bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomised crossover trial comparing a single‐use polyvinyl chloride laryngeal mask airway with a single‐use silicone laryngeal mask airway
Authors: Bell S. F. , Morris N. G. , Rao A. , Wilkes A. R. , Goodwin N.
Published: September 2012

We compared insertion rates of single‐use polyvinyl chloride laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) vs single‐use silicone LMAs in 72 anaesthetised patients. Both airways were produced by Flexicare Medical. Laryngeal mask airway insertion was successful on the first attempt in 68/72 (94%) polyvinyl chloride LMAs vs 64/72 (89%) silicone LMAs (p = 0.39). Overall insertion rates were 72/72 (100%) for the polyvinyl chloride LMAs and 71/72 (99%) for the silicone LMAs (p = 1.0). Mean (SD) insertion times were similar for polyvinyl chloride and silicone LMAs: 24.3 (5.1)s vs 24.8 (7.8)s (p = 0.64). Laryngeal mask airway position, as assessed using a fibrescope, was not different (p = 0.077). The median (IQR [range]) leak pressure was 16 (12–20 [6–30]) cmH2O for the polyvinyl LMA and 18 (13–22 [6–30]) cmH2O or the silicone LMA (p = 0.037). In conclusion, we did not find any important differences between polyvinyl chloride and silicone laryngeal mask airways.
Does JC virus have a role in the etiology and prognosis of Egyptian colorectal carcinoma?
Authors: Samaka Rehab M. , Abd El‐Wahed Moshira M. , Aiad Hayam A. , Kandil Mona A. , Al‐Sharaky Dalia R.
Published: September 2012

John Cunningham virus (JCV) encodes an oncogenic T‐antigen, which is capable of interacting with key growth regulatory pathways. JCV definite role as causal agent of human cancer, still awaits final confirmation. The present study was conducted to assess the possible role of JCV in Egyptian colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and correlate the expression with the clinicopathological features and survival. JCV in situ hybridization (ISH) signals and large T antigen immunoreactivity were examined in 87 colonic specimens. Positive glandular JCV ISH signals were detected in 20%, 25% and 40% of normal, adenoma and CRC cases respectively. Stromal JCV ISH signals were identified in 26% of CRC cases and 5% of adenoma however, normal mucosa did not show stromal positivity with significant difference (p = 0.03). Glandular JCV expression was significantly associated with high grade (p = 0.03), high mitotic index (p=0.02) and low apoptotic index (p = 0.00). Positive stromal signals were significantly associated with low apoptosis (p = 0.00). No positive nuclear immunostaining of JCV large T antigen was detected in all specimens. JCV stromal expression was the 2nd most powerful indicator of short survival and bad prognosis (p = 0.03) in CRC patients. JCV might play an etiological role in CRC tumorogenesis and short survival in Egyptian CRC patients.
Comparison of the Molecular Dynamics and Calculated Binding Free Energies for Nine FDA‐Approved HIV‐1 PR Drugs Against Subtype B and C‐SA HIV PR
Authors: Ahmed Shaimaa M. , Kruger Hendrik G. , Govender Thirumala , Maguire Glenn E. M. , Sayed Yasien , Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Naicker Previn , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: September 2012

We report the first account of a comparative analysis of the binding affinities of nine FDA‐approved drugs against subtype B as well as the South African subtype C HIV PR (C‐SA). A standardized protocol was used to generate the inhibitor/C‐SA PR complexes with the relative positions of the inhibitors taken from the corresponding X‐ray structures for subtype B complexes. The dynamics and stability of these complexes were investigated using molecular dynamics calculations. Average relative binding free energies for these inhibitors were calculated from the molecular dynamics simulation using the molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area method. The calculated energies followed a similar trend to the reported experimental binding free energies. Postdynamic hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction analysis of the inhibitors with both subtypes reveal similar interactions. Most inhibitors show slightly weaker binding affinities for C‐SA PR. Molecular dynamics studies demonstrated increased flap movement for C‐SA PR, which can perhaps explain the weaker affinities. This study serves as a standardized platform for optimizing the design of future more potent HIV C‐SA PR inhibitors.
Application of chromosomal microarray in the evaluation of abnormal prenatal findings
Authors: Yatsenko SA , Davis S , Hendrix NW , Surti U , Emery S , Canavan T , Speer P , Hill L , Clemens M , Rajkovic A
Published: September 2012

We performed karyotype and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analyses on 177 prenatal samples, including 162 (92%) samples from fetuses with sonographic anomalies. Overall 12 fetuses (6.8%) had abnormal karyotype and 42 (23.7%) fetuses had abnormal microarray results: 20 (11.3%) with pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs), 16 with CNVs of uncertain clinical significance, 4 with CNVs establishing carrier status for recessive, X‐linked, or susceptibility to late onset dominant disease, and two CNVs with pseudomosaicism due to in vitro cultural artifacts. For 23 pregnancies (13%), aCGH contributed important new information. Our results highlight the interpretation challenges associated with CNVs of unclear significance, incidental findings, as well as technical aspects. Array CGH analysis significantly improved the detection of genomic imbalances in prenatal diagnosis of pregnancies with structural birth defects.
Reducing cardiovascular disease risk in type 2 diabetes: is the focus on glycaemia warranted?
Authors: Ferguson L. D. , Sattar N.
Published: September 2012

Cardiovascular disease remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article examines the recent evidence from trials and related meta‐analyses on the effects of glycaemic control on cardiovascular disease (and, to a lesser extent, microvascular outcomes) in diabetes, and compares this with evidence accrued from blood pressure and statin trials. On the basis of such evidence, as well as pragmatic considerations, it is clear that clinicians should place stronger emphasis on lipid and blood pressure management to lessen cardiovascular risks. At the same time, cardiovascular disease benefits of glycaemia reduction appear less pronounced, with patient characteristics critically influencing risk to benefit ratio. Recent guidelines now reflect recent observations on glycaemic control (with relaxed targets in specific patient groups), whereas future guidelines should encourage physicians to prioritize lipid‐lowering and blood pressure management in patients with diabetes.
Chronic Urticaria can be Triggered by Eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Magen Eli , Schlesinger Menachem , Hadari Israel
Published: September 2012

Background

Participation of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU) is subject to dispute, although its eradication proved to be effective for some patients.

Aims

To investigate the cases of CU following eradication of HP.

Methods

The cases of patients in whom CU was diagnosed following triple therapy for HP eradication were retrospectively reviewed. The identified patients underwent follow‐up examination to exclude drug hypersensitivity and repeated autologous serum skin test (ASST) was done.

Results

From 831 patients with CU, 9 (1.08%) cases of CU related to triple therapy for HP eradication have been detected. In 8 (88.9%) patients CU was associated with positive ASST.

Conclusions

CU can be triggered by eradication of HP. The pathophysiological mechanisms of CU development following HP eradication are far from being clear, but it could be speculated that the systemic effects of HP eradication may involve some kind of immunomodulation, activating autoimmune mechanisms of CU.
Lay people's interpretation of ethical values related to mass vaccination; the case of A(H1N1) vaccination campaign in the province of Quebec (French Canada)
Authors: Massé Raymond , Désy Michel
Published: September 2012

Background

Pandemic influenza ethics frameworks are based on respect of values and principles such as regard for autonomy, responsibility, transparency, solidarity and social justice. However, very few studies have addressed the way in which the general population views these moral norms.

Objectives

(i) To analyse the receptiveness of the population of French‐speaking Quebecers to certain ethical principles promoted by public health authorities during the AH1N1 vaccination campaign. (ii) To add to the limited number of empirical studies that examine the population's perception of ethical values.

Design

Eight months after the end of the AH1N1 vaccination campaign in the Province of Quebec (Canada), 100 French‐speaking Quebecers were assembled in ten focus groups. Discussions focussed on the level of respect shown by public health authorities for individual autonomy, the limits of appeals for solidarity, the balance between vaccination efficiency and social justice towards non‐prioritized subpopulations, vaccination as a demonstration of civic duty and social responsibility.

Results

The population acknowledged a high level of individual responsibility towards family members and agreed to vaccination to protect children and ageing parents. However, the concepts of civic duty and solidarity did not elucidate unanimous support, despite the fact that social justice stood out as a dominant value of public morals.

Conclusion

The ethical principles promoted in influenza pandemic ethics frameworks are subject to reinterpretation by the population. An ethic of public health must consider their understanding of the fundamental values that legitimize mass vaccination.
New nanostructural biomaterials based on active silicate systems and hydroxyapatite: characterization and genotoxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Opačić‐Galić V. , Petrović V. , Živković S. , Jokanović V. , Nikolić B. , Knežević‐Vukčević J. , Mitić‐Ćulafić D.
Published: September 2012

Aim

To characterize and investigate the genotoxic effect of a new endodontic cement based on dicalcium‐ and tricalcium‐silicate (CS) with hydroxyapatite (HA) on human lymphocytes.

Methodology

Hydrothermal treatment was applied for synthesis of CS and HA. The final mixture HA‐CS, with potential to be used in endodontic practice, is composed of CS (34%) and HA (66%). Human lymphocytes were incubated with HA, HA‐CS and CS for 1 h, at 37 °C and 5% CO2. Cell viability was determined using the trypan blue exclusion assay. To evaluate the level of DNA damage comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis) was performed. For the statistical analysis anova and Duncan′s Post Hoc Test were used.

Results

The SEM analysis indicated that CS consisted mostly of agglomerates of several micrometers in size, built up from smaller particles, with dimensions between 117 and 477 nm. This is promising because dimensions of agglomerates are not comparable with channels inside the cell membranes, whereas their nano‐elements provide evident activity, important for faster setting of these mixtures compared to MTA. Values of DNA damage obtained in the comet assay indicated low genotoxic risk of the new endodontic materials.

Conclusions

The significantly improved setting characteristics and low genotoxic risk of the new material support further research.
Characteristics of materialism and its measurement: assessing the Belk's materialism scale in Hungary
Authors: Hofmeister Agnes , Neulinger Agnes
Published: September 2012

In terms of consumer values, the socialist system (altruism, acting for the good of the community, interest in culture, etc.) reflects a post‐materialist orientation. According to data from World Value Surveys, however, there was a strong shift towards materialist values in the former socialist countries after the political changes; this also holds true for Hungary. Most likely, this shift is due partly to the success of the market economy, competition and private enterprise and partly to the disappearance of the obligatory system of values of the socialist regime. The present research study uses the materialism scale developed by Belk to measure possessiveness, non‐generosity and envy in Hungary. The research study focused on the quantitative analysis of a national representative sample (n = 500) in 2002 and 2007 respectively. The results of the study indicate that in both periods surveyed, possessiveness was the most significant dimension within the three examined features of materialism. Changes in the nature of possessiveness, however, corresponded to the changes in consumer behaviour. Based on our findings, we can assume that possessions have a central place in people's life.
Allergic rhinitis as a possible risk factor for malocclusion: a case–control study in children
Authors: Luzzi Valeria , Ierardo Gaetano , Viscogliosi Annamaria , Fabbrizi Miriam , Consoli Giuliana , Vozza Iole , Vestri Annarita , Polimeni Antonella
Published: September 2012

Background

Prolonged oral respiration is known to cause postural alterations, which can lead to dental malocclusions. Allergic rhinitis, a common cause of upper airway obstruction in children, must therefore be seen as a possible risk factor in the development of malocclusions.

Aim

Aim of this study was to investigate the association between allergic rhinitis and malocclusions in primary and early‐mixed dentition.

Design

A case–control study was carried out involving 275 Italian children aged 5–9. The case group and the control group were composed of 125 individuals affected by malocclusions and by 150 healthy patients, respectively. Through a questionnaire, we assessed the presence of professionally diagnosed allergic rhinitis. Data were analysed to identify associations between these variables and the presence of malocclusions.

Results

Children with a history of allergic rhinitis had a threefold increased risk to develop one or more dento‐skeletal alterations [OR = 3.16; 95% CI (1.79–5.58), P < 0.001]. Statistically significant associations were found between allergic rhinitis and the development of posterior crossbite and increased overjet. No significant association was found for anterior openbite.

Conclusions

Allergic rhinitis is a significant risk factor for the development of malocclusions in general and is associated with the development of posterior crossbite and increased overjet.
Chemical properties of plant litter in response to elevation: subarctic vegetation challenges phenolic allocation theories
Authors: Sundqvist Maja K. , Wardle David A. , Olofsson Elin , Giesler Reiner , Gundale Michael J.
Published: September 2012

Several theories predict that increasing stress (e.g. decreasing nutrient availability or decreasing temperature) should result in higher amounts of plant phenolic compounds both at the interspecific and intraspecific levels. Further, several theories predict that plant phenolics are major drivers of plant–soil feedbacks whereby they influence litter decomposition rates and the return of nutrients to plants.

We investigated the potential influence of shifts in abiotic factors on litter phenolic properties using an elevational gradient in northern Sweden, for which temperature and soil fertility decline with increasing elevation. The system consists of two vegetation types: heath, (associated with low soil fertility) and meadow (associated with higher fertility), which occur across the entire gradient.

We hypothesized that total phenolics, tannins and protein complexation capacity (PCC) of leaf litter would increase with elevation within and among plant species. We further hypothesized that at the whole‐plot level (using community‐weighted averages), these properties would be higher in heath than meadow, and that phenolic properties for meadow vegetation would show stronger responses to elevation than for heath.

We measured phenolic properties in leaf litter for 13 species from both vegetation types across an established elevational gradient (500–1000 m) in Swedish subarctic tundra.

Contrary to our hypotheses, different species showed highly contrasting responses in their phenolic characteristics to elevation. At the across‐species level, total phenolic content in litter decreased with elevation. At the whole‐plot level, tannin concentrations were higher for the heath than for the meadow, whereas total phenolics and PCC did not differ. However, consistent with our hypothesis, our results showed that phenolic properties were more responsive to elevation for the meadow compared to the heath, as a consequence of greater species turnover for the meadow.

Our results are inconsistent with theories predicting higher plant phenolic concentrations with increasing environmental stress or decreasing nutrient availability. They also provide evidence that across abiotic gradients in the subarctic tundra, there are large shifts in litter phenolic properties (including those that are able to complex protein) and highlight that the direction and strength of such shifts may differ greatly among vegetation types.
DNA repair and replication proteins as prognostic markers in melanoma
Authors: Song Liang , Robson Tammy , Doig Tamasin , Brenn Thomas , Mathers Marie , Brown Ewan R , Doherty Val , Bartlett John M S , Anderson Niall , Melton David W
Published: September 2012

Aims:  Elevated expression of DNA repair and replication genes has been reported in thick, non‐fixed primary melanomas that subsequently went on to metastasize, when compared to non‐recurrent primary tumours. This increased expression could contribute to the extreme resistance shown by melanoma to DNA‐damaging chemotherapeutics. We have investigated the hypothesis that levels of key DNA repair and replication proteins are prognostic biomarkers in melanoma.

Methods and results:  We used a tissue microarray containing samples from all stages of melanomagenesis to investigate the hypothesis that levels of key DNA repair and replication proteins are prognostic biomarkers in a larger, more representative and readily available set of fixed primary melanomas. High expression of topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A), that relieves torsional stress during DNA replication, and XRCC5 (Ku80), required for DNA double‐strand break repair, were associated with significantly worse survival.

Conclusions:  Two (XRCC5 and TOP2A) of seven DNA repair and replication proteins studied were prognostic for melanoma.
Phylogenetic congruence between Mollitrichosiphum (Aphididae: Greenideinae) and Buchnera indicates insect–bacteria parallel evolution
Authors: LIU LIN , HUANG XIAOLEI , ZHANG RUILING , JIANG LIYUN , QIAO GEXIA
Published: September 2012

We wanted to test whether Mollitrichosiphum, an aphid genus with life cycles on subtropical woody host plants, and Buchnera, the primary endosymbiont of aphids, evolve in parallel. We used three aphid genes (mitochondrial COI, cytochrome oxidase subunit I and Cytb, cytochrome b; nuclear EF1α, translation elongation factor 1 alpha) and two Buchnera genes (16S rDNA; gnd, gluconate‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase) to reconstruct phylogenies. The congruence between the phylogenetic trees of aphids and Buchnera was then measured. The results present phylogenetic evidence for the parallel evolution of Mollitrichosiphum and Buchnera at the intraspecific as well as the interspecific levels. Our results support the possibility of using endosymbiont genes to study host evolutionary history and biogeographical patterns. We also investigated the usability of the Buchnera gnd gene as a barcoding marker for aphid identification.
The history of blood transfusion prior to the 20th century–part 2
Authors: Learoyd P.
Published: September 2012

Although there are a number of descriptions of ‘blood infusion’ in antiquity, it was the publication of the discovery of the circulation of blood in 1628 by William Harvey and the work of Christopher Wren and Robert Boyle in 1663 on the infusion of different materials into dogs that paved the way to the possible practical attempts at actual blood transfusion. Although these early experiments, principally by Richard Lower in England and Jean Denis in France provided valuable information regarding inter‐species incompatibility and the problems of blood coagulation, it was not until the work of James Blundell in the early part of the 19th century that blood transfusion was used as a means of blood replacement. However, blood transfusion was not to become an accepted therapeutic possibility until the discovery of practical anticoagulation and the ABO blood groups at the start of the 20th century.
S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine usage during climacteric ripening of tomato in relation to ethylene and polyamine biosynthesis and transmethylation capacity
Authors: Van de Poel Bram , Bulens Inge , Oppermann Yasmin , Hertog Marten L. A. T. M. , Nicolai Bart M. , Sauter Margret , Geeraerd Annemie H.
Published: September 2012

S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) is the major methyl donor in cells and it is also used for the biosynthesis of polyamines and the plant hormone ethylene. During climacteric ripening of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Bonaparte’), ethylene production rises considerably which makes it an ideal object to study SAM involvement. We examined in ripening fruit how a 1‐MCP treatment affects SAM usage by the three major SAM‐associated pathways. The 1‐MCP treatment inhibited autocatalytic ethylene production but did not affect SAM levels. We also observed that 1‐(malonylamino)cyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid formation during ripening is ethylene dependent. SAM decarboxylase expression was also found to be upregulated by ethylene. Nonetheless polyamine content was higher in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit. This leads to the conclusion that the ethylene and polyamine pathway can operate simultaneously. We also observed a higher methylation capacity in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit. During fruit ripening substantial methylation reactions occur which are gradually inhibited by the methylation product S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine (SAH). SAH accumulation is caused by a drop in adenosine kinase expression, which is not observed in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit. We can conclude that tomato fruit possesses the capability to simultaneously consume SAM during ripening to ensure a high rate of ethylene and polyamine production and transmethylation reactions. SAM usage during ripening requires a complex cellular regulation mechanism in order to control SAM levels.
Small RNAs of Sequoia sempervirens during rejuvenation and phase change
Authors: Chen Y.‐T. , Shen C.‐H. , Lin W.‐D. , Chu H.‐A. , Huang B.‐L. , Kuo C.‐I , Yeh K.‐W. , Huang L.‐C. , Chang I.‐F.
Published: September 2012

In this work, the population of small RNAs (sRNAs) was studied in the gymnosperm Sequoia sempervirens during phase changes, specifically in the juvenile, adult and rejuvenated plants obtained in vitro. The potential target genes of Sequoia sRNAs were predicted through bioinformatics. Rejuvenation is a pivotal process in woody plants that enables them to regain their growth potential, which results in the recovery of physiologic and molecular characteristics that were lost when the juveniles mature into adult plants. The results from the five repeated graftings of juvenile, adult and rejuvenated plants in vitro showed that sRNAs could be classified into structural RNAs (Group I), small interfering RNAs (Group II), annotated microRNAs (Group III, and unannotated sRNAs (Group IV). The results indicate that only 573 among 15,485,415 sRNAs (Groups III and IV) had significantly different expression patterns associated with rejuvenation and phase change. A total of 215 sRNAs exhibited up‐regulated expression patterns in adult shoots, and 358 sRNAs were down‐regulated. Expression profiling and prediction of possible target genes of these unique small RNAs indicate possible functions in the control of photosynthetic efficiency and rooting competence abundance during plant rejuvenation. Moreover, the increase in SsmiR156 and decrease in SsmiR172 during plant rejuvenation suggested that these two microRNAs extensively affect phase transition.
Effects of salt stress and rhizobial inoculation on growth and nitrogen fixation of three peanut cultivars
Authors: El‐Akhal M. R. , Rincón A. , Coba de la Peña T. , Lucas M. M. , El Mourabit N. , Barrijal S. , Pueyo J. J.
Published: September 2012

Increasing soil salinity represents a major constraint for agriculture in arid and semi‐arid lands, where mineral nitrogen (N) deficiency is also a frequent characteristic of soils. Biological N fixation by legumes may constitute a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisation in salinity‐affected areas, provided that adapted cultivars and inoculants are available. Here, the performance of three peanut cultivars nodulated with two different rhizobial strains that differ in their salt tolerance was evaluated under moderately saline water irrigation and compared with that of N‐fertilised plants. Shoot weight was used as an indicator of yield. Under non‐saline conditions, higher yields were obtained using N fertilisation rather than inoculation for all the varieties tested. However, under salt stress, the yield of inoculated plants became comparable to that of N‐fertilised plants, with minor differences depending on the peanut cultivar and rhizobial strain. Our results indicate that N fixation might represent an economical, competitive and environmentally friendly choice with respect to mineral N fertilisation for peanut cultivation under moderate saline conditions.
Modularity and emergence: biology’s challenge in understanding life
Authors: Lüttge U.
Published: September 2012

This essay juxtaposes modularity and emergence in the consideration of biological systems at various scalar levels of spatio‐temporal organisation. It is noted that reductionism, specialisation and modularity are basic prerequisites for understanding life. It is realised that increased progress of scientific biology in elucidating mechanisms at the level of modular components supports the accusation that the more it advances in materialistic description of details, the more it diverts from understanding the innate properties of life. It is clear that modularity, by taking the whole as the sum of its parts, is insufficient for understanding living systems. At the same time, however, there is emergence, as advocated by Robert Laughlin. Emergence after the integration of modules leads to completely new properties of individual organisms as unique unitary entities, and also of systems of organisms with synergistic and antagonistic interactions of the integrated species. The discussion is predominantly based on examples from plant biology. At hierarchically higher scalar levels emergent biological systems are networks integrating species, biotopes, ecosystems and the entire biosphere of Earth, also named Gaia by James Lovelock, in a natural scientific respect. While investigating modules remains essential, biology as a nature science needs to merge and integrate such information to be able to unfold emergence. Through efforts towards visualising and understanding emergent diversity and complexity, the research discipline of biology will provide invaluable contributions to understanding life, and thus refute the accusation that it diverts from embracing the innate properties of life.
Polymorphisms in interleukin‐10 and interleukin‐28B genes in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 4 and their effect on the response to pegylated interferon/ribavirin‐therapy
Authors: Shaker Olfat G , Sadik Nermin A H
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

Recently, it has been suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in some cytokine genes may influence the production of the associated cytokines that affect the host immune response to pegylated interferon‐α (Peg‐IFN‐α) with ribavirin (RBV) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role of the SNPs of IL‐10 and Il‐28B and their serum levels in predicting the response to treatment of HCV‐4.

Methods

Egyptian patients were treated with Peg‐IFN‐α/RBV. A total of 100 HCV genotype 4‐infected patients and 80 healthy control subjects were included in the present study. SNPs in the IL‐10 (‐592 A/C and ‐819 T/C) and IL‐28B (rs8099917 T/G and rs12979860 C/T) genes and their serum levels were assessed. The IL‐10‐592‐CC, IL‐28‐rs8099917‐TT and IL‐28‐rs12979860‐CC genotypes were significantly higher in responders than in non‐responders.

Results

Interestingly, the serum levels of IL‐10 were significantly increased; in contrast, the serum levels of Il‐28B were significantly decreased in HCV patients compared with normal patients. Polymorphisms in IL‐28B are more sensitive (P < 0.001) than those in IL‐10‐592 (P = 0.03). However, the serum level of IL‐10 is higher than that of IL‐28, and this difference can serve as a prognostic marker using a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that SNPs in IL‐28B and the serum levels of Il‐10 and IL‐28 may be promising predictors for HCV therapy.
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma according to Child–Pugh classification
Authors: Miyaki Daisuke , Aikata Hiroshi , Honda Yohji , Naeshiro Noriaki , Nakahara Takashi , Tanaka Mio , Nagaoki Yuko , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Takaki Shintaro , Waki Koji , Hiramatsu Akira , Takahashi Shoichi , Ishikawa Masaki , Kakizawa Hideaki , Awai Kazuo , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

We compared the treatment response, survival, and safety to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to Child–Pugh (CP) score.

Methods

The study subjects were 249 patients with advanced HCC and CP class A and B who had been treated with HAIC. Patients were grouped according to CP score (5/6, 7 and 8/9) and their tumor response, tolerance, and survival were assessed.

Results

The median survival time (MST) was 8.2, 9.7, 6.3, and 3.9 months for the whole group, patients with CP 5/6, 7 and 8/9, respectively (P < 0.0001). Complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) were seen in 11 and 57 patients, respectively, with an overall response rate of 27.3%. The response rate was higher in patients with CP score 5/6 and 7, than CP 8/9 (30.5%, 28.2%, 13.8%). The dropout rate was significantly higher in patients with CP score 8/9 than the other two (8.0%, 12.8%, 33.3%, respectively). The survival rate was significantly better in patients who achieved CR/PR than the others with CP score 5/6, 7. CP score 8/9 was an independent negative factor for response and survival.

Conclusion

Advanced HCC patients with CP score of 5/6 and 7 showed a better response to HAIC and better prognosis than those with CP score 8/9.
Role of asymmetrical dimethylarginine in the progression of renal disease
Authors: Raptis Vasileios , Kapoulas Stergios , Grekas Dimitrios
Published: September 2012

Raptis V and colleagues provide an in‐depth review on the pathomechanism of the role of ADMA in the progression of chronic kidney disease. They summarize evidence from animal and human studies showing that ADMA is in fact likely to be more than just a marker of progression and assert that intracellular levels of ADMA, generally much higher than plasma levels, potentially mediate kidney progression initiated by other factors such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and hyperglycaemia. From this perspective, targeted therapy to reduce ADMA levels including inhibitors of DDAH, or blocking the transporter protein related to intracellular entry of arginine for production of ADMA could potentially retard CKD progression.
Properties of cell surface carbohydrates in sexual reproduction of the Closterium peracerosum–strigosum–littorale complex (Zygnematophyceae, Charophyta)
Authors: Hori Sachie , Sekimoto Hiroyuki , Abe Jun
Published: September 2012

The Closterium peracerosum–strigosum–littorale complex is a best characterized zygnematophycean green alga with respect to the process of sexual reproduction. Intercellular communication mediated by two sex pheromones has been well documented in this organism, but information concerning direct cell–cell recognition and fusion of cells involved in conjugation processes has not yet been clarified. In this study, we examined the properties of cell surface carbohydrates in vegetative and reproductive cells using a variety of fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled lectins as probes. Among 20 lectins tested, 10 bound to the Closterium cell surface, and eight of these were specific for the cells involved in sexual reproduction. In addition, some of the lectins inhibited the progress of zygote formation. In particular, Lycopersicon esculentum lectin (LEL) and ConcanavalinA (ConA) considerably inhibited zygote formation (23.6% and 0% of zygotes formed, respectively, compared with the control). LEL mainly accumulated on conjugation papillae and on the surface and lumens of empty cell walls remaining after zygote formation. ConA bound to both vegetative and sexually reproductive cells and strongly accumulated on the conjugation papillae of the latter, indicating ConA binding material(s) are non‐specifically present in Closterium cells but some of the material(s) would be essential for zygote formation. These results suggest that different carbohydrates specifically recognized by these lectins are involved in cell recognition and/or fusion during conjugation processes in the C. psl. complex.
Prognostic significance of fibroblastic foci in usual interstitial pneumonia and non‐specific interstitial pneumonia
Authors: HARADA TAISHI , WATANABE KENTARO , NABESHIMA KAZUKI , HAMASAKI MAKOTO , IWASAKI HIROSHI
Published: September 2012

Background and objective:  Fibroblastic foci (FF) composed of an accumulation of fibroblasts or myofibroblasts may be related to the progression of pulmonary fibrosis leading to respiratory insufficiency. Several studies have shown that the number of FF is a significant prognostic factor in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the extent of FF is related to impairment of respiratory function and prognosis in patients with biopsy‐proven fibrosing interstitial pneumonia, including UIP and fibrotic non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (fNSIP).

Methods:  Fifty patients with histologically confirmed interstitial pneumonia including UIP or fNSIP were investigated, and correlations between FF and pulmonary function were evaluated. FF area was calculated as the proportion of total area (%FF) and the number of FF (FF/cm2) in the whole histological specimen from each patient.

Results:  The UIP group showed significantly higher %FF and FF/cm2 than the fNSIP group. When UIP and fNSIP patients were analysed together, the group of patients who had died (death group) revealed significantly higher %FF and FF/cm2 compared with the group of survivors, and the impairment of vital capacity and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide was correlated with %FF and FF/cm2.

Conclusions:  FF correlated with impaired pulmonary function and may be a useful parameter to predict prognosis in patients with UIP and fNSIP.
Bronchoscopic practice in Japan: A survey by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy in 2010
Authors: ASANO FUMIHIRO , AOE MOTOI , OHSAKI YOSHINOBU , OKADA YOSHINORI , SASADA SHINJI , SATO SHIGEKI , SUZUKI EIICHI , SENBA HIROSHI , FUJINO SHOZO , OHMORI KAZUMITSU
Published: September 2012

Background and objective:  To ensure the safety of bronchoscopic practice, the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy conducted a national survey to investigate the current state of procedure for this technique.

Methods:  A questionnaire survey about procedures carried out during the whole of the year 2010 was mailed to 538 facilities accredited by the society.

Results:  Responses were obtained from 511 facilities (95.0%). Rigid bronchoscopes were used in only 18.5% of the facilities, while mobile/thin bronchoscopes were used in ≥50%, and fluoroscopy systems were used in 99.8%. Biopsies were performed after discontinuation of therapy in patients receiving antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants in 96.7% and 97.4% of the facilities, respectively. Atropine was administered for premedication in 67.5% of the facilities, a decrease from previous surveys. Intravenous sedation was given in 36.1% of the facilities. In 21.9% of these, the procedure was conducted in the outpatient clinic for ≥70% of patients. A bronchoscope was orally inserted in ≥70% of patients in 95.7% of the facilities. Intravenous access was maintained during the examination in 92.5% of the facilities, oxygen saturation was monitored during examinations in 99.0%, oxygen was administered in 97.6% and resuscitation equipment was available in 96%. In 98.6% of the facilities, bronchoscopes were disinfected using an automatic washing machine, with glutaraldehyde used in 42.2%.

Conclusions:  Japan‐specific characteristics of bronchoscopic practice were identified. Whether procedures used in Japan meet international guidelines with respect to safety should be monitored continuously. In addition, a Japanese evidence‐based consensus is needed.
Oxygen saturation of healthy term neonates during the first 30 minutes of life
Authors: Beşkardeş Ayşegül , Salihoğlu Özgül , Can Emrah , Atalay Deniz , Akyol Bedir , Hatipoğlu Sami
Published: September 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to document the oxygen saturation (SpO2), general physical signs and laboratory characteristics during the first 30 min of life.

Methods

Forty healthy singleton full‐term neonates delivered vaginally (n = 33) or by cesarean section (n = 7) were included in this prospective observational study. After delivery, the SpO2 levels of the upper (right hand; ‘preductal’) and lower (dorsum of the right foot; ‘postductal’) extremities of the neonates lying on the servo‐controlled radiant heater in the delivery room were measured simultaneously with oximeter probes (Oxiprobe BM‐270) placed at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min. The correlation between pre‐ and postductal SpO2 level and different variables (vital signs, capillary refill time recorded at 1 and 15 min, cord pH and hemoglobin values, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min) was examined.

Results

The 1 min pre‐ and postductal SpO2 were 82.3 ± 7.34% and 79.08 ± 8.16% (P > 0.05), respectively. The preductal values at 5, 10, and 15 min were statistically higher than the postductal values (89.73 ± 6.01%, 93.43 ± 4.06%, and 94.53 ± 3.19% vs 85.53 ± 6.92%, 89.9 ± 4.91%, 92.83 ± 3.92%, respectively). SpO2 was the same regardless of the mode of delivery. No correlations were found between pre‐ and postductal SpO2 and other variables.

Conclusions

Oxygen saturation was not affected by mode of delivery, was independent of Apgar score, cord hemoglobin, cord pH, vital signs, and capillary refill time in the first few minutes of life, and did not reach 90% in the first 5 min of life in healthy full‐term neonates.
The Long Arm of the Job: Parents’ Work–Family Conflict and Youths’ Work Centrality
Authors: Lim Vivien K.G. , Kim Tae‐Yeol
Published: September 2012

This study developed and tested a structural model that examined the relationships among parents’ work–family conflict, frustration, non‐supportive parenting behaviors, and children's work centrality. Data were collected from a sample that included undergraduates and their parents. Results of structural equation modeling analyses supported a spillover effect of paternal and maternal work–family conflict on their frustration. Findings also showed that paternal frustration was significantly related to non‐supportive paternal parenting behaviors. However, maternal frustration was not significantly related to non‐supportive maternal parenting behavior. Paternal non‐supportive parenting behavior was significantly and negatively associated with children's work centrality while maternal non‐supportive parenting behavior was not. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Comorbidities of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: a population‐based study
Authors: Keller Joseph J. , Chen Yi‐Kuang , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: September 2012

Study Type – System prevalence (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Compared with the general population, patients with BPS/IC often experience difficulties in performing normal activities owing to physical limitations, decreased energy, greater pain and impaired social functioning

With the exception of metastatic cancer, separate conditional logistic regression analyses in this study suggested that subjects with BPS/IC were consistently more likely than subjects without BPS/IC to have all the medical comorbidities investigated. When compared with subjects without BPS/IC, subjects with BPS/IC had particularly higher odds of comorbid neurological diseases, rheumatological diseases and mental illnesses.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the comorbid medical conditions of patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in Taiwan using a cross‐sectional study design and a population‐based administrative database.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study included 9269 subjects with BPS/IC and 46 345 randomly selected comparison subjects.

Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio for each of the 32 medical comorbidities (hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, blood loss anaemia, peripheral vascular disorders, stroke, ischaemic heart disease, hyperlipidaemia, hepatitis B or C, migraines, headaches, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, pulmonary circulation disorders, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, renal failure, fluid and electrolyte disorders, liver diseases, peptic ulcers, deficiency anaemias, depressive disorder, psychoses, metastatic cancer, solid tumour without metastasis, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and asthma) between subjects with and without BPS/IC.

RESULTS

With the exception of metastatic cancer, the subjects with BPS/IC had a significantly higher prevalence of all the medical comorbidities analysed than subjects without BPS/IC.

With the exception of metastatic cancer, separate conditional logistic regression analyses suggested that subjects with BPS/IC were consistently more likely than subjects without BPS/IC to have any of the medical comorbidities investigated in this study.

When compared with subjects without BPS/IC, subjects with BPS/IC had particularly higher odds of comorbid neurological diseases, rheumatological diseases and mental illnesses.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that subjects with BPS/IC had an increased prevalence of multiple comorbidities.
The Politics of Recognition and Redistribution: Development, Tribal Identity Politics and Distributive Justice in India's Jharkhand
Authors: Basu Ipshita
Published: September 2012

This article illustrates how the potential of recognition‐based politics to achieve distributive justice is determined by political structures and the power relations that constitute them. In response to Nancy Fraser's framework of social justice, it shows that the meaningful coordination of identity‐based claims with distributive justice is constrained — not only by the content of the claims themselves, but also because redistributive demands are subverted through competing pursuits for power and legitimacy between rival political factions. The article describes how the separate‐state movement for Jharkhand in Eastern India was de‐radicalized by three instruments, namely, the reservation system, cultural nationalism and state development discourse. This explains why distributive measures do not feature prominently in the Jharkhand state and why recognition politics has taken a disciplined form in the electoral mainstream while distributive politics continues to be pursued through violent and extra‐parliamentary means.
What Feedback do Students Want?
Authors: Blair Alasdair , Curtis Steven , Goodwin Mark , Shields Sam
Published: September 2012

The feedback that students receive on their assignments has been subject to a great deal of debate in universities across the globe. Whereas academics regularly complain that students do not engage with feedback by citing uncollected coursework, students repeatedly protest about the timeliness and quality of feedback, citing illegible, overly critical and a lack of verbal feedback. In this article we report on the findings of feedback practices from a survey of 308 undergraduate students studying combined degree programmes of Politics, History and International Relations at two British universities. This article seeks to offer a clearer understanding of the feedback practices that students want and from the analysis of the research findings we offer a range of strategies for improving feedback practices.
Exploring Subjective Representationalism
Authors: Mehta Neil
Published: September 2012

Representationalism is, roughly, the view that experiencing is to be analyzed wholly in terms of representing. But what sorts of properties are represented in experience? According to a prominent form of representationalism, objective representationalism, experiences represent only objective (i.e. suitably mind‐independent) properties. I explore subjective representationalism, the view that experiences represent at least some subjective (i.e. suitably mind‐dependent) properties. Subjective representationalists, but not objective representationalists, can accommodate cases of illusion‐free phenomenal inversion. Moreover, subjective representationalism captures the so‐called transparency of experience, as it is standardly articulated, just as well as objective representationalism.
When an NGO Takes on Public Participation: Preparing a Plan for a Neighborhood in East Jerusalem
Authors: Cohen‐Blankshtain Galit , Ron Amit , Perez Alma Gadot
Published: September 2012

It is often non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote empowered participation processes, and assume active roles in leading them. However, the ability of NGOs to take on such processes is under‐theorized. In many cases empowered participation involving NGOs takes place without political support from above (or with limited or conditional support). Our goal in this article is to use a case study of participatory planning in East Jerusalem to theorize processes of empowerment in an oppositional political environment. We argue that it is useful to analyze such processes of empowered participation through the concept of power. We describe the process of empowerment as a speculative process in which the NGO has to hedge two mediums of power: it has to build the power of the community to discuss its own goals; and it has to simultaneously manage the transfer of decision‐making power from government bodies to the community.
Analysis of coniferFLOWERING LOCUS T/TERMINAL FLOWER1‐like genes provides evidence for dramatic biochemical evolution in the angiospermFTlineage
Authors: Klintenäs Maria , Pin Pierre A. , Benlloch Reyes , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Nilsson Ove
Published: September 2012

In flowering plants, homologs of theArabidopsis phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein (PEBP)FLOWERING LOCUS T(FT) are key components in controlling flowering time. We show here that, althoughFThomologs are found in all angiosperms with completed genome sequences, there is no evidence to date thatFT‐like genes exist in other groups of plants.

Through phylogeny reconstructions and heterologous expression, we examined the biochemical function of thePicea(spruces) andPinus(pines)PEBPfamilies – two gymnosperm taxa phylogenetically distant from the angiosperms.

We have defined a lineage of gymnospermPEBPgenes, termed theFT/TERMINAL FLOWER1(TFL1)‐like genes, that share sequence characteristics with both the angiospermFT‐andTFL1‐like clades. When expressed inArabidopsis,FT/TFL1‐like genes repressed flowering, indicating that the proteins are biochemically more similar to the angiospermTFL1‐like proteins than to theFT‐like proteins. This suggests that the regulation of the vegetative‐to‐reproductive switch might differ in gymnosperms compared with angiosperms.

Molecular evolution studies suggest that plasticity at exon 4 contributes to the divergence ofFT‐like function in floral promotion. In addition, the presence ofFT‐like genes in basal angiosperms indicates that theFT‐like function emerged at an early stage during the evolution of flowering plants as a means to regulate flowering time.