bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granitohyoidea calycopeplus gen. nov. and sp. nov: a new plant bug taxon (Heteroptera: Miridae) affiliated with granite outcrops in south‐west Western Australia, and its Palearctic affinity and host plant associations
Authors: Cassis Gerasimos , Symonds Celia
Published: April 2014

Granitohyoidea calycopeplus sp. nov. is described from the south‐west of Western Australia. It is associated with the euphorb species, Calycopeplus paucifolius, which is found in association with granite outcrops. It is proposed that G. calycopeplus has affinity with the Palearctic genus Hyoidea Reuter, with the later associated with species of the gymnosperm genus Ephedra. The hosts of Granitohyoidea gen. nov. and Hyoidea are distantly related, but their vegetative and reproductive characters are putatively convergent and are postulated to offer similar ecological niches.
Fertilizer subsidies and private market participation: the case of Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Liverpool‐Tasie Lenis Saweda O.
Published: April 2014

This article estimates the effect of a fertilizer voucher program on farmer participation in the private fertilizer market in Nigeria. Using a double‐hurdle model (to address corner solution challenges with estimating input demand) and a control function approach (to account for the endogeneity of subsidized fertilizer acquired), the study finds evidence that receiving subsidized fertilizer in Kano, Nigeria increased both the probability and extent of participation in the private fertilizer market. Findings demonstrate that under certain circumstances, e.g., where input dealers’ links to farmer are weak; there could be significant gains from the temporary use of voucher programs to strengthen such links.
Toll‐like Receptors at the Maternal‐Fetal Interface in Normal Pregnancy and Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Koga Kaori , Izumi Gentaro , Mor Gil , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: April 2014

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) form the major family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are involved in innate immunity. Innate immune responses against microorganisms at the maternal‐fetal interface may have a significant impact on the success of pregnancy, as intrauterine infections have been shown to be strongly associated with certain complications of pregnancy. At the maternal‐fetal interface, TLRs are expressed not only in the immune cells but also in non‐immune cells such as trophoblasts and decidual cells; moreover, their expression patterns vary according to the stage of pregnancy. Here, we will update potential functions of TLRs in these cells, their recognition and response to microorganisms, and their involvement in the innate immunity. The impact of TLR‐mediated innate immune response will be discussed via animal model studies, as well as clinical observations.
Chemerin suppresses murine allergic asthma by inhibiting CCL2 production and subsequent airway recruitment of inflammatory dendritic cells
Authors: Zhao L. , Yang W. , Yang X. , Lin Y. , Lv J. , Dou X. , Luo Q. , Dong J. , Chen Z. , Chu Y. , He R.
Published: April 2014

Background

Chemerin has been implicated to play opposing roles, either pro‐inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory, in various tissue inflammation processes primarily through the regulation of tissue recruitment of immune cells. However, the effect of chemerin in allergic asthma has not yet been explored. We sought to investigate the role of chemerin in the murine model of allergic asthma and explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

We examined the effect of intranasal (i.n.) administration of chemerin during antigen challenge in murine models of asthma. Moreover, we examined whether administration of CCL2 or bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) transfer reversed the effects of chemerin on ovalbumin‐induced asthma. We finally examined the effect of chemerin on CCL2 expression in activated lung epithelial cells in vitro.

Results

The administration of chemerin attenuated allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity during antigen challenge. Chemerin treatment caused significant decreases in BALF CD4+ T‐cell accumulation and mRNA expression of Th2‐attracting chemokines, CCL17 and CCL22, which was accompanied by significantly decreased BALF CD11c+CD11b+ inflammatory DC accumulation and CCL2 production. Furthermore, airway administration of exogenous CCL2 or adoptive transfer of CD11c+CD11b+ BMDCs abrogated the suppressive effects of chemerin on allergic asthma. Finally, in vitro study showed that chemerin inhibited CCL2 secretion by low‐dose LPS‐stimulated lung epithelial cells, which led to decreased chemotaxis of BMDCs.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that chemerin plays a protective role in allergic asthma by suppressing airway recruitment of inflammatory CD11c+CD11b+ DCs through the inhibition of CCL2 secretion by active lung epithelial cells.
To infiltrate or not? Acute effects of local anaesthetic in breast surgery
Authors: Campbell Ian , Cavanagh Shelley , Creighton Jane , French Rowan , Banerjee Shramana , Kerr Emily , Shirley Rachel
Published: April 2014

Background

There is limited evidence to support use of local anaesthetic (LA) wound infiltration in breast surgery. This study seeks to examine whether wound infiltration of bupivacaine (0.25%) decreases post‐operative pain and analgesic use, without increasing post‐operative complications.

Methods

A prospective single‐blind study was undertaken of 90 patients undergoing breast lump excision, wide local excision and mastectomy with or without axillary surgery. Patients were randomized to receive infiltration with bupivacaine (0.25%) into the surgical wound (Group LA) or no infiltration (Group No LA). Data on post‐operative analgesia use was collected. Pain scores were assessed at 1, 24, 48 h and 1 week with a visual analogue scale. Complications associated with wound healing were documented at the first post‐operative visit.

Results

Forty‐five patients received infiltration and 34 patients received none. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patient groups or surgical details. Analysis revealed Group LA used significantly less opioids than Group No LA during the first 48 h post‐op (3.42 mg versus 7.33 mg; P = 0.02). Overall, Group LA used half the total average opioid equivalent amount (5.04 mg versus 10.08 mg; P = 0.069). There were no significant differences in post‐operative pain scores or complications. Overall pain scores were low, suggesting effective analgesic use by nursing staff.

Discussion

LA infiltration during breast surgery has a marked opioid sparing effect, which has significant patient benefits as well as reducing nursing workload and drug costs.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy before mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction does not significantly delay surgery in early breast cancer
Authors: Mannu Gurdeep S. , Navi Ali , Hussien Maged
Published: April 2014

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) before mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) may help to avoid the negative cosmetic effects of radiotherapy on reconstructed breasts in lymph node‐positive patients. Concerns have been raised regarding possible delays whilst awaiting the SLNB result prior to definitive surgery, which needs to be performed within 31 days of cancer diagnosis. The aim was to investigate whether initial SLNB delays mastectomy and IBR.

Methods

All patients who had IBR between January 2005 and 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Before October 2005 axillary staging was performed simultaneously with mastectomy and IBR (Group I). After October 2005, SLNB was performed as an initial procedure and patients with positive SLNB were only offered a temporary tissue expander to be replaced by autogenous reconstruction after completing the cancer treatment (Group II). Date of diagnosis and waiting times were recorded and the two groups were compared. Different reasons for delays in treatment were studied.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐nine IBR (123 patients) were included in the statistical analysis (67 IBR in Group I and 72 IBR in Group II). Seventy‐one patients (57.7%) had no delay (mean waiting time of 23 days). Fifty‐two patients (42.3%) had delay longer than 31 days (mean waiting time of 66 days). Group I patients had a mean waiting time (standard deviation) of 38.8 (38) days and Group II patients 42.7 (24) days (p = 0.51).

Conclusions

In this group of patients, SLNB before mastectomy and IBR does not significantly delay definitive breast cancer surgery.
Simultaneous laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy to treat an elderly patient with a large paraesophageal hernia: A case report
Authors: Mimatsu Kenji , Oida Takatsugu , Kida Kazutoshi , Fukino Nobutada , Kawasaki Atsushi , Kano Hisao , Kuboi Youichi , Amano Sadao
Published: April 2014

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and gastrostomy are often performed in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease. With a population that is increasingly aging, the number of elderly patients with paraesophageal hernia who have a nutritional disorder due to dysphagia has increased. In these patients with feeding difficulties, LNF and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are effective procedures for providing nutritional support. Here, we describe the case of an 82‐year‐old woman with paraesophageal hernia and certain comorbidities. She was receiving enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube, which was discontinued because aspiration pneumonia occurred. Therefore, LNF and crural repair without mesh placement were performed. The PEG tube was placed using the Ponsky pull technique under direct visualization with a laparoscope and gastroscope. The patient's nutritional status improved after she received enteral nutrition through the PEG tube. Thus, LNF and PEG may be useful techniques for nutritional support in elderly patients with a large paraesophageal hernia.
Simultaneous laparoscopic colorectal resection and pulmonary resection by minithoracotomy: Report of four cases
Authors: Tsukahara Tetsuo , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Oshiro Taihei , Fujita Shin , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Watanabe Shun‐ichi
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer by laparoscopy and a pulmonary lesion through minithoracotomy. Four patients underwent laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer followed by pulmonary resection. The mean operative duration was 390 min and the mean blood loss was 133 mL. The postoperative course was uneventful. The indication for simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer by the laparoscopic approach and a pulmonary lesion is controversial. This method is safe and feasible in selected patients, but whether colorectal resection or pulmonary surgery is performed first should be determined on a case‐by‐case basis.
Laparoscopic lysis for jejunostomy‐related ileus following laparoscopy‐assisted total gastrectomy: A case report
Authors: Inoue Taisuke , Ikeda Yoshifumi , Ogawa Etsushi , Horikawa Masahiro , Inaba Tsuyoshi , Fukushima Ryoji
Published: April 2014

A 54‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital with severe nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. He had had laparoscopy‐assisted total gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction and tube jejunostomy for gastric cancer 2 years earlier. Abdominal CT revealed that the duodenum and upper jejunum were markedly dilated and that the dilated jejunum had collapsed at the jejunostomy site. Emergency laparoscopic surgery with three ports was performed for jejunostomy‐related ileus. Abdominal adhesion was very small, and the Roux‐en‐Y limb was rotated counterclockwise at the jejunostomy site. A magnified laparoscopic view showed that the site of peritoneopexy was the axis of rotation. After the axis was dissected with a Harmonic scalpel, the rotation was released immediately. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged 4 days after the operation. Because the axis of rotation was identified easily by laparoscope, laparoscopic surgery was a safe and useful technique for a patient with jejunostomy‐related ileus.
Advancement and benefit of energy sealing in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Shabbir Asim , Dargan Dallan
Published: April 2014

Energy sealing has advanced rapidly in the last decade with many new devices becoming available. The rate and variety of advances in technology facilitate new and existing techniques, with ultrasonic shears and electrothermal bipolar graspers forming a vital but changing part of the modern surgeon's armamentarium. Advances including the combination of ultrasonic and bipolar systems, the addition of cutting blades, tissue impedance sensors, and electrode configurations with reduced lateral thermal spread have heralded new opportunities in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. Reduced operating times, lower postoperative pain scores, and shorter length of stay are offset by the additional cost of such instruments. Reduced instrument exchange, improved smoke evacuation, and shorter surgeries by trainees with some devices are benefits that set the scene for further innovation in this vibrant sector.
How I determine if and when to recommend stopping tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Ross David M. , Hughes Timothy P.
Published: April 2014

Treatment‐free remission (TFR) has recently emerged as a goal of treatment in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Molecular remission is sustained in around 30% of imatinib‐treated patients who stop treatment after ≥2 years with undetectable minimal residual disease (UMRD) by conventional real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. An additional 20–30% of patients will lose UMRD, but remain in stable major molecular remission off treatment. Most patients with molecular recurrence have a significant increase in BCR‐ABL1 within the first 6 months off treatment, but there are also rare late relapses. As re‐treatment with imatinib restores control, a trial of TFR is safe so long as careful molecular monitoring is provided to enable prompt re‐treatment. The minimum eligibility criteria for a trial of TFR are not yet defined, but the available data support a MRD level of around a molecular response of 4·5 log for at least 2 years. Factors associated with a higher probability of TFR include low risk Sokal score, prior interferon treatment, longer total duration of imatinib treatment and higher numbers of natural killer cells at the time of imatinib discontinuation. Preliminary data suggest that the rate of TFR in patients treated with more potent tyrosine kinase inhibitors will probably be higher. The biology that underlies TFR is an area of active investigation.
Anticytomegalovirus antibody titres are not associated with caregiving burden in younger caregivers
Authors: Vitlic Ana , Phillips Anna C. , Gallagher Stephen , Oliver Chris , Lord Janet M. , Moss Paul
Published: April 2014

Objective

This analysis examines whether or not younger caregivers, parents of children with developmental disabilities, differed from controls in terms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity and CMV‐specific antibody titre. Secondly, it examined whether any particular socio‐demographics, health behaviours, or psychological/caregiving variables were associated with a higher CMV antibody titre among caregivers.

Design

Young caregivers and age‐ and sex‐matched controls were compared with respect to their reported health behaviour and psychosocial status as well as latent virus control.

Methods

One hundred and seventeen parents of children with developmental disabilities and 52 control parents completed standard measures of health behaviours, socio‐demographics, perceived stress, depression and anxiety, caregiver burden, child problem behaviours. They also provided a blood sample assayed for the presence of CMV‐specific antibody.

Results

Caregivers were no more likely to be CMV positive than controls and did not have higher antibody titres against CMV. In addition, there was no association between CMV antibody titre in seropositive caregivers and any of the psychological/caregiving variables. However, higher CMV antibody titres were significantly associated with a higher BMI, lower exercise levels, smoking, and lower fruit and vegetable and fat intake among seropositive caregivers.

Conclusions

These data suggest that in the absence of immunosenescence, the chronic stress of caregiving is not sufficient to compromise the immune response to persistent CMV infection. However, an indirect mechanism to poorer health in caregivers might be via adoption of disadvantageous health behaviours in response to stress.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Older caregivers of spouses with dementia show a poorer immune response against latent viruses when compared to age‐ and sex‐matched controls.

Younger parental caregivers of children with developmental disabilities show a poorer antibody response to vaccination.

What does this study add?

The study showed no association between caregiving stress and CMV antibody titre in young caregivers.

There were higher CMV antibody titres in the caregivers who engage in unhealthy behaviours.
Football and Biodiversity Conservation: FIFA and Brazil Can Still Hit a Green Goal
Authors: Melo Felipe P. , Siqueira José A. , Santos Bráulio A. , Álvares‐da‐Silva Orione , Ceballos Gerardo , Bernard Enrico
Published: April 2014

A seleção do tatu‐bola (Tolypeutes tricinctus), uma espécie endêmica e ameaçada do Brasil como o mascote oficial da Copa do Mundo FIFA 2014 é significativa e representa uma grande oportunidade para engajar os parceiros do maior evento esportivo do mundo emu ma agenda efetiva de conservação. Frente ao mal estado de conservação da espécie escolhida e de seu habitat principal, a Caatinga do nordeste do Brasil, nós encorajamos a FIFA e o Governo Brasileiro a incorporarem três ações conservacionistas concretas no legado prometido para a Copa. Ainda há tempo para um grande gol ambiental e provocamos a FIFA e o Brasil a estabelecerem uma meta ambiciosa: para cada gol marcado na Copa, ao menos 1000 hectares de Caatinga devem ser protegidos como parques e reservas.
Expression of CD24 is associated with HER2 expression and supports HER2‐Akt signaling in HER2‐positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Hosonaga Mari , Arima Yoshimi , Sugihara Eiji , Kohno Norio , Saya Hideyuki
Published: April 2014

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer is treated with HER2‐targeted agents, such as trastuzumab and lapatinib, that suppress signaling by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt and MAPK pathways. However, resistance to HER2‐targeted therapy remains a major clinical problem. Overexpression of CD24 has been detected in many cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis in women with breast cancer. HER2‐positive breast tumors are predominantly positive for CD24, suggesting that the expression of the two molecules is related. To investigate the relation between HER2 and CD24, we overexpressed HER2 in breast cancer cells that were triple‐negative for the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2. We found that expression of CD24 was increased by stable overexpression of HER2. Flow cytometry thus revealed that the percentage of CD24‐positive cells was markedly higher in the HER2‐positive fraction than in the HER2‐negative fraction. Knockdown of CD24 in breast cancer cells positive for endogenous HER2 downregulated HER2 expression, whereas knockdown of HER2 did not affect the expression of CD24. Knockdown of CD24 also suppressed the phosphorylation of Akt, which functions downstream of HER2 and PI3K to promote cell survival. Moreover, knockdown of CD24 increased the sensitivity of HER2‐positive breast cancer cells to lapatinib treatment. Our results thus indicate that CD24 supports both the expression of HER2 and the consequent activation of PI3K‐Akt signaling. Furthermore, CD24 may contribute to resistance to HER2‐targeted therapy and, therefore, is itself a potential therapeutic target in HER2‐positive breast cancer.
Functional polymorphisms in the NPAS2 gene are associated with overall survival in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization‐treated hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Yuan Peng , Wang Shen , Zhou Feng , Wan Shaogui , Yang Yefa , Huang Xiaojun , Zhang Zhaohui , Zhu Yong , Zhang Hongxin , Xing Jinliang
Published: April 2014

The functional abnormality of circadian regulation genes is involved in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the association between functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in circadian gene NPAS2 and the overall survival of HCC patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has never been investigated. Six functional SNPs in the NPAS2 gene were genotyped using the Sequenom iPLEX genotyping system in a cohort of 448 unresectable Chinese patients with HCC treated with TACE. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier curves were used for the prognosis analysis. We found that two SNPs, rs1053096 and rs2305160, in the NPAS2 gene showed significant associations with overall death risk in HCC patients in the recessive model (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.94; P = 0.004) and in the dominant model (HR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.29–2.07; P < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, we observed a cumulative effect of these two SNPs on HCC overall survival, indicating a significant trend of increasing death risk with increasing number of unfavorable genotypes (P for trend < 0.001). Compared with the patients without any unfavorable genotypes, the HRs for patients with one and two unfavorable genotypes were 1.41 (95% CI, 1.10–1.82; P = 0.007) and 2.09 (95% CI, 1.46–2.97, P < 0.001), respectively. The haplotype and diplotype analyses further characterized the association between NPAS2 genotype and survival of HCC patients. Our results for the first time suggest that NPAS2 gene polymorphisms may serve as an independent prognostic marker for HCC patients treated with TACE.
Evaluation of aquaporin‐4 antibody assays
Authors: Waters Patrick J. , Pittock Sean J. , Bennett Jeffrey L. , Jarius Sven , Weinshenker Brian G. , Wingerchuk Dean M.
Published: April 2014

Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is a water channel protein that is most highly, but not exclusively, expressed in the central nervous system. In 2005 AQP4 was shown to be the antigenic target of neuromyelitis optica‐immunoglobulin G (NMO‐IgG, or AQP4‐IgG), an antibody found specifically in patients with NMO and in formes frustes of NMO, such as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) or optic neuritis (ON). This discovery facilitated the clinical, pathological, and radiological distinction of NMO and the spectrum of NMO‐related disorders from classical multiple sclerosis. In addition to its use as a diagnostic tool, AQP4‐IgG predicts a high risk of relapse in patients with a clinically isolated syndrome of either LETM or ON. As disability in NMO is attack‐related, early diagnosis and treatment are predicted to have a major effect on long‐term disability. Thus, the importance of sensitive and specific assays to detect AQP4‐IgG cannot be overstated. Both academic institutions and commercial companies have developed assays to identify AQP4‐IgG in patients' sera or cerebrospinal fluid. Both AQP4 isoforms from different species have been used as the antigenic target in the form of frozen tissue sections in indirect immunofluorescence assays, partially purified protein for fluorescence immunoprecipitation assay, radioimmunoprecipitation assay or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, or transfected into cells for cell based assays or flow cytometry. We carried out a systematic review of the literature reporting different methodologies used to identify AQP4‐IgG, examine whether longitudinal AQP4‐IgG titers predict relapses in seropositive patients, and attempt to establish a reasonable timeframe for retesting negative serum samples.
Changes in physical activity during a weight loss intervention and follow‐up: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fuller N. R. , Williams K. , Shrestha R. , Ahern A. L. , Holzapfel C. , Hauner H. , Jebb S. A. , Caterson I. D.
Published: April 2014

Physical activity is an important component in weight loss treatment and weight maintenance. We evaluated the physical activity component of two weight loss programmes, either standard care (SC) as defined by national guidelines, or a commercial programme (CP; Weight Watchers) over the period of weight loss and follow‐up. 772 adults (mean body mass index: 31.4 ± 2.6 kg m−2) were recruited by primary care practices in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany, and randomly assigned to 12 months SC, or the CP. They were then followed up at 24 months. Change in physical activity levels were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)‐short form, and pedometer recordings. Both groups reported increases in physical activity using the IPAQ from baseline to 12 months and 24 months (within groups P < 0.0001) and in pedometer steps from baseline to 12 months only (within groups P < 0.0001). Differences between groups with both methods of assessment were not significant. There was a significant difference in weight loss between the groups at 12 months favouring the CP group; however, this statistical difference was not maintained at 24 months. In conclusion, despite similar increases in reported activity, there were significant differences in weight loss and regain between groups. Therefore, greater weight loss seen with the CP is unlikely to be due to increases in physical activity. Trends in pedometer steps mirrored changes in weight over time more closely than the IPAQ; however, both assessment tools have limitations. Better activity assessment measures are needed to more accurately gauge changes in physical activity during weight loss interventions.
Hemodynamic outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the CoreValve system: an early assessment
Authors: da Silva Cristina , Sahlen Anders , Winter Reidar , Bäck Magnus , Rück Andreas , Settergren Magnus , Manouras Aristomenis , Shahgaldi Kambiz
Published: April 2014

Background and Aims

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established method for the treatment of high‐risk patients with aortic stenosis (AS). The beneficial effects of TAVI in cardiac hemodynamics have been described in recent studies, but those investigations were mostly performed after an interval of more than 6 months following aortic valve implantation. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute and short‐term alterations in hemodynamic conditions using the echocardiography outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods and Results

A total of 60 patients (26 males, 34 females; age 84·7 ± 5·8) who underwent TAVI with CoreValve system were included in the study. Echocardiography was performed before hospital discharge and at 3 months follow‐up. As expected, TAVI was associated with an immediate significant improvement in aortic valve area (AVA) (from 0·64 ± 0·16 cm2 to 1·67 ± 0·41 cm2, P‐value<0·001) and mean gradient (from 51·9 ± 15·4 mmHg to 8·8 ± 3·8 mmHg, P‐value<0·001). At 3‐month follow‐up, systolic LV function was augmented (EF: 50 ± 14% to 54 ± 11%, P‐value = 0·024). Left ventricle (LV) mass and left atrium (LA) volume were significantly reduced (LV mass index from 126·5 ± 30·5 g m−2 to 102·4 ± 32·4 g m−2; LA index from 42·9 ± 17·3 ml m−2 to 33·6 ± 10·6 ml m−2; P‐value<0·001 for both). Furthermore, a decrement in systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) from 47·5 ± 13·5 mmHg to 42·5 ± 11·2 mmHg, P‐value = 0·02 was also observed. Despite the high incidence of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) (80%), most of the patients presented mild or trace PVR and no significant progress of the regurgitation grade was seen after 3 months.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the beneficial effects of TAVI in cardiac function and hemodynamics occur already after a short period following aortic valve implantation.
Tacrolimus dose requirements in African‐American and Caucasian kidney transplant recipients on mycophenolate and prednisone
Authors: Beermann Kristi J. , Ellis Matthew J. , Sudan Debra L. , Harris Matthew T.
Published: April 2014

Racial differences among kidney transplant recipients may impact the total daily tacrolimus dose required to achieve therapeutic tacrolimus concentrations. Previous studies suggest that African Americans require higher doses to achieve similar therapeutic drug concentrations compared with Caucasians. Data were collected on a total of 147 de novo kidney transplant recipients. Tacrolimus total daily dose (TDD) requirements (mg/kg/d) and tacrolimus concentrations were retrospectively reviewed at discharge and at days 30, 60, and 90 after transplant. TDD requirements in African‐American and Caucasian patients were 0.14 mg/kg/d and 0.11 mg/kg/d, respectively (p = 0.005), at day 30. TDD requirements at day of hospital discharge and days 60 and 90 following transplant were significantly higher in African‐American patients vs. Caucasian patients, with similar tacrolimus concentrations at all time points. This study suggests that when compared to Caucasians, African Americans require significantly higher TDD of tacrolimus to achieve similar tacrolimus concentrations. These findings provide transplant clinicians with a sense of certainty to more rapidly titrate daily tacrolimus doses in African‐American patients to achieve therapeutic concentrations.
CD10 is useful to identify gastrointestinal contamination in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) cytology from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Vigliar E. , Troncone G. , Bracale U. , Iaccarino A. , Napolitano V. , Bellevicine C.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) cytology is an effective tool to diagnose pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Standard morphological criteria are usually reliable. When contaminating gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial cells are prevalent among neoplastic cells, these can be highlighted by carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) staining. CD10 is a cell‐surface metallopeptidase normally expressed by the GI epithelial apical border, whose expression is decreased or lost in PDA. We included CD10 in a panel, together with CEA, to discriminate the GI contaminant cells from PDA cells on cell blocks.

Methods

Eight cases of EUS‐FNA of PDA, featuring both contaminating GI cells and neoplastic cells, whose corresponding cell blocks were available for immunostaining, were selected. CD10 and CEA were stained on cell blocks by standard methods.

Results

CD10 strongly labelled only the GI cells, with a well‐defined apical membrane signal; conversely, GI cells did not show CEA staining; benign duodenal cells were faintly labelled in only one case. Malignant cells were positive for CEA and negative for CD10, with the exception of one case with labelled neoplastic cells with weak diffuse cytoplasmic positivity. CD10 apical membrane staining was a feature only seen in benign GI cells.

Conclusions

As a loss of CD10 is a consistent feature of PDA, this marker can be useful, together with CEA, to aid the cytopathologist to identify neoplastic cells in a background rich in GI contaminant cells.
Cognitive control moderates early childhood temperament in predicting social behavior in 7‐year‐old children: an ERP study
Authors: Lamm Connie , Walker Olga L. , Degnan Kathryn A. , Henderson Heather A. , Pine Daniel S. , McDermott Jennifer Martin , Fox Nathan A.
Published: April 2014

Behavioral inhibition (BI) is a temperament associated with heightened vigilance and fear of novelty in early childhood, and social reticence and increased risk for anxiety problems later in development. However, not all behaviorally inhibited children develop signs of anxiety. One mechanism that might contribute to the variability in developmental trajectories is the recruitment of cognitive‐control resources. The current study measured N2 activation, an ERP (event‐related potential) associated with cognitive control, and modeled source‐space activation (LORETA; Low Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography) at 7 years of age while children performed a go/no‐go task. Activation was estimated for the entire cortex and then exported for four regions of interest: ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dorsal ACC), and dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). BI was measured in early childhood (ages 2 and 3 years). Anxiety problems and social reticence were measured at 7 years of age to ascertain stability of temperamental style. Results revealed that BI was associated with increased performance accuracy, longer reaction times, greater (more negative) N2 activation, and higher estimated dorsal ACC and DLPFC activation. Furthermore, early BI was only associated with social reticence at age 7 at higher (more negative) levels of N2 activation or higher estimated dorsal ACC or DLPFC activation. Results are discussed in the context of overcontrolled behavior contributing to social reticence and signs of anxiety in middle childhood.
The oldest known priapulid‐like scalidophoran animal and its implications for the early evolution of cycloneuralians and ecdysozoans
Authors: Liu Yunhuan , Xiao Shuhai , Shao Tiequan , Broce Jesse , Zhang Huaqiao
Published: April 2014

Morphological phylogenetic analyses suggest that scalidophorans (priapulids, loriciferans, and kinorhynchs) and nematoids (nematodes and nematomorphs) form the ecdysozoan clade Cycloneuralia, which is a sister group to panarthropods. It has been proposed that extant priapulids and Cambrian priapulid‐like scalidophorans, because of their conserved evolution, have the potential to illuminate the ancestral morphology, ecology, and developmental biology of highly derived ecdysozoans such as nematods and arthropods. As such, Cambrian fossils, particularly Markuelia and possibly olivooids, can inform the early evolution of scalidophorans, cycloneuralians, and ecdysozoans. However, the scalidophoran Markuelia is known exclusively as embryo fossils, and the olivooids have been alternatively interpreted as cnidarians or cycloneuralians. Here, we describe a post‐embryonic scalidophoran fossil Eopriapulites sphinx new genus and species, which represents the oldest known scalidophoran, from the early Cambrian Period (∼535 Ma) in South China. E. sphinx is similar to modern scalidophorans in having an introvert armed with hollow scalids, a collar with coronal scalids, and a pharynx with pharyngeal teeth, but its scalids and pharyngeal teeth are arranged in a hexaradial pattern. Phylogenetically resolved as a stem‐group scalidophoran, E. sphinx shares a hexaradial pattern with the hexaradial arrangement of certain anatomical structures in kinorhynchs, loriciferans, nematoids, and Cambrian fossils such as Eolympia pediculata, which could also be a scalidophoran. Thus, the bodyplan of ancestral cycloneuralians may have had a component of hexaradial symmetry (i.e., some but not necessarily all anatomical parts are hexaradially arranged). If panarthropods are nested within paraphyletic cycloneuralians, as several molecular phylogenetic analyses suggest, the ancestral ecdysozoans may have been a legless worm possibly with a component of hexaradial symmetry.
Terminal hypothermic Tau.P301L mice have increased Tau phosphorylation independently of glycogen synthase kinase 3α/β
Authors: Maurin Hervé , Lechat Benoit , Borghgraef Peter , Devijver Herman , Jaworski Tomasz , Van Leuven Fred
Published: April 2014

The microtubule‐associated protein Tau is responsible for a large group of neurodegenerative disorders, known as tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. Tauopathy result from augmented and/or aberrant phosphorylation of Tau. Besides aging and various genetic and epigenetic defects that remain largely unknown, an important non‐genetic agent that contributes is hypothermia, eventually caused by anesthesia. Remarkably, tauopathy in brains of hibernating mammals is not pathogenic, and, because it is fully reversible, is even considered to be neuroprotective. Here, we assessed the terminal phase of Tau.P301L mice and bigenic crosses with mice lacking glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)α completely, or GSK3β specifically in neurons. We also analysed biGT bigenic mice that co‐express Tau.P301L with GSK3β.S9A and develop severe forebrain tauopathy with age. We found that the precocious mortality of Tau.P301L mice was typified by hypothermia that aggravated Tau phosphorylation, but, surprisingly, independently of GSK3α/β. The important contribution of hypothermia at the time of death of mice with tauopathy suggests that body temperature should be included as a parameter in the analysis of pre‐clinical models, and, by extension, in patients suffering from tauopathy.
Reduction of rat brain CD8+ T‐cells by levodopa/benserazide treatment after experimental stroke
Authors: Kuric Enida , Ruscher Karsten
Published: April 2014

The activation of inflammatory cascades in the ischemic hemisphere impairs mechanisms of tissue reorganization with consequences for recovery of lost neurological function. Recruitment of T‐cell populations to the post‐ischemic brain occurs and represents a significant part of the inflammatory response. This study was conducted to investigate if treatment with levodopa, potentially acting as an immunomodulator, affects the T‐cell accumulation in the post‐ischemic brain. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (tMCAO) for 105 min followed by levodopa/benserazide treatment (20 mg/kg/15 mg/kg) for 5 days initiated on day 2 post‐stroke. One week after tMCAO, T‐cell populations were analysed from brains, and levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1, IL‐4, IL‐5, interferon gamma and IL‐13 were analysed. After levodopa/benserazide treatment, we found a significant reduction of cytotoxic T‐cells (CD3+CD8+) in the ischemic hemisphere together with reduced levels of T‐cell‐associated cytokine IL‐5, while other T‐cell populations (CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD4+CD25+) were unchanged compared with vehicle‐treated rats. Moreover, a reduced number of cells was associated with reduced levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, expressed in endothelial cells, in the infarct core of levodopa/benserazide‐treated animals. Together, we provide the first evidence that dopamine can act as a potential immunomodulator by attenuating inflammation in the post‐ischemic brain.
B‐cell activating factor detected on both naïve and memory B cells in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Qian Hua , Kusuhara Masahiro , Li Xiaoguang , Tsuruta Daisuke , Tsuchisaka Atsunari , Ishii Norito , Koga Hiroshi , Hayakawa Taihei , Ohara Koji , Karashima Tadashi , Ohyama Bungo , Ohata Chika , Furumura Minao , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: April 2014

B‐cell activating factor (BAFF), an important immune regulatory cytokine, is involved in development of autoimmune diseases. Although BAFF is expressed in various cells, including dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes, BAFF expression on B cells has not been well documented. In the present study, BAFF molecules on DCs and naïve and memory B cells in autoimmune bullous diseases, including pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus and bullous pemphigoid (BP), were analysed by flow cytometry. Compared with healthy controls (HC), BAFF expression on naïve and memory B cells increased significantly in BP. No difference in BAFF receptor expression in naïve and memory B cells was shown among all study groups. Furthermore, BAFF expression in both naïve and memory B cells of BP, but not HC, was detected by confocal microscopic analysis. These results implied that BAFF expressed by B cells may play a pathogenic role in autoimmune bullous diseases, particularly BP.
Quiescent melanocytes form primary cilia
Authors: Le Coz Madeleine , Benmerah Alexandre , Larue Lionel
Published: April 2014

We show, for the first time, that melanocytes can form a primary cilium in vitro, corresponding to an immotile or sensory cilium. Such cilia are observed when melanocytes reach confluence or when medium nutrient levels are insufficient. This observation should greatly improve our understanding of the signal transduction processes potentially occurring in these cells during embryonic development, homeostasis in adulthood and melanomagenesis.
Ultraviolet light protection by a sunscreen prevents interferon‐driven skin inflammation in cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zahn Sabine , Graef Medina , Patsinakidis Nikolaos , Landmann Aysche , Surber Christian , Wenzel Joerg , Kuhn Annegret
Published: April 2014

Irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light is an important exacerbating factor in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and induces various effects in the skin of patients with the disease, such as cell death and inflammation. Recently, we demonstrated the ability of a broad‐spectrum sunscreen to prevent UV‐induced damage both in patients with CLE and healthy controls (HCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the UV‐dependent activation of interferon (IFN)‐driven inflammation in CLE can also be prevented by application of the sunscreen. In 20 patients with different subtypes of CLE and 10 HCs, defined areas on the upper back were treated with a broad‐spectrum liposomal sunscreen 20 min prior to a combined standardized UVA/UVB irradiation. Immunohistological analyses using antibodies directed against MxA, CD11c, CD123 and CD68 were performed from skin biopsies taken from areas before UV irradiation as well as from sunscreen‐treated and sunscreen‐untreated areas 24 and 72 h after UV irradiation. The expression of MxA was completely prevented by the sunscreen applied prior to UV irradiation in CLE patients and HCs. Additionally, sunscreen protection significantly diminished the number of the CD11c‐ and CD123‐positive dendritic cells, which are suggested to be a major source of type I/III IFNs, in UV‐irradiated skin of patients with CLE. Moreover, the application of the sunscreen prevented the increase in CD68‐positive macrophages in both groups 72 h after UV irradiation. The data of this study demonstrate that UV protection reduces lesional tissue damage and inhibits the typical IFN‐driven inflammatory response in CLE.
Comparison of search strategies in systematic reviews of adverse effects to other systematic reviews
Authors: Golder Su , Loke Yoon K. , Zorzela Liliane
Published: April 2014

Background

Research indicates that the methods used to identify data for systematic reviews of adverse effects may need to differ from other systematic reviews.

Objectives

To compare search methods in systematic reviews of adverse effects with other reviews.

Methods

The search methodologies in 849 systematic reviews of adverse effects were compared with other reviews.

Results

Poor reporting of search strategies is apparent in both systematic reviews of adverse effects and other types of systematic reviews. Systematic reviews of adverse effects are less likely to restrict their searches to MEDLINE or include only randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The use of other databases is largely dependent on the topic area and the year the review was conducted, with more databases searched in more recent reviews.

Adverse effects search terms are used by 72% of reviews and despite recommendations only two reviews report using floating subheadings.

Conclusions

The poor reporting of search strategies in systematic reviews is universal, as is the dominance of searching MEDLINE. However, reviews of adverse effects are more likely to include a range of study designs (not just RCTs) and search beyond MEDLINE.
Deformation and fracture incidence of Reciproc instruments: a clinical evaluation
Authors: Plotino G. , Grande N. M. , Porciani P. F.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate the incidence of fracture and deformation observed on Reciproc instruments after clinical use.

Methodology

A total of 1696 Reciproc NiTi instruments that were discarded after normal clinical usage over 30 months were collected. Of these 1580 instruments were R25 (93%), 76 were R40 (5%), and 40 were R50 (2%). The treatments included 3780 root canal preparations, 3023 primary treatments and 757 retreatments. Root canal preparation was standardized and followed the manufacturer's directions for the use of Reciproc files without creating prior glide path with hand instruments. In retreatment cases, Reciproc R25 instrument was used to remove all filling material and to complete the preparation. Each instrument was used for shaping only one tooth. All the instruments used were inspected under a microscope to detect signs of fracture or deformation and, if any fracture existed, the length of the files was measured. Data were analysed using a chi‐square test with a level of significance set at P < .05.

Results

A total of 8 Reciproc R25 instruments fractured during treatment, which represents 0.47% of the number of instruments used and 0.21% of the root canals treated. Five instruments fractured in primary treatment cases and three instruments during retreatments. Six Reciproc R25 deformed during clinical use (0.35% of the number of instruments used and 0.15% of the root canals treated), four during retreatments and two during primary treatments. The deformation reported was unwinding of the blades, one at 1 mm from the tip and five between 2 and 3 mm from the tip. No deformations or fracture were registered for the Reciproc R40 and R50 instruments.

Conclusions

Root canal instrumentation following the manufacturer's instructions can be performed with Reciproc instruments with a very low incidence of instrument fracture and deformation.
EFFECTIVE PERSUASION
Authors: Chen Ying , Olszewski Wojciech
Published: April 2014

Do elementary statistics or equilibrium theory deliver any insight regarding how we should argue in debates? We provide an answer in a model in which each discussant wants to convince the audience that a specific state holds. If the discussants' payoffs in the audience's posterior are concave above and convex below the prior and exhibit loss aversion, then the leading discussant should give precedence to the weaker argument, and the follower should respond to a weak argument weakly and to a strong argument strongly. Such characterizations are also obtained for the case of choosing between independent and correlated arguments.
A GAME THEORETIC FOUNDATION OF COMPETITIVE EQUILIBRIA WITH ADVERSE SELECTION
Authors: Netzer Nick , Scheuer Florian
Published: April 2014

We construct an extensive form game that captures competitive markets with adverse selection. It allows firms to offer any finite set of contracts, so that cross‐subsidization is not ruled out. Moreover, firms can withdraw from the market after initial contract offers have been observed. We show that a subgame perfect equilibrium always exists. In fact, when withdrawal is costless, the set of equilibrium outcomes may correspond to the entire set of feasible contracts. We then focus on robust equilibria that continue to exist for small withdrawal costs. We show that the Miyazaki–Wilson contracts are the unique robust equilibrium outcome.
IRRATIONALITY‐PROOFNESS: MARKETS VERSUS GAMES
Authors: Mandler Michael
Published: April 2014

How robust are economic models to the introduction of irrational agents? The Pareto efficiency of competitive equilibria is not robust since one irrational agent leads to inefficiency. But the property that rational agents cannot use their own resources to Pareto improve on their competitive allocation holds regardless of the number of irrational agents. Full production efficiency can be robust as well, but irrational firms introduce a trade‐off between efficiency and the attainment of Pareto improvements. Regarding games, I show that while existing implementation mechanisms are sensitive to the presence of irrational agents, there are robust alternatives with attractive welfare properties.