bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementation of the maternal diet during pregnancy with chocolate and fructose interacts with the high‐fat diet of the young to facilitate the onset of metabolic disorders in rat offspring
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Yun , Dai Yun‐Bin , Wang Hao‐Nan , Wang Ming‐Wei
Published: July 2013

Obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease are the most common metabolic disorders in society today. Previously, we found that supplementing the maternal diet during pregnancy with chocolate and fructose has negative effects on the well‐being of the offspring that were ameliorated if the offspring were fed a normal diet during postnatal life. In the present study, we investigated whether feeding offspring a high‐fat diet would augment the maternal programming effects and whether extra protein supply can correct the low birth weight resulting from the chocolate‐supplemented maternal diet.

Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three groups and fed either standard chow (normal nutrition; NN), chocolate‐ and fructose‐supplemented standard chow with casein sodium (overnutrition; ON) or the supplemented standard chow without casein sodium (malnutrition; MN) throughout pregnancy. Male offspring were weaned on either standard or high‐fat chow.

Dams in the MN group exhibited moderate weight gain, consumed 50% less protein (P < 0.001) but more carbohydrates during gestation and delivered pups with a 12% lower birth weight (P < 0.05) than pups in the NN group, results that are consistent with previous findings. When fed on a high‐fat diet after birth, pups from dams in the MN group (MNHD) had 30% more body fat (P = 0.023) and liver triglyceride (TG) levels that were double (P < 0.01) those in offspring in the other groups, leading to fatty livers in these offspring at 14 weeks of age. Hepatic expression of the PPARα, ApoB100, MTTP, CPT1 and SREBP1c genes was significantly downregulated in the MNHD group (P < 0.05 for all), indicating changes in lipid metabolism. Although dams in the ON group exhibited marked gestational weight gain (P < 0.01), they gave birth to normal weight pups that only manifested mild increases in body fat and liver TG content (P < 0.05), without significant changes in the expression of most genes when fed with the high‐fat diet.

The results suggest that the extra protein supply in the form of casein sodium was able to correct some negative programming effects of the chocolate and fructose supplementation of the maternal diet, which, in conjunction with a high‐fat diet in the offspring, may facilitate the onset of metabolic disorders, with impaired liver gene expression possibly a key contributor.
Circuits of Knowledge and Techniques: The Transnational Flow of Planning Ideas and Practices
Authors: Healey Patsy
Published: July 2013

This article considers the conceptual and methodological tools which may help to focus the critical analysis of transnational flows of planning ideas and practices in the present period. The discussion starts from the rejection of the ‘modernization myth’ with its linear concept of a single development trajectory and reviews the philosophical background to the array of alternative conceptions which have displaced it. It then examines three, often overlapping, fields of intellectual development which offer promising concepts for exploring contemporary transnational flows of planning ideas and practices: actor‐network theory (especially with respect to the way ideas and technologies get to ‘travel’ and get ‘translated’), institutionalist versions of policy ‘discourse analysis’ (discourse structuration and institutionalization, in particular), and discussions about circuits of knowledge and hegemonic projects in the globalization and international development literatures. Drawing on these, I suggest that critical analysis of such flows should give special attention to the ‘origin stories’ of such ideas, their ‘travelling histories’ and the ‘translation experiences’ through which exogenous planning ideas and practices become ‘localized’. I conclude by commenting on what may be distinctive about transnational flows in the present period, why undertaking critical analysis of such flows is valuable, and key methodological attitudes to keep in mind in conducting such analyses.
The Impact of Paid Maternity Leave Rights on Labour Market Outcomes
Authors: Hanel Barbara
Published: July 2013

I estimate the effect of paid maternity leave on mothers probability of employment after birth, how this effect varies with the age of the child, and the effect on wages when the child is about four years old. A statistical matching approach is applied. The matching procedure controls for an extensive range of pre‐birth job characteristics, health and human capital measures, and attitudes towards non‐maternal care. Mothers appear to delay their return to work after a birth if they are entitled to paid maternity leave, but the delay is short and does not affect wages in the long‐run.
Prediction of retinal pigment epithelial tear in serous vascularized pigment epithelium detachment
Authors: Clemens Christoph R. , Bastian Nina , Alten Florian , Milojcic Carolin , Heiduschka Peter , Eter Nicole
Published: July 2013

Purpose:  The aim of the study was to identify predictive factors for detection of impending retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears in patients under anti‐VEGF therapy for treatment of retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) due to exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) using near‐infrared reflectance imaging (NIR), spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FLA).

Methods:  We retrospectively evaluated NIR, SD‐OCT and FLA images, number of intravitreal injections as well as demographical data of 103 eyes of 98 patients with vascularized PED [48.5% fibrovascular PED (fPED), 51.5% serous vascularized PED (svPED)] secondary to AMD.

Results:  Fifteen eyes with svPED of 103 included eyes (14.6%) developed an RPE tear under anti‐VEGF therapy. Prior to RPE tear formation, we could identify radial hyperreflective lines spreading in a funnel‐like pattern across the PED lesion in NIR images in 11 eyes correlating with folds in the RPE on corresponding SD‐OCT scans (mean observation period: 115.4 ± 66.6 days; mean number of injections: 3.2 ± 1.5; mean PED height 828.2 ± 356.5 μm). In nine RPE tears (81.8%), the edge of the tear could be clearly localized on the opposite side of the PED lesion in relation to the origin of hyperreflective lines. None of the fPED patients showed the described signal.

Conclusions:  Patients under anti‐VEGF therapy for treatment of svPED due to AMD frequently show radial hyperreflective lines in NIR images prior to RPE tear development that correspond to wrinkled changes in the RPE. Hyperreflective lines may serve as an indicator for an impending RPE tear in svPED patients.
Hyaluronan‐mediated motility receptor (RHAMM) immunohistochemical expression and androgen deprivation in normal peritumoral, hyperplasic and neoplastic prostate tissue
Authors: Korkes Fernando , de Castro Marilia Germanos , de Cassio Zequi Stenio , Nardi Lívia , Del Giglio Auro , de Lima Pompeo Antonio Carlos
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To evaluate hyaluronan‐mediated motility receptor (RHAMM) expression in normal, hyperplasic and neoplastic prostate tissue after various types and durations of androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT). Clinical and oncological data from men with localised prostate adenocarcinoma were also assessed and compared with RHAMM expression data.

Patients and Methods

Data from 367 men who underwent histological evaluation of the prostate were retrospectively evaluated under six conditions: (i) benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), (ii) BPH treated with finasteride, (iii) prostate cancer without ADT, (iv) prostate cancer treated with neoadjuvant ADT before prostatectomy (cyproterone 200 mg/day), (v) castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and (vi) normal peritumoral prostate tissue.

Tissue microarrays were constructed and 1354 cores were evaluated for immunohistochemical RHAMM expression.

Results

There was no RHAMM expression in any tissue from normal patients or those with BPH or prostate cancer without ADT.

There was RHAMM expression in 39.4% of prostate cancer tissues treated with ADT and in 46.2% of CRPC samples (P = 0.001).

There was a significant increase in RHAMM expression with increased ADT duration in group 4, with a marked increase in RHAMM expression after 6–12 months of ADT (P = 0.04).

No prognostic or clinical factors related to prostate cancer were associated with RHAMM expression.

Conclusions

RHAMM expression in prostate cancer is directly associated with ADT. Significant RHAMM expression occurs as early as after 1 month of ADT and progressively increases with ADT duration.

When prostate cancer becomes CRPC, RHAMM expression is higher. RHAMM expression was not associated with prostate cancer prognostic factors.

RHAMM overexpression may contribute to the development of hormonal resistance in prostate cancer.
Prognosis of patients with pelvic lymph node (LN) metastasis after radical prostatectomy: Value of extranodal extension and size of the largest LN metastasis
Authors: Passoni Niccolo M. , Fajkovic Harun , Xylinas Evanguelos , Kluth Luis , Seitz Christian , Robinson Brian D. , Rouprêt Morgan , Chun Felix K. , Lotan Yair , Roehrborn Claus G. , Crivelli Joseph J. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Scherr Douglas S. , Rink Michael , Graefen Markus , Schramek Paul , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Tewari Ashutosh , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To assess the prognostic role of extranodal extension (ENE) and the size of the largest lymph node (LN) metastasis in predicting early biochemical relapse (eBCR) in patients with LN metastasis after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Patients and Methods

We evaluated BCR‐free survival in men with LN metastases after RP and pelvic LN dissection performed in six high‐volume centres.

Multivariable Cox regression tested the role of ENE and diameter of largest LN metastasis in predicting eBCR after adjusting for clinicopathological variables.

We compared the discrimination of multivariable models including ENE, the size of largest LN metastasis and the number of positive LNs.

Results

Overall, 484 patients were included. The median (interquartile range, IQR) follow‐up was 16.1 (6–27.5) months. The median (IQR) number of removed LNs was 10 (4–14), and the median (IQR) number of positive LNs was 1 (1–2).

ENE was present in 280 (58%) patients, and 211 (44%) had their largest metastasis >10 mm. Patients with ENE and/or largest metastasis of >10 mm had significantly worse eBCR‐free survival (all P < 0.01).

On multivariable analysis, number of positive LNs (≤2 vs >2) and the diameter of LN metastasis (≤10 vs >10 mm), but not ENE, were significant predictors of eBCR (all P < 0.003).

ENE and diameter of LN metastasis increased the area under the curve of a baseline multivariable model (0.663) by 0.016 points.

Conclusions

The diameter of the largest LN metastasis and the number of positive LNs are independent predictors of eBCR.

Considered together, ENE and the diameter of the largest LN metastasis have less discrimination than the number of positive LNs.
Prospective evaluation of a preoperative biomarker panel for prediction of upstaging at radical cystectomy
Authors: Shariat Shahrokh F. , Passoni Niccolo , Bagrodia Aditya , Rachakonda Varun , Xylinas Evanguelos , Robinson Brian , Kapur Payal , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Lotan Yair
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To prospectively test whether a panel of biomarkers could identify patients with organ‐confined disease likely to be upstaged at radical cystectomy (RC), as retrospective studies have found that cell‐cycle‐ and proliferation‐related biomarkers can help improve prognostic accuracy after RC.

Patients and Methods

We prospectively performed p53, p21, p27, Ki67, and cyclin E1 immunohistochemical staining on transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) specimens from 87 patients treated with RC for organ‐confined urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB).

The number of altered biomarkers was categorised as ‘favourable’ (≤2 altered markers) or ‘unfavourable’ (>2).

Results

Expression of p53, p21, p27, cyclin E1, and Ki67 were altered in 61 (70%), 19 (22%), 26 (30%), four (5%), and 70 (80%) patients, respectively.

The median number of positive markers was two. In all, 47 (54%) patients were upstaged when T‐stage was considered alone and 49 (56%) when T‐ and/or N‐stage were considered both as upstaging.

In multivariable analyses that adjusted for the effects of age, clinical stage, concomitant carcinoma in situ, and time from TURB to RC, an ‘unfavourable’ biomarker score was independently associated with T‐stage upstaging (hazard ratio [HR] 3.3, P = 0.024) but not T‐ and/or N‐stage upstaging (HR 2.76, P = 0.06).

Addition of p27, number of positive markers, and biomarker score each increased the discrimination of a base model for prediction of T‐stage upstaging (5%, 6%, and 5%, respectively) and T‐ and/or N‐stage upstaging (4%, 6%, and 3%, respectively).

Conclusions

Cell‐cycle‐ and proliferation‐related markers in the TURB specimen improve the prediction of upstaging at RC.

Such a marker panel may help identify patients with non‐muscle‐invasive UCB who are clinically under‐staged needing RC and patients with muscle‐invasive UCB who are likely to be non‐organ‐confined thereby potentially benefiting from neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Accumulated phosphatidylcholine (16:0/16:1) in human colorectal cancer; possible involvement of LPCAT4
Authors: Kurabe Nobuya , Hayasaka Takahiro , Ogawa Mikako , Masaki Noritaka , Ide Yoshimi , Waki Michihiko , Nakamura Toshio , Kurachi Kiyotaka , Kahyo Tomoaki , Shinmura Kazuya , Midorikawa Yutaka , Sugiyama Yasuyuki , Setou Mitsutoshi , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: July 2013

The identification of cancer biomarkers is critical for target‐linked cancer therapy. The overall level of phosphatidylcholine (PC) is elevated in colorectal cancer (CRC). To investigate which species of PC is overexpressed in colorectal cancer, an imaging mass spectrometry was performed using a panel of non‐neoplastic mucosal and CRC tissues. In the present study, we identified a novel biomarker, PC(16:0/16:1), in CRC using imaging mass spectrometry. Specifically, elevated levels of PC(16:0/16:1) expression were observed in the more advanced stage of CRC. Our data further showed that PC(16:0/16:1) was specifically localized in the cancer region when examined using imaging mass spectrometry. Notably, because the ratio of PC(16:0/16:1) to lyso‐PC(16:0) was higher in CRC, we postulated that lyso‐PC acyltransferase (LPCAT) activity is elevated in CRC. In an in vitro analysis, we showed that LPCAT4 is involved in the deregulation of PC(16:0/16:1) in CRC. In an immunohistochemical analysis, LPCAT4 was shown to be overexpressed in CRC. These data indicate the potential usefulness of PC(16:0/16:1) for the clinical diagnosis of CRC and implicate LPCAT4 in the elevated expression of PC(16:0/16:1) in CRC.
Synthesis of 1,4‐Anthracene‐9,10‐dione Derivatives and Their Regulation of Nitric Oxide, IL‐1β and TNF‐α in Activated RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Corrêa Taís Arthur , Alves Caio C. S. , Castro Sandra B. R. , Oliveira Erick E. , Franco Lucas S. , Ferreira Ana P. , de Almeida Mauro V.
Published: July 2013

Mitoxantrone is an anthracenedione antineoplastic and immunosuppressive agent approved for multiple sclerosis treatment. Novel mono‐ and disubstituted anthraquinone derivatives, analogues of mitoxantrone, were synthesized through the addition of lipophilic amino alcohols and evaluated for their effect on IL‐1β, TNF‐α and nitric oxide production by LPS/IFN‐γ‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The disubstituted 1,4‐anthracene‐9,10‐dione 10 showed significant inhibition of nitric oxide, TNF‐α and IL‐1β production at the concentration of 5 μg/mL, with a much lower cytotoxicity than mitoxantrone. The monosubstituted 3, 4, 11, 12 and 13 also displayed a moderate to good inhibitory capacity on IL‐1β production. However, the methylated compounds 11, 12 and 13 failed to inhibit the TNF‐α production, and compound 13 was the only one to decrease the production of nitric oxide. None of these derivatives was toxic at the tested concentrations. Compounds 10 and 13 had better inhibitory capacity of the inflammatory mediators analyzed, with reliable viability of the cells.
Activity and expression of histone acetylases and deacetylases in inflammatory phenotypes of asthma
Authors: Gunawardhana L. P. , Gibson P. G. , Simpson J. L. , Powell H. , Baines K. J.
Published: July 2013

Background

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate gene expression, yet differences in the activity of these enzymes in the inflammatory phenotypes of asthma are unknown. We hypothesized that neutrophilic asthma (NA) would be associated with increased HAT and decreased HDAC activity.

Objective

To investigate total HAT/HDAC activity and gene expression in isolated blood monocytes and sputum macrophages from healthy and patients with asthma.

Methods

Peripheral blood and induced sputum were collected from adults with asthma (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 9). Sputum inflammatory cell counts were performed and asthma inflammatory phenotypes were classified according to sputum eosinophil and neutrophil cut‐off's of > 3% and > 61% respectively. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated (n = 61) and sputum macrophages were isolated from a subgroup of patients with asthma (n = 14), using immunomagnetic cell separation. RNA and nuclear proteins were extracted and quantified. Enzyme activity was assessed using fluorescent assays and gene expression of EP300, KAT2B, CREBBP, and HDACs 1, 2 and 3 were measured by qPCR.

Results

There was a significant inverse association between blood monocyte HAT and HDAC activity (r = −0.58, P < 0.001). NA was associated with increased blood monocyte HAT enzyme activity (P = 0.02), decreased HDAC activity (P = 0.03), and increased HAT: HDAC ratio (P < 0.01) compared with eosinophilic asthma. There were no differences in gene expression of EP300, KAT2B, CREBBP, or HDACs 1, 2 and 3 in blood monocytes from subjects with asthma or inflammatory phenotypes of asthma. There was no effect of inhaled corticosteroid use, poor asthma control, or asthma severity on HAT/HDAC activities. Sputum macrophages had increased expression of KAT2B in eosinophilic compared with paucigranulocytic asthma.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Neutrophilic airway inflammation is associated with increased HAT and reduced HDAC activity in blood monocytes, demonstrating further systemic manifestations relating to the altered inflammatory gene transcription profile of neutrophilic asthma.
Anatomy of a cladistic analysis
Authors: Franz Nico M.
Published: July 2013

The sequential stages culminating in the publication of a morphological cladistic analysis of weevils in the Exophthalmus genus complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) are reviewed, with an emphasis on how early‐stage homology assessments were gradually evaluated and refined in light of intermittent phylogenetic insights. In all, 60 incremental versions of the evolving character matrix were congealed and analysed, starting with an assembly of 52 taxa and ten traditionally deployed diagnostic characters, and ending with 90 taxa and 143 characters that reflect significantly more narrow assessments of phylogenetic similarity and scope. Standard matrix properties and analytical tree statistics were traced throughout the analytical process, and series of incongruence length indifference tests were used to identify critical points of topology change among succeeding matrix versions. This kind of parsimony‐contingent rescoping is generally representative of the inferential process of character individuation within individual and across multiple cladistic analyses. The expected long‐term outcome is a maturing observational terminology in which precise inferences of homology are parsimony‐contingent, and the notions of homology and parsimony are inextricably linked. This contingent view of cladistic character individuation is contrasted with current approaches to developing phenotype ontologies based on homology‐neutral structural equivalence expressions. Recommendations are made to transparently embrace the parsimony‐contingent nature of cladistic homology.
Enterocutaneous fistulae in familial adenomatous polyposis patients with abdominal desmoid disease
Authors: Xhaja X. , Church J.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Enterocutaneous fistula is a severe complication of intra‐abdominal desmoid disease. It is hard to repair because of the presence of the desmoid itself, the possibility of distal obstruction and the complexity of multiple laparotomies. Here we report the outcome of a series of patients presenting with abdominal desmoid disease and associated enterocutaneous fistula.

Method

This is a retrospective, descriptive study of patients presenting to a hereditary colorectal cancer registry with familial adenomatous polyposis‐related intra‐abdominal desmoid disease and associated enterocutaneous fistulae. Patients were identified through the registry database and aspects of their treatment and outcome were abstracted.

Results

Sixteen patients (11 women, five men) were treated. The mean age at index surgery was 25.2 years and mean time to first fistula was 115.6 (± 92.7 standard deviation) months from index surgery. Index surgery included restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch (n = 9), colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (n = 4) and proctocolectomy with end ileostomy (n = 1). One patient had only a small bowel bypass and another did not have any index surgery. Ten patients underwent laparotomy for the enterocutaneous fistula; eight had a repair ± resection, one had a diversion and one a bypass. All eight patients who had a repair healed, and the bypassed fistula was successfully palliated. Three fistulae recurred and two were successfully repaired at a second procedure. One patient was explored but nothing could be done for the fistula. Two surgery patients died of causes unrelated to the fistula. Six patients received medical treatment, four of whom died.

Conclusion

Selected desmoid‐related enterocutaneous fistulae can be repaired successfully.
A highly aggregated geographical distribution of forest pest invasions in theUSA
Authors: Liebhold Andrew M. , McCullough Deborah G. , Blackburn Laura M. , Frankel Susan J. , Von Holle Betsy , Aukema Juliann E.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Geographical variation in numbers of established non‐native species provides clues to the underlying processes driving biological invasions. Specifically, this variation reflects landscape characteristics that drive non‐native species arrival, establishment and spread. Here, we investigate spatial variation in damaging non‐native forest insect and pathogen species to draw inferences about the dominant processes influencing their arrival, establishment and spread.

Location

The continentalUSA, includingAlaska (Hawaii not included).

Methods

We assembled the current geographical ranges (county‐level) of 79 species of damaging non‐indigenous forest insect and pathogen species currently established in the continentalUSA. We explored statistical associations of numbers of species per county with habitat characteristics associated with propagule pressure and with variables reflecting habitat invasibility. We also analysed relationships between the geographical area occupied by each pest species and the time since introduction and habitat characteristics.

Results

The geographical pattern of non‐native forest pest species richness is highly focused, with vastly more species in the north‐easternUSA. Geographical variation in species richness is associated with habitat factors related to both propagule pressure and invasibility. Ranges of the non‐native species are related to historical spread; range areas are strongly correlated with time since establishment. The average (all species) radial rate of range expansion is 5.2 km yr−1, and surprisingly, this rate did not differ among foliage feeders, sap‐feeders, wood borers and plant pathogens.

Main conclusions

Forest pest species are much more concentrated in the north‐eastern region of theUSAcompared with other parts of the country. This pattern most likely reflects the combined effects of propagule pressure (pest arrival), habitat invasibility (pest establishment) and invasion spread. The similarity in historical spread among different types of organisms indicates the importance of anthropogenic movement in spread.
Screening intervals for diabetic retinopathy and incidence of visual loss: a systematic review
Authors: Echouffo–Tcheugui J. B. , Ali M. K. , Roglic G. , Hayward R. A. , Narayan K. M.
Published: July 2013

Screening for diabetic retinopathy can help to prevent this complication, but evidence regarding frequency of screening is uncertain. This paper systematically reviews the published literature on the relationship between screening intervals for diabetic retinopathy and the incidence of visual loss. The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched until December 2012. Twenty five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, as these assessed the incidence/prevalence of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy in relation to screening frequency. The included studies comprised 15 evaluations of real‐world screening programmes, three studies modelling the natural history of diabetic retinopathy and seven cost‐effectiveness studies. In evaluations of diabetic retinopathy screening programmes, the appropriate screening interval ranged from one to four years, in people with no retinopathy at baseline. Despite study heterogeneity, the overall tendency observed in these programmes was that 2‐year screening intervals among people with no diabetic retinopathy at diagnosis were not associated with high incidence of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy. The modelling studies (non‐economic and economic) assessed a range of screening intervals (1–5 years). The aggregated evidence from both the natural history and cost‐effectiveness models favors a screening interval >1 year, but ≤2 years. Such an interval would be appropriate, safe and cost‐effective for people with no diabetic retinopathy at diagnosis, while screening intervals ≤1 year would be preferable for people with pre‐existing diabetic retinopathy. A 2‐year screening interval for people with no sight threatening diabetic retinopathy at diagnosis may be safely adopted. For patients with pre‐existing diabetic retinopathy, a shorter interval ≤1 year is warranted.
A computerised third molar surgery simulator – results of supervision by different professionals
Authors: Rosen A. , Eliassi S. , Fors U. , Sallnäs E. ‐L. , Forsslund J. , Sejersen R. , Lund B.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of the study was to investigate which supervisory approach afforded the most efficient learning method for undergraduate students in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) using a computerised third molar surgery simulator.

Fifth year dental students participated voluntarily in a randomised experimental study using the simulator. The amount of time required and the number of trials used by each student were evaluated as a measure of skills development. Students had the opportunity to practise the procedure until no further visible improvements were achieved. The study assessed four different types of supervision to guide the students. The first group was where they were supported by a teacher/specialist in OMS, the second by a teaching assistant, the third group practised without any supervision and the fourth received help from a simulator technician/engineer. A protocol describing assessment criteria was designed for this purpose, and a questionnaire was completed by all participating students after the study.

The average number of attempts required to virtually remove a third molar tooth in the simulator was 1.44 times for the group supervised by an OMS teacher; 1.5 times for those supervised by a teaching assistant; 2.8 times for those who had no supervision; and 3.6 times when support was provided only by a simulator technician. The results showed that the most efficient experience of the students was when they were helped by an OMS teacher or a teaching assistant. In a time and cost‐effective perspective, supervision by a teaching assistant for a third molar surgery simulator would be the optimal choice.
Substrate preference in a colonial spider: is substrate choice affected by color morph?
Authors: Fernández Campón Florencia
Published: July 2013

Animals can show preference for a particular background as a way of decreasing visibility. Species with color polymorphism may have morph‐dependent background preference. I test this hypothesis on the orb‐weaving spider Parawixia bistriata. Adult females of P. bistriata present two distinct morphs characterized by brown and yellow opisthosomata. This nocturnal spider can be found in its retreat on the vegetation during the day. In order to examine whether females exhibit substrate preference dependent on their color morph, I first recorded the distribution of color morphs on different substrates (leaf and branch) and then performed a mark and release experiment. Field censuses indicated that the yellow morph was associated with leaves while the brown morph was found on either substrate type. The results of a mark and reciprocal release experiment agreed with the censuses and suggest that the two morphs differ in their association to substrate type: yellow females were associated with the leaf substrate, while brown females showed no association to a particular substrate type. Possible forces behind these differences in substrate choice are discussed.
Genetic variation in dopamine‐related gene expression influences motor skill learning in mice
Authors: Qian Y. , Chen M. , Forssberg H. , Diaz Heijtz R.
Published: July 2013

Several neurodevelopmental disorders with a strong genetic basis, including attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders and developmental coordination disorder, involve deficits in fine motor skills. This phenotype may depend on heritable variation in components of the dopamine (DA) system, which is known to play a critical role in motor skill learning. In this study, we took advantage of two inbred strains of mice (BALB/c and C57BL/6) that differ markedly in the number of midbrain DA neurons in order to investigate the influence of such naturally occurring genetic variation on the acquisition and performance of fine motor skills. Gene expression analysis of midbrain, frontal cortex and striatum showed significant differences in the expression of presynaptic and postsynaptic dopaminergic (DAergic) markers (e.g. tyrosine hydroxylase, DA transporter, DA D4 receptor, DA D5 receptor and DARPP‐32) between these two strains. BALB/c mice had lower learning rate and performance scores in a complex skilled reaching task when compared with C57BL/6 mice. A negative correlation was found between the motor learning rate and level of DARPP‐32 mRNA expression in the frontal cortex contralateral to the trained forelimb. The rate of motor learning was also negatively correlated with the levels of DARPP‐32 and DA D1 receptor mRNAs in the striatum. Our results suggest that genetically driven variation in frontostriatal DAergic neurotransmission is a major contributor to individual differences in motor skill learning. Moreover, these findings implicate the D1R/cAMP/DARPP‐32 signaling pathway in those neurodevelopmental disorders that are associated with fine motor skill deficits.
Ischemic preconditioning versus intermittent clamping of portal triad in liver resection: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhu Ying , Dong Jian , Wang Wan‐Li , Li Mu‐Xing , Long Zhi‐Da , Zhen Xing‐Long , Lv Yi
Published: July 2013

Aim

To compare the clinical outcome of patients undergoing liver resection under ischemic preconditioning (IP) versus intermittent clamping (IC).

Methods

A systematic published work search was conducted to detect randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing IP and intermittent clamping of the portal triad. A meta‐analysis was conducted to estimate postoperative morbidity and mortality, blood loss, transfusion requirement, and liver injury based on the levels of bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Meta‐analysis was performed using either the fixed‐effects model or random‐effects model.

Results

Five RCT published between 2006 and 2012 containing a total of 403 patients were eligible for final analysis. Meta‐analysis of operative time showed it was lower in the IP group than the IC group with weighted mean difference (WMD) of −18.23 (95% confidence interval (CI), −28.58 to −7.87; P = 0.0006). Meta‐analysis of ALT levels indicated lower levels in the IP group on postoperative days 3 and 7 (WMD on day 3: –45.27, 95% CI, −49.92 to −40.62; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%; WMD on day 7: –24.33, 95% CI, −28.04 to −20.62; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). Meta‐analyses revealed no significant difference in blood loss, transfusion requirement, mortality, morbidity, ischemic duration, hospital stay, AST and bilirubin levels on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7, and ALT levels on postoperative day 1 between IP and IC groups.

Conclusion

On currently available evidence, IP does not offer a satisfying benefit to patients undergoing hepatic resection. However, they have lower operative time and less liver injury after liver resections.
Predictive factors for improvement of ascites after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with refractory ascites
Authors: Taki Yasuhiko , Kanazawa Hidenori , Narahara Yoshiyuki , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Fukuda Takeshi , Harimto Hirotomo , Matsushita Yoko , Kidokoro Hideko , Katakura Tamaki , Atsukawa Masanori , Kimura Yuu , Nakatsuka Katsuhisa , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: July 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors for the response of ascites to a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and the impact of improvement of ascites on the overall prognosis of patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites.

Methods

Forty‐seven consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent TIPS for refractory ascites were studied retrospectively. The mean follow‐up period was 615 ± 566 days.

Results

Thirty‐six of the patients (77%) were responders at 4 weeks after TIPS (early responders) and 37 (79%) were responders at 8 weeks after TIPS. Of the 11 non‐responders at 4 weeks, four showed an improvement of ascites at 8 weeks. Multivariate analysis showed that only the serum creatinine level before TIPS was an independent predictor of an early response. The cumulative survival rate of early responders was significantly higher than that of non‐responders. The survival of patients grouped according to creatinine level was better in patients with serum creatinine of 1.9 mg/dL or less than in those with serum creatinine of more than 1.9 mg/dL.

Conclusion

A low serum creatinine level in patients with refractory ascites is associated with an early response to TIPS. An early response of ascites to TIPS provides better survival. A serum creatinine level below 1.9 mg/dL is required for a good response to TIPS.
Brain activity during bladder filling and pelvic floor muscle contractions: A study using functional magnetic resonance imaging and synchronous urodynamics
Authors: Krhut Jan , Holy Petr , Tintera Jaroslav , Zachoval Roman , Zvara Peter
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To map the brain activity during bladder filling by functional magnetic resonance imaging using a refined scanning protocol including synchronous urodynamics and pelvic floor muscle contractions.

Methods

A total of 23 healthy female volunteers (age 20–68 years) were enrolled. Participants were asked to contract their pelvic floor muscles. This was followed by a urodynamic examination consisting of repeated filling cycles. Brain activity was measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging using a 3T magnetic resonance system. Measurements of brain activity consisted of 120 functional scans during pelvic floor contractions and 210 scans during bladder filling. Each functional magnetic resonance imaging scan covered the brain with 35 slices. Statistical analyses used the general linear model and independent component analysis. Areas of activation were visualized using group statistics.

Results

The following main clusters of activation were observed during pelvic floor muscle contractions: medial surface of the frontal lobe (primary motor area), bilaterally; supplementary motor area, bilaterally; and left gyrus precentralis. During bladder filling, activation was detected in the inferior frontal lobe bordering the frontal cingulum, left gyrus parietalis superior, left central area, right insula, brainstem and thalamus with subcortical gray matter nuclei.

Conclusions

Our work extends an existing functional magnetic resonance imaging protocol for researching the neural control of the lower urinary tract. The present results are consistent with the available literature and agree with the present hypothetical functional model of lower urinary tract neural control.
Interleukin‐17A: a unique pathway in immune‐mediated diseases: psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kirkham Bruce W. , Kavanaugh Arthur , Reich Kristian
Published: July 2013

Experimental evidence points to the importance of the cytokine interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) in the pathogenesis of several immunoinflammatory diseases including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although a principal effector of T helper type 17 cells, IL‐17A is produced by many other cell types including CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells, and is found at high levels associated with mast cells and neutrophils at sites of skin and joint disease in humans. IL‐17A up‐regulates expression of numerous inflammation‐related genes in target cells such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts, leading to increased production of chemokines, cytokines, antimicrobial peptides and other mediators that contribute to clinical disease features. Importantly, IL‐17A must be considered within the context of the local microenvironment, because it acts synergistically or additively with other pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor. Several direct IL‐17A inhibitors have shown promising activity in proof of concept and phase 2 clinical studies, thereby providing confirmation of experimental data supporting IL‐17A in disease pathogenesis, although levels of response are not predicted by pre‐clinical findings. IL‐17A inhibitors produced rapid down‐regulation of the psoriasis gene signature and high clinical response rates in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, consistent with an important role for IL‐17A in psoriasis pathogenesis. Clinical response rates with IL‐17A inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, however, were improved to a lesser degree compared with placebo, suggesting that IL‐17A is either important in a subset of patients or plays a relatively minor role in inflammatory joint disease. Ongoing phase 3 clinical trials should provide further information on the role of IL‐17A in these diseases.
The Impact of the Second Crusade on the Angelology and Eschatology of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
Authors: Wagner Maria L. Ruby
Published: July 2013

Bernard, abbot of Clairvaux, made a significant impact on twelfth‐century Europe and the church. As a result of the proliferation of Cistercian monasteries under his guidance, his numerous theological writings, and the miracles he performed, Bernard was canonised soon after his death. Conversely, there was no lack of criticism levied for his involvement in matters that some considered inappropriate. When Pope Eugenius III called the Second Crusade and requested that Bernard preach it, the infirm abbot could have justifiably declined but instead embarked upon the arduous task. However, he did so in the belief that this task, if successful, might propel humankind into the next age of time. After the crusade failed and as he neared death himself, Bernard's writings reflect a change from his previous assertions surrounding eschatology and the role of angels in the lives of the faithful. These alterations in Bernard's theology may also have encompassed a reaffirmation of his commitment to the contemplative life. It took the disaster of the Second Crusade to return him to his core convictions and ignore the arrogant speculations of those who claimed that they knew what Christ said they never would: the day or the hour.
Food and beverage advertising on children's web sites
Authors: Ustjanauskas A. E. , Harris J. L. , Schwartz M. B.
Published: July 2013

What is already known about this subject

Food and beverage advertising contributes to childhood obesity.

Display advertising on children's web sites is a prominent technique used to promote food to children.

Industry self‐regulation has not substantially improved food marketing to children in other media, such as television and food company web sites.

What this study adds

More than 3 billion display advertisements for food and beverages were viewed on popular children's web sites from July 2009 to June 2010.

Three‐quarters of these advertisements promoted brands that food companies identified as healthier dietary choices to be included in child‐directed food advertising.

However, 84% of these ads promoted products high in fat, sugar and/or sodium.

Background

Food marketing contributes to childhood obesity. Food companies commonly place display advertising on children's web sites, but few studies have investigated this form of advertising.

Objectives

Document the number of food and beverage display advertisements viewed on popular children's web sites, nutritional quality of advertised brands and proportion of advertising approved by food companies as healthier dietary choices for child‐directed advertising.

Methods

Syndicated Internet exposure data identified popular children's web sites and food advertisements viewed on these web sites from July 2009 through June 2010. Advertisements were classified according to food category and companies' participation in food industry self‐regulation. The percent of advertisements meeting government‐proposed nutrition standards was calculated.

Results

3.4 billion food advertisements appeared on popular children's web sites; 83% on just four web sites. Breakfast cereals and fast food were advertised most often (64% of ads). Most ads (74%) promoted brands approved by companies for child‐directed advertising, but 84% advertised products that were high in fat, sugar and/or sodium. Ads for foods designated by companies as healthier dietary choices appropriate for child‐directed advertising were least likely to meet independent nutrition standards.

Conclusions

Most foods advertised on popular children's web sites do not meet independent nutrition standards. Further improvements to industry self‐regulation are required.
First‐Principle Calculation and Assignment for Vibrational Spectra of Ba(Mg1/2W1/2)O3 Microwave Dielectric Ceramic
Authors: Diao Chuan‐Ling , Wang Chun‐Hai , Luo Neng‐Neng , Qi Ze‐Ming , Shao Tao , Wang Yu‐Yin , Lu Jing , Shi Feng , Jing Xi‐Ping
Published: July 2013

Ba(Mg1/2W1/2)O3 ceramic was synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction method at 1500°C for 4 h. The face‐centered cubic crystal structure of the material was confirmed by Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data, and vibrational modes were obtained by Raman and Fourier transform far‐infrared (FTIR) reflection spectroscopies. First‐principle calculations based on density functional theory with local density approximation were used to calculate Gamma‐point modes and dielectric properties of Ba(Mg1/2W1/2)O3. The Raman spectrum with nine active modes can be fitted with Lorentzian function, and the modes were assigned as F2g(1) (126 cm−1), F2g(2) (441 cm−1), Eg(O) (538 cm−1), and A1g(O) (812 cm−1). Far‐infrared spectrum with 12 infrared active modes was fitted using both the Lorenz three‐parameter classical and four‐parameter semiquantum models. Consequently, the modes were assigned as F1u(1) (144 cm−1), F1u(2) (284 cm−1), F1u(3) (330–468 cm−1), and F1u(4) (593–678 cm−1). The active modes were represented by linear combinations of symmetry coordinates that were obtained by group theory analyses. The Raman mode A1g, which has the highest wave number (812 cm−1) is dominated by the breath vibration of the MgO6 octahedron. The infrared modes F1u(2), that can be described as the inverted vibrations of Mg atoms in the MgO6 octahedron along the xi, yi, and zi axes have the most contributions to the microwave permittivity and dielectric loss.
Recrystallization Kinetics of 3C Silicon Carbide Implanted with 400 keV Cesium Ions
Authors: Osterberg Daniel D. , Youngsman John , Ubic Rick , Reimanis Ivar E. , Butt Darryl P.
Published: July 2013

Polycrystalline 3C silicon carbide (SiC) was implanted at room temperature with 400 keV cesium ions to a dose of 1016 ions/cm2. The samples were annealed at 600°C–1000°C for times up to 48 h to observe changes in the implantation zone crystallinity and density. The implanted regions were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) before and after annealing. It is shown that the implantation resulted in a 217 ± 2 nm amorphous region with microstructural damage extending to ~250 nm below the surface. Recrystallization of the amorphous region was observed to begin at 725°C. Densification was determined indirectly through changes in the measured implantation zone thickness. Measurable thickness, or densification, of the implanted region was not observed until temperatures greater than ~800°C. The SiC recrystallization began at the interface between the amorphous, damaged region, and the underlying polycrystalline material. Image analysis was used to quantify the fraction of crystalline phase as a function of time and temperature. The recrystallization kinetics exhibited Arrhenius dependency with an apparent activation energy of 480 kJ/mol. SIMS demonstrated that 60%–70% of the cesium was retained within the recrystallized microstructure after thermal annealing.
Nano–Nano Composite Powders of Lanthanum Zirconate and Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Jiang Kuo , Liu Songbai , Li Chuanchao
Published: July 2013

Powders composing of La2Zr2O7 (LZ) and (Zr0.8Y0.2)O1.9 (10YSZ) phases (volume ratio = 1:1) were synthesized by using a sol‐spray pyrolysis method. The effects of annealing temperature on the grain size and lattice parameter of the LZ–10YSZ powders were investigated. XRD results showed that the grain size of LZ and 10YSZ phases gradually grew from 10 to 95 nm and from 5 to 65 nm as the annealing temperature elevated from 900°C to 1200°C. The relative decreasing percentage of grain size comparing to that of the single‐phase LZ and 10YSZ powders were in the range 9%–36% and 37%–86%. The activation energy for grain growth of LZ and 10YSZ phases in the composite powders were 225 ± 12 and 382 ± 17 kJ/mol, which were 20% and 183% higher than that of the single‐phase counterparts. Obvious lattice contraction and lattice expansion for LZ and 10YSZ phases were observed at temperatures below 1100°C, respectively. SEM results revealed that LZ and 10YSZ phases were homogeneously distributed in the sintered bulk. The TEM results suggested that the grain growth was affected by the interaction on nanometer length scales of grain boundaries between LZ and 10YSZ phases in the composite.