bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healing effect of a two‐herb recipe (NF3) on foot ulcers in Chinese patients with diabetes: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study (包含两种草本中药的配方（NF3）对中国糖尿病患者足部溃疡的治疗作用：一项随机双盲安慰剂对照的研究)
Authors: Ko Chun Hay , Yi Sui , Ozaki Risa , Cochrane Heidi , Chung Harriet , Lau Winnie , Koon Chi Man , Hoi Sandy W.H. , Lo Winnie , Cheng King Fai , Lau Clara B.S. , Chan Wai Yee , Leung Ping Chung , Chan Juliana C.N.
Published: December 2013

Background

In the present study, we examined the effect of a two‐herb traditional Chinese medicine (NF3), comprised of Astragali Radix and Radix Rehmanniae, on the healing of diabetic foot ulcer and the possible molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods

This was a prospective randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. Sixteen diabetic patients were randomized to receive either placebo or NF3 for 6 months. Ulcer healing and sensory changes were examined. Molecular studies included measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and RNA microarray investigation.

Results

The daily rate of reduction in ulcer area was 3.55% in the NF3 group and 1.52% in the placebo group (P = 0.062). In the index limb, the number of negative tests for sensory neuropathy using monofilament was reduced from 27% to 7% in the NF3 group and from 37% to 35% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). In addition, NF3 significantly decreased serum TNF‐α levels (P = 0.034). Microarray studies revealed concerted changes following NF3 treatment in the expression of genes implicated in fibroblast regeneration, angiogenesis, and anti‐inflammation.

Conclusions

In this proof‐of‐concept study, 6‐month treatment with NF3 was associated with improved wound healing and sensation accompanied by concerted changes in gene expression.
The Geochemical and Zircon Trace Elements Characteristics of A‐type Granitoids in Boziguoer, Baicheng County, Xinjiang
Authors: LIU Chunhua , YIN Jingwu , WU Cailai , SHAO Xingkun , YANG Haitao , XU Haiming , WANG Jun
Published: December 2013

The Boziguoer A‐type granitoids in Baicheng County, Xinjiang, belong to the northern margin of the Tarim platform as well as the neighboring EW‐oriented alkaline intrusive rocks. The rocks comprise an aegirine or arfvedsonite quartz alkali feldspar syenite, an aegirine or arfvedsonite alkali feldspar granite, and a biotite alkali feldspar syenite. The major rock‐forming minerals are albite, K‐feldspar, quartz, arfvedsonite, aegirine, and siderophyllite. The accessory minerals are mainly zircon, pyrochlore, thorite, fluorite, monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime, and astrophyllite. The chemical composition of the alkaline granitoids show that SiO2 varies from 64.55% to 72.29% with a mean value of 67.32%, Na2O+K2O is high (9.85%–11.87%) with a mean of 11.14%, K2O is 2.39%–5.47% (mean = 4.73%), the K2O/Na2O ratios are 0.31–0.96, Al2O3 ranges from 12.58% to 15.44%, and total FeOT is between 2.35% and 5.65%. CaO, MgO, MnO, and TiO2 are low. The REE content is high and the total SREE is (263–1219) ppm (mean = 776 ppm), showing LREE enrichment and HREE depletion with strong negative Eu anomalies. In addition, the chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the alkaline granitoids belong to the “seagull” pattern of the right‐type. The Zr content is (113–1246) ppm (mean = 594 ppm), Zr+Nb+Ce+Y is between (478–2203) ppm with a mean of 1362 ppm. Furthermore, the alkaline granitoids have high HFSE (Ga, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf) content and low LILE (Ba, K, and Sr) content. The Nb/Ta ratio varies from 7.23 to 32.59 (mean = 16.59) and the Zr/Hf ratio is 16.69–58.04 (mean = 36.80). The zircons are depleted in LREE and enriched in HREE. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the zircons are of the “seagull” pattern of the left‐inclined type with strong negative Eu anomaly and without a Ce anomaly. The Boziguoer A‐type granitoids share similar features with A1‐type granites. The average temperature of the granitic magma was estimated at 832–839°C. The Boziguoer A‐type granitoids show crust–mantle mixing and may have formed in an anorogenic intraplate tectonic setting under high‐temperature, anhydrous, and low oxygen fugacity conditions.
Creating Change Through Collaboration: A Twinning Partnership to Strengthen Emergency Medicine at Addis Ababa University/Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital—A Model for International Medical Education Partnerships
Authors: Busse Heidi , Azazh Aklilu , Teklu Sisay , Tupesis Janis P. , Woldetsadik Assefu , Wubben Ryan J. , Tefera Girma
Published: December 2013

Background

Morbidity and mortality due to the lack of an organized emergency medical care system are currently high in Ethiopia. Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff often have limited or no formal training on how to handle emergencies. Because of insufficient human and resource capacity needed to assess and treat acutely ill patients, many who are injured may die unnecessarily, at the site of injury, during transport, or at the hospital.

Objectives

This article describes the development of a twinning partnership between Addis Ababa University (AAU), the University of Wisconsin‐Madison (UW), and the nonprofit organization People to People (P2P), to strengthen emergency care at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and increase the number of trained emergency medical professionals.

Methods

The partnership applied the six‐phase twinning partnership model, with the overall goal of enhancing and strengthening emergency and trauma care by building institutional and human resource capacity. This was achieved by 1) developing local leaders in emergency medicine (EM), 2) creating training modules adapted to the Ethiopian context, 3) launching an emergency training center, and 4) supporting academic program development. The authors evaluated the program's effectiveness based on our achievements toward these goals.

Results

Results include: 1) eight Ethiopian faculty completed a condensed EM fellowship in the United States. Now six Ethiopian physicians serve as EM faculty and two as pediatric EM faculty. 2) Nine emergency training modules were adapted to the Ethiopian context. 3) An emergency training center was opened in 2010 and to date has trained over 4,000 Ethiopian medical professionals. 4) Two academic training programs (EM residency and masters nursing programs) were initiated.

Conclusions

With many complex factors affecting the burden of emergency care, innovative and interdisciplinary collaborations are needed in Ethiopia to train medical workers, build local leadership capacity, strengthen infrastructure, and inform policies. The short‐term achievements of this twinning model could suggest that long‐term, institution‐to‐institution collaborations that are driven by local stakeholders are an effective strategy to create equitable relationships and build sustainable health systems and may serve as a model for other global health partnerships.
Japan's Post‐Fukushima Energy Policy Challenges
Authors: Koyama Ken
Published: December 2013

The Great East Japan Earthquake and the successive accidents at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station are stark reminders of the importance of energy, which is the basis of economic activity and national governance. Urgent responses have been conducted since March 11, 2011, including controlling the consequences of the nuclear accident, dealing with the short‐term power shortages, and a comprehensive review of Japan's long‐term national energy policy. Nationwide discussions and reviews of these issues are still continuing. Even today, more than 2 years after March 11, many problems remain unsolved and Japanese society has to face uncertainty and challenges about its energy future. In the current difficult situation, Japan needs to achieve “3Es (energy security, environmental protection, and economic efficiency)” plus “S” (safety) and “M” (macro economy protection) simultaneously, taking account of the new realities following the Fukushima accident. This paper tries to identify the energy‐related challenges that Japan has to face and tries to recommend the concept of the “energy best mix policy” for Japan, by describing the present status of energy issues in Japan and the national debate on energy policy.
Industry‐specific Real Effective Exchange Rates and Export Price Competitiveness: The Cases of Japan, China, and Korea
Authors: Sato Kiyotaka , Shimizu Junko , Shrestha Nagendra , Zhang Shajuan
Published: December 2013

This paper constructs a new dataset of the industry‐specific real effective exchange rate, based on the producer price indices, for Japan, China, and Korea on a monthly basis from January 2001 to February 2013 in order to provide a better indicator for export price competitiveness. By conducting simulation analysis, we found that Korean electrical machinery firms substantially improved their cost competitiveness by lowering their production costs during the Korean won appreciation period, while Japanese firms' large plant investment caused by management misjudgments led to excessive production capacity, which resulted in the deterioration of Japanese export competitiveness. A structural vector autoregression analysis also reveals that industry differences of cost competitiveness as well as nominal exchange rate changes have significant impact on export performances of Japan and Korea.
Unmanned aircraft systems help to map aquatic vegetation
Authors: Husson Eva , Hagner Olle , Ecke Frauke
Published: December 2013

Questions

Do high‐resolution (sub‐decimetre) aerial images taken with unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) allow a human interpreter to recognize aquatic plant species? Can UAS images be used to (1) produce vegetation maps at the species level; and (2) estimate species abundance?

Location

One river and two lake test sites in northern Sweden, middle boreal sub‐zone.

Methods

At one lake and at the river site we evaluated accuracy with which aquatic plant species can be identified on printouts of UAS images (scale 1:800, resolution 5.6 cm). As assessment units we used homogeneous vegetation patches, referred to as vegetation stands of one or more species. The accuracy assessment included calibration and validation based on field controls. At the river site, we produced a digital vegetation map based on an UAS orthoimage (geometrically corrected image mosaic) and the results of the species identification evaluation. We applied visual image interpretation and manual mapping. At one of the lake sites, we assessed the abundance (four‐grade scale) of the dominating Phragmites australis and produced a cover map.

Results

We identified the species composition of vegetation stands at the lake and the river site with an overall accuracy of 95.1% and 80.4%, respectively. It was feasible to produce a digital vegetation map, albeit with a slight reduction in detail compared to the species identification step. At the site for abundance assessment, P. australis covered 20% of the total lake surface area, and 70% of the covered area had cover ≤25%.

Conclusions

The tested UAS facilitates lake and river vegetation identification and mapping at the species level, as well as abundance estimates.
Ultrastructural features of skin pigmentation in the lizard Heloderma suspectum with emphasis on xanto‐melanophores
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: December 2013

The morphological origin of the dark and pink‐orange areas in the skin of the venomous lizard Heloderma suspectum is not known. Histology and electron microscopy show that dark‐grey areas of the skin derived from dermal chromatophores localized in specific areas present underneath the epidermis. A dynamic chromatophoric unit in the dermis is absent. In the darkest areas of the skin, the accumulation of melanosomes in cells of the beta‐layer contributes to increase the black intensity. In the orange‐pink areas, the superficial dermis contains xantophores storing numerous carotenoid vesicles, rare or absent lamellated pterinosomes and a variable number of melanosomes. These xanto‐melanophores predominate over the remaining chromatophores and form a continuous stratum underneath the epidermis. Beneath this lipoid‐rich stratum, iridophores are infrequent and do not form a continuous layer in the dermis. In the paler areas of the skin, melanophores are sparse in both superficial and deeper part of the dermis where irregularly oriented bundles of collagen fibrils are present. The prevalent xanto‐melanophores localized in the pink‐orange areas of the skin contribute to an effective sunlight protection in desert conditions in addition to the darker regions occupied by melanophores.
Biased signalling and proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs): targeting inflammatory disease
Authors: Hollenberg M D , Mihara K , Polley D , Suen J Y , Han A , Fairlie D P , Ramachandran R
Published: December 2013

Although it has been known since the 1960s that trypsin and chymotrypsin can mimic hormone action in tissues, it took until the 1990s to discover that serine proteinases can regulate cells by cleaving and activating a unique four‐member family of GPCRs known as proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs). PAR activation involves the proteolytic exposure of its N‐terminal receptor sequence that folds back to function as a ‘tethered’ receptor‐activating ligand (TL). A key N‐terminal arginine in each of PARs 1 to 4 has been singled out as a target for cleavage by thrombin (PARs 1, 3 and 4), trypsin (PARs 2 and 4) or other proteases to unmask the TL that activates signalling via Gq, Gi or G12/13. Similarly, synthetic receptor‐activating peptides, corresponding to the exposed ‘TL sequences’ (e.g. SFLLRN—, for PAR1 or SLIGRL— for PAR2) can, like proteinase activation, also drive signalling via Gq, Gi and G12/13, without requiring receptor cleavage. Recent data show, however, that distinct proteinase‐revealed ‘non‐canonical’ PAR tethered‐ligand sequences and PAR‐activating agonist and antagonist peptide analogues can induce ‘biased’ PAR signalling, for example, via G12/13‐MAPKinase instead of Gq‐calcium. This overview summarizes implications of this ‘biased’ signalling by PAR agonists and antagonists for the recognized roles the PARs play in inflammatory settings.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐5
Identification of plumericin as a potent new inhibitor of the NF‐κB pathway with anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fakhrudin N , Waltenberger B , Cabaravdic M , Atanasov A G , Malainer C , Schachner D , Heiss E H , Liu R , Noha S M , Grzywacz A M , Mihaly‐Bison J , Awad E M , Schuster D , Breuss J M , Rollinger J M , Bochkov V , Stuppner H , Dirsch V M
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose

The transcription factor NF‐κB orchestrates many pro‐inflammatory signals and its inhibition is considered a promising strategy to combat inflammation. Here we report the characterization of the natural product plumericin as a highly potent inhibitor of the NF‐κB pathway with a novel chemical scaffold, which was isolated via a bioactivity‐guided approach, from extracts of Himatanthus sucuuba, an Amazonian plant traditionally used to treat inflammation‐related disorders.

Experimental Approach

A NF‐κB luciferase reporter gene assay was used to identify NF‐κB pathway inhibitors from H. sucuuba extracts. Monitoring of TNF‐α‐induced expression of the adhesion molecules VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin by flow cytometry was used to confirm NF‐κB inhibition in endothelial cells, and thioglycollate‐induced peritonitis in mice to confirm effects in vivo. Western blotting and transfection experiments were used to investigate the mechanism of action of plumericin.

Key Results

Plumericin inhibited NF‐κB‐mediated transactivation of a luciferase reporter gene (IC50 1 μM), abolished TNF‐α‐induced expression of the adhesion molecules VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin in endothelial cells and suppressed thioglycollate‐induced peritonitis in mice. Plumericin exerted its NF‐κB pathway inhibitory effect by blocking IκB phosphorylation and degradation. Plumericin also inhibited NF‐κB activation induced by transfection with the constitutively active catalytic subunit of the IκB kinase (IKK‐β), suggesting IKK involvement in the inhibitory action of this natural product.

Conclusion and Implications

Plumericin is a potent inhibitor of NF‐κB pathways with a new chemical scaffold. It could be further explored as a novel anti‐inflammatory lead compound.
The effectiveness of including support people in a cognitive behavioural weight loss maintenance programme for obese adults: study rationale and design
Authors: Rieger E. , Treasure J. , Swinbourne J. , Adam B. , Manns C. , Caterson I.
Published: December 2013

What is already known about the subject

Weight loss maintenance following participation in a behavioural weight loss programme remains a critical challenge in the obesity field.

Social support predicts engagement in weight control behaviours, yet interventions designed to enhance social support have had only limited success in improving weight loss maintenance in obese adults.

What this study adds

The rationale for a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of social support for weight loss maintenance is provided. Specifically, there is theoretical and empirical support for training support people in motivational interviewing in order to facilitate the development of self‐motivation for weight control in obese adults. Self‐motivation is, in turn, associated with long‐term behaviour change, including sustained engagement in weight control behaviours.

The design and methodology of a study for evaluating the effectiveness of training support people in motivational interviewing to assist obese adults with weight loss maintenance is described.

The well‐documented finding that obese adults have a high likelihood of weight regain following participation in behavioural weight loss programmes highlights the importance of developing more effective approaches for weight loss maintenance. One promising approach is to improve the quality of social support for effective weight control available to an obese individual by including support people in behavioural weight loss programmes. This paper describes the rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of training support people to assist obese adults in their weight management. The study entails a two‐arm randomized controlled trial in which obese participants take part in a 1‐year (26‐session) cognitive behaviour therapy group weight management programme, including motivational interviewing strategies (CBT‐MI). In one arm, participants receive CBT‐MI alone, while in the second arm (CBT‐MI‐SP), participants also have a support person who attends 10 group sessions designed to teach effective skills for supporting an individual in healthy weight control. More specifically, support people will be trained in skills that aim to promote self‐motivation for weight management. Assessments of anthropometric, medical, behavioural, motivational, psychological and social functioning take place at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment and a 1‐year follow‐up. By helping obese participants to increase and sustain their motivation and skills for weight control both during treatment and in the crucial period after treatment cessation through the ongoing input of support people, the CBT‐MI‐SP approach of the current study has the potential to effectively help patients to achieve sustained weight loss while minimizing the patient's need for ongoing, intensive weight control treatment with its attendant costs.
Cor Triatriatum Sinistrum Presenting as Cardioembolic Stroke: An Unusual Cause of Adolescent Hemiparesis
Authors: Minocha Anil , Gera Sanjeev , Chandra Nishith , Singh Atampreet , Saxena Sanjay
Published: December 2013

Cor triatriatum sinistrum is a rare congenital cardiac malformation, in which the left atrium (LA) is divided into two distinct chambers by a fibromuscular membrane. Classically, the proximal (upper or superior) chamber of the LA receives pulmonary venous connections, whereas the distal (lower or inferior) chamber contains LA appendage and true atrial septum containing fossa ovalis. The distal chamber is in continuity with the atrioventricular valve, while the two chambers communicate through a defect in the membrane. The hemodynamics of cor triatriatum sinistrum are similar to that of mitral stenosis due to obstructive property of membrane. The majority of reported cases of cor triatriatum occur in infants with symptoms of pulmonary venous obstruction, with adult cases being rare. Herein, we describe an unusual case of cor triatriatum in a 17‐year‐old boy who presented for the first time with embolic cerebral infarction with left hemiparesis.
Cerebrospinal fluid α‐synuclein levels in Parkinson's disease – changed or unchanged?
Authors: Zetterberg H. , Petzold M. , Magdalinou N.
Published: December 2013

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
The Spatial Extents of Casino Catchments in Australia
Authors: Markham Francis , Doran Bruce , Young Martin
Published: December 2013

Casinos have proliferated throughout Australia and in many other parts of the world since the late twentieth century. An emerging body of research has started to explicitly consider the social and economic impacts of casinos in different settings. Many of the potential impacts of casinos are spatially patterned and relate to the connectivity of patrons and venues. In this paper, we use a predictive trade‐area analysis technique, the Huff model, to estimate the spatial extent of casino catchments in Australia and compare these outputs to travel data from National Visitors Survey. Many casinos draw patrons from regional areas and from other states, a set of cross‐jurisdictional patterns that pose regulatory challenges in terms of managing economic benefits and the distribution of harms arising from casino gambling. Avenues for logical extensions of the approach are discussed as well as alternative methods of sourcing data for validating predictive outputs.
Isolation and characterisation of collagen from the ribbon jellyfish (Chrysaora sp.)
Authors: Barzideh Zoha , Latiff Aishah Abd , Gan Chee‐Yuen , Benjakul Soottawat , Karim Alias Abd
Published: December 2013

Pepsin‐solubilised collagen from the ribbon jellyfish (Chrysaora sp., morphotype 1) umbrella (JPSC) was isolated and characterised. The yield of collagen varied (9–19%, based on ash‐free dry weight) depending on the amount of pepsin used. Type II collagen was the major component of extracted collagen. The peptide map of JPSC differed from that of standard collagen type II, which indicates their different primary structures. FTIR spectra of JPSC, however, did not differ significantly from those of type II collagen. The Tmax of JPSC was 37.38 °C, which is higher than that of other marine collagens. Glycine was the main amino acid in JPSC (320 residues per 1000 residues), followed by glutamic acid, alanine, proline, aspartic acid and hydroxyproline. The isoelectric point of JPSC was 6.64. These results indicate that this jellyfish species has the potential to be a marine source of type II collagen that can be used in place of land‐based sources.
Déterminants de l'offre et de la demande de travail informel en Allemagne
Authors: HAIGNER Stefan D. , JENEWEIN Stefan , SCHNEIDER Friedrich , WAKOLBINGER Florian
Published: December 2013

Les auteurs étudient empiriquement les motivations de l'offre et de la demande de travail informel à partir de données tirées d'une enquête de 2010 auprès des résidents allemands. Ils constatent qu'être au chômage ou l'avoir été augmente significativement la probabilité de travailler sur le marché informel. En outre, l'insatisfaction quant à sa position relative dans la société ainsi que l'exaspération face à l'inefficacité de l'Etat ont un effet positif significatif sur l'offre de travail informel des hommes, mais ces facteurs n'affectent pas la demande de travail informel.
Flies and the mouth
Authors: Hassona Yazan , Scully Crispian , Aguida Miranda , de Almeida Oslei Paes
Published: December 2013

Oral infections caused by flies are rarely encountered in clinical practice, and consequently, there is a paucity of information in the medical and dental literature about these conditions. In the present article, we present a concise review on oral myiasis or fly‐blown disease. A variety of fly species can infest the oral tissues and produce an exotic clinical picture. Oral myiasis is mainly encountered in the tropics and subtropics, but can also be encountered in the western part of the world due to the increase of globalization, immigration, and global warming. Commonly‐reported symptoms of oral myiasis include pain, swelling, itchy sensation, and feeling of something moving in the mouth. The surgical debridement of infected tissue with the removal of maggots is the treatment of choice in most cases of oral myiasis.
Auxin Biosynthesis by the YUCCA6 Flavin Monooxygenase Gene in Woodland Strawberry
Authors: Liu Hong , Xie Wei‐Fa , Zhang Ling , Valpuesta Victoriano , Ye Zheng‐Wen , Gao Qing‐Hua , Duan Ke
Published: December 2013

Auxin has been regarded as the main signal molecule coordinating the growth and ripening of fruits in strawberry, the reference genomic system for Rosaceae. The mechanisms regulating auxin biosynthesis in strawberry are largely elusive. Recently, we demonstrated that two YUCCA genes are involved in flower and fruit development in cultivated strawberry. Here, we show that the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) genome harbors nine loci for YUCCA genes and eight of them encode functional proteins. Transcription pattern in different plant organs was different for all eight FvYUCs. Functionality of the FvYUC6 gene was studied in transgenic strawberry overexpressing FvYUC6, which showed typical high‐auxin phenotypes. Overexpression of FvYUC6 also delayed flowering and led to complete male sterility in F. vesca. Additionally, specific repression of FvYUC6 expression by RNA interference significantly inhibited vegetative growth and reduced plant fertility. The development of leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits was greatly affected in FvYUC6‐repressed plants. Expression of a subset of auxin‐responsive genes was well correlated with the changes of FvYUC6 transcript levels and free indole‐3‐acetic acid levels in transgenic strawberry. These observations are consistent with an important role of FvYUC6 in auxin synthesis, and support a main role of the gene product in vegetative and reproductive development in woodland strawberry.
A step‐by‐step protocol for formaldehyde‐assisted isolation of regulatory elements from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Omidbakhshfard Mohammad Amin , Winck Flavia Vischi , Arvidsson Samuel , Riaño‐Pachón Diego M. , Mueller‐Roeber Bernd
Published: December 2013

The control of gene expression by transcriptional regulators and other types of functionally relevant DNA transactions such as chromatin remodeling and replication underlie a vast spectrum of biological processes in all organisms. DNA transactions require the controlled interaction of proteins with DNA sequence motifs which are often located in nucleosome‐depleted regions (NDRs) of the chromatin. Formaldehyde‐assisted isolation of regulatory elements (FAIRE) has been established as an easy‐to‐implement method for the isolation of NDRs from a number of eukaryotic organisms, and it has been successfully employed for the discovery of new regulatory segments in genomic DNA from, for example, yeast, Drosophila, and humans. Until today, however, FAIRE has only rarely been employed in plant research and currently no detailed FAIRE protocol for plants has been published. Here, we provide a step‐by‐step FAIRE protocol for NDR discovery in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate that NDRs isolated from plant chromatin are readily amenable to quantitative polymerase chain reaction and next‐generation sequencing. Only minor modification of the FAIRE protocol will be needed to adapt it to other plants, thus facilitating the global inventory of regulatory regions across species.
Hypoxia causes autophagic stress and derangement of metabolic adaptation in a cell model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Cimini Sara , Rizzardini Milena , Biella Gloria , Cantoni Lavinia
Published: December 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. The recruitment of autophagy (macroautophagy) and mitochondrial dysfunction are documented in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and experimental models expressing mutant forms of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protein, but their impact in the disease remains unclear. Hypoxia is a stress closely related to the disease in patients and mutant SOD1 mice; in individual cells, hypoxia activates autophagy and regulates mitochondrial metabolism as fundamental adaptive mechanisms. Our aim was to examine whether mutant SOD1 changed this response. Hypoxia (1% O2 for 22 h) caused greater loss of viability and more marked activation of caspase 3/7 in the motor neuronal NSC‐34 cell line stably transfected with the G93A mutant human SOD1 (G93A‐NSC) than in the one with the wild‐type SOD1 (WT‐NSC) or in untransfected NSC‐34. In the G93A‐NSC cells, there was a more marked accumulation of the LC3‐II autophagy protein, attributable to autophagic stress; 3‐methyladenine, which acts on initiation of autophagy, fully rescued G93A‐NSC viability and reduced the activation of caspase 3/7 indicating this was a secondary event; the metabolic handling of hypoxia was inappropriate possibly contributing to the autophagic stress. Our findings evidentiate that the G93A mutation of SOD1 profoundly altered the adaptive metabolic response to hypoxia and this could increase the cell susceptibility to this stress.

image

Hypoxia activates autophagy and modifies glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration as fundamental cell adaptive mechanisms. This stress is closely related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The recruitment of autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction are documented in patients and models expressing mutant Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protein, but their impact in the disease remains unclear. G93ASOD1 cells were more susceptible to hypoxia than wild‐type SOD1 cells and showed autophagic stress and inappropriate handling of energy metabolism. Defective adaptation to hypoxia may contribute to neurodegeneration.
Older women's experiences of suffering from urinary tract infections
Authors: Eriksson Irene , Olofsson Birgitta , Gustafson Yngve , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe and explore older women's experiences of having had repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Background

UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections among older women. Approximately one‐third of very old women suffer from at least one UTI each year. Despite the high incidence of UTI, little is known about the impact of UTI on health and daily life in older women.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews was conducted with 20 Swedish women aged 67–96 years who suffered from repeated UTIs the preceding year. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Two main themes were identified: being in a state of manageable suffering and depending on alleviation. Being in a state of manageable suffering was described in terms of experiencing physical and psychological health problems, struggling to deal with the illness and being restricted in daily life. Depending on alleviation was illustrated in terms of having access to relief but also receiving inadequate care.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that UTIs are a serious health problem among older women that not only affects both physical and mental health but also has serious social consequences. The women in this study described the physical and psychological health problems, struggling to deal with the illness, being restricted in daily life, depending on access to relief and receiving inadequate care.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is important to improve the knowledge about how UTI affects the health of older women. This knowledge may help nurses develop strategies to support these women. One important part in the supportive strategies is that nurses can educate these women in self‐care.
Self‐rated health mediates the association between functional status and health‐related quality of life in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ghorbani Saeedian Radka , Nagyova Iveta , Klein Daniel , Skorvanek Matej , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Gdovinova Zuzana , Groothoff Johan W , van Dijk Jitse P
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore whether self‐rated health acts as a potential mediator in the association between functional status and health‐related quality of life in Parkinson's disease.

Background

Older persons (as most patients with Parkinson's disease are) who reported poor self‐rated health compared with those with excellent self‐rated health were two‐and‐a‐half times more likely to have experienced a decline in functional ability.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Socio‐demographic and clinical data of the patients (n = 176) were obtained during a structured interview and from medical records. Functional status was measured with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (total score), self‐rated health with the first item of the Short‐Form 36‐item Health Survey Questionnaire and health‐related quality of life with the disease‐specific questionnaire called the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire‐39. Multiple linear regression analyses and the Sobel test were employed to assess mediation.

Results

Self‐rated health seems to have a mediating effect on the association between functional status and health‐related quality of life. The Sobel test confirmed an indirect effect of functional status via self‐rated health on health‐related quality of life and showed a statistically significant indirect effect of functional status on health‐related quality of life via self‐rated health against the direct route without the mediator.

Conclusions

Self‐rated health partially mediates the deteriorating effect of functional status on health‐related quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice

Supportive and adaptation psychosocial intervention programmes leading to restored self‐rated health may enhance the quality of life regardless of disability in Parkinson's disease.
Evaluation of a diabetes nurse specialist prescribing project
Authors: Wilkinson Jill , Carryer Jenny , Adams Jeffery
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the diabetes nurse specialist prescribing project with the aim of determining whether diabetes nurse specialist prescribing is safe and effective and to inform the implementation and extension of registered nurse prescribing.

Background

Registered nurses in many countries are able to prescribe medicines, but in New Zealand, prior to the diabetes nurse specialist project, nurse practitioners were the only nurses who could prescribe medicines. New regulations allowed the nurses to prescribe a limited number of prescription medicines.

Design

The study was a process and outcome clinical programme evaluation.

Methods

The project took place between April–September 2011 and involved 12 diabetes nurse specialist in four localities. Quantitative data were collected from clinical records maintained by the diabetes nurse specialist for the project (1274 patients and 3402 prescribing events), from surveys with stakeholders (general practitioners, n = 30; team members, n = 19; and patients, n = 89) and audits from patient notes (n = 117) and prescriptions (n = 227), and qualitative data from interviews with project participants (n = 18) and patients (n = 19). All data were analysed descriptively.

Results

Diabetes nurse specialist prescribing was determined to be safe, of high quality and appropriate. It brought important benefits to the effectiveness of specialist diabetes services, was acceptable to patients and was supported by the wider healthcare team.

Conclusions

These findings are consistent with the findings reported in the international literature about nurse prescribing in a range of different practice areas. Clarification of the education and competence requirements and resourcing for the ongoing supervision of nurses is recommended if the prescribing model is to be extended.

Relevance to clinical practice

Diabetes nurse specialist prescribing improved access to medicines by providing a more timely service. Nurses felt more satisfied with their work because they could independently provide a complete episode of care. As novice prescribers, nurses need to be well prepared educationally and have access to supportive clinical supervision.
Epiregulin is critical for the acinar cell regeneration of the submandibular gland in a mouse duct ligation model
Authors: Nagai Koichi , Arai Hideo , Okudera Michisato , Yamamura Takashi , Oki Hidero , Komiyama Kazuo
Published: December 2013

Acinar cell regeneration from tubular structures has been reported to occur in duct‐deligated salivary glands. However, the detailed process of acinar cell regeneration has not been clarified. We have developed a mouse duct ligation model to clarify the mechanisms underlying acinar cell regeneration, and we analyzed the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligands using the model. We studied these ligands expressions in the course of acinar cell regeneration using immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR methods. In the duct‐ligated portion of the submandibular gland (SMG) that underwent atrophy, newly formed acinar cells were observed arising from the tubular structures after the release of the duct obstruction. The constitutive expression of EGFR was observed by immunohistochemistry in both the duct‐ligated and duct‐deligated animals as well as in normal controls. The EGFR phosphorylation detected on the tubular structures after duct ligation paralleled the acinar cell regeneration. RT‐PCR showed an increase in the epiregulin and heparin‐binding EGF levels from day 0 to day 3 after the release of the duct obstruction. The EGF level was increased only after day 7. In vitro, cultured cells isolated from ligated SMGs proliferated and produced EGF ligands following the addition of epiregulin to the culture medium. These findings suggest that the tubular structures localized in an atrophic gland are the source of acinar cell regeneration of the salivary gland. The induction of EGF ligands, in particular epiregulin, may play an important role in acinar cell regeneration in this model.
Immunisation coverage among a birth cohort of Aboriginal infants in an urban community
Authors: Harris Mark F , Webster Vana , Jalaludin Bin , Jackson Pulver Lisa R , Comino Elizabeth Jean
Published: December 2013

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine the age‐appropriate immunisation coverage and the factors associated with this in a cohort of Aboriginal infants in an outer urban Sydney community in comparison with non‐Aboriginal infants in this community.

Methods

Data on immunisation coverage were extracted from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register for a birth cohort of 178 Aboriginal and 356 non‐Aboriginal infants born in Campbelltown between October 2005 and May 2007. Non‐Aboriginal infants were matched on birthdates and gender. Data on maternal socio‐economic and other characteristics were collected by questionnaire.

Results

Australian Childhood Immunisation Register records were identified for 92% of infants. Immunisation rates of Aboriginal infants were comparable with those of non‐Aboriginal infants except for delay at 4 and 6 months. Rates of delay in immunisation at 12 and 18 months for both Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal infants were similar. Young maternal age and higher parity were both associated with a greater likelihood of delay.

Conclusions

Immunisation rates in this population of Aboriginal infants are comparable to those of non‐Aboriginal infants except for delay in immunisation at 4 and 6 months. Identified risk factors for both Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal infants may be amenable to intervention. Strategies to ensure timely compliance with immunisation schedules in this outer urban community have achieved reasonable immunisation coverage for Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal infants.
Microalgal assemblages in a poikilohaline pond
Authors: Wang Shuyi , Lambert William , Giang Sophia , Goericke Ralf , Palenik Brian
Published: December 2013

Microalgal strains for algal biofuels production in outdoor ponds will need to have high net growth rates under diverse environmental conditions. A small, variable salinity pond in the San Elijo Lagoon estuary in southern California was chosen to serve as a model pond due to its routinely high chlorophyll content. Profiles of microalgal assemblages from water samples collected from April 2011 to January 2012 were obtained by constructing 18S rDNA environmental clone libraries. Pond assemblages were found to be dominated by green algae Picochlorum sp. and Picocystis sp. throughout the year. Pigment analysis suggested that the two species contributed most of the chlorophyll a of the pond, which ranged from 21.9 to 664.3 μg · L−1 with the Picocystis contribution increasing at higher salinities. However, changes of temperature, salinity or irradiance may have enabled a bloom of the diatom Chaetoceros sp. in June 2011. Isolates of these microalgae were obtained and their growth rates characterized as a function of temperature and salinity. Chaetoceros sp. had the highest growth rate over the temperature test range while it showed the most sensitivity to high salinity. All three strains showed the presence of lipid bodies during nitrogen starvation, suggesting they have potential as future biofuels strains.
Oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous pharmacokinetics of ondansetron in healthy cats
Authors: Quimby J. M. , Lake R. C. , Hansen R. J. , Lunghofer P. J. , Gustafson D. L.
Published: December 2013

Ondansetron is a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist that is an effective anti‐emetic in cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ondansetron in healthy cats. Six cats with normal complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis received 2 mg oral (mean 0.43 mg/kg), subcutaneous (mean 0.4 mg/kg), and intravenous (mean 0.4 mg/kg) ondansetron in a cross‐over manner with a 5‐day wash out. Serum was collected prior to, and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after administration of ondansetron. Ondansetron concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic modeling and dose interval modeling were performed. Repeated measures anova was used to compare parameters between administration routes. Bioavailability of ondansetron was 32% (oral) and 75% (subcutaneous). Calculated elimination half‐life of ondansetron was 1.84 ± 0.58 h (intravenous), 1.18 ± 0.27 h (oral) and 3.17 ± 0.53 h (subcutaneous). The calculated elimination half‐life of subcutaneous ondansetron was significantly longer (P < 0.05) than oral or intravenous administration. Subcutaneous administration of ondansetron to healthy cats is more bioavailable and results in a more prolonged exposure than oral administration. This information will aid management of emesis in feline patients.
An early forest inventory indicates high accuracy of forest composition data in pre‐settlement land survey records
Authors: Terrail R. , Arseneault D. , Fortin M.‐J. , Dupuis S. , Boucher Y.
Published: December 2013

Questions

Do early land survey records of the ‘line description’ type allow accurate reconstructions of pre‐settlement forest composition? Did surveyors record all tree taxa in forest stands encountered along the surveyed lines? Were taxa ranked according to their relative importance in forest stands? What criteria did surveyors used to rank taxa in stands?

Location

Northern range limit of northern hardwoods,LowerSt.Lawrence region, easternQuébec,Canada.

Methods

Validation of 1695 taxon lists recorded by surveyors in the 19th century through comparison of the number of stems by tree species and stem diameter classes recorded in 2790 old‐growth plots over the same two regions during a 1930 forest inventory.

Results

Taxon prevalence and dominance (i.e. proportion of observations for which each taxon is dominant) are highly correlated between the pre‐settlement surveys and the 1930 forest inventory data sets. Surveyors ranked taxa in decreasing order of relative importance, using criteria directly equivalent to basal area of stems in modern forest inventory plots. Taxon prevalence is more accurately reconstructed using relative metrics (i.e. ranks of taxon prevalence in a region), whereas taxon dominance is more accurately reconstructed using absolute metrics (percentage of dominant stands across landscapes). The early land surveys allow spatial patterns of forest composition to be reconstructed by computing relative taxon prevalence in cells of 3 km × 3 km. Prevalence of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and white birch (Betula papyrifera) are underestimated in survey data, probably reflecting their low economic value in the 19th century.

Conclusions

Taxon lists of early surveyors can accurately reconstruct pre‐settlement forest composition and spatial patterns using metrics of taxon prevalence and dominance across landscapes. Relative prevalence is a more comprehensive description of forest composition than dominance, but tends to underestimate some taxa. Absolute taxon dominance is a more robust metric than prevalence, but only reports on the abundance of the most dominant taxa.
Children's testimony and the emotional victim effect
Authors: Landström Sara , Ask Karl , Sommar Charlotte , Willén Rebecca
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of (1) child victims’ emotional expression during testimony and (2) the camera perspective used to record the testimony, on judgements of credibility.

Methods

Law students (N = 155 in Experiment 1; N = 86 in Experiment 2) watched a child harassment complainant provide a statement in an emotional or neutral manner, presented using different camera perspectives: balanced focus (i.e., a shot portraying an equal focus on the child complainant and the interviewer) versus picture‐in‐picture (PiP; i.e., a shot portraying only the child with an inset window depicting both the child and the interviewer in the corner of the screen) in Experiment 1 and PiP versus child focus (i.e., a shot depicting only the child) in Experiment 2.

Results

Although no effect was found for camera perspective, the results provide support for an emotional victim effect (EVE); the child was perceived as more credible and truthful when communicating the statement in an emotional (vs. neutral) manner. Moreover, the results provide corroborating evidence for the assumption that the EVE rests on both cognitive (expectancy confirmation) and affective (compassion) mechanisms.

Conclusions

These findings extend previous research by showing that the EVE and its underlying mechanisms apply to judgements of child complainants in the context of non‐sexual crimes and appear to be robust against variations of camera perspectives. Legal implications are discussed.