bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Maternity and Health Care Staff in Breast‐feeding
Authors: Bergman Viceca , Larsson Sonja , Lomberg Helena , Mårild Staffan , Möller Anders
Published: March 2013

The prerequisites of the staff for their interest and concern in working with questions related to breast‐feeding have been studied by questionnaires which were answered by 133 nurses at pregnancy care centres, child health centres and maternity wards. The intention was to identify possible obstacles for the staff in supporting the mother's breast‐feeding. In spite of extensive experience and positive attitudes to breast‐feeding, about half of the staff found it difficult to work with these questions and to give enough support. The most common reasons for this fact were insufficient knowledge about breast‐feeding, few possibilities for further training and a heavy workload. It was also evident that some routines need to be corrected. For instance, information about breast‐feeding was provided late during pregnancy, the fathers were infrequently engaged and the communication between the departments was limited. A reorganization of the staff's working routines and their continuous further training in issues related to breast‐feeding are recommended.
Out‐Patient Surgery
Authors: Gupta Anil , Larsen Lars‐Erik , Sjöberg Folke , Lennmarken Claes
Published: March 2013

This study was done at the Linköping University Hospital, Sweden, to assess the quality of care given to patients undergoing outpatient anaesthesia. A questionnaire was given to all adult patients (> 15 years old) immediately on admission to the outpatients' surgical ward and the patients were asked to answer all the questions, if necessary with the help of an attending nurse. Another questionnaire was given to the patients in the post‐operative ward immediately prior to their being discharged home. Analyses of results indicate that although most patients were satisfied with the care offered at the outpatient surgical unit, 50% requested, but were not given, anxiolytic premedication before the operation. A majority of these were women undergoing gynaecological operations. Twenty per cent of the patients complained of post‐operative pain that was poorly managed. Drowsiness (12%), headache (10%), and sore throat (8%) were common complications following general anaesthesia. In contrast, patients who had regional or local anaesthesia had an extremely low incidence of complications. Almost one‐third of the patients were discharged without a responsible person accompanying them home and 25% were alone at home during the first 24 hours. Of the patients who went home alone, most either walked, cycled or took the bus, but 4% actually drove home after the operation. In our opinion more stress should be laid on patient information before the operation and better methods to relieve preoperative anxiety should be used whenever indicated. If possible, local or regional anaesthesia should be used to reduce the incidence of post‐operative complications and, finally, patients should not be encouraged to go home alone without a responsible adult.
Life Control among Young Men in View of their Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Hentinen Maija , Järvelin Marjo‐Riitta
Published: March 2013

The analysis of life control and its development is an issue of central concern to modern health research. This article discusses longitudinal questionnaire data in an attempt to identify factors that predict young men's life control in early childhood and adolescence. No factors in the childhood family background predicted strong life control in adulthood. A positive development in the family's social situation showed a positive association with life control in adulthood. Poor school performance and unhealthy habits in adolescence were associated with poor life control in adulthood. According to a regression analysis, the following factors predicted a strong life control in adulthood: regular physical exercise, positive changes in the family's social situation, no school class repeats, no experimentation with intoxicants in adolescence, admission into intermediate level of education, and no smoking in adolescence. It is crucially important for purposes of health promotion to identify factors which predict life control in adulthood. By helping adolescents to achieve life control, we are also helping them to cope with developmental tasks and therefore to promote their health.
Activities of Daily Living Ratings of Elderly People Using Katz‘ ADL Index and the GBS‐M Scale
Authors: RNT Karina Dencker , MD Carl‐Gerhard Gottfries
Published: March 2013

Instruments for measuring activities of daily living (ADL) are useful in estimating institutionalized elderly ill people's need of care. The aim of the present study was to investigate to what extent the GBS‐M scale measures ADL status, as determined by Katz' ADL Index. Forty‐two elderly patients in long‐term care in a psychiatric hospital were rated independently using each of the two scales. The correlation coefficient between results of the ratings was r = 0.93, i.e., high scores on one of the scales gave high scores on the other scale. Fifty per cent of severely demented patients had maximal scores on measures of ADL.
Living with Cancer
Authors: Forsberg Christina , Björvell Hjördis
Published: March 2013

The aims of this study were, first, to provide descriptive data on the perception of psychological well‐being one year after surgery in a group of patients treated for gastro‐intestinal cancer; secondly, to compare aspects of psychological well‐being between the group of patients living with other chronic diseases, and thirdly, to determine whether the perceptions of psychological well‐being were related to coping capabilities. Sixty‐nine patients with gastro‐intestinal cancer and 20 patients with ostomies due to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis participated in the study. The most interesting finding in this study was that the cancer patients with a strong sense of coherence perceived their well‐being as better than did the patients with a weaker sense of coherence. Other interesting findings were the differences in psychological well‐being between younger (< 67 years) and older (≥ 67 years) cancer patients and between the younger cancer patients and non‐cancer patients with ostomies. The young perceived their well‐being as poorer than that of the old and the cancer patients rated their sense of psychological well‐being as poorer than that of the patients with ostomies. It is concluded that nurses should focus their attention not only on the patients' physical well‐being but also on their psychological well‐being. Specific consideration should be given to the psychological needs of younger cancer patients.
Patrie européenne ou Europe des patries? La construction d'un nouvel espace littéraire européen dans l'immédiat après‐guerre (1918–1925)
Authors: Mus Francis
Published: March 2013

Immédiatement après la Première Guerre mondiale, plusieurs littératures nationales européennes se voient confrontées à un défi de taille : comment, dans cette nouvelle constellation sociétale, concevoir une nouvelle littérature européenne ? A partir d'une double distinction entre identité collective/partielle et identité égalitaire/hiérarchique, nous étudierons d'abord les différentes modalités théoriques de ces discours de (re)construction. Celles‐ci seront ensuite exemplifiées à partir d'une analyse portant sur le type et le statut de la langue à adopter dans chaque modalité individuelle. Cette étude se base sur un corpus de textes d'avant‐garde belges, mais – vu le caractère international de la problématique – les conclusions valent également pour d'autres littératures européennes.
Protective role of human insulin against the cytotoxicity associated with human mutant S20G islet amyloid polypeptide
Authors: Morita Shuhei , Ueyama Minoru , Sakagashira Setsuya , Shimajiri Yoshinori , Yamana Akiko , Furuta Machi , Sanke Tokio
Published: March 2013

Aims/Introduction

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a main component of islet amyloid in type 2 diabetes and cosecreted from β‐cell with insulin. Clinical evidence from the patients with S20G mutation of the IAPP gene, as well as experimental evidence that insulin could inhibit amyloid formation of IAPP, suggests that a gradual reduction of insulin could be related to the cytotoxicity associated with S20G‐IAPP through long‐term deterioration of β‐cells in type 2 diabetes. Our objective was to show an effect of human insulin on S20G‐IAPP associated cytotoxicity.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the cytotoxicity associated with S20G‐IAPP by controlling human insulin expression using adenovirus vectors with micro ribonucleic acid specifically against human insulin in endocrine AtT‐20ins cells, which express human insulin permanently. Additionally, we carried out a follow‐up study of circulating IAPP and insulin in type 2 diabetic patients.

Results

S20G‐IAPP expression was associated with a decrease in viability and an increase in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate‐biotin nick end labeling‐positive cells in AtT‐20ins cells. Furthermore, downregulation of human insulin enhanced the cytotoxicity associated with S20G‐IAPP, and induced the cytotoxicity associated with wild‐type (WT)‐IAPP. Reduction of ubiquitin carboxy‐terminal hydrolase L1 activity enhanced cytotoxicity under the downregulation of human insulin expression in both S20G‐ and WT‐IAPP transduced cells. A 5‐year follow up of type 2 diabetic patients showed a disproportionate increase of serum fasting IAPP‐to‐insulin ratio from baseline.

Conclusions

Human insulin plays a protective role against the cytotoxicity associated with S20G‐IAPP, as well as WT‐IAPP. The findings could suggest long‐term deterioration of insulin secretion associates with IAPP linked cytotoxicity in type 2 diabetes.
Desmoplastic melanoma on the nose: electrochemotherapy as an alternative treatment to local advanced disease
Authors: Carrera C. , Bennassar A. , Ishioka P. , Dalle S. , Vilalta A. , Fuertes I. , Alos L. , Thomas L. , Puig S. , Malvehy J.
Published: March 2013

Background

Desmoplastic malignant melanoma (DMM) is a rare and usually misdiagnosed type of melanoma. Delayed detection at complicated anatomical locations can lead to the necessity of alternative therapies.

Objective

Characterization of DMM on the nose, which is the second more frequent type of MM.

Methods

Review of case series of eight pathologically proven DMM on the nose from two referral centres with a mean follow‐up of 69 ± 40.5 months.

Results

According to a single centre experience, there is a more than 70‐fold increased risk of having a DMM on the nose compared with a non‐DMM (P < 0.0005, CI99% 16.3–317.3). Clinical and pathological misdiagnoses were frequent, only three of the eight cases were properly diagnosed and treated and indeed they did not experience relapses. Due to non‐clinical suspicion and superficial biopsies, three cases were initially pathologically misdiagnosed as basal cell carcinomas and a nevus respectively. Atypical vessels and remnants of pigment on dermoscopy are indicative findings even in non‐pigmented cases. Although not significant, the mean disease‐free survival differed between cases with a correct initial management (four cases, 66.7 ± 57.3 months) in contrast to improper (four cases, 16.25 ± 18.9 months). Electrochemotherapy achieved a complete local control of disease in two cases unsuitable for surgery.

Conclusions

Use of dermoscopy and correctly selected biopsy of lesions on the face is mandatory to improve early diagnosis of DMM. Improper management of challenging cases implies a more complicated therapy and loco‐regional invasion risk. Electrochemotherapy could be a promising therapy in local advanced tumours.
Vibrios in hatchery cultures of the razor clam, Solen marginatus (Pulteney)
Authors: Prado S , Dubert J , da Costa F , Martínez‐Patiño D , Barja J L
Published: March 2013

Hatchery culture of the razor clam, Solen marginatus (Pulteney), has recently been developed in Galicia (NW Spain). However, recurrent episodes of mortalities of larval and post‐larval cultures have been recorded during the course of various studies. The disease signs were similar to those described for other bivalve species in outbreaks caused by bacteria of the genus Vibrio. In this article, we present the results of microbiological monitoring of two batches of razor clams with different survival rates. All fermentative isolates were identified as members of the Splendidus clade within the genus Vibrio. Some of these isolates, identified as Vibrio splendidus‐like, were clearly associated with the batch suffering mortalities, indicating their possible role as pathogens. Similar strains were found in the broodstock, suggesting vertical transmission of these bacteria. This is the first study of the microbiota associated with hatchery culture of S. marginatus, and the results will provide useful information for the optimization of a protocol for hatchery culture of this bivalve species.
Endometriosis of the perineum
Authors: Nasu Kaei , Okamoto Mamiko , Nishida Masakazu , Narahara Hisashi
Published: March 2013

Endometriosis of the perineum and vulva is extremely rare, with the most common site being episiotomy scars. We report here a case of spontaneously developing perineal endometriosis successfully treated with local excision. A 39‐year‐old woman was admitted complaining of a painful vulvar lump with cyclic swelling. She had first noticed the mass 7 years before, and it had gradually increased in size. Gynecological examination showed a walnut‐size, painful, subcutaneous mass in the left perineum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilobular cystic mass with inner hemorrhage, suggesting vulvar endometriosis. The patient was treated by local excision of the vulvar mass, and complete excision was achieved. The pathological diagnosis of the excised tissue was endometriosis. The patient is well without evidence of disease 5 months following the local excision. Spontaneous perineal and vulvar endometriosis is extremely rare. However, any lesion that evolves in response to the menstrual cycle should be considered endometriosis.
Can maternal serum placental growth factor estimation in early second trimester predict the occurrence of early onset preeclampsia and/or early onset intrauterine growth restriction? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ghosh Sanjib Kumar , Raheja Shashi , Tuli Anita , Raghunandan Chitra , Agarwal Sneh
Published: March 2013

Aim

To determine whether maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) estimation in early second trimester (20–22 weeks of gestation) can predict the occurrence of early onset preeclampsia and/or early onset intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Material and Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 722 women with singleton pregnancies, screened from the antenatal clinic, and serum PlGF levels were estimated at 20–22 weeks of gestation. A cut‐off value of <155 pg/mL for serum PlGF was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for identifying pregnant women at risk of developing early onset preeclampsia and/or early onset IUGR. Preeclampsia and IUGR were classified as early onset when diagnosed by 32 weeks of gestation. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between serum PlGF level <155 pg/mL and the two outcome measures (i.e. early onset preeclampsia and early onset IUGR) and odds ratio (OR) was computed. P‐value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Maternal serum PlGF level <155 pg/mL at 20–22 weeks of gestation had a strong association with early onset preeclampsia (OR 8.35; 95% CI 1.79–18.94; P = 0.007) and with early onset IUGR (OR 10.73; 95% CI 4.08–20.23; P = 0.000). The sensitivity of serum PlGF < 155 pg/mL for predicting early onset preeclampsia and early onset IUGR were 82 and 84, respectively.

Conclusion

Maternal serum PlGF level estimation in early second trimester (20–22 weeks of gestation) may be useful in predicting the occurrence of early onset preeclampsia and/or early onset IUGR.
Parasitic myomas after laparoscopic‐assisted myomectomy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: Takeda Akihiro , Sakurai Akihiro , Imoto Sanae , Nakamura Hiromi
Published: March 2013

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder that develops multiple tumors arising from various endocrine organs, including the parathyroid gland, endocrine pancreas and pituitary gland. Although mesenchymal tumors can be an integral part of the syndrome, parasitic peritoneal myomas have never been described in an MEN1 patient. Seven years after laparoscopic‐assisted myomectomy, parasitic peritoneal myomas were diagnosed in a 31‐year‐old woman with situs inversus totalis and previous history of parathyroid adenoma. Subsequently, MEN1 was clinically diagnosed by identification of endocrine pancreatic, adrenal and pituitary tumors. Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous germline mutation in the splice donor sequence of intron 6 of the MEN1 gene. Although rare, parasitic peritoneal myomas could potentially be associated with MEN1 syndrome.
Prenatal diagnosis of right aortic arch with mirror‐image branching without associated anomalies
Authors: Nakata Masahiko , Suzuki Yasuo , Hotta Noriko , Sunasaka Takayo , Numa Fumitaka
Published: March 2013

A pregnant woman at 32 weeks of gestation was referred because of untypical visualization of a three‐vessel tracheal view. Detailed ultrasound examination demonstrated an abnormal position of descending aorta, positioned at the right‐front side of the spine at the level of four‐chamber view. The descending aorta was connected with left pulmonary artery through ductus arteriosus, which configured a vascular ring. Right aortic arch with mirror‐image branching without any associated anomaly was suspected prenatally. Amniocentesis showed no chromosomal abnormality. A male, 2440‐g infant was delivered vaginally at 37 weeks and 4 days of gestation. Echocardiography confirmed no associated congenital heart defect. Three‐dimensional reconstruction using 64‐slice spiral computed tomography angiography at 2‐months old confirmed the diagnosis of right aortic arch with mirror‐image branching. The infant is now 1 year old and well developed without any symptoms.
Eating Patterns Among Students With Intellectual Disabilities After a Multifactorial School Intervention Using the Plate Model
Authors: Flygare Wallén Eva , Müllerdorf Maria , Christensson Kyllike , Marcus Claude
Published: March 2013

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) have an increased prevalence of being overweight and having cardiometabolic diseases as adults, in part due to poor eating habits with an inadequate intake of vegetables. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a multifactorial school intervention using the “Plate Model” results in improved healthy food choices with recommended ≥37.5% of vegetables. Participants with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities from an intervention school (n = 27) were compared with controls (n = 62) from two other upper secondary schools for students with ID. All were offered a test buffet lunch with meatballs, potatoes, sauce, and eight different vegetables presented in identical bowls. Their servings and food intake were evaluated from digital images and video films. The majority (88%) of the total group filled their plate with ≥37.5% of vegetables. The mean energy intake did not differ between the groups (576 kcal (min 196—max 1444)). The intervention participants had a lower intake of fat (21% (SD 6) vs. 24% (SD 7), p = .031), a higher intake of carbohydrates (57% (SD 7) vs. 53% (SD 8), p = .035), less plate waste (5 (SD 10) grams vs. 25 (SD 43) grams, p = .021), and more participants took only one portion (56% vs. 32%, p = .039) compared with the control group. The participants from the intervention school made healthier food choices. In this setting, most adolescents with ID ate a sufficient amount of vegetables.
Multi‐system progressive angiomatosis in a dog resembling blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome in humans
Authors: Ide K. , Uchida N. , Iyori K. , Mochizuki T. , Fukushima R. , Iwasaki T. , Nishifuji K.
Published: March 2013

A six‐year‐old, neutered, female golden retriever was presented with generalised, dark purple to black cutaneous nodules and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Histopathologically, all cutaneous nodules were diagnosed as benign cavernous haemangiomas. Endoscopic analysis revealed similar nodules in the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. At laparotomy, similar nodules were seen on the visceral peritoneal lining of abdominal organs. Metastatic haemangiosarcoma was ruled out based on histological features and lack of primary tumour in spleen, liver or heart ultrasonographically. Blood loss associated with gastrointestinal haemorrhage was managed with blood transfusion. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first canine case of multi‐system progressive angiomatosis resembling blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome in humans.
Potential role of Alternaria and Cladosporium species in canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis
Authors: Mercier E. , Peters I. R. , Billen F. , Battaille G. , Clercx C. , Day M. J. , Peeters D.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the possible role of Alternaria and Cladosporium species in the pathogenesis of canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis by comparing the amount of specific fungal DNA in nasal mucosal biopsies between dogs without nasal neoplasia and those with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis or nasal neoplasia.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays detecting DNA from Alternaria and Cladosporium fungi were applied to nasal mucosal biopsies collected from dogs with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (n = 8), dogs with nasal neoplasia (n = 10) and control animals (n = 10). A copy number for each sample was calculated using a standard curve of known copy number and differences amongst groups were assessed using Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results

No significant difference was found between the groups. Low levels of Alternaria DNA (10–100 copies/PCR) were detected in one sample; very low levels of DNA (<10 copies/qPCR) were detected in 6 samples, and 21 samples were negative. Low levels of Cladosporium DNA were detected in 2 samples; very low levels of DNA in 18; and 8 were negative.

Clinical Significance

Results of this study reveal that Alternaria and Cladosporium species are part of the canine nasal flora, and that these fungi are probably not involved in the pathogenesis of lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis.
Remediating Romanticism
Authors: Brooke‐Smith James
Published: March 2013

The aim of this essay is two‐fold: first, to survey exemplary recent work on Romanticism and media studies; and second, to elucidate the key theoretical and methodological issues that arise from this work and hence might serve as coordinates for the future development of the field. The essay addresses the following issues central to both Romantic Literature and Media Studies: how to assign agency within complex techno‐human assemblages; how media studies affects questions of literary historical periodization, especially with regard to the transition between the Enlightenment and Romantic eras; how to account for the constitutive reflexivity of media studies as a discipline; and how the adoption of a media historical research program might help to re‐model the disciplinary boundaries of contemporary humanities scholarship.
Cryptic diversity and gene flow among threeAfrican agricultural pests:Ceratitis rosa,Ceratitis fasciventrisandCeratitis anonae(Diptera,Tephritidae)
Authors: Virgilio M. , Delatte H. , Quilici S. , Backeljau T. , De Meyer M.
Published: March 2013

The ‘CeratitisFARcomplex’ is a species complex of African fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) including the major agricultural pestCeratitis rosaand the morphologically similarCeratitis fasciventrisandCeratitis anonae. To resolve their intra‐ and interspecific genetic relationships and to estimate gene flow within this complex, we surveyed allelic variation at 16 microsatellite loci in 27 African populations of the three morphospecies. Interpopulation genetic distances and individual Bayesian assignments distinguished five genotypic clusters: two involvingC. rosa(R1,R2; that may occur in sympatry), two involvingC. fasciventris(F1,F2; with parapatric distributions) and one involvingC. anonae(A). Intra‐ and interspecific patterns of genetic differentiation were not hierarchically structured and genetic differentiation between conspecific clusters (F1–F2 andR1–R2) was higher or comparable with differentiation between heterospecific clusters (e.g.F1‐A orR2‐A). In some cases, gene flow estimates among morphospecies or among heterospecific genotypic clusters were significantly different from zero, showing the lack of reproductive isolation. Genetic differentiation between genotypic clusters was partly supported by morphological differences observeda posterioriin male secondary sexual characters. These results suggest important revisions to current models of ecological niche requirements and invasion risk of the major agricultural pestC. rosaand provide a basis for a taxonomic re‐interpretation of theFARcomplex.
Ecological speciation in an island snail: evidence for the parallel evolution of a novel ecotype and maintenance by ecologically dependent postzygotic isolation
Authors: Stankowski Sean
Published: March 2013

Speciation is the process by which reproductive isolation evolves between populations. Two general models of speciation have been proposed: ecological speciation, where reproductive barriers evolve due to ecologically based divergent selection, and mutation‐order speciation, where populations fix different mutations as they adapt to similar selection pressures. I evaluate these alternative models and determine the progress of speciation in a diverse group of land snails, genusRhagada, inhabitingRosemaryIsland. A recently derived keeled‐flat morphotype occupies two isolated rocky hills, while globose‐shelled snails inhabit the surrounding plains. The study of one hill reveals that they are separated by a narrow hybrid zone. As predicted by ecological speciation theory, there are local and landscape level associations between shell shape and habitat, and the morphological transition coincides with a narrow ecotone between the two distinct environments. MicrosatelliteDNArevealed a cline of hybrid index scores much wider than the morphological cline, further supporting the ecological maintenance of the morphotypes. The hybrid zone does not run through an area of low population density, as is expected for mutation‐order hybrid zones, and there is a unimodal distribution of phenotypes at the centre, suggesting that there is little or no prezygotic isolation. Instead, these data suggest that the ecotypes are maintained by ecologically dependent postzygotic isolation (i.e. ecological selection against hybrids). Mitochondrial and MicrosatelliteDNAindicate that the keeled‐flat form evolved recently, and without major historical disruptions to gene flow. The data also suggest that the two keeled‐flat populations, inhabiting similar rocky hills, have evolved in parallel. These snails provide a complex example of ecological speciation in its early stages.
Polymorphism in the neurofibromin gene, Nf1, is associated with antagonistic selection on wing size and development time in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lee Siu F. , Eyre‐Walker Ying Chen , Rane Rahul V. , Reuter Caroline , Vinti Giovanna , Rako Lea , Partridge Linda , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: March 2013

In many invertebrates, body size shows genetically based clines, with size increasing in colder climates. Large body size is typically associated with prolonged development times. We consider variation in the CNS‐specific gene neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) and its association with body size and development time. We identified two major Nf1 haplotypes in natural populations, Nf1‐insertion‐A and Nf1‐deletion‐G. These haplotypes are characterized by a 45‐base insertion/deletion (INDEL) in Nf1 intron 2 and an A/G synonymous substitution (locus L17277). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the INDEL and adjacent sites is high but appears to be restricted within the Nf1 gene interval. In Australia, the frequency of the Nf1‐insertion‐A haplotype increases with latitude where wing size is larger, independent of the chromosomal inversion In(3R)Payne. Unexpectedly, the Nf1‐insertion‐A haplotype is negatively associated with wing size. We found that the Nf1‐insertion‐A haplotype is enriched in females with shorter development time. This suggests that the Nf1 haplotype cline may be driven by selection for development time rather than size; females from southern (higher latitude) D. melanogaster populations maintain a rapid development time despite being relatively larger, and the higher incidence of Nf1‐insertion‐A in Southern Australia may contribute to this pattern, whereas the effects of the Nf1 haplotypes on size may be countered by other loci with antagonistic effects on size and development time. Our results point to the potential complexity involved in identifying selection on genetic variants exhibiting pleiotropic effects when studies are based on spatial patterns or association studies.
Itraconazole in chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis: a randomised controlled trial and systematic review of literature
Authors: Agarwal Ritesh , Vishwanath Gella , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Garg Mandeep , Gupta Dheeraj , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: March 2013

Patients with aspergilloma can be safely managed with supportive therapy in absence of massive haemoptysis. We hypothesised that chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) could also be managed on similar grounds. The aim of this prospective, randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of itraconazole in CCPA. Consecutive patients of CCPA with presence of chronic pulmonary/systemic symptoms; and pulmonary cavities; and presence of Aspergillus (immunological or microbiological) were randomised to receive either supportive treatment alone or itraconazole 400 mg daily for 6 months plus supportive therapy. Response was assessed clinically, radiologically and overall after 6 months therapy. A total of 31 patients (mean age, 37 years) were randomised to itraconazole (n = 17) or the control (n = 14) group. The number of patients showing overall response was significantly higher in the itraconazole group (76.5%) vs. the control (35.7%) group (P = 0.02). The numbers of patients demonstrating clinical or radiological response were also significantly higher in the itraconazole group (P = 0.016 and 0.01 respectively). Adverse events were noted in eight patients in the itraconazole group, however, none was serious or led to discontinuation of the study drug. Itraconazole was found to be superior to standard supportive treatment alone in stabilising cases of CCPA. (clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01259336).
An oropharyngeal pH monitoring device to evaluate patients with chronic laryngitis
Authors: Yuksel E. S. , Slaughter J. C. , Mukhtar N. , Ochieng M. , Sun G. , Goutte M. , Muddana S. , Gaelyn Garrett C. , Vaezi M. F.
Published: March 2013

Background

Diagnostics for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are suboptimal because of limited sensitivity. We performed in vitro and in vivo studies to systematically assess the performance characteristics of an oropharyngeal pH probe.

Methods

In vitro studies compared the oropharyngeal probe with a standard pH catheter in liquid and aerosolized solutions, pH 1–7. The accuracy of measurements, deviation from target pH, and time to equilibrium pH were determined. Simultaneous distal esophageal pH measurements were obtained in 11 patients with GERD. Oropharyngeal and distal esophageal reflux parameters were measured for controls (n = 20), patients with GERD (n = 17), and patients with chronic laryngitis (n = 10).

Key Results

In the liquid phase, at pH 4–5, the oropharyngeal probe had less deviation from the target value than the standard catheter; deviation in the vapor phase was similar (0.4 pH units). Median (interquartile) time to reach equilibrium pH was significantly (P < 0.001) faster with the oropharyngeal than the standard probe. In comparing simultaneous distal esophageal pH characteristics, 96% of recordings with the new and standard probes were in agreement to within ±1.0 pH unit; 71% of recordings were in agreement within ±0.5 pH units. Patients with chronic laryngitis had significantly higher levels of oropharyngeal acid exposure at pH <4, <5, and <6, in the upright position than patients with GERD or controls (P < .001).

Conclusions & Inferences

Oropharyngeal pH monitoring appears to be more sensitive than traditional pH monitoring in evaluation of patients with extraesophageal reflux. It is a promising tool in evaluation of this difficult group of patients.
Making it Personal in a call centre: electronic peer surveillance
Authors: Ellway Benjamin P.W.
Published: March 2013

This paper analyses a form of electronic surveillance in a call centre that was not automatically performed through or by information and communication technology but required the active involvement of peers to provide feedback on each other's work by using an online reporting tool. Increased surveillance led to a tightening of control over certain aspects of work as advisors modified their call‐handling practices. But surveillance was simultaneously undermined by technical and bureaucratic control linked to existing information systems, which affected the ability and availability of peers to perform monitoring. Electronic peer surveillance was also unable to provide objective information or unobtrusive control as performing and evaluating surveillance became a highly political and contested process. Various forms of resistance arose, which were not always directed at management, but were instead manifest through increased animosity between teams.
‘In the end, you can only slag people off for so long’: employee cynicism through work blogging
Authors: Richards James , Kosmala Katarzyna
Published: March 2013

The paper critiques the ideology perspective of employee cynicism, which emphasises imaginary power and the employee's dependency on corporate culture initiatives. In contrast to the ideology perspective, this study draws on the narratives of work blogs and interviews with bloggers to suggest that being cynical about work can also give an employee a sense of control and attachment to their own occupational or professional community, while providing distance from corporate culture initiatives. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research about employee cynicism and the expanding possibilities researching cyberspace, which increasingly appears to be utilised by employees.
The effects of ketamine on dexmedetomidine‐induced electrophysiologic changes in children
Authors: Char Danton , Drover David R. , Motonaga Kara S. , Gupta Sanjiv , Miyake Christina Y. , Dubin Anne M. , Hammer Gregory B.
Published: March 2013

Background

Dexmedetomidine is an alpha2‐adrenergic agonist used for sedation and analgesia in children. We previously showed that dexmedetomidine depresses sinus and AV nodal function resulting in adverse hemodynamic effects such as bradycardia and increased blood pressure. We hypothesized that these effects of dexmedetomidine might be antagonized by co‐administration of ketamine, which has sympathomimetic properties.

Methods

Twenty‐two children (ages 5–17 years) undergoing electrophysiologic (EP) study and ablation for supraventricular tachycardia were enrolled. Patients were kept sedated with continuous infusion of propofol at a fixed rate. Hemodynamic and EP parameters were measured before and after a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (1 μg·kg−1). A continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.7 μg·kg−1·h−1) was initiated and a ketamine loading dose (1 mg·kg−1), followed by continuous infusion (1 mg·kg−1·h−1), was given. A repeat set of hemodynamic and EP parameters were then measured at the time of projected peak tissue concentration for both drugs.

Results

A significant increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) was seen compared with baseline after loading of dexmedetomidine. This returned to baseline after co‐administration of ketamine (mean difference between baseline and after ketamine 1.8 mmHg; 95%CI, −7.8 to 4.3; P = <0.001). A decrease in heart rate was seen after dexmedetomidine followed by a return to baseline after co‐administration of ketamine (mean difference between baseline and after ketamine −6.5 bpm; 95%CI, −11.2 to −1.8; P = 0.005). Sinus node recovery time was lengthened after dexmedetomidine but returned to baseline after ketamine (mean difference between baseline and after ketamine −16.2 ms; 95%CI, −63 to 30; P = 0.014). QT was prolonged after dexmedetomidine and returned to baseline after ketamine (mean difference between baseline and after ketamine −34.2 ms; 95%CI, −48.4 to −20.2; P = 0.004). AV nodal effective refractory period was also impaired after dexmedetomidine and showed weak evidence for return to baseline function after ketamine (mean difference between baseline and after ketamine −22.8 ms; 95%CI, −40.2 to −5.2; P = 0.069).

Conclusion

The concurrent use of ketamine may mitigate the negative chronotropic effects of dexmedetomidine.
Involvement of phytochrome A in suppression of photomorphogenesis in rice seedling grown in red light
Authors: ROY ANSUMAN , SAHOO DINABANDHU , TRIPATHY BAISHNAB C.
Published: March 2013

Plants have evolved a remarkable capacity to track and respond to fluctuations of light quality and intensity that influence photomorphogenesis facilitated through several photoreceptors, which include a small family of phytochromes. Rice seedlings grown on germination paper in red light for 48 h having their shoot bottom exposed had suppressed photomorphogenesis and were deficient in chlorophyll. Seedlings grown under identical light regime having their shoot bottom covered were green and accumulated chlorophyll. Further, etiolated seedlings with their shoot bottom exposed, when grown in 4 min red/far‐red cycles for 48 h, accumulated chlorophyll demonstrating the reversal of suppression of photomorphogenesis by far‐red light. It implicates the involvement of phytochrome. Immunoblot analysis showed the persistence of photolabile phytochrome A protein for 48 h in seedlings grown in red light with their shoot bottom exposed, suggesting its involvement in suppression of photomorphogenesis. This was further corroborated in phyA seedlings that turned green when grown in red light having their shoot bottom exposed. Calmodulin (CaM) antagonist N‐(6‐aminohexyl)‐5‐chloro‐1‐napthalene sulphonamide or trifluoperazine substantially restored photomorphogenesis both in the wild type (WT) and phyA demonstrating the involvement of CaM‐dependent kinases in the down‐regulation of the greening process. Results demonstrate that red light‐induced suppression of photomorphogenesis, perceived in the shoot bottom, is a red high irradiance response of PhyA.
Fruit cuticle lipid composition and water loss in a diverse collection of pepper (Capsicum)
Authors: Parsons Eugene P. , Popopvsky Sigal , Lohrey Gregory T. , Alkalai‐Tuvia Sharon , Perzelan Yaacov , Bosland Paul , Bebeli Penelope J. , Paran Ilan , Fallik Elazar , Jenks Matthew A.
Published: March 2013

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruits are covered by a relatively thick coating of cuticle that limits fruit water loss, a trait previously associated with maintenance of postharvest fruit quality during commercial marketing. To shed light on the chemical‐compositional diversity of cuticles in pepper, the fruit cuticles from 50 diverse pepper genotypes from a world collection were screened for both wax and cutin monomer amount and composition. These same genotypes were also screened for fruit water loss rate and this was tested for associations with cuticle composition. Our results revealed an unexpectedly large amount of variation for the fruit cuticle lipids, with a more than 14‐fold range for total wax amounts and a more than 16‐fold range for cutin monomer amounts between the most extreme accessions. Within the major wax constituents fatty acids varied from 1 to 46%, primary alcohols from 2 to 19%, n‐alkanes from 13 to 74% and triterpenoids and sterols from 10 to 77%. Within the cutin monomers, total hexadecanoic acids ranged from 54 to 87%, total octadecanoic acids ranged from 10 to 38% and coumaric acids ranged from 0.2 to 8% of the total. We also observed considerable differences in water loss among the accessions, and unique correlations between water loss and cuticle constituents. The resources described here will be valuable for future studies of the physiological function of fruit cuticle, for the identification of genes and QTLs associated with fruit cuticle synthesis in pepper fruit, and as a starting point for breeding improved fruit quality in pepper.
The Revolutionary Global Islamism – Politicized or Political Religion? Applying Eric Voegelin’s Theory to the Dynamics of Political Islam
Authors: Miliopoulos Lazaros
Published: March 2013

In recourse to the theory of fundamentalism Islamism can be defined as a form of “other” or “halved modernity.” Therefore Islamism politicizes the understanding of Islam and has been described often as a ‘politicized religion’. But it is further be necessary to differentiate clearer between Islamist tendencies of traditionalism and totalitarianism: On the one hand there is the aim to restore the ‘naturalness’ and purity of a pre‐modern, monistic world. On the other the ideology of a specific revolutionary type of Islamism can be described partially as totalitarian, gnostic and messianic or defined as a ‘modern political pseudo‐religion’, diametrically opposite to the spirit of the traditional religions such as Christianity, Judaism or Islam itself and rather comparable with ideologies such as Marxism‐Leninism, Fascism and National Socialism. To answer the question whether the revolutionary Islamism is a politicized or political (pseudo‐)religion, this essay applies Eric Voegelin’s Theory of ‘political religion’ to the revolutionary global Islamism expressed by the al‐Qaeda terrorist movement.
Unintended consequences of imprecise notation: An example from mechanics
Authors: Gangopadhyaya Asim , Ramsey Gordon
Published: March 2013

We present a conundrum that results from the imprecise use of notation for partial derivatives. Taking an example from mechanics, we show that lack of proper care in representing partial derivatives in the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations paradoxically leads to two different values for the time derivative of the canonical momentum. Similar apparent paradoxes occur in other areas of physics, such as thermodynamics.
Staphylococcus aureus Elaborates Leukocidin AB To Mediate Escape from within Human Neutrophils
Authors: DuMont Ashley L. , Yoong Pauline , Surewaard Bas G. J. , Benson Meredith A. , Nijland Reindert , van Strijp Jos A. G. , Torres Victor J.
Published: March 2013

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains of the pulsed-field type USA300 are primarily responsible for the current community-associated epidemic of MRSA infections in the United States. The success of USA300 is partly attributed to the ability of the pathogen to avoid destruction by human neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]), which are crucial to the host immune response to
S. aureus
infection. In this work, we investigated the contribution of bicomponent pore-forming toxins to the ability of USA300 to withstand attack from primary human PMNs. We demonstrate that
in vitro
growth conditions influence the expression, production, and availability of leukotoxins by USA300, which in turn impact the cytotoxic potential of this clone toward PMNs. Interestingly, we also found that upon exposure to PMNs, USA300 preferentially activates the promoter of the
lukAB
operon, which encodes the recently identified leukocidin AB (LukAB). LukAB elaborated by extracellular
S. aureus
forms pores in the plasma membrane of PMNs, leading to PMN lysis, highlighting a contribution of LukAB to USA300 virulence. We now show that LukAB also facilitates the escape of bacteria engulfed within PMNs, in turn enabling the replication and outgrowth of
S. aureus
. Together, these results suggest that upon encountering PMNs
S. aureus
induces the production of LukAB, which serves as an extra- and intracellular weapon to protect the bacterium from destruction by human PMNs.
Absence of Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule 1, PECAM-1/CD31,In VivoIncreases Resistance to Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium in Mice
Authors: Lovelace Michael D. , Yap May Lin , Yip Jana , Muller William , Wijburg Odilia , Jackson Denise E.
Published: March 2013

PECAM-1/CD31 is known to regulate inflammatory responses and exhibit pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. This study was designed to determine the functional role of PECAM-1 in susceptibility to murine primaryin vivoinfection withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium and inin vitroinflammatory responses of peritoneal macrophages. Lectin profiling showed that cellular PECAM-1 and recombinant human PECAM-1-Ig chimera contain high levels of mannose sugars andN-acetylglucosamine. Consistent with this carbohydrate pattern, both recombinant human and murine PECAM-1-Ig chimeras were shown to bindS. Typhimurium in a dose-dependent mannerin vitro. Using oral and fecal-oral transmission models ofS. Typhimurium SL1344 infection, PECAM-1−/−mice were found to be more resistant toS. Typhimurium infection than wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. While fecal shedding ofS. Typhimurium was comparable in wild-type and PECAM-1−/−mice, the PECAM-1-deficient mice had lower bacterial loads in systemic organs such as liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes than WT mice, suggesting that extraintestinal dissemination was reduced in the absence of PECAM-1. This reduced bacterial load correlated with reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) levels in sera of PECAM-1−/−mice. Followingin vitrostimulation of macrophages with either wholeS. Typhimurium, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (Toll-like receptor 4 [TLR4] ligand), or poly(I·C) (TLR3 ligand), production of TNF and IL-6 by PECAM-1−/−macrophages was reduced. Together, these results suggest that PECAM-1 may have multiple functions in resistance to infection withS. Typhimurium, including binding to host cells, extraintestinal spread to deeper tissues, and regulation of inflammatory cytokine production by infected macrophages.
Brucella abortus Invasion of Synoviocytes Inhibits Apoptosis and Induces Bone Resorption through RANKL Expression
Authors: Scian Romina , Barrionuevo Paula , Rodriguez Ana María , Arriola Benitez Paula Constanza , García Samartino Clara , Fossati Carlos Alberto , Giambartolomei Guillermo Hernán , Delpino María Victoria
Published: March 2013

Arthritis is one of the most common complications of human active brucellosis, but its pathogenic mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. In this paper, we describe the role of synoviocytes in the pathogenesis of brucellar arthritis. Our results indicate thatBrucella abortusinfection inhibited synoviocyte apoptosis through the upregulation of antiapoptotic factors (cIAP-2, clusterin, livin, and P21/CIP/CDNK1A). In contrast, infection did not change the expression of proteins that have been involved in apoptosis induction such as Bad, Bax, cleaved procaspase 3, CytC, and TRAIL, among others; or their expression was reduced, as occurs in the case of P-p53(S15). In addition,B. abortusinfection induced upregulation of adhesion molecules (CD54 and CD106), and the adhesion of monocytes and neutrophils to infected synoviocytes was significantly higher than to uninfected cells. Despite this increased adhesion,B. abortus-infected synoviocytes were able to inhibit apoptosis induced by supernatants fromB. abortus-infected monocytes and neutrophils. Moreover,B. abortusinfection increased soluble and membrane RANKL expression in synoviocytes that further induced monocytes to undergo osteoclastogenesis. The results presented here shed light on how the interactions ofB. abortuswith synovial fibroblasts may have an important role in the pathogenesis of brucellar arthritis.