bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The assessment of strategic plans of a developing country for solving barriers to access evidence‐based information sources
Authors: Kahouei Mehdi , Alaei Safollah , Panahi Sohaila Sadat Ghazavi Shariat , Zadeh Jamileh Mahdi
Published: January 2014

Objective

Most developing societies attempt to eliminate physicians and medical students’ barriers to the use of evidence‐based information to ensure about delivering the best practice. Hence, health sector of Iran has conducted numerous educational interventions and has provided information technology infrastructure through strategic plans to provide opportunity for physicians and medical students to use research‐based information in their clinical decision from 2005. The aim of this study is to reply a question. Have the reforms of a developing country eliminated the physicians and medical assistants and students’ barriers to the use of research and evidence‐based information resources?

Methods

A descriptive study was performed among 315 physicians, assistants, and medical students in the affiliated hospitals of Semnan University of medical sciences in 2012.

Results

The results reflected actual world scenarios in developing countries, and obviously showed that the investments could not overcome the main obstacles to the extent that was hoped.

Conclusions

This study offers organizational and cultural approaches and information management to simplify the usage of evidence‐based information sources in practice in developing countries.
Poor quality diet is associated with overweight status and obesity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Rodrigues A. M. dos S. , Martins L. B. , Franklin A. M. T. , Candido A. L. , Santos L. C. dos , Ferreira A. V. M.
Published: January 2014

Background

The high rates of overweight status observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may reflect dietary intake, and so it is important to investigate diet quality and its relationship with the rates of overweight status and obesity among these patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in which 100 women with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria) were evaluated considering anthropometric and dietary data. The anthropometric evaluation included the measurement of weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and waist–hip ratio. Food intake data were collected from two 24‐h dietary recalls to assess dietary patterns using the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index – Revised (BHEI‐R).

Results

The anthropometric analysis indicated a high prevalence of overweight status, obesity and increased visceral fat (30.0%, 60.0% and 90.0%, respectively). The mean BHEI‐R score was 56.1 ± 12.0 points (range 34.5–77.5 points). Diet quality was negatively correlated with obesity, which was evaluated by BMI (r = −0.248; P = 0.013) and WC (r = −0.278; P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Dietary interventions focused on improvement of diet quality should be targeted to treat patients with PCOS because obesity in these women is associated with worsening endocrine, metabolic and reproductive functions.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of interventions for weight management using text messaging
Authors: Siopis G. , Chey T. , Allman‐Farinelli M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Obesity prevalence continues to increase worldwide, with significant associated chronic disease and health cost implications. Among more recent innovations in health service provision is the use of text messaging for health behaviour change interventions including weight management. This review investigates the efficacy of weight management programmes incorporating text messaging.

Methods

Medical and scientific databases were searched from January 1993 to October 2013. Eligibility criteria included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), pseudoRCTs and before and after studies of weight management, among healthy children and adults, that used text messaging and included a nutrition component. Data extraction and quality assessment followed guidelines from PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses) and the Evidence Analysis Manual of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Results

From 512 manuscripts retrieved, 14 met the inclusion criteria (five manuscripts in children and nine in adults). Duration of interventions ranged from 1 to 24 months. Frequency of text messaging was from daily to fortnightly. Six studies in adults were included in a meta‐analysis with mean body weight change as the primary outcome. The weighted mean change in body weight in intervention participants was −2.56 kg (95% confidence interval =  −3.46 to −1.65) and in controls −0.37 kg (95% confidence interval = −1.22 to 0.48).

Conclusions

The small body of evidence indicates that text messaging interventions can promote weight loss. However, lack of long‐term results indicate that further efficacy studies are required. Future investigations should elucidate the determinants, such as intervention duration, text message frequency and level of interactivity that maximise the success and cost effectiveness of the delivery medium.
Interferon‐γ induces leucine‐rich repeat kinase LRRK2 via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase ERK5 in macrophages
Authors: Kuss Martin , Adamopoulou Eleni , Kahle Philipp J.
Published: January 2014

The gene encoding leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) comprises a major risk factor for Parkinson's disease. Recently, it has emerged that LRRK2 plays important roles in the immune system. LRRK2 is induced by interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in monocytes, but the signaling pathway is not known. Here, we show that IFN‐γ‐mediated induction of LRRK2 was suppressed by pharmacological inhibition and RNA interference of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 5 (ERK5). This was confirmed by LRRK2 immunostaining, which also revealed that the morphological responses to IFN‐γ were suppressed by ERK5 inhibitor treatment. Both human acute monocytic leukemia THP‐1 cells and human peripheral blood monocytes stimulated the ERK5‐LRRK2 pathway after differentiation into macrophages. Thus, LRRK2 is induced via a novel, ERK5‐dependent IFN‐γ signal transduction pathway, pointing to new functions of ERK5 and LRRK2 in human macrophages.

image

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a major risk factor for the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the role of LRRK2 in the affected neurons remains enigmatic. Recently, LRRK2 has been reported to be strongly expressed in the immune system. Here, we demonstrate that LRRK2 is induced by Interferon gamma via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) in macrophages, thus providing new insights in LRRK2 and ERK5 biology.
Effects of planned group interactions on the social adaptation of individuals with an intestinal stoma: a quantitative study
Authors: Karabulut Hatice K , Dinç Leyla , Karadag Ayişe
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To investigate the effects of a planned group interaction method on the social adjustment of individuals with an intestinal stoma.

Background

Individuals with a stoma often experience physiological, psychological and social problems that affect their social adaptation.

Design

Quasi‐experimental.

Methods

The population included ileostomy and colostomy patients registered at the Gazi University Health Research and Implementation Centre Stoma therapy Unit between September 2011–June 2012. They were assigned to experimental (n = 23) and control (n = 27) groups based on their willingness to attend planned group interaction meetings. Experimental group members participated in the ‘planned group interaction method’ for six weeks. Control group members only received routine care services. Weekly group interaction meetings lasted for average of 90 minutes. The Ostomy Adjustment Inventory and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale‐Self‐Report Scale were administered to experimental group members on three occasions: prior to the first group meeting, after the six‐week meeting process ended and during the first month after group meetings ended. Control group evaluations were conducted simultaneously.

Results

Experimental group members' ostomy adjustment mean scores after planned group interaction meetings gradually increased. No changes occurred in the control group's average scores. The experimental and control groups' average psychosocial adjustment scores eventually changed and showed a tendency towards adjustment. Experimental group members aged 51–60 and 61–70, who were married, had primary and higher education, had permanent stomas, had stomas for periods between 12 months or less and 61 months and longer and had sufficient stoma care knowledge demonstrated higher adjustment values (p < 0·05). Furthermore, experimental group members reported they received psychological support during interactions and learned how to solve problems encountered in stoma care and daily life.

Conclusions

Planned group interactions effectively enhanced the social adjustment of patients with a stoma.

Relevance to clinical practice

Group interaction methods should be included in nursing care practices for individuals with a stoma.
Effect of hospital case‐manager nurses on the level of dependence, satisfaction and caregiver burden in patients with complex chronic disease
Authors: García‐Fernández Francisco P , Arrabal‐Orpez María J , Rodríguez‐Torres María del Carmen , Gila‐Selas Carmen , Carrascosa‐García Isabel , Laguna‐Parras Juan M
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To determine the medium‐term effects of nurse case management on the dependence and satisfaction of patients with complex chronic disease and on caregiver burden.

Background

Caregiver exhaustion increases the readmission rate of highly dependent patients with complex chronic disease and their consumption of primary care resources.

Design

An observational and analytical cohort study was undertaken in multimorbid patients.

Methods

Data were gathered on Barthel Index and Caregiver Burden Index scores, primary care resource consumption, readmission and mortality rates, and patient satisfaction with care and care continuity. Results were compared between nurse case‐managed (n = 62) and control (n = 193) multimorbid patients using univariate and bivariate analyses.

Results

The study included 255 patients with complex chronic disease (24·32% in management cohort vs. 75·68% in control cohort). The nurse case‐managed group had significantly lower Barthel Index and higher Caregiver Burden Index scores and a significantly longer hospital stay. At 90 days postdischarge, no significant intergroup differences were observed in Barthel Index or Caregiver Burden Index scores, primary care resource consumption, readmission rate or mortality rate; the case‐managed patients showed a significantly higher satisfaction level with their care and its continuity.

Conclusions

Nurse case management prevents a postdischarge increase in the dependence of multimorbid patients and the burden of their caregivers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Application of nurse case management can reduce the readmission rate and primary care consumption of patients with chronic complex disease after their hospital stay and prevent an exacerbation of caregiver exhaustion.
THEORY AND EVIDENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY AND ECONOMICS ABOUT MOTIVATION CROWDING OUT: A POSSIBLE CONVERGENCE?
Authors: Festré Agnès , Garrouste Pierre
Published: January 2014

The empirical relevance of motivation crowding out is a controversial issue in economics and psychology. As already pointed out by Frey and Jegen (), this is partly due to the historical development of two distinct and parallel strands of literature that stem from different theoretical traditions, have radically different tenets and therefore, are difficult to reconcile. In this survey, we go back to the details of the debates that took place independently among psychologists and economists, and sketch an integrative interdisciplinary approach likely to favor a more fruitful collaboration between economics and psychology. From this perspective, experimental economics (both field and laboratory) is viewed as a major research field shedding new light on the conditions of relevance of motivation crowding out.
The essential role of NGATHA genes in style and stigma specification is widely conserved across eudicots
Authors: Fourquin Chloé , Ferrándiz Cristina
Published: January 2014

Carpel development and evolution are central issues for plant biology. The conservation of genetic functions conferring carpel identity has been widely studied in higher plants. However, although genetic networks directing the development of characteristic features of angiosperm carpels such as stigma and style are increasingly known in Arabidopsis thaliana, little information is available on the conservation and diversification of these networks in other species. Here, we have studied the functional conservation of NGATHA transcription factors in widely divergent species within the eudicots.

We determined by in situ hybridization the expression patterns of NGATHA orthologs in Eschscholzia californica and Nicotiana benthamiana. Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS)‐mediated inactivation of NGATHA genes in both species was performed and different microscopy techniques were used for phenotypic characterization.

We found the expression patterns of EcNGA and NbNGA genes during flower development to be highly similar to each other, as well as to those reported for Arabidopsis NGATHA genes. Inactivation of EcNGA and NbNGA also caused severe defects in style and stigma development in both species.

These results demonstrate the widely conserved essential role of NGATHA genes in style and stigma specification and suggest that the angiosperm‐specific NGATHA genes were likely recruited to direct a carpel‐specific developmental program.
Soluble phenylpropanoids are involved in the defense response of Arabidopsis against Verticillium longisporum
Authors: König Stefanie , Feussner Kirstin , Kaever Alexander , Landesfeind Manuel , Thurow Corinna , Karlovsky Petr , Gatz Christiane , Polle Andrea , Feussner Ivo
Published: January 2014

Verticillium longisporum is a soil‐borne vascular pathogen causing economic loss in rape. Using the model plant Arabidopsis this study analyzed metabolic changes upon fungal infection in order to identify possible defense strategies of Brassicaceae against this fungus.

Metabolite fingerprinting identified infection‐induced metabolites derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway. Targeted analysis confirmed the accumulation of sinapoyl glucosides, coniferin, syringin and lignans in leaves from early stages of infection on. At later stages, the amounts of amino acids increased.

To test the contribution of the phenylpropanoid pathway, mutants in the pathway were analyzed. The sinapate‐deficient mutant fah1‐2 showed stronger infection symptoms than wild‐type plants, which is most likely due to the lack of sinapoyl esters. Moreover, the coniferin accumulating transgenic plant UGT72E2‐OE was less susceptible. Consistently, sinapoyl glucose, coniferyl alcohol and coniferin inhibited fungal growth and melanization in vitro, whereas sinapyl alcohol and syringin did not. The amount of lignin was not significantly altered supporting the notion that soluble derivatives of the phenylpropanoid pathway contribute to defense.

These data show that soluble phenylpropanoids are important for the defense response of Arabidopsis against V. longisporum and that metabolite fingerprinting is a valuable tool to identify infection‐relevant metabolic markers.
Compliance with Remote Monitoring of ICDS/CRTDS in a Real‐World Population
Authors: ROSENFELD LYNDA E. , PATEL AMISHA S. , AJMANI VIVEK B. , HOLBROOK REECE W. , BRAND TRINA A.
Published: January 2014

Background

Remote monitoring (RM) of defibrillators (implantable cardioverter defibrillators [ICDs]) and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTDs) has been shown to be cost effective, convenient, and associated with reduced mortality and a reduction in the time to physician intervention for actionable events. However, patient compliance with monitoring over time and what factors might influence such compliance have not been well described. This study sought to identify factors contributing to patient noncompliance with RM of ICDs and CRTDs in a large real‐world population.

Methods

Deidentified data on U.S. patients enrolled in the Medtronic CareLink RM system were used to compare patients with no (noncompliant, n = 14,848) and with ≥2 RM transmissions (compliant, n = 103,284) during a 14‐month period.

Results

Overall noncompliance with RM was 21%. Younger age (≤40), female sex, wanded device, Medicare Census Division, and small clinic size all predicted patient noncompliance (P < 0.01). Device type (ICD vs CRTD) did not (P = 0.52). Multivariate analysis suggested clinically important predictors of noncompliance to be: age ≤40, odds ratio (OR) 2.64 (95% confidence interval, 2.42–2.88); Medicare Census Division (Mountain vs West North Central), OR 2.15 (1.96–2.37); and small clinic size (1–4 vs >100 patients), OR 4.38 (3.92–4.91).

Conclusions

There is room for improvement in RM usage among enrolled patients. Younger patients, smaller clinics, and certain geographic areas may be targets for research into interventions to further improve the use of RM
Concentration, Activity and Biochemical Characterization of Myeloperoxidase in Fresh and Post‐Thaw Equine Semen and their Implication on Freezability
Authors: Ponthier J , Franck T , Parrilla‐Hernandez S , Niesten A , de la Rebiere G , Serteyn D , Deleuze S
Published: January 2014

Contents

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a pro‐oxidant enzyme associated with decreased motility in thawed equine semen. This study aimed to describe MPO concentration, activity and subunits in raw and thawed semen and to correlate these data with motilities in raw and thawed semen. Semen samples from five stallions were collected four times. Motilities were assessed in raw and thawed semen. MPO assays were performed in raw seminal plasma, raw sperm‐rich pellet and thawed semen. Total and active MPO concentrations were, respectively, assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and specific immunological extraction followed by enzymatic detection. MPO subunits present in semen were characterized by Western blot. Purified active MPO was added in saline solution and freezing extender to control its activity during freezing procedure. Differences between medians were determined using Kruskal–Wallis test, and correlations were determined using Spearman's test for nonparametric data. Active MPO concentration was low in seminal plasma and thawed semen, but high in pellet (p = 0.0058), as the opposite relation was observed for total MPO concentration (p < 0.0001). In seminal plasma and post‐thaw semen, inactive 86‐kDa MPO precursor was mainly observed. Purified MPO activity was decreased in the extender (p = 0.0286). MPO activity in pellet was highly correlated with thawed progressive motility (r = −0.5576, p = 0.0086). Inactive MPO precursor and unknown low molecular weight inactive MPO precursor subunits explain low MPO activity in semen. Major MPO activity was observed in pellet, and post‐thaw loss of activity is partially explained by MPO inactivation in extender. Thawed semen motility was negatively correlated with MPO activity in pellet, becoming a potential freezability predictor.
Predicting the Parturition Date in Bitches of Different Body Weight by Ultrasonographic Measurements of Inner Chorionic Cavity Diameter and Biparietal Diameter
Authors: Socha P , Janowski T
Published: January 2014

Contents

Predicting the parturition date in dogs by taking ultrasonographic foetometry has opened interesting research areas of veterinary obstetrics. Recently developed calculation formulas of inner chorionic cavity diameter (ICC) and biparietal diameter (BP) are formulas by Luvoni and Grioni (). This study is one of the first reports referring toICCandBPwith the use ofLuvoni andGrioni formulas for predicting the parturition time in dogs of different body weight in clinical practice conditions. The research material consists of 70 clinically healthy pregnant bitches of 27 breeds and cross‐breeds. Bitches were divided into 4 groups according to their body weight. In each of the bitches, ultrasonographic examination of pregnancy was performed at least twice (ICCandBPmeasurements). Parturition dates for dogs with a body weight over 25 kg were calculated based on formulas intended for the group of medium dogs. It was caused by the lack of appropriate formulas for these groups of dogs. The predicting parturition dates were compared with the actual dates of delivery provided by the bitch owners. Generally, the results obtained in this study are very encouraging and similar or even better than those published by other authors using foetometric measurements. In our research, when comparing the effectiveness of predicting the delivery date based on foetometric formulas by Luvoni and Grioni (), it was proved that in all groups of dogs, even those over 25 kg,ICCandBPmeasurements at both accuracy levels were characterized similar reliability.
Damping Analysis of Multilayer Passive Constrained Layer Damping on Cylindrical Shell Using Transfer Function Method
Authors: Zheng Ling , Qiu Quan , Wan Haochuan , Zhang Dongdong
Published: January 2014

Based on the Donnell assumptions and linear viscoelastic theory, the constitutive relations for the multilayer passive constrained layer damping (PCLD) cylindrical shell are described. In terms of energy, the motion equations and boundary conditions of the cylindrical shell with multilayer PCLD treatment are derived by the Hamilton principle. After trigonometric series expansion and Laplace transform, the state vector is introduced and the dynamic equation in state space is established. The transfer function method is used to solve the state equation. The dynamic performance including the natural frequency, the loss factor, and the frequency response of the multilayer PCLD cylindrical shell is obtained. The results show that with more layers, the more effective in suppressing vibration and noise, if the same amount of visco-elastic and constrained material is applied. It demonstrates a potential application of multilayer PCLD treatment in some critical structures, such as cabins of aircrafts, hulls of submarines, and bodies of rockets and missiles.
ESCRT Machinery Is Required for Plasma Membrane Repair
Authors: Jimenez Ana Joaquina , Maiuri Paolo , Lafaurie-Janvore Julie , Divoux Séverine , Piel Matthieu , Perez Franck
Published: January 2014

ESCRT Your Wound Away

The ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) protein complex plays a role in budding into multivesicular bodies, in cytokinesis, and in HIV budding. Now,

Jimenez
et al.

(p.
10.1126/science.1247136
, published online 30 January) propose a role for ESCRT proteins in wound repair at the plasma membrane. In vivo imaging, modeling, and electron microscopy were used to reveal how the ESCRTs participate in a rapid energy-independent, calcium-dependent, membrane-shedding process at the plasma membrane that reseals small wounds caused by toxins or laser treatment.
Genome Sequence of an Alphabaculovirus Isolated from
Choristoneura murinana
Authors: Rohrmann George F. , Erlandson Martin A. , Theilmann David A.
Published: January 2014

The genome sequence of a baculovirus from
Choristoneura murinana
is 124,689 bp, with a G+C content of 50%, and contains 148 putative open reading frames. The virus is a member of the group I alphabaculoviruses and is most closely related to several other viruses that infect
Choristoneura
species.
Complete Genome Sequence of Ehrlichia muris Strain AS145
T
, a Model Monocytotropic
Ehrlichia
Strain
Authors: Thirumalapura Nagaraja R. , Qin Xiang , Kuriakose Jeeba A. , Walker David H.
Published: January 2014

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Ehrlichia muris
strain AS145
T
, which was isolated from a wild mouse in 1983 in Japan.
E. muris
establishes persistent infections in laboratory mice and is widely used as a surrogate pathogen in a murine model of ehrlichiosis.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain TKP, Isolated from a γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane-Degrading Mixed Culture
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Kishida Kouhei , Sato Takuya , Tabata Michiro , Kawasumi Toru , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Tsuda Masataka , Nagata Yuji
Published: January 2014

Pseudomonas
sp. strain TKP does not degrade γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), but it persistently coexists with the γ-HCH-degrading
Sphingobium
sp. strain TKS in a mixed culture enriched by γ-HCH. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain TKP, which consists of one circular chromosome with a size of 7 Mb.
F1 and Tbilisi Are Closely Related Brucellaphages Exhibiting Some Distinct Nucleotide Variations Which Determine the Host Specificity
Authors: Hammerl Jens A. , Al Dahouk Sascha , Nöckler Karsten , Göllner Cornelia , Appel Bernd , Hertwig Stefan
Published: January 2014

We report on the 41,143-bp genome of brucellaphage F1, a podovirus that infects several
Brucella
species. The F1 genome is almost identical to the genome of brucellaphage Tb. However, some structural proteins of the phages exhibit extensive polymorphisms and might be responsible for their different host ranges.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Alkaliphilic
Bacillus
Strains, Bacillus wakoensis JCM 9140
T
, Bacillus akibai JCM 9157
T
, and Bacillus hemicellulosilyticus JCM 9152
T
Authors: Yuki Masahiro , Oshima Kenshiro , Suda Wataru , Oshida Yumi , Kitamura Keiko , Iida Toshiya , Hattori Masahira , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: January 2014

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of the type strains of three cellulolytic or hemicellulolytic alkaliphilic
Bacillus
species:
Bacillus wakoensis
,
Bacillus akibai
, and
Bacillus hemicellulosilyticus
. The genome information for these three strains will be useful for studies of alkaliphilic
Bacillus
species, their evolution, and biotechnological applications for their enzymes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas nitroreducens Strain TX1, Which Degrades Nonionic Surfactants and Estrogen-Like Alkylphenols
Authors: Huang Shir-Ly , Chen Hsin , Hu Anyi , Tuan Nguyen Ngoc , Yu Chang-Ping
Published: January 2014

Pseudomonas nitroreducens
TX1 ATCC PTA-6168 was isolated from rice field drainage in Taiwan. The bacterium is of special interest because of its capability to use nonionic surfactants (alkylphenol polyethoxylates) and estrogen-like compounds (4-
t
-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol) as a sole carbon source. This is the first report on the genome sequence of
P. nitroreducens
.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Mycobacterium avium Complex Isolate from a Broadbill Bird
Authors: Bannantine John P. , Bayles Darrell O. , Robbe-Austerman Suelee , Burrell Angela M. , Stabel Judith R.
Published: January 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of a
Mycobacterium avium
complex isolate. This isolate has an estimated genome size of 5.1 Mb with an average GC content of 68.9% and is predicted to carry 4,497 protein-encoding genes and 317 pseudogenes.
Solid pseudopapillary tumour (Frantz’s tumour) of the pancreas in childhood
Authors: Escobar Mauricio Antonio , Bond Blake J , Schopp James
Published: January 2014

An 11-year-old girl presented with acute pancreatitis and mass in the head of the pancreas. MRI revealed a heterogeneous right-upper quadrant retroperitoneal mass measuring 6.8×6.1×5.5 cm arising from the pancreatic head. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspirate revealed a solid pseudopapillary tumour (SPT) of the pancreas. The patient underwent a pylorus-preserving Whipple procedure. Pathology confirmed SPT. First described by Frantz, SPT represents less than 3% of all exocrine tumours. It is especially rare in children and shows different clinical features compared with adults. In our patient, tumour cells were arranged at the periphery of fibrovascular cores, but they did not show definite gland formation, keratinisation or cytoplasmic pigment accumulation. A periodic acid-Schiff stain without diastase did not show appreciable glycogen within the tumour cells, classic for Frantz’s tumour. The literature, diagnosis, management and pathogenesis on this rare entity in children are reviewed and discussed.
Salter-Harris II forearm fracture reduction and fixation using a buttress plate
Authors: Barnes Jonathan , Webb Mark , Fearon Paul v
Published: January 2014

Distal radius fractures are common injuries in children. Those that affect the growth plate (physis) need to be managed carefully as inadequate management may lead to long-term deformity and a reduction in function. However, different management strategies all have drawbacks and controversy exists over how best to manage these cases. This is the case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with a Salter Harris II fracture, which was managed using a novel approach of utilising a T plate in a buttress mode to stabilise the fracture after anatomical reduction. This provided effective fracture fixation and should allow good bone healing without causing any iatrogenic growth plate damage and without fixing a plate across the physis, which may need removal in the future.
Improving fisheries estimates by including women’s catch in the Central Philippines
Authors: Kleiber Danika , Harris Leila M. , Vincent Amanda C.J.
Published: January 2014

Small-scale fisheries catch and effort estimates are often built on incomplete data because they overlook the fishing of minority or marginalized groups. Women do participate in small-scale fisheries and often in ways distinct from men’s fishing. Hence, the inclusion of women’s fishing is necessary to understanding the diversity and totality of human fishing efforts. This case study examines how the inclusion of women’s fishing alters the enumeration of fishers and estimations of catch mass, fishing effort, and targeted organisms in 12 communities in the Central Philippines. Women were 42% of all fishers and contributed approximately one-quarter of the fishing effort and catch mass. Narrower definitions of fishing that excluded gleaning (gathering of benthic macroinvertebrates in intertidal areas) and part-time fishing masked the participation and contribution of most women fishers. In this case study, it is clear that overlooking women and part-time or gleaning fishers led to the underestimation of fishing effort and catch mass. Overlooking gleaning had also led to underestimation of shells and other benthic macroinvertebrates in fishing catches.
Pliocene to Pleistocene vertical movements in the forearc of the Lesser Antilles subduction: insights from chronostratigraphy of shallow-water carbonate platforms (Guadeloupe archipelago)
Authors: Münch Ph. , Cornee J.-J. , Lebrun J.-F. , Quillevere F. , Verati C. , Melinte-Dobrinescu M. , Demory F. , Smith B. , Jourdan F. , Lardeaux J.-M. , De Min L. , Leticee J.-L. , Randrianasolo A.
Published: January 2014

An integrated stratigraphic study was conducted on the shallow water carbonate platforms of the Guadeloupe archipelago to refine the tectonic evolution of the Lesser Antilles forearc. The carbonate platforms are now dated to the Zanclean–Calabrian interval, and their demise occurred between 1.5 and 1.07 Ma. The precise chronostratigraphy allows dating of the main extensional tectonic events since the late Miocene. An initial episode occurred during the late Miocene, related to the reactivation of inherited N130°E-trending shear zones, and led to the emergence of most parts of the forearc. Subsequently, Zanclean to early Piacenzian carbonate platforms developed in association with a general subsidence of the forearc. During the late Piacenzan, a second extensional episode occurred. At this time La Désirade underwent major uplift and emergence whereas most of the forearc remained submerged. Prior to 1.07 Ma, a third north–south extensional episode occurred and led to the final demise of the carbonate platforms. Thus the forearc was characterized by general subsidence since the early Pliocene interrupted by three main extensional episodes and related differential uplifts. This suggests that the Lesser Antilles subduction is probably erosive north of latitude 15°N since
c
. 5 Ma, related to aseismic ridge subduction.

Supplementary data:

Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages, calcareous nannofossil taxa associations,
40
Ar/
39
Ar geochronological data and palaeomagnetic data are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18724
.
Sequencing the Sturtian icehouse: dynamic ice behaviour in South Australia
Authors: Busfield M. E. , Le Heron D. P.
Published: January 2014

The Cryogenian record of South Australia includes the type region of the Sturtian glaciation, the oldest of three pan-global icehouse intervals during the Neoproterozoic. Data are presented from previously little described sections at Holowilena Creek, Oladdie Creek and Hillpara Creek in the central and southern Flinders Ranges, where five facies associations are recognized. These are (1) diamictite and conglomerate, (2) interbedded heterolithic deposits, (3) hummocky cross-stratified sandstone, (4) lonestone-bearing siltstone, and (5) ferruginous siltstone and sandstone. The succession reveals significant lateral and vertical facies variation, which is linked to a complex inherited palaeotopography and distance from the sediment source. Repeated stratigraphic occurrences of striated clasts and abundant ice-rafted debris strongly support recurrent glacial influence on sedimentation. The intercalation of gravitationally reworked diamictites, dropstone-bearing siltstone and dropstone-free siltstone testifies to dynamic sedimentation within a periodically glacially influenced subaqueous environment. Sequence stratigraphic analysis identifies four glacial advance systems tracts, separated by three glacial retreat systems tracts, wherein hummocky cross-stratified sandstones attest to open water conditions. These findings support dynamic ice sheet behaviour in South Australia, and provide clear evidence for repeated intra-Sturtian ice sheet recession.
Dickkopf-1, the Wnt antagonist, is induced by acidic pH and mediates epithelial cellular senescence in human reflux esophagitis
Authors: Lyros Orestis , Rafiee Parvaneh , Nie Linghui , Medda Rituparna , Jovanovic Nebojsa , Schmidt Jamie , Mackinnon Alexander , Venu Nanda , Shaker Reza
Published: January 2014

Squamous esophageal epithelium adapts to acid reflux-mediated injury by proliferation and differentiation via signal transduction pathways. Induction of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) is involved in tissue repair during inflammation and cellular injury. In this study, we aimed to identify the biological role of Dkk1 in human reflux esophagitis with respect to cell growth and regulation of Wnt signaling. Esophageal biopsies from reflux-esophagitis patients ( n = 15) and healthy individuals ( n = 10) were characterized in terms of Dkk1 expression. The role of Dkk1 in response to acid-mediated epithelial injury was analyzed by cellular assays in vitro utilizing squamous esophageal epithelial cell lines (EPC1-hTERT, EPC2-hTERT, and HEEC). Dkk1 was significantly overexpressed in human reflux-esophagitis tissue compared with healthy esophageal mucosa at transcriptional and translational levels. After acute and chronic acid (pH 4) exposure, esophageal squamous epithelial cell lines expressed and secreted high levels of Dkk1 in response to stress-associated DNA injury. High extracellular levels of human recombinant Dkk1 inhibited epithelial cell growth and induced cellular senescence in vitro, as demonstrated by reduced cell proliferation, G0/G1cell cycle arrest, elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, and upregulation of p16. Acid pulsing induced Dkk1-mediated senescence, which was directly linked to the ability of Dkk1 to antagonize the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In healthy esophageal mucosa, Dkk1 expression was associated with low expression of transcriptionally active β-catenin, while in reflux-esophagitis tissue, Dkk1 overexpression correlated with increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and p16 upregulation. The data indicate that, in human reflux esophagitis, Dkk1 functions as a secreted growth inhibitor by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promoting cellular senescence. These findings suggest a significant role for Dkk1 and cellular senescence in esophageal tissue homeostasis during reflux esophagitis.
Emergence of airway smooth muscle mechanical behavior through dynamic reorganization of contractile units and force transmission pathways
Authors: Brook Bindi S.
Published: January 2014

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma remains poorly understood despite significant research effort to elucidate relevant underlying mechanisms. In particular, a significant body of experimental work has focused on the effect of tidal fluctuations on airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, tissues, lung slices, and whole airways to understand the bronchodilating effect of tidal breathing and deep inspirations. These studies have motivated conceptual models that involve dynamic reorganization of both cytoskeletal components as well as contractile machinery. In this article, a biophysical model of the whole ASM cell is presented that combines 1) crossbridge cycling between actin and myosin; 2) actin-myosin disconnectivity, under imposed length changes, to allow dynamic reconfiguration of “force transmission pathways”; and 3) dynamic parallel-to-serial transitions of contractile units within these pathways that occur through a length fluctuation. Results of this theoretical model suggest that behavior characteristic of experimentally observed force-length loops of maximally activated ASM strips can be explained by interactions among the three mechanisms. Crucially, both sustained disconnectivity and parallel-to-serial transitions are necessary to explain the nature of hysteresis and strain stiffening observed experimentally. The results provide strong evidence that dynamic rearrangement of contractile machinery is a likely mechanism underlying many of the phenomena observed at timescales associated with tidal breathing. This theoretical cell-level model captures many of the salient features of mechanical behavior observed experimentally and should provide a useful starting block for a bottom-up approach to understanding tissue-level mechanical behavior.
p300 Acetyltransferase Regulates Androgen Receptor Degradation and PTEN-Deficient Prostate Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhong Jian , Ding Liya , Bohrer Laura R. , Pan Yunqian , Liu Ping , Zhang Jun , Sebo Thomas J. , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Tindall Donald J. , van Deursen Jan , Huang Haojie
Published: January 2014

Overexpression of the histone acetyltransferase p300 is implicated in the proliferation and progression of prostate cancer, but evidence of a causal role is lacking. In this study, we provide genetic evidence that this generic transcriptional coactivator functions as a positive modifier of prostate tumorigenesis. In a mouse model of PTEN deletion–induced prostate cancer, genetic ablation of p300 attenuated expression of the androgen receptor (AR). This finding was confirmed in human prostate cancer cells in which PTEN expression was abolished by RNA interference–mediated attenuation. These results were consistent with clinical evidence that the expression of p300 and AR correlates positively in human prostate cancer specimens. Mechanistically, PTEN inactivation increased AR phosphorylation at serine 81 (Ser81) to promote p300 binding and acetylation of AR, thereby precluding its polyubiquitination and degradation. In support of these findings, in PTEN-deficient prostate cancer in the mouse, we found that p300 was crucial for AR target gene expression. Taken together, our work identifies p300 as a molecular determinant of AR degradation and highlights p300 as a candidate target to manage prostate cancer, especially in cases marked by PTEN loss. Cancer Res; 74(6); 1870–80. ©2014 AACR.
PTEN Is a Potent Suppressor of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cui Min , Augert Arnaud , Rongione Michael , Conkrite Karina , Parazzoli Susan , Nikitin Alexander Yu. , Ingolia Nicholas , MacPherson David
Published: January 2014

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a highly metastatic tumor type with neuroendocrine features and a dismal prognosis. PTEN mutations and PIK3CA activating mutations have been reported in SCLC but the functional relevance of this pathway is unknown. The PTEN/PIK3CA pathway was interrogated using an AdenoCre-driven mouse model of SCLC harboring inactivated Rb and p53. Inactivation of one allele of PTEN in Rb/p53-deleted mice led to accelerated SCLC with frequent metastasis to the liver. In contrast with the high mutation burden reported in human SCLC, exome analyses revealed a low number of protein-altering mutations in mouse SCLC. Inactivation of both alleles of PTEN in the Rb/p53-deleted system led to nonmetastatic adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. This study reveals a critical role for the PTEN/PI3K pathway in both SCLC and lung adenocarcinoma and provides an ideal system to test the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway inhibitors as targeted therapy for subsets of patients with SCLC.

Implications: The ability of PTEN inactivation to accelerate SCLC in a genetic mouse model suggests that targeting the PTEN pathway is a therapeutic option for a subset of human patients with SCLC.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2014/04/28/1541-7786.MCR-13-0554/F1.large.jpg. Mol Cancer Res; 12(5); 654–9. ©2014 AACR.
Evaluating the Utility of Circulating Biomarkers of Collagen Synthesis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ellims Andris H. , Taylor Andrew J. , Mariani Justin A. , Ling Liang-han , Iles Leah M. , Maeder Micha T. , Kaye David M.
Published: January 2014

Background—

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), accumulation of myocardial collagen may play a central role in the pathogenesis of diastolic dysfunction and arrhythmia. Previous studies have suggested that peripheral levels of byproducts of collagen synthesis are reflective of myocardial extracellular matrix metabolism, although this has not been validated in detail. Given the potential clinical utility of such biomarkers, we sought to validate the assumed relationship between peripheral markers and myocardial fibrosis in HCM.

Methods and Results—

Fifty patients with HCM and 25 healthy controls underwent peripheral venous sampling to determine plasma concentrations of key collagen precursors (procollagen I and III N-terminal propeptides [PINP, PIIINP]). Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to quantify regional (by late-gadolinium enhancement) and diffuse (by T
1
mapping) myocardial fibrosis. Nineteen subjects also underwent simultaneous arterial and coronary sinus blood sampling (to derive transcardiac concentration gradients of PINP, PIIINP, and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) and right heart catheterization. Despite cardiac magnetic resonance evidence of regional (late-gadolinium enhancement quantity, 6.4±8.0%) and diffuse (T
1
time, 478±79 ms) myocardial fibrosis in patients with HCM, peripheral levels of collagen precursors were similar compared with control subjects (PINP, 45.9±22.9 versus 53.4±25.9 μg/L;
P
=0.21; PIIINP, 4.8±1.7 versus 4.4±1.1 μg/L;
P
=0.26). No significant net positive transcardiac concentration gradient was detected for either biomarker of collagen synthesis.

Conclusions—

The cardiac contribution to peripheral levels of byproducts of collagen synthesis in patients with HCM is insignificant. Furthermore, peripheral levels of these biomarkers do not accurately reflect myocardial collagen content in these patients.
Contribution of Intimal Smooth Muscle Cells to Cholesterol Accumulation and Macrophage-Like Cells in Human Atherosclerosis
Authors: Allahverdian Sima , Chehroudi Ali Cyrus , McManus Bruce M. , Abraham Thomas , Francis Gordon A.
Published: January 2014

Background—

Intimal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to the foam cell population in arterial plaque, and express lower levels of the cholesterol exporter ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in comparison with medial arterial SMCs. The relative contribution of SMCs to the total foam cell population and their expression of ABCA1 in comparison with intimal monocyte-derived macrophages, however, are unknown. Although the expression of macrophage markers by SMCs following lipid loading has been described, the relevance of this phenotypic switch by SMCs in human coronary atherosclerosis has not been determined.

Methods and Results—

Human coronary artery sections from hearts explanted at the time of transplantation were processed to clearly delineate intracellular and extracellular lipids and allow costaining for cell-specific markers. Costaining for oil red O and the SMC-specific marker SM α-actin of foam cell–rich lesions revealed that 50±7% (average±standard error of the mean, n=14 subjects) of total foam cells were SMC derived. ABCA1 expression by intimal SMCs was significantly reduced between early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions, with no loss in ABCA1 expression by myeloid lineage cells. Costaining with the macrophage marker CD68 and SM α-actin revealed that 40±6% (n=15) of CD68-positive cells originated as SMCs in advanced human coronary atherosclerosis.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest SMCs contain a much larger burden of the excess cholesterol in human coronary atherosclerosis than previously known, in part, because of their relative inability to release excess cholesterol via ABCA1 in comparison with myeloid lineage cells. Our results also indicate that many cells identified as monocyte-derived macrophages in human atherosclerosis are in fact SMC derived.
Prevalence and Outcomes of Symptomatic Intracranial Large Artery Stenoses and Occlusions in China
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Soo Yannie O.Y. , Pu Yuehua , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yilong , Zou Xinying , Leung Thomas W.H. , Cai Yefeng , Bai Qingke , Wu Yiping , Wang Chunxue , Pan Xiaoping , Luo Benyan , Wong Ka Sing Lawrence ,   Additional members of the CICAS study group are as follows:, Zhang Xiaojun , Sun Xiaojiang , Yu Lan , Guo Minxia , Ma Qilin , Xiao Bo , Zhang Le , Zhang Zhong , Xu Anding , Li Juntao , Lin Jie , Xing Chengming , Xu Yuming , Zheng Rongyuan , Han Zhao , Yuan Xiaodong , Cui Wanlin , Zou Yuan , Yan Heli
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

We aimed to establish the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) in China by a large, prospective, multicenter study.

Methods—

We evaluated 2864 consecutive patients who experienced an acute cerebral ischemia <7 days after symptom onset in 22 Chinese hospitals. All patients underwent magnetic resonance angiography, with measurement of diameter of the main intracranial arteries. ICAS was defined as ≥50% diameter reduction on magnetic resonance angiography.

Results—

The prevalence of ICAS was 46.6% (1335 patients, including 261 patients with coexisting extracranial carotid stenosis). Patients with ICAS had more severe stroke at admission and stayed longer in hospitals compared with those without intracranial stenosis (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 3 versus 5; median length of stay, 14 versus 16 days; both
P
<0.0001). After 12 months, recurrent stroke occurred in 3.27% of patients with no stenosis, in 3.82% for those with 50% to 69% stenosis, in 5.16% for those with 70% to 99% stenosis, and in 7.27% for those with total occlusion. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed that the degree of arterial stenosis, age, family history of stroke, history of cerebral ischemia or heart disease, complete circle of Willis, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission were independent predictors for recurrent stroke at 1 year. The highest rate of recurrence was observed in patients with occlusion with the presence of ≥3 additional risk factors.

Conclusions—

ICAS is the most common vascular lesion in patients with cerebrovascular disease in China. Recurrent stroke rate in our study was lower compared with those of previous clinical trials but remains unacceptably high in a subgroup of patients with severe stenosis.