bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Co-inoculation with Pratylenchus thornei and Fusarium culmorum on Growth and Yield of Winter Wheat
Authors: Hajihassani Abolfazl , Smiley Richard W. , Afshar Farahnaz Jahanshahi
Published: May 2013

Growth and yield of winter wheat are suppressed by Pratylenchus thornei and by Fusarium culmorum. Many fields in cereal production regions throughout the world are infested by both pathogens. We evaluated effects of one or both pathogens on winter wheat growth, grain yield, and disease parameters at heading and harvest stages over 2 years in inoculated, rainfed pots incubated outdoors. P. thornei nematodes were inoculated at 1, 2, or 4 nematodes/g of soil and F. culmorum was added as colonized millet seed at 0.65 g/kg of soil. At harvest, compared with the noninoculated control, the high rate of P. thornei reduced (P < 0.05) plant height, shoot weight, root weight, and grain yield by 19, 17, 48, and 31%, respectively. F. culmorum alone reduced these parameters by 15, 16, 22, and 22%, respectively. Co-inoculations caused reductions of 27, 38, 61, and 63%, respectively. The reproductive rate of P. thornei was not greatly affected by co-inoculation with F. culmorum. Disease severity ratings at both plant growth stages became amplified as the nematode density was increased, and were much greater in the presence of both pathogens. Effects of co-inoculation on grain yield were slightly greater than predicted by additive effects of the individual pathogens, suggesting a synergistic effect on yield depression.
Phomopsis Blight: A New Disease of Pieris japonica Caused by Phomopsis amygdali in the United States
Authors: Bienapfl J. C. , Balci Y.
Published: May 2013

Pieris japonica, also known as Japanese andromeda, is an economically valuable broadleaf evergreen used in landscapes across the United States. From spring 2010 to 2012, P. japonica ‘Mountain Fire’ plants growing in Maryland nurseries were observed with a high incidence of stem canker, shoot dieback, and blight symptoms. Necrosis was evident on shoot tips and often advanced into lateral shoots, as well as to the crowns, leading to plant death. Phomopsis amygdali, known as a destructive pathogen of peach and almond, was consistently isolated from symptomatic plants. P. amygdali also caused similar symptoms on Mountain Fire test plants following inoculations. P. amygdali was consistently recovered and its identity was confirmed with both morphological and molecular tools, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. In addition, nursery sampling in 2012 revealed that P. amygdali could also be isolated from asymptomatic plants. In all instances, infected plants were shipped from a West Coast nursery, indicating that this pathogen was inadvertently introduced to new locations. P. amygdali may be emerging as an important pathogen in nurseries because this is the first known association of this pathogen with an ornamental plant species.
Fevillea trilobata as a Natural Host of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in Brazil
Authors: Boiteux L. S. , Spadotti D. M. A. , Rezende J. A. M. , Kitajima E. W.
Published: May 2013

The antidote vines or nhandirobas (Fevillea trilobata L. [Cucurbitaceae]) are dioecious plant species native to the South American Neotropics (1). Genetic materials of these species are now being domesticated and evaluated as potential crops for seed-oil extraction aiming to produce biodiesel fuel (2). Plants of F. trilobata (Accession No. CNPH-001) were cultivated from seeds under open field conditions during the years 2008 through 2011 in Brasília-DF, Brazil. Approximately 200 plants exhibiting mosaic symptoms and severe leaf malformation (with typical bubble-like patches) were found in all fields every year. Apical mosaic was slightly more severe in female than in male plants. Electron microscopy examination of negatively stained extracts of symptomatic leaf tissue showed the presence of filamentous particles about 700 to 800 nm long. Analysis of ultra-thin sections of the same tissues revealed the presence of lamellar inclusions typical of a potyvirus infection. No aphid colonies were observed on field-grown F. trilobata plants. The virus was mechanically transmitted to healthy Cucurbita pepo cv. Caserta and Luffa cylindrica, causing systemic mosaic. Sap from these infected plants reacted in PTA-ELISA with polyclonal antiserum against Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), but not with antisera against Papaya ringspot virus – type W (PRSV-W), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), and Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus (ZLCV). Total RNA extracted from experimentally infected C. pepo was analyzed by RT-PCR using specific pairs of primers for the coat protein gene of ZYMV (3). A cDNA fragment of approximately 1,186 bp was amplified and the nucleotide sequence obtained by direct sequencing. Comparisons of the nucleotide (837 nt) and deduced amino acid (279 aa) sequences of the coat protein genomic segment (GenBank Accession No. JX502677) revealed 93 to 98% and 97 to 98% identity, respectively, with the corresponding nucleotide and amino acid sequences of a group of ZYMV isolates from distinct hosts (AY188994, AY279000, and NC_003224). The infection by ZYMV might cause fruit yield losses to F. trilobata. In addition, the infected F. trilobata crops might work as a reservoir of ZYMV providing inoculum to other cucurbit hosts since it has been managed as a semi-perennial crop. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the genus Fevillea as a natural host of ZYMV.

References: (1) M. Nee et al. Syst. Bot. 34:704, 2009. (2) E. G. Shay. Biomass Bioenergy 4:227, 1993. (3) K. G. Thomson et al. J. Virol. Meth. 55:83, 1995.
Span efficiency in hawkmoths
Authors: Henningsson Per , Bomphrey Richard J.
Published: May 2013

Flight in animals is the result of aerodynamic forces generated as flight muscles drive the wings through air. Aerial performance is therefore limited by the efficiency with which momentum is imparted to the air, a property that can be measured using modern techniques. We measured the induced flow fields around six hawkmoth species flying tethered in a wind tunnel to assess span efficiency,ei, and from these measurements, determined the morphological and kinematic characters that predict efficient flight. The species were selected to represent a range in wingspan from 40 to 110 mm (2.75 times) and in mass from 0.2 to 1.5 g (7.5 times) but they were similar in their overall shape and their ecology. From high spatio-temporal resolution quantitative wake images, we extracted time-resolved downwash distributions behind the hawkmoths, calculating instantaneous values ofeithroughout the wingbeat cycle as well as multi-wingbeat averages. Span efficiency correlated positively with normalized lift and negatively with advance ratio. Average span efficiencies for the moths ranged from 0.31 to 0.60 showing that the standard generic value of 0.83 used in previous studies of animal flight is not a suitable approximation of aerodynamic performance in insects.
An assessment of a modern touch-screen tablet computer with reference to core physical characteristics necessary for clinical vision testing
Authors: Aslam Tariq M. , Murray Ian J. , Lai Michael Y. T. , Linton Emma , Tahir Humza J. , Parry Neil R. A.
Published: May 2013

There are a multitude of applications using modern tablet computers for vision testing that are accessible to ophthalmology patients. While these may be of potential future benefit, they are often unsupported by scientific assessment. This report investigates the pertinent physical characteristics behind one of the most common highest specification tablet computers with regard to its capacity for vision testing. We demonstrate through plotting of a gamma curve that it is feasible to produce a precise programmable range of central luminance levels on the device, even with varying background luminance levels. It may not be possible to display very low levels of contrast, but carefully using the gamma curve information allows a reasonable range of contrast sensitivity to be tested. When the screen is first powered on, it may require up to 15 min for the luminance values to stabilize. Finally, luminance of objects varies towards the edge of the screen and when viewed at an angle. However, the resulting effective contrast of objects is less variable. Details of our assessments are important to developers, users and prescribers of tablet clinical vision tests. Without awareness of such findings, these tests may never reach satisfactory levels of clinical validity and reliability.
Striving for survival and success: Chinese private higher education in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Lei Jing
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This general review paper aims to examine the special features of Chinese private higher education institutions (HEIs), discuss the challenges that Chinese private HEIs face, and explore what is needed for the further development of Chinese private higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a general review and comparison.

Findings

Specifically, Chinese private higher education is characterized by volatile development that is easily affected by government policy inconsistencies. Today's private higher education faces serious challenges, including perceived low quality and low reputation, fierce competition within the private sector, and with the public sector and international forces, and difficulties in recruiting students. To facilitate the further development and improvement of Chinese private higher education, it is crucial to have a mature and stable education policy‐making process that involves multiple stakeholders, to provide substantive government support, and to establish a quality assurance system.

Originality/value

Chinese private higher education has experienced both unprecedented rapid growth and significant fluctuations in the last three decades, and is now facing serious challenges to its further development. Some of these challenges are common for private higher education worldwide, while some are unique to China. By focusing on these challenges, this paper probes the fundamental questions about the nature of private higher education, examines the role it plays in the process of modernizing developing countries, identifies the major obstacles that private higher education faces, and explores how these obstacles can be overcome.
Policy changes and educational reforms in China: decentralization and marketization
Authors: Zhao Yong , Qiu Wei
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the major systemic educational reforms that China has undertaken over the past three decades and analyze the reasons behind their different degrees of success.

Design/methodology/approach

Two running themes are identified among various reforms on the Chinese educational system: decentralization and marketization. The authors explore the driving forces behind these reforms and discuss whether the reforms were successful or not.

Findings

In conclusion, the authors highlight four takeaway lessons of Chinese educational reforms.

Originality/value

This is an original discussion of educational reforms in China in the contexts of decentralization and marketization.
Universal perspectivism: transcending “facta” and “futura” through foresight theory building
Authors: Øverland Erik F.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Contemporary foresight activities are increasingly dominated by commitment to research methods and an ambition to found a sound theory of futures thinking. Arguably, there has been a general failure to examine and explicate the relationship between theory and method. As Poli; Karlsen & Karlsen; Aaltonen; Inayatullah and others argue, there is both a need and a will to develop a substantial foundation of futures studies that not only goes beyond epistemology, but explicitly tries to establish an ontological rationale for futures research as a post‐positivist scientific activity. Following along this line, the purpose of this paper is to represent a radical constructivist approach to the theory of latents and level of realities that transcends traditional phenomenology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper also gives a brief outline on how Kant meets Latour and constitutes and reproduces two ontological areas, man and nature and argues in favour of a post‐post conception called “universal perspectivism”.

Findings

It is found that the foresight community and futurists must revert to some basic ontological assumptions about the future, e.g. as a reflection of human imagination or as a projection of today's situation, particularly the reproduction of the construction of an idea of the human being as such, and its opposite – what it is not.

Originality/value

The consequences for anticipation activities are tremendous: in forward looking activities we reproduce both the distinction between reality in itself and reality for us, or put differently, between appearances and latent. These are then linked to the differentiation between two basic ontological areas throughout all time modalities, nature and society (man). The link between pasts, presents and futures is getting closer.
Knowmad society: the “new” work and education
Authors: Moravec John W.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This essay aims to introduce the “knowmads” concept in the context of converging futures of work, learning, and how people relate to one another in a world driven by exponential, accelerating change.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework for understanding knowmad society is presented, with specific insight to how it impacts formal education systems. A summary of articles following this viewpoint in this issue of On the Horizon is presented to highlight key ideas and how the issue is structured.

Findings

Knowmad society is already here, but education systems seem ignorant of this reality. This essay highlights that in this issue, ideas, approaches, and original solutions are offered for further discussion.

Practical implications

It is too late to ignore the trends driving the creation of a knowmad society, and it has to be decided if there is to be an attempt to catch‐up to the present, or leapfrog ahead and create future‐relevant learning options today. Otherwise there is a risk of producing workers equipped for the needs of previous centuries, but not the kind that can apply their individual knowledge in contextually‐varied modes to create new value.

Originality/value

This essay presents a formal introduction to the knowmad concept, and calls for the co‐creation of a broader ecology of options for relevant learning in a knowmad society.
Heavy switchers in translearning: from formal teaching to ubiquitous learning
Authors: Peña‐López Ismael
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The aim is to explore the role of personal learning environments in an already ICT‐dense context and in combination with some educational approaches in the field of technology enhanced education. The paper seeks to analyze how personal learning environments are not a device but a learning strategy that threatens the way educational institutions and their functions are understood, by contributing to enable a borderless learning society.

Design/methodology/approach

The research begins by revisiting Vygotsky's concept of the zone of proximal development and assesses the role of educators and educational institutions as the actual more knowledgeable others in scaffolding learners' learning paths. This role is put in relationship with different learning scenarios (formal, non‐formal, informal and autodidactic) according to their inner structure (or lack of) and degree (or absence) of planning. The research then puts PLEs in relationship with other “physical” spaces (VLEs and LMSs), the digitization of content (open educational resources), records and assessments (e‐Portfolios) and the possibility to flip some traditional tasks or processes that enabled regaining the social component in the classroom (Education 2.0).

Findings

It is suggested that PLEs have come to close the circle of ICTs in education with a highly transformative power: the power to blur the boundaries between formal teaching and informal learning. Indeed, the traditionally difficult transition from one learning scenario to a different one has been made smoother by the appearance of OER and, especially, social media constructs that can be used for learning purposes, especially within a PLE‐based strategy.

Originality/value

It is stated that institutions should embrace and even foster the possibility that learners could easily and intensively switch educational resources, just like they could shift among different registers and learning scenarios, as a newly enabled way to tear down the artificial divisions that formal learning edified.
Building better learning and learning better building, with learners rather than for learners
Authors: Mokhtar Noriega Farid , Heppell Stephen , Segovia Bonet Nieves , Heppell Julliette
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the relevant role of users/learners as designers/creators of meaningful and effective learning places and spaces in both digital and virtual worlds.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on research and observation of changing trends in users' behavior in physical and digital collaborative workplaces and spaces all over the world.

Findings

In this third millennium, the new spirit of knowmadic workers and learners is breaking down old design concepts and rules. The progressively more subtle frontier between virtual and physical learning environments and working environments is changing the use by, and the behavior of, learners in these places and spaces. In this context, the transversal‐thinking, designer‐guided paradigm is rendered effectively useless. The era of user‐led design has started. User‐oriented design is an old trend; it has changed over time. In societies and economies based on learning, reflection and constant collaboration, the individualistic design guru has no place.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the evolving strategic role of users/learners as designers and co‐creators of their own places. Traditional design criteria and theories are outdated. The role of the designer as master/creator is not compatible with the collegiate and collaborative, reflective spirit of knowmadic learners. A consequence is a requirement for new strategies and a redefinition of the designer's role in the creation of space. The axis of design control has shifted.
The value ofCTimaging ofHorus in determining the method of mummification and the sex of the mummy
Authors: Davey Janet , Stewart Margaret Ellen Birchland , Drummer Olaf H
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Radiology was used to determine the sex of a child mummy who had conflicting records based on two different translations of a name written in a section of papyrus inserted into the mummy wrappings and also to determine the type of mummification used to preserve the body.

Methods

Ancient texts ofHerodotus andDiodorusSiculus were consulted for references to mummification, andNicholsonMuseum records provided details of the mummy which was examined atCentralSydneyImaging usingToshibaAquilion 64CTmachine (Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Tochigi, Japan). The originalCTscan data were loaded into aVitrea 2 (Vital Images, Minnetonka, MN, USA) workstation at theVictorianInstitute ofForensicMedicine,Melbourne,Australia, for further study.

Results

The scans showed that the child had been elaborately mummified according to ancient descriptions albeit with one variation. The provenance of the child was unknown but stylistically appeared to be from theGreco‐RomanPeriod of ancientEgypt. Interpretation of theCTimages determined that the child was male, had died of unknown cause and had been excerebrated and eviscerated post‐mortem when the heart was removed. Unexplained inclusions were identified within the abdomen and thorax. Broken and displaced ribs showed evidence of a previous endoscopic investigation.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence thatCTscanning was an excellent non‐invasive modality to evaluate ancient mummies in its ability to demonstrate fine anatomical detail and identify post‐mortem changes. The study underlined the role of using current medical practice to determine sex rather than relying on ancient texts and uncorroborated opinion.
Physiological parameters after nonpharmacological analgesia in preterm infants: a randomized trial
Authors: Gerull Roland , Cignacco Eva , Stoffel Liliane , Sellam Gila , Nelle Mathias
Published: May 2013

Aim

To compare the influence of three different nonpharmacological interventions on cortical activation, heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation (SaO2) after heelstick in preterm infants.

Methods

Twenty five preterm infants between 24 0/7 and 32 0/7 weeks of gestational age were randomized to either oral sucrose (S), facilitated tucking (FT) or a combination of the two interventions (SFT) prior to five heelsticks each within the first 14 days of life. SaO2, heart rate and oxygenation of the somatosensory cortex, measured by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), were analysed.

Results

Hundred and twenty five heelsticks were performed. The heart rate increased significantly after heelstick in all three intervention groups (p < 0.004 in all groups). The increase was higher in the FT group compared with the other groups (S: p = 0.007; SFT: p = 0.004). There was no difference among the two groups receiving sucrose (S and SFT; p = 0.87). SaO2 did not change significantly after heelstick in all intervention groups. Near infrared spectroscopy measurements did not show a significant change in the curve but patients in the FT group showed a trend towards higher average oxygenation of the contralateral somatosensory cortex.

Conclusion

Oral sucrose seems to be more effective in reducing reaction to pain than FT. Application of both interventions did not show an additive effect.
Effect of clarithromycin in experimental empyema by multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tsovolou Eirini‐Charikleia , Tzepi Ira‐Maria , Spyridaki Aikaterini , Tsaganos Thomas , Karagianni Vassiliki , Menenakos Evangelos , Liakou Paraskevi , Sabracos Lambros , Zografos George , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J.
Published: May 2013

Evidence from a recent randomized study of our group suggests that intravenous clarithromycin resulted in earlier resolution of ventilator‐associated pneumonia. The need to understand the mechanism of action of clarithromycin guided to the study of a model of experimental empyema by multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 40 rabbits. Animals were randomized into controls (group A); treatment with clarithromycin (group B); treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam (group C); and treatment with both agents (group D). Pleural fluid was collected at regular time intervals for quantitative culture, estimation of cell apoptosis and of concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα). After 7 days, animals were euthanized for estimation of tissue growth. Bacterial growth in the pleural fluid of group D was significantly decreased compared with the other groups on day 5. Lung growth of group D was lower than group A. That was also the case of cytokine stimulation by pleural fluid samples on U937 monocytes. It is concluded that administration of clarithromycin enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of piperacillin/tazobactam and decreased bacterial growth in the pleural fluid and in tissues. It also attenuated the pro‐inflammatory phenomena induced by the β‐lactam.
Clonal dissemination of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST512 carrying blaKPC‐3 in a hospital in southern Italy
Authors: Pulcrano Giovanna , Iula Dora Vita , de Luca Cristiana , Roscetto Emanuela , Vollaro Antonio , Rossano Fabio , Catania Maria Rosaria
Published: May 2013

Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing KPC‐carbapenemase have emerged as one of the most important multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative nosocomial pathogens. Here, we report the first isolation and subsequent dissemination of a K. pneumoniae ST512 producing KPC‐3 carbapenemase in a hospital in southern Italy. Isolates were obtained from blood, throat swabs, sputum, catheters, and urine of patients admitted to different hospital wards. Antimicrobial MICs were determined for all isolates by automated systems and confirmed by Etest. Carbapenemase production was confirmed by the modified Hodge test and by a disc synergy test, and carbapenemase genes were investigated by PCR. All isolates were characterized by pulse‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. Most isolates were multidrug resistant with exception of some isolates intermediately susceptible to gentamicin, tigecycline, and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole. PCR analysis showed that isolates harbored the blaKPC‐3 gene associated with blaTEM and blaSVH. PFGE and MLST showed that all isolates belonged to the same ST512 clone recently described in Israel.
Microbiology of folliculitis: a histological study of 39 cases
Authors: Jahns Anika C. , Lundskog Bertil , Berg Johanna , Jonsson Rebecca , McDowell Andrew , Patrick Sheila , Golovleva Irina , Palmer Ruth H. , Alexeyev Oleg A.
Published: May 2013

Folliculitis is a common inflammatory skin syndrome. Several microbial organisms have been put forward as causative agents, but few studies visualized microbes directly in inflamed hair follicles. This retrospective study investigated bacterial and fungal colonization of inflamed hair follicles in patients with clinically diagnosed non‐infectious folliculitis. Skin biopsies from 39 folliculitis patients and 27 controls were screened by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using broad‐range bacterial and fungal probes and by immunofluorescence microscopy using a monoclonal antibody towards Gram‐positive bacteria. Specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies towards Staphylococcus spp. and Propionibacterium acnes were applied for further species identification. Inflamed follicles were associated with bacterial colonization in 10 samples (26%) and fungal colonization in three samples (8%). Staphylococcus spp. were observed in inflamed follicles in seven samples (18%). Two samples were positive for P. acnes, which were identified as either type II or type IB/type III. Both Staphylococcus spp. and P. acnes were seen in macrocolonies/biofilm structures. In conclusion, one‐third of patients with clinically diagnosed, non‐infectious folliculitis exhibited microbial colonization with predominance of Staphylococcus spp.
Waldenström macroglobulinaemia: the key questions
Authors: D'Souza Anita , Ansell Stephen , Reeder Craig , Gertz Morie A.
Published: May 2013

In this review, the key issues that pertain to Waldenström disease are discussed in a concise question‐and‐answer format. Diagnosis, prognosis, and indications for state‐of‐the‐art therapy are updated. Current therapies presented at the 7th International Workshop for Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia are included.
The mean fluorescence intensities of anti‐HLA antibodies detected using micro‐bead flow cytometry predict the risk of platelet transfusion refractoriness
Authors: Beligaswatte Ashanka , Tsiopelas Eleni , Humphreys Ian , Bennett Greg , Robinson Kathryn , Davis Ken , Bardy Peter
Published: May 2013

There are no accepted methods to predict the development of platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) due to human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐alloimmunization. Hence, matched platelets are usually given only to patients demonstrating PTR, necessarily resulting in some ineffective random donor platelets (RDPLT) transfusions. To assess its utility in predicting PTR, we retrospectively tested samples from 387 patients receiving chemotherapy for acute leukaemia or autologous transplantation using a micro‐bead flow cytometry assay. The average of the mean fluorescence intensities (avgMFI) of the class I beads in the screening assay was correlated with outcomes of RDPLT transfusions during a 2 week period. Antibodies were detected in 57 patients; 66 developed PTR, of whom 28 were alloimmunized. avgMFI usefully predicted the development of PTR (area under the receiver operating curve 0·87, 95% confidence interval: 0·77–0·96). A logistic regression model estimated the probability of PTR to be >90% when avgMFI >5440. These results indicate that micro‐bead flow cytometry assays could inform a risk‐adapted strategy for managing thrombocytopaenic HLA allo‐immunized patients.
A clinical and genetic overview of 18 years neurofibromatosis type 1 molecular diagnostics in the Netherlands
Authors: van Minkelen R. , van Bever Y. , Kromosoeto J.N.R. , Withagen‐Hermans C.J. , Nieuwlaat A. , Halley D.J.J. , van den Ouweland A.M.W.
Published: May 2013

NF1 mutations are the underlying cause of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a neuro‐cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome (NCFC). Because of the clinical overlap between NCFCs, genetic analysis of NF1 is necessary to confirm a clinical diagnosis NF1. This report describes the clinical and genetic findings of 18 years of NF1 molecular diagnostics in the Netherlands. A pathogenic mutation was found in 59.3% (1178/1985) of the index patients, mostly de novo (73.8%). The majority of the index patients (64.3%) fulfilled the National Institute of Health NF1 criteria, a pathogenic mutation was found in 80.9% of these patients. Seventy‐four percent of the index patients with an NF1 pathogenic mutation and not fulfilling the NF1 criteria is <12 years, in agreement with the fact that some NF1 symptoms appear after puberty. Genotype–phenotype correlations were studied for 527 index patients. NF1 patients with a type 1 microdeletion have a sixfold higher risk of special education vs NF1 patients with an intragenic mutation. No evidently milder NF1 phenotype for patients with a missense mutation was observed. Forty‐six prenatal analyses were performed in 28 (2.4%) families, of which 29 (63%) showed heterozygosity for the familial pathogenic mutation. This indicates that there is a need for prenatal NF1 testing.
Effects of tobacco smoking on the survival rate of dental implants placed in areas of maxillary sinus floor augmentation: a systematic review
Authors: Chambrone Leandro , Preshaw Philip M. , Ferreira José D. , Rodrigues José A. , Cassoni Alessandra , Shibli Jamil A.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of smoking on the survival rate of dental implants placed in areas of maxillary sinus floor augmentation.

Material and methods

The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched in duplicate up to, and including, October 2012 without language restrictions. Studies were considered eligible for inclusion if they involved the treatment of smokers and non‐smokers with titanium implants and sinus floor elevation procedures. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Collaboration's quality assessment tool were used for the assessment of the risk of bias in included studies. Random effects meta‐analyses were used to assess the number of implants lost in smokers vs. number of implants lost in non‐smokers.

Results

Of 3360 potentially eligible papers, eight studies were included. More than half (62.5%) of the studies found that smoking adversely affects implant survival in sites of sinus floor augmentation. Similarly, the pooled analysis indicated a statistically significantly increased risk of implant failure in smokers when the outcomes of all studies available to be included into meta‐analysis were evaluated [RR: 1.87 (95% CI: 1.35, 2.58), P = 0.0001]. Conversely, a subgroup analysis including only prospective studies (3 studies) did not reveal significant differences in implant failure between smokers and non‐smokers [RR: 1.55 (95% CI: 0.91, 2.65), P = 0.11].

Conclusions

Although smoking was associated with implant failure in most of individual studies and in the overall meta‐analysis, the detrimental effect of smoking was not confirmed when only prospective data were assessed.
Provider's Perspectives on Building Research and Quality Improvement Capacity in Primary Care: A Strategy to Improve Workforce Satisfaction
Authors: Zallman Leah , Tendulkar Shalini , Bhuyia Nazmim , Dube Blessing , Early Scott , Arredondo Melida , Puleo Rozanne , Sengupta Nandini , Alsan Burak , Hacker Karen
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Safety‐net populations are underrepresented in research and quality improvement (QI) studies despite the fact that safety‐net providers are uniquely positioned to engage in translational research. This study aimed to understand the current level of interest in, experience with, predicted career satisfaction associated with, and barriers experienced in conducting research and QI among primary care providers (PCPs) at 18 safety‐net practices in the Boston, Massachusetts area.

Methods

The Harvard Catalyst Safety‐net Infrastructure Initiative partnered with staff at a large academic public hospital system, including 15 primary care sites, to develop and administer an online survey. This survey was then adapted and administered at three other academically affiliated community health centers.

Results

Of the 260 providers surveyed, 136 (52%) responded. Nearly 80% reported interest in conducting either QI projects or clinical research and 95% of them believed it would enhance their career satisfaction. However, 63% did not report prior experience or training in research or QI and 93% reported at least one barrier to engagement.

Conclusion

While supporting safety‐net PCPs’ engagement in research and/or QI may improve career satisfaction there are numerous barriers that must be addressed to achieve this goal.
Drug‐induced hperpigemntation: a systematic review
Authors: Krause Walter
Published: May 2013

Background

Acquired hyperpigmentation of the skin is sometimes interpreted as an adverse effect of drugs. Systematic studies are rare in the literature; predominantly case reports have been published. The present review provides evaluates the evidence for a causal relation.

Methods

The reports on a relationship between hyperpigmentation and drugs from 1970 until June 2012 found in MEDLINE and EMBASE were rated according to the SIGN grading system for clinical studies. In this system, the grade of evidence of each report is rated. The highest grade of evidence for each drug is cited.

Results

306 publications were included. They were predominantly case reports; only a small number of case series was available. Only very few case‐control‐studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) were found. For the majority of drugs, there was a low level of evidence for a causal relationship in drug‐induced hyperpigmentation. A causal relationship is likely only for prostaglandins, minocycline, phenothiazine, nicotine, and antimalarial drugs.

Conclusions

There is little evidence for drug‐induced hyperpigmentation. A causal relationship appears liklely only for a limited number of drugs.
Estimation and comparison of cumulative incidences of biliary self‐expandable metallic stent dysfunction accounting for competing risks
Authors: Hamada Tsuyoshi , Nakai Yousuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Togawa Osamu , Kogure Hirofumi , Kawakubo Kazumichi , Tsujino Takeshi , Sasahira Naoki , Hirano Kenji , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Ito Yukiko , Sasaki Takashi , Mizuno Suguru , Toda Nobuo , Tada Minoru , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: May 2013

Background

Self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is widely carried out for distal malignant biliary obstruction, and survival analysis is used to evaluate the cumulative incidences of SEMS dysfunction (e.g. the Kaplan–Meier [KM] method and the log–rank test). However, these statistical methods might be inappropriate in the presence of ‘competing risks’ (here, death without SEMS dysfunction), which affects the probability of experiencing the event of interest (SEMS dysfunction); that is, SEMS dysfunction can no longer be observed after death. A competing risk analysis has rarely been done in studies on SEMS.

Patients and Methods

We introduced the concept of a competing risk analysis and illustrated its impact on the evaluation of SEMS outcomes using hypothetical and actual data. Our illustrative study included 476 consecutive patients who underwent SEMS placement for unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction.

Results

A significant difference between cumulative incidences of SEMS dysfunction in male and female patients via theKM method (P = 0.044 by the log–rank test) disappeared after applying a competing risk analysis (P = 0.115 by Gray's test). In contrast, although cumulative incidences of SEMS dysfunction via the KM method were similar with and without chemotherapy (P = 0.647 by the log–rank test), cumulative incidence of SEMS dysfunction in the non‐chemotherapy group was shown to be significantly lower (P = 0.031 by Gray's test) in a competing risk analysis.

Conclusion

Death as a competing risk event needs to be appropriately considered in estimating a cumulative incidence of SEMS dysfunction, otherwise analytical results may be biased.
Renal diseases in haemophilic patients: pathogenesis and clinical management
Authors: Esposito Pasquale , Rampino Teresa , Gregorini Marilena , Fasoli Gianluca , Gamba Gabriella , Canton Antonio Dal
Published: May 2013

Haemophilia A and B are geneticX‐linked bleeding disorders, caused by mutations in genes encoding factorsVIIIandIX, respectively. Clinical manifestations of haemophilia are spontaneous haemorrhage or acute bleeding caused by minor trauma, resulting in severe functional consequences that can culminate in a debilitating arthropathy. Life expectancy and quality of life of patients with haemophilia have dramatically improved over the last years, mainly for new therapeutic options and the awareness to the risk ofHCVandHIVinfections. Different clinical problems arise from this important change in history of patients with haemophilia. In particular, ageing‐related diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer, and chronic viral infections are emerging as new challenges in this patient population. Among the different types of chronic illnesses, renal diseases are of special interest as they involve some difficult management issues. In fact, decisions regarding adequate preventive strategies and viral infection treatment, the choice of the dialytic modality, placement of vascular access and prescription of dialytic treatments are particularly complicated, because only few data are available. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of renal damage in patients with haemophilia, especially in those with blood‐transmitted viral infections, and the major issues about the management of renal diseases, including problems related to dialytic treatment and kidney transplantation, providing practical algorithms to guide the clinical decision‐making process.
Predicting bird song from space
Authors: Smith Thomas B. , Harrigan Ryan J. , Kirschel Alexander N. G. , Buermann Wolfgang , Saatchi Sassan , Blumstein Daniel T. , de Kort Selvino R. , Slabbekoorn Hans
Published: May 2013

Environmentally imposed selection pressures are well known to shape animal signals. Changes in these signals can result in recognition mismatches between individuals living in different habitats, leading to reproductive divergence and speciation. For example, numerous studies have shown that differences in avian song may be a potent prezygotic isolating mechanism. Typically, however, detailed studies of environmental pressures on variation in animal behavior have been conducted only at small spatial scales. Here, we use remote‐sensing data to predict animal behavior, in this case, bird song, across vast spatial scales. We use remotely sensed data to predict the song characteristics of the little greenbul (Andropadus virens), a widely distributed African passerine, found across secondary and mature rainforest habitats and the rainforest‐savanna ecotone. Satellite data that captured ecosystem structure and function explained up to 66% of the variation in song characteristics. Song differences observed across habitats, including those between human‐altered and mature rainforest, have the potential to lead to reproductive divergence, and highlight the impacts that both natural and anthropogenic change may have on natural populations. Our approach offers a novel means to examine the ecological correlates of animal behavior across large geographic areas with potential applications to both evolutionary and conservation biology.
Surveillance of equine influenza viruses through the RESPE network in France from November 2005 to October 2010
Authors: Legrand L. J. , Pitel P.‐H. Y. , Marcillaud‐Pitel C. J. , Cullinane A. A. , Couroucé A. M. , Fortier G. D. , Freymuth F. L. , Pronost S. L.
Published: May 2013

Reasons for performing the study

The Réseau d'Epidémio‐Surveillance en Pathologie Equine (RESPE, the French epidemiological network for equine diseases) is a network for epidemio‐surveillance of major equine diseases based around sentry veterinarians in France.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of RESPE to efficient surveillance of equine influenza virus (EIV) in France.

Study design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From November 2005 to October 2010, epidemiological and phylogenetic studies were performed on 1426 nasopharyngeal swabs received at the Frank Duncombe Laboratory. Detection was performed by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using original primers and probes designed in the matrix protein gene. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out on the HA1 part of haemagglutinin gene amplified from 47 positive‐testing samples. Epidemiological information was provided with the majority of samples submitted through RESPE.

Results

Of the 920 samples submitted by RESPE‐associated veterinarians, 121 (13.1%) from 42 premises were positive for EIV, compared to 26 (5.1%) of the 607 samples received from non‐RESPE associated veterinarians. The most extensive outbreak was observed between February and May 2009, affecting 70 horses on 23 premises, 15 of which were managed by RESPE‐associated veterinarians. All strains belonged to the American lineage, Florida sublineage, Clade 1 and Clade 2. Clade 1 was identified only during the Grosbois episode.

Conclusion

RESPE improved detection of EIV in France, enabled characterisation of the virus strains, yielded valuable information relating to the epidemiology of the disease and identified vaccine breakdown.

Potential relevance

Implementation of a similar surveillance network in other countries may reduce the economic losses associated with outbreaks of EIV.

The Summary is available in Chinese ‐ see Supporting information.
Etanercept decreases the innate immune wounding response in psoriasis
Authors: Hata Tissa R. , Afshar Maryam , Miller Jeremiah , Two Aimee M. , Kotol Paul , Jackson Michelle , Alexandrescu Doru T. , Kabigting Filamer , Gerber Monika , Lai Yuping , Gallo Richard L.
Published: May 2013

Cathelicidin is increased when normal skin is injured and in psoriasis lesions where it has been suggested to play a pivotal role in inflammation through interactions with self‐DNA and toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR‐9) in keratinocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Because of etanercept's success in treating psoriasis, we hypothesized that etanercept may suppress TLR‐9 and cathelicidin induction. Examination of experimentally induced wounds of psoriatic lesional and non‐lesional skin, and comparison with wounded normal skin, shows that the induction of cathelicidin and TLR‐9 is greatly enhanced in lesional psoriatic skin. Six weeks of etanercept appears not to affect the baseline expression of cathelicidin or TLR‐9, but does blunt the induction of cathelicidin in psoriasis with wounding. These findings support the role of cathelicidin in the enhancement of local inflammation in psoriasis and may partially explain one of the mechanisms enabling TNF‐α inhibitors to successfully treat this disorder.
Mast cell activity in the healing wound: more than meets the eye?
Authors: Wulff Brian C. , Wilgus Traci A.
Published: May 2013

Mast cells (MCs) are an important part of the innate immune system and are abundant in barrier organs such as the skin. They are known primarily for initiating allergic reactions, but many other biological functions have now been described for these cells. Studies have indicated that during wound repair, MCs enhance acute inflammation, stimulate reepithelialization and angiogenesis, and promote scarring. MCs have also been linked to abnormal healing, with high numbers of MCs observed in chronic wounds, hypertrophic scars and keloids. Although MCs have gained attention in the wound healing field, several unique features of MCs have yet to be examined in the context of cutaneous repair. These include the ability of MCs to: (i) produce anti‐inflammatory mediators; (ii) release mediators without degranulating; and (iii) change their phenotype. Recent findings highlight the complexity of MCs and suggest that more information is needed to understand their complete range of activities during repair.
Dominance‐based rough set theory over interval‐valued information systems
Authors: Sun Bingzhen , Ma Weimin , Gong Zengtai
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes a new generalization of classical real‐valued information systems, that is, interval‐valued information systems. By defining an interval‐valued dominance relation on a condition attribute, a rough set model and attribute reduction are established over interval‐valued information systems. Moreover, several interesting properties are investigated by constructive approach. Furthermore, knowledge reductions of consistent and inconsistent interval‐valued dominance decision information systems are studied, respectively. Subsequently, some descriptive theorems of knowledge reduction are presented for interval‐valued dominance decision information systems. Finally, the validity of the model and conclusions is verified by numerical example.
Novel glyoxalases from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kwon Kyu , Choi Dongwook , Hyun Jae Kyung , Jung Hyun Suk , Baek Kwanghee , Park Chankyu
Published: May 2013

We examined six Arabidopsis thaliana genes from the DJ‐1/PfpI superfamily for similarity to the recently characterized bacterial and animal glyoxalases. Based on their sequence similarities, the six genes were classified into two sub‐groups consisting of homologs of the human DJ‐1 gene and the PH1704 gene of Pyrococcus horikoshii. Unlike the homologs from other species, all the A. thaliana genes have two tandem domains, which may have been created by gene duplication. The six AtDJ‐1 proteins (a–f) were expressed in Escherichia coli for enzymatic assays with glyoxals. The DJ‐1d protein, which belongs to the PH1704 sub‐group, exhibits the highest activity against methylglyoxal and glyoxal, and Km values of 0.10 and 0.27 mm were measured for these two substrates, respectively, while the corresponding kcat values were 1700 and 2200 min−1, respectively. The DJ‐1a and DJ‐1b glyoxalases exhibited higher specificity towards glyoxal. The other three proteins have either no or extremely low activity for glyoxals. For the DJ‐1d enzyme, the residues, Cys120/313 and Glu19/212 at the active site and His121/314 and Glu94/287 at the oligomeric interface were mutated to alanines. As in other enzymes characterized to date, mutation of either the Cys or the Glu residues of the active site completely abolished enzyme activity, whereas mutation of the interface residues produced a variable decrease in activity. DJ‐1d differs from its animal and bacterial homologs with respect to the configuration of its catalytic residues and the oligomeric property of the enzyme. When the wild‐type DJ‐1d enzyme was expressed in E. coli, the bacteria became resistant to glyoxals.

Database

Nucleotide sequence data are available in the GenBank database under accession numbers NM_112361 (DJ‐1a), NM_104206 (DJ‐1b), NM_119563 (DJ‐1c), NM_111140 (DJ‐1d), NM_090959.1 (DJ‐1e) and NM_115317.5 (DJ‐1f).