bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involution's dynamic others
Authors: Li Tania Murray
Published: April 2014

Many scholars have debated Geertz's characterization of Java as a site of social and economic involution, in which impoverished peasants worked ever harder to achieve static results. Fewer have taken up his characterization of Indonesia's Outer Islands as a zone of extremes: islands of dynamic export production, often dominated by indigenous smallholders, surrounded by ‘a broad sea of essentially unchanged swidden making’. Taking Geertz's analysis as a point of departure, I use comparisons across distinct conjunctures to explore the conditions under which smallholder production becomes dynamic, and to reflect on the role of culture in social and economic change.
Impact of States' Nurse Work Hour Regulations on Overtime Practices and Work Hours among Registered Nurses
Authors: Bae Sung‐Heui , Yoon Jangho
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To examine the degree to which states' work hour regulations for nurses—policies regarding mandatory overtime and consecutive work hours—decrease mandatory overtime practice and hours of work among registered nurses.

Methods

We analyzed a nationally representative sample of registered nurses from the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses for years 2004 and 2008. We obtained difference‐in‐differences estimates of the effect of the nurse work hour policies on the likelihood of working mandatory overtime, working more than 40 hours per week, and working more than 60 hours per week for all staff nurses working in hospitals and nursing homes.

Principal Findings

The mandatory overtime and consecutive work hour regulations were significantly associated with 3.9 percentage‐point decreases in the likelihood of working overtime mandatorily and 11.5 percentage‐point decreases in the likelihood of working more than 40 hours per week, respectively.

Conclusions

State mandatory overtime and consecutive work hour policies are effective in reducing nurse work hours. The consecutive work hour policy appears to be a better regulatory tool for reducing long work hours for nurses.
Using Estimated True Safety Event Rates versus Flagged Safety Event Rates: Does It Change Hospital Profiling and Payment?
Authors: Rosen Amy K. , Chen Qi , Borzecki Ann M. , Shin Marlena , Itani Kamal M. F. , Shwartz Michael
Published: April 2014

Objective

To assess whether use of the AHRQ Patient Safety Indicator (PSI) composite measure versus modified composite measures leads to changes in hospital profiles and payments.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Retrospective analysis of 2010 Veterans Health Administration discharge data.

Study Design

We used the AHRQ PSI software (v4.2) to obtain PSI‐flagged events and composite scores for all 151 hospitals in the database (n = 517,814 hospitalizations). We compared the AHRQ PSI composite to two modified composites that estimated “true safety events” from previous chart abstraction findings: one with modified numerators based on the positive predictive value (PPV) of each PSI, and one with similarly modified numerators but whose denominators were based on the expected fraction of PSI‐eligible cases that remained after removing those PSIs that were present‐on‐admission (POA).

Principal Findings

Although a small percentage (5–6 percent) of hospitals changed outlier status based on modified PSI composites, some of these changes were substantial; 30 and 19 percent of hospitals changed ≥20 ranks after adjustment for PPVs and POA flags, respectively. We estimate that 33 percent of hospitals would see a change of at least 10 percent in performance payments.

Conclusions

Changes in hospital profiles and payments would be substantial for some hospitals if the PSI composite score used weights reflecting the relative prevalence of true versus flagged events.
Effects of Ranolazine on Torsades de Pointes Tachycardias in a Healthy Isolated Rabbit Heart Model
Authors: Sossalla Samuel , Wallisch Nora , Toischer Karl , Sohns Christian , Vollmann Dirk , Seegers Joachim , Lüthje Lars , Maier Lars S. , Zabel Markus
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Torsades de pointes (TdP) tachycardias are triggered, polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias arising from early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and increased dispersion of repolarization. Ranolazine is a new agent which reduces pathologically elevated late INa but also IKr. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ranolazine in a validated isolated Langendorff‐perfused rabbit heart model.

Methods

TdP was reproducibly induced with d‐sotalol (10−4 mol/L) and low potassium (K) (1.0 mmol/L for 5 min, pacing at CL 1000 ms). In 10 hearts, ECG and 8 epi‐ and endocardial monophasic action potentials were recorded. Action potential duration (APD) was measured at 90% repolarization and dispersion defined as APD max–min.

Results

D‐sotalol prolonged APD90 and increased dispersion of APD90, simultaneously causing EADs and induction of TdP. The combination of d‐sotalol and two concentrations of ranolazine did not increase dispersion of ventricular APD90 as compared to vehicle. Ranolazine at 5 μmol/L did not cause additional induction of EADs and/or TdP but also did not significantly suppress arrhythmogenic triggers. The higher concentration of ranolazine (10 μmol/L) in combination with d‐sotalol caused further prolongation of APD90, at the same time reduction in APD90 dispersion. In parallel, the incidence of EADs was reduced and an antitorsadogenic effect was seen.

Conclusions

In the healthy isolated rabbit heart (where late INa is not elevated), ranolazine does not cause proarrhythmia but exerts antiarrhythmic effects in a dose‐dependent manner against d‐sotalol/low K‐induced TdP. This finding—despite additional APD prolongation—supports the safety of a combined use of both drugs and merits clinical investigation.
Intrapulmonary unicentric Castleman disease mimicking peripheral pulmonary malignancy
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Gang , Qiu Xiaoming , Xu Song , Wu Yi , Liu Renwang , Zhou Qinghua , Chen Jun
Published: April 2014

Castleman disease, also known as angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, can manifest as a unicentric or multicentric disorder. Intrapulmonary Castleman disease is very rare. Here, we present a patient with intrapulmonary Castleman disease who underwent left upper pulmonary lobectomy for suspected early lung cancer. The histopathologic diagnosis of the lobar mass was hyaline‐type Castleman disease. The patient has remained well after surgery, showing no local recurrence or distant disease during a two‐year follow‐up period. Although unicentric Castleman disease originating in the lung is rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary pulmonary malignant tumors.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 regulates the SIRT1‐p53 pathway in cellular senescence
Authors: Tran Duc , Bergholz Johann , Zhang Haibo , He Hanbing , Wang Yang , Zhang Yujun , Li Qintong , Kirkland James L. , Xiao Zhi‐Xiong
Published: April 2014

Cellular senescence, which is known to halt proliferation of aged and stressed cells, plays a key role against cancer development and is also closely associated with organismal aging. While increased insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling induces cell proliferation, survival and cancer progression, disrupted IGF signaling is known to enhance longevity concomitantly with delay in aging processes. The molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of aging by IGF signaling and whether IGF regulates cellular senescence are still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that IGF‐1 exerts a dual function in promoting cell proliferation as well as cellular senescence. While acute IGF‐1 exposure promotes cell proliferation and is opposed by p53, prolonged IGF‐1 treatment induces premature cellular senescence in a p53‐dependent manner. We show that prolonged IGF‐1 treatment inhibits SIRT1 deacetylase activity, resulting in increased p53 acetylation as well as p53 stabilization and activation, thus leading to premature cellular senescence. In addition, either expression of SIRT1 or inhibition of p53 prevented IGF‐1‐induced premature cellular senescence. Together, these findings suggest that p53 acts as a molecular switch in monitoring IGF‐1‐induced proliferation and premature senescence, and suggest a possible molecular connection involving IGF‐1‐SIRT1‐p53 signaling in cellular senescence and aging.
Impaired neutrophil extracellular trap formation: a novel defect in the innate immune system of aged individuals
Authors: Hazeldine Jon , Harris Phillipa , Chapple Iain L. , Grant Melissa , Greenwood Hannah , Livesey Amy , Sapey Elizabeth , Lord Janet M.
Published: April 2014

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a recently discovered addition to the defensive armamentarium of neutrophils, assisting in the immune response against rapidly dividing bacteria. Although older adults are more susceptible to such infections, no study has examined whether aging in humans influences NET formation. We report that TNF‐α‐primed neutrophils generate significantly more NETs than unprimed neutrophils and that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8)‐induced NET formation exhibits a significant age‐related decline. NET formation requires generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and this was also reduced in neutrophils from older donors identifying a mechanism for reduced NET formation. Expression of IL‐8 receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) and the LPS receptor TLR4 was similar on neutrophils from young and old subjects, and neutrophils challenged with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) showed no age‐associated differences in ROS or NET production. Taken together, these data suggest a defect in proximal signalling underlies the age‐related decline in NET and ROS generation. TNF‐α priming involves signalling through p38 MAP kinase, but activation kinetics were comparable in neutrophils from young and old donors. In a clinical setting, we assessed the capacity of neutrophils from young and older patients with chronic periodontitis to generate NETs in response to PMA and hypochlorous acid (HOCL). Neutrophil extracellular trap generation to HOCL, but not PMA, was lower in older periodontitis patients but not in comparison with age‐matched controls. Impaired NET formation is thus a novel defect of innate immunity in older adults but does not appear to contribute to the increased incidence of periodontitis in older adults.
Detecting green shoots of recovery: the importance of long‐term individual‐based monitoring of marine turtles
Authors: Stokes K. L. , Fuller W. J. , Glen F. , Godley B. J. , Hodgson D. J. , Rhodes K. A. , Snape R. T. E. , Broderick A. C.
Published: April 2014

Population monitoring is an essential part of evaluating the effectiveness of management interventions for conservation. Coastal breeding aggregations of marine vertebrate species that come ashore to pup or nest provide an opportunistic window of observation into otherwise widely dispersed populations. Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting on the north and west coasts of northern Cyprus has been monitored consistently and exhaustively since 1993, with an intensive saturation tagging programme running at one key site for the same duration. This historically depleted nesting population is showing signs of recovery, possibly in response to nest protection approaching two decades, with increasing nest numbers and rising levels of recruitment. Strong correlation between year‐to‐year magnitude of nesting and the proportion of new breeders in the nesting cohort implies that recruitment of new individuals to the breeding population is an important driver of this recovery trend. Recent changes in fishing activities may be impacting the local juvenile neritic stage, however, which may hinder this potential recovery. Individuals returning to breed after two years laid fewer clutches than those returning after three or four years, demonstrating a trade‐off between remigration interval and breeding output. Average clutch frequencies have remained stable around a median of three clutches a year per female despite the demographic shift towards new nesters, which typically lay fewer clutches in their first season. We show that where local fecundity has been adequately assessed, the use of average clutch frequencies can be a reliable method for deriving nester abundance from nest counts. Index sites where individual‐based monitoring is possible will be important in monitoring long‐term climate driven changes in reproductive rates.
Drug‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Vilholm Ole Jakob , Christensen Alex Alban , Zedan Ahmed Hussein , Itani Mustapha
Published: April 2014

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by medication, and various descriptions have been applied for this condition. In this MiniReview, the term ‘drug‐induced peripheral neuropathy’ (DIPN) is used with the suggested definition: Damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system caused by a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention or diagnosis of a disease. Optic neuropathy is included in this definition. A distinction between DIPN and other aetiologies of peripheral neuropathy is often quite difficult and thus, the aim of this MiniReview is to discuss the major agents associated with DIPN.
Accounting for Greenfield Union Organizing Outcomes
Authors: Simms Melanie
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a framework for evaluating and accounting for the outcomes of ‘greenfield’ union organizing campaigns. It argues that previous studies have tended to focus too much on the establishment of collective bargaining and negotiation of first contract as a campaign outcome. Instead, the effectiveness and representativeness of new union structures are emphasized, and the sustainability of those structures is emphasized as the most important outcome. A key finding from the empirical data is that campaigns that build both workplace activism and are co‐ordinated by officers create more sustainable outcomes than campaigns that focus on one or the other. The evidence shows how and why these outcomes emerge, and the paper concludes with a consideration of the theoretical and practical implications.
Altered significance of D'Amico risk classification in patients with prostate cancer linked to a familial breast cancer (kConFab) cohort
Authors: Bolton Damien , Cheng Yuan , Willems‐Jones Amber J. , Li Jason , Niedermeyr Eveline , Mitchell Gillian , Clouston David , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Sliwinski Ania , Fox Stephen , Thorne Heather
Published: April 2014

Objective

To ascertain whether D'Amico risk classification is an accurate discriminator of prostate cancer mortality risk in BRCA2 pathogenic mutation carriers and non‐carriers from a familial breast cancer cohort.

Patients and Methods

From family cancer pedigrees of patients evaluated through a familial breast cancer cohort all related men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer were identified. Genotyping of each patient or of the dominant familial BRCA2 mutation was undertaken in each instance. Prostate cancers were analysed by BRCA2 carrier vs non‐carrier status for their clinical progression and survival according to their D'Amico risk groups.

Results

For patients who were BRCA2‐mutation positive, there was no significant difference in cancer‐specific survival (CSS) between those patients who were graded as having D'Amico high‐ or intermediate‐risk disease. For patients who were BRCA2‐mutation negative, but were identified via a family cancer pedigree, there was no statistically significant difference in CSS between D'Amico high‐ and intermediate‐risk prostate cancers. Patients with D'Amico high‐risk disease who were BRCA2‐mutation carriers had substantially increased disease‐specific mortality compared with high‐risk non‐carriers (hazard ratio 2.94, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

D'Amico risk classification has limitations in predicting variations in prostate cancer‐specific mortality for this group of patients.
Inhibition of COX‐2‐mediated eicosanoid production plays a major role in the anti‐inflammatory effects of the endocannabinoid N‐docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA) in macrophages
Authors: Meijerink Jocelijn , Poland Mieke , Balvers Michiel G J , Plastina Pierluigi , Lute Carolien , Dwarkasing Jvalini , van Norren Klaske , Witkamp Renger F
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose

N‐docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA) is the ethanolamine conjugate of the long‐chain polyunsaturated n‐3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic (DHA; 22: 6n‐3). Its concentration in animal tissues and human plasma increases when diets rich in fish or krill oil are consumed. DHEA displays anti‐inflammatory properties in vitro and was found to be released during an inflammatory response in mice. Here, we further examine possible targets involved in the immune‐modulating effects of DHEA.

Experimental Approach

Antagonists for cannabinoid (CB)1 and CB2 receptors and PPARγ were used to explore effects of DHEA on NO release by LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The possible involvement of CB2 receptors was studied by comparing effects in LPS‐stimulated peritoneal macrophages obtained from CB2−/− and CB2+/+ mice. Effects on NF‐κB activation were determined using a reporter cell line. To study DHEA effects on COX‐2 and lipoxygenase activity, 21 different eicosanoids produced by LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells were quantified by LC‐MS/MS. Finally, effects on mRNA expression profiles were analysed using gene arrays followed by Ingenuity® Pathways Analysis.

Key Results

CB1 and CB2 receptors or PPARs were not involved in the effects of DHEA on NO release. NF‐κB and IFN‐β, key elements of the myeloid differentiation primary response protein D88 (MyD88)‐dependent and MyD88‐independent pathways were not decreased. By contrast, DHEA significantly reduced levels of several COX‐2‐derived eicosanoids. Gene expression analysis provided support for an effect on COX–2‐mediated pathways.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings suggest that the anti‐inflammatory effects of DHEA in macrophages predominantly take place via inhibition of eicosanoids produced through COX‐2.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013 published in volume 171 issue 6. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-6/issuetoc
Mutations in COG2 encoding a subunit of the conserved oligomeric golgi complex cause a congenital disorder of glycosylation
Authors: Kodera H. , Ando N. , Yuasa I. , Wada Y. , Tsurusaki Y. , Nakashima M. , Miyake N. , Saitoh S. , Matsumoto N. , Saitsu H.
Published: April 2014

The conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex is involved in intra‐Golgi retrograde trafficking, and mutations in six of its eight subunits have been reported in congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). Here we report a patient showing severe acquired microcephaly, psychomotor retardation, seizures, liver dysfunction, hypocupremia, and hypoceruloplasminemia. Analysis of his serum glycoproteins revealed defects in both sialylation and galactosylation of glycan termini. Trio‐based whole‐exome sequencing identified two heterozygous mutations in COG2: a de novo frameshift mutation [c.701dup (p.Tyr234*)] and a missense mutation [c.1900T > G (p.Trp634Gly)]. Sequencing of cloned reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) products revealed that both mutations were located on separate alleles, as expected, and that the mutant transcript harboring the frameshift mutation underwent degradation. The c.1900T > G (p.Trp634Gly) mutation is located in a domain highly conserved among vertebrates and was absent from both the public database and our control exomes. Protein expression of COG2, along with COG3 and COG4, was decreased in fibroblasts from the patient. Our data strongly suggest that these compound heterozygous mutations in COG2 are causative of CDG.
The use of acellular dermal matrix membrane for vertical soft tissue augmentation during submerged implant placement: a case series
Authors: Puisys Algirdas , Vindasiute Egle , Linkevciene Laura , Linkevicius Tomas
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the efficiency of acellular dermal matrix membrane to augment vertical peri‐implant soft tissue thickness during submerged implant placement.

Material and methods

Forty acellular dermal matrix‐derived allogenic membranes (AlloDerm, BioHorizons, Birmingham, AL, USA) and 42 laser‐modified surface internal hex implants (BioHorizons Tapered Laser Lok, Birmingham, AL, USA) were placed in submerged approach in 40 patients (15 males and 25 females, mean age 42.5 ± 1.7) with a thin vertical soft tissue thickness of 2 mm or less. After 3 months, healing abutments were connected to implants, and the augmented soft tissue thickness was measured with periodontal probe. The gain in vertical soft tissue volume was calculated. Mann–Whitney U‐test was applied and significance was set to 0.05.

Results

All 40 allografts healed successfully. Thin soft tissue before augmentation had an average thickness of 1.54 ± 0.51 mm SD (range, 0.5–2.0 mm, median 1.75 mm), and after soft tissue augmentation with acellular dermal matrix, thickness increased to 3.75 ± 0.54 mm SD (range, 3.0–5.0 mm, median 4.0 mm) at 3 months after placement. This difference between medians was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Mean increase in soft tissue thickness was 2.21 ± 0.85 mm SD (range, 1.0–4.5 mm, median 2.0 mm).

Conclusions

It can be concluded that acellular dermal matrix membrane can be successfully used for vertical soft tissue augmentation.
Genome size increase in the phytophagous ladybird beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata species complex (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Matsubayashi Kei W. , Ohshima Issei
Published: April 2014

This study reports genome size (C‐value) estimates for seven species of ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Japan using flow cytometry. The results demonstrated genome sizes of 1.0–1.4 Gb in four closely related phytophagous ladybird beetles belonging to the Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata species complex. These values were approximately two times larger than that of a congeneric phytophagous ladybird beetle H. vigintioctopunctata (0.66 Gb), and of two very distantly related common carnivorous ladybird beetles, Harmonia axyridis (0.46 Gb) and Coccinella septempunctata (0.42 Gb). These lines of evidence suggest that rapid and large genome size increase occurred just after the branching of the common ancestor of the H. vigintioctomaculata species complex from other ladybird species.
Effect ofN‐butylscopolammonium bromide on equine ileal smooth muscle activity in anex vivomodel
Authors: Hart K. A. , Sherlock C. E. , Davern A. J. , Lewis T. H. , Robertson T. P.
Published: April 2014

Reasons for performing study

N‐butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) is an anticholinergic agent used to treat spasmodic colic in horses. Intestinal smooth muscle spasm also occurs in horses with intraluminal intestinal obstructions, such as ileal impactions. The antispasmodic effects ofNBBmay be useful in managing ileal impactions, but the effects ofNBBon equine ileal smooth muscle are unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the effects ofNBBon spontaneous and induced contraction of the equine ileum in anex vivomodel.

Study design

Ex vivobiomechanical study assessing contractile properties in isolate equine ileal smooth muscle with and without exposure to NBB.

Methods

Ileal tissue was collected from 6 healthy horses after euthanasia, and isolated circular and longitudinal smooth muscle strips were connected to isometric force transducers in organ baths. After equilibration, the effect ofNBB(1 nmol/l to 100 μmol/l) on spontaneous and carbachol‐induced contraction was determined and compared with responses in control tissue.

Results

At ≥30 μmol/l,NBBinhibited spontaneous contractions in all muscle strips that exhibited spontaneous activity.N‐butylscopolammonium bromide pre‐treatment inhibited carbachol‐induced contraction in circular (NBB‐treated half maximal effective concentration [EC50] 0.530 × 10−8mol/l vs. control EC5041.57 × 10−8mol/l) and longitudinal muscle strips (NBB‐treated EC500.243 × 10−8mol/l vs. control EC5090.84 × 10−8mol/l). Abolition of carbachol‐induced contraction with NBB was observed at lower concentrations in circular than longitudinal muscle strips. Pretreatment with NBB significantly inhibited carbachol‐induced contractions; NBB‐treated tissue required greater carbachol concentrations to produce sustained contractions than control muscle strips. Histamine‐evoked contraction was not affected byNBB.

Conclusions

N‐butylscopolammonium bromide inhibits spontaneous and cholinergically mediated contraction in equine ileal smooth muscle stripsex vivo. Thus,NBBmight reduce intestinal spasm in equine ileal impactions and could be useful for medical management of these cases, although further study is needed to confirm these effectsin vivo.
New molecular diagnostic kit to assess Y‐chromosome deletions in the Japanese population
Authors: Iijima Masashi , Koh Eitetsu , Izumi Kouji , Taya Masaki , Maeda Yuji , Kyono Kouichi , Yoshida Atsumi , Namiki Mikio
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Deletions in the azoospermia factor regions are the most common known molecular genetic cause of human male infertility involving spermatogenetic failure. Testing for these deletions in Japanese DNA samples using conventional sequence‐tagged site probes occasionally lead to considerable non‐specific or faint products in the Japanese population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a newly developed kit for the detection of azoospermia factor microdeletions in the Japanese population.

Methods

Sequence‐tagged site probes were reselected and the Luminex suspension array assay was carried out. Validation was retrospectively carried out with 2014 DNA sequences with known microdeletions, which were divided into four categories.

Results

Category 1 deletions that corresponded to the conventional classification of azoospermia factor deletion were present in 83 men (4.2%), which can result in intrachromosomal homologous recombination. Kit data confirmed the presence of deletions of this type in DNA sequences known to harbor the azoospermia factor deletions. Category 2 deletions involved cytogenetic abnormalities in 28 men (1.4%), whereas category 3 deletions in 759 men (37.7%) were atypical classifications including the gr/gr deletion. As these deletions are thought to be a result of palindromic units and non‐homologous recombination, these microdeletions might impact in the interpretation of some clinical findings. The rest of the 1145 cases (56.8%) were assigned to category 4 as normal variants (polymorphism/no deletion).

Conclusions

The present findings show that this new kit offers good sensitivity and specificity with the advantage of saving in terms of cost and time.
Evolving renorrhaphy technique for retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Single‐surgeon series
Authors: Wahafu Wasilijiang , Ma Xin , Li Hong‐Zhao , Ding Qiang , Wang Bao‐Jun , Shi Tao‐Ping , Zheng Tao , Dong Jun , Cai Wei , Zhang Xu
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To evaluate renorrhaphy techniques and to analyze surgical outcomes in retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Methods

A retrospective study from January 2008 to December 2011 analyzed 526 patients with renal tumors in whom renorrhaphy was changed from one layer, interrupted, figure‐of‐eight (n = 228) suture to two layers, continuous, unknotted (n = 298) suture. All procedures were carried out by the same laparoscopic surgeon (XZ). Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, operative outcomes and perioperative renal function were compared.

Results

Median follow up for one layer, interrupted, figure‐of‐eight suture and two layers, continuous, unknotted suture was 31 and 28 months, respectively. The two layers, continuous, unknotted suture group had shorter warm ischemia time (P = 0.021), faster removal of Jackson‐Pratt drains (P = 0.029) and shorter hospital stay (P = 0.037) than the one layer, interrupted, figure‐of‐eight suture group. There was a trend towards a better preservation of glomerular filtration rates in the two layers, continuous, unknotted suture group (P = 0.045). In a multivariable model, the two layers, continuous, unknotted suture technique was a statistically significant independent predictor of warm ischemia time (P = 0.01), hospital stay (P = 0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration rates (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Two layers, continuous, unknotted suture renorrhaphy allows better outcomes than one layer, interrupted, figure‐of‐eight suture renorrhaphy in retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. A longer clinical follow‐up evaluation is warranted.
Defending the fort: a role for defensin‐2 in limitingRickettsia montanensisinfection ofDermacentor variabilis
Authors: Pelc R. S. , McClure J. C. , Sears K. T. , Chung A. , Rahman M. S. , Ceraul S. M.
Published: April 2014

The importance of tick defensins is evidenced by their expression in a wide variety of tick tissues and prevalence across many tick genera. To date, the functional and biological significance of defensin‐2 as a rickettsiastatic or rickettsiacidal antimicrobial peptide has not been addressed. In a previous study, defensin‐2 transcription was shown to increase inDermacentor variabilisticks challenged withRickettsia montanensis. In the present study, the hypothesis that defensin‐2 is functional as a rickettsiastatic and/or rickettsiacidal antimicrobial peptide is tested. We show that defensin‐2 plays a role in reducing burden after acquisition ofRickettsia montanensisthrough capillary feeding. Moreover, defensin‐2 is shown to associate withR. montanensis in vitroandin vivo, causing cytoplasmic leakiness.
Knowledge, instruction and behavioural change: building a framework for effective eczema education in clinical practice
Authors: Thompson Deryn Lee , Thompson Murray John
Published: April 2014

Aims

A discussion on the reasons educational interventions about eczema, by nurses, are successful, with the subsequent development of a theoretical framework to guide nurses to become effective patient educators.

Background

Effective child and parent education is the key to successful self‐management of eczema. When diagnosed, children and parents should learn to understand the condition through clear explanations, seeing treatment demonstrations and have ongoing support to learn practical skills to control eczema. Dermatology nurses provide these services, but no one has proposed a framework of the concepts underpinning their successful eczema educational interventions.

Design

A discussion paper.

Data Sources

A literature search of online databases was undertaken utilizing terms ‘eczema OR atopic dermatitis’, ‘education’, ‘parent’, ‘nurs*’, ‘framework’, ‘knowledge’, motivation’, in Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Medline and Pubmed. Limits were English language and 2003–2013.

Implications for Nursing

The framework can inform discussion on child and parent education, provide a scaffold for future research and guide non‐specialist nurses, internationally, in providing consistent patient education about eczema.

Conclusion

Founded on an understanding of knowledge, the framework utilizes essential elements of cognitive psychology and social cognitive theory leading to successful self‐management of eczema. This framework may prove useful as a basis for future research in child and parent education, globally, in the healthcare community. A framework has been created to help nurses understand the essential elements of the learning processes at the foundation of effective child and parent education. The framework serves to explain the improved outcomes reported in previous nurse‐led eczema educational interventions.
The stem cell adjuvant with Exendin‐4 repairs the heart after myocardial infarction via STAT3 activation
Authors: Liu Jianfeng , Wang Haibin , Wang Yan , Yin Yujing , Du Zhiyan , Liu Zhiqiang , Yang Junjie , Hu Shunying , Wang Changyong , Chen Yundai
Published: April 2014

The poor survival of cells in ischaemic myocardium is a major obstacle for stem cell therapy. Exendin‐4 holds the potential of cardioprotective effect based on its pleiotropic activity. This study investigated whether Exendin‐4 in conjunction with adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) could improve the stem cell survival and contribute to myocardial repairs after infarction. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by the left anterior descending artery ligation in adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats. ADSCs carrying double‐fusion reporter gene [firefly luciferase and monomeric red fluorescent protein (fluc‐mRFP)] were quickly injected into border zone of MI in rats treated with or without Exendin‐4. Exendin‐4 enhanced the survival of transplanted ADSCs, as demonstrated by the longitudinal in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Moreover, ADSCs adjuvant with Exendin‐4 decreased oxidative stress, apoptosis and fibrosis. They also improved myocardial viability and cardiac function and increased the differentiation rates of ADSCs into cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells in vivo. Then, ADSCs were exposed to hydrogen peroxide/serum deprivation (H2O2/SD) to mimic the ischaemic environment in vitro. Results showed that Exendin‐4 decreased the apoptosis and enhanced the paracrine effect of ADSCs. In addition, Exendin‐4 activated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) through the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. Furthermore, Exendin‐4 increased the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2, but decreased the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax of ADSCs. In conclusion, Exendin‐4 could improve the survival and therapeutic efficacy of transplanted ADSCs through STAT3 activation via the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. This study suggests the potential application of Exendin‐4 for stem cell–based heart regeneration.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells protected post‐infarcted myocardium against arrhythmias via reversing potassium channels remodelling
Authors: Cai Benzhi , Wang Gang , Chen Nan , Liu Yanju , Yin Kun , Ning Chunping , Li Xingda , Yang Fan , Wang Ning , Wang Yang , Pan Zhenwei , Lu Yanjie
Published: April 2014

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) emerge as a promising approach for treating heart diseases. However, the effects of BMSCs‐based therapy on cardiac electrophysiology disorders after myocardial infarction were largely unclear. This study was aimed to investigate whether BMSCs transplantation prevents cardiac arrhythmias and reverses potassium channels remodelling in post‐infarcted hearts. Myocardial infarction was established in male SD rats, and BMSCs were then intramyocardially transplanted into the infarcted hearts after 3 days. Cardiac electrophysiological properties in the border zone were evaluated by western blotting and whole‐cell patch clamp technique after 2 weeks. We found that BMSCs transplantation ameliorated the increased heart weight index and the impaired LV function. The survival of infarcted rats was also improved after BMSCs transplantation. Importantly, electrical stimulation‐induced arrhythmias were less observed in BMSCs‐transplanted infarcted rats compared with rats without BMSCs treatment. Furthermore, BMSCs transplantation effectively inhibited the prolongation of action potential duration and the reduction of transient and sustained outward potassium currents in ventricular myocytes in post‐infarcted rats. Consistently, BMSCs‐transplanted infarcted hearts exhibited the increased expression of KV4.2, KV4.3, KV1.5 and KV2.1 proteins when compared to infarcted hearts. Moreover, intracellular free calcium level, calcineurin and nuclear NFATc3 protein expression were shown to be increased in infarcted hearts, which was inhibited by BMSCs transplantation. Collectively, BMSCs transplantation prevented ventricular arrhythmias by reversing cardiac potassium channels remodelling in post‐infarcted hearts.
Maintenance of the enteric stem cell niche by bacterial lipopolysaccharides? Evidence and perspectives
Authors: Schuster Anne , Klotz Markus , Schwab Tanja , Di Liddo Rosa , Bertalot Thomas , Schrenk Sandra , Martin Monika , Nguyen The Duy , Nguyen Thi Nha Quyen , Gries Manuela , Faßbender Klaus , Conconi Maria Teresa , Parnigotto Pier Paolo , Schäfer Karl‐Herbert
Published: April 2014

The enteric nervous system (ENS) has to respond to continuously changing microenvironmental challenges within the gut and is therefore dependent on a neural stem cell niche to keep the ENS functional throughout life. In this study, we hypothesize that this stem cell niche is also affected during inflammation and therefore investigated lipopolysaccharides (LPS) effects on enteric neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). NSPCs were derived from the ENS and cultured under the influence of different LPS concentrations. LPS effects upon proliferation and differentiation of enteric NSPC cultures were assessed using immunochemistry, flow cytometry, western blot, Multiplex ELISA and real‐time PCR. LPS enhances the proliferation of enteric NSPCs in a dose‐dependent manner. It delays and modifies the differentiation of these cells. The expression of the LPS receptor toll‐like receptor 4 on NSPCs could be demonstrated. Moreover, LPS induces the secretion of several cytokines. Flow cytometry data gives evidence for individual subgroups within the NSPC population. ENS‐derived NSPCs respond to LPS in maintaining at least partially their stem cell character. In the case of inflammatory disease or trauma where the liberation and exposure to LPS will be increased, the expansion of NSPCs could be a first step towards regeneration of the ENS. The reduced and altered differentiation, as well as the induction of cytokine signalling, demonstrates that the stem cell niche may take part in the LPS‐transmitted inflammatory processes in a direct and defined way.
Different clinical courses of children exposed to a single incident of psychological trauma: a 30‐month prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Hong Soon‐Beom , Youssef George J. , Song Sook‐Hyung , Choi Nam‐Hee , Ryu Jeong , McDermott Brett , Cobham Vanessa , Park Subin , Kim Jae‐Won , Shin Min‐Sup , Yoo Hee‐Jeong , Cho Soo‐Churl , Kim Bung‐Nyun
Published: April 2014

Background

We investigated the distinct longitudinal trajectories of posttraumatic stress symptoms in a sample of 167 children, who witnessed death of two mothers of their schoolmates.

Methods

The cohort was followed‐up at 2 days (T1), 2 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 30 months (T4) after the traumatic event. The children's posttraumatic stress symptoms (T1–T4), depression (T1, T3 and T4), state anxiety (T1, T3 and T4), and quality of life (T4) were assessed, along with parental stress related to child rearing (T4). Different trajectory patterns of the children's posttraumatic stress symptoms were identified using growth mixture modeling (GMM).

Results

Four different patterns of symptom change were identified, which were consistent with the prototypical model, and were named Recovery (19.9%), Resilience (72.7%), Chronic Dysfunction (1.8%), and Delayed Reactions (5.6%). Significant differences were found in depression and anxiety scores, children's quality of life, and parental rearing stress according to the distinct longitudinal trajectories of posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that individual differences should be taken into account in the clinical course and outcome of children exposed to psychological trauma. The two most common trajectories were the Resilience and the Recovery types, together suggesting that over 90% of children were evidenced with a favorable 30‐month outcome. The latent classes were associated with significant mean differences in depression and anxiety scores, supporting the clinical validity of the distinct trajectories.
Lawsonite geochemistry and stability – implication for trace element and water cycles in subduction zones
Authors: Martin L. A. J. , Hermann J. , Gauthiez‐Putallaz L. , Whitney D. L. , Vitale Brovarone A. , Fornash K. F. , Evans N. J.
Published: April 2014

This contribution reviews the existing data on lawsonite stability and trace element geochemistry, and provides new data for metabasaltic and metasedimentary (quartzite) rocks from New Caledonia, Turkey and California. Lawsonite is a major host of REE, Sr, U, Th and Pb in basaltic compositions. Trace element‐rich lawsonite also occurs in metasedimentary rocks, in which comparatively fewer phases compete for trace elements than in metabasaltic rocks. Trace element patterns in lawsonite are influenced by the coexistence or breakdown of allanite, titanite, apatite and garnet that compete for these elements in high‐P metamorphic rocks. Lawsonite is restricted to cool geotherms and therefore is an indicator mineral for subduction‐zone metamorphism. The lawsonite stability field shows a strong dependence on temperature and composition and it is largest in rocks with a high normative anorthite content and, in basaltic systems, carbon content. Along cold geotherms, lawsonite can transport water and trace elements to great depths, providing a source for these elements in the deep mantle. Along warmer geotherms, lawsonite disappears on a continuous reaction, gradually releasing water over a temperature interval of several tens of degrees. During lawsonite breakdown in complex systems, Th and LREE remain trapped in newly formed accessory allanite. However, owing to extreme LREE content, allanite has lower Pb/Ce and Sr/Nd than lawsonite, resulting in a relative enrichment of Sr and Pb compared with Ce and Nd in the fluids produced during lawsonite breakdown. Existing experimental data on the solidus of altered oceanic crust suggest that the lawsonite‐breakdown reaction is within 50 °C of the solidus at sub‐arc pressures of 3–4 GPa.
Activism for Corporate Responsibility: Conceptualizing Private Regulation Opportunity Structures
Authors: Mena Sébastien , Waeger Daniel
Published: April 2014

In this article, we examine how private regulatory initiatives (PRIs) – which define standards for corporate responsibility (CR) issues and sometimes monitor their application by firms – create opportunities and constraints for activist groups aiming to push firms towards more stringent CR activities. Drawing on social movement theory, we conceptualize how private regulation opportunity structures affect such CR‐based activist groups' targets and tactics at both the firm and field levels. At the field level, we argue that both radical and reformative activist groups direct most of their time and resources towards PRIs with comparatively more stringent standards. At the firm level, while radical activist groups are likely to target firms participating in more stringent PRIs, reformative activist groups target firms participating in less stringent PRIs, or those that do not participate in PRIs at all. When facing unfavourable opportunity structures, CR‐based activist groups tend either to advocate the creation of new PRIs or to shift their activities to pressure other focal points. This article contributes to moving beyond extant literature's emphasis of PRIs as settlements of contentious firm–activist interactions towards also viewing them as starting points for activist groups aiming to push firms towards a more substantive CR engagement.
In-vitro/in-vivo characterization of trans-resveratrol-loaded nanoparticulate drug delivery system for oral administration
Authors: Singh Gurinder , Pai Roopa S
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The current studies entail successful formulation of systematically optimized (OPT) nanoparticulate drug delivery system to increase the oral bioavailability using Eudragit RL 100 of trans-resveratrol (t-RVT), and evaluate their in-vitro/in-vivo performance.

Methods

t-RVT-loaded Eudragit RL 100 nanoparticles (t-RVT NPs) were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. The nanoparticles (NPs) were systematically optimized using 32 central composite design and the OPT formulation located using overlay plot. The pharmacokinetic and in-vivo biodistribution of t-RVT NPs were investigated in rats, and various levels of in-vitro/in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) were established.

Key findings

The OPT formulation (mean particle size: 180 nm) indicated marked improvement in drug release profile vis-à-vis pure drug and marketed formulation (MKT). Augmentation in the values of Ka (5.64-fold) and AUC0–24 (7.25-fold) indicated significant enhancement in the rate and extent of bioavailability by the optimized trans-resveratrol-loaded Eudragit RL 100 nanoparticles (OPT-t-RVT NPs) compared with pure drug. Level A of IVIVC was successfully established. OPT-t-RVT NPs showed 4.11-fold rose in the values of t-RVT concentrations in liver. In-situ single pass intestinal perfusion studies construed remarkable enhancement in the absorptivity and permeability parameters of OPT-t-RVT NPs.

Conclusions

The results, therefore, insight into the role of solubility enhancement and trounce enterohepatic recirculation for improving the oral bioavailability of t-RVT.
S-allylcysteine prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress
Authors: Gómez-Sierra Tania , Molina-Jijón Eduardo , Tapia Edilia , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , García-Niño Wylly Ramsés , Maldonado Perla D , Reyes José Luis , Barrera-Oviedo Diana , Torres Ismael , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Cisplatin (CP) is an antineoplastic agent that induces nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress. S-allylcysteine (SAC) is a garlic-derived antioxidant. This study aims to explore whether SAC protects against CP-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods

In the first stage, the SAC protective dose was determined by measuring renal damage and the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde, oxidized proteins and glutathione in rats injected with CP. In the second stage, the effect of a single dose of SAC on the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), protein kinase C beta 2 (PKCβ2) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunits (p47phox and gp91phox) was studied. In addition, the effect of SAC on oxidative stress markers and on the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in isolated proximal and distal tubules were evaluated.

Key findings

SAC (25 mg/kg) prevented the CP-induced renal damage and attenuated CP-induced decrease in Nrf2 levels and increase in PKCβ2, p47phox and gp91phox expression in renal cortex and oxidative stress and decrease in the activity of CAT, GPx and GR in proximal and distal tubules.

Conclusions

These data suggest that SAC provides renoprotection by attenuating CP-induced oxidative stress and decrease in the activity of CAT, GPx and GR.
Association of XRCC1 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to gastric cancer in Chinese Han population
Authors: Meng Hua , Lu Shuming , Zhang Zhuqing , Chen Meiru , Li Chunyan , Liu Lina , Luan Yong
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Gastric cancer is one of the most frequently causing cancer-related deaths worldwide. The X-ray repair complementing group 1 gene (XRCC1) is an important candidate gene for influencing gastric cancer risk. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between XRCC1 genetic variants and gastric cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han population.

Methods

Four hundred twenty-four gastric cancer patients and 430 cancer-free controls were enrolled. Two genetic variants (c.1254C>T and c.1779C>G) of XRCC1 gene were genotyped by created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods, respectively.

Key findings

Results from this study indicated that the allele and genotype frequencies of these two genetic variants were statistically different between gastric cancer patients and cancer-free controls. The association analyses suggested that these two genetic variants were statistically associated with the increased risk of gastric cancer (for c.1254C>T, T versus C: odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–1.77; for c.1779C>G, G versus C: OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.22–1.86). The allele-T of c.1254C>T and allele-G c.1779C>G genetic variants may contribute to the susceptibility to gastric cancer in Chinese Han population.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that these two genetic variants might be used as molecular markers for evaluating the susceptibility to gastric cancer.