bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Antioxidant Capacity and Oxidative Stability of Esterified Phenolic Lipids in Selected Edible Oils
Authors: Aziz Sarya , Kermasha Selim
Published: February 2014

The research work was aimed at the determination of the antioxidant capacity (AOC) and the oxidative stability of phenolic lipids (PLs), obtained by lipase‐catalyzed transesterification of phenolic acids (PAs) with selected edible oils (EOs), including flaxseed (FSO), fish liver (FO), and krill (KO) oils. The statistical analyses (Tukey's test at P < 0.05) revealed that the difference in AOC between that of the esterified FSO (EFSO) and the esterified krill oil (EKO) containing PLs and their control trials of EOs was significant (P < 0.05). To evaluate the storage stability, the EOs and their esterified products were subjected to 2 oxidation treatments. The experimental findings showed that the esterified EOs had higher oxidative stability when they were subjected to light, oxygen, and agitation at 50 °C as compared to that of the EOs; however, only the esterified fish oil (EFO) showed a significant difference in its peroxide value, when the esterified EOs were placed in the dark at 25 °C. Overall, the phenolic mono‐ and diacyglycerols present in the EOs have shown to be potential antioxidants in improving the oxidative stability of the oil and enhancing its AOC.
The Impact of Innovation in Geotechnology on Energy and the Environment
Authors: Page Carter W.
Published: February 2014

A largely open‐source approach to energy technology has been a core catalyst of the transformation that has begun to reshape global markets in recent years. Reflecting the unpredictable characteristics of technological innovation, these changes have had an associated impact on theories that had long served as an accepted framework for the energy industry. Similar to the revolution seen on the supply side of natural gas markets over the past decade, somewhat analogous developments are now arising on the demand side of the equation. Natural gas offers significant advantages relative to current energy consumption given its lower global carbon emissions and decrease in local pollution. By shifting policy focus towards a cleaner and abundant global resource, natural gas offers a means of achieving significant incremental capacity that has made a material impact on meeting future energy requirements while also incrementally improving the environment.
The Shifting Currents of Bioscience Innovation
Authors: Hoffman William
Published: February 2014

Arising from its roots in the US, biotechnology today is a global enterprise. Cutting‐edge tools are transforming traditional models of drug discovery and development and diagnostic testing. They are enabling the potential for large‐scale production of renewable fuels, biodegradable materials, safer industrial chemicals and food crops grown under harsh conditions. The practice of technological innovation in the industrial era – the systematic application of ideas, inventions and technology to markets, trade and social systems – is now being joined with the code of life through rapid DNA sequencing and synthesis technologies. The pace of bioscience innovation is also influenced by geographic concentration of research, entrepreneurship and investment (clusters). Policy makers are just beginning to consider and debate the implications of the new biological technologies: the promises they hold for global public health, natural resource conservation, and economic growth, and the risks they pose from their power and accessibility around the world.
3D Printing: New Economic Paradigms and Strategic Shifts
Authors: Garrett Banning
Published: February 2014

3D printing (3DP) is a classic disruptive technology that is likely to have a huge and widespread impact on the world. This revolutionary technology is likely to dramatically change business models, shift production location, shrink supply chains, and alter the global economic order, potentially degrading the importance of the Asian export manufacturing platforms and revitalizing the US innovation engine and the US economy. In the process, 3DP will change the ‘global operating environment’ for policy makers as well as business and labor. 3DP is already a proven ‘general purpose’ technology that is being used for an enormous range of applications, such as fabricating spare and new parts for planes, trains and automobiles and thousands of items in between. It has huge environmental benefits, including substantial reduction in resources consumed in production, manufacturing products only on demand, and ‘just in time production’ of goods at or near where they are consumed, greatly reducing the carbon footprint of goods produced and shipped thousands of miles to consumers.
Application of three‐dimensional computed tomography in craniofacial clinical practice and research
Authors: Anderson PJ , Yong R , Surman TL , Rajion ZA , Ranjitkar S
Published: February 2014

Following the invention of the first computed tomography (CT) scanner in the early 1970s, many innovations in three‐dimensional (3D) diagnostic imaging technology have occurred, leading to a wide range of applications in craniofacial clinical practice and research. Three‐dimensional image analysis provides superior and more detailed information compared with conventional plain two‐dimensional (2D) radiography, with the added benefit of 3D printing for preoperative treatment planning and regenerative therapy. Current state‐of‐the‐art multidetector CT (MDCT), also known as medical CT, has an important role in the diagnosis and management of craniofacial injuries and pathology. Three‐dimensional cone beam CT (CBCT), pioneered in the 1990s, is gaining increasing popularity in dental and craniofacial clinical practice because of its faster image acquisition at a lower radiation dose, but sound guidelines are needed to ensure its optimal clinical use. Recent innovations in micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) have revolutionized craniofacial biology research by enabling higher resolution scanning of teeth beyond the capabilities of MDCT and CBCT, presenting new prospects for translational clinical research. Even after four decades of refinement, CT technology continues to advance and broaden the horizons of craniofacial clinical practice and phenomics research.
Epigenetics: a new frontier in dentistry
Authors: Williams SD , Hughes TE , Adler CJ , Brook AH , Townsend GC
Published: February 2014

In 2007, only four years after the completion of the Human Genome Project, the journal Science announced that epigenetics was the ‘breakthrough of the year’. Time magazine placed it second in the top 10 discoveries of 2009. While our genetic code (i.e. our DNA) contains all of the information to produce the elements we require to function, our epigenetic code determines when and where genes in the genetic code are expressed. Without the epigenetic code, the genetic code is like an orchestra without a conductor. Although there is now a substantial amount of published research on epigenetics in medicine and biology, epigenetics in dental research is in its infancy. However, epigenetics promises to become increasingly relevant to dentistry because of the role it plays in gene expression during development and subsequently potentially influencing oral disease susceptibility. This paper provides a review of the field of epigenetics aimed specifically at oral health professionals. It defines epigenetics, addresses the underlying concepts and provides details about specific epigenetic molecular mechanisms. Further, we discuss some of the key areas where epigenetics is implicated, and review the literature on epigenetics research in dentistry, including its relevance to clinical disciplines. This review considers some implications of epigenetics for the future of dental practice, including a ‘personalized medicine’ approach to the management of common oral diseases.
InternationalConsensus on drug allergy
Authors: Demoly P. , Adkinson N. F. , Brockow K. , Castells M. , Chiriac A. M. , Greenberger P. A. , Khan D. A. , Lang D. M. , Park H.‐S. , Pichler W. , Sanchez‐Borges M. , Shiohara T. , Thong B. Y.‐H.
Published: February 2014

When drug reactions resembling allergy occur, they are called drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) before showing the evidence of either drug‐specific antibodies or T cells.DHRs may be allergic or nonallergic in nature, with drug allergies being immunologically mediatedDHRs. These reactions are typically unpredictable. They can be life‐threatening, may require or prolong hospitalization, and may necessitate changes in subsequent therapy. Both underdiagnosis (due to under‐reporting) and overdiagnosis (due to an overuse of the term ‘allergy’) are common. A definitive diagnosis of such reactions is required in order to institute adequate treatment options and proper preventive measures. Misclassification based solely on theDHRhistory without further testing may affect treatment options, result in adverse consequences, and lead to the use of more‐expensive or less‐effective drugs, in contrast to patients who had undergone a complete drug allergy workup. Several guidelines and/or consensus documents on general or specific drug class‐inducedDHRs are available to support the medical decision process. The use of standardized systematic approaches for the diagnosis and management ofDHRs carries the potential to improve outcomes and should thus be disseminated and implemented. Consequently, theInternationalCollaboration inAsthma,Allergy andImmunology (iCAALL), formed by theEuropeanAcademy ofAllergy andClinicalImmunology (EAACI), theAmericanAcademy ofAllergy,Asthma andImmunology (AAAAI), theAmericanCollege ofAllergy,Asthma andImmunology (ACAAI), and theWorldAllergyOrganization (WAO), has decided to issue anInternationalCONsensus (ICON) on drug allergy. The purpose of this document is to highlight the key messages that are common to many of the existing guidelines, while critically reviewing and commenting on any differences and deficiencies of evidence, thus providing a comprehensive reference document for the diagnosis and management of DHRs.
Emergence of type I restriction modification system‐negative emm1 type Streptococcus pyogenes clinical isolates in Japan
Authors: Okada Ryo , Matsumoto Masakado , Zhang Yan , Isaka Masanori , Tatsuno Ichiro , Hasegawa Tadao
Published: February 2014

Streptococcus pyogenes emm1 type is the dominant cause of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in Japan and many other developed countries. Recently, the number of STSS patients in Japan was reported to be increasing. Hence, we analyzed the S. pyogenes clinical isolates detected in Japan after 2005. We found that the regions encoding the Spy1908–1910 two‐component regulatory system and the adjacent type I restriction modification system were deleted in some emm1 type isolates. The isolates with the deletion were detected only in the emm1 strains that were isolated between 2010 and 2013, but not before 2010. Twenty‐six of 46 (56.5%) emm1 type isolates were isolated in 2010–2013, and among these isolates, five of seven (71.4%) emm1 type STSS isolates were shown to have that deletion. PFGE and PCR analysis for the presence of several pyrogenic exotoxin‐related genes suggested that the emm1 isolates with and without the deletion shared the same genetic background. The emm1 isolates with the deletion could incorporate exogenous plasmids by experimental electroporation transformation far more efficiently. These results suggested that the novel emm1 isolates have occupied a fairly large part of total emm1 isolates.
Long‐term metformin use reduces gastric cancer risk in type 2 diabetics without insulin treatment: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kim Y.‐I. , Kim S. Y. , Cho S.‐J. , Park J.‐H. , Choi I. J. , Lee Y. J. , Lee E. K. , Kook M.‐C. , Kim C. G. , Ryu K. W. , Kim Y.‐W.
Published: February 2014

Background

Metformin use has been associated with a decreased incidence and mortality of various cancers.

Aim

To evaluate the association between metformin use and gastric cancer.

Methods

We randomly selected 100 000 type 2 diabetic patients from the 2004 Korean National Health Insurance claim database, and assessed gastric cancer incidence among 39 989 patients (aged 30–97 years) who were regularly treated with anti‐diabetic drugs and followed‐up from 2004 to 2010. In total, 26 690 patients had used metformin out of 32 978 diabetics who had not regularly used insulin (insulin non‐users), and 5855 patients had used metformin out of 7011 regular insulin users.

Results

Patients who used metformin showed a lower incidence of gastric cancer than those who did not use metformin, in insulin non‐users (P = 0.047, log‐rank test). However, in patients on regular insulin, there was no difference of gastric cancer incidence according to metformin use. In insulin non‐users, the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) for metformin use was 0.73 (95% confidential interval [CI], 0.53–1.01) with borderline statistical significance (P = 0.059). Duration of metformin use was associated with the reduction in gastric cancer risk (AHR, 0.88; 95% CI 0.81–0.96, P = 0.003), especially in patients who used metformin for more than 3 years (AHR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37–0.87; P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Metformin use >3 years in type 2 diabetics who do not use insulin is associated with a significantly reduced gastric cancer risk.
Review article: fungal microbiota and digestive diseases
Authors: Wang Z. K. , Yang Y. S. , Stefka A. T. , Sun G. , Peng L. H.
Published: February 2014

Background

The role of the fungal microbiota in digestive diseases is poorly defined, but is becoming better understood due to advances in metagenomics.

Aim

To review the gastrointestinal fungal microbiota and its relationship with digestive diseases.

Methods

Search of the literature using PubMed and MEDLINE databases. Subject headings including ‘fungal‐bacterial interactions’, ‘mycotoxins’, ‘immunity to fungi’, ‘fungal infection’, ‘fungal microbiota’, ‘mycobiome’ and ‘digestive diseases’ were used.

Results

The fungal microbiota is an integral part of the gastrointestinal microecosystem with up to 106 microorganisms per gram of faeces. Next‐generation sequencing of the fungal 18S rRNA gene has allowed better characterisation of the gastrointestinal mycobiome. Numerous interactions between fungi and bacteria and the complex immune response to gastrointestinal commensal or pathogenic fungi all impact on the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal inflammatory entities such as peptic ulcers. Mycotoxins generated as fungal metabolites contribute to disturbances of gastrointestinal barrier and immune functions and are associated with chronic intestinal inflammatory conditions as well as hepatocellular and oesophagogastric cancer. Systemic and gastrointestinal disease can also lead to secondary fungal infections. Fungal genomic databases and methodologies need to be further developed and will allow a much better understanding of the diversity and function of the mycobiome in gastrointestinal inflammation, tumourigenesis, liver cirrhosis and transplantation, and its alteration as a consequence of antibiotic therapy and chemotherapy.

Conclusions

The fungal microbiota and its metabolites impact gastrointestinal function and contribute to the pathogenesis of digestive diseases. Further metagenomic analyses of the gastrointestinal mycobiome in health and disease is needed.
Pre‐admission use of glucocorticoids and 30‐day mortality following colorectal cancer surgery: a population‐based Danish cohort study
Authors: Ostenfeld E. B. , Erichsen R. , Thorlacius‐Ussing O. , Riis A. H. , Sørensen H. T.
Published: February 2014

Background

Previous studies indicate that pre‐admission glucocorticoids increase the risk of perioperative complications.

Aim

To examine whether pre‐admission use of glucocorticoids affects 30‐day mortality after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population‐based cohort study by linking Danish medical registries. All residents in Denmark who underwent CRC surgery from 2001 to 2011 were included. We characterised subjects who filled their most recent glucocorticoid prescription ≤90, 91–365 and >365 days before their surgery date as prevalent, recent and former users, respectively. Prevalent users were subgrouped into new (first‐ever prescription ≤90 days before surgery date) and continuing users. We estimated 30‐day cumulative mortality by the Kaplan–Meier method and corresponding mortality rate ratios (MRRs) using Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Of the 34 641 CRC patients included, 3966 (11.5%) had filled one or more prescriptions of glucocorticoids within the year before the surgery date. Thirty‐day mortality among prevalent users of oral glucocorticoids was 15.0% vs. 7.3% among non‐users [MRR = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.58]. Among new users, the 30‐day mortality was 17.8% (MRR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.30, 2.83) while it was 14.2% among continuing users (MRR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.44). No associations were found for recent or former use of oral glucocorticoids nor for use of inhaled, intestinal‐acting, and mixed glucocorticoids.

Conclusions

Prevalent use, particulary new use, of oral glucocorticoids was associated with markedly increased 30‐day mortality after colorectal cancer surgery compared to patients not exposed to any glucocorticoids.
Association between high dietary intake of the n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid and reduced risk of Crohn's disease
Authors: Chan S. S. M. , Luben R. , Olsen A. , Tjonneland A. , Kaaks R. , Lindgren S. , Grip O. , Bergmann M. M. , Boeing H. , Hallmans G. , Karling P. , Overvad K. , Venø S. K. , van Schaik F. , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita B. , Oldenburg B. , Khaw K.‐T. , Riboli E. , Hart A. R.
Published: February 2014

Background

There are plausible mechanisms for how dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, could prevent Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

To conduct a prospective study to investigate the association between increased intake of DHA and risk of CD.

Methods

Overall, 229 702 participants were recruited from nine European centres between 1991 and 1998. At recruitment, dietary intakes of DHA and fatty acids were measured using validated food frequency questionnaires. The cohort was monitored through to June 2004 to identify participants who developed incident CD. In a nested case–control analysis, each case was matched with four controls; odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for quintiles of DHA intake, adjusted for total energy intake, smoking, other dietary fatty acids, dietary vitamin D and body mass index.

Results

Seventy‐three participants developed incident CD. All higher quintiles of DHA intake were inversely associated with development of CD; the highest quintile had the greatest effect size (OR = 0.07; 95% CI = 0.02–0.81). The OR trend across quintiles of DHA was 0.54 (95% CI = 0.30–0.99, Ptrend = 0.04). Including BMI in the multivariate analysis, due to its correlation with dietary fat showed similar associations. There were no associations with the other dietary fatty acids studied.

Conclusion

There were inverse associations, with a biological gradient between increasing dietary docosahexaenoic acid intakes and incident Crohn's disease. Further studies in other populations should measure docosahexaenoic acid to determine if the association is consistent and the hypothesis tested in randomised controlled trials of purely docosahexaenoic acid supplementation.
Breaking Bones to Obtain Marrow: A Comparative Study between Percussion by Batting Bone on an Anvil and Hammerstone Percussion
Authors: Blasco R. , Domínguez‐Rodrigo M. , Arilla M. , Camarós E. , Rosell J.
Published: February 2014

The fat‐ and nutrient‐rich marrow of animal bones can be extracted using different techniques. Passive hammerstone percussion has been the primary focus of experimental bone breaking and the main analogy to understand archaeological bone breakage. Here, the term ‘passive’ is applied because the bone to be broken passively receives the impact from a hammerstone. In addition to this technique, there is another bone‐breaking method that also requires direct percussion, but in an active way. This method is percussion by ‘batting’, in which the bone is actively hit against an anvil until the bone breaks. This technique has rarely been considered at an experimental level and, therefore, has been omitted in the majority of the archaeological interpretations of faunal assemblages with pre‐use of fire technologies. In this study, we attempt to analytically characterize this type of bone‐breaking technique through a systematic comparison with hammerstone percussion. The applied statistical tests will allow us to distinguish some diagnostic modifications, such as the outlines of the fracture planes and the type of notches or their location with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bone. These features and their proportions allow the consideration of the use of this technique in Pleistocene anthropogenic faunal assemblages.
“The Persistence of Parent Repayment” and the Anticipation of Filial Obligations of Care in Two Thai Provinces
Authors: Basten Stuart , Muttarak Raya , Pothisiri Wiraporn
Published: February 2014

With an accelerated and sustained decline in fertility and an increase in life expectancy, Thailand has entered its aging phase at a rapid pace. This raises an important question of who should care for the increasing elderly population. Using a survey of adults aged 16–64 years (n = 742) in two provinces in the north‐east (Kalasin) and south (Phang Nga) of Thailand, this paper explores the expectations that individuals have from their children when they become very old. Only one‐third of the respondents expected to live with their children in old age and only one‐fifth anticipated financial assistance. Less than half of them expected personal care and practical care from their children (43% and 38%, respectively). The expectations varied substantially by the number of children and income, with those with higher income reporting lower expectation. Those living in Kalasin, a much poorer province than Phang Nga, had greater expectations from their children in old age. This suggests that, for those with less financial resources, children remain the main care provider for the elderly.
Optimization of intervention levels in ecological restoration
Authors: Walker Lawrence R. , Hölzel Norbert , Marrs Robert , del Moral Roger , Prach Karel
Published: February 2014

Question

Are optimal intervention levels in ecological restoration linked to disturbance severity or spatial and temporal scales of restoration activities in the studies included in this special feature?

Methods

Comparison of ten studies of restoration in the context of disturbance severity, regional biodiversity, and predictability of succession trajectories.

Results

The ten studies largely represent restoration of grasslands in Europe but also include restoration following disturbances by mining, invasive species, and trampling by tourists. Maximal intervention levels were used in studies with high or low disturbance severity, low regional biodiversity, and high predictability of successional trajectories. The spatial and temporal scales of restoration activities had little effect on intervention levels.

Conclusions

General guidelines on how to optimize intervention levels in restoration activities can be sought by comparing success rates across gradients of disturbance severity.
Isopropoxy‐Carvacrol, a Derivative Obtained from Carvacrol, Reduces Acute Inflammation and Nociception in Rodents
Authors: Bonfim Rangel R. , Paiva‐Souza Igor O. , Moraes Janaína P. , Pereira Denyson S. , Santos Cliomar A. , Santana Danielle G. , Thomazzi Sara M. , Ferro Jamile N. S. , Barreto Emiliano O. , Sousa Damião P. , Camargo Enilton A.
Published: February 2014

Monoterpenes, compounds mainly presented in essential oils, have important pharmacological actions. Isopropoxy‐carvacrol (IPC) is a derivative of the monoterpene carvacrol, and its pharmacological properties have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to analyse the acute anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of IPC. Mice (25–30 g) and rats (150–230 g) were pre‐treated (i.p.) with IPC at the doses of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg or vehicle (Tween 80, 0.5%), 30 min. before injection of the phlogistic agents. Both the first and the second phases of formalin‐induced nociception were significantly reduced by IPC (100 mg/kg). Injection of carrageenan in mice paw reduced the threshold of stimulus intensity, applied with an analgesymeter, necessary to cause paw withdrawal, which was significantly reduced by 100 mg/kg of IPC. The area under curve (0–4 hr) of rat paw oedema induced by injection of carrageenan was also significantly diminished by the administration of IPC (100 mg/kg). Administration of 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) markedly increased mice ear oedema and myeloperidase (MPO) activity. Topical co‐administration of IPC (0.3–3 mg/ear) during the induction did not affect TPA‐induced ear oedema, but significantly decreased MPO activity in the ears, when compared with the vehicle. In in vitro experiments, IPC reduced lipoperoxidation induced by different stimuli, showed nitric oxide scavenger activity and did not interfere with murine macrophage viability in concentrations up to 100 μg/mL. These results demonstrate that IPC exerts acute anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, suggesting that it may represent an alternative in the development of new future therapeutic strategies.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for Diamond Blackfan anaemia: a report from the Italian Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Registry
Authors: Fagioli Franca , Quarello Paola , Zecca Marco , Lanino Edoardo , Corti Paola , Favre Claudio , Ripaldi Mimmo , Ramenghi Ugo , Locatelli Franco , Prete Arcangelo
Published: February 2014

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative option for patients with Diamond Blackfan anaemia (DBA). We report the transplantation outcome of 30 Italian DBA patients referred to the Italian Association of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Registry between 1990 and 2012. This is one of the largest national registry cohorts of transplanted DBA patients. Most patients (83%) were allografted after 2000. A matched sibling donor was employed in 16 patients (53%), the remaining 14 patients (47%) were transplanted from matched unrelated donors. Twenty‐eight of the 30 patients engrafted. One patient died at day +6 due to veno‐occlusive disease without achieving neutrophil recovery and another patient remained transfusion‐dependent despite the presence of a full donor chimerism. The 5‐year overall survival and transplant‐related mortality was 74·4% and 25·6%, respectively. Patients younger than 10 years as well as those transplanted after 2000 showed a significantly higher overall survival and a significantly lower risk of transplant‐related mortality. No difference between donor type was observed. Our data suggest that allogeneic HSCT from a related or unrelated donor was a reasonable alternative to transfusion therapy in young and well chelated DBA patients.
Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic urinary retention
Authors: Jaeger Christopher D. , Mitchell Christopher R. , Mynderse Lance A. , Krambeck Amy E.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To evaluate short‐term outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic urinary retention (CUR).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with CUR who underwent HoLEP or PVP at our institution over a 3‐year period. CUR was defined as a persistent post‐void residual urine volume (PVR) of >300 mL or refractory urinary retention requiring catheterisation.

Results

We identified 72 patients with CUR who underwent HoLEP and 31 who underwent PVP. Preoperative parameters including median catheterisation duration (3 vs 5 months, P = 0.71), American Urological Association Symptom Index score (AUASI; 18 vs 21, P = 0.24), and PVR (555 vs 473 mL, P = 0.096) were similar between the HoLEP and PVP groups. The HoLEP group had a larger prostate volume (88.5 vs 49 mL, P < 0.001) and higher PSA concentration (4.5 vs 2.4 ng/mL, P = 0.001). At median 6‐month follow‐up, 71 (99%) HoLEP patients and 23 (74%) PVP patients were catheter‐free (P < 0.001). Of the voiding patients, postoperative AUASI (3 vs 4, P = 0.06), maximum urinary flow rate (23 vs 18 mL/s, P = 0.28) and PVR (56.5 vs 54 mL, P = 1.0) were improved in both groups.

Conclusions

Both HoLEP and PVP are effective at improving urinary parameters in men with CUR. Despite larger prostate volumes, HoLEP had a 99% successful deobstruction rate, thus rendering patients catheter‐free.
An assessment of the physical impact of complex surgical tasks on surgeon errors and discomfort: a comparison between robot‐assisted, laparoscopic and open approaches
Authors: Elhage Oussama , Challacombe Ben , Shortland Adam , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To evaluate, in a simulated suturing task, individual surgeons’ performance using three surgical approaches: open, laparoscopic and robot‐assisted.

Subjects and Methods

Six urological surgeons made an in vitro simulated vesico‐urethral anastomosis. All surgeons performed the simulated suturing task using all three surgical approaches (open, laparoscopic and robot‐assisted). The time taken to perform each task was recorded. Participants were evaluated for perceived discomfort using the self‐reporting Borg scale. Errors made by surgeons were quantified by studying the video recording of the tasks. Anastomosis quality was quantified using scores for knot security, symmetry of suture, position of suture and apposition of anastomosis.

Results

The time taken to complete the task by the laparoscopic approach was on average 221 s, compared with 55 s for the open approach and 116 s for the robot‐assisted approach (anova, P < 0.005). The number of errors and the level of self‐reported discomfort were highest for the laparoscopic approach (anova, P < 0.005). Limitations of the present study include the small sample size and variation in prior surgical experience of the participants.

Conclusions

In an in vitro model of anastomosis surgery, robot‐assisted surgery combines the accuracy of open surgery while causing lesser surgeon discomfort than laparoscopy and maintaining minimal access.
Meta‐analysis of robot‐assisted vs conventional laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty in children
Authors: Cundy Thomas P. , Harling Leanne , Hughes‐Hallett Archie , Mayer Erik K. , Najmaldin Azad S. , Athanasiou Thanos , Yang Guang‐Zhong , Darzi Ara
Published: February 2014

Objective

To critically analyse outcomes for robot‐assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) vs conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) or open pyeloplasty (OP) by systematic review and meta‐analysis of published data.

Patients and Methods

Studies published up to December 2013 were identified from multiple literature databases. Only comparative studies investigating RAP vs LP or OP in children were included. Meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effects modelling. Heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, and quality scoring were assessed. Effect sizes were estimated by pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences. Primary outcomes investigated were operative success, re‐operation, conversions, postoperative complications, and urinary leakage. Secondary outcome measures were estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS), operating time (OT), analgesia requirement, and cost.

Results

In all, 12 observational studies met inclusion criteria, reporting outcomes of 384 RAP, 131 LP, and 164 OP procedures. No randomised controlled trials were identified. Pooled analyses determined no significant differences between RAP and LP or OP for all primary outcomes. Significant differences in favour of RAP were found for LOS (vs LP and OP). Borderline significant differences in favour of RAP were found for EBL (vs OP). OT was significantly longer for RAP vs OP. Limited evidence indicates lower opiate analgesia requirement for RAP (vs LP and OP), higher total costs for RAP vs OP, and comparable costs for RAP vs LP.

Conclusions

Existing evidence shows largely comparable outcomes amongst surgical techniques available to treat pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction in children. RAP may offer shortened LOS, lower analgesia requirement (vs LP and OP), and lower EBL (vs OP); but compared with OP, these gains are at the expense of higher cost and longer OT. Higher quality evidence from prospective observational studies and clinical trials is required, as well as further cost‐effectiveness analyses. Not all perceived benefits of RAP are easily amenable to quantitative assessment.
‘You have to care.’ perceptions of promoting autonomy in support settings for adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Petner‐Arrey Jami , Copeland Susan R.
Published: February 2014

Accessible Summary

People who get paid to support people with intellectual disabilities need to understand what is important to people with intellectual disabilities and how to help them get what they want. We asked people with intellectual disabilities and people paid to support them about what is important to people with disabilities and how people with disabilities can get what they want. We learned that:

The people with intellectual disabilities whom we talked to knew what they wanted.

The support people that we talked to had a hard time figuring out what people with intellectual disabilities wanted and how they could help them get what they wanted.

The support people that we talked to said that some of the rules at their jobs made it hard to help people with intellectual disabilities to do what they wanted.

Nearly everyone we talked to said that it was important to support people with intellectual disabilities in a caring way.

This study from the south‐western United States investigated the perceptions of persons with intellectual disability receiving support and of persons providing support regarding the autonomy of people with intellectual disability. The participants included 10 people with intellectual disability and 10 support workers. Through interviews, this qualitative investigation examined issues related to autonomy in support services. Analysis of participant interviews revealed that support workers and people with intellectual disability faced challenges that restricted the promotion of the autonomy of people with intellectual disability. Both groups of participants noted that support workers had to care about their work with individuals with intellectual disability to effectively promote their autonomy.
Screening for diabetic retinopathy in adults with learning disability: current uptake and adjustments to facilitate equality of access
Authors: Pilling Rachel F.
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities who develop diabetes should be offered photograph tests of their eyes each year. People with learning disabilities who develop diabetes should have the same access to services as other people. This study looked at people with learning disabilities and diabetes to see whether they were getting the right tests for their eyes.

In Bradford, most people with learning disabilities and diabetes have their eyes checked. Some people do not go to the appointment or find the tests difficult. A few people are not given an appointment at all.

Changes should be made to help people with learning disabilities have their eyes checked, like allowing extra time and giving EasyRead information.

Equality of access to health care for adults with learning disability has been in the spotlight in the UK in recent years due to publication of several reports. Adults with learning disability are thought to account for a significant proportion of the diabetic population in the UK. A list of adults known to the learning disability health facilitation team, Bradford, Yorkshire, UK, was crossed checked against the list of adults known to be eligible for diabetic retinopathy screening held by general practice groups. Various criteria were devised by which the quality of the service and equality of access could be measured. Overall 91% had been offered diabetic retinal screening; however, 35% of patients did not have a recorded screening outcome. Adults with learning disability and diabetes represent a very small proportion of the total local diabetic population. National audit standards require that 80% of patients with diabetes undergo retinopathy screening, and currently, this standard is not being met for adults with learning disability. There are many barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening for a patient with learning disability, and suggestions for ways to improve equality of access are discussed.
Plant life on gypsum: a review of its multiple facets
Authors: Escudero Adrián , Palacio Sara , Maestre Fernando T. , Luzuriaga Arantzazu L.
Published: February 2014

The adaptation of plants to particular soil types has long intrigued biologists. Gypsum soils occupy large areas in many regions of the world and host a striking biological diversity, but their vegetation has been much less studied than that developing over serpentine or saline soils. Herein, we review all aspects of plant life on gypsum ecosystems, discuss the main processes driving their structure and functioning, and highlight the main conservation threats that they face. Plant communities in gypsum habitats typically show distinctive bands at very small spatial scales, which are mainly determined by topography. Plants living on gypsum soils can be classified into three categories: (i) wide gypsophiles are specialists that can penetrate the physical soil crust during early life stages and have physiological adjustments to cope with the chemical limitations imposed by gypsum soils; (ii) narrow gypsophiles are refugee plants which successfully deal with the physical soil crust and can tolerate these chemical limitations but do not show specific adaptations for this type of soils; and (iii) gypsovags are non‐specialist gypsum plants that can only thrive in gypsum soils when the physical crust is absent or reduced. Their ability to survive in gypsum soils may also be mediated by below‐ground interactions with soil microorganisms. Gypsophiles and gypsovags show efficient germination at low temperatures, seed and fruit heteromorphism within and among populations, and variation in seed dormancy among plants and populations. In gypsum ecosystems, spatio‐temporal changes in the composition and structure of above‐ground vegetation are closely related to those of the soil seed bank. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) dominated by cyanobacteria, lichens and mosses are conspicuous in gypsum environments worldwide, and are important drivers of ecosystem processes such as carbon and nitrogen cycling, water infiltration and run‐off and soil stability. These organisms are also important determinants of the structure of annual plant communities living on gypsum soils. The short‐distance seed dispersal of gypsophiles is responsible for the high number of very narrow endemisms typically found in gypsum outcrops, and suggests that these species are evolutionarily old taxa due to the time they need to colonize isolated gypsum outcrops by chance. Climate change and habitat fragmentation negatively affect both plants and BSCs in gypsum habitats, and are among the major threats to these ecosystems. Gypsum habitats and specialists offer the chance to advance our knowledge on restrictive soils, and are ideal models not only to test important evolutionary questions such as tolerance to low Ca/Mg proportions in soils, but also to improve the theoretical framework of community ecology and ecosystem functioning.
Site‐Specific Labeling of Proteins and Peptides with Trans‐cyclooctene Containing Handles Capable of Tetrazine Ligation
Authors: Wollack James W. , Monson Benjamin J. , Dozier Jonathan K. , Dalluge Joseph J. , Poss Kristina , Hilderbrand Scott A. , Distefano Mark D.
Published: February 2014

There is a growing library of functionalized non‐natural substrates for the enzyme protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase). PFTase covalently attaches these functionalized non‐natural substrates to proteins ending in the sequence CAAX, where C is a cysteine that becomes alkylated, A represents an aliphatic amino acid, and X is Ser, Met, Ala, or Gln. Reported substrates include a variety of functionalities that allow modified proteins to undergo subsequent bioconjugation reactions. To date the most common strategy used in this approach has been copper catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). While being fast and bioorthogonal CuAAC has limited use in live cell experiments due to copper's toxicity.1 Here, we report the synthesis of trans‐cyclooctene geranyl diphosphate. This substrate can be synthesized from geraniol in six steps and be enzymatically transferred to peptides and proteins that end in a CAAX sequence. Proteins and peptides site‐specially modified with trans‐cyclooctene geranyl diphosphate were subsequently targeted for further modification via tetrazine ligation. As tetrazine ligation is bioorthogonal, fast, and is contingent on ring strain rather than the addition of a copper catalyst, this labeling strategy should prove useful for labeling proteins where the presence of copper may hinder solubility or biological reactivity.
The Biological Consequences of Replacing d‐Ala in Biphalin with Amphiphilic α‐Alkylserines
Authors: Frączak Oliwia , Lasota Anika , Leśniak Anna , Lipkowski Andrzej W. , Olma Aleksandra
Published: February 2014

Biphalin, a synthetic opioid peptide with a broad affinity for all opioid receptors (δ, μ, and κ) and high antinociceptive activity, has been under extensive study as a potential analgesic drug. This study presents the synthesis and biological properties of four new analogues of biphalin containing amphiphilic α‐alkylserines in position 2 and 2′. The incorporation of bulky α,α‐disubstituted amino acids in the peptide chain using standard peptide chemistry is often unsuccessful. We synthesized depsipeptides, and then, the desired peptides were obtained by internal O,N‐migration of the acyl residue from the hydroxyl to the amino group under mild basic conditions. The potency and selectivity of the new analogues were evaluated by a competitive receptor‐binding assay in the rat brain using [3H]DAMGO (a μ ligand) and [3H]DELT (a δ ligand). Their binding affinity is strongly dependent on the chirality of α‐alkylserine, as analogues containing (R)‐α‐alkylserines displayed higher μ receptor affinity and selectivity than those incorporating the (S)‐isomers.
Trajectories of Indonesian Adolescents' Religiosity, Problem Behavior, and Friends' Religiosity: Covariation and Sequences
Authors: French Doran C. , Christ Sharon , Lu Ting , Purwono Urip
Published: February 2014

Changes in religiosity, problem behavior, and their friends' religiosity over a 2‐year period were assessed in a sample of five hundred and fifty‐nine 15‐year‐old Indonesian Muslim adolescents. Adolescents self‐reported their religiosity, problem behavior, and friendships; the religiosity of mutual friends came from friends' self‐reports. A parallel process analysis of growth curves showed that adolescents' religiosity trajectories covaried with both problem behavior and friends' religiosity. Using a cross‐lagged model in which prior levels were controlled, religiosity at 10th and 11th grades predicted friends' religiosity 1 year later, suggesting that adolescents select friends of similar religiosity. This study provides evidence that religion is intertwined with other aspects of adolescent development and illustrates the importance of contextualizing adolescent religiosity within an ecological framework.
Pendrin and NIS antibodies are absent in healthy individuals and are rare in autoimmune thyroid disease: evidence from a Danish twin study
Authors: Brix Thomas H. , Hegedüs Laszlo , Weetman Anthony P. , Kemp Helen E.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Antibodies against thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase and the TSH receptor are accepted as pathophysiological and diagnostic biomarkers in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). In contrast, the prevalence, aetiology and clinical relevance of autoantibodies against the human sodium‐iodine symporter (NISAb) and pendrin (PenAb) remain unclear. The objectives of the study were to investigate the presence of NISAb and PenAb in Danish twins, with and without AITD, to study whether the published variations in NISAb and PenAb frequencies were related to differences in methodology or study populations, and to evaluate whether the presence of NISAb or PenAb most likely results from genetic or nongenetic factors.

Methods

Sera from 93 patients with AITD and 230 healthy controls were evaluated for NISAb and PenAb using radioligand binding assays (RBA).

Results

Patients with AITD had a higher prevalence than the controls: NISAb: 17% vs 0% (P < 0·001) and PenAb: 11% vs 0% (P < 0·001). Subdividing according to cause of AITD yielded similar results: 20% (11/56) of patients with Graves' disease (GD) and 14% (5/37) of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) had NISAb, (P < 0·05, vs control population). Seven of 56 (13%) patients with GD and three of 37 (8%) patients with HT had PenAb (P < 0·05 vs control population). No twin pairs were concordant for NISAb or PenAb, not even among twin pairs concordant for AITD.

Conclusions

In accord with studies using the same RBAs, the frequency of NISAb and PenAb was low in Danish patients with AITD and absent in healthy individuals, suggesting that differences between studies rely on assay differences. The skewed distribution of NISAb and PenAb within AITD concordant twin pairs suggests that NISAb and PenAb are likely attributable to the effects of environmental factors acting in genetic susceptible individuals.
Circulatory changes of the novel adipokine adipolin/CTRP12 in response to metformin treatment and an oral glucose challenge in humans
Authors: Tan Bee K. , Chen Jing , Hu Jiamiao , Amar Omar , Mattu Harman S. , Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Patel Vanlata , Lehnert Hendrik , Randeva Harpal S.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Adipolin/CTRP12 is a novel adipokine with anti‐inflammatory and glucose‐lowering properties in rodents. We sought to investigate the effects of metformin treatment (850 mg twice daily for 6 months) and a 2 h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on serum adipolin concentrations in humans.

Design

Cross‐sectional study [PCOS (n = 83) and control (n = 39) subjects]. Serum adipolin was measured by ELISA. Metformin treatment (850 mg twice daily for 6 months) was offered to all women with PCOS, 34 women participated but 21 women completed 6 months of metformin therapy. Reasons for subjects not completing the study were nausea and gastrointestinal side effects (n = 4), pregnancies (n = 5), noncompliance (n = 2) and loss of contact (n = 2).

Results

Metformin treatment (850 mg twice daily for 6 months) substantially increased serum adipolin concentrations (P < 0·05) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a pro‐inflammatory state associated with obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, changes in waist‐hip ratio, glucose, triglycerides, CRP and carotid intima media thickness showed significant negative associations with changes in adipolin levels (P < 0·05, P < 0·01); in multiple regression analyses, only changes in glucose were predictive of changes in adipolin levels (β = −0·570, P = 0·009). Serum adipolin decreased significantly in response to the OGTT in PCOS and control subjects at 90 min (P < 0·05) and 120 min (P < 0·01).

Conclusions

Adipolin and/or novel pharmacologic agents that increase adipolin's circulating concentrations might constitute a novel approach in the treatment of insulin resistant states.