bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of N-myc Downstream–regulated Gene-2 Is Involved in an Astrocyte-specific Neuroprotection Induced by Sevoflurane Preconditioning
Authors: Li Xin , Luo Peng , Wang Feng , Yang Qianzi , Li Yan , Zhao Mingming , Wang Shiquan , Wang Qiang , Xiong Lize
Published: May 2014

Background:

Mechanism of sevoflurane preconditioning–induced cerebral ischemic tolerance is unclear. This study investigates the role of N-myc downstream–regulated gene-2 (NDRG2) in the neuroprotection of sevoflurane preconditioning in ischemic model both in vivo and in vitro.

Methods:

At 2 h after sevoflurane (2%) preconditioning for 1 h, rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 120 min. Neurobehavioral scores (n = 10), infarct volumes (n = 10), cellular apoptosis (n = 6), and NDRG2 expression (n = 6) were determined at 24 h after reperfusion. In vitro, cultural astrocytes were exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation for 4 h. Cellular viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and NDRG2 expression (n = 6) were evaluated in the presence or absence of NDRG2-specific small interfering RNA or NDRG2 overexpression plasmid.

Results:

Sevoflurane preconditioning decreased apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated 2’-deoxyuridine 5’-triphosphate nick-end labeling–positive cells reduced to 31.2 ± 5.3% and cleaved Caspase-3 reduced to 1.42 ± 0.21 fold) and inhibited NDRG2 expression (1.28 ± 0.15 fold) and nuclear translocation (2.21 ± 0.29 fold) in ischemic penumbra. Similar effects were observed in cultural astrocytes exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation. NDRG2 knockdown by small interfering RNA attenuated oxygen–glucose deprivation–induced injury (cell viability increased to 80.5 ± 4.1%; lactate dehydrogenase release reduced to 30.5 ± 4.0%) and cellular apoptosis (cleaved Caspase-3 reduced to 1.55 ± 0.21 fold; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated 2’-deoxyuridine 5’-triphosphate nick-end labeling–positive cells reduced to 18.2 ± 4.3%), whereas NDRG2 overexpression reversed the protective effects of sevoflurane preconditioning. All the data are presented as mean ± SD.

Conclusion:

Sevoflurane preconditioning inhibits NDRG2 up-regulation and nuclear translocation in astrocytes to induce cerebral ischemic tolerance via antiapoptosis, which represents one new mechanism of sevoflurane preconditioning and provides a novel target for neuroprotection.
What cost mitochondria? The maintenance of functional mitochondrial DNA within and across generations
Authors: Aanen Duur K. , Spelbrink Johannes N. , Beekman Madeleine
Published: May 2014

The peculiar biology of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) potentially has detrimental consequences for organismal health and lifespan. Typically, eukaryotic cells contain multiple mitochondria, each with multiple mtDNA genomes. The high copy number of mtDNA implies that selection on mtDNA functionality is relaxed. Furthermore, because mtDNA replication is not strictly regulated, within-cell selection may favour mtDNA variants with a replication advantage, but a deleterious effect on cell fitness. The opportunities for selfish mtDNA mutations to spread are restricted by various organism-level adaptations, such as uniparental transmission, germline mtDNA bottlenecks, germline selection and, during somatic growth, regular alternation between fusion and fission of mitochondria. These mechanisms are all hypothesized to maintain functional mtDNA. However, the strength of selection for maintenance of functional mtDNA progressively declines with age, resulting in age-related diseases. Furthermore, organismal adaptations that most probably evolved to restrict the opportunities for selfish mtDNA create secondary problems. Owing to predominantly maternal mtDNA transmission, recombination among mtDNA from different individuals is highly restricted or absent, reducing the scope for repair. Moreover, maternal inheritance precludes selection against mtDNA variants with male-specific effects. We finish by discussing the consequences of life-history differences among taxa with respect to mtDNA evolution and make a case for the use of microorganisms to experimentally manipulate levels of selection.
Regular bottlenecks and restrictions to somatic fusion prevent the accumulation of mitochondrial defects inNeurospora
Authors: Bastiaans E. , Aanen D. K. , Debets A. J. M. , Hoekstra R. F. , Lestrade B. , Maas M. F. P. M.
Published: May 2014

The replication and segregation of multi-copy mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are not under strict control of the nuclear DNA. Within-cell selection may thus favour variants with an intracellular selective advantage but a detrimental effect on cell fitness. High relatedness among the mtDNA variants of an individual is predicted to disfavour such deleterious selfish genetic elements, but experimental evidence for this hypothesis is scarce. We studied the effect of mtDNA relatedness on the opportunities for suppressive mtDNA variants in the fungusNeurosporacarrying the mitochondrial mutator plasmid pKALILO. During growth, this plasmid integrates into the mitochondrial genome, generating suppressive mtDNA variants. These mtDNA variants gradually replace the wild-type mtDNA, ultimately culminating in growth arrest and death. We show that regular sequestration of mtDNA variation is required for effective selection against suppressive mtDNA variants. First, bottlenecks in the number of mtDNA copies from which a ‘Kalilo’ culture started significantly increased the maximum lifespan and variation in lifespan among cultures. Second, restrictions to somatic fusion among fungal individuals, either by using anastomosis-deficient mutants or by generating allotype diversity, prevented the accumulation of suppressive mtDNA variants. We discuss the implications of these results for the somatic accumulation of mitochondrial defects during ageing.
Hip and knee kinematics display complex and time-varying sagittal kinematics during repetitive stepping: Implications for design of a functional fatigue model of the knee extensors and flexors
Authors: Scholes Corey J. , McDonald Michael D. , Parker Anthony W.
Published: May 2014

The validity of fatigue protocols involving multi-joint movements, such as stepping, has yet to be clearly defined. Although surface electromyography can monitor the fatigue state of individual muscles, the effects of joint angle and velocity variation on signal parameters are well established. Therefore, the aims of this study were to i) describe sagittal hip and knee kinematics during repetitive stepping ii) identify periods of high inter-trial variability and iii) determine within-test reliability of hip and knee kinematic profiles. A group of healthy men (N = 15) ascended and descended from a knee-high platform wearing a weighted vest (10%BW) for 50 consecutive trials. The hip and knee underwent rapid flexion and extension during step ascent and descent. Variability of hip and knee velocity peaked between 20-40% of the ascent phase and 80-100% of the descent. Significant (p<0.05) reductions in joint range of motion and peak velocity during step ascent were observed, while peak flexion velocity increased during descent. Healthy individuals use complex hip and knee motion to negotiate a knee-high step with kinematic patterns varying across multiple repetitions. These findings have important implications for future studies intending to use repetitive stepping as a fatigue model for the knee extensors and flexors.
Alternative splicing detection workflow needs a careful combination of sample prep and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Carrara M. , Lum J. , Cordero F. , Beccuti M. , Poidinger M. , Donatelli S. , Calogero R. A. , Zolezzi F.
Published: May 2014

Background

RNAseq provides remarkable power in the area of biomarkers discovery and disease stratification. The main technical steps affecting the results of RNAseq experiments are Library Sample Preparation (LSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis (BA). At the best of our knowledge, a comparative evaluation of the combined effect of LSP and BA was never considered and it might represent a valuable knowledge to optimize alternative splicing detection, which is a challenging task due to moderate fold change differences to be detected within a complex isoforms background.

Results

Different LSPs (TruSeq unstranded/stranded, ScriptSeq, NuGEN) allow the detection of a large common set of isoforms. However, each LSP also detects a smaller set of isoforms, which are characterized both by lower coverage and lower FPKM than that observed for the common ones among LSPs. This characteristic is particularly critical in case of low input RNA NuGEN v2 LSP.

The effect on statistical detection of alternative splicing considering low input LSP (NuGEN v2) with respect to high input LSP (TruSeq) on statistical detection of alternative splicing was studied using a benchmark dataset, in which both synthetic reads and reads generated from high (TruSeq) and low input (NuGEN) LSPs were spiked-in. Statistical detection of alternative splicing (AltDE) was done using prototypes of BA for isoform-reconstruction (Cuffdiff) and exon-level analysis (DEXSeq). Exon-level analysis performs slightly better than isoform-reconstruction approach although at most only 50% of the spiked-in transcripts are detected. Both isoform-reconstruction and exon-level analysis performances improve by rising the number of input reads.

Conclusion

Data, derived from NuGEN v2, are not the ideal input for AltDE, specifically when exon-level approach is used. It is notable that ribosomal depletion, with respect to polyA+ selection, reduces the amount of coding mappable reads resulting detrimental in the case of AltDE. Furthermore, we observed that both isoform-reconstruction and exon-level analysis performances are strongly dependent on the number of input reads.
An ethanol-solvated centrosymmetric dimer of bismuth(III) and thiosaccharinate resulting from `semicoordination' contacts
Authors: Dennehy Mariana , Ferullo Ricardo M. , Freire Eleonora , Baggio Ricardo
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, bis(μ-1,1-dioxo-1,2-benzothiazole-3-thiolato)-κ3N,S:S;κ3S:N,S-bis[(1,1-dioxo-1,2-benzothiazole-3-thiolato-κ2N,S)(ethanol-κO)bismuth(III)] ethanol hemisolvate, [Bi2(C7H4NO2S2)6(C2H5OH)2]·0.5C2H5OH, three independent thiosaccharinate (tsac) anions chelate the metal centre through the endocyclic N and exocyclic S atoms. The complex also presnts two `semicoordination' contacts, one from a pendant ethanol solvent molecule and a second one from an S atom of a centrosymmetrically related molecule. This latter interaction complements two π–π interactions between tsac rings to form a dimeric entity which is the elemental unit that builds up the crystal structure. These dinuclear units are connected to each otherviaa second type of π–π interaction, generating chains along [1\overline{1}1]. Two ethanol molecules, one of them of full occupancy at a general position and semicoordinated to the central cation, and a second one depleted and disordered around a symmetry centre, stabilize the structure. The complex was studied theoretically and the vibrational assignations were confirmed by employing theoretical density functional theory (DFT) methods.
Diasporas
Authors: Kee Pookong
Published: May 2014

This article discusses the origins and growing popularity of the concept ‘diaspora’ and how forced dispersion, an experience associated with adversity, is increasingly seen as a strength and asset. Diaspora remittances and knowledge networks have become valued development options for national governments and international agencies. However, the increased permeability of borders, growing flow of migrants and weakened role of nation states have given rise to new concerns about the destabilising influence of transitional communities. The article offers an assessment of claims and counter‐claims, drawing on the experience of two of the world's largest diasporas, the Chinese and Indian, among others.
Regenerative effect of azithromycin on periodontitis with different levels of gingival inflammation: three case reports
Authors: Fujise O , Miura M , Hamachi T , Aida Y , Nishimura F
Published: May 2014

Background

Azithromycin is an antibiotic belonging to the macrolides. Previous case reports showed that azithromycin has a regenerative effect on periodontal tissue in addition to improving periodontal gingival inflammation. Recently, we experienced three periodontitis cases, all of which showed severe bone loss. However, their gingival inflammatory signs differed greatly. The present case reports evaluated the regenerative effects of azithromycin on periodontitis sites with different clinical signs of gingival inflammation.

Methods

In Case 1, generalized chronic periodontitis with severe gingival inflammation was treated with azithromycin before periodontal treatment. In contrast, Case 2 presented with few clinical signs of gingival inflammation, but was treated with azithromycin prescribed within a day of scaling and root planing. In Case 3, teeth with moderate gingival inflammation were treated with azithromycin after a series of scaling and root planing.

Results

Remarkable alveolar bone growth, regardless of baseline gingival inflammation, was noted in all three cases.

Conclusions

The use of adjunctive azithromycin in scaling and root planing may be effective for periodontal tissue regeneration. This property may be independent of the degree of baseline gingival inflammation.
Coincidental diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis: a case report
Authors: Garg AK , Chaudhary A , Tewari RK , Bariar LM , Agrawal N
Published: May 2014

The aim of this case report was to present a case of multiple calcified tuberculous lymph nodes found on a panoramic radiograph coincidently diagnosed in an endodontic clinic. A detailed discussion on the differential diagnosis of similar such calcification found in the same region is also presented. A 14‐year‐old girl was referred to our department with the complaint of painless swelling in the left side of the lower jaw. Clinical and radiographical examinations were performed, leading to the initial diagnosis of chronic periapical abscess. The patient's medical history was re‐evaluated. Advanced imaging and excisional biopsy were performed in order to confirm the final diagnosis. Regarding the presenting signs and symptoms of bilateral carious mandibular molars, a periapical inflammatory process was considered in the provisional diagnosis. A thorough examination and investigations were suggestive of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (scrofula), and the patient underwent excision of the same. The clinician should consider the possibility of chronic granulomatous inflammatory lesions in the differential diagnosis of radiopaque lesions.
The impact of locoregional recurrences and distant metastases on the survival of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Su Deng‐Huang , Chang Shu‐Hui , Chang Tien‐Chun
Published: May 2014

Objective

Some patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) would suffer from locoregional recurrences or distant metastases. This study was aimed to elucidate the impacts of locoregional recurrences and distant metastases on these patients' survival.

Design

Retrospective hospital‐based cohort study.

Population

Data were collected from 1636 subjects with PTC at National Taiwan University Hospital between 1985 and 2007.

Measurements

Overall and disease‐specific survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Time‐independent and time‐dependent prognostic factors were included simultaneously in multivariate analyses using Cox models.

Results

Overall survival (OS) rates at 10‐ and 20‐years were 90% and 76%, respectively. The 10‐ and 20‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates were 95% and 90%, respectively. Our multivariate analyses identified that older age, distant metastases (hazard ratio, HR: 6·69, 95% CI: 4·40–10·18), locoregional recurrences (HR: 1·88, 95% CI: 1·22–2·89), lymph node metastases, massive extrathyroid extension, male gender and larger tumour size (>4 cm) were significantly associated with poorer OS. Older age, distant metastases (HR: 15·03, 95% CI: 8·31–27·21), locoregional recurrences (HR: 3·63, 95% CI: 2·03–6·51), massive extrathyroid extension, male gender and larger tumour size (>4 cm) were independently related to worse DSS. The performance of high‐dose 131I ablation had a protective effect on OS and DSS.

Conclusion

The locoregional recurrences had a moderately harmful impact on OS and DSS, but age and distant metastases were the major decisive factors for OS and DSS. High‐dose 131I ablation had a protective role. However, lymph node dissection did not alter the prognosis whenever lymph node metastases only influenced OS.
Cardiovascular manifestations in Marfan syndrome and related diseases; multiple genes causing similar phenotypes
Authors: Cook J.R. , Carta L. , Galatioto J. , Ramirez F.
Published: May 2014

Cardiovascular abnormalities are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Marfan syndrome (MFS) and a few clinically related diseases that share, with MFS, the pathogenic contribution of dysregulated transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling. They include Loeys–Dietz syndrome, Shprintzen–Goldberg syndrome, aneurysm–osteoarthritis syndrome and syndromic thoracic aortic aneurysms. Unlike the causal association of MFS with mutations in an extracellular matrix protein (ECM), the aforementioned conditions are due to defects in components of the TGFβ pathway. While TGFβ antagonism is being considered as a potential new therapy for these heritable syndromes, several points still need to be clarified in relevant animal models before this strategy could be safely applied to patients. Among others, unresolved issues include whether elevated TGFβ signaling is responsible for all MFS manifestations and is the common trigger of disease in MFS and related conditions. The scope of our review is to highlight the clinical and experimental findings that have forged our understanding of the natural history and molecular pathogenesis of cardiovascular manifestations in this group of syndromic conditions.
THE EFFECTS OF PUBLIC SPENDING COMPOSITION ON FIRM PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: KNELLER RICHARD , MISCH FLORIAN
Published: May 2014

This paper exploits the unique institutional features of South Africa to estimate the impact of provincial public spending on firm productivity. In contrast to existing microeconomic evidence, we explore the effects of fiscal expenditures and remove the effects of revenue raising policies. Our identification strategy is based on differences in the effects of public spending across firms within the same industry and province. We show that public spending composition affects productivity depending on the capital intensity of firms, with less capital intensive firms being particularly affected. These effects appear to be robust. (JEL D24, H32, H72)
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in emerging psychosis: a safer alternative?
Authors: Schlögelhofer Monika , Amminger G. Paul , Schaefer Miriam R. , Fusar‐Poli Paolo , Smesny Stefan , McGorry Pat , Berger Gregor , Mossaheb Nilufar
Published: May 2014

Aim

A promising approach of indicated prevention in individuals at increased risk of psychosis was based on the finding of potential neuroprotective properties of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Considering the rising interest in omega‐3 PUFA supplementation as preventive treatment strategy in young people at risk of psychosis, the question of safety issues must be addressed.

Methods

For this systematic review, a literature search for studies on omega‐3 PUFAs for emerging psychosis with a focus on the safety profile was undertaken. Because limited data are available, information regarding potential side effects of omega‐3 PUFAs was additionally derived from currently available data in psychotic disorders at different stages of the illness. Furthermore, helpful evidence from somatic disorders and healthy controls was used.

Results

In terms of safety issues, evidence from the randomized controlled trial in ultra‐high‐risk individuals and a variety of studies in schizophrenia patients strongly suggests that omega‐3 PUFAs are safe and well tolerated even when used in relatively high doses. Most commonly occurring but clinically rarely significant are mild gastrointestinal symptoms; similarly, the slight risk of prolonged bleeding time has not been shown to be clinically relevant. Differential effects on metabolic parameters, most of which appear beneficial, have been reported.

Conclusions

Taken together, one promising aspect of omega‐3 PUFAs is that there seem to be no reports of relevant deleterious side effects in humans, even at high doses. The differential effects on lipid parameters and bleeding time are noteworthy and need further clarification.
Discrepancy between self‐reported and interviewed psychosis risk symptoms: auditory distortions are the most reliably reported symptom by self‐report
Authors: Granö Niklas , Kallionpää Santeri , Karjalainen Marjaana , Roine Mikko , Ranta Klaus , Heinimaa Markus
Published: May 2014

Aim

In the recent literature, there has been growing interest in assessment methods for detecting increased risk of developing psychosis. Self‐report methods are popular but may lead to different results compared to clinical interviews.

Methods

The difference in psychosis risk scores was tested between self‐reported psychosis risk symptoms (PROD‐SR) and self‐reported symptoms additionally confirmed by interview (PROD‐SR + I). The symptom categories were derived from 12 common psychosis risk symptoms included in the PROD screening instrument. The data were collected by questionnaires and interviews conducted with 395 adolescents (mean age 15.3 years) in an early intervention and detection team, JERI, at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.

Results

The results show a significant difference between the PROD‐SR risk symptom sum scores and the PROD‐SR + I risk symptom sum scores (N = 395; Z = −15.123; P < 0.001). In an item‐by‐item analysis, the item ‘Disorders in connection with hearing’ had the strongest kappa value (0.827) agreement between an interviewed and self‐report psychosis risk item. Agreement in most items remained between slight and substantial (kappa values from 0.082 to 0.649).

Conclusions

The results suggest that there is a significant difference between psychosis risk symptom responses collected by self‐report and self‐report responses which are additionally confirmed by interview. Auditory disorders are the most reliably reported item with self‐report.
Pedogenic and palaeoclimatic evidence from an Eemian calcrete in north‐western Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Zucca C. , Sechi D. , Andreucci S. , Shaddad S. M. , Deroma M. , Madrau S. , Previtali F. , Pascucci V. , Kapur S.
Published: May 2014

A multidisciplinary approach was followed to study the pedogenic and palaeoclimatic information preserved in a buried palaeosol belonging to a Late Quaternary succession located along the bay of Alghero (north‐western Sardinia). The bay is dominated by a 5‐km long sandy beach‐ridge system backing an N‐S oriented lagoon system (Calich). The succession studied is characterized by basal shallow marine deposits, followed by clayey lagoon sediments and colluvial strata and capped by a relatively thick aeolianite. The research was based on pedological and sedimentological analyses, supported by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and by an in‐depth micro‐morphological study. Three main climatic pulses were highlighted during the Eemian. A wet period, with intense carbonate leaching occurred at the very beginning of the Eemian interglacial followed by very dry climatic conditions. This dry phase was long and arid enough to allow the formation of a thick calcrete hardpan, a typical feature of semi‐arid environments. The hardpan is dated at about 120 ka (kilo annum) and this dry event is tentatively associated with the late Eemian arid pulse (LEAP). The last phase of the Eemian recorded the restoration of a wetter climate. Finally, the succession indicated that even in a cooler environment, the central Mediterranean most probably maintained temperate conditions at least until the end of the MIS 5c (about 95 ka; early Würm).
Effect of implant design and bioactive glass coating on biomechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced composite implants
Authors: Ballo Ahmed M. , Akca Eralp , Ozen Tuncer , Moritz Niko , Lassila Lippo , Vallittu Pekka , Närhi Timo
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of implant design and bioactive glass (BAG) coating on the response of bone to fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) implants. Three different FRC implant types were manufactured for the study: non‐threaded implants with a BAG coating; threaded implants with a BAG coating; and threaded implants with a grit‐blasted surface. Thirty‐six implants (six implants for each group per time point) were installed in the tibiae of six pigs. After an implantation period of 4 and 12 wk, the implants were retrieved and prepared for micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), push‐out testing, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Micro‐CT demonstrated that the screw‐threads and implant structure remained undamaged during the installation. The threaded FRC/BAG implants had the highest bone volume after 12 wk of implantation. The push‐out strengths of the threaded FRC/BAG implants after 4 and 12 wk (463°N and 676°N, respectively) were significantly higher than those of the threaded FRC implants (416°N and 549°N, respectively) and the nonthreaded FRC/BAG implants (219°N and 430°N, respectively). Statistically significant correlation was found between bone volume and push‐out strength values. This study showed that osseointegrated FRC implants can withstand the static loading up to failure without fracture, and that the addition of BAG significantly improves the push‐out strength of FRC implants.
Muscle lim protein isoform negatively regulates striated muscle actin dynamics and differentiation
Authors: Vafiadaki Elizabeth , Arvanitis Demetrios A. , Papalouka Vasiliki , Terzis Gerasimos , Roumeliotis Theodoros I. , Spengos Konstantinos , Garbis Spiros D. , Manta Panagiota , Kranias Evangelia G. , Sanoudou Despina
Published: May 2014

Muscle lim protein (MLP) has emerged as a critical regulator of striated muscle physiology and pathophysiology. Mutations in cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 3 (CSRP3), the gene encoding MLP, have been directly associated with human cardiomyopathies, whereas aberrant expression patterns are reported in human cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that MLP has an important role in both myogenic differentiation and myocyte cytoarchitecture, although the full spectrum of its intracellular roles has not been delineated. We report the discovery of an alternative splice variant of MLP, designated as MLP‐b, showing distinct expression in neuromuscular disease and direct roles in actin dynamics and muscle differentiation. This novel isoform originates by alternative splicing of exons 3 and 4. At the protein level, it contains the N‐terminus first half LIM domain of MLP and a unique sequence of 22 amino acids. Physiologically, it is expressed during early differentiation, whereas its overexpression reduces C2C12 differentiation and myotube formation. This may be mediated through its inhibition of MLP/cofilin‐2‐mediated F‐actin dynamics. In differentiated striated muscles, MLP‐b localizes to the sarcomeres and binds directly to Z‐disc components, including α‐actinin, T‐cap and MLP. The findings of the present study unveil a novel player in muscle physiology and pathophysiology that is implicated in myogenesis as a negative regulator of myotube formation, as well as in differentiated striated muscles as a contributor to sarcomeric integrity.

Structured digital abstract

MLP-a binds to MLP-b by far western blotting (1, 2)

Myogenin binds to MLP-a by far western blotting (View interaction)

MyoD binds to MLP-a by far western blotting (View interaction)

MLP-a binds to CFL2 by far western blotting (1, 2)

MLP physically interacts with T-Cap and a-actinin by pull down (View interaction)
Discursive representations and policy mobility: how migrant remittances became a ‘development tool’
Authors: BAKKER MATT
Published: May 2014

In this article, I focus on two sets of practices that researchers and policy advocates carry out within international organizations and think tanks promoting what I term the remittances‐to‐development (R‐2‐D) agenda. Their work conjured up, elaborated and diffused a representation of remittances as a financial flow and made remittances visible as a promising source of development finance for the global South. First, there is the work of discursive representation in which the advocates of the R‐2‐D agenda collected, compiled and visually represented data to draw out the characteristics of remittances that would make them attractive to development policymakers. Second, there were the policy transfer efforts, in which the champions of the R‐2‐D agenda wielded various forms of soft power to convince national government officials to ‘improve’ remittances statistics by adopting new measurement techniques. These practices turned remittances into a neoliberal development tool.
Comparison of the effect of knee synovectomy in haemophilic patients with 153Sm‐ and 90Y ‐labelled hydroxyapatite 1 year after
Authors: Calegaro J. , Silveira C. , Hage D. , Sayago M. , de Landa D. , Mengatti J. , de Paula A. P.
Published: May 2014

To compare the use of 740 Mbq (20 mCi) of 153Sm and 185 Mbq (5mCi) of 90Y, both labelling hydroxyapatite (HA), for knee synovectomy in haemophilic patients, 1 year after the intervention. Thirty three men (36 knees) were studied, divided into two groups: 1 – treatment using 740 Mbq of 153Sm‐HA: 20 knees of 18 patients, with mean age of 21.4 ± 13.3 years (ranging from 7 to 56 years) and mean Pettersson score of 5.3; 2 – treatment using 185 Mbq of 90Y‐HA: 16 knees of 15 patients, with mean age of 26.3 ± 10.3 (ranging from 7 to 51 years) and mean Pettersson score of 6.3. The following criteria were adopted for the evaluation before and 1 year after synovectomy: reduction in haemarthrosis episodes and pain using a visual analogue scale, as well as improved joint mobility. The occurrence of adverse events in the treatment was also considered. The chi‐square, Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests were used with P ≤ 0.05 set as significant. The occurrence of haemarthrosis declined by 65.7% with the use of 153Sm‐HA and 82.6% for 90Y‐HA, with no statistical difference between the groups (P = 0.632); pain reduction was 42.5% in group 1 and 30.7% in group 2, once again with no statistical difference (P = 0.637). Improvement in joint mobility was not significant for both groups. Two cases of mild reactive synovitis were observed in group 1 and one in group 2, which cleared up without medical intervention. Although the beta energy from 90Y is the gold standard for knee synovectomy, higher activities of 153Sm may be used in places which have only production of this material.
Endemism and evolution in the littoral woodlouse Halophiloscia Verhoeff, 1908 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) from the Canary Islands: implications for conservation policies
Authors: Bidegaray‐Batista Leticia , Taiti Stefano , López Heriberto , Ribera Carles , Arnedo Miquel A.
Published: May 2014

The woodlouse genus Halophiloscia Verhoeff, 1908 includes littoral halophilous species distributed along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic coasts of Europe and northern Africa. The species Halophiloscia couchii has been introduced to the Americas, Hawaii and Australia. The Canary Islands harbour four species, two of which are included in catalogues of endangered species.

One mitochondrial and one nuclear gene sequenced from over 100 specimens, including outgroups, were analysed to infer the colonisation and diversification processes of Halophiloscia in the Canary Islands and shed light on their conservation status.

The Canary Islands were independently colonised by three distinct Halophiloscia lineages: (i) the endemic species H. rodriguezi, collected in several western Canary Islands, and the troglobiomorphic H. microphthalma from La Palma, (ii) the endemic H. canariensis, found throughout the eastern Canaries, and (iii) the cosmopolitan H. couchii, present on Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Halophiloscia microphthalma is not sister to the extant epigean Halophiloscia species present on the same island, which together with the low levels of genetic variability detected in the species may warrant a higher conservation status than presently given.

The mitochondrial marker revealed a fine‐scale phylogeographic structure in H. canariensis, and rejected recent sharp declines in its population size, which in addition to its widespread distribution challenge its consideration as an endangered species.

The presence of H. couchii in the archipelago is interpreted as a recent introduction. Although no evidence of introgression was detected, more thorough sampling and monitoring of introduced populations are recommended to discard either hybridisation or competitive displacement of native species.
Medical service redesign shares the load saving 6000 bed days and improving morale
Authors: Toomath R. , Szecket N. , Nahill A. , Denison T. , Spriggs D. , Lay C. , Wilkinson L. , Poole P. , Jordan A. , Lees J. , Millner S. , Snow B.
Published: May 2014

Background and Aims

In 2010, demand on the Auckland City Hospital general medical service exceeded capacity. A review by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians was critical of training offered to registered medical officers, and low morale was a problem across the service. Management offered support for an improved model that would solve these problems.

Methods

A project to redesign the general medical service was undertaken. Baseline analysis found uneven workload and insufficient capacity at peak times for patient presentations. Workshops involving the entire service led to a new model that splits workload and teams into patients likely to have a short stay from those requiring longer, ward‐based care. Admissions are now distributed over 12 teams on weekdays and 4 on the weekends. There was an increase of approximately 2.5 in consultant full time equivalents but no change in registrar or house officer staffing.

Results

Since the introduction of the new model, the average length of stay has fallen from 3.7 to 3.2 days (14%) and the median length of stay by 28%, resulting in a saving of 6000 bed days per year. Readmission, inpatient and 30‐day mortality rates are unchanged. These results have been sustained over 18 months with signs of continuing improvement.

Conclusion

This project owes its success to the following factors – management support; iterative engagement of a range of staff; provision of timely data analysis; increases in senior medical officer staffing and reorganisation leading to more predictable and fair work practices. One challenge is discontinuity, whether between doctors and patients or within the medical team.
Health economic impact of high‐dose versus standard‐dose cytarabine induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Fedele P. L. , Avery S. , Patil S. , Spencer A. , Haas M. , Wei A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is one of the most resource‐intensive cancer therapies delivered in hospitals.

Aims

To assess the health resource impact of different chemotherapy approaches for AML commonly used in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken in 63 patients aged 18–55 years with AML given induction with either 7 + 3 (cytarabine 100 mg/m2 days 1–7 and idarubicin 12 mg/m2 days 1–3) or HiDAC‐3 (high‐dose cytarabine 3 g/m2 twice daily days 1, 3, 5 and 7 and idarubicin 12 mg/m2 days 1–3) chemotherapy. Average costs of hospitalisation, pathology, radiology, chemotherapy and ancillary drugs were calculated and compared with current Victorian casemix funding. Two consolidation approaches, HiDAC (cytarabine 3 g/m2 twice daily days 1, 3, 5 and 7) × either three or four cycles (following 7 + 3) and IcE (idarubicin 12 mg/m2 days 1–2, cytarabine 100 mg/m2 × 5 days and etoposide 75 mg/m2 × 5 days) × 2 cycles (following HiDAC‐3) were modelled, using a policy of discharge following completion of chemotherapy with outpatient monitoring.

Results

The cost (in AUD) of induction was similar between 7 + 3 ($58 037) and HiDAC‐3 ($56 902), with bed day costs accounting for 61–62% of the total expense. Blood bank costs ranked second, accounting for 15%. Accumulated costs for HiDAC consolidation were $44 289 for a three‐cycle protocol and $59 052 for four cycles ($14 763 per cycle) versus $31 456 for two cycles of IcE consolidation ($15 728 per cycle). Overall, the classical 7 + 3 → HiDAC approach ($102 326/$117 089 for three or four consolidation cycles) incurs a greater cost than a HiDAC‐3 → IcE × 2 approach ($88 358). For patients requiring complete hospitalisation until neutrophil recovery, the estimated costs of treatment will be even higher, ranging between $122 282 for HiDAC‐3 → IcE × 2, $153 212 for 7 + 3 → HiDAC × 3 and $184 937 for 7 + 3 → HiDAC × 4. State‐based casemix funding for non‐complicated AML therapy is currently $74 013 for 7 + 3 → HiDAC × 4, $64 177 for 7 + 3 → HiDAC × 3 and $54 340 for HiDAC‐3 → IcE × 2 based on outpatient recovery after consolidation chemotherapy. These calculations do not take into account additional resource implications associated with complications of consolidation chemotherapy or reinduction for treatment failure.

Conclusion

Regimens minimising the total number of chemotherapy cycles may represent the most efficient use of limited health resources for the treatment of AML.
Effect of endurance training on expiratory flow limitation and dynamic hyperinflation in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Chen R. , Chen R. , Chen X. , Chen L.
Published: May 2014

Background

Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) is the primary pathophysiological hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effect of lower‐extremity endurance training alone on EFL in patients with COPD remains largely unknown.

Aim

This study aims to determine the effects of endurance training on EFL and dynamic hyperinflation in patients with stable COPD.

Methods

This was a prospective, single‐blinded, non‐randomised controlled 12‐week study recruiting Chinese patients with stable COPD in an endurance training group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 13). Before and at the end of the study, we measured the EFL, pulmonary function, peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP); moreover, the patients underwent a constant work rate exercise test in which Borg dyspnoea scale, tidal breathing flow volume curves and inspiratory capacity (IC) were determined every other minute.

Results

Exercise training significantly improved the exercise endurance time (7.00 ± 3.05 vs 18.13 ± 6.44 min, P < 0.001), MIP (69.49 ± 16.03 vs 80.18 ± 15.97 cmH2O, P < 0.001) and PIF (3.96 ± 1.01 vs 4.51 ± 1.13 L/s, P = 0.014), but not EFL (3.33 ± 0.49 vs 3.40 ± 0.51, P = 0.334). Subjects on training had decreased breathing frequency (26.26 ± 7.13 vs 23.15 ± 5.34 breaths/min, P = 0.002), minute ventilation (30.28 ± 7.52 vs 26.85 ± 4.17 L, P = 0.013), tidal peak expiratory flow (1.53 ± 0.22 vs 1.32 ± 0.20 L/s, P = 0.006), mean expiratory flow (0.87 ± 0.19 vs 0.68 ± 0.15 L/s, P = 0.011) and Borg dyspnoea score (7.20 ± 1.15 vs 3.93 ± 1.39, P < 0.001), as well as increased IC (1.50 ± 0.34 vs 1.67 ± 0.45 L, P = 0.002), expiratory time (1.47 ± 0.62 vs 1.72 ± 0.62 s, P = 0.004) and inspiratory flow reserve (2.05 ± 1.10 vs 2.95 ± 1.19 L/s, P = 0.002) at isotime. These changes were not observed in the control group.

Conclusion

Endurance training may benefit stable COPD patients in improving exercise endurance, inspiratory muscle strength, ventilatory requirements, exercise‐induced hyperinflation and exertional dyspnoea.
How the environment determines banking efficiency: a comparison of banking firms in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China
Authors: Shyu Jonchi , Lieu Pang‐Tien , Chang Wei
Published: May 2014

This study uses the three‐stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to explore the true managerial efficiency of the banking firms in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. The empirical results indicate that the environmental conditions have a significant impact on banking efficiency. When the country‐specific situations are important factors in explaining efficiency difference, the common frontier estimates obtained by neglecting those factors can generate biased and overestimated inefficiency levels. With findings obtained from the slack variable analyses, the current study can provide inefficient banks with ways to reduce their input waste through the adjustment of input allocations. The findings also confirm the importance of the three‐stage DEA and its applications in determining the true managerial efficiencies of banks. Without the three‐stage DEA, the management could be misguided when making strategic decisions and conducting inappropriate resource allocation.
A new forecasting scheme for evaluating long‐term prediction performances in supply chain management
Authors: Hwang Wook‐Yeon , Lee Jong‐Seok
Published: May 2014

Supply chain management (SCM) practitioners in inventory sites are often required to predict the future sales of products in order to meet customer demands and reduce inventory costs simultaneously. Although a variety of forecasting methods have been developed, many of them may not be used in practice for various reasons, such as insufficient viable information about sales and oversophisticated methods. In this paper, we provide a new forecasting scheme to evaluate long‐term prediction performances in SCM. Three well‐known forecasting methods for time series data—moving average (MA), autoregressive integrated MA, and smoothing spline—are considered. We also focus on two representative sales patterns, each of which is with and without a growth pattern, respectively. By applying the proposed scheme to various simulated and real datasets, this research aims to provide SCM practitioners with a general guideline for time series sales forecasting, so that they can easily understand what prediction performance measures and which forecasting method can be considered.
Platform switching minimises crestal bone loss around dental implants: truth or myth?
Authors: Romanos G. E. , Javed F.
Published: May 2014

The aim was to assess the role of platform switching (PS) in minimising crestal bone loss around dental implants through a systematic review of the currently available clinical evidence. To address the focused question ‘Does PS minimise crestal bone loss compared with non‐platform‐switched (NPS) implants?’, PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar databases were explored from 1986 up to and including December 2013 using the following key words in different combinations: ‘bone loss’, ‘dental implant’, ‘diameter’, ‘mandible’, ‘maxilla’ and ‘platform switching’. Letters to the Editor, unpublished data, historical reviews, case reports and articles published in languages other than English were excluded. Fifteen clinical studies were included. In seven studies, PS and NPS implants were placed in both the maxilla and mandible. In 13 studies, implants were placed at crestal bone levels whereas in one study, implants were placed supracrestally. Three studies reported the bucco‐lingual (or transversal) width of the alveolar ridge which ranged between 7–8 mm. Seven studies reported that implants placed according to the PS concept did not minimise crestal bone loss as compared with NPS implants. 3D‐Implant positioning, width of alveolar ridge and control of micromotion at the implant‐abutment interface are the more critical factors that influence crestal bone levels than PS.
Melatonin and its metabolites ameliorate ultraviolet B‐induced damage in human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Janjetovic Zorica , Nahmias Zachary P. , Hanna Sherie , Jarrett Stuart G. , Kim Tae‐Kang , Reiter Russel J. , Slominski Adrzej T.
Published: May 2014

We investigated the protective effects of melatonin and its metabolites: 6‐hydroxymelatonin (6‐OHM), N1‐acetyl‐N2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AFMK), N‐acetylserotonin (NAS), and 5‐methoxytryptamine (5‐MT) in human keratinocytes against a range of doses (25, 50, and 75 mJ/cm2) of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. There was significant reduction in the generation of reactive oxygen species (50–60%) when UVB‐exposed keratinocytes were treated with melatonin or its derivatives. Similarly, melatonin and its metabolites reduced the nitrite and hydrogen peroxide levels that were induced by UVB as early as 30 min after the exposure. Moreover, melatonin and its metabolites enhanced levels of reduced glutathione in keratinocytes within 1 hr after UVB exposure in comparison with control cells. Using proliferation assay, we observed a dose‐dependent increase in viability of UVB‐irradiated keratinocytes that were treated with melatonin or its derivatives after 48 hr. Using the dot‐blot technique and immunofluorescent staining we also observed that melatonin and its metabolites enhanced the DNA repair capacity of UVB‐induced pyrimidine photoproducts (6‐4)or cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers generation in human keratinocytes. Additional evidence for induction of DNA repair in cells exposed to UVB and treated with the indole compounds was shown using the Comet assay. Finally, melatonin and its metabolites further enhanced expression of p53 phosphorylated at Ser‐15 but not at Ser‐46 or its nonphosphorylated form. In conclusion, melatonin, its precursor NAS, and its metabolites 6‐OHM, AFMK, 5‐MT, which are endogenously produced in keratinocytes, protect these cells against UVB‐induced oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Forest disturbance and regeneration: a mosaic of discrete gap dynamics and open matrix regimes?
Authors: Blackburn George Alan , Abd Latif Zulkiflee , Boyd Doreen Sandra
Published: May 2014

Question

Recent research in boreal forest suggests that an ‘open matrix’ model may be more appropriate than the traditional model of spatially discrete gap dynamics for describing forest disturbance and regeneration, but what is the evidence from temperate broad‐leaved deciduous forests concerning the prevalence of these alternative models?

Location

Semi‐natural temperate broad‐leaved deciduous forest in southernEngland.

Methods

Multi‐temporal LiDARdata were used to monitor the changes in tree canopy height and canopy gaps over a 10‐yr period for a 130‐ha area of forest. Gap dynamics were characterized by quantifying gap creation, expansion, contraction and closure. By identifying the types and rates of canopy height transitions, areas of gap contraction and closure were attributed to the processes of lateral crown growth or vertical regeneration.

Results

Across the study site there was a zonation in canopy and gap properties and their dynamics. Many areas of the forest had the characteristics of open wood‐pasture dominated by large, complex gaps being maintained under a regime of chronic disturbance. In these areas, several characteristics of the gap dynamics indicated that regeneration was restricted and this may be attributable to spatially‐focused overgrazing by large herbivores. In contrast, other areas were characterized by high, closed canopy forest with small, discrete gaps where gap creation and infill were balanced.

Conclusions

At the landscape‐scale broad‐leaved deciduous forests contain a spatial mosaic of zones, which conform to different models of disturbance and regeneration dynamics; discrete gap dynamics and open matrix regimes are juxtaposed. It is now important to elucidate the abiotic factors and biotic interactions that determine the spatio‐temporal distribution of the different regimes and to examine whether such a ‘regime mosaic’ model is applicable in other forest types.