bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcomes of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: a retrospective analysis of a tertiary hospital registry
Authors: Camara Boubou , Reymond Emilie , Saint‐Raymond Christel , Roth Hubert , Brenier‐Pinchart Marie‐Pierre , Pinel Claudine , Cadranel Jacques , Ferretti Gilbert , Pelloux Hervé , Pison Christophe ,   Grenoble Aspergillus Committee
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Our objective was to investigate characteristics risk factors and outcomes of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA).

Methods

The Aspergillosis Committee prospectively collected Aspergillus notifications from January 2000 to December 2011. A retrospective analysis of data was performed.

Results

Among 1614 notifications registered, 44 cases of CPA in non‐immunocompromised patients were identified. The median age was 65 years (Q1–Q3: 54–75), the median body mass index (BMI) was 20 kg/m2 (Q1–Q3: 16–22) and 15 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All patients had a positive specific serum precipitin antibody titer. Radiological presentations were: cavitations [single n = 31 (70%); multiple n = 12 (27%)] containing mycetomas [n = 18 (41%)], consolidations [n = 19 (43%)], emphysema [n = 15 (34%)] and sequelae of mycobacterial infection [n = 10 (23%)]. The median duration of follow‐up was 30 months (Q1–Q3: 14–55). The median duration of antifungal treatment was 6 months (Q1–Q3: 3–12). Outcomes were unfavorable in 14 patients, and 12 (27%) died. Analysis by multivariate Cox regression model with bootstrapping showed that a higher BMI and a lower Charlson index score were predictive of favorable evolution, hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): BMI (+1) = 0.83 (0.71–0.97), Charlson (+1) = 1.37 (1.01–1.85). When analyses were restricted to chronic CPA and chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis, the multivariate Cox regression model showed that both BMI and Charlson index score were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our results provide data on clinical characteristics and outcomes of CPA emphasizing the role of preexisting chronic respiratory conditions and protective effect of preserved BMI and lower Charlson index score.
Technologies of the spouse: intimate surveillance in Senegalese transnational marriages
Authors: HANNAFORD DINAH
Published: January 2014

Rapid advances in communication technology in the last 20 years have enabled migrants to sustain social and economic investment in multiple geographic locations, or, to be transnational. In this article, by analysing non‐migrant Senegalese women's experiences in marriages with migrant Senegalese men, I critically engage in discussions about the role of technology in transnational family dynamics. In the intimate negotiations of transnational married life, these women feel profoundly ambivalent about the role of communication technologies in their lives. Instead of enabling ‘emotional closeness’, the virtual presence of their absent husbands frequently represents a spectre of suspicion, control and surveillance.
Prognostic impact of young age on stage IV prostate cancer treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Kimura Tomokazu , Onozawa Mizuki , Miyazaki Jun , Matsuoka Taeko , Joraku Akira , Kawai Koji , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Hinotsu Shiro , Akaza Hideyuki
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To elucidate whether the disease characteristics and prognosis of stage IV prostate cancer treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy differ between young and elderly patients.

Methods

A total of 3006 patients identified from the database of the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer were included in the analysis according to the following entry criteria: age of 75 years or less and stage IV disease. These patients were stratified into three groups: young (aged ≤55 years); middle‐aged (aged ≧56 and ≤65 years); and elderly (aged ≧66 and ≤75 years). Their prognoses were analyzed both within age groups and according to whether or not there was metastasis.

Results

The proportion of lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in the young group than in the elderly group (P = 0.007), and there were no significant differences in other factors among age groups. The overall survival rate at 5 years in the young group was significantly worse than that in the middle‐aged and elderly groups (26.6%, 59.7% and 55.3%, respectively) in patients with stage IV disease with metastasis, although there was no difference among age groups in patients with stage IV disease without metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that younger age was an independent strong prognostic factor in stage IV disease with metastasis.

Conclusions

Young men with metastatic prostate cancer have a poor prognosis. Young age is an independent prognostic factor in stage IV metastatic prostate cancer patients treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy.
Calibration and cross‐validation of a wrist‐worn Actigraph in young preschoolers
Authors: Johansson E. , Ekelund U. , Nero H. , Marcus C. , Hagströmer M.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To calibrate the Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer for wrist‐worn placement in young preschoolers by developing intensity thresholds for sedentary, low‐ and high‐intensity physical activity. Furthermore, to cross‐validate the developed thresholds in young preschoolers.

Methods

Actigraph GT3X+ was used to measure physical activity during structured activities and free play in 38 children (15–36 months). Activity was video recorded and scored into sedentary, low‐ and high‐intensity physical activity based on Children's Activity Rating Scale (CARS) and combined with accelerometer data using a 5 s epoch. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to develop intensity thresholds in 26 randomly selected children. The remaining 12 children were used for cross‐validation.

Results

Intensity thresholds for sedentary were ≤89 vertical counts (Y) and ≤221 vector magnitude (VM) counts per 5 s and ≥440 Y counts and ≥730 VM counts per 5 s for high‐intensity physical activity. Sensitivity and specificity were 60–100% for the developed intensity thresholds. Strong correlations (Spearman rank correlation 0.69–0.91) were found in the cross‐validation sample between the developed thresholds for the accelerometer and CARS scoring time in all intensity categories.

Conclusion

The developed intensity thresholds appear valid to categorize sedentary behaviour and physical activity intensity categories in children 2 years of age.
The dark side of career preference: dark side traits, motives, and values
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Hyde Gillian , Trickey Geoff
Published: January 2014

Over 2000 people completed two validated questionnaires: one measuring “dark side” personality traits and the other a measure of values and preferences that indicates the type of work that an individual would like to do and is best suited for. Dark side variables (and demographics) accounted for between 11% (science) and 46% (affiliation) variance in specific vocation related values. Factor analysis suggested three overall value/vocation factors (enterprising, traditional, and social) and three dark side variables (moving against, away from, and toward others). The three dark side factors predicted around a third of the variance in favoring enterprising and social occupations. Implications for vocational guidance and limitations of the study are considered.
Food and water intake and selective feeding in rabbits on four feeding regimes
Authors: Prebble J. L. , Meredith A. L.
Published: January 2014

Diet plays an important role in maintaining rabbit health. Feeding an incorrect diet, particularly a low fibre diet, has been linked with digestive, dental and urinary tract disease. However, food intake and dietary requirements have been poorly studied in pet rabbits. This study assessed the effects of two commonly fed pet rabbit diets [extruded nuggets with hay (EH) and muesli with hay (MH)] alongside hay only (HO) and muesli only (MO) on food and water intake in 32 Dutch rabbits. Dry matter (DM) intake was greater in the HO group and lower in the MO group than in the EH and MH groups (p < 0.001). The portion of the diet made of hay was greater in the EH group than in the MH group (p < 0.001). Water intake was positively correlated with DM intake and was greatest in the HO group (p < 0.001). Selective feeding occurred in all rabbit groups fed muesli, whether or not hay was also available. Pellets were rejected, and grains and extrudates selected. The presence of selective feeding in all rabbits fed muesli leads to the consumption of an unbalanced diet. In addition, hay intake and water intake were lower when muesli was fed. Conclusions drawn from this study are based on general recommendations for pet rabbits, and clinical disease may have developed by feeding the study diets over a longer time period, as many diet‐related conditions typically present in older rabbits. However, the study demonstrates that the feeding of muesli diets cannot be recommended.
Different walls for rods and balls: the diversity of peptidoglycan
Authors: Turner Robert D. , Vollmer Waldemar , Foster Simon J.
Published: January 2014

Peptidoglycan performs the essential role of resisting turgor in the cell walls of most bacteria. It determines cell shape, and its biosynthesis is the target for many important antibiotics. The fundamental chemical building blocks of peptidoglycan are conserved: repeating disaccharides cross‐linked by peptides. However, these blocks come in many varieties and can be assembled in different ways. So beyond the fundamental similarity, prodigious chemical, organizational and architectural diversity is revealed. Here, we track the evolution of our current understanding of peptidoglycan and underpinning technical and methodological developments. The origin and function of chemical diversity is discussed with respect to some well‐studied example species. We then explore how this chemistry is manifested in elegant and complex peptidoglycan organization and how this is interpreted in different and sometimes controversial architectural models. We contend that emerging technology brings about the possibility of achieving a complete understanding of peptidoglycan chemistry, through architecture, to the way in which diverse species and populations of cells meet the challenges of maintaining viability and growth within their environmental niches, by exploiting the bioengineering versatility of peptidoglycan.
Experimental Rehabilitation of Degraded Spawning Habitat of a Diadromous Fish, Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns, 1842) in Rural and Urban Streams
Authors: Hickford Michael J. H. , Schiel David R.
Published: January 2014

Riparian vegetation has been compromised worldwide by anthropogenic stressors, including urbanization and livestock grazing. In New Zealand, one consequence has been a reduction in the obligate riparian spawning habitat of Galaxias maculatus. This diadromous species forms the basis of an important fishery where juveniles are caught as they migrate into freshwater. Spawning success of G. maculatus is closely associated with the nature of available riparian habitat. We used a field experiment in a rural stream to test whether livestock grazing limits egg production and whether there is a lag in increased egg production after protection from grazing because of the recovery time of riparian vegetation. In a separate experiment in an urban stream we tested whether improved riparian management can increase egg production. Livestock exclusion produced an immediate and long‐lasting increase in the height and density of riparian vegetation with reduced fluctuations in the ground‐level physical environment, and positive changes to the density and survival of eggs. After 4 years, egg densities in exclosures were 400 times greater than in grazed controls and egg survival had doubled. Mowing riparian vegetation 2 months prior to spawning reduced egg densities by 75% and survival by 25%. Our experiments showed that altering grazing and mowing in spawning sites produced dense riparian vegetation, that this improved the microsite environment and resulted in greatly increased egg deposition and survival over several years. This clearly indicates that the single most effective step in rehabilitating G. maculatus spawning habitat is a simple reduction in grazing/mowing pressure.
The “Color” of Money: The Ruble, Competing Currencies, and Conceptions of Citizenship in Manchuria and the Russian Far East, 1890s–1920s
Authors: HSU CHIA YIN
Published: January 2014

Transformed by Russian colonial expansion in the late 1890s, the Chinese territory of Manchuria turned from a remote frontier into a locus of global metropolises in the making, where a complex money economy comprising of multiple currencies took root. Mirroring localized contestations and global rivalries, Russian proposals first advocated supporting a Chinese currency to “squeeze out” Mexican and “English” dollars, but settled on creating a ruble for Manchuria, to inscribe Manchuria as Russian. As depicted by Georg Simmel contemplating the European metropolis in the 1900s, money was “colorless,” an instrument of equivalence without intrinsic quality, or “color,” that homogenized qualitative differences. In the colonial and multiethnic setting of Manchuria, however, money took the form of competing currencies that by the 1920s included various Russian rubles, the Soviet chervonets, a Japanese yen, and a variety of Chinese dollars. In this form, money in Manchuria was “colored”–by the qualitative differences associated with supposed national character and perceptions of strengths and weaknesses that found expression in the way currency exchange rate became an everyday concern for the local urban population. This paper traces Russian and Chinese efforts to render their currencies “colorless” in the sense understood by Simmel, with colorlessness meaning uniformity and absence of qualities that would hinder the currencies' ideal function. The paper explores how these efforts–such as Soviet currency “unification” policies in the Russian Far East after 1922–worked to erase the diversity of the region with respect to monetary practices. Reading these efforts at achieving uniformity and eliminating “color” in another light, my paper suggests that the experience of living with competing currencies in the Manchurian urban environment also had a socializing effect that worked toward acceptance of difference and diversity, reflected in the emphasis on a currency's convertibility to another, rather than on any one currency's unique presence. This paper thus also investigates the ways competing currencies in Manchuria might have shaped Russian and Chinese conceptions of citizenship in the direction of disregarding the “color”–the supposed intrinsic qualities marking their differences–of the diverse ethnicities of the region's population, in favor of a vision of functional equivalence, equality, and equal participation indicated by the principle of currency circulation.
Just Like All the Other Humans? Analyzing Images of Scientists in Children's Trade Books
Authors: Rawson Casey H. , McCool Megan Astolfi
Published: January 2014

Despite the efforts of researchers and national science organizations to recruit more women and minorities into the science and engineering workforce, these fields are still largely dominated by White males. Research suggests that children's mental prototypes of the scientist include a variety of negative and stereotypical features that may contribute to decisions not to pursue a career in science among underrepresented groups. This study examines 1,656 images of scientists in children's nonfiction trade books, which are often used in classrooms and are many children's first introduction to science, to determine the extent to which these depictions perpetuate the stereotypical standard image of the scientist. Results indicate that while many elements of the stereotypical scientist image are not prevalent in these titles, gender and race are causes for concern.
Prospective multicenter evaluation of coagulation abnormalities in dogs following severe acute trauma
Authors: Holowaychuk Marie K. , Hanel Rita M. , Darren Wood R. , Rogers Lindsey , O'Keefe Karen , Monteith Gabrielle
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To describe coagulation abnormalities in dogs following severe acute trauma and to evaluate the relationship between coagulation, clinical, and laboratory variables, and disease and injury severity, as well as the ability of coagulation variables to predict the presence of body cavity hemorrhage (BCH), necessity of blood product administration, and outcome.

Design

Prospective, multicenter, observational study.

Setting

Two university teaching hospitals.

Animals

Forty client‐owned dogs sustaining severe blunt or penetrating trauma.

Interventions

Blood samples were collected within 12 hours of the traumatic incident for measurement of blood gases, lactate concentration, platelet count, activated clotting time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen concentration, antithrombin activity, D‐dimer concentration, protein C activity, plasmin inhibition, plasminogen activity, and kaolin‐activated thomboelastography.

Results

Decreased platelet count was a risk factor for the presence of BCH (P= 0.006) and decreased platelet count (P< 0.001), protein C activity (P= 0.001), angle (α) (P= 0.001), maximum amplitude (MA) (P< 0.001), and clot strength (G) (P= 0.002) were risk factors for blood product administration. Nonsurviving dogs were hypocoagulable with prolonged aPTT (P= 0.008), decreased plasmin inhibition (P= 0.033), decreased α (P= 0.021), and decreased MA (P= 0.038) compared to surviving dogs. Multivariate analysis accounting for disease severity showed that prolonged aPTT (P= 0.004, OR = 1.74) was the strongest predictor of nonsurvival. Prolonged aPTT was positively correlated with APPLE‐fast score (P< 0.001,r2= 0.35), lactate concentration (P< 0.001,r2= 0.35), and negative base excess (P= 0.001,r2= 0.27). Acute traumatic coagulopathy, as defined by 2 or more abnormal coagulation tests, was diagnosed in 15% of dogs at hospital admission and was more common in dogs with increased disease severity (P= 0.002), decreased systolic blood pressure (P= 0.002), and increased lactate concentration (P= 0.011).

Conclusions

In dogs with severe traumatic injuries and hypoperfusion, measurement of thromboelastography and aPTT should be considered to support clinical assessments in predicting the need for blood product administration and nonsurvival.
Self-efficacy, Neighborhood Walking, and Fall History in Older Adults
Authors: Gallaghe N.A. , Clarke P.J. , Loveland-Cherry C. , Ronis D.L. , Gretebeck K.A.
Published: January 2014

This cross-sectional study examined the association of self-efficacy with neighborhood walking in older adult (mean age = 76.1, SD = 8.34) fallers (n = 108) and nonfallers (n = 217) while controlling for demographic characteristics and mobility. Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that the full model explained 39% of the variance in neighborhood walking in fallers (P < .001) and 24% in nonfallers (P < .001). Self-efficacy explained 23% of the variance in fallers (P < .001) and 11% in nonfallers (P < .001). Neighborhood walking was significantly associated with self-efficacy for individual barriers in both groups. Self-efficacy for neighborhood barriers trended toward significance in fallers (β = .18, P = .06). Fall history did not moderate the relationship between self-efficacy and neighborhood walking. Walking interventions for older adults should address self-efficacy in overcoming individual walking barriers. Those targeting fallers should consider addressing self-efficacy for overcoming neighborhood barriers.
Genome Sequence of the Mycorrhizal Helper Bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens BBc6R8
Authors: Deveau A. , Gross H. , Morin E. , Karpinets T. , Utturkar S. , Mehnaz S. , Martin F. , Frey-Klett P. , Labbé J.
Published: January 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of the mycorrhizal helper bacterium
Pseudomonas fluorescens
strain BBc6R8. This is the first genome of a mycorrhizal helper bacterium. The draft genome contains 6,952,353 bp and is predicted to encode 6,317 open reading frames. Comparative genomic analyses will help to identify helper traits.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum 2165
Authors: Karlyshev Andrey V. , Abramov Vyacheslav M.
Published: January 2014

This report describes a draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus plantarum
2165. The data demonstrate the presence of a large number of genes responsible for sugar metabolism and the fermentation activity of this bacterium. Different cell surface proteins, including fibronectin and mucus-binding adhesins, may contribute to the beneficial probiotic properties of this strain.
Infective endocarditis initially presenting with a dermatomyositis-like syndrome
Authors: Ojeda Joel , López-López Linnette , González Anarda , Vilá Luis M
Published: January 2014

Infective endocarditis (IE) may present with rheumatological manifestations such as myalgias, arthralgias, arthritis and back pain. However, muscle inflammation is rare. We present a case of a 68-year-old Hispanic man who presented with 1-month history of tiredness, weight loss, fever, myalgias, muscle weakness and dysphagia to solid food. On physical examination he had severe weakness in the proximal upper and lower extremities, and erythematous eruption involving the upper eyelids, neck and metacarpophalangeal joints. Creatine kinase levels were markedly elevated at 15 809 U/L. MRI of the right thigh revealed intermuscular and intramuscular oedema. Muscle biopsy showed acute necrotising suppurative perimyositis. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus. A transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed vegetations in the pulmonic valve. All clinical manifestations were resolved completely with broad-spectrum antibiotics. This case suggests that IE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with inflammatory myopathy.
‘I think we should just listen and get out’: a qualitative exploration of views and experiences of Patient Safety Walkrounds
Authors: Rotteau Leahora , Shojania Kaveh G , Webster Fiona
Published: January 2014

Objective

This article is an exploration of views and experiences of Patient Safety Walkrounds, a widely recommended strategy for identifying patient safety problems and improving safety culture.

Design and setting

Qualitative analysis of semistructured, in-depth interviews with 11 senior leaders and 33 front-line staff at two major teaching hospitals with mature walkrounds programmes, collected as part of a larger mixed-methods evaluation.

Results

Despite differences in the structure of the two walkrounds programmes, senior leaders at both institutions reported attitudes and behaviours that contradict the stated goals and principles of walkrounds. Senior leaders tended to regard executive visibility as an end in itself and generally did not engage with staff concerns beyond the walkrounds encounter. Some senior leaders believed they understood patient safety issues better than front-line staff and even characterised staff concerns as ‘stupid’. Senior leaders acknowledged that they often controlled the conversations, delimiting what counted as patient safety problems and sometimes even steered the conversations to predetermined topics. Some front-line staff made note of these contradictions in their interviews.

Discussion/conclusions

Our study found that walkrounds may inadvertently lead to counter-productive attitudes by senior leaders at odds with the recommended principles of walkrounds. The results demonstrate similar attitudes from senior leaders at two hospitals with quite different formats for walkrounds, suggesting that this pattern may exist elsewhere. Better preparation of senior leaders prior to the walkrounds may help to avoid the counter-productive attitudes and dynamics that we identified.
Immunohistochemical stains of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, insulin-like growth factor 2 and clusterin help distinguish malignant from benign liver nodular lesions
Authors: Lai Jin-Ping , Chen Zong-Ming E , Lok Terry , Chan Owen T M , Himmelfarb Eric , Zhai Qihui , Lin Fan , Wang Hanlin L
Published: January 2014

Aims

To explore the immunohistochemical utility of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and clusterin in the distinction between malignant and benign liver nodular lesions.

Methods

Immunohistochemical stains for PCNA, IGF2 and clusterin were performed on 284 liver nodular lesions, including 33 hepatocellular adenomas (HCA), 40 focal nodular hyperplasias (FNH), 77 large regenerative nodules (LRN) and 134 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC).

Results

Strong and diffuse nuclear PCNA immunoreactivity was observed in 103 (77%) HCCs but in only 2 (6%) HCAs. None of the FNH and LRN cases showed a strong and diffuse staining pattern. All HCAs, 95% of FNHs and 92% of LRNs showed cytoplasmic IGF2 expression, with a strong staining observed in 70% of HCAs, 20% of FNHs and 30% of LRNs. This was in marked contrast to that observed in HCCs, where 66% of HCCs demonstrated a weak and focal/patchy immunostaining pattern and another 25% showed no detectable IGF2 immunoreactivity. In comparison with their adjacent non-lesional hepatocytes, 75% of HCCs showed decreased IGF2 expression. However, decreased IGF2 expression was not evident in HCAs, FNHs and LRNs. Cytoplasmic staining for clusterin was seen in both benign and malignant nodular lesions. However, an enhanced and exaggerated pericanalicular staining pattern was observed in 75% of HCCs, which was not demonstrated in HCAs, FNHs and LRNs.

Conclusions

PCNA, IGF2 and clusterin show unique immunostaining characteristics in HCCs, which can be useful adjuncts to other currently available markers to aid in the distinction of HCC from benign liver nodular lesions.
Puerarin protects endothelial cells from oxidized low density lipoprotein induced injuries via the suppression of LOX-1 and induction of eNOS
Authors: Bao Mei-hua , Zhang Yi-wen , Lou Xiao-ya , Xiao Yan , Cheng Yu , Zhou Hong-hao
Published: January 2014

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induced injury of endothelial cells is considered to be the first step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate some of the effects and mechanisms of puerarin on oxLDL-induced endothelial injuries. We measured cell viability, and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitric oxide (NO), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) to evaluate the protective effects of puerarin. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). The expression of lectin-like low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), p38MAPK, and protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation, and inhibitor of κB (IκB) degradation were detected using quantitative real-time PCR or Western blot. The results showed that oxLDL significantly decreased cell viability, increased LDH and IL-8 release, inhibited NO production, and induced COX-2 expression. Pretreatment with puerarin led to a strong inhibition of these effects. OxLDL stimulated the expression of LOX-1, the overproduction of ROS, the phosphorylation of p38MAPK, the dephosphorylation of PKB, activation of NF-κB, and the degradation of IκB. These oxLDL-induced effects were suppressed after puerarin pretreatment. These results suggest that puerarin inhibits oxLDL-induced endothelial cell injuries, at least in part, via inhibition of the LOX-1-mediated p38MAPK–NF-κB inflammatory and the PKB–eNOS signaling pathways.
Diaphragm remodeling and compensatory respiratory mechanics in a canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mead A. F. , Petrov M. , Malik A. S. , Mitchell M. A. , Childers M. K. , Bogan J. R. , Seidner G. , Kornegay J. N. , Stedman H. H.
Published: January 2014

Ventilatory insufficiency remains the leading cause of death and late stage morbidity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). To address critical gaps in our knowledge of the pathobiology of respiratory functional decline, we used an integrative approach to study respiratory mechanics in a translational model of DMD. In studies of individual dogs with the Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) mutation, we found evidence of rapidly progressive loss of ventilatory capacity in association with dramatic morphometric remodeling of the diaphragm. Within the first year of life, the mechanics of breathing at rest, and especially during pharmacological stimulation of respiratory control pathways in the carotid bodies, shift such that the primary role of the diaphragm becomes the passive elastic storage of energy transferred from abdominal wall muscles, thereby permitting the expiratory musculature to share in the generation of inspiratory pressure and flow. In the diaphragm, this physiological shift is associated with the loss of sarcomeres in series (∼60%) and an increase in muscle stiffness (∼900%) compared with those of the nondystrophic diaphragm, as studied during perfusion ex vivo. In addition to providing much needed endpoint measures for assessing the efficacy of therapeutics, we expect these findings to be a starting point for a more precise understanding of respiratory failure in DMD.
Inorganic nitrite supplementation for healthy arterial aging
Authors: Sindler Amy L. , DeVan Allison E. , Fleenor Bradley S. , Seals Douglas R.
Published: January 2014

Aging is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This is attributable primarily to adverse changes in arteries, notably, increases in large elastic artery stiffness and endothelial dysfunction mediated by inadequate concentrations of the vascular-protective molecule, nitric oxide (NO), and higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. Inorganic nitrite is a promising precursor molecule for augmenting circulating and tissue NO bioavailability because it requires only a one-step reduction to NO. Nitrite also acts as an independent signaling molecule, exerting many of the effects previously attributed to NO. Results of recent studies indicate that nitrite may be effective in the treatment of vascular aging. In old mice, short-term oral sodium nitrite supplementation reduces aortic pulse wave velocity, the gold-standard measure of large elastic artery stiffness, and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction, as indicated by normalization of NO-mediated endothelium-dependent dilation. These improvements in age-related vascular dysfunction with nitrite are mediated by reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation, and may be linked to increases in mitochondrial biogenesis and health. Increasing nitrite levels via dietary intake of nitrate appears to have similarly beneficial effects in many of the same physiological and clinical settings. Several clinical trials are being performed to determine the broad therapeutic potential of increasing nitrite bioavailability on human health and disease, including studies related to vascular aging. In summary, inorganic nitrite, as well as dietary nitrate supplementation, represents a promising therapy for treatment of arterial aging and prevention of age-associated CVD in humans.
Systemic Light-Chain Amyloidosis Revealed by Progressive Nail Involvement, Diffuse Alopecia and Sicca Syndrome: Report of an Unusual Case with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Renker T. , Haneke E. , Röcken C. , Borradori L.
Published: January 2014

Immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a form of systemic amyloidosis in which the fibrils are derived from monoclonal light chains. We report a case of a 66-year-old woman presenting with nail changes, parchment-like hand changes, progressive alopecia and sicca syndrome. Histopathological studies of biopsy specimens of the scalp, the nail, minor labial salivary glands and abdominal skin revealed deposits of AL κ-type amyloid. Urine protein electrophoresis exhibited a weak band of κ-type light chains. Based on this striking case, we here review the characteristic nail and hair manifestations associated with systemic amyloidosis. Knowledge of these signs is important for an early diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis, identification of the underlying disease and patient management.
Absence of GPR54 and TACR3 Mutations in Sporadic Cases of Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Leka-Emiri Sofia , Louizou Eirini , Kambouris Marios , Chrousos George , De Roux Nicolas , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina
Published: January 2014

Background/Aims: Kisspeptin (KISS1)/GPR54 (KISSR) signaling complex and neurokinin B (NKB)/NKB receptor (TACR3) signaling have been proposed as an integral part of the network coordinating GnRH release. GPR54 (KISS1R) and TACR3 gene mutations have been described in cases of idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, while limited data exist on gain-of-function mutation in GPR54 (KISS1R) gene causing idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). No data on TACR3 mutations in ICPP have been described so far. The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible impact of GPR54 (KISS1R) and TACR3 mutations in ICPP. Methods: PCR-amplified genomic DNA of 38 girls with ICPP was analyzed for GPR54 and TACR3 gene mutations. Results: No GPR54 or TACR3 mutations were found. The A/G coding sequence single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the GPR54 gene (dbSNP ID: rs10407968) was found in 2 patients with ICPP. Conclusion: Our data indicate that GPR54 and TACR3 gene mutations are not a frequent cause of ICPP. The identified A/G synonymous SNP (dbSNP ID: rs10407968) located in exon 1 of the gene is not likely to have a pathogenic role in exon splicing and therefore in the premature initiation of puberty.
Unilateral Optic Disc Papilloedema following Administration of Carboplatin Chemotherapy for Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Lewis Philippa , Waqar Salman , Yiannakis Dennis , Raman Vasant
Published: January 2014

A 48-year-old woman with a positive BRCA1 gene mutation was diagnosed with stage 3b high-grade ovarian endometrioid carcinoma. She was treated with adjuvant carboplatin at a dose of 740 mg (AUC 6) in 3-weekly cycles. Five days after her fifth cycle of carboplatin, she awoke with new-onset blurred vision in her left eye. An ophthalmology review showed left-sided disc oedema with normal optic nerve function tests and 6/24 visual acuity. A CT scan of the head and orbits was performed which showed no evidence of metastasis or raised intracranial pressure. An autoimmune screen was performed which did not reveal any explanation for her visual symptoms. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed bilateral intense late disc leakage with no evidence of vasculitis. Her chemotherapy was stopped in view of a radiological and biochemical remission and her visual symptoms were monitored. She was also started on a tapering dose of prednisolone 40 mg daily. Five months after the initial review, she has developed left optic disc atrophy with 6/18 visual acuity, while the right eye remains asymptomatic. The diagnosis was felt to be that of carboplatin-induced unilateral disc oedema, a very rare side effect of this chemotherapy.
Absence of Chemokine (C-X-C Motif) Ligand 10 Diminishes Perfusion Recovery After Local Arterial Occlusion in Mice
Authors: van den Borne Pleunie , Haverslag René T. , Brandt Maarten M. , Cheng Caroline , Duckers Henricus J. , Quax Paul H.A. , Hoefer Imo E. , Pasterkamp Gerard , de Kleijn Dominique P.V.
Published: January 2014

Objective—

In arteriogenesis, pre-existing anastomoses undergo enlargement to restore blood flow in ischemic tissues. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) is secreted after Toll-like receptor activation. Toll-like receptors are involved in arteriogenesis; however, the role of CXCL10 is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the role for CXCL10 in a murine hindlimb ischemia model.

Approach and Results—

Unilateral femoral artery ligation was performed in wild-type (WT) and CXCL10
−/−
knockout (KO) mice and perfusion recovery was measured using laser-Doppler perfusion analysis. Perfusion recovery was significantly lower in KO mice compared with WT at days 4 and 7 after surgery (KO versus WT: 28±5% versus 81±13% at day 4;
P
=0.003 and 57±12% versus 107±8% at day 7;
P
=0.003). Vessel measurements of α-smooth muscle actin–positive vessels revealed increasing numbers in time after surgery, which was significantly higher in WT when compared with that in KO. Furthermore, α-smooth muscle actin–positive vessels were significantly larger in WT when compared with those in KO at day 7 (wall thickness,
P
<0.001; lumen area,
P
=0.003). Local inflammation was assessed in hindlimb muscles, but this did not differ between WT and KO. Chimerization experiments analyzing perfusion recovery and histology revealed an equal contribution for bone marrow–derived and circulating CXCL10. Migration assays showed a stimulating role for both intrinsic and extrinsic CXCL10 in vascular smooth muscle cell migration.

Conclusions—

CXCL10 plays a causal role in arteriogenesis. Bone marrow–derived CXCL10 and tissue-derived CXCL10 play a critical role in accelerating perfusion recovery after arterial occlusion in mice probably by promoting vascular smooth muscle cell recruitment and maturation of pre-existing anastomoses.
The Economic, Carbon Emission, and Water Impacts of Chinese Visitors to Taiwan
Authors: Sun Ya-Yen , Pratt Stephen
Published: January 2014

China outbound tourism contributes substantial foreign receipts but also creates carbon and water footprints at destinations. This study is set out to analyze whether this tourist segment is a preferred market from the economic and environmental perspectives. Using Taiwan as an example, the direct carbon emission per dollar and total carbon footprint per Chinese inbound visitor is about 20% more efficient than other markets because of a high consumption pattern, longer length of stay, and closer distance between the two regions. However, one unsatisfactory area is the total water footprint because of their high spending on food-related souvenirs that generates substantial water requirements from the agriculture sector. When forecasting the estimated growth of Chinese visitors in Taiwan to 2016, an additional 0.8% increase in economic output is expected at the expense of a 2.7% increase in CO2 emissions and a 3.0% increase in water use.
Do the Modals of Black and White South African English Converge?
Authors: van Rooy Bertus , Wasserman Ronel
Published: January 2014

Convergence between native and nonnative varieties, the so-called settler and indigenous strands of English in postcolonial settings, is a characteristic of the fourth phase in Schneider’s dynamic model of English. The primary objective of this article is to determine if Black South African English (BSAfE), the nonnative variety of the majority of the indigenous population of South Africa, converges on the native variety of the descendants of the original settlers as far as their use of modal and quasi-modal verbs is concerned. Corpora of written data from the 1950s and the contemporary period are compiled and analyzed in terms of the frequency of modals and quasi-modals, in comparison to corresponding data from White South African English (WSAfE). Results indicate an increase in the frequency of modals and quasi-modals in BSAfE, and no decline in the frequency of modals as observed in most native varieties of English. Since WSAfE shows a decline in frequency of both modals and quasi-modals, the distance between the two strands increases as far as frequency is concerned. The two strands do share a relatively higher frequency of the modal must, unlike other varieties where it is declining in frequency. A semantic comparison of must and should does not show convergence between BSAfE and WSAfE, because there is little change in BSAfE.
Making string education culturally responsive: The musical lives of African American children
Authors: Boon Ebru Tuncer
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore the violin experiences of African American students at an Elementary School in northern Florida to consider the potential for culturally-responsive string education. The hermeneutical approach was used to answer the research questions: (1) What are the personal musical worlds of these African American children? and (2) How do these children perceive the violin program at school? These helped to answer the study’s overall research question: how do the individual perceptions of the violin program and the sociocultural musical backgrounds of these students relate? The data revealed that the participants had shared perceptions of music; in particular, that music tells stories and has a distinctive beat. Their perceptions of music were learned and experienced in their cultural environments and social spaces. The data also made it evident that their musical lives and perceptions of playing violin affect each other. For instance, the children discussed playing violin at church, and tried to hear violin music in their favorite songs at home. They also expressed a desire to generate beat on their violins and play familiar songs. They were willing to link their experiences in the school violin classroom with their lives beyond.
Mapping the patterns and problems in using rural library services among rural youth in Malaysia
Authors: Omar Siti Zobidah , Shaffril Hayrol Azril Mohamed , D’Silva Jeffrey Lawrence , Bolong Jusang , Hamzah Azimi
Published: January 2014

This study attempts to discover the pattern of rural library usage among rural youth in Malaysia and to determine the problems that are associated with such usage. The findings of this study provide an insight into youth usage of rural library services. The most obvious pattern that resulted from the findings is the connection between library usage and the availability of reading materials. Furthermore, it was found that some of the respondents raised their concern with regard to rural libraries being congested with children. A number of recommendations have been highlighted and it is expected that these can be used by concerned parties to further improve and develop rural library services.
A comparison study of haemolysis production in three contemporary centrifugal pumps
Authors: Bottrell S , Bennett M , Augustin S , Thuys C , Schultz B , Horton A , Horton S
Published: January 2014

One challenge in providing extracorporeal circulation is to supply optimal flow while minimising adverse effects, such as haemolysis. To determine if the recent generation constrained vortex pumps with their inherent design improvements would lead to reduced red cell trauma, we undertook a study comparing three devices. Utilizing a simulated short-term ventricular assist circuit primed with whole human blood, we examined changes in plasma free haemoglobin values over a six-day period. The three pumps investigated were the Maquet Rotaflow, the Levitronix PediVAS and the Medos Deltastream DP3.This study demonstrated that all three pumps produced low levels of haemolysis and are suitable for use in a clinical environment. The Levitronix PediVAS was significantly less haemolytic than either the Rotaflow (p<0.05) or the DP3 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma free haemoglobin between the Rotaflow and the DP3 (p=0.71).
Development of residual stresses during electron beam processing
Authors: Demaria Cristian , Paździor Przemyslaw , Johnston Andrew , Djokic Drazen , Hubert Pascal
Published: January 2014

In order to further advance the state of the art in the electron beam processing of polymers and composites, it is necessary to better understand the development of cure-induced residual stresses. In situ measurement of electron beam cure–induced stress development is challenging due to the bombardment of specimens with intense beams of very high-voltage electrons. In this study, a custom fixture was designed to measure the deformation of an electron beam–cured specimen during processing and thereby to assess specimen stress state during the curing process. The unbalanced composite specimen consisted of two cured unidirectional carbon–epoxy laminates separated by a thin woven fibreglass carrier, which was infused by a layer of electron beam curable epoxy resin systems (Tactix 123 and CAT B). The out-of-plane specimen deformations were monitored during various electron beam irradiation schedules and subsequent thermal post-cure. The preliminary results confirmed that the apparatus was not affected by the irradiation and was capable of accurately measuring the specimen warpage during the cure. It was also shown that the electron beam–cured specimens exhibit a reduced residual stress state compared to equivalent thermally cured specimens. It was observed that the irradiation dose rate applied to a specimen is the main factor in the difference in the way residual stresses develop during electron beam curing. Furthermore, the results suggest that there is a direct relation between the stress-free temperature ( TSF) and the temperature of the specimen at gelation ( TGEL).
Exploring the Relationships of Fashion and Health
Authors: LaBat Karen L. , Kim Hye-Young
Published: January 2014

The relationships of fashion and health are explored in this focused issue of the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal. The impetus for the issue came from a symposium hosted at the University of Minnesota titled Fashion and Health. Five articles represent the broad range of research being conducted by textile and apparel researchers who focus on some aspect of fashion and health. One article details factors influencing choices in tanning behavior, while another article explores attitudes toward using online shopping as related to viewing models with possible effects on body satisfaction. Three articles present perspectives on fashion and health related to a wide range of special populations including disabled consumers, roller derby athletes, and a teen with type I diabetes. Textile and apparel researchers are encouraged to carry basic and applied research to the next step by developing educational programs, making presentations to interested audiences, and seeking out opportunities to implement research in relevant and timely ways.
The Revised MRS
Authors: Hamilton Laura T.
Published: January 2014

Using an ethnographic and longitudinal interview study of college women and in-depth interviews with their parents, I argue that mid-tier flagship universities still push women toward gender complementarity—a gender-traditional model of economic security pairing a career oriented man with a financially dependent woman. Combining multilevel and intersectional theories, I show that the infrastructure and campus peer culture at Midwest University supports this gendered logic of class reproduction, which reflects an affluent, white, and heterosexual femininity. I argue that this logic may only work for a minority of students, and plays a role in reinforcing class inequities among women.
Characterising the machining of biomedical grade polymers
Authors: Aldwell Barry , Hanley Ray , O’Donnell Garret E
Published: January 2014

The manufacture of polymer components for biomedical applications is an area that has received much attention from polymer scientists, with high levels of wear resistance achieved, but relatively little research has been done into the machining operations required to manufacture the complex geometries used in total joint replacement. Traditional metal cutting theories have been shown to be insufficient for the analysis of polymer machining, as polymers exhibit viscoelastic behaviour, and unique chip formation mechanisms. This article details an experimental investigation into the effect of tooling and machining parameters on the cutting forces, surface roughness and chip formation in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, a common material used in biomedical applications. This research quantifies the relative importance of each parameter, the chip formation mechanisms and resulting surface roughness for the given machining parameters and provides new insight into applied research on the machining of polymers.