bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low doses of dextromethorphan have a beneficial effect in the treatment of neuropathic pain
Authors: Morel Véronique , Pickering Gisèle , Etienne Monique , Dupuis Amandine , Privat Anne‐Marie , Chalus Maryse , Eschalier Alain , Daulhac Laurence
Published: April 2014

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists may be given in persistent neuropathic pain, but adverse events especially with ketamine may limit their clinical use. Less central and cognitive adverse events are described with dextromethorphan and memantine. These molecules have been explored in many preclinical and clinical studies, but data are conflicting as regards neuropathic pain alleviation. Dextromethorphan and memantine have been administered to animals after spinal nerve ligation (SNL) to evaluate their antinociceptive/cognitive effects and associated molecular events, including the phosphorylation of several tyrosine (pTyr1336, pTyr1472) residues in the NR2B NMDAR subunit. Spinal nerve ligation and sham animals received dextromethorphan (10 mg/kg, i.p.), memantine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (1 mL/kg, i.p.). These drugs were administered once symptoms of allodynia and hyperalgesia had developed. Tests were carried out before and after surgery. Tactile allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and spatial memory were, respectively, evaluated by von Frey, Randall & Selitto and Y‐maze tests and molecular events by Western blot analysis. Spinal nerve‐ligated animals displayed nociception and impaired spatial memory. Dextromethorphan, but not memantine, reversed neuropathic pain (NP) symptoms, restored spatial memory integrity and decreased the expression of pTyr1336NR2B. Following postoperative administration of dextromethorphan, this study has demonstrated for the first time a concordance between behaviour, cognitive function and molecular events via pTyr1336NR2B for neuropathic pain alleviation. Confirmation of these findings in patients would constitute a major step forward in the treatment of neuropathic pain and in the improvement of cognitive function and quality of life.
The most appropriate primary outcomes to design clinical trials on Huntington's disease: meta‐analyses of cohort studies and randomized placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Salem Linda , Saleh Nadine , Youssov Katia , Olivier Audrey , Charles Perrine , Scherer Clarisse , Verny Christophe , Bachoud‐Lévi Anne‐Catherine , Maison Patrick
Published: April 2014

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. Both its natural course and any placebo effect are poorly known. All are obstacles to design randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted meta‐analyses of RCTs and cohorts on all parameters of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale to determine the most appropriate outcomes and to minimize the number of patients required to design RCTs in HD. Twenty‐four RCTs were included, involving 838 patients with a mean age of 50.0 ± 2.3 years and a mean total functional capacity (TFC) score of 9.8 ± 0.6. Nineteen cohorts were included involving 1939 patients with a mean age of 48.9 ± 2.3 years and a mean TFC of 10.1 ± 0.7. Significant deterioration was observed in RCTs for all scores except behavioral score. Effect sizes were comparable between RCTs and cohorts for each test except that there was a significant difference for TFC. The weighted mean deterioration per year on the TFC scale was −0.5 (0.2) in RCTs and −0.8 (0.2) in cohorts. The lowest number of patients required per group in a RCT was for TFC (19 per group), whereas 30 patients would be required per group for the total motor score (TMS). For cognition, the verbal fluency test required the smallest number of patients: 104 per group. In conclusion, TMS and TFC are the most appropriate outcomes to design RCTs on HD likewise the verbal fluency test for cognition. Our results suggest an effect of placebo administration on the total functional capacity.
Gene expression profiles during short‐term heat stress in the red sea coral Stylophora pistillata
Authors: Maor‐Landaw Keren , Karako‐Lampert Sarit , Ben‐Asher Hiba Waldman , Goffredo Stefano , Falini Giuseppe , Dubinsky Zvy , Levy Oren
Published: April 2014

During the past several decades, corals worldwide have been affected by severe bleaching events leading to wide‐spread coral mortality triggered by global warming. The symbiotic Red Sea coral Stylophora pistillata from the Gulf of Eilat is considered an opportunistic ‘r’ strategist. It can thrive in relatively unstable environments and is considered a stress‐tolerant species. Here, we used a S. pistillata custom microarray to examine gene expression patterns and cellular pathways during short‐term (13‐day) heat stress. The results allowed us to identify a two‐step reaction to heat stress, which intensified significantly as the temperature was raised to a 32 °C threshold, beyond which, coping strategies failed at 34 °C. We identified potential ‘early warning genes’ and ‘severe heat‐related genes’. Our findings suggest that during short‐term heat stress, S. pistillata may divert cellular energy into mechanisms such as the ER‐unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) at the expense of growth and biomineralization processes in an effort to survive and subsequently recover from the stress. We suggest a mechanistic theory for the heat stress responses that may explain the success of some species which can thrive under a wider range of temperatures relative to others.
Thermodynamic theory explains the temperature optima of soil microbial processes and high Q10 values at low temperatures
Authors: Schipper Louis A. , Hobbs Joanne K. , Rutledge Susanna , Arcus Vickery L.
Published: April 2014

Our current understanding of the temperature response of biological processes in soil is based on the Arrhenius equation. This predicts an exponential increase in rate as temperature rises, whereas in the laboratory and in the field, there is always a clearly identifiable temperature optimum for all microbial processes. In the laboratory, this has been explained by denaturation of enzymes at higher temperatures, and in the field, the availability of substrates and water is often cited as critical factors. Recently, we have shown that temperature optima for enzymes and microbial growth occur in the absence of denaturation and that this is a consequence of the unusual heat capacity changes associated with enzymes. We have called this macromolecular rate theory – MMRT (Hobbs et al., , ACS Chem. Biol. 8:2388). Here, we apply MMRT to a wide range of literature data on the response of soil microbial processes to temperature with a focus on respiration but also including different soil enzyme activities, nitrogen and methane cycling. Our theory agrees closely with a wide range of experimental data and predicts temperature optima for these microbial processes. MMRT also predicted high relative temperature sensitivity (as assessed by Q10 calculations) at low temperatures and that Q10 declined as temperature increases in agreement with data synthesis from the literature. Declining Q10 and temperature optima in soils are coherently explained by MMRT which is based on thermodynamics and heat capacity changes for enzyme‐catalysed rates. MMRT also provides a new perspective, and makes new predictions, regarding the absolute temperature sensitivity of ecosystems – a fundamental component of models for climate change.
Evaluation of calcium‐releasing and apatite‐forming abilities of fast‐setting calcium silicate‐based endodontic materials
Authors: Han L. , Kodama S. , Okiji T.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To evaluate two fast‐setting calcium silicate‐based endodontic materials (Endocem mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Endocem Zr) with regard to their ability to release calcium ions (Ca2+) and produce apatite‐like precipitates after immersion in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS).

Methodology

Endocem MTA, Endocem Zr and white ProRoot MTA (WMTA) were used. Chemical composition of the powder of each material was analysed with a wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy electron probe microanalyser with image observation function (SEM‐EPMA). The amount of Ca2+ released from water‐immersed set cements was measured with an EDTA titration method. Morphology and chemical composition of surface precipitates formed on the surface of PBS‐immersed cements were analysed with the SEM‐EPMA. Data obtained were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference test with a significance level of 5%.

Results

Endocem MTA and WMTA contained calcium (Ca), silicon (Si) and bismuth as the major elemental constituents, whereas Endocem Zr contained zirconium as the most abundant element, followed by Ca and Si. The amount of Ca2+ release was WMTA >Endocem MTA ≥Endocem Zr. After immersion in PBS for 14 days, the three materials produced Ca‐ and phosphorus (P)‐containing apatite‐like surface precipitates. WMTA showed higher Ca/P ratio of the precipitates compared with the other cements, with statistical significance between WMTA and Endocem Zr (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with WMTA, Endocem MTA and Endocem Zr were associated with significantly less Ca ions release and, when immersed in PBS, produced apatite‐like crystalline precipitates of significantly lower Ca/P ratios.
Electrochemical‐induced dissolution of stainless steel files
Authors: Amaral C. C. F. , Ormiga F. , Gomes J. A. C. P.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate the effectiveness of the dissolution process when hand stainless steel files are polarized in solutions containing chloride and fluoride to promote their dissolution.

Methodology

Redox curves and anodic polarization curves were obtained to determine the conditions necessary for the dissolution of stainless steel endodontic files. Anodic polarization of sizes 20 and 30 files was performed, and a t‐test (P < 0.05) was used to compare the weight loss, the time of dissolution and the electrical charge generated by both groups of files. Fragments were polarized in simulated root canals to evaluate the dissolution process. After the tests, a size 10 K‐file was used to verify the possibility of bypassing the fragment. Radiographic analysis of the simulated canals was used before and after the tests to verify fragment dissolution.

Results

A progressive consumption of the sizes 20 and 30 files was observed with total polarization times of 7.0 and 9.0 min, respectively. Files with the larger diameters exhibited greater weight loss, longer times of dissolution and generated a greater electrical charge during the active dissolution process (t‐test, P < 0.05). After 60 min, the anodic polarization of file fragments in simulated root canals resulted in their partial dissolution.

Conclusion

A 60‐min anodic polarization of stainless steel K‐file fragments in simulated root canals resulted in their partial dissolution. The fragments could be bypassed after the test.
4% articaine buccal infiltration versus 2% lidocaine inferior alveolar nerve block for emergency root canal treatment in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpits: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Monteiro M. R. F. P. , Groppo F. C. , Haiter‐Neto F. , Volpato M. C. , Almeida J. F. A.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To compare the anaesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) with 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine (LI) to a buccal infiltration (BI) with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine (AR), both with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine, in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpits in a randomized controlled trial.

Methodology

Volunteers presenting at the Emergency Centre (FOP‐UNICAMP) were randomly divided into two groups (30 for AR and 20 for LI). Operator and patient were not blinded. Success was recorded when complete pain‐free treatment was achieved after a single injection (IANB or BI) or when one supplemental injection was needed for emergency endodontic procedures. Success rate of supplemental injection was evaluated between and within groups using Fisher's exact test and chi‐square test.

Results

A higher success rate (P = 0.03/Fisher's exact test) was observed with AR (40%) than with LI (10%). No significant difference was found when a single injection plus one supplemental injection was compared between groups (P = 1.0; AR = 70%; LI = 80%). However, supplemental injection increased the anaesthetic success rates (AR, P = 0.04; LI, P = 0.0001) within groups.

Conclusions

Single anaesthesia techniques (IANB or BI) were not able to achieve pain‐free emergency endodontic treatment. Supplemental anaesthetic techniques should be considered prior to treatment procedures in order to increase success rate (consort: registration number – NCT01912755/Fapesp: #2009/10834‐4).
Cytotoxicity, interaction with dentine and efficacy on multispecies biofilms of a modified salt solution intended for endodontic disinfection in a new in vitro biofilm model
Authors: van der Waal S. V. , Scheres N. , de Soet J. J. , Wesselink P. R. , Crielaard W.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate the cytotoxicity of a modified salt solution (MSS) and evaluate the antimicrobial properties of MSS on in vitro biofilm models.

Methodology

In a metabolic assay, fibroblasts derived from periodontal ligaments (PDL) of human extracted teeth were cultured and challenged with MSS or controls. Then, in active attachment biofilm models, the efficacy of MSS in the presence of dentine powder and in eliminating mature biofilms was investigated. In the dentine assay, a biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis was employed. For the final assay, microorganisms were retrieved from infected root canals and cultured to produce biofilms. After the treatments with MSS or the controls, the biofilms were collected, serially diluted and plated. The colony‐forming units were counted. One‐way anova was used to analyse the differences between the groups. A P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The PDL fibroblasts remained metabolically active after challenges with MSS. Dentine powder did not alter the efficacy of MSS (P > 0.05). In endodontic biofilms, the culturable bacteria were equally reduced by MSS, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) or 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Modified salt solution is noncytotoxic in vitro and has good antimicrobial properties equal to CHX and NaOCl. Although the results are promising, ex vivo and in vivo studies are needed before its use as an interappointment root canal dressing can be considered.
Transendoscopic Laser Surgery to Correct Nasopharyngeal Obstruction Caused by Head Flexion in Horses
Authors: Barton Ann Kristin , Cehak Anja , Rohn Karl , Ohnesorge Bernhard
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine outcome after transendoscopic laser fenestration of the median septum and removal of the salpingopharyngeal fold of the guttural pouch on nasopharyngeal obstruction caused by poll flexion in Warmblood horses.

Study Design

Clinical study.

Animals

Horses (n = 9).

Methods

Nine horses with a history of performance insufficiency and respiratory noise during poll flexion were examined. On endoscopy, an often asymmetric dorsoventral obstruction of the nasopharynx occurred during poll flexion. Left lateral radiographs were taken in neutral, extended, and flexed head positions showed that mean nasopharyngeal diameter during poll flexion was significantly smaller than in healthy horses. Transendoscopic laser fenestration of the median septum between the guttural pouches was fenestrated and on the worst affected side, resection of the salpingopharyngeal fold was performed for correction. Three days after surgery a follow‐up examination including an exercise test, endoscopy, and radiology was performed in 7 horses.

Results

Mean ± SD nasopharyngeal diameter based on radiographic measurements had increased significantly by 64% from 1.67 ± 0.49 to 2.58 ± 0.61 cm (P = .01) and the respiratory noise was reduced or eliminated in 7 horses. Six months after surgery, a beneficial long‐term effect on performance was confirmed by an owner interview in 8 horses.

Conclusions

Transendoscopic laser surgery offers a promising low‐risk treatment option for horses suffering from nasopharyngeal obstruction caused by poll flexion.
Headshaking in 5 Horses After Paranasal Sinus Surgery
Authors: Gilsenan William F. , Getman Liberty M. , Parente Eric J. , Johnson Amy L.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To report headshaking and presumptive trigeminal neuritis as a potential complication after paranasal sinus surgery in horses.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 5) that developed headshaking within 45 days of paranasal sinus surgery.

Methods

Medical records (2007–2010) of horses that had been evaluated for headshaking after paranasal sinus surgery were reviewed.

Results

Of 5 horses that developed headshaking within 45 days of paranasal sinus surgery, resolution occurred after treatment in 2 horses. One horse was euthanatized because clinical signs associated with headshaking could not be controlled. Headshaking persisted in the other 2 horses but was either adequately controlled with analgesics or was considered infrequent and transient enough to not warrant therapeutic intervention. Only 2 of 5 horses returned to full work after development of headshaking.

Conclusions

Headshaking because of presumptive trigeminal neuritis is a possible career‐ending or fatal complication of paranasal sinus surgery in horses.
Coil Embolization of a Palatine Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Gelding
Authors: McClellan Nathaniel R. , Mudge Margaret C. , Scansen Brian A. , Jung Stephen S. , Russell Duncan
Published: April 2014

Objective

To describe successful transarterial coil embolization of a palatine artery pseudoaneurysm that extended into the caudal maxillary sinus of a gelding.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animal

A 24‐year‐old Morgan gelding with right‐sided epistaxis.

Methods

The right maxillary sinus was imaged by radiography, computed tomography, and sinoscopy. Angiography was performed to locate the source of bleeding, and transarterial coil embolization of a right palatine artery pseudoaneurysm was performed.

Results

There was some mucoid nasal discharge and an intermittent cough postoperatively. No epistaxis was seen after embolization. There was moderate swelling of the surgical incision over the mid‐cervical common carotid artery. The horse was discharged from the hospital 4 days after surgery, and had been doing well, with no signs of bleeding, for 2 months postoperatively. The horse had acute colic secondary to a strangulating lipoma at 2 months and was euthanatized after exploratory celiotomy. Placement of embolization coils in the right palatine artery was confirmed by CT and necropsy.

Conclusions

Severe epistaxis in the horse may be caused by a ruptured major palatine artery pseudoaneurysm. Occlusion of this vessel can be successfully accomplished by transarterial coil embolization.
Precision and Accuracy of Ground Reaction Force Normalization in a Heterogeneous Population of Dogs
Authors: Krotscheck Ursula , Todhunter Rory J. , Nelson Samantha A. , Sutter Nathaniel B. , Mohammed Hussni O.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine if currently used ground reaction force (GRF) normalization methods are accurate and precise enough to be used on a single‐limb basis.

Study Design

Prospective clinical trial.

Animals

Clinically normal (n = 69) dogs and 40 dogs with unilateral ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL).

Methods

Pelvic limb GRFs of orthopedically normal dogs and those with unilateral ruptured CCL were collected. Normalization methods included none, body weight (BW), withers height (WH), WH and relative velocity (WH*F) and principal component 1 (PC1). Normalization methods were evaluated both by individual GRFs and additively. Binary logistic regression was performed for all normalization methods; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) calculated. Stepwise backward logistic regression was used; significant values were retained in the final model.P < .05 was significant.

Results

Normalization of contact time (CT) by BW uniformly increased sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy. SI was the most accurate at both the walk and trot (accuracy 80–96%). Normalization by BW, WH, and WH*F all achieved similar results. When normalized GRFs were added, the accuracy increased only at the walk.

Clinical Significance

CT should be normalized to BW. SIs remain the gold standard, if SIs cannot be used, combining GRFs normalized to BW will result in high precision (80%) and high accuracy (89.5%) at the walk. At the trot, normalization by BW, WH and WH*F results in consistent results for the individual GRFs, though not all accuracies are >80%.
AnEx VivoModel to Evaluate the Effect of Cyclical Adductory Forces on Maintenance of Arytenoid Abduction After Prosthetic Laryngoplasty Performed With and Without Mechanical Arytenoid Abduction
Authors: McClellan Nathaniel R. , Santschi Elizabeth M. , Hurcombe Samuel D.A. , Litsky Alan S.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To (1) develop a model of cyclical adduction force on an abducted left arytenoid cartilage that mimics swallowing or coughing; (2) determine if arytenoid abduction by a clamp before knot tying will improve the maintenance of abduction under cyclical adduction testing.

Study Design

Experimental.

Sample Population

Cadaveric equine larynges (n = 14).

Methods

Left laryngoplasty performed using a single suture of #5 Ethibond with (n = 7) and without (n = 7) abducting the arytenoid with a clamp before knot tying. Each laryngoplasty was loaded cyclically from 2 to 26 N at 0.5 Hz for 5000 cycles in a servohydraulic test frame. Arytenoid displacement data were collected at 1 Hz intervals and median percent loss of abduction compared between groups. Significance was set atP < .05.

Results

Median left arytenoid abduction distance was 16.9 mm (range, 9.8–19.8 mm). One larynx in each group failed at <1000 cycles. Loss of abduction was determined by progressive displacement of the testing actuator and confirmed by measurement. There was no difference in loss of abduction between clamped and non‐clamped larynges after 5000 cycles. This model of cyclical adduction resulted in arytenoid displacements similar to those seen in the 1st week postoperatively.

Conclusions

Ex vivocyclical adductory forces produced a significant loss of laryngoplasty abduction. The use of a clamp to abduct the arytenoid cartilage before knot tying did not reduce the loss of abduction.
Effect of Needle Brand, Needle Bevel Grind, and Silicone Lubrication on Contamination of Joints With Tissue and Hair Debris After Arthrocentesis
Authors: Waxman Sarah J. , Adams Stephen B. , Moore George E.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To assess contamination of joints with tissue and hair debris after arthrocentesis.

Study Design

Experimental.

Animals

Fetlock joint tissues (n = 6 horses).

Methods

Soft tissue flaps including joint capsule were dissected from the dorsal aspect of fetlock joints of 6 anesthetized horses leaving an intact proximal base (“live” model) or with complete excision and immediate mounting to a wooden frame (“fresh” model). Needles were inserted through joint tissues and saline solution was flushed through them into tissue culture plate wells, and then examined for tissue and hair debris. Nine needle types were assessed; variables included needle brand, needle bevel grind, needle size, and silicone lubrication.

Results

No significant difference was detected between “live” and “fresh” models for hair or tissue contamination. Compared to 20g hypodermic needles, 19g lubricated and 19g non‐lubricated needles had a significantly greater odds ratio (OR) for hair contamination. Nineteen‐gauge non‐lubricated needles had a significantly greater OR for hair contamination than 19g lubricated needles. No significant differences in ORs were identified between type of needle bevel grind, brands of disposable hypodermic needles, or brands of spinal needles for hair or tissue contamination.

Conclusions

Nineteen‐gauge needles significantly increase the risk of joint contamination with hair compared to 20g needles; non‐lubricated 19g needles have the greatest risk. All other needle types tested in this study have similar risks for tissue and hair contamination after arthrocentesis.
Multimorbidity and chronic disease: an emergent perspective
Authors: Sturmberg Joachim P.
Published: April 2014

The concept of emergence offers a new way of thinking about multimorbidity and chronic disease. Multimorbidity and chronic disease are the end result of ongoing perturbations and interconnected activities of simpler substructures that collectively constitute the complex adaptive superstructure known as us, the person or patient. Medical interventions cause perturbations of many different sub‐systems within the patient, hence they are not limited to the person's bodily function, but also affect his general health perception and his interactions with his external environments. Changes in these domains inevitably have consequences on body function, and close the feedback loop of illness/disease, recovery and regained health.
Evolution of the platycodonoid group with particular references to biogeography and character evolution
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Xiao‐Quan , Sun Hang , Yu Yan , He Xing‐Jin , Hong De‐Yuan
Published: April 2014

The Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) is an important center of origin and diversification for many northern temperate plants. The hypothesis “out‐of‐QTP” suggests that the majority of northern temperate plants have originated and dispersed from the QTP and adjacent regions. An interesting question is whether the biogeographic history of the platycodonoids (Campanulaceae), a group mainly distributed in the QTP and adjacent regions, coincides with the hypothesis “out‐of‐QTP”? Furthermore, how have the diagnostic characters of the platycodonoids evolved? In the present study, all 10 genera of the platycodonoids were sampled for molecular phylogeny and dating analyses, and ancestral states of distribution and characters were reconstructed. The results do not support the platycodonoids as an “out‐of‐QTP” group, but instead they might have descended from Tethyan ancestors. The dispersal and diversification of the platycodonoids in Asia might have been driven by the uplift of the QTP. The present study highlights the importance of the Tethyan Tertiary flora for the origin of the Sino‐Himalayan flora and the influence of the uplift of QTP on diversification of northern temperate plants. In addition, character state reconstruction reveals that the inferior ovary, capsule, long‐colpate pollen, and chromosome number 2n = 14 are probably ancestral states.
The effects of comprehensive mental intervention on the recovery time of patients with postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome
Authors: Liu Yufen , Song Xin , Zhang Yumeng , Zhou Lei , Ni Runhong
Published: April 2014

Aims and objectives

To explore the effects of comprehensive mental intervention on the recovery time and symptoms of depression in patients with postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome.

Background

Postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome may occur after abdominal surgery. The development of postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome is believed to be influenced by neuropsychiatric factors, manifest as psychological dysfunction and distress.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome were randomly divided into a mental intervention group (n = 60) and a control group (n = 60) by odd or even numbers. The mental intervention group received comprehensive mental intervention including support, counselling, music and massage plus all aspects of conventional therapy. The control group received only conventional therapy, including a three‐cavity gastric tube, fasting, parenteral/enteral nutrition, routine care and health guidance. Pre intervention and postintervention depression levels were assessed in both groups by the Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale. Gastric function recovery was assessed in all patients.

Results

Postintervention depression scores were significantly reduced in the mental intervention group, and pre‐/postdifferences were significantly greater compared to control group scores. The mental intervention group had significantly shorter times for symptom disappearance (nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention), extubation duration, eating recovery, gastric drainage volume >600 ml/day, gastroparesis recovery, as well as shorter hospital stays and lower hospital expenses.

Conclusions

Comprehensive mental intervention improved negative emotions and depression and shortened recovery time of patients with postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mental intervention is important to postsurgical recovery, and primary nurses are encouraged to understand how to care for postsurgical patients physically and psychologically, with at least one nurse in the postsurgical setting trained to provide mental intervention.
Florence Nightingale and Irish nursing
Authors: McDonald Lynn
Published: April 2014

Aims and objectives

To challenge statements made about ‘Careful Nursing’ as a ‘distinctive system’ of nursing established by the Irish Sisters of Mercy, prior to Florence Nightingale, and which is said to have influenced her.

Background

Numerous publications have appeared claiming the emergence of a ‘distinctive system’ of nursing as ‘Ireland's legacy to nursing’, which, it is claimed, influenced Nightingale's system. One paper argues that the Irish system has its philosophical roots in Thomist philosophy. Several papers argue the ongoing relevance of the Irish system, not Nightingale's, for contemporary nursing theory and practice. Nightingale's influence on and legacy to Irish nursing are not acknowledged.

Design

A Discursive paper.

Methods

Archival and published sources were used to compare the nursing systems of Florence Nightingale and the Irish Sisters of Mercy, with particular attention to nursing during the Crimean War.

Results

Claims were challenged of a ‘distinctive system’ of nursing established by the Irish Sisters of Mercy in the early nineteenth century, and of its stated influence on the nursing system of Florence Nightingale. The contention of great medical satisfaction with the ‘distinctive’ system is refuted with data showing that the death rate at the Koulali Hospital, where the Irish sisters nursed, was the highest of all the British war hospitals during the Crimean War. Profound differences between the two systems are outlined.

Conclusions

Claims for a ‘distinctive’ Irish system of nursing fail for lack of evidence. Nightingale's principles and methods, as they evolved over the first decade of her school's work, remain central to nursing theory and practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nightingale's insistence on respect for patients and high ethical standards remains relevant to practice no less so as specific practices change with advances in medical knowledge and practice.
Is there an association between temporomandibular disorders and playing a musical instrument? A review of literature
Authors: Attallah M. M. , Visscher C. M. , van Selms M. K. A. , Lobbezoo F.
Published: April 2014

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have a multifactorial etiology. Among others, parafunctions and oral habits have been suggested as important initiating and perpetuating factors. Playing a musical instrument that loads the masticatory system, like wind instruments and the violin or viola, has been suggested to be part of this group of etiological factors. However, the evidence base for this suggestion is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the literature on the possible association between playing a musical instrument and developing and/or having a TMD. A PubMed search, using the query [‘Music’(Mesh) AND ‘Craniomandibular Disorders’(Mesh)], yielded 19 articles, 14 of which were included in this review. Six of 14 papers had a case‐control or pre‐test‐post‐test design; the remaining eight papers were case reports of expert opinions. The former papers were analysed and tabulated according to the PICO (Patient/population‐Intervention‐Control/comparison‐Outcome/results) system; the latter ones were only summarised and tabulated. All articles with a case‐control or pre‐test‐post‐test design suggested a possible association between TMD and playing a musical instrument, especially the violin and viola. However, no clear‐cut conclusion could be drawn as to whether playing a musical instrument is directly associated with TMD, or only in combination with other factors. More and better research on this topic is needed, as to enable a better counselling and possibly even a better treatment of the suffering musician.
Effects of the masticatory demand on the rat mandibular development
Authors: Hichijo N. , Kawai N. , Mori H. , Sano R. , Ohnuki Y. , Okumura S. , Langenbach G. E. J. , Tanaka E.
Published: April 2014

The influence of masticatory loading stimulus on mandibular development is not fully clear. In this paper, experimental alterations in the daily muscle use, caused by a changed diet consistency, were continuously monitored, while adaptations in bone and cartilage were examined. It is hypothesised that decreased muscular loading will result in a decrease in the growth factor expression and mandible growth. Fourteen 21‐day‐old Wistar strain male rats were randomly divided into two groups and fed on either a hard or soft diet for 14 weeks. An implanted radio‐telemetric device recorded continuously muscle activity of the superficial masseter muscle. Chondroblast proliferation in the condylar cartilage was identified by insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1r) immunostaining. Furthermore, an X‐ray was taken for cephalometric analysis. In the soft‐diet group, the duty time of the superficial masseter muscle at higher activity levels was significantly lower than that in the hard‐diet group. This decrease in muscular loading of the jaw system was accompanied by: a significant reduction in (i) articular cartilage thickness, (ii) expression of IGF‐1r immunopositive cells and (iii) mandible ramus height. In conclusion, a decrease in masticatory demand during the growth period leads to insufficient mandibular development.
Liver transplantation: a systematic review of long‐term quality of life
Authors: Yang Linda S. , Shan Leonard L. , Saxena Akshat , Morris David L.
Published: April 2014

Background & Aims

Liver transplantation is the only curative intervention for terminal liver disease. Accurate long‐term quality of life (QOL) data are required in the context of improved surgical outcomes and increasing post‐transplant survival. This study reviews the long‐term QOL after primary liver transplantation in adult patients surviving 5 or more years after surgery.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on PubMed for all studies matching the eligibility criteria between January 2000 and October 2013. Bibliographies of included studies were also reviewed. Two authors independently performed screening of titles and abstracts. Consensus for studies included for review was achieved by discussion between authors based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Quality appraisal and data tabulation were performed using predetermined forms. Results were synthesized by narrative review.

Results

Twenty‐three studies (5402 patients) were included. QOL following liver transplantation remains superior to preoperative status up to 20 years post‐operatively. More post‐operative complications predicted worse QOL scores especially in physical domains. Benefits in functional domains persist long‐term with independence in self‐care and mobility. Employment rates recover in the short‐term but decline after 5 years, and differ significantly between various aetiologies of liver disease. Overall QOL improves to a similar level as the general population, but physical function remains worse. Participation in post‐operative physical activity is associated with superior QOL outcomes in liver transplant recipients compared to the general population. QOL improvements are similar compared to lung, kidney and heart transplantation. Heterogeneity between studies precluded quantitative analysis.

Conclusions

Liver transplantation confers specific long‐term QOL and functional benefits when compared to preoperative status. This information can assist in providing a more complete estimate of the overall health of liver transplant recipients and the effectiveness of surgery. Guidelines for future studies are provided.
The organic solute transporters alpha and beta are induced by hypoxia in human hepatocytes
Authors: Schaffner Carlos A. , Mwinyi Jessica , Gai Zhibo , Thasler Wolfgang E. , Eloranta Jyrki J. , Kullak‐Ublick Gerd A.
Published: April 2014

Background & Aims

The organic solute transporters alpha and beta (OSTα‐OSTβ) form a heterodimeric transporter located at the basolateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cells and hepatocytes. Liver injury caused by ischaemia‐reperfusion, cancer, inflammation or cholestasis can induce a state of hypoxia in hepatocytes. Here, we studied the effect of hypoxia on the expression of OSTα‐OSTβ.

Methods

OSTα‐OSTβ expression was measured in Huh7 cells and primary human hepatocytes (PHH) exposed to chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), hypoxia or both. OSTα‐OSTβ promoter activity was analysed in luciferase reporter gene assays. Binding of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) to the OSTα‐OSTβ gene promoters was studied in electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA).

Results

Expression of OSTα and OSTβ increased in PHH under conditions of hypoxia. Exposure of Huh7 cells or PHH to CDCA (50 μM) enhanced the effect of hypoxia on OSTα mRNA levels. In luciferase assays and EMSA, the inducing effect of low oxygen could be assigned to HIF‐1α, which binds to hypoxia responsive elements (HRE) in the OSTα and OSTβ gene promoters. Site‐directed mutagenesis of either the predicted HRE or the bile acid responsive FXR binding site abolished inducibility of the OSTα promoter, indicating that both elements need to be intact for induction by hypoxia and CDCA. In a rat model of chronic renal failure, the known increase in hepatic OSTα expression was associated with an increase in HIF‐1α protein levels.

Conclusion

OSTα‐OSTβ expression is induced by hypoxia. FXR and HIF‐1α bind in close proximity to the OSTα gene promoter and produce synergistic effects on OSTα expression.
A chromosomal genomics approach to assess and validate the desi and kabuli draft chickpea genome assemblies
Authors: Ruperao Pradeep , Chan Chon‐Kit Kenneth , Azam Sarwar , Karafiátová Miroslava , Hayashi Satomi , Čížková Jana , Saxena Rachit K. , Šimková Hana , Song Chi , Vrána Jan , Chitikineni Annapurna , Visendi Paul , Gaur Pooran M. , Millán Teresa , Singh Karam B. , Taran Bunyamin , Wang Jun , Batley Jacqueline , Doležel Jaroslav , Varshney Rajeev K. , Edwards David
Published: April 2014

With the expansion of next‐generation sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, there has been a rapid growth of genome sequencing projects. However, while this technology enables the rapid and cost‐effective assembly of draft genomes, the quality of these assemblies usually falls short of gold standard genome assemblies produced using the more traditional BAC by BAC and Sanger sequencing approaches. Assembly validation is often performed by the physical anchoring of genetically mapped markers, but this is prone to errors and the resolution is usually low, especially towards centromeric regions where recombination is limited. New approaches are required to validate reference genome assemblies. The ability to isolate individual chromosomes combined with next‐generation sequencing permits the validation of genome assemblies at the chromosome level. We demonstrate this approach by the assessment of the recently published chickpea kabuli and desi genomes. While previous genetic analysis suggests that these genomes should be very similar, a comparison of their chromosome sizes and published assemblies highlights significant differences. Our chromosomal genomics analysis highlights short defined regions that appear to have been misassembled in the kabuli genome and identifies large‐scale misassembly in the draft desi genome. The integration of chromosomal genomics tools within genome sequencing projects has the potential to significantly improve the construction and validation of genome assemblies. The approach could be applied both for new genome assemblies as well as published assemblies, and complements currently applied genome assembly strategies.
Does expression of Bt toxin matter in farmer's pesticide use?
Authors: Huang Jikun , Chen Ruijian , Qiao Fangbin , Su Honghua , Wu Kongming
Published: April 2014

Despite the widespread adoption of Bt cotton, farmers still spray excessive pesticides in their cotton fields. In contrast to scientists who always use high quality seeds in the laboratory and/or experimental fields, farmers may plant low quality seeds with a low expression of Bt toxin. How does the expression of Bt toxin influence farmers' pesticide use? On the basis of a plot‐level survey and laboratory test data, this study shows that pesticide use on one cotton plot is influenced not only by the expression of Bt crops in this plot, but also by the average expression in the village in the early stage of the cotton growing season. In other words, high expression of Bt toxin benefits not only the farmers who plant the varieties but also all the other villagers.
Prolonged (9 h) poikilocapnic hypoxia (12% O2) augments cutaneous thermal hyperaemia in healthy humans
Authors: Lawley Justin S. , Oliver Samuel J. , Mullins Paul G. , Macdonald Jamie H. , Moore Jonathan P.
Published: April 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

It is widely reported that non‐painful, local warming of the skin elicits highly reproducible vasodilatation in young healthy individuals. Systemic hypoxia also elicits cutaneous vasodilatation, although this is modest in comparison to that elicited by skin heating. The interaction of simultaneous cutaneous local thermal hyperaemia and systemic hypoxia has not been investigated.

What is the main finding and its importance?

When compared with normoxia, systemic hypoxaemia enhances skin vasodilator capacity in response to local skin warming. This finding has important implications for understanding the physiology of skin microvascular reactivity in individuals exposed to systemic hypoxia or with a hypoxic microenvironment of the skin.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of systemic poikilocapnic hypoxia on forearm cutaneous thermal hyperaemia. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between the individual susceptibility to oxygen desaturation and cutaneous vasodilator capacity. Twelve healthy participants (seven male) were exposed to 9 h of normoxia and 12% poikilocapnic hypoxia in a temperature‐ and humidity‐controlled environmental chamber. Skin blood flow was assessed at the ventral forearm using laser Doppler flowmetry combined with rapid local heating. After 6 min at baseline (skin temperature clamped at 33°C), local skin temperature was elevated at a rate of 0.5°C every 5 s up to 42°C to elicit a sensory axon response and then held constant for 30 min to cause a plateau. Skin blood flow was calculated as cutaneous vascular conductance [CVC; in perfusion units/mean arterial blood pressure (APU mmHg−1)] and expressed in raw format and relative to heating at 44°C in normoxia (%CVC44). During hypoxaemia, vasodilatation was greater during the initial peak (raw, Δ0.35 APU mmHg−1, P = 0.09; %CVC44, Δ18%, P = 0.05) and the plateau phase (raw, Δ0.55 APU mmHg−1, P = 0.03; %CVC44, Δ26%, P = 0.02). The rate of rise in cutaneous blood flow during the initial peak was significantly greater during poikilocapnic hypoxia (P < 0.01). We observed a negative relationship between oxygen saturation in poikilocapnic hypoxia and the change in baseline (P = 0.06), initial peak (P = 0.01) and plateau phase of thermal hyperaemia (P = 0.01). Prolonged poikilocapnic hypoxia causes robust increases in CVC during both phases of thermal hyperaemia that are dependent on the oxygen saturation of the individual.
Diminished nitric oxide‐dependent sweating in older males during intermittent exercise in the heat
Authors: Stapleton Jill M. , Fujii Naoto , Carter Michael , Kenny Glen P.
Published: April 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Sweating during exercise in the heat is, in part, mediated through nitric oxide‐dependent mechanisms. It is unclear whether ageing reduces nitric oxide‐dependent sweating during exercise in the heat.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Nitric oxide‐dependent sweating during short bouts of exercise in the heat was observed in young men, but not in older adults. These findings show that age‐related impairment in sweating may be associated with age‐related reductions in nitric oxide‐mediated sweating.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signalling molecule that contributes to the control of many physiological pathways, including the heat‐loss response of skin vasodilatation. Recently, NO has been implicated in the control of sweating during exercise in young adults. We tested the hypothesis that ageing reduces NO‐dependent sweating during exercise in the heat. Ten young (23 ± 3 years old) and 10 older men (64 ± 5 years old), matched for body surface area, performed three successive 15 min bouts of exercise (Ex1, Ex2 and Ex3) at the same rate of metabolic heat production (300 W m−2) in the heat (35°C, 20% relative humidity). Exercise periods were interspersed with 15 min recovery periods. Local sweat rate (ventilated capsule) was measured on two forearm skin sites, which were continuously perfused via intradermal microdialysis with 0.9% saline as control (CON) or 10 mm NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), a non‐selective NO synthase inhibitor. Local sweat rate at the end of Ex1 was lower in the CON conditions in the older versus young men (0.69 ± 0.19 versus 0.90 ± 0.17 mg min−1 cm−2, P = 0.018). In the young men, local sweat rate was reduced in the l‐NAME‐treated conditions compared with the CON conditions at the end of Ex1 (0.67 ± 0.14 versus 0.90 ± 0.17 mg min−1 cm−2, P = 0.004), Ex2 (0.78 ± 0.20 versus 1.03 ± 0.20 mg min−1 cm−2, P = 0.013) and Ex3 (0.78 ± 0.20 versus 1.03 ± 0.21 mg min−1 cm−2, P = 0.014). In the older men, there was no main effect of treatment conditions on local sweat rate (P = 0.537) such that local sweat rates in the l‐NAME‐treated and CON conditions were similar (Ex1, 0.65 ± 0.20 versus 0.69 ± 0.19 mg min−1 cm−2; Ex2, 0.80 ± 0.27 versus 0.91 ± 0.29 mg min−1 cm−2; and Ex3, 0.84 ± 0.31 versus 0.94 ± 0.38 mg min−1 cm−2). We conclude that ageing attenuates the influence of NO in the control of local forearm sweating observed in young adults during short 15 min bouts of exercise in the heat. This mechanism may, in part, explain the age‐related impairments in sweating.