bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypotrichosis‐lymphedema‐telangiectasia‐renal defect associated with a truncating mutation in the SOX18 gene
Authors: Moalem S. , Brouillard P. , Kuypers D. , Legius E. , Harvey E. , Taylor G. , Francois M. , Vikkula M. , Chitayat D.
Published: April 2014

SOX18 mutations in humans are associated with both recessive and dominant hypotrichosis–lymphedema–telangiectasia syndrome (HLTS). We report two families with affected children carrying a SOX18 mutation: a living patient and his stillborn brother from Canada and a Belgian patient. The two living patients were diagnosed with HLTS and DNA analysis for the SOX18 gene showed that both had the identical heterozygous C > A transversion, resulting in a pre‐mature truncation of the protein, lacking the transactivation domain. Both living patients developed renal failure with severe hypertension in childhood for which both underwent renal transplantation. To our best knowledge this is the first report of renal failure associated with heterozygous mutations in the SOX18 gene. We conclude that this specific mutation results in a new, autosomal dominant condition and propose the acronym HLT‐renal defect syndrome for HLTRS.
Quality of life and satisfaction of patients wearing implant‐supported fixed partial denture: a cross‐sectional survey of patients from Araçatuba city, Brazil
Authors: Goiato Marcelo Coelho , Torcato Leonardo Bueno , dos Santos Daniela Micheline , Moreno Amália , Antenucci Rosse Mary Falcón , de Carvalho Dekon Stefan Fiuza
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and satisfaction of patients wearing implant‐supported fixed partial dentures.

Materials & methods

A total of 106 patients were selected and submitted to clinical examination and collection of the demographic data for evaluation of the implant‐supported fixed dentures conditions. All participants agreed to answer to the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐EDENT) questionnaire and another questionnaire about satisfaction with the implant‐supported prostheses. The patients were classified into the following three groups for statistical analysis: patients wearing splinted implant‐supported prosthesis (E), patients wearing single implant‐supported prosthesis (U), and patients wearing single implant‐supported prosthesis associated with splinted prosthesis (E + U). Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the answers between the groups, and a logistic regression model was measured to verify the relation between variables of the patients and the questionaries’ items.

Results

There were significant differences among groups (P = 0.006) for discomfort during surgery itself of the satisfaction questionnaire. The marital status, groups, and hygiene condition were significant mainly for physical pain item.

Conclusions

It was concluded that the patients presented high level of satisfaction and quality of life for the most of the items evaluated as well as the groups showed similar results.
Cobalt release from earrings and piercing jewellery – analytical results of a German survey
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Schmid Matthias , Schmidt Oliver , Bock Constance , Wolter Jörg
Published: April 2014

Background

Contact sensitization to cobalt is common. Some industrial exposures have been identified, but cobalt allergy is also often diagnosed in ‘non‐occupational’ patients. Exposure of consumers is largely unexplained.

Objective

To present the analytical results on cobalt release from earrings and piercing jewellery sampled in a German Federal surveillance scheme.

Methods

Two German state laboratories analysed cobalt release, after immersion in artificial sweat according to EN 1811, along with nickel release in 87 pieces of jewellery, which were mostly taken apart for separate examination of piercing posts (n = 139), clasps (n = 51), and/or decorative items (n = 52). The distribution of cobalt release was described by the use of Kaplan–Meier analysis, taking into account that the majority of measurements were left‐censored, that is, below the limit of quantification.

Results

Thirty‐eight of 87 earrings and piercing jewellery items had at least one part releasing cobalt. The median cobalt release was estimated as 0.013 µg/cm2/week, and 75% of parts released up to 0.085 µg/cm2/week. Release varied somewhat between the three parts, with, for example, 22.1% of posts releasing ≥ 0.2 µg/cm2/week.

Conclusions

Cobalt release from earrings and piercing jewellery, in particular from piercing posts, is considerable. Scientifically based exposure limits should be set, as in the case of nickel.
Circulating YKL‐40 in myelofibrosis a potential novel biomarker of disease activity and the inflammatory state
Authors: Bjørn Mads Emil , Andersen Christen Lykkegaard , Jensen Morten Krogh , Hasselbalch Hans C.
Published: April 2014

Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), encompassing essential thrombocythaemia (ET), polycythaemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (PMF), are featured by a chronic inflammatory state which is pronounced in myelofibrosis The value of YKL‐40 as a biomarker of disease burden has been demonstrated in several different diseases, including cancer, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. A state of chronic inflammation is shared by them all, YKL‐40 also being involved in the severity of chronic endothelial inflammation, which today is considered of crucial importance for the development of atherosclerosis. The MPNs being cancers with a heavy burden of cardiovascular diseases we hypothesised that circulating YKL‐40 might reflect the inflammatory process and potentially serve as a novel disease marker. Using ELISA, we measured YKL‐40 in 15 patients with ET, 16 patients with PV, 17 patients with PMF and 30 healthy controls. YKL‐40 was significantly elevated in PMF vs. control subjects, PMF levels median 43 ng/mL vs. controls median 28 ng/mL, P = 0.033. An increase from ET over PV may reflect the integrated impact of disease processes in MPNs.
Leukodystrophies underlying cryptic spastic paraparesis: frequency and phenotype in 76 patients
Authors: Müller vom Hagen J. , Karle K. N. , Schüle R. , Krägeloh‐Mann I. , Schöls L.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

In chronic progressive spasticity of the legs many rare causes have to be considered, including leukodystrophies due to neurometabolic disorders. To determine the frequency of leukodystrophies and the phenotypic spectrum patients with cryptic spasticity of the legs were screened for underlying neurometabolic abnormalities.

Methods

Seventy‐six index patients presenting with adult‐onset lower limb spasticity of unknown cause consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance were included in this study. Screening included serum levels of very long chain fatty acids for X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy and lysosomal enzyme activities in leukocytes for metachromatic leukodystrophy, GM1‐gangliosidosis, Tay−Sachs, Sandhoff and Krabbe disease. If clinical evidence was indicative of other types of leukodystrophies, additional genetic testing was conducted. Clinical characterization included neurological and psychiatric features and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Basic screening detected one index patient with metachromatic leukodystrophy, two patients with Krabbe disease and four patients with adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy. Additional genetic testing revealed one patient with vanishing white matter disease. These patients accounted for an overall share of 11% of leukodystrophies. One patient with Krabbe disease and three patients with adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy presented with pure spasticity of the lower limbs, whilst one patient each with Krabbe disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy and adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy showed additional complicating symptoms.

Conclusions

Adult patients presenting with cryptic spasticity of the legs should be screened for underlying X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy and lysosomal disorders, irrespective of the presence of additional complicating symptoms. Leukodystrophies may manifest as late as the sixth decade and hyperintensity of cerebral white matter on magnetic resonance FLAIR images is not obligatory.
Association of ischaemic stroke subtype with long‐term cardiovascular events
Authors: Ntaios G. , Papavasileiou V. , Makaritsis K. , Milionis H. , Michel P. , Vemmos K.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

There is no strong evidence that all ischaemic stroke types are associated with high cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to investigate whether all ischaemic stroke types are associated with high cardiovascular risk.

Methods

All consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke registered in the Athens Stroke Registry between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2010 were categorized according to the TOAST classification and were followed up for up to 10 years. Outcomes assessed were cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke recurrence, and a composite cardiovascular outcome consisting of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, acute heart failure, sudden cardiac death, stroke recurrence and aortic aneurysm rupture. The Kaplan–Meier product limit method was used to estimate the probability of each end‐point in each patient group. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the independent covariates of each end‐point.

Results

Two thousand seven hundred and thirty patients were followed up for 48.1 ± 41.9 months. The cumulative probabilities of 10‐year cardiovascular mortality in patients with cardioembolic stroke [46.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 40.6–52.8], lacunar stroke (22.1%, 95% CI 16.2–28.0) or undetermined stroke (35.2%, 95% CI 27.8–42.6) were either similar to or higher than those of patients with large‐artery atherosclerotic stroke (LAA) (28.7%, 95% CI 22.4–35.0). Compared with LAA, all other TOAST types had a higher probability of 10‐year stroke recurrence. In Cox proportional hazards analysis, compared with patients with LAA, patients with any other stroke type were associated with similar or higher risk for the outcomes of overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke recurrence and composite cardiovascular outcome.

Conclusions

Large‐artery atherosclerotic stroke and cardioembolic stroke are associated with the highest risk for future cardiovascular events, with the latter carrying at least as high a risk as LAA stroke.
Deadly hairs, lethal feathers – convergent evolution of poisonous integument in mammals and birds
Authors: Plikus Maksim V. , Astrowski Aliaksandr A.
Published: April 2014

Hairs and feathers are textbook examples of the convergent evolution of the follicular appendage structure between mammals and birds. While broadly recognized for their convergent thermoregulatory, camouflage and sexual display functions, hairs and feathers are rarely thought of as deadly defence tools. Several recent studies, however, show that in some species of mammals and birds, the integument can, in fact, be a de facto lethal weapon. One mammalian example is provided by African crested rats, which seek for and chew on the bark of plants containing the highly potent toxin, ouabain. These rats then coat their fur with ouabain‐containing saliva. For efficient toxin retention, the rodents have evolved highly specialized fenestrated and mostly hollow hair shafts that soak up liquids, which essentially function as wicks. On the avian side of the vertebrate integumental variety spectrum, several species of birds of New Guinea have evolved resistance to highly potent batrachotoxins, which they acquire from their insect diet. While the mechanism of bird toxicity remains obscure, in a recently published issue of the journal, Dumbacher and Menon explore the intriguing idea that to achieve efficient storage of batrachotoxins in their skin, some birds exploit the basic permeability barrier function of their epidermis. Batrachotoxins become preferentially sequestered in their epidermis and are then transferred to feathers, likely through the exploitation of specialized avian lipid‐storing multigranular body organelles. Here, we discuss wider implications of this intriguing concept.
Fusogenic properties of the ectodomains of hepatitis C virus envelope proteins
Authors: Tello Daniel , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Mar , Ortega Sara , Lombana Laura , Yélamos Belén , Gómez‐Gutiérrez Julián , Peterson Darrell L. , Gavilanes Francisco
Published: April 2014

We have used an isolated chimeric protein E1340E2661 that includes the ectodomains of the envelope proteins of hepatitis C virus to study its interaction with model membranes. E1340E2661 has some of the membrane destabilization properties, vesicle aggregation, lipid mixing and the release of internal aqueous content, which have previously been ascribed to fusion proteins. The effects are preferentially produced on vesicles of acidic phospholipids which would indicate the importance of the electrostatic interactions. In fact, an increase of the ionic strength of the buffer induced a considerable decrease of the destabilizing properties. Moreover, fluorescence polarization studies show that the recombinant protein reduces the amplitude of the thermal transition of dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol vesicles and increases the transition temperature at pH 5.0 in a dose‐dependent manner, indicating its insertion into the bilayer. Furthermore, a decrease of the pH induces a conformational change in the protein structure as evidenced by fluorescence of tryptophan residues and 4,4′‐bis(1‐anilinonaphthalene‐8‐sulfonate). A model for the fusion of hepatitis C virus with the host cell membrane can be postulated. The dissociation of E1E2 dimers would uncover the fusion peptides which can then interact with the polar lipid heads of the outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer and next insert into the hydrophobic moiety producing the destabilization of the bilayer which finally leads to fusion.
Biomineralization ofSchlumbergerella floresiana, a significant carbonate‐producing benthic foraminifer
Authors: Sabbatini A. , Bédouet L. , Marie A. , Bartolini A. , Landemarre L. , Weber M. X. , Gusti Ngurah Kade Mahardika I. , Berland S. , Zito F. , Vénec‐Peyré M.‐T.
Published: April 2014

Most foraminifera that produce a shell are efficient biomineralizers. We analyzed the calcitic shell of the large tropical benthic foraminiferSchlumbergerella floresiana. We found a suite of macromolecules containing many charged and polar amino acids and glycine that are also abundant in biomineralization proteins of other phyla. As neither genomic nor transcriptomic data are available for foraminiferal biomineralization yet,de novo‐generated sequences, obtained from organic matrices submitted toms blastdatabase search, led to the characterization of 156 peptides. Very few homologous proteins were matched in the proteomic database, implying that the peptides are derived from unknown proteins present in the foraminiferal organic matrices. The amino acid distribution of these peptides was queried against theuniprotdatabase and the molluskuniprotdatabase for comparison. The mollusks compose a well‐studied phylum that yield a large variety of biomineralization proteins. These results showed that proteins extracted fromS. floresianashells contained sequences enriched with glycine, alanine, and proline, making a set of residues that provided a signature unique to foraminifera. Three of thede novopeptides exhibited sequence similarities to peptides found in proteins such as pre‐collagen‐Pand a group ofP‐typeATPases including a calcium‐transportingATPase. Surprisingly, the peptide that was most similar to the collagen‐like protein was a glycine‐rich peptide reported from the test and spine proteome of sea urchin. The molecules, identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry analyses, included acid‐solubleN‐glycoproteins with its sugar moieties represented by high‐mannose‐type glycans and carbohydrates. Describing the nature of the proteins, and associated molecules in the skeletal structure of living foraminifera, can elucidate the biomineralization mechanisms of these major carbonate producers in marine ecosystems. As fossil foraminifera provide important paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic information, a better understanding of biomineralization in these organisms will have far‐reaching impacts.
Headaches in Brain Tumor Patients: Primary or Secondary?
Authors: Nelson Sarah , Taylor Lynne P.
Published: April 2014

Background

Headaches occur commonly in all patients, including those who have brain tumors. It has been argued that there is a classic “brain tumor headache type” – defined by the International Headache Society as one that is localized, progressive, worse in the morning, aggravated by coughing or bending forward, develops in temporal and often spatial relation to the neoplasm, and resolves within 7 days of surgical removal or treatment with corticosteroids.

Methods

Using the search terms “headache and brain tumors,” “intracranial neoplasms and headache,” and “facial pain and brain tumors,” we reviewed the literature from the past 20 years on brain tumor‐associated headache and reflected upon the International Classification of Headache Disorders‐3 (ICHD‐3). In a separate, complementary paper, the proposed mechanisms of brain tumor headache are reviewed.

Results

We discuss multiple clinical presentations of brain tumor headaches, present the ICHD‐3 diagnostic criteria for each type of headache, and then apply our findings to the ICHD‐3. Our primary and major finding was that brain tumor headaches can present similarly to primary headaches in those with a predisposition to headaches, suggesting that following ICHD‐3 criteria could cause a clinician to overlook a headache caused by a brain tumor. We further find that some types of headaches are not explicitly discussed in the ICHD‐3 and also propose that the International Headache Society formally define SMART (Stroke‐like Migraine Attacks after Radiation Therapy) syndrome given the increasing amount of literature on this disorder.

Conclusion

Our literature review revealed that brain tumor headache uncommonly presents with classic brain tumor headache characteristics and often satisfies criteria for a primary headache category such as migraine or tension‐type. Thus, clinicians may miss headaches due to brain tumors in following ICHD‐3 criteria, and the distinction between primary and secondary headache disorders may not be so clear‐cut.
Significance of pretransplant abstinence on harmful alcohol relapse after liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis in Japan
Authors: Egawa Hiroto , Ueda Yoshihide , Kawagishi Naoki , Yagi Takahito , Kimura Hiroyuki , Ichida Takafumi
Published: April 2014

Aim

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is an established indication for liver transplantation (LT). Although the importance of preoperative abstinence is accepted, the optimal period of pretransplant abstinence is unclear. Our previous report in a Japanese cohort revealed a significant negative impact of recidivism on patient survival but failed to show significance of the length of pretransplant abstinence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal period of pretransplant abstinence.

Methods

Subjects underwent LT for ALC (n = 195: 187 living donor liver transplantations, five deceased donor liver transplantations and three domino LT) in Japan from November 1997 to December 2011. Risk factors and the impact on outcome of alcohol relapse were analyzed in 140 patients, after excluding 26 patients with in‐hospital mortality and 29 patients without information about alcohol relapse.

Results

The incidence of alcohol consumption after LT was 22.9% (32/140). The relapse time was within 18 months after LT in 24 patients, after 18 months in two patients and unknown in six patients. Alcohol‐related damage occurred in 18 of the 24 patients with recidivism within 18 months. The patient survival rate of patients with harmful relapse was significantly lower than that of abstinent patients and patients with non‐harmful relapse (P = 0.019). Preoperative abstinence shorter than 18 months was a significant indicator of the risk of harmful relapse (P = 0.009). High‐risk alcohol relapse scores had no impact on the incidence.

Conclusion

Preoperative abstinence was an important predictor of post‐transplant harmful relapse leading to inferior outcomes.
Anti‐Semitism and the American Racial Context: A Historical Inquiry
Authors: Toll William
Published: April 2014

This essay reacts to the observation that (1) the vast literature on anti‐Semitism virtually ignores the United States and that (2) American scholarly writing on the topic of race and racism has little to say about Jews and anti‐Semitism. This essay tries to bridge both gaps by arguing, first, that anti‐Semitism should not be studied as an ideology or as a social virus but as a marker of specific tensions in the cultures where it becomes a public issue. Second, in the United States, a civic nation rather than a European nation‐state, Jews have always been included as citizens, have never challenged a national identity based on democratic political values, and have nevertheless been perceived ambiguously. Third, Race has defined the basic fissures in our social and political history, and groups stigmatized as racially alien have faced systematic discrimination. At the turn of the 20th century, East European Jews were perceived as members of an immigrant proletariat encased – like other immgrants – in a racial ideology and faced discrimination on that critical but largely class‐related basis. Fourth, other Jews before and after that era were marginal to America's basic tensions, and different groups of Jews were treated differently according to the various class positions and geographic locations that they often shared with others. Anti‐Semitism marked the shifting kaleidoscope of America's endless process of economic growth and social mobility.
Global Advertising Histories: an Australian Perspective
Authors: Dickenson Jackie
Published: April 2014

This article surveys the historiography of the global advertising industry, identifying the key challenges and debates raised by American and British scholars, and then discusses two important questions for historians of Australian advertising. First, if advertising is a globalised and ‘Americanised’ industry, exactly how Australian is the Australian advertising industry? Second, can we understand how advertising works by analysing advertisements, or are new forms of analysis required? The article introduces a fresh analytical approach that seeks to answer these questions before discussing the scope, methodology and preliminary findings of a historical study of the Australian advertising industry that is currently utilising this approach.
The Politics of Knowledge: Or, How to Stop Being Eurocentric
Authors: Seth Sanjay
Published: April 2014

In the last 20 years or so, a significant and growing body of work has sought to unveil, challenge and displace the ‘Eurocentric’ biases of the human sciences. The arguments advanced in these works vary, and the aim of this essay is both to survey this literature and to point out the differences between different ‘kinds’ or ‘types’ of ‘anti‐Eurocentrism’.
Critical values in Hematology
Authors: McFarlane A. , Aslan B. , Raby A. , Bourner G. , Padmore R.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Critical values are life‐threatening results that require immediate notification to the patient's healthcare provider. Accreditation bodies require laboratories to establish critical values. A survey of Ontario laboratories was conducted to determine current practice for critical values in hematology.

Methods

The survey was sent to 182 participants questioning sources for establishing critical values, levels, review frequency, delta checks, and reporting. The survey was completed by laboratory managers, supervisors, technical specialists, senior technologists, and bench technologists working in hematology.

Results

The majority of participating laboratories have established critical values limits for hemoglobin, leukocyte counts, and platelet counts. Most laboratories also include the presence of malaria parasites and blast cells. Some laboratories reported the presence of plasma cells, sickle cells, schistocytes, and spherocytes as critical values. Multiple sources are used for establishing a critical value policy. There was variability for the frequency of critical values review. Rules may differ for a first‐time patient sample vs. a repeat patient sample. Delta checks are seldom used to determine whether a result should be called a critical value. Most participants require the individual taking the critical result(s) to read back and confirm that they are directly involved with the patient's care.

Conclusion

There is a lack of consensus for critical values reporting in hematology. As critical value reporting is crucial for patient safety, standardization of this practice would be beneficial.
Geographical variation in incidence of knee arthroscopy for patients with osteoarthritis: a population‐based analysis of Victorian hospital separations data
Authors: Bohensky M. , Barker A. , Morello R. , De Steiger R. N. , Gorelik A. , Brand C.
Published: April 2014

Background/Aim

To evaluate the frequency and geographical variation in knee arthroscopy for adults (>25 years) with a concomitant diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of hospital separations involving an elective knee arthroscopy in public and private hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Participants included patients receiving knee arthroscopies with a diagnosis code indicating osteoarthritis (OA) from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009. Records were excluded if the patient was under 25 years or their arthroscopy involved a ligament reconstruction. Crude rates per 100 000 population and negative binomial regression offset by total knee arthroscopy volume were used to analyse differences by region.

Results

There were 9620 arthroscopic procedures meeting the inclusion criteria. There were 5500 (57.2%) admissions where the principal diagnosis was knee OA (gonarthrosis) and 3510 (36.5%) where the principal diagnosis indicated a mechanical derangement and there was a primary or associated diagnosis of OA. When we examined the incidence rate ratios (IRR) by region, after adjustment for relevant factors and accounting for the total knee arthroscopy volume within each region, we identified significant variation in knee arthroscopy rates for patients with OA. The region with the highest adjusted IRR was Barwon South Western (IRR: 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.36) and the region with lowest adjusted incidence rate ratio was the Gippsland region (IRR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.98).

Conclusions

We identified considerable geographical variation in arthroscopies for people with OA across Victoria. Further investigation is needed to understand whether this variation is a reflection of differences in OA prevalence, clinical decision‐making or access.
Disabling disease codes predict worse outcomes for acute medical admissions
Authors: Chotirmall S. H. , Picardo S. , Lyons J. , D'Alton M. , O'Riordan D. , Silke B.
Published: April 2014

Background

Concurrent with an extension in longevity, a prodrome of ill‐health (‘disability’ identifiable by certain International Classification of Disease (ICD) 9/ICD10 codes) predates the acute emergency presentation. To date, no study has assessed the effect of such ‘disability’ on outcomes of emergency medical admissions.

Aim

To devise a new method of scoring the burden of ‘disability’ and assess its relevance to outcomes of acute hospital admissions.

Methods

All emergency admissions (67 971 episodes in n = 37 828 patients) to St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland over an 11‐year period (2002–2012) were studied, and 30‐day in‐hospital mortality and length of stay were assessed as objective end‐points. Patients were classified according to a validated ‘disability’ classification method and scored from 0 to 4+ (5 classes), dependent on number of ICD9/ICD10 ‘hits’ in hospital episode codes.

Results

A disabling score of zero was present in 10.6% of patients. Scores of 1, 2, 3 and 4+ (classified by the number of organ systems involved) occurred with frequencies of 23.3%, 28.7%, 21.9% and 15.5% respectively. The ‘disability’ score was strongly driven by age. The 30‐day mortality rates were 0.9% (no score), 2.6%, 4.1%, 6.3% and 10.9%. Surviving patients remained in hospital for medians of 1.8 (no score), 3.9, 6.1, 8.1 and 9.7 days respectively. High ‘disability’ and illness severity predicted a particularly bad outcome.

Conclusion

Disability burden, irrespective of organ system at emergency medical admission, independently predicts worse outcomes and a longer in‐hospital stay.
Genomic analyses detect Eurasian‐lineage H10 and additional H14 influenza A viruses recovered from waterfowl in the Central United States
Authors: Fries Anthony C. , Nolting Jacqueline M. , Bowman Andrew S. , Killian Mary L. , Wentworth David E. , Slemons Richard D.
Published: April 2014

The accurate and timely characterization of influenza A viruses (IAV) from natural reservoirs is essential for responses to animal and public health threats. Differences between antigenic and genetic subtyping results for 161 IAV isolates recovered from migratory birds in the central United States during 2010–2011 delayed the recognition of four isolates of interest. Genomic sequencing identified the first reported Eurasian‐origin H10 subtype in North America and three additional H14 isolates showing divergence from previously reported H14 isolates. Genomic analyses revealed additional diversity among IAV isolates not detected by antigenic subtyping and provided further insight into interhemispheric spread of avian‐origin IAVs.
Properties, morphogenesis, and effect of acidification on spines of the cidaroid sea urchin Phyllacanthus imperialis
Authors: Dery Aurélie , Guibourt Virginie , Catarino Ana I. , Compère Philippe , Dubois Philippe
Published: April 2014

Cidaroid sea urchins are the sister clade to all other extant echinoids and have numerous unique features, including unusual primary spines. These lack an epidermis when mature, exposing their high‐magnesium calcite skeleton to seawater and allowing the settlement of numerous epibionts. Cidaroid spines are made of an inner core of classical monocrystalline skeleton and an outer layer of polycrystalline magnesium calcite. Interestingly, cidaroids survived the Permian‐Triassic crisis, which was characterized by severe acidification of the ocean. Currently, numerous members of this group inhabit the deep ocean, below the saturation horizon for their magnesium calcite skeleton. This suggests that members of this taxon may have characteristics that may allow them to resist ongoing ocean acidification linked to global change. We compared the effect of acidified seawater (pH 7.2, 7.6, or 8.2) on mature spines with a fully developed cortex to that on young, growing spines, in which only the stereom core was developed. The cortex of mature spines was much more resistant to etching than the stereom of young spines. We then examined the properties of the cortex that might be responsible for its resistance compared to the underlying stereomic layers, namely morphology, intramineral organic material, magnesium concentration, intrinsic solubility of the mineral, and density. Our results indicate that the acidification resistance of the cortex is probably due to its lower magnesium concentration and higher density, the latter reducing the amount of surface area in contact with acidified seawater. The biofilm and epibionts covering the cortex of mature spines may also reduce its exposure to seawater.
In‐Situ Raman Spectroscopy Study of Photoinduced Structural Changes in Ge‐rich Chalcogenide Films
Authors: Zhang Ran , Ren Jing , Jain Himanshu , Liu Yinyao , Xing Zhongwen , Chen Guorong
Published: April 2014

Very few studies have been directed at the compositional dependence of the intrinsic photostability of the GexSe1−x binary ChG films especially for the Ge‐rich films with the mean coordination number (MCN) larger than 2.67. Here, by measuring the in‐situ transmission changes, it shows that the photosensitivity (e.g., photobleaching, PB) of the Ge‐rich films (as compared to the GeSe2 film) is attenuated, in fact almost completely eliminated in the film with the largest MCN. A straightforward technique, in‐situ Raman spectroscopy, is used to record the time‐resolved intrinsic structural changes during the irradiation of the films. The result indicates a transition from PB towards photostability occurs at the critical composition of GeSe2 corresponding to the structural phase transition. The stressed rigid structures of the Ge‐rich films inhibit any significant photo‐structural changes.
Synthesis and Microstructural Characterization of Substoichiometric Ti2Al(CxNy) Solid Solutions and Related Ti2AlCx and Ti2AlN End‐Members
Authors: Yu Wenbo , Gauthier‐Brunet Véronique , Cabioc'h Thierry , Dubois Sylvain
Published: April 2014

Ti, TiC, Al and AlN powders were mixed to synthesize Ti2Al(CxNy) (x + y < 1) solid solutions, Ti2AlCx (x < 1) and Ti2AlN‐related end‐members by hot isostatic pressing at 1400°C/80 MPa for 4 h. For the pure carbides, it is demonstrated that single‐phased samples can only be obtained when about 15% of substoichiometry on the carbon site is applied. Such a result likely implies that Ti2AlCx can only exist in a narrow range of carbon composition. Ti2AlN nitride can be synthesized with y = 1. Assuming that vacancy content varies linearly from 0 to 0.15 going from Ti2AlN to Ti2AlC0.85 in the solid solutions, element concentrations have been calculated to synthesize different solid solutions. Thus, it is demonstrated that single‐phased and fully dense Ti2Al(C0.23N0.71), Ti2Al(C0.45N0.45), and Ti2Al(C0.66N0.22) carbonitrides can be synthesized.
Instrument development and validation of a quality scale for historical research papers (QSHRP): a pilot study
Authors: Kelly Jacinta , Watson Roger
Published: April 2014

Aim

To report a pilot study for the development and validation of an instrument to measure quality in historical research papers.

Background

There are no set criteria to assess historical papers published in nursing journals.

Design

A three phase mixed method sequential confirmatory design.

Methods

In 2012, we used a three‐phase approach to item generation and content evaluation. In phase 1, we consulted nursing historians using an online survey comprising three open‐ended questions and revised the items. In phase 2, we evaluated the revised items for relevance with expert historians using a 4‐point Likert scale and Content Validity Index calculation. In phase 3, we conducted reliability testing of the instrument using a 3‐point Likert scale.

Results

In phase 1, 121 responses were generated via the online survey and revised to 40 interrogatively phrased items. In phase 2, five items with an Item Content Validity Index score of ≥0·7 remained. In phase 3, responses from historians resulted in 100% agreement to questions 1, 2 and 4 and 89% and 78%, respectively, to questions 3 and 5.

Conclusion

Items for the QSHRP have been identified, content validated and reliability tested. This scale improves on previous scales, which over‐emphasized source criticism. However, a full‐scale study is needed with nursing historians to increase its robustness.
Reconnaissance of Pharmaceuticals and Wastewater Indicators in Streambed Sediments of the Lower Columbia River Basin, Oregon and Washington
Authors: Nilsen Elena , Furlong Edward T. , Rosenbauer Robert
Published: April 2014

One by‐product of advances in modern chemistry is the accumulation of synthetic chemicals in the natural environment. These compounds include contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), some of which are endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) that can have detrimental reproductive effects. The role of sediments in accumulating these types of chemicals and acting as a source of exposure for aquatic organisms is not well understood. Here we present a small‐scale reconnaissance of CECs in bed sediments of the lower Columbia River and several tributaries and urban streams. Surficial bed sediment samples were collected from the Columbia River, the Willamette River, the Tualatin River, and several small urban creeks in Oregon. Thirty‐nine compounds were detected at concentrations ranging from <1 to >1,000 ng [g sediment]−1 dry weight basis. Concentrations and frequencies of detection were higher in tributaries and small urban creeks than in the Columbia River mainstem, suggesting a higher risk of exposure to aquatic life in lower order streams. Ten known or suspected EDCs were detected during the study. At least one EDC was detected at 21 of 23 sites sampled; several EDCs were detected in sediment from most sites. This study is the first to document the occurrence of a large suite of CECs in the sediments of the Columbia River basin. A better understanding of the role of sediment in the fate and effects of emerging contaminants is needed.
Dissipation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Biosolids Applied to Nonirrigated Farmland in Eastern Colorado
Authors: Yager Tracy J.B. , Furlong Edward T. , Kolpin Dana W. , Kinney Chad A. , Zaugg Steven D. , Burkhardt Mark R.
Published: April 2014

In 2007, a 1.5‐year field‐scale study was initiated by the U.S. Geological Survey to evaluate the dissipation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) following a first agronomic biosolids application to nonirrigated farmland. CECs with the greatest decrease in concentration in the surface biosolids at 180 days post‐application included indole, d‐limonene, p‐cresol, phenol, and skatol. CECs that were present in the largest concentration in 180‐day‐weathered biosolids included stanols, nonylphenols, bisphenol A, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, hexahydrohexamethyl cyclopenta‐benzopyran (HHCB), and triclosan. CECs that were detected in pre‐application soil were 3‐beta coprostanol, skatol, acetophenone, beta‐sitosterol, beta‐stigmastanol, cholesterol, indole, p‐cresol, and phenol, most of which are biogenic sterols or fragrances that have natural plant sources in addition to anthropogenic sources, yet their concentrations increased (in some cases, substantially) following biosolids application. Preliminary data indicate the nonylphenols (including NPEO1, NPEO2), OPEO1, benzo[a]pyrene, diethyl phthalate, d‐limonene, HHCB, triclosan, and possibly 3‐beta coprostanol, skatol, beta‐sitosterol, cholesterol, indole, and p‐cresol, migrated downward through the soil by 468 days post‐application, but indicated little uptake by mature wheat plants. This study indicates that some CECs are sufficiently persistent and mobile to be vertically transported into the soil column following biosolids applications to the land surface, even in semiarid regions.
Screening for Selected Human Pharmaceuticals and Cocaine in the Urban Streams of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Thomas Kevin V. , da Silva Felipe M. Araújo , Langford K.H. , de Souza Afonso D. Leão , Nizzeto L. , Waichman A.V.
Published: April 2014

Pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs are contaminants that are generally ubiquitous in wastewater treatment plant effluents with their release into the environment being well understood in North America, Europe, and Asia. There is, however, less information on the release of human pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs from regions undergoing rapid land use, economical, and social changes, such as Brazil. This encompasses many areas in the tropical zone where releases of emerging contaminants may impact pristine, bio‐diversity rich ecosystems. In this study, the occurrence of human pharmaceuticals and the illicit drug cocaine was determined in the Rio Negro and two of its tributaries that receive large amounts of untreated sewage, the Igarapé Mindu and the Igarapé do 40, passing through the city of Manaus, Brazil. In addition to cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecognine, propranolol, diclofenac, amitriptyline, carbamazepine, carbamazepine‐epoxide, citalopram, metoprolol, carisoprolol, and sertraline were all detected in two urban tributaries at low ng/l concentrations similar to those typically found in urban surface waters. Concentrations in the Rio Negro were typically lower than detection limits due to the large level of dilution, although traces of a range of pharmaceuticals were detected in the Rio Negro in proximity of the confluence of the urban streams. The data represent new information on the emissions of pharmaceuticals from a newly industrialized region of Brazil.
On‐Site Exposure to Treated Wastewater Effluent Has Subtle Effects on Male Fathead Minnows and Pronounced Effects on Carp
Authors: Minarik Thomas A. , Vick Justin A. , Schultz Melissa M. , Bartell Stephen E. , Martinovic‐Weigelt Dalma , Rearick Daniel C. , Schoenfuss Heiko L.
Published: April 2014

This study tested the hypotheses that (1) exposure to treated Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) effluent will induce biological effects in exposed fish that are consistent with environmental estrogen (EE) exposure; and (2) seasonal differences in effluent composition will moderate biological effects. We conducted seven on‐site exposures using a mobile laboratory. Total estrogenicity of effluents was 10‐ to 20‐fold higher during spring than in fall. Common EEs including steroid estrogens, alkylphenols, and bisphenol‐A were ubiquitous. An unusual spike in total estrogenicity identified a combined sewer overflow event. Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) responded to exposure with subtle changes in vitellogenin concentrations and secondary sex characteristics. An opportunity to assess a common carp (Cyprinus carpio) population permanently sustained inside the Stickney WRP revealed pronounced exposure effects, but also the resilience of biological organisms even under long‐term exposure. In contrast to other studies, no histopathological changes were found. The mobile exposure laboratory proved capable of maintaining U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‐recommended exposure conditions while providing flexibility for rapid deployment at multiple sites with minimal operational disruption. Further studies using this platform hold promise to resolve the convoluted interactions between complex effluents and inherent biological complexity.
Identification of novel risk genes associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus using a genome‐wide gene‐based association analysis
Authors: Qiu Ying‐Hua , Deng Fei‐Yan , Li Min‐Jing , Lei Shu‐Feng
Published: April 2014

Aims/Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a serious disorder characterized by destruction of pancreatic β‐cells, culminating in absolute insulin deficiency. Genetic factors contribute to the susceptibility of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to identify more susceptibility genes of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We carried out an initial gene‐based genome‐wide association study in a total of 4,075 type 1 diabetes mellitus cases and 2,604 controls by using the Gene‐based Association Test using Extended Simes procedure. Furthermore, we carried out replication studies, differential expression analysis and functional annotation clustering analysis to support the significance of the identified susceptibility genes.

Results

We identified 452 genes associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus, even after adapting the genome‐wide threshold for significance (P < 9.05E‐04). Among these genes, 171 were newly identified for type 1 diabetes mellitus, which were ignored in single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐based association analysis and were not previously reported. We found that 53 genes have supportive evidence from replication studies and/or differential expression studies. In particular, seven genes including four non‐human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes (RASIP1, STRN4, BCAR1 and MYL2) are replicated in at least one independent population and also differentially expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or monocytes. Furthermore, the associated genes tend to enrich in immune‐related pathways or Gene Ontology project terms.

Conclusions

The present results suggest the high power of gene‐based association analysis in detecting disease‐susceptibility genes. Our findings provide more insights into the genetic basis of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
A Hybrid‐Unit Energy Input‐Output Model to Evaluate Embodied Energy and Life Cycle Emissions for China's Economy
Authors: Lindner Sören , Guan Dabo
Published: April 2014

We develop a hybrid‐unit energy input‐output (I/O) model with a disaggregated electricity sector for China. The model replaces primary energy rows in monetary value, namely, coal, gas, crude oil, and renewable energy, with physical flow units in order to overcome errors associated with the proportionality assumption in environmental I/O analysis models. Model development and data use are explained and compared with other approaches in the field of environmental life cycle assessment. The model is applied to evaluate the primary energy embodied in economic output to meet Chinese final consumption for the year 2007. Direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions intensities are determined. We find that different final demand categories pose distinctive requirements on the primary energy mix. Also, a considerable amount of energy is embodied in the supply chain of secondary industries. Embodied energy and emissions are crucial to consider for policy development in China based on consumption, rather than production. Consumption‐based policies will likely play a more important role in China when per capita income levels have reached those of western countries.
Patterns of morphological variation in enamel–dentin junction and outer enamel surface of human molars
Authors: Morita Wataru , Yano Wataru , Nagaoka Tomohito , Abe Mikiko , Ohshima Hayato , Nakatsukasa Masato
Published: April 2014

Tooth crown patterning is governed by the growth and folding of the inner enamel epithelium (IEE) and the following enamel deposition forms outer enamel surface (OES). We hypothesized that overall dental crown shape and covariation structure are determined by processes that configurate shape at the enamel–dentine junction (EDJ), the developmental vestige of IEE. This this hypothesis was tested by comparing patterns of morphological variation between EDJ and OES in human permanent maxillary first molar (UM1) and deciduous second molar (um2). Using geometric morphometric methods, we described morphological variation and covariation between EDJ and OES, and evaluated the strength of two components of phenotypic variability, canalization and morphological integration, in addition to the relevant evolutionary flexibility, i.e. the ability to respond to selective pressure. The strength of covariation between EDJ and OES was greater in um2 than in UM1, and the way that multiple traits covary between EDJ and OES was different between these teeth. The variability analyses showed that EDJ had less shape variation and a higher level of morphological integration than OES, which indicated that canalization and morphological integration acted as developmental constraints. These tendencies were greater in UM1 than in um2. On the other hand, EDJ and OES had a comparable level of evolvability in these teeth. Amelogenesis could play a significant role in tooth shape and covariation structure, and its influence was not constant among teeth, which may be responsible for the differences in the rate and/or period of enamel formation.