bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fluid–structure interaction model to characterize bone cell stimulation in parallel-plate flow chamber systems
Authors: Vaughan T. J. , Haugh M. G. , McNamara L. M.
Published: January 2013

Bone continuously adapts its internal structure to accommodate the functional demands of its mechanical environment and strain-induced flow of interstitial fluid is believed to be the primary mediator of mechanical stimuli to bone cellsin vivo. In vitroinvestigations have shown that bone cells produce important biochemical signals in response to fluid flow applied using parallel-plate flow chamber (PPFC) systems. However, the exact mechanical stimulus experienced by the cells within these systems remains unclear. To fully understand this behaviour represents a most challenging multi-physics problem involving the interaction between deformable cellular structures and adjacent fluid flows. In this study, we use a fluid–structure interaction computational approach to investigate the nature of the mechanical stimulus being applied to a single osteoblast cell under fluid flow within a PPFC system. The analysis decouples the contribution of pressure and shear stress on cellular deformation and for the first time highlights that cell strain under flow is dominated by the pressure in the PPFC system rather than the applied shear stress. Furthermore, it was found that strains imparted on the cell membrane were relatively low whereas significant strain amplification occurred at the cell–substrate interface. These results suggest that strain transfer through focal attachments at the base of the cell are the primary mediators of mechanical signals to the cell under flow in a PPFC system. Such information is vital in order to correctly interpret biological responses of bone cells underin vitrostimulation and elucidate the mechanisms associated with mechanotransductionin vivo.
Response kinetics in the complex chemotaxis signalling pathway of
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Kojadinovic Mila , Armitage Judith P. , Tindall Marcus J. , Wadhams George H.
Published: January 2013

Chemotaxis is one of the best-characterized signalling systems in biology. It is the mechanism by which bacteria move towards optimal environments and is implicated in biofilm formation, pathogenesis and symbiosis. The properties of the bacterial chemosensory response have been described in detail for the single chemosensory pathway of
Escherichia coli
. We have characterized the properties of the chemosensory response of
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
, an α-proteobacterium with multiple chemotaxis pathways, under two growth conditions allowing the effects of protein expression levels and cell architecture to be investigated. Using tethered cell assays, we measured the responses of the system to step changes in concentration of the attractant propionate and show that, independently of the growth conditions,
R. sphaeroides
is chemotactic over at least five orders of magnitude and has a sensing profile following Weber's Law. Mathematical modelling also shows that, as
E. coli
,
R. sphaeroides
is capable of showing fold-change detection (FCD). Our results indicate that general features of bacterial chemotaxis such as the range and sensitivity of detection, adaptation times, adherence to Weber's Law and the presence of FCD may be integral features of chemotaxis systems in general, regardless of network complexity, protein expression levels and cellular architecture across different species.
Computed tomography-based diagnosis of diffuse compensatory enlargement of coronary arteries using scaling power laws
Authors: Huo Yunlong , Choy Jenny Susana , Wischgoll Thomas , Luo Tong , Teague Shawn D. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: January 2013

Glagov's positive remodelling in the early stages of coronary atherosclerosis often results in plaque rupture and acute events. Because positive remodelling is generally diffused along the epicardial coronary arterial tree, it is difficult to diagnose non-invasively. Hence, the objective of the study is to assess the use of scaling power law for the diagnosis of positive remodelling of coronary arteries based on computed tomography (CT) images. Epicardial coronary arterial trees were reconstructed from CT scans of six Ossabaw pigs fed on a high-fat, high-cholesterol, atherogenic diet for eight months as well as the same number of body-weight-matched farm pigs fed on a lean chow (101.9±16.1 versus 91.5±13.1 kg). The high-fat diet Ossabaw pig model showed diffuse positive remodelling of epicardial coronary arteries. Good fit of measured coronary data to the length–volume scaling power law (

where
L
c
and
V
c
are crown length and volume) were found for both the high-fat and control groups (
R
2
= 0.95±0.04 and 0.99±0.01, respectively). The coefficient,
K
LV
, decreased significantly in the high-fat diet group when compared with the control (14.6±2.6 versus 40.9±5.6). The flow–length scaling power law, however, was nearly unaffected by the positive remodelling. The length–volume and flow–length scaling power laws were preserved in epicardial coronary arterial trees after positive remodelling.
K
LV
< 18 in the length–volume scaling relation is a good index of positive remodelling of coronary arteries. These findings provide a clinical rationale for simple, accurate and non-invasive diagnosis of positive remodelling of coronary arteries, using conventional CT scans.
3-{5-Ethoxycarbonyl-1-[3-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl}benzoic acid
Authors: Yoon Yeong Keng , Ali Mohamed Ashraf , Tan Soo Choon , Rosli Mohd Mustaqim , Razak Ibrahim Abdul
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C24H25N3O5, the ethoxy group is disordered over two orientations in a 0.853 (14):0.147 (14) ratio. The benzimadazole ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.016 Å) makes a dihedral angle of 35.47 (7)° with the attached benzene ring. The pyrrolidine ring adopts an envelope conformation with a methylene C atom as the flap. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of O—H...N hydrogen bonds generateR22(16) loops. C—H...O interactions link the dimers into a three-dimensional network.
Acetonyltriphenylphosphonium nitrate
Authors: Diop Tidiane , Diop Libasse , Kučeráková Monika , Dušek Michal
Published: January 2013

Crystals of the title salt, C21H20OP+·NO3−, are composed of acetonyltriphenylphosphonium cations and nitrate anions that mainly interact through electrostatic forces. The P atom in the cation has a slightly distorted tetrahedral environment, with C—P—C angles ranging from 104.79 (7) to 112.59 (6)°. The sum of O—N—O angles of the nitrate anion is 359.99°, reflecting its trigonal–planar character. C—H...O hydrogen bonds help to consolidate the crystal packing.
Diaqua(5-carboxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κO1)[8-ethyl-5-oxo-2-(piperazin-4-ium-1-yl)-5,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylato-κ2O5,O6]zinc monohydrate
Authors: Ye Zhong-Li , Xin Guang-Hua , Zhang Fu-Tian , Xiao Dong-Rong
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, [Zn(C14H17N5O3)(C9H4O6)(H2O)2]·H2O, the complex molecule exists in a zwitterionic form. The ZnIIion exhibits a distorted tetragonal-pyramidal geometry, being coordinated by two O atoms from the zwitterionic 8-ethyl-5-oxo-2-(piperazin-4-ium-1-yl)-5,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (L) ligand, one O atom from the 5-carboxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylate dianion, [Hbtc]2−, and two O atoms from two aqua ligands. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the components into a three-dimensional structure. The crystal packing exhibits π–π interactions between the aromatic rings, with centroid–centroid distances in the range 3.466 (3)–3.667 (3) Å.
Bis(3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylato-κ2N1,O)diaquacobalt(II)
Authors: Bouchene Rafika , Bouacida Sofiane , Berrah Fadila , Belhouas Ratiba , Merazig Hocine
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, [Co(C5H4N3O2)2(H2O)2], the CoIIatom is situated on a twofold rotation axis and isN,O-chelated by two 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylate anions and additionally bonded to the O atoms of two water molecules, leading to a slightly distorted octahedral coordination environment. The crystal packing is dominated by intermolecular O—H...O, O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonding involving the water molecules and amino groups as donors and carboxylate O atoms, as well as the non-coordinating heterocyclic N atoms as acceptors, resulting in a three-dimensional network. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond is also observed.
1,3-Bis[(tert-butylsulfanyl)methyl]-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene
Authors: Paz-Morales Evelyn , Basauri-Molina Manuel , Germán-Acacio Juan Manuel , Reyes-Martínez Reyna , Morales-Morales David
Published: January 2013

The complete molecule of the title compound, C19H32S2, is generated by crystallorgaphic twofold symmetry, with three C atoms lying on the axis. The Car—C—S—C (ar = aromatic) torsion angle is 156.2 (2) °. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by very weak C—H...S interactions, generating [001] chains.
2-[3-(Naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl]naphthalene
Authors: Wolfenden Mark L. , Dhar Raj K. , Fronczek Frank R. , Watkins Steven F.
Published: January 2013

The title compound, C26H18, consists of a benzene ring withmeta-substituted 2-naphthalene substituents, which are essentially planar [r.m.s. deviations = 0.022 (1) and 0.003 (1) Å]. The conformation issyn, with equivalent torsion angles about the benzene–naphthalene bonds of −36.04 (13) and +34.14 (13)°. The molecule has quasi-Csmolecular symmetry.
6-Chloro-2,4-bis(dimethylamino)-1,3,5-trimethylborazine
Authors: Rodriguez Mark A. , Borek Theodore T.
Published: January 2013

The borazine ring of the title molecule, C7H21B3ClN5, shows a mild distortion from a planar to a flattened boat conformation. Steric effects due to the methyl and dimethylamine substituents appear to be the cause of this distortion.
8-Bromo-3-phenyl-3a,4-dihydro-3H-chromeno[4,3-c]isoxazole-3a-carbonitrile
Authors: Suresh G. , Srinivasan J. , Bakthadoss M. , Aravindhan S.
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C17H11BrN2O2, the five-membered isoxazole ring has an envelope conformation with the C atom bearing the phenyl ring as the flap. The pyran ring has a half-chair conformation. In the chromeno ring system, the dihedral angle between the mean plane of the pyran ring and the benzene ring is 4.68 (2)°. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the chromeno ring system and the isoxazole ring is 13.79 (15)°. The latter forms a dihedral angle of 34.10 (17)° with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming an undulating two-dimensional network parallel to theabplane.
(1S,3aS,4S,7aS)-Ethyl 1-benzyl-2-(4-methoxybenzyl)-6,7-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydro-1H-isoindole-4-carboxylate dichloromethane monosolvate
Authors: Lin Benguo , Wu Jin-Long
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C28H33NO4·CH2Cl2, the pyrrolidone ring adopts a twisted envelope conformation and the cyclohexene has a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the components into chains along [100].
Bis(acetylacetonato-κ2O,O′)bis(pyridine-κN)nickel(II) dihydrate
Authors: Boutebdja Mehdi , Beghidja Adel , Beghidja Chahrazed
Published: January 2013

The title compound, [Ni(C5H7O2)2(C5H5N)2]·2H2O, crystallizes with two half-molecules in the asymmetric unit. The NiIIion of each unique complex molecule lies on an inversion centre and has an octahedral coordination geometry. The crystal structure features weak O—H...O hydrogen bonds, which form chains running parallel to theaaxis.
Estimating transmission of avian influenza in wild birds from incomplete epizootic data: implications for surveillance and disease spread
Authors: Hénaux Viviane , Parmley Jane , Soos Catherine , Samuel Michael D.
Published: January 2013

Estimating disease transmission in wildlife populations is critical to understand host–pathogen dynamics, predict disease risks and prioritize surveillance activities. However, obtaining reliable estimates for free‐ranging populations is extremely challenging. In particular, disease surveillance programs may routinely miss the onset or end of epizootics and peak prevalence, limiting the ability to evaluate infectious processes.

We used profile likelihood to estimate the force of infection (FOI) in a low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIv) epizootic model from censored time series of LPAIv prevalence in hatch‐year waterfowl (order Anseriformes) at postbreeding and migration sites in North America.

We found a mean LPAIv FOI of 0·12 day−1 [95% CI, 0·00–0·39], corresponding to an incidence rate of 0·11 day−1, with geographic heterogeneity (min–max: 0·02–0·23 day−1) among study sites. These high infection rates indicate that most hatch‐year waterfowl are likely infected with LPAIv early in the fall migration.

Comparison of model‐predicted and observed immunity confirmed our assumption of naïve hatch‐year waterfowl and suggested long‐term immunity (>6 months) for adults.

Using the mean LPAIv incidence rate, we predict a shorter and lower epizootic curve for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv; 5 weeks with peak prevalence of 28% and 30% mortality) than LPAIv (8 weeks with peak prevalence of 50%). These findings indicate it is harder to detect HPAIv than LPAIv with swabs from live birds, which are commonly used during disease surveillance.

Synthesis and applications. Our study highlights the potential of integrating incomplete surveillance data with epizootic models to quantify disease transmission and immunity. This modelling approach provides an important tool to understand spatial and temporal epizootic dynamics and inform disease surveillance. Our findings suggest focusing highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv) surveillance on postbreeding areas where mortality of immunologically naïve hatch‐year birds is most likely to occur, and collecting serology to enhance HPAIv detection. Our modelling approach can integrate various types of disease data facilitating its use with data from other surveillance programs (as illustrated by the estimation of infection rate during an HPAIv outbreak in mute swans Cygnus olor in Europe).
Effects of predator specialization, host plant and climate on biological control of aphids by natural enemies: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Diehl Eva , Sereda Elvira , Wolters Volkmar , Birkhofer Klaus
Published: January 2013

Aphids are among the most severe invertebrate pests of crops and cause high economic losses. The control of aphids by natural enemies is an essential ecosystem service with high relevance to management strategies applied in agricultural plant production and horticulture. However, the current knowledge on the effectiveness of specialist and generalist predators in aphid control with respect to host plants and climatic conditions has not yet been summarized in a meta‐analytical approach.

We collected 60 studies providing 168 independent cases of predator exclusion experiments to analyse how predator and host plant group and climatic conditions affect aphid control by natural enemies.

Effects of natural enemies on aphid populations were strongest in assemblages that included specialist predators, either alone or with generalist predators. Generalists alone also reduced aphid numbers significantly, but not to the same extent as specialists.

Effects of natural enemies were weaker on aphid populations feeding on legumes compared with aphids on grasses or herbs. The percentage reduction of aphids feeding on grasses, herbs or legumes was higher in treatments with assemblages or specialists alone compared with generalists with the largest difference on grasses.

According to all field studies from the temperate zone, effects of natural enemies on aphid populations were strongest in areas with high precipitation seasonality. A relationship between predator effects and temperature seasonality was only found for the USA.

Synthesis and applications. Specialist predators alone or assemblages of specialists and generalists had the strongest effect on aphid populations, especially when either feeding on grasses and herbs or when exposed to extreme weather events. The control of aphids by natural enemies is most promising in grass and herb crops, whereas it is less suited for controlling aphids in legume crops. Facing climate change, the effect of extreme weather events on aphid control by natural enemies will have further implications for developing management strategies for aphid control in the future.
Isolation of two new Dehalococcoides mccartyi strains with dissimilar dechlorination functions and their characterization by comparative genomics via microarray analysis
Authors: Lee Patrick K. H. , Cheng Dan , West Kimberlee A. , Alvarez‐Cohen Lisa , He Jianzhong
Published: January 2013

Microbial reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE) in groundwater often results in the accumulation of dichloroethenes (DCEs). Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) are the only known bacteria capable of dechlorination beyond DCE to non‐toxic ethene. In this study, two newly isolated Dhc strains (11a and 11a5) with dissimilar functional abilities are described. Strain 11a reductively dechlorinates TCE, 1,1‐DCE, cis‐DCE, trans‐DCE, and vinyl chloride (VC) to ethene, while strain 11a5 dechlorinates TCE and all three DCE isomers only to VC. Each of these dechlorination reactions are coupled to growth by these strains. The VC dechlorination rate of strain 11a occurs at a rate of 258 nmol per min per mg of protein, about two times faster than previously reported stains. Strain 11a possesses the vcrA gene while strain 11a5 contains the tceA gene. Strains 11a and 11a5 share 100% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity with previously sequenced Dhc strains BAV1 and CBDB1, placing it within the Pinellas subgroup, and 85.4% and 89.5% of all genes present in the CBDB1 and BAV1 genomes were detected in strains 11a and 11a5, respectively, using a custom‐designed microarray targeting four sequenced Dhc strains. Genes that were not detected in strains 11a and 11a5 are mostly within the high plasticity regions or integrated elements of the sequenced strains. This study reports the functional description and comparative genomics of two additional Dhc isolates and provides evidence that the observed functional incongruence between the activity and core genome phylogenies of Dhc strains is likely driven by the horizontal transfer of key reductive dehalogenase‐encoding genes.
On the question of historical injuries: Transitional justice, anthropology and the vicissitudes of listening (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Castillejo‐Cuellar Alejandro
Published: January 2013

In this paper I am concerned with how certain kinds of violence and injuries, located simultaneously in multiple spaces and temporalities, question the prospect of what I call an ‘imagined new future’. I take the proceedings of a recent workshop on transitional justice, held in a university situated in the global North, as an avenue to unpack this idea. Here, I distinguish two instances when testimonies of violence embodied by survivors, may challenge broader assumptions about transitional justice. Firstly, when the prospect of historical injuries emerge, when difference and inequality – despite the promise of new post‐violence nations – are in fact woven together into a longue durée, a longer temporality, that remains beyond the theoretical contours and technical mandates defined by experts in the field. From this perspective, transitions may be experienced by specific communities not as fractures but as relative continuities, for example, of historically rooted political and economic hegemonies. Secondly, when the voice of survivors fracture the theoretical space created by larger discourses of reconciliation. In this case, they may incarnate an unforgiving victim, displaced outside the moral economy of reconciliation that stresses forgiveness and unity over resentment and fragmentation. In the end, the question I would like to pose is how certain forms of violence are rendered unintelligible by mainstream transitional justice discourses.
Deliberative and Participatory Democracy in the UK
Authors: Davidson Stewart , Elstub Stephen
Published: January 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract

This article:

Provides an overview of the development of deliberative and participatory democracy in the UK. Critically analyses the success of consecutive UK national governments in fostering deliberative and participatory processes. Surveys the development of deliberative and participatory processes in the UK at sub-national and local level. Provides a starting point for comparative politics on deliberative and participatory democracy between the UK and other polities.

This article responds to Michael Saward's call for a more context-specific approach to the study of democracy by exploring developments in, obstacles to, and prospects for, a more deliberative and participatory model of democracy in the UK. A review is undertaken first of the New Labour and coalition governments' attempts at constitutional reform, in order to assess the implications these efforts have had, and continue to have, for the institutionalisation of such a model of democracy. Despite proclamations of lofty ambition successive UK governments have wrapped themselves in the straightjacketing logic of the Westminster model of parliamentary government. As a consequence their actual proposals lack ambition and are often incoherent. The story told in this respect is therefore one of largely unrealised rhetoric. The ‘largely’ qualifier is included, however, in recognition of the space created by Labour's constitutional reforms for participation at the peripheries of governance. The second section of the article focuses on these spaces by, first, commenting briefly on whether the participatory aspirations of the architects of Scottish devolution have been realised before, second, examining the use of specific deliberative mechanisms—such as citizens'juries, deliberative polls and participatory budgeting—at varying locations within the political system and in public agencies and services. Evidence of democratic innovation is presented; however, any optimism on this front must be tempered, as the power-sharing potential of such mechanisms, and their capacity to move us towards a more comprehensive and joined-up deliberative system in the UK, is hampered by the lack of a facilitating institutional landscape. Finally, an overview is provided of the three remaining articles that make up this special section on deliberative and participatory democracy in the UK.
From Road Town to Shanghai: Situating the Caribbean in Global Capital Flows to China
Authors: Vlcek William
Published: January 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract

This article:

Assesses the role of Caribbean offshore financial centres (OFCs) in FDI flows to China. Argues the OFC provides financial intermediation services beyond simply tax minimisation. Demonstrates a similar use of the OFC in other developing economies. Suggests the position of the OFC in global finance continues to evolve.

This article examines the prominent location of offshore financial centres (OFCs) among the leading origin and destination points for foreign direct investment (FDI) to China. The OFC (characterised as a tax haven) frequently has been ignored or assumed out of analyses on Chinese FDI as simply servicing tax minimisation practices. This article challenges that assumption and emphasises the financial intermediation role performed by the Caribbean OFC beyond practices of tax arbitrage. Through the use of an international business company (IBC) registered in an OFC these jurisdictions perform several functions for investors, to include providing access to foreign capital markets, reducing tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions and concealing potential politically-sensitive beneficial ownership of the investment. This assessment for the role of the OFC in circuits of global capital involving FDI to China demonstrates that China's relationship with the OFC is different from that experienced by Europe and North America.
Ethnic Cleansing, Ethical Smearing and Irish Historians
Authors: Fitzpatrick David
Published: January 2013

Do most academic historians of twentieth‐century Ireland conform to a ‘constitutional narrative’, driven by a moral imperative to subvert republican interpretations? Has their shared political agenda led to widespread distortion, suppression, ‘elision’ and falsification of the evidential record? Is it high time to root out ‘the insidious influence of Irish public histories presented as objective historical evidence'? In the view of John M. Regan, the answer in all cases is an emphatic ‘yes’. This riposte to his recent article in History examines the credibility of Regan's critique, with particular attention to his claim that the late Peter Hart was guilty of ‘academic fraud’ in his controversial analysis of republican sectarianism and ‘ethnic cleansing’ in the Irish revolution. When closely examined, Regan's analysis seems perverse and untenable, implicitly relying on a reductionist conspiracy theory which ignores the rich variety and sound scholarship displayed by several generations of historians of modern Ireland.
Between fruit variability of the bioactive compounds, β‐carotene and mangiferin, in mango (Mangifera indica)
Authors: Hewavitharana Amitha K. , Tan Zhi W. , Shimada Ryo , Shaw Paul N. , Flanagan Bernadine M.
Published: January 2013

Aim

As the use of nutraceuticals has become increasingly popular, there is now a general interest regarding the amount of fruit one must consume in order to fulfil the recommended intake of a particular bioactive. Consequently, the variation in the amount of bioactive between apparently equivalent (variety, maturity) fruits has become an important factor to consider. The present study is conducted to principally address the variation of bioactives between fruits, which has received scant attention in the literature.

Methods

Kensington Pride mangoes were chosen as the fruit of interest and two signature bioactive compounds, β‐carotene and mangiferin representing two extreme polarities, were chosen to study inter‐ and intra‐fruit variability. Visible spectrometry and HPLC‐tandem mass spectrometry were used to measure the compounds.

Results

The intra‐ and inter‐fruit variability of mangiferin content was found to be 12.7% and 139%, respectively (n = 10). The intra‐fruit variability of β‐carotene was 2.57%, while the inter‐fruit variability was 38.5% (n = 10).
Evaluation of an electronic record prototype incorporating the Nutrition Care Process and International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology
Authors: O'Sullivan Therese A.
Published: January 2013

Aim

This research aimed to evaluate an online electronic record prototype incorporating the Nutrition Care Process and International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology.

Methods

Concept design and programming were conducted to create a prototype from an existing online records program. Twelve dietitians from Perth and surrounds trialled the prototype. Online anonymous questionnaires assessed attitudes and confidence around using the Nutrition Care Process and standardised terminology, current practices and opinions on the prototype. A focus group further investigated topics in more detail.

Results

Part implementation of the Nutrition Care Process (e.g. nutrition diagnosis only) was reported by 42% of dietitians; the remainder planned to implement in the future. Developing new record systems was identified as the most costly area of implementation, followed by dietitian training. After trialling the prototype, dietitians reported an increase of confidence of 17% in using the terminology if they had access to an electronic system. Focus group discussions indicated dietitians felt the prototype was easy to use, acted as a guide to documenting using the care process and terminology, and would be useful in national e‐health records. They expressed interest in using an electronic system for research purposes including quality control, investigating intervention effectiveness and justifying the role of dietitians on a productivity basis.

Conclusions

Results of this pilot study support the concept that an electronic system using standardised terminology is likely to be well accepted by dietitians, and suggests further development of the prototype into a fully functioning system with scope for national electronic health record interoperability.
Treatment response in the neck: p16+ versus p16− oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Mak Daisy , Hicks Rodney J , Rischin Danny , Solomon Ben , Peters Lester , Bressel Mathias , Young Richard J , Corry June
Published: January 2013

Introduction

To compare nodal response rates following chemoradiotherapy in patients with p16+ and p16− oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

Patients with node‐positive OPSCC treated at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre on the published phase I–III tirapazamine trials were identified. All patients had conventional assessment (clinical examination (CA), CT and/or MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) at both baseline and 2–4 months post‐treatment.

Results

There were 30 p16+ and 18 p16− patients, the former group having significantly higher stage nodal disease (P = 0.016). The mean overall reduction in nodal size at post‐treatment assessment was similar in p16+ and p16− patients (78% vs. 75%), and no statistically significant difference in nodal complete response (CR) rates was detected by either CA (50% vs. 39%, P = 0.35) or PET/PET‐CT (93% vs. 83%, P = 0.19). PET was significantly more accurate in determining the true nodal CR rate in both groups, with a negative predictive value of 96%.

Conclusion

Nodal response rates following chemoradiotherapy appear to be similar in p16+ and p16− patients when assessed by either CA or PET/PET‐CT. However, higher nodal CR was seen in PET/PET‐CT compared with CA in both groups. Metabolic imaging is more accurate than CA in assessing nodal response post‐treatment.
Protein restriction cycles reduce IGF‐1 and phosphorylated Tau, and improve behavioral performance in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Authors: Parrella Edoardo , Maxim Tom , Maialetti Francesca , Zhang Lu , Wan Junxiang , Wei Min , Cohen Pinchas , Fontana Luigi , Longo Valter D.
Published: January 2013

In laboratory animals, calorie restriction (CR) protects against aging, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Reduced levels of growth hormone and IGF‐1, which mediate some of the protective effects of CR, can also extend longevity and/or protect against age‐related diseases in rodents and humans. However, severely restricted diets are difficult to maintain and are associated with chronically low weight and other major side effects. Here we show that 4 months of periodic protein restriction cycles (PRCs) with supplementation of nonessential amino acids in mice already displaying significant cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐like pathology reduced circulating IGF‐1 levels by 30–70% and caused an 8‐fold increase in IGFBP‐1. Whereas PRCs did not affect the levels of β amyloid (Aβ), they decreased tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus and alleviated the age‐dependent impairment in cognitive performance. These results indicate that periodic protein restriction cycles without CR can promote changes in circulating growth factors and tau phosphorylation associated with protection against age‐related neuropathologies.
Impact of different fluoride concentrations and pH of dentifrices on tooth erosion/abrasion in vitro
Authors: Moron BM , Miyazaki SSH , Ito N , Wiegand A , Vilhena F , Buzalaf MAR , Magalhães AC
Published: January 2013

Background

This in vitro study analysed the effect of different fluoride concentrations in acidic or neutral liquid dentifrices in protecting enamel and dentine from erosive and abrasive wear.

Methods

Bovine enamel and dentine specimens (n = 132) were randomly allocated to 11 groups (each n = 12): experimental liquid dentifrices with 550 ppm F, 1100 ppm F, 5000 ppm F or 0 ppm F/placebo (each at pH 4.5 and pH 7.0); and commercial dentifrices with 550 ppm F (Colgate Baby, pH 7.0), 1100 ppm F (Crest, pH 7.0) and 5000 ppm F (Duraphat, pH 7.0). The specimens were subjected to erosion for 90 seconds, 4 times/day, over 7 days. Immediately after the first and last erosion, the specimens were brushed for 15 seconds using one of the dentifrices. Tooth wear was measured profilometrically (μm) and analysed by ANOVA (p < 0.05).

Results

All fluoridated liquid dentifrices significantly reduced enamel wear compared to the placebo and commercial dentifrices. Only liquid dentifrices with 1100 and 5000 ppm F significantly reduced dentine wear compared to placebo dentifrice. The pH had no effect, but the consistency had a significant impact on the effect of dentifrices.

Conclusions

Liquid dentifrices with high F concentration appear to be a good option to prevent tooth wear.
Local drug delivery of 0.5% azithromycin in the treatment of chronic periodontitis among smokers
Authors: Pradeep AR , Bajaj P , Agarwal E , Rao NS , Naik SB , Kalra N , Priyanaka N
Published: January 2013

Background

Along with conventional periodontal surgical therapy, local delivery of antibiotics may provide more effective treatment in smokers by targeting tissue‐invasive bacteria. The aim of this randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐masked clinical trial was to evaluate the adjunctive effects of subgingivally delivered 0.5% azithromycin (AZM) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients were randomized and categorized into two treatment groups: Group 1 – 26 subjects who received (SRP) plus placebo gel and Group 2 – 28 subjects who received (SRP) plus 0.5% azithromycin. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. They included Plaque Index (PI), modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL).

Results

Azithromycin resulted in significant improvements. A single application of AZM resulted in attachment gain at 9 months of 2.44 ± 0.64 mm as compared to 0.18 ± 0.68 mm for the placebo. Similarly, pocket depth and PI were significantly reduced but no change in the mSBI was noted.

Conclusions

When compared to the placebo, the adjunctive use of 0.5% AZM resulted in significant improvement in clinical outcome in the treatment of chronic periodontitis among smokers.
Assessing farmers’ risk preferences and their determinants in a marginal upland area of Vietnam: a comparison of multiple elicitation techniques
Authors: Nielsen Thea , Keil Alwin , Zeller Manfred
Published: January 2013

We examine the consistency of risk preference measures based on eight hypothetical elicitation methods and a lottery game applied to smallholder farmers in a marginal upland environment in Vietnam. Using these measures, we identify influencing factors of risk aversion via regression analysis, whereby unlike previous studies, we include several proxies of social capital such as social networks and norms. Data were collected from household heads and spouses separately in a random sample of 300 households. Although correlations between most of the various risk preference measures are all statistically highly significant, most are weak. On average, respondents have a high degree of risk aversion and specific characteristics—gender, age, idiosyncratic shocks, education, social norms, network‐reliance with extended family, and connections to local authorities—are significant determinants of risk preferences across most elicitation methods, whereas others—the household's dependency ratio, wealth, and covariate shocks—are significant in a few methods only. The explanatory power of the models is limited, indicating that other factors are likely to be of greater importance in determining risk preferences. The results can help target safety nets, encourage investments, and lead to the development of more applicable methods for assessing risk preferences of smallholders in developing countries.
The impact of agricultural policy on farm income concentration: the case of regional implementation of the CAP direct payments in Italy
Authors: Severini Simone , Tantari Antonella
Published: January 2013

One of the objectives of agricultural policy worldwide concerns the support of farm income. Common Agricultural Policy direct payments (DPs) are the main instruments to support farm income in the European Union. This article addresses their role in the concentration of farm income. This is done by calculating the Gini coefficient and its disaggregation in a large sample of Italian farms in the period between 2006 and 2007. Although this approach has been used to develop ex‐post analysis in previous studies, this article is innovative given that it is used here in an ex ante analysis aimed at evaluating the likely impact of a recent reform proposal. This latter requests changing the current model to a regional model of DPs application to make payment rates (i.e., payment per hectare) homogeneous among farms in the same region.

The analysis shows that DPs and farm incomes are both very concentrated but that DPs allow for an income concentration reduction in Italian farms. The shift to a regional implementation reduces DPs concentration and, to a limited extent, farm income concentration. Of the considered regionalization scenarios, those that redistribute DPs among regions are the most effective in reducing concentration. The extension of the Gini considered approach to an ex ante setting seems effective because it provides insights that could feed the policy debate regarding the forthcoming reform.
The admission CTG: is there any evidence for still using the test?
Authors: Blix Ellen
Published: January 2013

Admission cardiotocography (CTG) was introduced as a screening test for fetal distress in labor in the late 1980s. No systematic assessments of the test were performed before it was taken into widespread use. A screening test is meant to identify individuals with an increased risk for a disease or condition before symptoms occur, to prevent and reduce morbidity or mortality. A screening test should be evaluated according to its effectiveness, prognostic values and reliability. A careful review of the research literature states that routine use of the admission CTG in low‐risk women increases the incidence of minor obstetric interventions, may increase the incidence of cesarean sections, but has no impact on other important outcomes. The prognostic values are poor, and the reliability varies from good to poor. There is no evidence showing that the admission CTG is beneficial, and the test should not be offered to low‐risk women.
The Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor PCI‐32765 synergistically increases proteasome inhibitor activity in diffuse large‐B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells sensitive or resistant to bortezomib
Authors: Dasmahapatra Girija , Patel Hiral , Dent Paul , Fisher Richard I. , Friedberg Jonathan , Grant Steven
Published: January 2013

Interactions between the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor PCI‐32765 and the proteasome inhibitor (bortezomib) were examined in diffuse large‐B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells, including those highly resistant to bortezomib. Co‐administration of PCI‐32765/bortezomib synergistically increased mitochondrial injury and apoptosis in germinal centre‐ or activated B‐cell‐like‐DLBCL cells and in MCL cells. These events were accompanied by marked AKT and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB (NFKB1) inactivation, down‐regulation of Mcl‐1 (MCL1), Bcl‐xL (BCL2L1), and XIAP, and enhanced DNA damage (e.g., γH2A.X formation) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Similar interactions were observed in highly bortezomib‐resistant DLBCL and MCL cells, and in primary DLBCL cells. In contrast, PCI‐32765/bortezomib regimens displayed minimal toxicity toward normal CD34+ bone marrow cells. Transfection of DLBCL cells with a constitutively active AKT construct attenuated AKT inactivation and significantly diminished cell death, whereas expression of an NF‐κB “super‐repressor” (IκBαser34/36) increased both PCI‐32765 and bortezomib lethality. Moreover, cells in which the ER stress response was disabled by a dominant‐negative eIF2α construct were resistant to this regimen. Finally, combined exposure to PCI‐32765 and bortezomib resulted in more pronounced and sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and ROS scavengers significantly diminished lethality. Given promising early clinical results for PCI‐32765 in DLBCL and MCL, a strategy combining BTK/proteasome inhibitor warrants attention in these malignancies.
Novel adaptor protein Shf interacts with ALK receptor and negatively regulates its downstream signals in neuroblastoma
Authors: Takagi Daisuke , Tatsumi Yasutoshi , Yokochi Tomoki , Takatori Atsushi , Ohira Miki , Kamijo Takehiko , Kondo Satoshi , Fujii Yoshitaka , Nakagawara Akira
Published: January 2013

Our neuroblastoma cDNA project previously identified Src homology 2 domain containing F (Shf) as one of the genes expressed at high levels in favorable neuroblastoma. Shf is an adaptor protein containing four putative tyrosine phosphorylation sites and an SH2 domain. In this study, we found that Shf interacted with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase in neuroblastoma. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that Shf mRNA is highly expressed in non‐metastatic neuroblastomas compared to metastatic tumor samples (P < 0.030, n = 106). Interestingly, patients showing high ALK and low Shf mRNA expressions showed poor prognosis, whereas low ALK and high Shf expressions were related to better prognosis (P < 0.023, n = 38). Overexpression of ALK and siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Shf yielded similar results, such as an increase in cellular growth and phosphorylation of ALK, in addition to Erk1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) that are downstream signals of the ALK‐initiated phospho‐transduction pathway. Knockdown of Shf also increased the cellular mobility and invasive capability of neuroblastoma cells. These results suggest that Shf interacts with ALK and negatively regulates the ALK‐initiated signal transduction pathway in neuroblastoma. We thus propose that Shf inhibits phospho‐transduction signals mediated by ALK, which is one of the major key players on neuroblastoma development, resulting in better prognosis of the tumor.
Stevens–Johnson Syndrome associated with mogamulizumab treatment of adult T‐cell leukemia / lymphoma
Authors: Ishida Takashi , Ito Asahi , Sato Fumihiko , Kusumoto Shigeru , Iida Shinsuke , Inagaki Hiroshi , Morita Akimichi , Akinaga Shiro , Ueda Ryuzo
Published: January 2013

We report an adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma patient suffering from Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) during mogamulizumab (humanized anti‐CCR4 monoclonal antibody) treatment. There was a durable significant reduction of the CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cell subset in the patient's PBMC, and the affected inflamed skin almost completely lacked FOXP3‐positive cells. This implies an association between reduction of the Treg subset by mogamulizimab and occurrence of SJS. The present case should contribute not only to our understanding of human pathology resulting from therapeutic depletion of Treg cells, but also alert us to the possibility of immune‐related severe adverse events such as SJS when using mogamulizumab. We are currently conducting a clinical trial of mogamulizumab for CCR4‐negative solid cancers (UMIN000010050), specifically aiming to deplete Treg cells.
High hospital burden in overlap syndrome of asthma and COPD
Authors: Andersén Heidi , Lampela Pekka , Nevanlinna Antti , Säynäjäkangas Olli , Keistinen Timo
Published: January 2013

Background

Overlap syndrome of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition, which is not well understood. This study describes the characteristics and hospital impact of patients suffering from this condition.

Methods

The data are comprised of the hospital discharge registry data maintained by National Institute for Health and Welfare [Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos (THL)] between 1972 and 2009 covering the entire Finnish population (5.35 million inhabitants in 2009). In THL, treatment periods for patients with the primary or secondary diagnosis of asthma or COPD were selected. From that data, patients over 34 years and their treatment periods starting and ending 2000–2009 with a principal or secondary diagnosis of asthma [International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10: J45‐J46] or COPD (ICD 10: J41‐J44) were picked up. There were 105 122 such patients who had 343 420 treatment periods altogether.

Results

Patients with asthma were younger than patients with COPD and overlap syndrome, while COPD and overlap syndrome patients’ age distribution was very similar. Patients with both asthma and COPD had 30.4% of all treatment periods, even though the percentage of all patients in this group was only 16.1%. These patients had an increased number of hospitalisation episodes across all age groups. Average number of treatment periods during 2000–2009 was 2.1 in asthma, 3.4 in COPD and 6.0 in overlap syndrome. Hospital impact of the same period in asthma was 939 900 days in COPD 1 517 308 and 1 000 724 days in overlap syndrome.

Conclusion

Overlap syndrome of asthma and COPD is a common condition with high hospital impact for patients with this condition.
Allergic rhinitis is often undiagnosed and untreated: results from a general population study of Danish adults
Authors: Grønhøj Larsen Christian , Gyldenløve Mette , Linneberg Allan
Published: January 2013

Introduction

A few earlier studies have indicated that allergic rhinitis (AR) is underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Objective

To assess awareness, diagnosis and treatment of AR in a general population of Danish adults.

Methods

Between October 2007 and June 2008, a total of 1277 consecutive participants in a Danish general population study of 18‐ to 69‐year olds were skin‐prick‐tested and asked about respiratory symptoms. AR was defined as a combination of self‐reported rhinitis symptoms and skin‐prick test reactivity against inhalant allergens. Participants reporting rhinitis symptoms completed an additional questionnaire on medication for rhinitis symptoms.

Results

The prevalence of AR was 23.1%. A total of 43.6% (n = 122/280) of persons with AR had not received any treatment in the previous 12 months, and only 56.6% (n = 163/288) had been given a diagnosis of hay fever by a doctor. Both AR and lower airway symptoms indicating more severe AR were reported in 48.5% (n = 143/295). These persons were significantly more likely to having received treatment in previous 12 months and a diagnosis of hay fever.

Conclusion

Our results support that even in an affluent country like Denmark, AR is often undiagnosed and untreated. There appears to be a need for increased awareness of AR with regard to both diagnosis and treatment.