bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical role of RIG‐I‐like receptors in inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zhang Qiurui , Wan Huanying , Huang Shaoguang , Zhang Yan , Wang Yanchun , Guo Xiaokui , He Ping , Zhou Min
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Viral infection is a significant cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute exacerbation of COPD. Retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG‐I)‐like receptors (RLRs), including RIG‐I and melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA‐5), are important pattern recognition receptors for viral elimination.

Objective

The study aims to investigate the role of RIG‐I and MDA‐5 in COPD pathogenesis.

Methods

We examined the expression of RIG‐I and MDA‐5 by immunohistochemistry, real‐time PCR and Western blots in COPD patients and control subjects.

Results

Our results showed that MDA‐5 expression was upregulated in lung tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COPD patients and there was a negative correlation between MDA‐5 mRNA levels and forced expiratory volume in 1 s %pred. COPD patients had higher interleukin (IL)‐1 and IL‐8 mRNA expression levels, and these inflammatory cytokines positively correlate with MDA‐5 levels. However, there was no difference in the expression of RIG‐I between COPD patients and control subjects.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that MDA‐5, but not RIG‐I, may play a critical role in airway inflammation in COPD.
The clinical significance of hematologic parameters in patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Dirican Nigar , Anar Ceyda , Kaya Sule , Bircan Haci Ahmet , Colar Huseyin Halil , Cakir Munire
Published: July 2014

Background

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic inflammatory granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. No suitable biomarkers are available to evaluate the prognosis of this disease, which still has an unpredictable clinical course. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of hematologic markers.

Materials and Methods

We investigated 172 subjects: 116 patients with sarcoidosis and 56 healthy individuals at Suleyman Demirel University and Dr. Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training Hospital. Complete blood count, demographics and pulmonary function test data from sarcoidosis patients between 2008 and 2013 were evaluated and collated retrospectively. The cut‐off values were determined by calculating the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) of the patients.

Results

The cut‐off values were determined as 2 and 8.95 for NLR and MPV, respectively. NLRs were significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.001) and were directly correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels (R = 0.183, P = 0.017). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a 0.83 [confidence interval (CI) 68.8%–88.4%] area under the curve, 80% sensitivity and 59% specificity at the cut‐off of NLR. Higher NLRs (≥2) were detected in patients with sarcoidosis than in the control group (P < 0.001). Also, high NLRs were more frequent in patients with extrapulmonary involvement (P = 0.031). MPV values were not different between control and patient groups.

Conclusions

NLR may be a biomarker with good sensitivity that is easily detected in serum. It can be proposed in clinical practice to identify a patient's prognosis. However, large prospective studies are required to further demonstrate the prognostic significance of these values.
Red cell distribution width is increased in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wang Wang , Liu Jie , Yang Yuan‐hua , Zhai Zhen‐guo , Wang Chen , Wang Jun
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a life‐threatening condition characterized by single or recurrent pulmonary embolisms, which promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling. There is significant relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and pulmonary hypertension; however, the usefulness of RDW as biomarker for the diagnosis of CTEPH remains poorly defined.

Objective

This study sought to assess the change and the diagnostic value of RDW in CTEPH.

Methods

This retrospective study included 56 CTEPH patients and 56 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls treated at Beijing Chao‐Yang Hospital. Correlations between RDW and hematological and hemodynamic parameters were assessed. A logistic regression model was applied to test independent parameters in relation to the diagnosis of CTEPH, and receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to determine the diagnostic value of RDW in CTEPH.

Results

RDW values were significantly higher in CTEPH patients (13.82% ± 1.14%) compared with healthy controls (12.75% ± 0.49%) and in World Health Organization (WHO), functional class III–IV cases (14.39% ± 1.24%) compared with class I–II cases (13.32% ± 0.78%) (both P = 0.000). RDW levels in CTEPH patients showed negative correlations with hemoglobin (r = −0.357, P = 0.007) and cardiac index (r = −0.288, P = 0.031), and positive correlations with pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.292, P = 0.029) and WHO functional class (r = 0.450, P = 0.001). Moreover, RDW was an independent parameter in the diagnosis of CTEPH (95% confidence interval: 2.866–13.698, P = 0.000); in particular, an RDW level ≥ 13.05% was the most useful cut‐off value, with a sensitivity of 82.1% and a specificity of 71.4%.

Conclusion

Increased RDW level may be an acceptable diagnostic parameter for CTEPH.
Recognition memory is associated with altered resting‐state functional connectivity in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Matura Silke , Prvulovic David , Butz Marius , Hartmann Daniel , Sepanski Beate , Linnemann Katja , Oertel‐Knöchel Viola , Karakaya Tarik , Fußer Fabian , Pantel Johannes , van de Ven Vincent
Published: July 2014

The apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) allele not only represents the strongest single genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, but also imposes independent effects on brain function in healthy individuals where it has been shown to promote subtle memory deficits and altered intrinsic functional brain network connectivity. Based on previous work showing a potential relevance of the default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity for episodic memory function, we hypothesized that the ApoE ε4 genotype would affect memory performance via modulation of the DMN. We assessed 63 healthy individuals (50–80 years old), of which 20 carried the ε4 allele. All participants underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), high‐resolution 3D anatomical MRI imaging and neuropsychological assessment. Functional connectivity analysis of resting‐state activity was performed with a predefined seed region located in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a core region of the DMN. ApoE ε4 carriers performed significantly poorer than non‐carriers in wordlist recognition and cued recall. Furthermore, ε4 carriers showed increased connectivity relative to ε4 non‐carriers between the PCC seed region and left‐hemispheric middle temporal gyrus (MTG). There was a positive correlation between recognition memory scores and resting‐state connectivity in the left MTG in ε4 carriers. These results can be interpreted as compensatory mechanisms strengthening the cross‐links between DMN core areas and cortical areas involved in memory processing.
Dissociation of part‐based and integrated neural responses to faces by means of electroencephalographic frequency tagging
Authors: Boremanse Adriano , Norcia Anthony M. , Rossion Bruno
Published: July 2014

In order to isolate the repetition suppression effects for each part of a whole‐face stimulus, the left and right halves of face stimuli were flickered at different frequency rates (5.88 or 7.14 Hz), changing or not changing identity at every stimulation cycle. The human electrophysiological (electroencephalographic) responses to each face half increased in amplitude when different rather than repeated face half identities were presented at every stimulation cycle. Contrary to the repetition suppression effects for whole faces, which are usually found over the right occipito‐temporal cortex, these part‐based repetition suppression effects were found on all posterior electrode sites and were unchanged when the two face halves were manipulated by separation, lateral misalignment, or inversion. In contrast, intermodulation components (e.g. 7.14–5.88 = 1.26 Hz) were found mainly over the right occipito‐temporal cortex and were significantly reduced following the aforementioned manipulations. In addition, the intermodulation components decreased substantially for face halves belonging to different identities, which form a less coherent face than when they belong to the same face identity. These observations provide objective evidence for dissociation between part‐based and integrated (i.e. holistic/configural) responses to faces in the human brain, suggesting that only responses to integrated face parts reflect high‐level, possibly face‐specific, representations.
No impact of current therapeutic strategies on disease reactivation after natalizumab discontinuation: a comparative analysis of different approaches during the first year of natalizumab discontinuation
Authors: Capobianco M. , di Sapio A. , Malentacchi M. , Malucchi S. , Matta M. , Sperli F. , Bertolotto A.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

Natalizumab discontinuation induces the recurrence of multiple sclerosis disease activity: currently no therapeutic approach has been found able to abolish disease reactivation.

Methods

The recurrence of disease activity after natalizumab discontinuation was retrospectively evaluated in 79 patients who had been treated with immunomodulating agents, other first‐line therapies, fingolimod or not treated.

Results

No differences have been found in clinical or magnetic resonance imaging recurrence of disease activity amongst the groups. Interestingly, no disease reactivation was observed only in one patient treated for 6 months with monthly pulses of cyclophosphamide.

Conclusion

Disease modifying treatment or ‘no treatment’ is unable to abolish disease activity reactivation after natalizumab discontinuation.
Blood–brain barrier dysfunction can contribute to pharmacoresistance of seizures
Authors: Salar Seda , Maslarova Anna , Lippmann Kristina , Nichtweiss Julia , Weissberg Itai , Sheintuch Liron , Kunz Wolfram S. , Shorer Zamir , Friedman Alon , Heinemann Uwe
Published: July 2014

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that interstitial albumin can contribute to pharmacoresistance, which is common among patients with focal epilepsies. These patients often present with an open blood–brain barrier (BBB), resulting in diffusion of drug‐binding albumin into the brain interstitial space.

Methods

Seizure‐like events (SLEs) induced by 100 μm 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) were monitored using extracellular field potential recordings from acute rat entorhinal cortex–hippocampus slices. Effects of standard antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, valproic acid, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital) were studied in the presence of albumin applied acutely or by intraventricular injection. Unbound antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were detected by ultrafiltration and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Contrary to the absence of albumin, conventional AEDs failed to suppress SLEs in the rat entorhinal cortex in the presence of albumin. This effect was partially caused by buffering of phenytoin and carbamazepine (CBZ) by albumin. Increasing CBZ concentration from 50 μm to 100 μm resulted in block of SLEs. In slices obtained from animals that were pretreated with intraventricular albumin application 24 h prior to experiment, CBZ suppressed SLEs similar to control slices. We also found that application of serum‐like electrolytes transformed SLEs into late recurrent discharges (LRDs), which were no longer responding to CBZ.

Significance

A dysfunctional BBB with acute extravasation of serum albumin into the brain's interstitial space could contribute to pharmacoresistance. In such instances, choice of an AED with low albumin binding affinity may help in seizure control.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Acute effects of simvastatin to terminate fast reentrant tachycardia through increasing wavelength of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia circuit
Authors: Khori Vahid , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad , Moheimani Hamid Reza , Zahedi Mahdi , Aminolsharieh Najafi Soroosh , Shakiba Delaram , Nayebpour Mohsen
Published: July 2014

Simvastatin (SV) leads to reduction of ventricular rhythm during atrial fibrillation on rabbit atrioventricular (AV) nodes. The aim of our study was (i) to determine the frequency‐dependent effects of SV in a functional model, and (ii) to assess the effects of SV to suppress experimental AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Selective stimulation protocols were used with two different pacing protocols, His to atrial, and atrial to atrial (AA). An experimental AVNRT model with various cycle lengths was created in three groups of perfused rabbit AV nodal preparations (n = 24) including: SV 3 μm, SV 7 μm, and verapamil 0.1 μm. SV increased nodal conduction time and refractoriness by AA pacing. Different simulated models of slow/fast and fast/slow reentry were induced. SV caused inhibitory effects on the slow anterograde conduction (origin of refractoriness) more than on the fast anterograde conduction time, leading to an increase of tachycardia cycle length, tachycardia wavelength and termination of slow/fast reentrant tachyarrhythmia. Verapamil significantly suppressed the basic and frequency‐dependent intrinsic nodal properties. In addition, SV decreased the incidence of gap and echo beats. The present study showed that SV in a concentration and rate‐dependent manner increased the AV effective refractory period and reentrant tachycardia wavelength that lead to slowing or termination of experimental fast AVNRT. The direction‐dependent inhibitory effect of SV on the anterograde and retrograde dual pathways explains its specific antireentrant actions.
Effect of small scale notches on the very high cycle fatigue of AISI 310 stainless steel
Authors: Khan M. K. , Liu Y. J. , Wang Q. Y. , Pyoun Y. S.
Published: July 2014

Fatigue behaviour of AISI 310 stainless steel has been investigated up to very high cycles. The fatigue crack initiation sites were found at the surface of the material. Persistent slip bands developed at the surface of the specimens led to the crack initiation. At lower stress levels, shallow persistent slip bands were found at the surface of the specimens, and the fatigue limit was obtained.

Notched specimens showed lower fatigue lives. Notched specimens with higher stress concentration factor (Kt) showed higher fatigue strength reduction factor (Kf). It was found that shallow notches of depth ~100 µm may reduce the fatigue life substantially.
Food deprivation and nicotine correct akinesia and freezing in Na+‐leak current channel (NALCN)‐deficient strains of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bonnett K. , Zweig R. , Aamodt E. J. , Dwyer D. S.
Published: July 2014

Mutations in various genes adversely affect locomotion in model organisms, and thus provide valuable clues about the complex processes that control movement. In Caenorhabditis elegans, loss‐of‐function mutations in the Na+ leak current channel (NALCN) and associated proteins (UNC‐79 and UNC‐80) cause akinesia and fainting (abrupt freezing of movement during escape from touch). It is not known how defects in the NALCN induce these phenotypes or if they are chronic and irreversible. Here, we report that akinesia and freezing are state‐dependent and reversible in NALCN‐deficient mutants (nca‐1;nca‐2, unc‐79 and unc‐80) when additional cation channels substitute for this protein. Two main measures of locomotion were evaluated: spontaneous movement (traversal of >2 head lengths during a 5 second observation period) and the touch‐freeze response (movement greater than three body bends in response to tail touch). Food deprivation for as little as 3 min stimulated spontaneous movement and corrected the touch‐freeze response. Conversely, food‐deprived animals that moved normally in the absence of bacteria rapidly reverted to uncoordinated movement when re‐exposed to food. The effects of food deprivation were mimicked by nicotine, which suggested that acetylcholine mediated the response. Nicotine appeared to act on interneurons or motor neurons rather than directly at the neuromuscular junction because levamisole, which stimulates muscle contraction, did not correct movement. Neural circuits have been proposed to account for the effects of food deprivation and nicotine on spontaneous movement and freezing. The NALCN may play an unrecognized role in human movement disorders characterized by akinesia and freezing gait.
On Gendered Technologies and Cyborg Writing
Authors: Muhr Sara Louise , Rehn Alf
Published: July 2014

Since Hélène Cixous introduced it in 1975, the notion of a specifically feminine writing — écriture féminine — has been discussed as a provocative and potentially disruptive form of representation that breaks with masculine and authoritarian modes thereof. However, in this paper we will discuss how the notion of écriture féminine may itself be at risk of getting trapped within the gender binary its progenitors tried to break free from. As a commentary on this, we suggest looking at the gendered nature of the research text from the perspective of the technologies with which they are produced, as the writer — when writing/publishing — is always already embedded in the technologies of the publishing machine, turning (academic) writing into something akin to cyborg writing. We further suggest that an understanding of the cyborg nature of writing can introduce a parallel mode of inquiry, which holds the potential to enrich écriture féminine and stand as a critique of too simplistic readings of the same.
Effects of hemodialysis on ventricular activation time in children with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Laszki‐Szcząchor Krystyna , Polak‐Jonkisz Dorota , Zwolińska Danuta , Makulska Irena , Rehan Leopold , Sobieszczańska Małgorzata
Published: July 2014

Patients with end‐stage renal disease are affected by cardiovascular complications, including disturbances of the heart intraventricular conduction. Body surface potential mapping is a non‐invasive electrocardiographic detection method of initial disturbances in heart activation propagation. A goal of the study was to analyze the effects of single hemodialysis (HD) session on ventricular activation time (VAT) maps obtained from hemodialyzed children. The study group consisted of 13 hemodialyzed children (age: 6–18 years). The control group is composed of 26 healthy subjects. In each HD patient, 12‐lead electrocardiogram and echocardiography examinations were performed. Isochrone heart maps, reflecting body surface distribution of VAT isolines, were recorded from an 87‐electrode HPM‐7100 system for body surface potential mapping, before (group B) and after HD session (group A). The distribution of isochrones and VAT values, as recorded in the HD patients, differed significantly from the reference VAT map for controls. The highest VAT maximal value was noted in group B (Me: 110 vs. 62 ms in the control group; P < 0.001), becoming significantly lower after HD session (Me: 98 ms for group A vs. 110 ms for group B; P < 0.001). Ventricular activation time maps, recorded before HD session, showed significant VAT delays with isochrone arrangement specific for the left bundle branch block. After HD session, VAT maps presented significant changes, suggesting a normalization process. Ventricular activation time maps in children with end‐stage renal disease exhibited disturbances of intraventricular conduction within the left bundle branch block, undetectable on standard electrocardiogram. A single HD session resulted in VAT map improvement related to overall HD treatment duration.
Iatrogenic or congenital arteriovenous fistula of left upper arm used for hemodialysis after venous superficialization
Authors: Kusztal Mariusz , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Wątorek Ewa , Szyber Przemysław , Garcarek Jerzy , Weyde Wacław , Klinger Marian
Published: July 2014

The authors report a case of iatrogenic brachial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on the left arm in a 20‐year‐old man with a history of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney and failing kidney transplant. An attempt to create vascular access for hemodialysis by utilization of an existing iatrogenic brachial AVF was undertaken. The patient underwent surgical superficialization of a concomitant enlarged and deeply located vein. Four weeks after the procedure, the AVF was successfully cannulated for hemodialysis. In this case, iatrogenic/congenital AVF was successfully converted to vascular access for hemodialysis.
Histological and profilometric evaluation of the root surface after instrumentation with a new piezoelectric device – ex vivo study
Authors: Silva D , Martins O , Matos S , Lopes P , Rolo T , Baptista I
Published: July 2014

Objectives

An ex vivo model was designed to profilometrically and histologically assess root changes resulting from scaling with a new ultrasonic device, designed for bone piezoelectric surgery, in comparison with curettes.

Methods

Three groups of 10 periodontal hopeless teeth were each subjected to different root instrumentation: Gracey curettes (CUR); ultrasonic piezoelectric device, Perio 100% setting, level 8 (P100); and ultrasonic piezoelectric device Surg 50% setting, level 1 (S50). After extraction, all teeth were photographed to visually assess the presence of dental calculus. The treated root surfaces were profilometrically evaluated (Ra, Rz, Rmax). Undecalcified histological sections were prepared to assess qualitative changes in cementum thickness. Statistical analysis was carried out using one‐way anova test with a significance level of 95%.

Results

Both instruments proved to be effective in the complete removal of calculus. The CUR group presented the lowest Ra [2.28 μm (±0.58)] and S50 the highest [3.01 μm (±0.61)]. No statistically significant differences were detected among the three groups, for Ra, Rz and Rmax. Histologically, there was a cementum thickness reduction in all groups, being higher and more irregular in S50 group.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, there were no statistically significant differences in roughness parameters analyzed between curettes and the ultrasonic piezoelectric unit. This new instrument removes a smaller amount of cementum, mainly at the Perio 100% power setting, which appears to be the least damaging. The ultrasonic device is effective in calculus removal, proving to be as effective as curettes.
Relationship of Locus of control with Plaque and Gingival status before and after Oral Health Education in a group of college students – An experimental study
Authors: Potdar S , Lakshminarayan N , Goud Reddy S
Published: July 2014

Objectives

In health psychology, several models are being constructed to understand human behaviour. Multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) is one among them. We sought to know the relationship ofMHLCwith dental plaque and gingival status before and after oral health education programme among 286 college students, aged 18–21 years in Davangere city.

Methods

Multidimensional health locus of control questionnaire consisting of questions measuring internal health locus of control (IHLC), powerful others health locus of control (PHLC) and chance health locus of control (CHLC) was administered to students. Dental plaque and gingival health status were recorded using Plaque Index (PLI) and Gingival Index (GI), 1967. Oral health education was provided using power point presentation after the baseline oral examination. After 10 weeks of intervention, the students were given the same proforma followed by the assessment of plaque and gingival status.

Results

A negative correlation was observed betweenPHLCandIHLCwithPLIandGIand positive correlation ofCHLCwithPLIandGIat a level ofP < 0.01. The difference between ‘pre‐test’ and ‘post‐test’ meanPLIscores,GIscores,PHLCwas found to be statistically significant at a level ofP < 0.05.

Conclusion

Oral health education was found to be effective and this could change the behaviour of individuals.
The Comparison of Sheet Resistances of Screen‐ and Stencil‐Printed Resistors
Authors: Jurków Dominik , Dorczyński Mateusz
Published: July 2014

The deposition of the precise thick‐film buried resistors (with better tolerance) is one of the factors that can increase the integration of the low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic devices further. The thick‐film buried resistors cannot be trimmed after sintering or the trimming is very difficult in the contradiction to the surface resistors. The possibility of utilizing simple stencil printing in the fabrication of thick‐film resistors is presented in this paper. Moreover, the comparison of the variability of the sheet resistances of the screen‐ and stencil‐printed buried resistors was performed using Taguchi Design of the Experiment methodology.
Migraine and obesity: metabolic parameters and response to a weight loss programme
Authors: Verrotti A. , Carotenuto M. , Altieri L. , Parisi P. , Tozzi E. , Belcastro V. , Esposito M. , Guastaferro N. , Ciuti A. , Mohn A. , Chiarelli F. , Agostinelli S.
Published: July 2014

Background and objective

Weight loss can determine significant improvement of migraine in obese patients. Herein, we evaluated a clinical sample of adolescent migraineurs with obesity who participated in an interdisciplinary programme for weight loss, in order to identify possible metabolic parameters associated with good migraine control.

Subjects and methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, we evaluated 112 out of 135 adolescents who previously underwent our intervention programme. Based on persistence of headache, subjects for comparison were 40 migraine‐free and 72 not migraine‐free adolescents. Participants underwent anthropometric evaluations and biochemical tests.

Results

Patients with persistence of migraine had significantly higher weight (P < 0.01), body mass index (P < 0.01), waist circumference (P < 0.01), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P < 0.05), total cholesterol (P < 0.05) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05) values when compared with those who became migraine‐free. Between potential predictors, only insulin resistance (odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.4–6.1; P <  0.001) was significantly associated with persistence of migraine after intervention programme.

Conclusions

Among obese adolescents with migraine who underwent an intervention programme for weight loss, patients who did not become migraine‐free showed higher adiposity values than those who became migraine‐free. Patients with insulin resistance had 3.5 times the odds of having persistence of migraine compared with those without.
Consistency in infants' behavioural signalling of satiation during bottle‐feeding
Authors: Ventura A. K. , Inamdar L. B. , Mennella J. A.
Published: July 2014

Background

Understanding the dynamics of feeding is essential for preventing accelerated weight gain during infancy, a risk factor for obesity.

Objectives

Because infants satiate on larger volumes of cow milk formula (CMF) than CMF enriched with the free amino acid glutamate (CMF + glu), we used this model system to determine whether infants displayed consistent behaviours despite satiating on lower volumes.

Methods

In this laboratory‐based, within‐subject experimental study of ≤4‐month‐old infants (n = 41) and their mothers, infants were videotaped while feeding to satiation CMF on one test day and CMF + glu on the other, in counterbalanced order. Each video‐recording was analysed frame‐by‐frame for frequency and timing of behaviours.

Results

Infants' behaviours were consistent in types and frequency but were displayed sooner when feeding CMF + glu compared with CMF. The less responsive the mother's feeding style, the less consistent the infant displayed behaviours across the two formula meals (P = 0.05). Infants who spat up (a possible sign of overfeeding) consumed more formula (P = 0.01) and had less responsive mothers (P = 0.04) compared with the other infants.

Conclusions

Infants are consistent in their behavioural displays during feeding at this developmental age. Regulation of intake and signalling of satiation during bottle‐feeding are associated with formula composition and maternal feeding style.
Satisfaction of newly graduated nurses enrolled in transition‐to‐practice programmes in their first year of employment: a systematic review
Authors: Missen Karen , McKenna Lisa , Beauchamp Alison
Published: July 2014

Aims

To investigate job satisfaction and confidence levels of graduate nurses during their first year of employment and the impact various training programmes have on these factors.

Background

The transition from nursing student to practising nurse can be a challenging and stressful time for new nurses. Healthcare organizations provide transition programmes to support nurses through this vulnerable time and to assist in increasing graduates' job satisfaction and retention rates. However, no systematic review of transition programme outcomes has been undertaken to determine the impact of these programmes on improving satisfaction levels and on easing the challenges faced by nursing graduates in their new roles as Registered Nurses.

Design

Systematic review of effect using narrative synthesis.

Data sources

Quantitative studies published between 2000–December 2012 were identified using electronic databases and reference lists and by searching ‘grey literature’. Primary search terms were ‘new graduate nurse’ and ‘transitional programmes’.

Review methods

The three authors, guided by standardized procedures, performed independent, blinded data extraction and quality assessment.

Results

From 338 studies initially identified, eleven studies were included in this review. These studies used a variety of study designs including quasi‐experimental and pre‐ and posttesting.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that transition programmes are necessary in creating working environments that support new nurses in the clinical environment and this is demonstrated by increased job satisfaction and retention rates. However, optimum programme length and structure are unclear.
Patients' participation during a nursing handover: the role of handover characteristics and patients' personal traits
Authors: Drach‐Zahavy Anat , Shilman Olga
Published: July 2014

Aims

To describe the quality and scope of patients' participation in the handover process, in relation to their personal attributes (the big‐5 model of personality) and the handover encounter's characteristics (presence of the head nurse, escorts, ward overload‐namely nurse‐patient ratio).

Background

The scant research, previously addressing patient participation during a nursing handover, generally indicated that there is stillroom for improvement.

Design

A quantitative and qualitative cross‐sectional design.

Method

During 2012–2013, we collected data on 100 handovers in five surgical wards. Data on factors of the handover encounter were collected through structured observations of the event and data on personality attributes and demographics were assembled through validated questionnaires; we content‐analysed transcriptions of the handover's verbal content for typical content, frequency and quality of the communication.

Findings

Patient participation proved bi‐directional, consisting of patient's initiative and nurse's initiative. Whereas patient's initiative improved when the head nurse and escorts were present and the unit was less loaded, nurse's initiative was facilitated by the presence of escorts and less overload. As for personality attributes, whereas patient's imitative improved with patient's high neuroticism, high agreeableness and low openness to experience, nurse's initiative decreased with patient's high neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness.

Conclusion

Findings illustrated the different communication preferences of patients with different personal attributes, as well as the different approaches by nurses to each of these different personalities. Nurses should be taught about communication and ways to engage patients during handover. Patients' education is also warranted including how and when to approach the different caregivers.
An artificial neural networking model for the prediction of post‐hepatectomy survival of patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qiao Guoliang , Li Jun , Huang Aiming , Yan Zhenlin , Lau Wan‐Yee , Shen Feng
Published: July 2014

Background and Aims

This study aimed to establish a prognostic artificial neural network model (ANN) for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following partial hepatectomy.

Methods

Consecutive patients who were operated between February 2005 and March 2012 were prospectively studied. Seventy‐five and 25% of these patients were randomly selected as a training cohort and an internal validation cohort. Similar patients from another hospital formed an external validation cohort. The predictive accuracy of the ANN for postoperative survival was measured by the area under the curve (AUC) on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results were compared with those obtained using the conventional Cox proportional hazard model, and the Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary Association (IHPBA), TNM 6th, and Barcelona‐Clinic‐Liver‐Cancer (BCLC) staging systems.

Results

The number of patients in the training, internal validation and external validation cohorts were 543, 182, and 104, respectively. On linear regression analysis, tumor size, number, alpha¬fetoprotein, microvascular invasion, and tumor capsule were independent factors affecting survival (P < 0.05). The ANN model was established based on these factors. In the training cohort, the AUC of the ANN was larger than that of the Cox model (0.855 vs 0.826, P = 0.0115), and the staging systems (0.784 vs TNM 6th: 0.639, BCLC: 0.612, IHPBA: 0.711, P < 0.0001 for all). These findings were confirmed with the internal and external validation cohorts.

Conclusion

The ANN was significantly better than the other commonly used model and systems in predicting survival of patients with early HCC who underwent partial hepatectomy.
Money Doctors
Authors: GENNAIOLI NICOLA , SHLEIFER ANDREI , VISHNY ROBERT
Published: July 2014

We present a new model of investors delegating portfolio management to professionals based on trust. Trust in the manager reduces an investor's perception of the riskiness of a given investment, and allows managers to charge fees. Money managers compete for investor funds by setting fees, but because of trust, fees do not fall to costs. In equilibrium, fees are higher for assets with higher expected return, managers on average underperform the market net of fees, but investors nevertheless prefer to hire managers to investing on their own. When investors hold biased expectations, trust causes managers to pander to investor beliefs.
Emerging concepts in dendrimer‐based nanomedicine: from design principles to clinical applications
Authors: Kannan R. M. , Nance E. , Kannan S. , Tomalia D. A.
Published: July 2014

Dendrimers are discrete nanostructures/nanoparticles with ‘onion skin‐like’ branched layers. Beginning with a core, these nanostructures grow in concentric layers to produce stepwise increases in size that are similar to the dimensions of many in vivo globular proteins. These branched tree‐like concentric layers are referred to as ‘generations’. The outer generation of each dendrimer presents a precise number of functional groups that may act as a monodispersed platform for engineering favourable nanoparticle–drug and nanoparticle–tissue interactions. These features have attracted significant attention in medicine as nanocarriers for traditional small drugs, proteins, DNA/RNA and in some instances as intrinsically active nanoscale drugs. Dendrimer‐based drugs, as well as diagnostic and imaging agents, are emerging as promising candidates for many nanomedicine applications. First, we will provide a brief survey of recent nanomedicines that are either approved or in the clinical approval process. This will be followed by an introduction to a new ‘nanoperiodic’ concept which proposes nanoparticle structure control and the engineering of ‘critical nanoscale design parameters’ (CNDPs) as a strategy for optimizing pharmocokinetics, pharmocodynamics and site‐specific targeting of disease. This paradigm has led to the emergence of CNDP‐directed nanoperiodic property patterns relating nanoparticle behaviour to critical in vivo clinical translation issues such as cellular uptake, transport, elimination, biodistribution, accumulation and nanotoxicology. With a focus on dendrimers, these CNDP‐directed nanoperiodic patterns are used as a strategy for designing and optimizing nanoparticles for a variety of drug delivery and imaging applications, including a recent dendrimer‐based theranostic nanodevice for imaging and treating cancer. Several emerging preclinical dendrimer‐based nanotherapy concepts related to inflammation, neuro‐inflammatory disorders, oncology and infectious and ocular diseases are reviewed. Finally we will consider challenges and opportunities anticipated for future clinical translation, nanotoxicology and the commercialization of nanomedicine.
Reconfigured Reciprocity: How Aging Taiwanese Immigrants Transform Cultural Logics of Elder Care
Authors: Sun Ken Chih‐Yan
Published: July 2014

Drawing on 55 interviews with older Taiwanese immigrants who relocated to the United States at an earlier life stage, the author argues that changing contextual features involved in the processes of international migration encourage and even demand aging immigrants to reconstruct cultural logics of aging and geriatric care. He develops the concept of reconfigured reciprocity to demonstrate how aging migrant populations transform cultural logics of intergenerational responsibility, obligation, and entitlement to reconcile the tension between ethnic tradition and modernity. First, he reveals how many of the respondents' lack of caregiving for their own parents undermines their sense of entitlement to receive care from younger generations. Furthermore, he highlights how the structural squeeze among work, family, and caregiving with which the younger generation struggles further discourages the respondents from relying on their children. Finally, the author underscores how aging immigrants evoke the concept of Americanization to reconstruct expectations of how they should be taken care of in their twilight years.
Can Johnson's Typology of Adult Partner Violence Apply to Teen Dating Violence?
Authors: Zweig Janine M. , Yahner Jennifer , Dank Meredith , Lachman Pamela
Published: July 2014

The authors examined the applicability of Johnson's typology of adult intimate partner violence to female and male youth's reports of teen dating violence. A total of 5,647 youth from 10 schools participated in the survey, 3,745 of whom reported currently being in a dating relationship or having been in one during the prior year (52% female, 74% White). Using hierarchical cluster analysis to classify youth into high‐control versus no‐/low‐control violent experiences, the authors found that Johnson's typology provides a workable framework for examining the violent experiences of dating teens. For the one third of youth in violent relationships, the most common type of violence perpetrated was situational couple violence (86% for females and 80% for males), followed by intimate terrorism (7% for females and 11% for males). Six percent of females and males reported using violent resistance in their relationships, and 1% of females and 4% of males reported mutual violent control
Trends in Cohabitation Outcomes: Compositional Changes and Engagement Among Never‐Married Young Adults
Authors: Guzzo Karen Benjamin
Published: July 2014

Cohabitation is now the modal first union for young adults, and most marriages are preceded by cohabitation even as fewer cohabitations transition to marriage. These contrasting trends may be due to compositional shifts among cohabiting unions, which are increasingly heterogeneous in terms of cohabitation order, engagement, and the presence of children, as well as across socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. The author constructs 5‐year cohabitation cohorts for 18‐ to 34‐year‐olds from the 2002 and 2006–2010 cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth (n = 17,890 premarital cohabitations) to examine the outcomes of cohabitations over time. Compared to earlier cohabitations, those formed after 1995 were more likely to dissolve, and those formed after 2000 were less likely to transition to marriage even after accounting for the compositional shifts among individuals in cohabiting unions. Higher instability and decreased chances of marriage occurred among both engaged and non‐engaged individuals, suggesting society‐wide changes in cohabitation over time.
A Balancing Act: Emotional Challenges in theHRRole
Authors: O'Brien Elaine , Linehan Carol
Published: July 2014

Despite much academic work and the development of multiple typologies, we are still some way from understanding theHRrole. There is a dearth of empirical evidence onHRprofessionals' work and recent models have been criticized for not adequately reflecting the challenges of trying to balance competing stakeholder interests. We approach this lacuna by focusing on an issue that has not been fully considered in relation toHRwork – emotion. Drawing on the findings of a broader study into emotional labour, we highlight the emotive challenges inherent in the day‐to‐day practice ofHR. We explore the disjunctions between ‘felt’ emotions and those actually displayed to meet differing stakeholders' expectations. We show how achieving an appropriate emotion display is a challenging pursuit given these competing expectations. Our contribution is to elucidate emotional labour in the under‐researched ‘backstage’ professional context, and through our emotion focus to extend our understanding of the complexity of theHRrole beyond current prescriptive models.
Impact of a trace element supplementation programme on health and performance of cross‐breed (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) dairy cattle under tropical farming conditions: a double‐blinded randomized field trial
Authors: Dermauw V. , Dierenfeld E. , Du Laing G. , Buyse J. , Brochier B. , Van Gucht S. , Duchateau L. , Janssens G. P. J.
Published: July 2014

Small‐scale urban dairy farms (n = 16) in and around Jimma, Ethiopia with cross‐bred (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) cows were enrolled in a double‐blinded intervention study to investigate the effect of a trace element supplementation programme on trace element status and milk concentrations as well as performance [body condition score (BCS), milk yield, leptin], milk composition, antioxidant status (ferric‐reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS)], blood biochemistry, serum proteins and immune response (antibody titre upon rabies vaccination). The farms were allocated to a (1) placebo or (2) Cu, Zn, Se, Co and I supplementation treatment for 150 d. On days 0 and 120, four lactating cows per farm were sampled for milk and plasma, and on day 150 for serum, following primo‐vaccination. Cu deficiency was present in 17% and marginal Se deficiency in 30% of initially sampled cows, while no Zn shortage was detected. Over 120 days, trace element supplementation caused a bigger increase in plasma Se and Cu concentrations, but also a larger decrease of plasma Fe concentrations. A larger increase in milk Se concentrations was observed in the supplemented group, whereas none of the other elements were affected. BCS decreased more over time in the supplemented group. None of the other parameters of performance and antioxidant status nor milk composition or blood biochemistry was affected by treatment. Antibody response to rabies vaccination did not differ between groups, whereas α1‐globulins tended to be lower and β‐globulins tended to be higher in the supplemented group. In conclusion, despite improved Cu and Se status and Se concentrations in milk, cows on tropical urban dairy farms did not seem to benefit from trace element supplementation, with respect to the parameters investigated.
Age and Strength Influences on Lingual Tactile Acuity
Authors: Steele Catriona M. , Hill Lisa , Stokely Shauna , Peladeau‐Pigeon Melanie
Published: July 2014

Sensory function during the oral processing of liquids is thought to play a key role in informing the tailoring of swallowing motor behaviors to the flow characteristics of the bolus. In addition to taste receptors, the mouth and tongue house trigeminal nerve receptors that support the sensory detection of bolus size, shape (stereognosis), mass, temperature and movement. Recent studies suggest that healthy adults lose tongue strength with advancing age. However, little is known about changes in the sensory function of the tongue attributable to age, or associated with reductions in strength. In this study, we explored lingual tactile acuity in healthy young and older adults, and measured the relationship between tactile acuity and measures of tongue strength. The results showed an age‐related reduction in lingual tactile acuity that was not explained by variations in tongue strength.

Practical Applications

Sensory motor interactions are a topic of interest in understanding the processing activities that take place in the mouth during eating and swallowing. In this paper, we explore a test of sensory acuity in the mouth, in which the tongue is used to “read” embossed letters on Teflon strips. Our questions were to determine whether sensory acuity for this task declines with age, or with age‐related reductions in tongue strength. We determined that older people perform this task with less accuracy, suggesting some changes in oral sensory function with age. However, these changes were not related to tongue strength. The findings suggest that strength does not play a major role in the kind of sensory discrimination task tested in this study.
rs2230201 polymorphism may dictate complement C3 levels and response to treatment in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Chowdhury S. J. , Karra V. K. , Gumma P. K. , Bharali R. , Kar P.
Published: July 2014

The basis of response of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients to treatment is still unclear, and there may be many other factors which influence treatment outcome other than the existing ones. The serum concentration of C3 closely reflects the total complement activity, and individuals affected by C3 deficiency suffer from recurrent pyogenic infections. This study aims to find out relationship between levels of C3 in serum and its functional SNPs with response to treatment. The study included 132 CHC patients of which 48 received Pegylated IFN+Ribavirin and 81 controls. C3 levels and its three known functional SNP's genotyped by ELISA and SSP PCR, respectively. C3 Level of the healthy group was significantly higher (88.5 ± 19 mg/dL) when compared to CHC group (56 ± 18 mg/dL; P < 0.001). Thirty‐three of 36 responders were rs2230201 CC genotype carriers, whereas 9 of 12 nonresponders were non‐CC genotype. The ‘C’ allele of rs2230201 was found to be associated with increased serum C3 levels when compared to other genotypes in healthy group, whereas CT genotype was associated with lowered serum C3 in CHC group. A serum C3 value of <53 mg/dL was predictive of SVR with sensitivity 63.89% and specificity 66.67%. The study supports the observation that rs2230201 ‘C’ allele is associated with increase of serum C3 levels when compared to ‘T’ allele which may confer advantage in attaining SVR when present in homozygous condition. The study suggests that patients with serum C3 value <53 mg/dL and non‐CC genotypes may not respond to treatment.