identification by 6.75% for the enteric Gram-negative bacteria and 4.25% for the nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria. Various incubation temperatures, growth medium types, and repeat subcultures did not result in misidentification. We conclude that the Bruker MALDI Biotyper is a robust system for the identification of Gram-negative organisms in the clinical laboratory and that meaningful performance improvements can be made by implementing simple pre- and postanalytical techniques.
Knee extensor disruption in mild diplegic cerebral palsy: a risk for adolescent athletes
Authors: Elhassan Yahya , O'Sullivan Rory , Walsh Mike , O Brien Tim
Published: February 2013

We report three cases of adolescent boys with mild diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) who suffered disruption of the knee extensor mechanism. Two had fractures of the patella and the third a fracture avulsion of the tibial tubercle combined with an undisplaced fracture of the patella. All three had gait analysis prior to sustaining the fractures and were known to have mild knee crouch. Each participated in sport including football. Each suffered an acute deterioration in gait resulting in a referral for repeat gait analysis, and x-ray of the affected knee. With the increased involvement of children with CP in sporting activities, especially children with mild knee crouch, we caution that knee extensor rupture might be an increasing problem.
Combined use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and sedatives/hypnotics during pregnancy: risk of relatively severe congenital malformations or cardiac defects. A register study
Authors: Reis Margareta , Källén Bengt
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To investigate the proposed synergistic teratogenic effect of use of selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRI) together with sedatives or hypnotics, primarily benzodiazepines, during pregnancy.

Design

Cohort study of congenital malformations after maternal use of SSRI, sedatives/hypnotics or the combination of the two drug categories.

Setting

Swedish national health registers.

Participants

A total of 10 511 infants born of women who had used SSRI drugs but no other central nervous system (CNS)-active drug, 1000 infants born of women who had used benzodiazepines and no other CNS-active drug, and 406 infants whose mothers had used both SSRI and benzodiazepines but no other CNS-active drug.

Results

None of the three groups showed a higher risk for any relatively severe congenital malformation or any cardiac defect when comparison was made with the general population risk (adjusted risk ratio (RR) for the combination of SSRI and benzodiazepines and a relatively severe malformation=1.17 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.73). Similar results were obtained for the combination of SSRI with other sedative/hypnotic drugs.

Conclusions

The previously stated increased risk associated with the combined use of these drug categories, notably for a cardiac defect, could not be replicated.
Serum human epididymis protein 4 vs carbohydrate antigen 125 for ovarian cancer diagnosis: a systematic review
Authors: Ferraro Simona , Braga Federica , Lanzoni Monica , Boracchi Patrizia , Biganzoli Elia Mario , Panteghini Mauro
Published: February 2013

Background

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) measurements in serum have been proposed for improving the specificity of laboratory identification of ovarian cancer (OC).

Objective

To critically revise the available literature on the comparison between the diagnostic accuracy of HE4 and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) to confirm the additional clinical value of HE4.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken on electronic databases and references from retrieved articles; articles were analysed according to predefined criteria. Meta-analyses for HE4 and CA-125 biomarkers with OR, diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+) and negative (LR–) likelihood ratios as effect sizes were performed.

Results

16 articles were originally included in meta-analyses, but two for HE4 and one for CA-125 were eliminated as outliers. Furthermore, for HE4 a publication bias was detected. ORs for both HE4 (37.2, 95% CI 19.0 to 72.7, adjusted for publication bias) and CA-125 (15.4, 95% CI 10.4 to 22.8) were significant, although in a heterogeneous set of studies (p<0.0001). By combining sensitivity and specificity, the overall LR+ and LR– were 13.0 (95% CI 8.2 to 20.7) and 0.23 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.28) for HE4 and 4.2 (95% CI 3.1 to 5.6) and 0.27 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.31) for CA-125, respectively.

Conclusions

HE4 measurement seems to be superior to CA-125 in terms of diagnostic performance for identification of OC in women with suspected gynaecological disease. Due to the high prevalence of OC in post-menopausal women and the need for data focused on early tumour stages, more studies tailored on these specific subsets are needed.
Has untargeted sexual health promotion for young people reached its limit? A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Elliott Lawrie , Henderson Marion , Nixon Catherine , Wight Daniel
Published: February 2013

Background

Theoretically, there may be benefit in augmenting school-based sexual health education with sexual health services, but the outcomes are poorly understood.Healthy Respect2 (HR2) combined sex education with youth-friendly sexual health services, media campaigns and branding, and encouraged joint working between health services, local government and the voluntary sector.

This study examined whetherHR2: (1) improved young people's sexual health knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and use of sexual health services and (2) reduced socioeconomic inequalities in sexual health.

Methods

A quasi-experiment in which the intervention and comparison areas were matched for teenage pregnancy and terminations, and schools were matched by social deprivation. 5283 pupils aged 15–16 years (2269 intervention, 3014 comparison) were recruited to cross-sectional surveys in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Results

The intervention improved males’ and, to a lesser extent, females’ sexual health knowledge. Males’ intention to use condoms, and reported use of condoms, was unaffected, compared with a reduction in both among males in the comparison arm. Although females exposed to the intervention became less accepting of condoms, there was no change in their intention to use condoms and reported condom use. Pupils became more tolerant of sexual coercion in both the intervention and comparison arms. Attitudes towards same-sex relationships remained largely unaffected. More pupils in theHR2area used sexual health services, including those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This aside, sexual health inequalities remained.

Conclusions

Combining school-based sex education and sexual health clinics has a limited impact. Interventions that address the upstream causes of poor sexual health, such as a detrimental sociocultural environment, represent promising alternatives. These should prioritise the most vulnerable young people.
Genomic and chromosomal distribution patterns of various repeated DNA sequences in wheat revealed by a fluorescence in situ hybridization procedure
Authors: Komuro Shirabe , Endo Ryota , Shikata Kaori , Kato Akio
Published: February 2013

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an allohexaploid, in which each of the three genomes has a high 1C content. This indicates the presence of multiple tandemly repeated sequences, which should be detectable using in situ hybridization. Some repeats have already been described, but others remain to be recognized. To discover others, 2000 plasmid wheat clones were examined for signal presence after fluorescence in situ hybridization and microscopic signal observation. Among them, 47 clones produced strong discrete signals on wheat chromosomes. Two of the newly identified clones (pTa-535 and pTa-713) were determined to have especially valuable sequences for chromosome identification. In combination with pTa-86 (the pSc119 homologous sequence), these probes enable unambiguous discrimination of all wheat chromosomes including orientation. Four newly identified sequences (pTa-465, pTa-k566, pTa-s120, and pTa-s126) were useful in that they produced discrete signals on various wheat chromosome arms. Two other clones (pTa-k288 and pTa-k229) produced GISH-like (genomic in situ hybridization) signals because they allowed the A, B, and D genomes to be distinguished simultaneously. In addition, centromere, centromere-related, and ribosomal DNA clones were identified. Also described are improvements on slide preparation and reprobing procedures. To enhance discrete signal detection, a new direct fluorescent-labeling procedure, namely the VentR (exo-) terminal extension method, was employed.
Existence Results for a Riemann-Liouville-Type Fractional Multivalued Problem with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Alsulami Hamed H. , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Ahmad Bashir
Published: February 2013

We discuss the existence of solutions for a boundary value problem of Riemann-Liouville fractional differential inclusions of orderα∈(2,3]with integral boundary conditions. We establish our results by applying the standard tools of fixed point theory for multivalued maps when the right-hand side of the inclusion has convex as well as nonconvex values. An illustrative example is also presented.
Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor Supplementation in Culture Media for Subfertile Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Technologies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Siristatidis Charalampos , Vogiatzi Paraskevi , Salamalekis George , Creatsa Maria , Vrachnis Nikos , Glujovsky Demián , Iliodromiti Zoe , Chrelias Charalampos
Published: February 2013

Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine/growth factor produced by epithelial cells that exerts embryotrophic effects during the early stages of embryo development. We performed a systematic review, and six studies that were performed in humans undergoing assisted reproduction technologies (ART) were located. We wanted to evaluate if embryo culture media supplementation with GM-CSF could improve success rates. As the type of studies and the outcome parameters investigated were heterogeneous, we decided not to perform a meta-analysis. Most of them had a trend favoring the supplementation with GM-CSF, when outcomes were measured in terms of increased percentage of good-quality embryos reaching the blastocyst stage, improved hatching initiation and number of cells in the blastocyst, and reduction of cell death. However, no statistically significant differences were found in implantation and pregnancy rates in all apart from one large multicenter trial, which reported favorable outcomes, in terms of implantation and live birth rates. We propose properly conducted and adequately powered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to further validate and extrapolate the current findings with the live birth rate to be the primary outcome measure.
Lattices Generated by Two Orbits of Subspaces under Finite Singular Symplectic Groups
Authors: Liu Xuemei
Published: February 2013

In the paper titled “Lattices generated by two orbits of subspaces under finite classical group” by Wang and Guo. The subspaces in the lattices are characterized and the geometricity is classified. In this paper, the result above is generalized to singular symplectic space. This paper characterizes the subspaces in these lattices, classifies their geometricity, and computes their characteristic polynomials.
Fite-Wintner-Leighton-Type Oscillation Criteria for Second-Order Differential Equations with Nonlinear Damping
Authors: Pašić Mervan
Published: February 2013

Some new oscillation criteria for a general class of second-order differential equations with nonlinear damping are shown. Except some general structural assumptions on the coefficients and nonlinear terms, we additionally assume only one sufficient condition (of Fite-Wintner-Leighton type). It is different compared to many early published papers which use rather complex sufficient conditions. Our method contains three items: classic Riccati transformations, a pointwise comparison principle, and a blow-up principle for sub- and supersolutions of a class of the generalized Riccati differential equations associated to any nonoscillatory solution of the main equation.
Adaptive Cluster Synchronization for Nondelayed and Delayed Coupling Complex Networks with Nonidentical Nodes
Authors: Tang Ze , Feng Jianwen
Published: February 2013

We focus on the cluster synchronization problem for a kind of general networks with nondelayed and delayed coupling. Based on the pinning control scheme, a small fraction of the nodes in each cluster are pinned for successful control, and the states of the whole dynamical networks can be globally forced to the objective cluster states. Sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the realization of the cluster synchronization pattern for all initial values by means of the Lyapunov stability theorem and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). By using the adaptive update law, relative smaller control gains are obtained, and hence the control cost can be substantially lower. Numerical simulations are also exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of the main result.
Lipoxin A4 blocks embryo implantation by controlling estrogen receptor α activity
Authors: Xiong Jing , Zeng Pan , Cheng Xue , Miao Sen , Wu Le , Zhou Sheng , Wu Ping , Ye Duyun
Published: February 2013

Embryo implantation involves a complex regulatory network of steroid hormones, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cells. Lipoxin A4(LXA4), a biologically active eicosanoid with specific anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, was recently found to be a novel modulator of estrogen receptor α (ERα). In this study, we investigated the potential role of LXA4in implantation. We found that LXA4blocked embryo implantation in mice and significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators associated with uterine receptivity and embryo implantation, including corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), cyclooxygenase 2-derived prostaglandin I2and prostaglandin E2, leukemia inhibitory factor, and interleukin 6, but this effect was independent of LXA4receptor. Subsequent investigation revealed enhanced ERα activity in the uteri of LXA4-treated mice during the peri-implantation period. ERα and phosphorylated ERα were significantly increased following LXA4treatment. Finally, it was demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of LXA4on embryo implantation was mediated through ERα. In the presence of the ERα antagonist ICI 182 780, LXA4failed to block embryo implantation. LXA4also failed to inhibit CRF expression. These results suggested that LXA4blocks embryo implantation by controlling ERα activity, and this effect appeared to be related to the suppression of the inflammatory microenvironment necessary for implantation.
Current Prospects of Korean Reunification against the Background of the Interstate Relations
Authors: Stankiewicz Wojciech
Published: February 2013

Forecasts predicting the reunification of the Korean Peninsula were common throughout the 1990s. Since then, enthusiasm for such predictions has dampened, and though the fundamental assumption of reunification remains, predictions of when and how this will happen have been more restrained. Reunification leaves two unresolved yet interdependent issues: reunification itself, which is the urgent challenge; and the strategic issues that emerge from reunification, which have the potential to fundamentally transform strategic relations in the region of Northeast Asia. Within this context, this paper examines the prospects of Korean reunification against the background of the interstate relations. Initially, it will establish the framework from which such scenarios will emerge: the historical background of the division, the extreme differences between the two states, the role played by the North Korean nuclear threats and the impact of the September 11, 2001 on the interstate relations, and finally general situation and relations in the East Asian region. Then, three possible scenarios of the unification will be developed: through peaceful integration, through the fall of North Korea or through a war. Summing up, even the death of Kim Jong Il will not bring change in the domestic and foreign policy of North Korea which is going to continue an aggressive approach toward the South. In the short-term reunification is definitely not in the interest of the current ROK administration, and the South has no intention of encouraging it. None of the considered scenarios envisions early reunification, and it seems that for the future, the status quo on the Korean Peninsula will remain.
Boko Haram "Sharia" Reasoning and Democratic Vision in Pluralist Nigeria
Authors: Igboin Benson O.
Published: February 2013

In the decade since Al-Qaeda, led by the late Osama Bin Laden, attacked America, there has been a resurgence in the debate about the relationship between religion and politics. The global Islamic terrorist networks and their successful operations against various targets around the globe increasingly draw attention to what constitutes the core values of Islamic extremism: the logic of evangelistic strategy, the import and relevance of its spiritual message and consideration of the composite view of life that does not distinguish between sacred and temporal mandates. Suspicions have been fuelled that Islam is incompatible with modern democratic systems and pluralist outlooks. The real cause of Islamic militancy is at once universal and particular. The Nigerian experience of this radical Islamism–Boko Haram–brings home the once “distant” threat to global peaceful co-existence. While there exist arguments regarding the raison d’etre and means or methods of the operations of Boko Haram, the end has been normative; to achieve a purely religious nationalistic system on the basis of the sharia code of ethics. This paper, therefore, critically analyses the historical and philosophical interpretations of Islamic history constructed as an infallible corpus, and how it has been impacted by the democratic vision in Nigeria. It concludes with a consideration of the possibility and practicability of a liberal system at once free and religious in a pluralist and global society.
The relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dina Ciprian A. , Iancau Maria , Moţa Maria , Dina Raluca Costina , Vladu Iulia
Published: February 2013

Periodontitis is a common complication in patients with diabetes. Their classificationis complex and it is based on the clinical presentation, rate of disease progression,age at diagnosis and local and systemic factors that may multiply the risk. The twomajor stages of periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis. Therelationship between these two diseases appears bidirectional insofar that theexistence of one disease tends to promote the other and that the meticulousmanagement of either may help the treatment of the other. Treatment of periodontitisusing a association of mechanical therapy, scaling and root planning, plus systemictetracycline antibiotics has been demonstrated to have important reductions inHbA1c values. Therefore, for a better control of diabetes we suggest that periodontalpatients with diabetes should be consulted and treated by a periodontist.
Reproductive Disorders in Streptozotocin-Treated Male Rats Following Co-Administration of Ethambutol, Rifampicin, Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide
Authors: Shayakhmetova Ganna M. , Bondarenko Larysa B. , Matvienko Anatoliy V. , Kovalenko Valentina M.
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATD) on indices ofreproductive capability, DNA fragmentation and offspring development of male ratswith testicular malfunction caused by experimental diabetes. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino male rats (body weight 160-200 g) were divided into threegroups: I - control, II - streptozotocin diabetes, III - streptozotocin diabetes + ATD.The testis DNA fragmentation was determined electrophoretically; spermatogeneticindices, offspring antenatal and postnatal development indices - by standardprocedures. Morphological analyses of gonadic structures were carried out by opticmicroscopy. Results: The study of the effects of diabetes and ATD administration ontestis cells morphologic and morphometric parameters and spermatogenesissuggested the presence of specific diabetes- and anti tuberculosis drugs - mediatedquantitative and qualitative changes in male rat reproductive organs,spermatogenetic epithelial cells, level and character of DNA fragmentation incomparison with normal rats. These changes were accompanied by alterations inprocesses of fertilisation (with intact females), embryogenesis and by lowering ofoffspring survival. Conclusions: Observed changes could hence affect the state andcorrect functioning of spermatogenetic epithelium and of other tissues ofreproductive organs, as well as offspring development in diabetic rats.
“Position Paper” Timely Insulinisation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Barkai László , Hâncu Nicolae , Jermendy György , Konstantinova Maya , Lichiardopol Radu , Moţa Maria , Tankova Cvetalina , Temelkova Natalia , Winkler Gábor
Published: February 2013

The objective of this position paper is to review the current medical evidence andguidelines regarding the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and to issue medicalrecommendations strengthening the timely use of insulin in patients with T2DMuncontrolled on noninsulin therapy. When noninsulin therapy fails to achieve or tomaintain HbA1c targets, insulin therapy is required. Timely insulin therapy couldprovide proper metabolic control that might prevent complications, lead toimprovement of life expectancy and quality of life.
Oxygenated Cembranoids from the Soft Coral Sinularia flexibilis
Authors: Su Ching-Chyuan , Wong Bing-Sang , Chin Chuen , Wu Yu-Jen , Su Jui-Hsin
Published: February 2013

Chemical examination of the Taiwanese soft coral Sinularia flexibilis led to the isolation of five cembrane-based diterpenoids 1–5, including two new metabolites, 11-acetylsinuflexolide (1) and 11-acetyldihydrosinuflexolide (2). The structures of the new metabolites were determined based on extensive spectroscopic analysis, particularly mass spectrometry and 2D NMR (1H–1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) spectroscopy. Metabolites 1, 3 and 4 exhibited moderate to weak cytotoxicity to human tumor cell lines, HeLa, HEp-2, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.
Non-leaking Cystoid Maculopathy Secondary to Systemic Paclitaxel
Authors: Modi Dimple , Dubovy Sander R.
Published: February 2013

Taxane-associated maculopathy is scarcely reported in the literature but should be considered as a known complication of intravenous use of the chemotherapy medication to ophthalmologists as well as primary care physicians and oncologists. We report a case of paclitaxel maculopathy in a 61-year-old female who received treatment with this drug for metastatic breast cancer. This is the first known case to report complete resolution of the maculopathy after cessation of the drug.

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Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2013;44:183–186]
Green Enterprise Architecture Using Environmental Intelligence
Authors: Unhelkar Bhuvan
Published: February 2013

This paper discusses Green Enterprise Architecture (GEA), which is an extension and application of Enterprise Architecture in the environmental domain. A GEA makes strategic use of the green IT systems otherwise also known as CEMS – Carbon Emission Management Software – that results in an all-encompassing approach to the greening effort that incorporates carbon data, information, processes, and knowledge in the organization’s decision making. This paper highlights the significance of such a strategic approach to carbon control in practice. The challenges associated with implementing Green IT in organizations can be handled through a carefully construed green IT systems architecture that will not only enable implementation of dedicated system for carbon measures but also facilitate upgrade and integration of existing suite of ERP applications that incorporate carbon measures.
A Bio-Inspired Concept for Information Security Modelling
Authors: Ogundele O. S. , Alese B. K. , Mathew O. O.
Published: February 2013

Bio-inspired models for information security were designed to demonstrate the performances by which biology achieves security. Existing research focuses on borrowing partial ideas from biological systems to resolve some facet of information security in a network environment, such as intrusion detection and fault tolerance. This work uses the bio-inspired concept of the body system to demonstrate an information security model that makes use of the immune system. The white blood cells (leucocytes) produce the antibodies (lymphocyte) that fight against all antigens (foreign materials) and kill them. The skin layer of the body contains keratin that prevents microorganisms from penetrating the body. The authors relate the processes in biological systems to information security using mechanisms of the immune system in molecular biology as the key paradigm. Theory of set and algebra were used to describe the relationship between the immune system and the information security model. A simple simulator was developed to demonstrate the operation of the designed bio-inspired model. Although the simulator was tested with assumed data, the work offered insight into how the immune system of biology can be adapted to design and implement a more secure information security system.
Framework for Constructive Computer Game toward Empowering the Future Generation
Authors: Chiemeke S. C. , Folajimi Y. O.
Published: February 2013

The world of today has undergone a technological revolution that has drastically transformed society. The world is now accessible to every age group. One common application of modern computing among the younger generation is computer games. Although there are some advantages, many researchers have shown that they may be somewhat harmful to the growth and development of children. In this paper, the authors examine computer game use among youth, including the games they play and how constructive games can have positive development implications. One popular learning game is Scrabble (a trademark of the Hasbro Corporation). In this paper, the authors present the architecture of a constructive computer game, NigerScrab. NigerScrab is a version of the computer Scrabble game that is both entertaining and educational and has positive impacts on youth.