bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive surgical margins in radical prostatectomy patients do not predict long‐term oncological outcomes: results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) cohort
Authors: Mithal Prabhakar , Howard Lauren E. , Aronson William J. , Terris Martha K. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Kane Christopher J. , Amling Christopher , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To assess the impact of positive surgical margins (PSMs) on long‐term outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP), including metastasis, castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM).

Patients and Methods

Retrospective study of 4 051 men in the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) cohort treated by RP from 1988 to 2013. Proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of PSMs in predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR), CRPC, metastases, and PCSM. To determine if PSMs were more predictive in certain patients, analyses were stratified by pathological Gleason score, stage, and preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.

Results

The median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 6.6 (3.2–10.6) years and 1 127 patients had >10 years of follow‐up. During this time, 302 (32%) men had BCR, 112 (3%) developed CRPC, 144 (4%) developed metastases, and 83 (2%) died from prostate cancer. There were 1 600 (40%) men with PSMs. In unadjusted models, PSMs were significantly associated with all adverse outcomes: BCR, CRPC, metastases and PCSM (all P ≤ 0.001). After adjusting for demographic and pathological characteristics, PSMs were associated with increased risk of only BCR (HR 1.98, P < 0.001), and not CRPC, metastases, or PCSM (HR ≤1.29, P > 0.18). Similar results were seen when stratified by pathological Gleason score, stage, or PSA level, and when patients who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy were excluded.

Conclusions

PSMs after RP are not an independent risk factor for CRPC, metastasis, or PCSM overall or within any subset. In the absence of other high‐risk features, PSMs alone may not be an indication for adjuvant radiotherapy.
Adverse pathology and undetectable ultrasensitive prostate‐specific antigen after radical prostatectomy: is adjuvant radiation warranted?
Authors: Simon Ross M. , Howard Lauren E. , Freedland Stephen J. , Aronson William J. , Terris Martha K. , Kane Christopher J. , Amling Christopher L. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Vidal Adriana C.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To determine if men with adverse pathology but undetectable ultrasensitive (<0.01 ng/mL) PSA are at high‐risk for biochemical recurrence (BCR), or if there is a subset of patients at low‐risk for whom the benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy might be limited.

Patients and Methods

We evaluated 411 patients treated with RP from 2001 to 2013 without adjuvant radiation who had an undetectable (<0.01 ng/mL) PSA level after RP but with adverse pathology [positive surgical margins (PSMs), extraprostatic extension (EPE), and/or seminal vesicle invasion (SVI)]. Multivariable Cox regression analyses tested the relationship between pathological characteristics and BCR to identify groups of men at highest risk of early BCR.

Results

On multivariable analysis, only pathological Gleason 7 (4 + 3), Gleason ≥8, and SVI independently predicted BCR (P = 0.019, P < 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively), although on two‐way analysis men with Gleason 7 (4 + 3) did not have significantly higher rates of BCR compared with patients with Gleason ≤6 (log‐rank, P = 0.074). Men with either Gleason ≥8 (with PSMs or EPE) or SVI (15% of the cohort) defined a high‐risk group vs men without these characteristics (3‐year BCR risk of 50.4% vs 11.9%, log‐rank, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Among men with adverse pathology but an undetectable (<0.01 ng/mL) PSA level after RP, the benefits of adjuvant radiation are probably limited except for men with Gleason 8–10 (with PSMs or EPE) or SVI who are at high‐risk of early BCR.
Parents’ Talk About Letters With Their Young Children
Authors: Treiman Rebecca , Schmidt John , Decker Kristina , Robins Sarah , Levine Susan C. , Demir Özlem E.
Published: May 2015

A literacy‐related activity that occurs in children's homes—talk about letters in everyday conversations—was examined using data from 50 children who were visited every 4 months between 14 and 50 months. Parents talked about some letters, including those that are common in English words and the first letter of their children's names, especially often. Parents’ focus on the child's initial was especially strong in families of higher socioeconomic status, and the extent to which parents talked about the child's initial during the later sessions of the study was related to the children's kindergarten reading skill. Conversations that included the child's initial were longer than those that did not, and parents presented a variety of information about this letter.
Platelet‐rich plasma increases proliferation of tendon cells by modulating Stat3 and p27 to up‐regulate expression of cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinases
Authors: Yu T.‐Y. , Pang J.‐H. S. , Wu K. P.‐H. , Lin L.‐P. , Tseng W.‐C. , Tsai W.‐C.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To investigate effects of platelet‐rich plasma on tendon cell proliferation and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Platelet‐rich plasma was prepared manually by two‐step centrifugation. Proliferation was evaluated in cultured rat tendon cells by the 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell cycle progression was assessed by flow cytometry. Messenger RNA expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin E1, A2 and B1, and cyclin‐dependent kinases (Cdks) 1 and 2 was assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of the above cyclins and Cdks and of signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) 3 and p27 was evaluated by western blotting.

Results

Platelet‐rich plasma used in the present study had concentrations of platelets, TGF‐β1 and PDGF over 3‐fold higher than normal whole blood. Platelet‐rich plasma enhanced tendon cell proliferation (P = 0.008) by promoting G1/S phase transition in the cell cycle, and increased expression of PCNA, cyclin E1, A2 and B1, Cdks1 and 2, and phosphorylated Stat3, while inhibiting p27 expression.

Conclusions

Platelet‐rich plasma contains high concentrations of TGF‐β1 and PDGF that increase tendon cell proliferation by modulating Stat3/p27Kip1, which enhances expression of cyclin–Cdk complexes that promote cell cycle progression. These results provide molecular evidence for positive effects of platelet‐rich plasma on tendon cell proliferation, which can be useful in clinical applications of tendon injury.
Policy evaluation in diabetes prevention and treatment using a population‐based macro simulation model: the MICADO model
Authors: van der Heijden A. A. W. A. , Feenstra T. L. , Hoogenveen R. T. , Niessen L. W. , de Bruijne M. C. , Dekker J. M. , Baan C. A. , Nijpels G.
Published: May 2015

Aims

To test a simulation model, the MICADO model, for estimating the long‐term effects of interventions in people with and without diabetes.

Methods

The MICADO model includes micro‐ and macrovascular diseases in relation to their risk factors. The strengths of this model are its population scope and the possibility to assess parameter uncertainty using probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Outcomes include incidence and prevalence of complications, quality of life, costs and cost‐effectiveness. We externally validated MICADO's estimates of micro‐ and macrovascular complications in a Dutch cohort with diabetes (n = 498 400) by comparing these estimates with national and international empirical data.

Results

For the annual number of people undergoing amputations, MICADO's estimate was 592 (95% interquantile range 291–842), which compared well with the registered number of people with diabetes‐related amputations in the Netherlands (728). The incidence of end‐stage renal disease estimated using the MICADO model was 247 people (95% interquartile range 120–363), which was also similar to the registered incidence in the Netherlands (277 people). MICADO performed well in the validation of macrovascular outcomes of population‐based cohorts, while it had more difficulty in reflecting a highly selected trial population.

Conclusions

Validation by comparison with independent empirical data showed that the MICADO model simulates the natural course of diabetes and its micro‐ and macrovascular complications well. As a population‐based model, MICADO can be applied for projections as well as scenario analyses to evaluate the long‐term (cost‐)effectiveness of population‐level interventions targeting diabetes and its complications in the Netherlands or similar countries.
Changes in Right Ventricular Shape and Deformation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery—Insights from Echocardiography with Strain Rate and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Rösner Assami , Avenarius Derk , Malm Siri , Iqbal Amjid , Schirmer Henrik , Bijnens Bart , Myrmel Truls
Published: May 2015

Background

This study was designed to assess whether altered RV geometry and deformation parameters persisted well into the recovery period after presumably uncomplicated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It was our hypothesis that the altered geometry of and load in the RV following pericardial opening would change both regional and global deformation indices for an extensive period postoperatively.

Methods and Results

Fifty‐seven patients scheduled for CABG underwent preoperative and 8–10 months postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for RV volume measurements, and resting echocardiography with assessment of geometry and RV mechanical function determined by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) based longitudinal strain. Both MRI and echocardiography revealed postoperative dilatation of the RV apex, shortened longitudinal RV length but unchanged RV ejection fraction. Echocardiography parameters associated with filling of the right atrium showed signs of constraint with a reduced systolic filling fraction and increased right atrial size. Right ventricular segmental strain (−20 ± 13% vs. −29 ± 20% preoperatively; mean ±SD, P < 0.0001) was reduced postoperatively in parallel with TAPSE (1.3 ± 0.3 cm vs. 2.2 ± 0.4 cm; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Post‐CABG longitudinal motion of the RV lateral wall is reduced after uneventful CABG despite preserved RV ejection fraction and stroke volume. The discrepancy in various RV systolic performance indicators results from increased sphericity of the RV following opening the pericardium during surgery. Therefore, longitudinal functional parameters may underestimate RV systolic function for at least 8–10 months post‐CABG. Changes in deformation parameters should thus always be interpreted in relation to changes in geometry.
Risk Regulation and Deliberation in EU Administrative Governance—GMO Regulation and Its Reform
Authors: Weimer Maria
Published: May 2015

The article analyses the problems of EU risk regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) through the lens of deliberative theories of EU law and governance, such as deliberative supranationalism and experimentalist governance. Previous research had suggested that the GMO issue is not conductive to deliberation within EU institutions because of its high politicisation. This article argues that another equally salient factor is the scientification of the GMO authorisation process. Scientification stands for the Commission's overreliance on epistemic legitimacy as the basis for risk management. Given the deadlock of comitology in this field, scientification is exacerbated by a reversion to top‐down regulation by the Commission. As a result, political responsibility for GMO authorisations gets lost. This article argues that both scientification and politicisation are mutually accelerative processes ultimately leading to a break down of dialogue at the EU level. This contradicts the assumption that deliberation is fostered by technocratic ‘behind closed door’ decision‐making. In the GMO case, the top‐down imposition of epistemic authority has only increased politicisation contributing to the de‐legitimation of all EU institutions involved in GMO regulation. The recent EU reform on national opt‐outs is not sufficient to address this problem. A successful reform should mitigate the negative effects of both politicisation and scientification.
Analysis of the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase family provides insight into vertebrate adaptation to different oxygen levels during the water‐to‐land transition
Authors: Fang Chengchi , Guan Lihong , Zhong Zaixuan , Gan Xiaoni , He Shunping
Published: May 2015

One of the most important events in vertebrate evolutionary history is the water‐to‐land transition, during which some morphological and physiological changes occurred in concert with the loss of specific genes in tetrapods. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this transition have not been well explored. To explore vertebrate adaptation to different oxygen levels during the water‐to‐land transition, we performed comprehensive bioinformatics and experimental analysis aiming to investigate the NAMPT family in vertebrates. NAMPT, a rate‐limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway of NAD+ biosynthesis, is critical for cell survival in a hypoxic environment, and a high level of NAMPT significantly augments oxidative stress in normoxic environments. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NAMPT duplicates arose from a second round whole‐genome duplication event. NAMPTA existed in all classes of vertebrates, whereas NAMPTB was only found in fishes and not tetrapods. Asymmetric evolutionary rates and purifying selection were the main evolutionary forces involved. Although functional analysis identified several functionally divergent sites during NAMPT family evolution, in vitro experimental data demonstrated that NAMPTA and NAMPTB were functionally conserved for NAMPT enzymatic function in the NAD+ salvage pathway. In situ hybridization revealed broad NAMPTA and NAMPTB expression patterns, implying regulatory functions over a wide range of developmental processes. The morpholino‐mediated knockdown data demonstrated that NAMPTA was more essential than NAMPTB for vertebrate embryo development. We propose that the retention of NAMPTB in water‐breathing fishes and its loss in air‐breathing tetrapods resulted from vertebrate adaptation to different oxygen levels during the water‐to‐land transition.
Urbanisation and earthquake disturbance influence microbial nutrient limitation in streams
Authors: Moffett Emma R. , Simon Kevin S. , Harding Jon S.
Published: May 2015

Nutrient loading as a consequence of urbanisation is a common phenomenon that can influence microbial nutrient limitation in streams. How nutrient loading and nutrient limitation relate to increasing urban intensity, and whether there is any coherence in patterns across cities, is not well known. Nutrient limitation may also be influenced by natural disturbances that alter urban infrastructure and processes in urban streams. To examine this, we measured microbial nutrient limitation across urbanisation gradients in two cities in New Zealand. We took advantage of recent large earthquakes in one of the cities to determine how natural disturbance influences processes in an urban system.

Biofilm responses to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) amendment were tested using nutrient diffusing substrata (NDS) in 24 streams, 12 in each of New Zealand's two largest cities (Auckland and Christchurch). Biofilm response was measured across a gradient of land‐use intensity in each city. Regression models were used to quantify the relationships among water chemistry, land use and degree of biofilm N and P limitation.

Water column N:P (DIN:SRP) was a good predictor of response of community respiration on organic substrata, but not of response of chl a on inorganic substrata. Autotrophic response was often not nutrient‐limited and was not likely to have been limited by light, suggesting other factors governed the development of autotrophs. We found a switch in response of biofilm respiration on organic substrata from N to P limitation in Auckland, with N limitation increasing below a N:P ratio of 20.8 and P limitation increasing above a ratio of 14.5, roughly in line with the Redfield ratio. Similarly, in Christchurch microbes showed little response to nutrient enrichment at sites with elevated nutrient concentrations.

In Auckland, increasing urban intensity was associated with increased nutrient concentrations, but N increased faster than P. This translated to a nonlinear response of biofilm nutrient limitation to increasing urbanisation indicated as population density. There was a breakpoint from N to P limitation at a relatively low population density of >97 people per km2. Patterns of limitation with urbanisation were not as strong in Christchurch; however, responses were similar within the range of overlapping population densities in the two cities. Earthquake disturbance had noticeable effects on streams, including sevenfold lower DIN concentrations and inhibition by both N and P of community respiration on organic substrata.

Urbanisation is a key driver of microbial nutrient limitation. Between cities, nutrient loading associated with urbanisation consistently affected the capacity of biofilms to process excess nutrients. Earthquake effects further influenced microbial limitation patterns with natural disturbance dramatically altering how urbanisation effects are manifested.
Older people and oral health: setting a patient‐centred research agenda
Authors: Brocklehurst Paul R. , Mackay Laura , Goldthorpe Joanna , Pretty Iain A.
Published: May 2015

Objective

The aim of this pilot study was to provide the opportunity to enable older people to prioritise the research agenda to improve their own oral health.

Background

Little is known about the ageing population's views about their oral health from their perspective. Priority Setting Partnerships (PSPs) incorporate users' perspectives to prioritise research agendas and are based on a series of sequential steps to build consensus. This structured approach ensures their narrative and thoughts are heard and helps counter the ‘top‐down’ medical model that can dominate healthcare services.

Materials and methods

A PSP was undertaken with four key stakeholder groups: service users, carers, third sector and specialists. Six initial questions were posed to each group prior to a facilitated discussion led by one of the research team. Collective responses where then considered by a final consensus group. The views of the different groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis.

Results

The top three research priorities identified by the final group were to: (i) identify ‘best practice’ in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases for older people, (ii) identify the training needs for the dental profession and (iii) understand the key issues for older people from their perspective. Improving access to services, the importance of client appropriate information and the need for effective primary and secondary prevention were also articulated.

Conclusion

Asking older people to prioritise the research agenda proved to be a positive experience. Key issues related to improving communication and the availability of appropriate evidence‐based information on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
To Regulate Or Not To Regulate? Early Evidence on the Means Used Around the World to Promote Gender Diversity in the Boardroom
Authors: Labelle Réal , Francoeur Claude , Lakhal Faten
Published: May 2015

Despite the growing public concern in recent years about the place of women in business, gender diversity in corporate governance has made little progress. As a consequence, the issue has captured the worldwide attention of policymakers. Several countries are currently adopting or considering the adoption of laws or regulations to promote gender diversity on corporate boards. The purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of using legislative or regulatory means to increase female representation instead of allowing firms to voluntarily fix their own non‐legally binding targets. We find that the relation between gender diversity and performance is positive in countries using the voluntary approach while it is negative in countries using the regulatory approach. We conclude that public policy aimed at increasing the number of women on corporate boards should be introduced gradually and voluntarily rather than quickly and coercively to avoid sub‐optimal board composition.
Non‐HLA genomics: does it have a role in predicting haematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcome?
Authors: Dickinson A. M. , Norden J.
Published: May 2015

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only cure for many haematological neoplasms; however, the mortality rate remains high, at around 30–80%. Complications after HSCT include relapse, graft‐versus‐host disease, graft rejection and infection. High‐resolution HLA matching has improved survival in HSCT over recent years; however, GVHD still remains a serious complication. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) within genes that are involved with an individual's capability to mount an immune response to infectious pathogens, residual leukaemia, alloantigens or genes involved in drug metabolism have been studied for their association with HSCT outcome. Indeed, over the last 15 years, several groups, including ourselves, have demonstrated that non‐HLA gene polymorphisms can be predictive of HSCT outcome. Can genetic characteristics of the patient and donor be used in the future to tailor HSCT protocols and determine GVHD prophylaxis? This review summarizes some of the recent SNP association studies in HSCT and highlights some of the disparities therein, discussing the integral problems of performing genetic association studies on diseases with complex outcomes using heterogeneous cohorts. The review will comment on recent genomewide association studies (GWAS) and discuss their relevance in this field, and it will also comment on recent meta‐analysis combining GWAS studies with other studies such as gene expression micro array data in the field of autoimmune disease and solid organ transplantation. It will mention possible novel candidate gene polymorphisms, for example SNPS in microRNAs. In addition, it will discuss some of the inherent problems associated with gene association studies including the GRIPs (genetic risk prediction studies) recommendations. In summary, this review will assess the usefulness of non‐HLA genomic studies in HSCT with regard to predicting outcome and modifying therapy.
Effortful swallow enhances vertical hyolaryngeal movement and prolongs duration after maximal excursion
Authors: Jang H. J. , Leigh J. H. , Seo H. G. , Han T. R. , Oh B.‐M.
Published: May 2015

Effortful swallowing (EFS) is a common compensatory swallowing manoeuver for dysphagia patients. We investigated the influence of EFS on temporal and spatial characteristics of the movements of the hyoid bone, larynx and epiglottis in healthy subjects. A total of 41 volunteers swallowed 10 mL of diluted barium solution using two swallowing strategies: usual and effortful swallowing (USS and EFS). The motions of the hyoid bone, larynx and epiglottis were tracked using frame‐by‐frame kinematic motion analysis of videofluoroscopic images. Maximal velocities and maximal displacements of hyoid and larynx, the maximal angle of the epiglottic tilt, and the durations of hyoid excursion, laryngeal elevation and epiglottic tilt were measured. Compared to USS, EFS was associated with significantly greater vertical displacement of the hyoid (P < 0·001), vertical and horizontal displacement of the larynx (P = 0·003, P = 0·019), and maximal angle of the epiglottic tilt (P = 0·001). In addition, the durations of the vertical and horizontal excursions of the hyoid, vertical excursion of the larynx and the epiglottic tilt were greater in EFS, compared with USS. Effortful swallowing was also associated with significantly greater maximum velocities of the hyoid and larynx during swallowing. In conclusion, the EFS manoeuver facilitates vertical speed and distance of hyolaryngeal excursion and epiglottic tilt and extends the duration of excursion and the epiglottic tilt, especially after reaching maximal excursion in healthy subjects. These results confirm the temporal and kinematic benefits of airway protection induced by the EFS manoeuver.
Self‐Insurance With Genetic Testing Tools
Authors: Crainich David
Published: May 2015

The development of genetic testing creates opportunities to better target disease prevention actions. In this article, we determine how the genetic information modifies self‐insurance efforts in different health insurance market equilibria with adverse selection. We show that a regulation prohibiting insurers from using genetic information for rate‐making purposes: (1) cancels the benefits of genetic testing when pooling equilibria occur and (2) does not prevent the exploitation of the benefits derived from genetic testing when separating equilibria (both of the Rothschild‐Stiglitz or of the Miyazaki‐Spence type) prevail in insurance markets.
Pyogenic liver abscess in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lin Jiun‐Nong , Lin Cheng‐Li , Lin Ming‐Chia , Lai Chung‐Hsu , Lin Hsi‐Hsun , Kao Chia‐Hung
Published: May 2015

Background & Aims

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a rare and severe extraintestinal complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the incidence of PLA in patients with IBD remains unknown.

Methods

A nationwide cohort study was conducted by analysing data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Patients with IBD (N = 11 504) from 2000 to 2010 and control participants without IBD (N = 46 016) were included in this study. We analysed the risks of PLA by using competing‐risks (death) regression models.

Results

The incidence of PLA was higher in the IBD cohort than in the control cohort (6.72 vs 4.06 per 10 000 person‐years), with an adjusted subhazard ratio (SHR) of 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–2.12). Patients with IBD who required two or more hospitalizations per year and underwent laparotomy had an increased risk of PLA. Patients with ulcerative colitis were more likely to develop PLA than were those with Crohn's disease (incidence, 8.56 vs 5.45 per 10 000 person‐years; adjusted SHR, 1.65 vs 1.32). Among the IBD cohort, age and gender did not affect PLA risk. Patients with diabetes mellitus or percutaneous aspiration of the gallbladder and biliary tract and who underwent endoscopic insertion of a biliary drainage tube exhibited a significantly increased risk of PLA.

Conclusions

Patients with IBD exhibited an increased risk of developing PLA, particularly those with ulcerative colitis. Knowledge of the expected frequency and potential risk for this severe extraintestinal infection may minimize the serious consequences.
The Vicência meteorite fall: A new unshocked (S1) weakly metamorphosed (3.2)LLchondrite
Authors: Keil Klaus , Zucolotto Maria E. , Krot Alexander N. , Doyle Patricia M. , Telus Myriam , Krot Tatiana V. , Greenwood Richard C. , Franchi Ian A. , Wasson John T. , Welten Kees C. , Caffee Marc W. , Sears Derek W. G. , Riebe My , Wieler Rainer , dos Santos Edivaldo , Scorzelli Rosa B. , Gattacceca Jerome , Lagroix France , Laubenstein Matthias , Mendes Julio C. , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Harir Mourad , Moutinho Andre L. R.
Published: May 2015

The Vicência meteorite, a stone of 1.547 kg, fell on September 21, 2013, at the village Borracha, near the city of Vicência, Pernambuco, Brazil. It was recovered immediately after the fall, and our consortium study showed it to be an unshocked (S1)LL3.2 ordinary chondrite. TheLLgroup classification is based on the bulk density (3.13 g cm−3); the chondrule mean apparent diameter (0.9 mm); the bulk oxygen isotopic composition (δ17O = 3.768 ± 0.042‰, δ18O = 5.359 ± 0.042‰, Δ17O = 0.981 ± 0.020‰); the content of metallic Fe,Ni (1.8 vol%); the Co content of kamacite (1.73 wt%); the bulk contents of the siderophile elements Ir and Co versus Au; and the ratios of metallic Fe0/total iron (0.105) versus total Fe/Mg (1.164), and of Ni/Mg (0.057) versus total Fe/Mg. The petrologic type 3.2 classification is indicated by the beautifully developed chondritic texture, the standard deviation (~0.09) versus mean Cr2O3content (~0.14 wt%) of ferroan olivine, theTLsensitivity and the peak temperature and peak width at half maximum, the cathodoluminescence properties of chondrules, the content of trapped132Xetr(0.317 × 10−8cm3STP g−1), and the Raman spectra for organic material in the matrix. The cosmic ray exposure age is ~72 Ma, which is at the upper end of the age distribution ofLLgroup chondrites. The meteorite is unusual in that it contains relatively large, up to nearly 100 μm in size, secondary fayalite grains, defined as olivine with Fa>75, large enough to allow in situ measurement of oxygen and Mn‐Cr isotope systematics withSIMS. Its oxygen isotopes plot along a mass‐dependent fractionation line with a slope of ~0.5 and Δ17O of 4.0 ± 0.3‰, and are similar to those of secondary fayalite and magnetite in the unequilibrated chondritesEET90161,MET96503, and Ngawi. These data suggest that secondary fayalite in Vicência was in equilibrium with a fluid with a Δ17O of ~4‰, consistent with the composition of the fluid in equilibrium with secondary magnetite and fayalite in other unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. Secondary fayalite and the chondrule olivine phenocrysts in Vicência are not in isotopic equilibrium, consistent with low‐temperature formation of fayalite during aqueous alteration on theLLparent body. That alteration, as dated by the53Mn‐53Cr chronology age of secondary fayalite, took place Ma after formation ofCV CAIs when anchored to the quenched angrite D'Orbigny.
Histoplasmosis and skin lesions in HIV: a safe and accurate diagnosis
Authors: Moreno‐Coutiño Gabriela , Hernández‐Castro Rigoberto , Toussaint‐Caire Sonia , Montiel‐Robles Melisa , Sánchez‐Pérez Fiama Selene , Xicohtencatl‐Cortés Juan
Published: May 2015

Human histoplasmosis is caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This infection can run asymptomatic or be life‐threatening, depending fundamentally on the host's immune status. Immunocompromised patients can present disseminated disease to the skin, making the biopsy an accessible approach. The current diagnosis gold standard is fungal culture which takes several days or weeks to grow and must be handled in a biosafe laboratory which is avoided if we use the technique here described. We propose the use of molecular biology for diagnosis confirmation, considering it can shorten diagnosis lapse, has good specificity and sensitivity and reduces the risk of infection for the medical and laboratory personnel. Seven paraffin‐embedded skin biopsy samples were included from patients with confirmed HIV and histoplasmosis diagnosis. Total DNA was isolated and molecular typing of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum. All samples were positive. This is a safe and accurate method for skin histoplasmosis diagnosis.
Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome in children with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Zhou Juan , Zheng Helin , Zhong Xuefei , Wu Daoqi , Wang Mo , Tang Xuemei , Li Qiu
Published: May 2015

Aim

To investigate the clinical features and prognoses of children who develop reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES) during treatment for nephrotic syndrome (NS).

Methods

The clinicoradiological characteristics and prognoses of 51 patients with NS, including 21 with RPES and 30 without, were analyzed.

Results

Compared with the controls, the RPES patients exhibited a higher rate of tacrolimus (P = 0.01) and cyclosporine (P = 0.02) treatment; higher‐dose prednisolone (P = 0.01) treatment; higher systolic blood pressure (P = 0.04), serum cholesterol (P = 0.03), and proteinuria (P < 0.01); and lower serum albumin levels (P = 0.03). Hypertension was present in 85.7% of RPES patients. The clinical manifestations of RPES included an altered mental status, seizures, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and visual impairment. Electroencephalography findings included slow waves and focal sharp or/and spiked waves; magnetic resonance imaging showed lesions localized in the occipital, parietal, frontal, temporal lobes and the cerebellum and brainstem; and magnetic resonance angiography revealed vertebral artery narrowing. All RPES patients recovered completely with timely and appropriate therapy.

Conclusion

Hypertension, calcineurin inhibitor and high‐dose steroid treatments, high serum cholesterol and proteinuria levels, and low serum albumin levels can predispose children with NS to RPES, although both the clinical and imaging outcomes are satisfactory.
Skin autofluorescence advanced glycosylation end products as an independent predictor of mortality in high flux haemodialysis and haemodialysis patients
Authors: Nongnuch Arkom , Davenport Andrew
Published: May 2015

Aim

Haemodialysis (HD) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular death. In addition to the standard cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, HD patients have additional risk factors including bone mineral disorders, anaemia and uraemic toxins, including advance glycosylation end product (AGEs). AGEs increase in HD patients due to reduced renal clearance and increased production. Tissue AGEs measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF) have been shown to be more reliable and reproducible to asses AGE accumulation in HD patients compared with serum levels. We wished to determine whether increasing SAF due to AGEs was associated with reduced survival in HD patients.

Methods

We measured SAF in the non‐fistula arm in a cross‐sectional study of 332 thrice weekly HD outpatients who were then followed prospectively for 30 months.

Results

Mean patient age was 65.7 ± 15.1 years, 64.2% male, 41.9% diabetic, mean dialysis vintage 65.1 (range 1–413) months, with an average sessional Kt/Vurea of 1.43 ± 0.34. A percentage of 61.1 had a history of hypertension, 32.2% had CVD, 16% had peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and 37% was current smokers. The mean SAF was 3.27 ± 0.96 IU, and patients with SAF above the mean (>3.27 IU) had a higher risk of death, and higher SAF was independently associated with increased mortality: hazard ratio 12.95 (1.60–104.8), P = 0.016.

Conclusion

Accumulation of AGEs, measured by SAF, was independently associated with higher risk of death in HD patients. Additional studies are required to determine whether a reduction in tissue AGEs in dialysis patients may reduce mortality in this high‐risk population.
Plant growth‐promoting effects of native Pseudomonas strains on Mentha piperita (peppermint): an in vitro study
Authors: Santoro M. V. , Cappellari L. R. , Giordano W. , Banchio E.
Published: May 2015

Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) affect growth of host plants through various direct and indirect mechanisms. Three native PGPR (Pseudomonas putida) strains isolated from rhizospheric soil of a Mentha piperita (peppermint) crop field near Córdoba, Argentina, were characterised and screened in vitro for plant growth‐promoting characteristics, such as indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilisation and siderophore production, effects of direct inoculation on plant growth parameters (shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, leaf number, node number) and accumulation and composition of essential oils. Each of the three native strains was capable of phosphate solubilisation and IAA production. Only strain SJ04 produced siderophores. Plants directly inoculated with the native PGPR strains showed increased shoot fresh weight, glandular trichome number, ramification number and root dry weight in comparison with controls. The inoculated plants had increased essential oil yield (without alteration of essential oil composition) and biosynthesis of major essential oil components. Native strains of P. putida and other PGPR have clear potential as bio‐inoculants for improving productivity of aromatic crop plants. There have been no comparative studies on the role of inoculation with native strains on plant growth and secondary metabolite production (specially monoterpenes). Native bacterial isolates are generally preferable for inoculation of crop plants because they are already adapted to the environment and have a competitive advantage over non‐native strains.
Comparing the Incidence of Taxes and Social Spending in Brazil and the United States
Authors: Higgins Sean , Lustig Nora , Ruble Whitney , Smeeding Timothy M.
Published: May 2015

We perform the first comprehensive fiscal incidence analyses inBrazil and theU.S., including direct cash and food transfers, targeted housing and heating subsidies, public spending on health and education, and taxes on personal income, payroll, corporate income, property, and expenditures. The countries share a number of similarities that make the comparison interesting, including high levels of inequality given their levels of development, high inequality of opportunity, large and racially diverse populations, and similar sizes of government. TheU.S. achieves higher redistribution through direct taxes and transfers, primarily becauseBrazil underutilizes personal income taxes and keeps its progressive cash and food transfer programs small, while its larger transfer programs are less progressive. When public spending on health and non‐tertiary education is added to income using the government cost approach, however, the two countries achieve similar levels of redistribution.
Maternal Discipline and Children's Adjustment: The Role of the Cultural and Situational Context
Authors: Davidov Maayan , Atzaba‐Poria Naama
Published: May 2015

This study examined how the cultural and situational contexts can jointly shape the consequences of discipline strategies. Israeli mothers who grew up in Israel or in the Former Soviet Union (FSU) (overall N = 110) reported regarding their use of psychologically controlling and punitive discipline with their seven‐years‐old to 10‐years‐old children, and teachers reported regarding children's behavior problems. We assessed both mothers' overall general use of the discipline strategies, and their use of the same strategies following transgressions in the academic domain, an area which the two groups emphasize to differing degrees. Consistent with hypothesis, controlling discipline in academic situations had more positive consequences in the FSU group compared with the Israeli‐origin group. In contrast, and as predicted, cultural group was not a moderator of mothers' overall, general use of the same discipline strategies. The findings illustrate how taking the situation into account can inform examination of the moderating role of cultural group.
Identification of a novel HLA‐C*15 allele, HLA‐C*15:02:21
Authors: Huo M.‐R. , Yu Y. , Xi B. , Li D.
Published: May 2015

HLA‐C*15:02:21 differs from C*15:02:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 105 of exon 2.
Acute liver failure in dengue haemorrhagic fever
Authors: Arora Shalabh , Nathaniel Samson Devakiruba , Paul Joseph Chacko , Hansdak Samuel George
Published: May 2015

While dengue virus infection leads to a mild to moderate elevation of liver transaminases in almost all cases, hepatic failure rarely dominates the clinical picture in adults. We present a case of dengue haemorrhagic fever in a young adult, leading to the rare complication of acute liver failure. He was managed with supportive care and discharged after 5 days. At follow-up after 1 week, he had complete recovery and no residual symptoms.
Carcinoma of the cervix complicating a genital prolapse
Authors: Pardal Catarina , Correia Catia , Serrano Paula
Published: May 2015

Although uterine prolapse and carcinoma of the uterine cervix are not rare events, their association is very uncommon. The treatment of cervical cancer has been protocolled, but the management of uterovaginal prolapse associated with carcinoma of the cervix is not standardised and therapy strategies vary considerably among authors. Our case reports a 74-year-old patient, admitted to the emergency department with an ulcerated prolapsed uterus. Biopsy of the cervical lesion confirmed a squamous-cell carcinoma. The patient underwent vaginal hysterectomy plus open bilateral iliopelvic lymphadenectomy complemented with radiotherapy with quimiosensibilisation. With this aggressive treatment approach, there was progression of the disease. The authors believe that this case typiaddition to the few published reports.
When treatment can be worse than the disease: nicorandil-induced colitis
Authors: Samra Kiran , Manikam Logan , Pathmakanthan Shri
Published: May 2015

A 75-year-old woman presented with severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Symptoms started 10 years earlier but multiple investigations failed to offer a clear diagnosis. On recent admission, blood tests, endoscopies and CT scans indicated chronic colonic inflammation. Treatment strategies for bowel inflammation were unsuccessful and the patient was subsequently discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting with surgeons for consideration of colectomy. A drug review highlighted that the patient was taking an antiangina drug, nicorandil, thought to cause bowel ulceration. This was discontinued, which dramatically improved symptoms and avoided surgery and the patient was discharged within days. Follow-up colonoscopy showed much improved colitis, and the diarrhoea had resolved. It is important that clinicians are aware of the link between pharmacotherapy, specifically nicorandil and gastrointestinal ulceration and inflammation causing severe diarrhoea. Drug cessation is the only necessary and immediately effective treatment. Awareness of this will become more clinically relevant as nicorandil use increases.
Macroflora, paleogeography, and paleoecology of the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian?–Santonian) Saanich Member of the Comox Formation, Saanich Peninsula, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Jonsson Carl H.W. , Hebda Richard J.
Published: May 2015

Morphotypes of plant macrofossil assemblages of the basal unit of the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian?–Santonian) Comox Formation, Nanaimo Group, Vancouver Island, were investigated to provide insight into the character of the macroflora, environment of deposition, and paleogeography of Vancouver Island. Three floristic assemblages were documented: one dominated by angiosperm morphotypes such as Platanus, Menispermites, and Zizyphus-like leaves; another dominated by gymnosperm morphotypes such as those synonymous with Glyptostrobus comoxensis Bell and Pseudoctenis latipennis (Heer) Seward; and a third assemblage transitional between the previous two. These assemblages suggest the Saanich Member was likely deposited in a barrier island – estuarine floodplain complex with fluvial sedimentary input. The macrofloral assemblage also includes many endemic taxa, suggesting a barrier to floral migration between the paleocontinent and the Vancouver Island precursor during the Upper Cretaceous, which supports the existence of a third floristic province in North America during the Upper Cretaceous.
Factors influencing spawner success in a spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) reintroduction program
Authors: Sard Nicholas M. , O’Malley Kathleen G. , Jacobson Dave P. , Hogansen Michael J. , Johnson Marc A. , Banks Michael A.
Published: May 2015

Dams have contributed to the decline of migratory fishes by blocking access to historical habitat. The active transport (trap and haul) of migratory fish species above existing dams can sometimes support population recovery when the use of fish ladders or dam removal is infeasible. However, little is known about the efficacy of trap and haul conservation strategies. Here we used genetic parentage assignments to evaluate the efficacy of reintroducing adult Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) above Cougar Dam on the South Fork McKenzie River, Oregon, USA, from 2008 to 2011. We found that mean reproductive success (RS) declined as adults were released later in the spawning season in 2009 and 2010; however, release location did not affect RS. In 2010 and 2011, we tested for RS differences between hatchery and natural origin (HOR and NOR, respectively) adults. HOR males were consistently less fit than NOR males, but little evidence for fitness differences was apparent between HOR and NOR females. Interestingly, the effect of origin on RS was not significant after accounting for variation explained by body length. Our results indicate that release date and location have inconsistent or no effect on the reproductive success of reintroduced adults when active transport strategies are employed for migratory fishes.
Liming has a limited effect on sugar maple – American beech dynamics compared with beech sapling elimination and canopy opening
Authors: Nolet Philippe , Delagrange Sylvain , Bannon Kim , Messier Christian , Kneeshaw Daniel
Published: May 2015

Sugar maple (SM, Acer saccharum Marsh.) dominated forests of North America are increasingly affected by many human-induced modifications in environmental conditions. As a remedy, adapted silvicultural treatments are needed. Even though it is generally accepted that SM health is related to soil fertility and even though there is extensive literature on SM – American beech (AB, Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) regeneration stand dynamics related to light availability, the interaction between these two factors has rarely been studied. Our main objective was thus to verify the possible role of a light–soil interaction on SM–AB stand dynamics. We used a factorial design with three factors (harvest intensity, liming, and AB sapling elimination) to test this interaction. Our results showed that the radial growth of SM and AB tree and sapling growth was positively affected by canopy opening but not by liming. Liming did not favour AB seedlings, whereas it favoured SM seedlings in specific canopy opening situations, confirming, albeit partially, the light–soil interaction hypothesis. Overall, liming had very limited effects on SM–AB stand dynamics compared with canopy opening and AB sapling elimination treatments. We do not advocate the extensive use of liming, as other silvicultural strategies tested provided more promising results to favour SM over AB.
Octonic massless field equations
Authors: Demir Süleyman , Tanişli Murat , Kansu Mustafa Emre
Published: May 2015

In this paper, it is proven that the associative octons including scalar, pseudoscalar, pseudovector and vector values are convenient and capable tools to generalize the Maxwell–Dirac like field equations of electromagnetism and linear gravity in a compact and simple way. Although an attempt to describe the massless field equations of electromagnetism and linear gravity needs the sixteen real component mathematical structures, it is proved that these equations can be formulated in terms of eight components of octons. Furthermore, the generalized wave equation in terms of potentials is derived in the presence of electromagnetic and gravitational charges (masses). Finally, conservation of energy concept has also been investigated for massless fields.
Optical properties in wurtzite InGaN staggered quantum wells
Authors: Geng Zhenduo , Wang Yuping
Published: May 2015

The polarization field effects on exciton states and optical properties are studied theoretically in the wurtzite (WZ) In x Ga 1-x N / In y Ga 1-y N staggered quantum wells (QWs). Numerical results show that the polarization field effects are obvious on the Stark shifts of the exciton binding energy, the oscillator strength and the emission wavelength when the well width and Indium content y increase in the symmetric staggered QWs. However, the influences of In x Ga 1-x N well layer are remarkable on exciton states and optical properties when the Indium concentration y is small in the asymmetric staggered QWs. In addition, the ground state linear optical susceptibility is also investigated in the WZ staggered QWs.