bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for gastrointestinal surgery, part 2: consensus statement for anaesthesia practice
Authors: Feldheiser A. , Aziz O. , Baldini G. , Cox B. P. B. W. , Fearon K. C. H. , Feldman L. S. , Gan T. J. , Kennedy R. H. , Ljungqvist O. , Lobo D. N. , Miller T. , Radtke F. F. , Ruiz Garces T. , Schricker T. , Scott M. J. , Thacker J. K. , Ytrebø L. M. , Carli F.
Published: October 2015

Background

The present interdisciplinary consensus review proposes clinical considerations and recommendations for anaesthetic practice in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery with an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programme.

Methods

Studies were selected with particular attention being paid to meta‐analyses, randomized controlled trials and large prospective cohort studies. For each item of the perioperative treatment pathway, available English‐language literature was examined and reviewed. The group reached a consensus recommendation after critical appraisal of the literature.

Results

This consensus statement demonstrates that anaesthesiologists control several preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative ERAS elements. Further research is needed to verify the strength of these recommendations.

Conclusions

Based on the evidence available for each element of perioperative care pathways, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS ®) Society presents a comprehensive consensus review, clinical considerations and recommendations for anaesthesia care in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery within an ERAS programme. This unified protocol facilitates involvement of anaesthesiologists in the implementation of the ERAS programmes and allows for comparison between centres and it eventually might facilitate the design of multi‐institutional prospective and adequately powered randomized trials.
Self‐Assembled Infrapatellar Fat‐Pad Progenitor Cells on a Poly‐ε‐Caprolactone Film For Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Prabhakar Alisha , Lynch Amy P. , Ahearne Mark
Published: October 2015

Cartilage defects resulting from osteoarthritis (OA) or physical injury can severely reduce the quality of life for sufferers. Current treatment options are costly and not always effective in producing stable hyaline cartilage. Here we investigated a new treatment option that could potentially repair and regenerate damaged cartilage tissue. This novel approach involves the application of infrapatellar fat‐pad derived chondroprogenitor cells onto a mechanically stable biodegradable polymer film that can be easily implanted into a defect site. Poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) films were fabricated via solvent casting in either acetone or chloroform. The hydrophobicity, mechanical properties, and surface morphology of the films were examined. Progenitor cells from infrapatellar fat‐pad were isolated, expanded, and then seeded onto the films. The cells were allowed to self‐assemble on films, and these were then cultured in a chemically defined chondrogenic media for 28 days. The self‐assembled tissue was characterized via histological staining, gene expression analysis, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical analysis. Chondrogenic differentiation was induced to generate a cartilaginous matrix upon the films. Despite differences between in the appearance, surface morphology, and mechanical properties of the films cast in chloroform or acetone, both methods produced tissues rich in sulfated glycosaminoglycan and collagen, although the extracellular matrix produced on chloroform‐cast films appeared to contain more collagen type II and less collagen type I than acetone‐cast films. These self‐assembled constructs have the potential to be implanted into defect sites as a potential treatment for cartilage defect regeneration.
Systematic review: predicting and optimising response to anti‐TNF therapy in Crohn's disease – algorithm for practical management
Authors: Ding N. S. , Hart A. , De Cruz P.
Published: October 2015

Background

Nonresponse and loss of response to anti‐TNF therapies in Crohn's disease represent significant clinical problems for which clear management guidelines are lacking.

Aim

To review the incidence, mechanisms and predictors of primary nonresponse and secondary loss of response to formulate practical clinical algorithms to guide management.

Methods

Through a systematic literature review, 503 articles were identified which fit the inclusion criteria.

Results

Primary nonresponse to anti‐TNF treatment affects 13–40% of patients. Secondary loss of response to anti‐TNF occurs in 23–46% of patients when determined according to dose intensification, and 5–13% of patients when gauged by drug discontinuation rates. Recent evidence suggests that the mechanisms underlying primary nonresponse and secondary loss of response are multifactorial and include disease characteristics (phenotype, location, severity); drug (pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic or immunogenicity) and treatment strategy (dosing regimen) related factors. Clinical algorithms that employ therapeutic drug monitoring (using anti‐TNF tough levels and anti‐drug antibody levels) may be used to determine the underlying cause of primary nonresponse and secondary loss of response respectively and guide clinicians as to which patients are most likely to respond to anti‐TNF therapy and help optimise drug therapy for those who are losing response to anti‐TNF therapy.

Conclusions

Nonresponse or loss of response to anti‐TNF occurs commonly in Crohn's disease. Clinical algorithms utilising therapeutic drug monitoring may establish the mechanisms for treatment failure and help guide the subsequent therapeutic approach.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: direct comparisons of biomarkers for the diagnosis of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C and B
Authors: Houot M. , Ngo Y. , Munteanu M. , Marque S. , Poynard T.
Published: October 2015

Background

Blood tests and transient elastography (TE), proposed as alternatives to biopsy for identifying advanced fibrosis (METAVIR‐stage‐F2 or greater) or cirrhosis, have never been compared using an intention to diagnose approach, with direct comparisons only, and Bayesian approach.

Aim

To permit more appropriate comparisons.

Methods

From an overview of articles (2002–2014), we selected studies that directly compared the diagnostic accuracy of FibroTest, aspartate aminotransferase–platelet ratio index (APRI), FIB4 or TE, with biopsy as a reference, in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) or B (CHB). Investigators abstracted and checked study details and quality by using pre‐defined criteria. Bayesian method in intention to diagnose was the primary outcome.

Results

Of 1321 articles identified, 71 studies including 77 groups according to aetiology (All‐CB) were eligible: 37 Only‐C, 28 Only‐B and 12 Mixed‐C‐B. There were 185 direct comparisons between the area under the ROC curves (AUROCs), 99 for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis and 86 for cirrhosis. In All‐CB, Bayesian analyses revealed significant AUROCs differences in identifying advanced fibrosis in favour of FibroTest vs. TE [credibility interval: 0.06(0.02–0.09)], FibroTest vs. APRI [0.05 (0.03–0.07)] and for identifying cirrhosis TE vs. APRI [0.07 (0.02–0.13)] and FIB4 vs. APRI [0.04(0.02–0.05)]. No differences were observed between TE and FibroTest, for identifying cirrhosis in All‐CB, and in sub‐groups (Only‐C, Only‐B, Mixed‐CB) for both cirrhosis and fibrosis.

Conclusions

In CHC and CHB, APRI had lower performances than FIB‐4, TE and FibroTest. TE had lower performance than FibroTest for identifying advanced fibrosis in All‐CB, without significant difference for identifying cirrhosis in all groups.
The Meaning of Intimacy: Logic and Methods
Authors: Perlman Daniel , Wood Claire A.
Published: October 2015

This commentary on Frost and Gola's (2015) article first identifies strengths of their article. It then discusses two directions along which their original work might be expanded: (i) the logic of the argument and (ii) the type of data collected.
Measuring performance of non‐profit organisations: evidence from large charities
Authors: Boateng Agyenim , Akamavi Raphaël K. , Ndoro Girlie
Published: October 2015

How to measure performance in charitable organisations continues to excite interest among academics and practitioners. Despite the intellectual interest, little consensus has emerged as to what are the best measures of performance in charities. This is against the backdrop of an increased demand by donors and other stakeholders on charities to provide information on their performance. Building on prior studies, this paper examines the measures of performance in charities using a hybrid methodological approach which consists of 14 exploratory interviews and a quantitative survey of 105 chief executive officers/board of trustees of large British charities. The results of factor analysis and internal reliability produced five broad measures of performance of charities: (1) financial measures; (2) client satisfaction; (3) management effectiveness; (4) stakeholder involvement; and (5) benchmarking, indicating that the overall performance of charities is best measured by a set of factors that reflect the multiple and diverse stakeholders associated with charities. Further analysis using structural equation modelling corroborates the results that non‐financial measures such as management effectiveness, stakeholder involvement and benchmarking are important to the performance of charities.
Does retrieval intentionality really matter? Similarities and differences between involuntary memories and directly and generatively retrieved voluntary memories
Authors: Barzykowski Krystian , Staugaard Søren Risløv
Published: October 2015

Theories of autobiographical memory distinguish between involuntary and voluntary retrieval as a consequence of conscious intention (i.e., wanting to remember). Another distinction can be made between direct and generative retrieval, which reflects the effort involved (i.e., trying to remember). However, it is unclear how intention and effort interacts. For example, involuntary memories and directly retrieved memories have been used interchangeably in the literature to refer to the same phenomenon of effortless, non‐strategic retrieval. More recent theoretical advances suggest that they are separate types of retrieval, one unintentional (involuntary), another intentional and effortless (direct voluntary retrieval), and a third intentional and effortful (generative voluntary retrieval). Whether this also entails differing phenomenological characteristics, such as vividness, rehearsal, or emotional valence, has not been previously investigated. In the current study, participants reported memories in an experimental paradigm designed to elicit voluntary and involuntary memories and rated them on a number of characteristics. If intention affects the retrieval process, then we should expect differences between the characteristics of involuntary and directly retrieved memories. The results imply that retrieval intention seems to differentiate how a memory appears in a person's mind. Furthermore, we argue that these differences in part could result from differences in encoding and consolidation.
Antibodies to glycoconjugates in autoimmune neuropathies
Authors: Kaida Kenichi
Published: October 2015

In glycoconjugates, the most likely targets for autoantibodies in such autoimmune neuropathies are glycolipids, especially N‐acetylneuraminic acid‐bearing glycosphingolipids termed gangliosides. Antiganglioside antibodies are often associated with clinical phenotypes. This association depends on the diverse distribution of gangliosides in the peripheral nervous system. Complement activation is the main mechanism of antiganglioside antibody‐mediated nerve injury in Guillain–Barré syndrome. Complement‐independent mechanism, including dysfunction of ion channels, alteration of the integrity of lipid rafts and activating Fc gamma receptor‐mediated inflammation, is likely to play a role in the development of antiganglioside antibody‐mediated neuropathy. The pathogenic actions of antiganglioside antibodies are governed by their avidity, which are influenced by binding specificity of antibodies, specific localization of gangliosides in the peripheral nervous system, glycolipid environment and internalization of antibodies on nerve membranes. The discovery of antibodies to ganglioside complexes improves the detection rate of antibodies in Guillain–Barré syndrome, as well as providing a new concept in antibody–antigen interactions through clustered carbohydrate epitopes. Antibodies to glycoconjugates are infrequent in chronic inflammatory demyelinating patients, and their pathogenic roles are unclear. In multifocal motor neuropathy, Immunoglobulin M antibodies to GM1 or GM1/galactocerebroside complex are useful diagnostic markers, and are likely to induce nerve damage through complement activation. Antibodies to neutral glycolipids, such as lacytosylceramide and galactosylceramide, might play a role in the development of encephalomyeloradiculoneuropathy, a disorder involving central and peripheral nerve tissues.
How the Size of Our Social Network Influences Our Semantic Skills
Authors: Lev‐Ari Shiri
Published: October 2015

People differ in the size of their social network, and thus in the properties of the linguistic input they receive. This article examines whether differences in social network size influence individuals’ linguistic skills in their native language, focusing on global comprehension of evaluative language. Study 1 exploits the natural variation in social network size and shows that individuals with larger social networks are better at understanding the valence of restaurant reviews. Study 2 manipulated social network size by randomly assigning participants to learn novel evaluative words as used by two (small network) versus eight (large network) speakers. It replicated the finding from Study 1, showing that those exposed to a larger social network were better at comprehending the valence of product reviews containing the novel words that were written by novel speakers. Together, these studies show that the size of one's social network can influence success at language comprehension. They thus open the door to research on how individuals’ lifestyle and the nature of their social interactions can influence linguistic skills.
Ethnic disparities in risk of cardiovascular disease, end‐stage renal disease and all‐cause mortality: a prospective study among Asian people with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu J. J. , Lim S. C. , Yeoh L. Y. , Su C. , Tai B. C. , Low S. , Fun S. , Tavintharan S. , Chia K. S. , Tai E. S. , Sum C. F.
Published: October 2015

Aim

To study prospectively the ethnic‐specific risks of cardiovascular disease, end‐stage renal disease and all‐cause mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus among native Asian subpopulations.

Methods

A total of 2337 subjects with Type 2 diabetes (70% Chinese, 17% Malay and 13% Asian Indian) were followed for a median of 4.0 years. Time‐to‐event analysis was used to study the association of ethnicity with adverse outcomes.

Results

Age‐ and gender‐adjusted hazard ratios for cardiovascular disease in ethnic Malay and Asian Indian subjects were 2.01 (1.40–2.88; P<0.0001) and 1.60 (1.07–2.41; P=0.022) as compared with Chinese subjects. Adjustment for conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors, including HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid profile, slightly attenuated the hazards in Malay (1.82, 1.23–2.71; P=0.003) and Asian Indian subjects (1.47, 0.95–2.30; P=0.086); However, further adjustment for baseline renal function (estimated GFR) and albuminuria weakened the cardiovascular disease risks in Malay (1.48, 0.98–2.26; P=0.065) but strengthened that in Asian Indian subjects (1.81, 1.14–2.87; P=0.012). Competing‐risk regression showed that the age‐ and gender‐adjusted sub‐distribution hazard ratio for end‐stage renal disease was 1.87 (1.27–2.73; P=0.001) in Malay and 0.39 (0.18–0.83; P=0.015) in Asian Indian subjects. Notably, the difference in end‐stage renal disease risk among the three ethnic groups was abolished after further adjustment for baseline estimated GFR and albuminuria. There was no significant difference in risk of all‐cause mortality among the three ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Risks of cardiovascular and end‐stage renal diseases in native Asian subjects with Type 2 diabetes vary substantially among different ethnic groups. Differences in prevalence of diabetic kidney disease may partially explain the ethnic disparities.
Strain Analysis by Tissue Doppler Imaging: Comparison of Conventional Manual Measurement with a Semiautomated Approach
Authors: Schmid Johannes , Kaufmann Reinhard , Grübler Martin R. , Verheyen Nicolas , Weidemann Frank , Binder Josepha S.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

Myocardial strain and strain rate (SR) can be derived from either tissue Doppler (TDI) information or two‐dimensional speckle tracking. As conventional TDI analysis (TDI‐manual) is time‐consuming with poor reproducibility, we developed a faster semiautomated approach (TDI‐ST). We aimed to study the comparability of TDI‐ST with TDI‐manual, an established method for measuring strain and SR.

Methods

Forty healthy subjects (mean age 38.3 ± 12.8 years) and 16 patients with FHL‐1 cardiomyopathy (CMP) (36.8 ± 14.2 years) were analyzed with TDI‐manual and TDI‐ST. TDI‐ST was performed with commercial software, using speckle tracking for myocardial tracking and TDI information to derive longitudinal strain and SR from high frame rate TDI recordings. Measurements of longitudinal systolic strain (S) and global S (GLS) made with the two methods were compared with Bland–Altman plots and Deming regression. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to compare discrimination between healthy individuals and patients.

Results

Mean S was −20.11 ± 4.85% (healthy) and −16.12 ± 4.44% (CMP) with TDI‐ST and −21.15 ± 5.68% (healthy) and −16.27 ± 6.44 (CMP) with TDI‐manual. Using all measured segments, the mean bias was 0.78% strain toward less negative S with TDI‐ST; the Deming regression slope was 0.7 for S and 0.9 for GLS. Intra‐ and inter‐observer CVs were 5.4% and 7.0%, respectively. ROC curves showed no significant differences between the methods.

Conclusion

The described S and SR measurements with TDI‐ST are comparable to conventional manual analysis. Thus, using TDI‐ST, it is possible to quickly and easily extract high‐resolution deformation data.
Antibacterial effect of N‐acetylcysteine and taurolidine on planktonic and biofilm forms of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Ulusoy Ayca Tuba , Kalyoncuoğlu Elif , Reis Ahu , Cehreli Zafer C.
Published: October 2015

Aim

This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of taurolidine and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on planktonic and biofilm Enterococcus faecalis phenotypes.

Materials and methods

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of NAC and taurolidine were determined using broth microdilution, utilizing calcium hydroxide (CH), sodium hypochlorite, and chlorhexidine for comparisons. Thereafter, the ability of dentin powder to neutralize the antibacterial activity of NAC and taurolidine was studied. The efficacy of both antimicrobial agents on E. faecalis biofilms was examined quantitatively by exposure of 21‐day‐old E. faecalis biofilms on dentin disks. The cytotoxicity of human dental pulp fibroblast cells in contact with the extracts was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results

The MIC and MBC of NAC, taurolidine, and CH were not affected by pre‐incubation in dentin powder. As verified by qualitative assay of E. faecalis biofilms, CH was the strongest bactericidal agent at all test dilutions, regardless of the presence of dentin powder. The antibacterial effect of NAC and taurolidine was significantly lower than that of CH at all test dilutions. At 48 h, all test agents showed similar, but high levels of cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

NAC and taurolidine were effective against E. faecalis in planktonic state, at the expense of demonstrating cytotoxic effects. For both planktonic and biofilm forms of E. faecalis, neither NAC nor taurolidine offered any advantage over CH.
Widespread Phytophthora infestations in European nurseries put forest, semi‐natural and horticultural ecosystems at high risk of Phytophthora diseases
Authors: Jung T. , Orlikowski L. , Henricot B. , Abad‐Campos P. , Aday A. G. , Aguín Casal O. , Bakonyi J. , Cacciola S. O. , Cech T. , Chavarriaga D. , Corcobado T. , Cravador A. , Decourcelle T. , Denton G. , Diamandis S. , Doğmuş‐Lehtijärvi H. T. , Franceschini A. , Ginetti B. , Green S. , Glavendekić M. , Hantula J. , Hartmann G. , Herrero M. , Ivic D. , Horta Jung M. , Lilja A. , Keca N. , Kramarets V. , Lyubenova A. , Machado H. , Magnano di San Lio G. , Mansilla Vázquez P. J. , Marçais B. , Matsiakh I. , Milenkovic I. , Moricca S. , Nagy Z. Á. , Nechwatal J. , Olsson C. , Oszako T. , Pane A. , Paplomatas E. J. , Pintos Varela C. , Prospero S. , Rial Martínez C. , Rigling D. , Robin C. , Rytkönen A. , Sánchez M. E. , Sanz Ros A. V. , Scanu B. , Schlenzig A. , Schumacher J. , Slavov S. , Solla A. , Sousa E. , Stenlid J. , Talgø V. , Tomic Z. , Tsopelas P. , Vannini A. , Vettraino A. M. , Wenneker M. , Woodward S. , Peréz‐Sierra A.
Published: October 2015

An analysis of incidence of Phytophthora spp. in 732 European nurseries producing forest transplants, larger specimen trees, landscape plants and ornamentals, plus 2525 areas in which trees and shrubs were planted, is presented based on work conducted by 38 research groups in 23 European countries between 1972 and 2013. Forty‐nine Phytophthora taxa were recorded in 670 nurseries (91.5%); within these nurseries, 1614 of 1992 nursery stands (81.0%) were infested, although most affected plants appeared healthy. In forest and landscape plantings, 56 Phytophthora taxa were recovered from 1667 of 2525 tested sites (66.0%). Affected plants frequently showed symptoms such as crown thinning, chlorosis and dieback caused by extensive fine root losses and/or collar rot. Many well‐known highly damaging host–Phytophthora combinations were frequently detected but 297 and 407 new Phytophthora–host associations were also observed in nurseries and plantings, respectively. On average, 1.3 Phytophthora species/taxa per infested nursery stand and planting site were isolated. At least 47 of the 68 Phytophthora species/taxa detected in nurseries and plantings were exotic species several of which are considered well established in both nurseries and plantings in Europe. Seven known Phytophthora species/taxa were found for the first time in Europe, while 10 taxa had not been previously recorded from nurseries or plantings; in addition, 5 taxa were first detections on woody plant species. Seven Phytophthora taxa were previously unknown to science. The reasons for these failures of plant biosecurity in Europe, implications for forest and semi‐natural ecosystems and possible ways to improve biosecurity are discussed.
Equine placenta – A clinician's perspective. Part 1: Normal placenta – Physiology and evaluation
Authors: Pozor M.
Published: October 2015

A complex organ, the equine placenta is responsible for fetal nourishment, protection from external and internal insults, and the production and/or metabolisation of various hormones. The endometrial cups are unique structures of the equine placenta that are responsible for producing an essential hormone for equine pregnancy, equine chorionic gonadotropin. Since mares have epitheliochorial placentae, with 6 layers of tissue separating maternal from fetal circulation, almost the entire surface of the chorioallantois must be attached to the maternal endometrium in order to support a developing fetus adequately. The only avillous areas of the normal chorioallantois are: the cervical star, sites of the endometrial cups, areas facing oviductal papillae, folds overlying major allantoic vessels, and fetal footPADs (placental areas of degeneration). There are characteristic differences between the gravid and the nongravid horn of the chorioallantois. Allantoic vesicles, allantoic pouches, hippomanes, amniotic plaques and yolk sac remnants are normal features of the equine placenta. The clinician should thoroughly examine the entire placenta immediately after its expulsion. The most important aspect of this evaluation is to check for completeness of the chorioallantois, along with identifying any pathological lesions on the fetal membranes or the umbilical cord.
Conceptual feature generation for textual information using a conceptual network constructed from Wikipedia
Authors: Jadidinejad Amir H. , Mahmoudi Fariborz , Meybodi M. R.
Published: October 2015

A proper semantic representation of textual information underlies many natural language processing tasks. In this paper, a novel semantic annotator is presented to generate conceptual features for text documents. A comprehensive conceptual network is automatically constructed with the aid of Wikipedia that has been represented as a Markov chain. Furthermore, semantic annotator gets a fragment of natural language text and initiates a random walk to generate conceptual features that represent topical semantic of the input text. The generated conceptual features are applicable to many natural language processing tasks where the input is textual information and the output is a decision based on its context. Consequently, the effectiveness of the generated features is evaluated in the task of document clustering and classification. Empirical results demonstrate that representing text using conceptual features and considering the relations between concepts can significantly improve not only the bag of words representation but also other state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
No decrease in f ratio (ratio of Festuca‐specific genome region to the whole genome) in maternally derived progeny of festulolium (Festuca pratensis × Lolium species) across generations
Authors: Kubota Akito , Akiyama Yukio , Fujimori Masahiro , Kiyoshi Takako
Published: October 2015

Festulolium is an outbred, intergeneric hybrid between Lolium and Festuca species that might possess the agronomic advantages of both genera. As a result of DNA recombination, the chromosomes in festulolium are striped with DNA from the two genera. Using genomic in situ hybridization and image analysis techniques, we determined the genomic constitution of festulolium based on the ratio of Festuca‐specific genome regions to the whole genome (the “f ratio”). Some researchers have observed a drift in the genome balance in favor of Lolium over successive generations in amphiploid festulolium plants resulting from the cross between Lolium species and Festuca pratensis. In order to uncover the cause of the drift in favor of Lolium, we checked the f ratio drift between maternal plants and their progenies in three populations. One of the populations was a single cross progeny between parents of the backcrossed cultivar ‘Icarus,’ while the other two populations were isolated progenies of the amphiploid cultivar ‘Nakei 1.’ Because Lolium species produce more seeds than Festuca species, bulking of the seeds could cause the drift in favor of Lolium. In order to avoid this, progenies were maternally derived. In the present study, very few progeny plants had f ratios greater than 58%. The genomic drift in favor of Lolium in other studies might be due to the lack of very high f ratio plants. However, at least for one generation and with maternally derived progenies, Festuca chromosomal fragments did not disappear in either amphiploid or backcrossed festulolium cultivars, and the f ratio drift in favor of Lolium did not occur.
Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9, myofibroblasts and Ki‐67 in actinic cheilitis and lip squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bianco Bianca C. , Scotti Fernanda M. , Vieira Daniella S. C. , Biz Michelle T. , Castro Renata G. , Modolo Filipe
Published: October 2015

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), myofibroblasts (MFs) and epithelial proliferation have key roles in neoplastic progression. In this study immunoexpression of MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, presence of MFs and the epithelial proliferation index were investigated in actinic cheilitis (AC), lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and mucocele (MUC). Thirty cases of AC, thirty cases of LSCC and twenty cases of MUC were selected for immunohistochemical investigation of the proteins MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Ki‐67. The MMP‐1 expression in the epithelial component was higher in the AC than the MUC and LSCC. In the connective tissue, the expression was higher in the LSCC. MMP‐2 showed lower epithelial and stromal immunostaining in the LSCC when compared to the AC and MUC. The epithelial staining for MMP‐9 was higher in the AC when compared to the LSCC. However, in the connective tissue, the expression was lower in the AC compared to other lesions. The cell proliferation rate was increased in proportion to the severity of dysplasia in the AC, while in the LSCC it was higher in well‐differentiated lesions compared to moderately differentiated. There were no statistically significant differences in number of MFs present in the lesions studied. The results suggest that MMPs could affect the biological behaviour of ACs and LSCCs inasmuch as they could participate in the development and progression from premalignant lesions to malignant lesions.
Changes in calsequestrin, TNF‐α, TGF‐β and MyoD levels during the progression of skeletal muscle dystrophy in mdx mice: a comparative analysis of the quadriceps, diaphragm and intrinsic laryngeal muscles
Authors: Barros Maranhão Juliana , de Oliveira Moreira Drielen , Maurício Adriana Fogagnolo , de Carvalho Samara Camaçari , Ferretti Renato , Pereira Juliano Alves , Santo Neto Humberto , Marques Maria Julia
Published: October 2015

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the search for new biomarkers to follow the evolution of the disease is of fundamental importance in the light of the evolving gene and pharmacological therapies. In addition to the lack of dystrophin, secondary events including changes in calcium levels, inflammation and fibrosis greatly contribute to DMD progression and the molecules involved in these events may represent potential biomarkers. In this study, we performed a comparative evaluation of the progression of dystrophy within muscles that are differently affected by dystrophy (diaphragm; DIA and quadriceps; QDR) or spared (intrinsic laryngeal muscles) using the mdx mice model of DMD. We assessed muscle levels of calsequestrin (calcium‐related protein), tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α; pro‐inflammatory cytokine), tumour growth factor (TGF‐β; pro‐fibrotic factor) and MyoD (muscle proliferation) vs. histopathology at early (1 and 4 months of age) and late (9 months of age) stages of dystrophy. Fibrosis was the primary feature in the DIA of mdx mice (9 months: 32% fibrosis), which was greater than in the QDR (9 months: 0.6% fibrosis). Muscle regeneration was the primary feature in the QDR (9 months: 90% of centrally nucleated fibres areas vs. 33% in the DIA). The QDR expressed higher levels of calsequestrin than the DIA. Laryngeal muscles showed normal levels of TNF‐α, TGF‐β and MyoD. A positive correlation between histopathology and cytokine levels was observed only in the diaphragm, suggesting that TNF‐α and TGF‐β serve as markers of dystrophy primarily for the diaphragm.
Effects of the association of diabetes and pulmonary emphysema on cardiac structure and function in rats
Authors: Di Petta Antonio , Simas Rafael , Ferreira Clebson L. , Capelozzi Vera L. , Salemi Vera M. C. , Moreira Luiz F. P. , Sannomiya Paulina
Published: October 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is often associated with chronic comorbid conditions of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the association of diabetes and pulmonary emphysema on cardiac structure and function in rats. Wistar rats were divided into control non‐diabetic instilled with saline (CS) or elastase (CE), diabetic instilled with saline (DS) or elastase (DE), DE treated with insulin (DEI) groups and echocardiographic measurements, morphometric analyses of the heart and lungs, and survival analysis conducted 50 days after instillation. Diabetes mellitus was induced [alloxan, 42 mg/kg, intravenously (iv)] 10 days before the induction of emphysema (elastase, 0.25 IU/100 g). Rats were treated with NPH insulin (4 IU before elastase plus 2 IU/day, 50 days). Both CE and DE exhibited similar increases in mean alveolar diameter, which are positively correlated with increases in right ventricular (RV) wall thickness (P = 0.0022), cavity area (P = 0.0001) and cardiomyocyte thickness (P = 0.0001). Diabetic saline group demonstrated a reduction in left ventricular (LV) wall, interventricular (IV) septum, cardiomyocyte thickness and an increase in cavity area, associated with a reduction in LV fractional shortening (P < 0.05), and an increase in LViv relaxation time (P < 0.05). Survival rate decreased from 80% in DS group to 40% in DE group. In conclusion, alloxan diabetes did not affect RV hypertrophy secondary to chronic emphysema, even in the presence of insulin. Diabetes per se induced left ventricular dysfunction, which was less evident in the presence of RV hypertrophy. Survival rate was substantially reduced as a consequence, at least in part, of the coexistence of RV hypertrophy and diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Antioxidant activities of Thai pigmented rice cultivars and application in sunflower oil
Authors: Chinprahast Ninnart , Tungsomboon Teerapat , Nagao Patlapa
Published: October 2015

An analytical comparison for active chemical compounds and their antioxidant activities between three representative pigmented Thai rice cultivars was performed. It was revealed that the darkest purple‐red cultivar (Kum Doi Musur, KDM) contained the highest total phenolic content of 1164.6 mg gallic acid equivalent per100 g (dry basis, db) and the highest total monomeric anthocyanin content of 381.7 mg per100 g (db), when compared with the purple cultivar (Riceberry) and the red cultivar (Sungyod). Its 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power were also the highest. When applied in sunflower oil, the KDM crude extract was efficiently capable of retarding lipid peroxidation as assessed by peroxide value, p‐anisidine value, totox value and the Rancimat method. Results show this specific pigmented rice to be a potent antioxidant for stabilisation of sunflower oil.
Effects of TiO2–UVC photocatalysis and thermal pasteurisation on microbial inactivation and quality characteristics of the Korean rice‐and‐malt drink sikhye
Authors: Shahbaz Hafiz M. , Kim Sanghun , Hong Jungyeon , Kim Jeong Un , Lee Dong‐Un , Ghafoor Kashif , Park Jiyong
Published: October 2015

Sikhye is a popular Korean rice‐and‐malt drink. This drink is prepared using a specific traditional process and has short shelf life. Commercial processing using ultra‐high temperature affects characteristic colour and flavour attributes and disturbs the traditional method of sikhye preparation. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of TiO2–UVC photocatalysis (TUVP) nonthermal processing with heat‐pasteurised and untreated sikhye samples during storage at 4 and 10 °C. TUVP and heat treatments were both sufficient to inhibit regrowth of total aerobic bacteria and coliform during storage. Hunter colour parameter values showed that the colour of sikhye was less affected by TUVP treatment compared to the heat treatment. Higher sensory scores for flavour, taste and overall preference were attained for low‐dosage TUVP‐treated (0.24 J cm−2) samples than for heat‐treated samples but without a significant difference. TUVP treatment effectively controlled the microbial growth during storage at 4 °C for more than 18 days which was reported a serious microbiological safety issue. In summary, TUVP showed its suitability for commercialisation possibilities of fresh sikhye drink by inactivating the main micro‐organisms and thus increasing significantly its shelf life with minimum impact on quality characteristics.
Clinico‐microbiological study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in wound infections and the detection of metallo‐β‐lactamase production
Authors: Bangera Divya , Shenoy Suchitra M , Saldanha Dominic RM
Published: October 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common opportunistic pathogen of humans among the Gram‐negative bacilli. Clinically, it is associated with nosocomial infections like burns and surgical‐site wound infections and remains a major health concern, especially among critically ill and immunocompromised patients. This is a prospective laboratory‐based 2 year study conducted to isolate P. aeruginosa from wound specimens and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern with reference to metallo‐β‐lactamase (MBL) production. Two hundred and twenty‐four samples of P. aeruginosa isolated from wound specimens were included in the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done as per Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. MBL‐producing P. aeruginosa was detected using the EDTA disk diffusion synergy test. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS 11 package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Out of the 224 P. aeruginosa isolates, 100% were susceptible to polymyxin B and colistin, 92·8% were sensitive to imipenem, 38% showed resistance to gentamicin followed by ceftazidime (31·69%) and meropenem (33·03). Sixteen (7·14%) isolates showed MBL production. Infection caused by drug‐resistant P. aeruginosa is important to identify as it poses a therapeutic problem and is also a serious concern for infection control management. The acquired resistance genes can be horizontally transferred to other pathogens or commensals if aseptic procedures are not followed.
New Approach for Macro Porous RB‐SiC Derived from SiC/Novolac‐type Phenolic Composite
Authors: Shimamura Akihiro , Fukushima Manabu , Hotta Mikinori , Ohji Tatsuki , Kondo Naoki
Published: October 2015

A novel fabrication route to make macroporous silicon carbide (SiC) has been proposed in this study. The route is composed of the following two steps: the fabrication of porous α‐SiC/novolac‐type phenolic composite using hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) as a curing/blowing agent for the novolac monomer and a conventional reaction‐bonded (RB) sintering of the composite. The α‐SiC/novolac‐type phenolic composite was carbonized at 800°C for 2 h in N2 gas and then reacted with the molten silicon at 1450°C for 30 min under vacuum, resulting in the macroporous RB‐SiC with an open porosity of 48% and relatively large pore size of ~110 μm. The compressive strength of the macroporous RB‐SiC was 113 MPa, which is relatively high compared to those reported for macroporous SiC of equivalent porosities and pore sizes.
Effect of Na2O on the High‐Temperature Thermal Conductivity and Structure of Na2O–B2O3 Melts
Authors: Park Sewoong , Sohn Il
Published: October 2015

The effect of Na2O and temperature on the thermal conductivity of the Na2O–B2O3 binary system has been measured using the hot‐wire method to examine the relationship between the thermal conductivity and structure in high‐temperature melts. The thermal conductivity of the binary melt is measured from 1173 to 1473 K in the fully liquid state. The thermal conductivity slightly increases with Na2O content up to 20 wt%. Above 20 wt% Na2O, the thermal conductivity decreases with increasing Na2O. The network structure of molten glass was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and XPS. The FTIR analysis shows that 3‐D complex borate structures, such as tri‐, tetra‐, and pentaborate are made by [BO4] tetrahedral units interconnected with 2‐D structure boroxol rings in the low Na2O region. Above 20 wt% Na2O content, nonbridged oxygen in [BO2O−] units and diborate groups increase with increase in Na2O. The same tendency is shown by the Raman spectroscopy and XPS analyses. The Raman analysis shows that boroxol rings disappeared with large [BO4] groups, such as tri‐, tetra‐, and pentaborate structures, which increase at low Na2O content. Isolated diborate groups and nonbridged oxygen in [BO2O−] units increase at high Na2O content. It can be inferred that single structure units, such as isolated diborate groups, interfere with conduction. The XPS analysis results show that free oxygen produced by the interconnection of Na2O in the borate structure does not cause significant changes to O2− in the low Na2O region, but increases the Oo and decreases the O−. Above 20 wt% Na2O, O− slightly increases and Oo shows a decreasing trend.
Employed Carers’ Empathy Towards People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Development of a New Measure and Some Initial Theory
Authors: Collins Kirsten , Gratton Caroline , Heneage Celia , Dagnan Dave
Published: October 2015

Background

This study aimed to develop a self‐report measure of paid caregivers’ empathy towards people with intellectual disabilities.

Materials and Methods

Following questionnaire develop‐ment, 194 staff working in services for people with intellectual disabilities completed self‐report questionnaires, including the new empathy measure. The measure's factor structure and psychometric properties were investigated.

Results

A three factor solution suggested two key processes in empathizing: experiencing commonality between one's own and people with intellectual disabilities’ psychological experiences and efforts to attune to their internal worlds. The final factor represented whether carers find it challenging to empathize. Correlations with beliefs about the self and others in caregiving relationships provided initial evidence of validity, although further investigation is needed.

Conclusions

The most salient processes in empathizing with people with intellectual disabilities may be different from empathy in other contexts. Establishing determinants of carer empathy may facilitate the development of psychological interventions to promote and enhance this important quality.
Amniotic mesenchymal cells from pre‐eclamptic placentae maintain immunomodulatory features as healthy controls
Authors: Pianta Stefano , Magatti Marta , Vertua Elsa , Bonassi Signoroni Patrizia , Muradore Ivan , Nuzzo Anna Maria , Rolfo Alessandro , Silini Antonietta , Quaglia Federico , Todros Tullia , Parolini Ornella
Published: October 2015

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is one of the most severe syndromes in human pregnancy, and the underlying mechanisms of PE have yet to be determined. Pre‐eclampsia is characterized by the alteration of the immune system's activation status, an increase in inflammatory Th1/Th17/APC cells, and a decrease in Th2/Treg subsets/cytokines. Moreover, inflammatory infiltrates have been detected in the amniotic membranes of pre‐eclamptic placentae, and to this date limited data are available regarding the role of amniotic membrane cells in PE. Interestingly, we and others have previously shown that human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSC) possess anti‐inflammatory properties towards almost all immune cells described to be altered in PE. In this study we investigated whether the immunomodulatory properties of hAMSC were altered in PE. We performed a comprehensive study of cell phenotype and investigated the in vitro immunomodulatory properties of hAMSC isolated from pre‐eclamptic pregnancies (PE‐hAMSC), comparing them to hAMSC from normal pregnancies (N‐hAMSC). We demonstrate that PE‐hAMSC inhibit CD4/CD8 T‐cell proliferation, suppress Th1/Th2/Th17 polarization, induce Treg and block dendritic cells and M1 differentiation switching them to M2 cells. Notably, PE‐hAMSC generated a more prominent induction of Treg and higher suppression of interferon‐γ when compared to N‐hAMSC, and this was associated with higher transforming growth factor‐β1 secretion and PD‐L2/PD‐L1 expression in PE‐hAMSC. In conclusion, for the first time we demonstrate that there is no intrinsic impairment of the immunomodulatory features of PE‐hAMSC. Our results suggest that amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells do not contribute to the disease, but conversely, could participate in offsetting the inflammatory environment which characterizes PE.
Olfactory cues explain differential attraction of the striped rice stem borer to different varieties of rice plant
Authors: Ghaninia M. , Amooghli Tabari M.
Published: October 2015

In Iranian rice fields, different varieties of rice are cultivated which are differentially impacted by females of the rice stem borer,Chilo suppressalis. To elucidate the role odours may play in their host plant finding behaviour, femaleCh. suppressaliswere exposed to four varieties of rice plants and their volatiles in a four‐arm olfactometer. In whole plant tests,Ch. suppressaliswere significantly attracted to the variety previously characterized as most susceptible, least attracted to one characterized as semisusceptible, and showed no attraction to those varieties characterized as semi‐ and highly resistant. Tests using headspace volatile extracts yielded similar results in the case of the most susceptible variety, but showed no attraction to the semisusceptible and highly resistant varieties, and low attraction to the semiresistant variety. Subsequent analysis of the volatile composition identified a panel of 27 components, some of which were either unique to, or abundantly present in, particular varieties, and may explain the observed variation in their attractiveness. Our findings show that rice plant volatiles can play a role in the host selection behaviour of this pest species, and we suggest compounds which may be important to this process and the future application of volatiles in rice pest management programs.
Melatonin versus midazolam premedication in children undergoing surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Gitto Eloisa , Marseglia Lucia , D'Angelo Gabriella , Manti Sara , Crisafi Caterina , Montalto Angela Simona , Impellizzeri Pietro , Reiter Russel J , Romeo Carmelo
Published: October 2015

Aim

Melatonin has been proposed as a premedication alternative to midazolam, preceding anaesthesia induction. However, to our knowledge, data concerning interaction between melatonin and intravenous anaesthetic drugs in children are not available. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double‐blind pilot study was to investigate the possible effect of melatonin premedication, in comparison to midazolam, on the required infusion of propofol in children undergoing surgery. As a secondary outcome, the effect of oral melatonin on the preoperative sedation level and on the post anaesthesia recovery score was evaluated.

Methods

Children between the age of 5 and 14 years, scheduled for elective surgery, were prospectively enrolled between January 2012 and December 2013, and randomly assigned to two groups based on whether they received oral melatonin (0.5 mg/kg) or oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) premedication before induction of anaesthesia with propofol. Degree of sedation before and after anaesthesia was also evaluated.

Results

Ninety‐two patients were studied, 46 for each group. We found that oral administration of melatonin significantly reduced doses of propofol required for induction of anaesthesia in paediatric patients, more than midazolam (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the pre‐ and post‐anaesthesia sedation score (P = 0.387 and P = 0.525, respectively) between the two groups.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that melatonin enhances the potency of propofol also in paediatric patients. Moreover, considering the paediatric level of sedation, melatonin was equally as effective as midazolam. These data support the use of melatonin as a premedicant in paediatric surgical patients.