bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Rasch analysis to refine a patient-reported questionnaire on satisfaction with communication of the multiple sclerosis diagnosis
Authors: Solari A , Grzeda M , Giordano A , Mattarozzi K , D’Alessandro R , Simone A , Tesio L ,   on behalf of the SIMS-Trial, SIMS-Practice and Agorà studies
Published: January 2014

Background:

The Comunicazione medico-paziente nella Sclerosi Multipla – Revised (COSM-R) is a patient self-assessed questionnaire probing the moment of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis disclosure (section 1, five items) and following period (section 2, 15 items).

Objectives:

This study examined COSM-R dimensionality and measurement properties through Rasch analysis (partial-credit model) and proposed a revised questionnaire.

Methods:

Cross-sectional COSM-R data were obtained from 1068 people with MS (PwMS, 1065 questionnaires) participating in four studies (102 centres). Mean age was 40 years (range 17–73); 70% were women; 53% were from Northern, 25% from Central, and 21% from Southern Italy.

Results:

Unidimensionality was not confirmed for COSM-R section 1, but was for section 2 after removal of three items. The revised instrument (COSM-S, Shortened) consisted of the original five-item checklist (section 1), modified by removing the table grouping of three items, and 12 of the original 15 section 2 items, which could now be summed and transformed into an interval scale. Scores were higher for items assessing emotional satisfaction than for those assessing informational satisfaction.

Conclusions:

The proposed COSM-S is a composite measure of satisfaction with MS diagnosis communication with improved metric properties over the original COSM-R, and whose section 2 satisfies Rasch model expectations.
From ‘Broadcast yourself’ to ‘Follow your interests’: Making over social media
Authors: Burgess Jean
Published: January 2014

In this article I briefly trace the complex and incremental but significant ways that social media platforms have been transformed since the ‘Web 2.0’ moment of the early 2000s, identifying some common trajectories across several platforms, and discussing their consequences for how users – and their capacity for creative agency – are positioned. I argue that the maintenance of balanced tensions between accessibility and openness is important to the ongoing prospects of social and cultural innovation in social media.
Super Mario, the new silent clown: Video game parodies as transformative comedy tools
Authors: Garin Manuel
Published: January 2014

This article examines how the video game character Super Mario has become a key character in contemporary culture and an icon of user-generated comedy in hundreds of YouTube parodies, sketches and visual gags. The transformation of the original figure in user-generated makeovers highlights a vaudevillistic potential that allows Mario’s image to be reinvented, enriching and questioning the limits of fan re-appropriation.
Rebranding Doctor Who and reimagining Sherlock: ‘Quality’ television as ‘makeover TV drama’
Authors: Hills Matt
Published: January 2014

This article adopts an unusual approach to ‘makeover TV’ by suspending the ‘unities of discourse’ linked to discursive clusters of ‘quality’ TV drama and makeover television. These are typically positioned as two completely different arenas of TV output – one concerning valued, aestheticized fictions, the other involving devalued and artificial factual entertainments. While ‘quality’ TV is articulated with notions of auteurist vision, makeover TV is supposedly penetrated by consumer culture and its ideologies. Challenging these naturalized discourses, I argue via two case studies – BBC Wales’ Doctor Who and Sherlock – that celebrated TV dramas significantly engage in makeover modalities. Doctor Who repeatedly displays the branded ‘reveal’ of transformed content (new designs; new lead actors). And Sherlock exhibits an emphasis on transformative individuation rather than fidelity to Arthur Conan Doyle’s original writings, despite generally being discursively positioned by critics as an ‘adaptation’. Whether reinventing a brand or a character, Doctor Who and Sherlock share many of the processes of consumer-cultural ‘makeover TV’, albeit in the arena of ‘quality’ TV drama. By temporarily setting ‘facts of discourse’ to one side, it is possible to illuminate ideological ‘powers of transformation’ running across valued TV fictions and devalued factual entertainment.
Metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint arthrodesis: a comparative study between tension band and compression screw fixation
Authors: Breyer J. M. , Vergara P. , Parra L. , Sotelo P. , Bifani A. , Andrade F.
Published: January 2014

A retrospective, comparative cohort study was performed of metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with either tension band ( n = 28) or compression (Acutrak Mini) screw ( n = 29) methods. We compared rate of union, healing time, complications, and re-operation rate. Union was achieved in 26/28 (92.8%) of the tension band group (9.4 weeks) and 24/28 (85.7%) of the compression screw group (9.8 weeks). Only 28 patients in the screw group were assessed for union as one patient in the screw group sustained a fracture at the time of insertion and was converted to tension band fixation. The complication rate was 8/28 (28.6%) in the tension band group and 8/29 (27.6%) in the compression screw group. Re-operation rate was 9/28 (32.1%) in the tension band group and 1/29 (3.6%) in the compression screw group. Our findings indicate that bone healing, healing time, and complications are similar in both groups. The tension band technique had a significantly higher re-operation rate (hardware removal), but was the technique for salvage following failure of the screw technique.
Single-stage reconstruction of flexor tendons with vascularized tendon transfers
Authors: Cavadas P. C. , Pérez-García A. , Thione A. , Lorca-García C.
Published: January 2014

The reconstruction of finger flexor tendons with vascularized flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon grafts (flaps) based on the ulnar vessels as a single stage is not a popular technique. We reviewed 40 flexor tendon reconstructions (four flexor pollicis longus and 36 finger flexors) with vascularized FDS tendon grafts in 38 consecutive patients. The donor tendons were transferred based on the ulnar vessels as a single-stage procedure (37 pedicled flaps, three free flaps). Four patients required composite tendon and skin island transfer. Minimum follow-up was 12 months, and functional results were evaluated using a total active range of motion score. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the factors that could be associated with the postoperative total active range of motion. The average postoperative total active range of motion (excluding the thumbs) was 178.05° (SD 50°). The total active range of motion was significantly lower for patients who were reconstructed with free flaps and for those who required composite tendon and skin island flap. Age, right or left hand, donor/motor tendon and pulley reconstruction had no linear effect on total active range of motion. Overall results were comparable with a published series on staged tendon grafting but with a lower complication rate. Vascularized pedicled tendon grafts/flaps are useful in the reconstruction of defects of finger flexor tendons in a single stage, although its role in the reconstructive armamentarium remains to be clearly established.
Design of an innovative optimized motorcycle helmet
Authors: Blanco David H , Cernicchi Alessandro , Galvanetto Ugo
Published: January 2014

A key component of a safety helmet is the foam liner, which absorbs the greatest portion of impact energy during an accident. The aim of the present study is twofold: to design a motorcycle helmet equipped with an innovative liner optimized with regard to energy absorption and to do so by coupling engineering expertise with design of experiments and response surface modelling. The new liner consists of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic lamina shaped into deformable cones. Energy is absorbed via a combination of folding and collapsing of the cones. The main advantage that such a liner may introduce over common expanded polystyrene pads are that it allows a better optimization of energy absorption for different impact sites and configurations. Design of experiments was used to identify the most relevant parameters in the definition of the mechanical behaviour of the cones. Design of experiments and response surface modelling were then used to design a helmet with optimized performance. Finally, the performance of the newly designed helmet was compared with that of its existing commercial counterpart. Simulations exhibit in seven of the eight impact cases required by the standards a reduction in the maximum acceleration or the head injury criteria coefficient.
After Leveson
Authors: Cohen-Almagor Raphael
Published: January 2014

The aim of this article is to review the work of the official inquiry committee headed by Lord Justice Brian Leveson in Britain. It is argued that the existing situation in Britain is far from satisfactory, and that the press should advance more elaborate mechanisms of self-control, establishing a new regulatory body called Public and Press Council that will be anchored in law, and funded by organizations that are independent from government and the media. The new independent regulator should be empowered with greater and unprecedented authority, and with substantive sanctioning abilities.
A critical review of the core medical training curriculum in the UK: A medical education perspective
Authors: Laskaratos Faidon-Marios , Gkotsi Despoina , Panteliou Eleftheria
Published: January 2014

Summary

This paper represents a systematic evaluation of the Core Medical Training Curriculum in the UK. The authors critically review the curriculum from a medical education perspective based mainly on the medical education literature as well as their personal experience of this curriculum. They conclude in practical recommendations and suggestions which, if adopted, could improve the design and implementation of this postgraduate curriculum. The systematic evaluation approach described in this paper is transferable to the evaluation of other undergraduate or postgraduate curricula, and could be a helpful guide for medical teachers involved in the delivery and evaluation of any medical curriculum
Multimorbidity and unmet citizens’ needs and expectations urge for reforms in the health system of Cyprus: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Kiliari Nitsa , Theodosopoulou Eleni , Papanastasiou Elena
Published: January 2014

Objective

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity in Cyprus and the extent to which citizens are satisfied with the currently provided healthcare and to provide recommendations on the basis of findings.

Design

A nationally based survey conducted through personal interviews, using a structured questionnaire designed for this survey.

Setting

Cyprus rural and urban areas (excluding Turkish occupied areas).

Participants

Four hundred and sixty-five Cypriot adults, average age 53 years.

Main outcome measures

Lifetime prevalence of self-reported non-communicable diseases.

Results

This study demonstrated initial evidence for a high prevalence of non-age specific multimorbidity among Cypriots and dissatisfaction with their doctors, especially for the time allocated to discuss their general state of health. Recommendations focus on a new cost-effective, person-centred model of healthcare. The model prioritizes prevention rather than treatment, targeting the determinants of complexity before their influences create conditions that demand high-cost interventions, and it is based on three fundamental principles: (1) tackling health as a political issue, (2) empowering the patient and (3) introducing Applied Nutrition in the system.

Conclusions

This study threw light into the issue of patient complexity and revealed unmet people’s needs and expectations for a more person-centred care, providing a first challenge to the single disease-based system of healthcare in Cyprus. The findings of the study may have important implications for government policies and highlight the need for more research in this area to inform policy makers, particularly in view of the fact that a new Health System is currently being designed.
Factors Influencing Dating Experiences Among African American Emerging Adults
Authors: Hall Naomi M. , Lee Anna K. , Witherspoon Daphne D.
Published: January 2014

This study examined sociocultural factors that impact dating and sexual experiences of heterosexual African American undergraduate college students attending a historically Black institution in the Southeastern United States. Specifically, mate availability and relationship involvement were analyzed to document students’ experiences, and how these influences may be associated with sexual decision making and behavior. Data from nine focus groups ( N = 57) were aggregated and four subthemes were identified: competition among women, acceptability of mates, high prevalence of casual relationships, and lowered expectations for commitment. Power dynamics emerged as a contributing factor to the types of relationship involvement, sexual decision-making, and behavior among participants. The importance of prevention programs focusing on situational and cultural variables is highlighted. Additionally, implications for professionals working with emerging adults to consider the impact of the gender ratio imbalance, and perceived power distributions on perceptions of dating relationships, and sexual decision making and behavior are addressed.
Mutations in linker histone genes HIST1H1 B, C, D, and E; OCT2 (POU2F2); IRF8; and ARID1A underlying the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Li Hongxiu , Kaminski Mark S. , Li Yifeng , Yildiz Mehmet , Ouillette Peter , Jones Siân , Fox Heather , Jacobi Kathryn , Saiya-Cork Kamlai , Bixby Dale , Lebovic Daniel , Roulston Diane , Shedden Kerby , Sabel Michael , Marentette Lawrence , Cimmino Vincent , Chang Alfred E. , Malek Sami N.
Published: January 2014

Key Points

FL carries mutations in linker histone H1 B, C, D, and E genes in 27% of cases. FL carries recurrent mutations in OCT2 (POU2F2), IRF8, and ARID1A.
Relevance of the novel IASLC/ATS/ERS classification of lung adenocarcinoma in advanced disease
Authors: Campos-Parra Alma D. , Avilés Alejandro , Contreras-Reyes Susana , Rojas-Marín Carlos E. , Sánchez-Reyes Roberto , Borbolla-Escoboza Rafael J. , Arrieta Oscar
Published: January 2014

Since the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) reported a new lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) classification, several groups have validated its association with prognosis in early stage disease. To our knowledge, there are no studies in advanced disease.

We reviewed 313 patients with invasive lung ADC who were re-classified using the new IASLC/ATS/ERS criteria. Patients received platinum-based chemotherapy. Clinical characteristics, EGFR mutations, response and progression-free survival (PFS) after chemotherapy and overall survival were analysed.

ADCs were classified as lepidic 7.4%, acinar 44.7%, papillary 10.1%, micropapillary 3.5% and solid 34.2%. When patterns were lumped into groups, response rates and PFS to platinum-based chemotherapy were better in high-grade ADC (micropapillary, papillary and solid-predominant)versusintermediate-grade ADC (lepidic and acinar-predominant) (36.9%versus25.4% p=0.034 and 6.4versus5.5 months p=0.009, respectively). Overall survival was better in high-grade ADC (25versus16.8; p=0.023). Factors associated with better overall survival were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (0-1), EGFR mutations and high-grade ADC.

Prognostic differences found with the new classification in early disease may not apply to patients with advanced disease. Unlike in early stages, patients with high-grade ADC have longer overall survival compared with intermediate-grade ADC, probably due to a better response to chemotherapy.
Neural crest-specific deletion of Ldb1 leads to cleft secondary palate with impaired palatal shelf elevation
Authors: Almaidhan Asma , Cesario Jeffry , Landin Malt Andre , Zhao Yangu , Sharma Neeti , Choi Veronica , Jeong Juhee
Published: January 2014

Background

LIM domain binding protein 1 (LDB1) is a transcriptional co-factor, which interacts with multiple transcription factors and other proteins containing LIM domains. Complete inactivation of Ldb1 in mice resulted in early embryonic lethality with severe patterning defects during gastrulation. Tissue-specific deletions using a conditional knockout allele revealed additional roles of Ldb1 in the development of the central nervous system, hematopoietic system, and limbs. The goal of the current study was to determine the importance of Ldb1 function during craniofacial development in mouse embryos.

Results

We generated tissue-specific Ldb1 mutants using Wnt1-Cre, which causes deletion of a floxed allele in the neural crest; neural crest-derived cells contribute to most of the mesenchyme of the developing face. All examined Wnt1-Cre;Ldb1

fl/-
mutants suffered from cleft secondary palate. Therefore, we performed a series of experiments to investigate how Ldb1 regulated palate development. First, we examined the expression of Ldb1 during normal development, and found that Ldb1 was expressed broadly in the palatal mesenchyme during early stages of palate development. Second, we compared the morphology of the developing palate in control and Ldb1 mutant embryos using sections. We found that the mutant palatal shelves had abnormally blunt appearance, and failed to elevate above the tongue at the posterior domain. An in vitro head culture experiment indicated that the elevation defect was not due to interference by the tongue. Finally, in the Ldb1 mutant palatal shelves, cell proliferation was abnormal in the anterior, and the expression of Wnt5a, Pax9 and Osr2, which regulate palatal shelf elevation, was also altered.

Conclusions

The function of Ldb1 in the neural crest-derived palatal mesenchyme is essential for normal morphogenesis of the secondary palate.
Perinatal bisphenol A exposure promotes dose-dependent alterations of the mouse methylome
Authors: Kim Jung H , Sartor Maureen A , Rozek Laura S , Faulk Christopher , Anderson Olivia S , Jones Tamara R , Nahar Muna S , Dolinoy Dana C
Published: January 2014

Background

Environmental factors during perinatal development may influence developmental plasticity and disease susceptibility via alterations to the epigenome. Developmental exposure to the endocrine active compound, bisphenol A (BPA), has previously been associated with altered methylation at candidate gene loci. Here, we undertake the first genome-wide characterization of DNA methylation profiles in the liver of murine offspring exposed perinatally to multiple doses of BPA through the maternal diet.

Results

Using a tiered focusing approach, our strategy proceeds from unbiased broad DNA methylation analysis using methylation-based next generation sequencing technology to in-depth quantitative site-specific CpG methylation determination using the Sequenom EpiTYPER MassARRAY platform to profile liver DNA methylation patterns in offspring maternally exposed to BPA during gestation and lactation to doses ranging from 0 BPA/kg (Ctr), 50 μg BPA/kg (UG), or 50 mg BPA/kg (MG) diet (N = 4 per group). Genome-wide analyses indicate non-monotonic effects of DNA methylation patterns following perinatal exposure to BPA, corroborating previous studies using multiple doses of BPA with non-monotonic outcomes. We observed enrichment of regions of altered methylation (RAMs) within CpG island (CGI) shores, but little evidence of RAM enrichment in CGIs. An analysis of promoter regions identified several hundred novel BPA-associated methylation events, and methylation alterations in the Myh7b and Slc22a12 gene promoters were validated. Using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, a number of candidate genes that have previously been associated with BPA-related gene expression changes were identified, and gene set enrichment testing identified epigenetically dysregulated pathways involved in metabolism and stimulus response.

Conclusions

In this study, non-monotonic dose dependent alterations in DNA methylation among BPA-exposed mouse liver samples and their relevant pathways were identified and validated. The comprehensive methylome map presented here provides candidate loci underlying the role of early BPA exposure and later in life health and disease status.
Adult phenotype and further phenotypic variability in SRD5A3-CDG
Authors: Kara Bülent , Ayhan Özgecan , Gökçay Gülden , Başboğaoğlu Nurdan , Tolun Aslıhan
Published: January 2014

Background

SRD5A3 is responsible for SRD5A3-CDG, a type of congenital disorder of glycosylation, and mutations have been reported in 15 children. All the mutations are recessive and truncating.

Case presentation

We present 2 brothers at the age of 38 and 40 years with an initial diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia. We found the candidate disease loci via linkage analysis using data from single nucleotide polymorphism genome scans and homozygous truncating mutation SRD5A3 p.W19X, which was previously reported in 3 unrelated children, by exome sequencing.

Clinical investigations included physical and ocular examinations and blood tests. Severe ocular involvement with retinal bone spicule pigmentation and optic atrophy are the most prominent disabling clinical features of the disease. The serum transferrin isoelectric focusing (TIEF) pattern is abnormal in the patient investigated.

Conclusion

Our patients are older, with later onset and milder clinical phenotypes than all patients with SRD5A3-CDG reported so far. They also have atypical ocular findings and variable phenotypes. Our findings widen the spectrum of phenotypes resulting from SRD5A3 mutations and the clinical variability of SRD5A3-CDG, and suggest screening for SRD5A3 mutations in new patients with at least a few of the clinical symptoms of SRD5A3-CDG.
Citrate confers less filter-induced complement activation and neutrophil degranulation than heparin when used for anticoagulation during continuous venovenous haemofiltration in critically ill patients
Authors: Schilder Louise , Nurmohamed S Azam , ter Wee Pieter M , Paauw Nanne J , Girbes Armand RJ , Beishuizen Albertus , Beelen Robert HJ , Groeneveld AB Johan
Published: January 2014

Background

During continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH), regional anticoagulation with citrate may be superior to heparin in terms of biocompatibility, since heparin as opposed to citrate may activate complement (reflected by circulating C5a) and induce neutrophil degranulation in the filter and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release from endothelium.

Methods

No anticoagulation (n = 13), unfractionated heparin (n = 8) and trisodium citrate (n = 17) regimens during CVVH were compared. Blood samples were collected pre- and postfilter; C5a, elastase and MPO were determined by ELISA. Additionally, C5a was also measured in the ultrafiltrate.

Results

In the heparin group, there was C5a production across the filter which most decreased over time as compared to other groups (P = 0.007). There was also net production of elastase and MPO across the filter during heparin anticoagulation (P = 0.049 or lower), while production was minimal and absent in the no anticoagulation and citrate group, respectively. During heparin anticoagulation, plasma concentrations of MPO at the inlet increased in the first 10 minutes of CVVH (P = 0.024).

Conclusion

Citrate confers less filter-induced, potentially harmful complement activation and neutrophil degranulation and less endothelial activation than heparin when used for anticoagulation during continuous venovenous haemofiltration in critically ill patients.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: STMN-1 is a potential marker of lymph node metastasis in distal esophageal adenocarcinomas and silencing its expression can reverse malignant phenotype of tumor cells
Authors: Akhtar Javed , Wang Zhou , Yu Che , Li Chen-Sheng , Shi Yu-Long , Liu Hong-Jun
Published: January 2014

Background

Distal esophageal adenocarcinoma is a highly aggressive neoplasm. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, the prognosis is still poor. Stathmin (STMN-1) is a ubiquitously expressed microtubule destabilizing phosphoprotein. It promotes the disassembly of microtubules and prevents assembly. STMN-1 can cause uncontrolled cell proliferation when mutated and not functioning properly. Recently, found to be overexpressed in many types of human cancers. However, its clinical significance remains elusive in distal esophageal adenocarcinoma. Here, we reported for the first time that STMN-1 is highly overexpressed in adenocarcinomas of the distal esophagus and strongly associated with lymph node metastasis.

Methods

STMN-1 expression in 63 cases of distal esophageal adenocarcinoma was analyzed by immunoblotting, while expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells was determined by immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and western blotting. Lentivirus-mediated RNAi was employed to knock-down STMN-1 expression in Human esophageal adenocarcinoma cells. The relationship between STMN-1 expression and lymph node metastasis in distal esophageal adenocarcinoma was determined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

STMN-1 was detected in 31 (49.21%) of the 63 cases. STMN-1 was highly overexpressed in specimens with lymph node metastasis pN (+), but its expression was almost undetected in pN (−) status. Multivarian regression analysis demonstrated that STMN-1 overexpression is an independent factor for lymph node metastasis in distal esophageal adenocarcinoma. STMN-1 shRNA effectively reduced STMN-1 expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells (P < 0.05), which significantly suppressed proliferation (P < 0.05), increased migration (P < 0.05) and invasion ability (P < 0.05) and G1 phase arrest (P < 0.05) which lead to induction of apoptosis in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. To verify the in vitro data, we conducted in vivo tumor xenograft studies. Esophageal adenocarcinoma cells stably transfected with STMN-1 shRNA significantly reduced tumor xenografts volume in vivo.

Conclusions

STMN-1 overexpression is associated with lymph node metastasis and increase malignancy in distal esophageal adenocarcinoma. In vivo and in vitro laboratory findings, suggests that STMN-1 may be a suitable target for future therapeutic strategies in distal esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Prevalence and factors associated with use of herbal medicine among women attending an infertility clinic in Uganda
Authors: Kaadaaga Henry Francisco , Ajeani Judith , Ononge Sam , Alele Paul E , Nakasujja Noeline , Manabe Yukari C , Kakaire Othman
Published: January 2014

Background

Infertility is a public health problem associated with devastating psychosocial consequences. In countries where infertility care is difficult to access, women turn to herbal medicines to achieve parenthood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with herbal medicine use by women attending the infertility clinic.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 260 women attending the infertility clinic at Mulago hospital. The interviewer administered questionnaire comprised socio-demographic characteristics, infertility-related aspects and information on herbal medicine use. The main outcome measure was herbal medicines use for infertility treatment. Determinants of herbal medicine use were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The majority (76.2%) of respondents had used herbal medicines for infertility treatment. The mean age of the participants was 28.3 years ± 5.5. Over 80% were married, 59.6% had secondary infertility and 2/3 of the married participants were in monogamous unions. In a multivariable model, the variables that were independently associated with increased use of herbal medicine among infertile patients were being married (OR 2.55, CI 1.24-5.24), never conceived (OR 4.08 CI 1.86-8.96) and infertility for less than 3 years (OR 3.52 CI 1.51-8.821). Factors that were associated with less use of herbal medicine among infertile women were being aged 30 years or less (OR 0.18 CI 0.07-0.46), primary and no education (OR 0.12 CI 0.05-0.46) and living with partner for less than three years (OR 0.39 CI 0.16-0.93).

Conclusions

The prevalence of herbal medicine use among women attending the infertility clinic was 76.2%. Herbal medicine use was associated with the participants’ age, level of education, marital status, infertility duration, nulliparity, and duration of marriage. Medical care was often delayed and the majority of the participants did not disclose use of herbal medicines to the attending physician. Health professionals should enquire about use of herbal medicines. This may help in educating the patients about the health risks of using herbal medicine and may reduce delays in seeking appropriate care. Collaboration of health professionals with herbal medicine practitioners would help identify the common herbal medicines used for infertility treatment, their potential benefits and harm.
Expression of the Aspergillus terreus itaconic acid biosynthesis cluster in Aspergillus niger
Authors: van der Straat Laura , Vernooij Marloes , Lammers Marieke , van den Berg Willy , Schonewille Tom , Cordewener Jan , van der Meer Ingrid , Koops Andries , de Graaff Leo H
Published: January 2014

Background

Aspergillus terreus is a natural producer of itaconic acid and is currently used to produce itaconic acid on an industrial scale. The metabolic process for itaconic acid biosynthesis is very similar to the production of citric acid in Aspergillus niger. However, a key enzyme in A. niger, cis-aconitate decarboxylase, is missing. The introduction of the A. terreus cadA gene in A. niger exploits the high level of citric acid production (over 200 g per liter) and theoretically can lead to production levels of over 135 g per liter of itaconic acid in A. niger. Given the potential for higher production levels in A. niger, production of itaconic acid in this host was investigated.

Results

Expression of Aspergillus terreus cis- aconitate decarboxylase in Aspergillus niger resulted in the production of a low concentration (0.05 g/L) of itaconic acid. Overexpression of codon-optimized genes for cis- aconitate decarboxylase, a mitochondrial transporter and a plasma membrane transporter in an oxaloacetate hydrolase and glucose oxidase deficient A. niger strain led to highly increased yields and itaconic acid production titers. At these higher production titers, the effect of the mitochondrial and plasma membrane transporters was much more pronounced, with levels being 5–8 times higher than previously described.

Conclusions

Itaconic acid can be produced in A. niger by the introduction of the A. terreus cis- aconitate decarboxylase encoding cadA gene. This results in a low itaconic acid production level, which can be increased by codon-optimization of the cadA gene for A. niger. A second crucial requirement for efficient production of itaconic acid is the expression of the A. terreus mttA gene, encoding a putative mitochondrial transporter. Expression of this transporter results in a twenty-fold increase in the secretion of itaconic acid. Expression of the A. terreus itaconic acid cluster consisting of the cadA gene, the mttA gene and the mfsA gene results in A. niger strains that produce over twenty five-fold higher levels of itaconic acid and show a twenty-fold increase in yield compared to a strain expressing only CadA.
MEFV gene mutations and cardiac phenotype in children with familial Mediterranean fever: a cohort study
Authors: Salah Samia , Hegazy Ranya , Ammar Rasha , Sheba Hala , AbdelRahman Lobna
Published: January 2014

Background

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common autoinflammatory disorder in the world. It is characterized by recurrent febrile inflammatory attacks of serosal and synovial membranes. MEFV gene mutations are responsible for the disease and its protein product, pyrin or marenostrin, plays an essential role in the regulation of the inflammatory reactions. Although the disease may carry a potential for cardiovascular disorders because of sustained inflammation during its course, the spectrum of cardiac involvement in children with FMF has not been well studied. We aimed at defining the frequency and spectrum of cardiac affection in children with FMF. The correlation between these affections and MEFV gene mutations was searched for to establish the relationship between cardiac phenotype and the patient's genotype in FMF.

Methods

The present work is a cohort study including 55 patients with the clinical diagnosis of FMF based on the Tel-Hashomere criteria, confirmed by genetic analysis showing homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation of MEFV genes. Fifty age- and sex-matched normal children were included as controls. The entire study group underwent detailed cardiac examination, 12-lead ECG and echocardiography. All data was statistically analysed using SPSS version-15.

Results

Patients had an average age of 8.5+/−4.2 years; with an average disease duration of 2.1+/−2.2 years; 28 were males. All controls showed no MEVF gene mutations. The most frequent gene mutation of the studied cases was E148Q mutation seen in 34% of cases and the most frequent compound mutation was E148Q/V726A seen in 16.6% of cases. Echocardiographic examination revealed pericardial effusion in nine patients. Twelve had aortic regurgitation; nine had mitral regurgitation and six had pulmonary regurgitation. The most common mutation associated with pericardial effusion was E148Q/V726A in 5/9 of cases. Valvular involvement were significantly more common in FMF patients with gene mutations. Also cardiac involvement was more common in patients with positive consanguinity. However, these cardiac manifestations showed no correlation to age, family history of FMF, or response to therapy or laboratory data.

Conclusions

In our cohort of children with FMF, cardiac involvement appears to be common. Pericardial effusions are significantly related to presence of mutation types E48Q, P 369S, V726A. These associations may warrant genetic screening of children with FMF to detect cardiac risk.
The general meromorphic solutions of the Petviashvili equation
Authors: Huang Zifeng , Yuan Wenjun , Lai Jinchun
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we employ the complex method to first obtain all meromorphic exact solutions of complex Petviashvili equation, and then find all exact solutions of Petviashvili equation. The idea introduced in this paper can be applied to other non-linear evolution equations. Our results show that the complex method is simpler than other methods. Finally, we give some computer simulations to illustrate our main results.

MSC:30D35, 34A05.
Tracking target signal strengths on a grid using sparsity
Authors: Farahmand Shahrokh , Giannakis Georgios B , Leus Geert , Tian Zhi
Published: January 2014

Multi-target tracking is mainly challenged by the nonlinearity present in the measurement equation and the difficulty in fast and accurate data association. To overcome these challenges, the present paper introduces a grid-based model in which the state captures target signal strengths on a known spatial grid (TSSG). This model leads to linear state and measurement equations, which bypass data association and can afford state estimation via sparsity-aware Kalman filtering (KF). Leveraging the grid-induced sparsity of the novel model, two types of sparsity-cognizant TSSG-KF trackers are developed: one effects sparsity through ℓ
1-norm regularization, and the other invokes sparsity as an extra measurement. Iterative extended KF and Gauss-Newton algorithms are developed for reduced-complexity tracking, along with accurate error covariance updates for assessing performance of the resultant sparsity-aware state estimators. Based on TSSG state estimates, more informative target position and track estimates can be obtained in a follow-up step, ensuring that track association and position estimation errors do not propagate back into TSSG state estimates. The novel TSSG trackers do not require knowing the number of targets or their signal strengths and exhibit considerably lower complexity than the benchmark hidden Markov model filter, especially for a large number of targets. Numerical simulations demonstrate that sparsity-cognizant trackers enjoy improved root-mean-square error performance at reduced complexity when compared to their sparsity-agnostic counterparts. Comparison with the recently developed additive likelihood moment filter reveals the better performance of the proposed TSSG tracker.
Assessing antibiotic sorption in soil: a literature review and new case studies on sulfonamides and macrolides
Authors: Wegst-Uhrich Stacia R , Navarro Divina AG , Zimmerman Lisa , Aga Diana S
Published: January 2014

The increased use of veterinary antibiotics in modern agriculture for therapeutic uses and growth promotion has raised concern regarding the environmental impacts of antibiotic residues in soil and water. The mobility and transport of antibiotics in the environment depends on their sorption behavior, which is typically predicted by extrapolating from an experimentally determined soil-water distribution coefficient (Kd). Accurate determination of Kd values is important in order to better predict the environmental fate of antibiotics. In this paper, we examine different analytical approaches in assessing Kd of two major classes of veterinary antibiotics (sulfonamides and macrolides) and compare the existing literature data with experimental data obtained in our laboratory. While environmental parameters such as soil pH and organic matter content are the most significant factors that affect the sorption of antibiotics in soil, it is important to consider the concentrations used, the analytical method employed, and the transformations that can occur when determining Kd values. Application of solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry can facilitate accurate determination of Kd at environmentally relevant concentrations. Because the bioavailability of antibiotics in soil depends on their sorption behavior, it is important to examine current practices in assessing their mobility in soil.
Microbial community structures differentiated in a single-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cell fueled with rice straw hydrolysate
Authors: Wang Zejie , Lee Taekwon , Lim Bongsu , Choi Chansoo , Park Joonhong
Published: January 2014

Background

The microbial fuel cell represents a novel technology to simultaneously generate electric power and treat wastewater. Both pure organic matter and real wastewater can be used as fuel to generate electric power and the substrate type can influence the microbial community structure. In the present study, rice straw, an important feedstock source in the world, was used as fuel after pretreatment with diluted acid method for a microbial fuel cell to obtain electric power. Moreover, the microbial community structures of anodic and cathodic biofilm and planktonic culturewere analyzed and compared to reveal the effect of niche on microbial community structure.

Results

The microbial fuel cell produced a maximum power density of 137.6 ± 15.5 mW/m2 at a COD concentration of 400 mg/L, which was further increased to 293.33 ± 7.89 mW/m2 through adjusting the electrolyte conductivity from 5.6 mS/cm to 17 mS/cm. Microbial community analysis showed reduction of the microbial diversities of the anodic biofilm and planktonic culture, whereas diversity of the cathodic biofilm was increased. Planktonic microbial communities were clustered closer to the anodic microbial communities compared to the cathodic biofilm. The differentiation in microbial community structure of the samples was caused by minor portion of the genus. The three samples shared the same predominant phylum of Proteobacteria. The abundance of exoelectrogenic genus was increased with Desulfobulbus as the shared most abundant genus; while the most abundant exoelectrogenic genus of Clostridium in the inoculum was reduced. Sulfate reducing bacteria accounted for large relative abundance in all the samples, whereas the relative abundance varied in different samples.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that rice straw hydrolysate can be used as fuel for microbial fuel cells; microbial community structure differentiated depending on niches after microbial fuel cell operation; exoelectrogens were enriched; sulfate from rice straw hydrolysate might be responsible for the large relative abundance of sulfate reducing bacteria.
Development of clinical pharmacy services for intensive care units in Korea
Authors: Kim Jeong Mee , Park So Jin , Sohn You Min , Lee Young Mee , Yang Catherine Seonghee , Gwak Hye Sun , Lee Byung Koo
Published: January 2014

Objective

To be utilized for the development of pharmacists’ intervention service by determining factors which affect pharmacists’ prescription interventions.

Setting

Patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in internal medicine departments in Korea.

Methods

Data including age, gender, clinical departments, length of hospital stay, status of organ dysfunction, intervention status, frequently intervened drugs, and health care providers’ questions were prospectively collected in ICUs in the department of internal medicine in a tertiary teaching hospital from January to December, 2012.

Main outcome measure

Primary outcome was factors which affect pharmacists’ prescription interventions. Secondary outcomes included frequencies of the intervention, intervention acceptance rates, intervention issues, and frequently intervened drugs.

Results

A total of 1,213 prescription interventions were made for 445 patients (33.1%) of the 1,344 patients that were analyzed. Length of hospital stay was significantly longer for the group that needed pharmacists’ interventions (p < 0.001). Pharmacists’ intervention requirements were significantly higher in patients with kidney dysfunction (p < 0.001). The percentage of intervention accepted was 96.8%, and interventions that were common were as follows (in order): clinical pharmacokinetic service, dosage or dosing interval changes, dosing time changes or dose changes, and total parenteral nutrition consultation. The five medications with the highest intervened frequency were (in order) vancomycin, famotidine, ranitidine, meropenem, and theophylline.

Conclusion

The need for pharmacists’ prescription interventions was highest among patients with longer length of stay and patients with kidney dysfunction. Based on these findings, prescription intervention activities could be initiated with severely ill patients. The results could be utilized in countries which are planning to develop pharmacists’ intervention service.
Bolus ingestion of individual branched-chain amino acids alters plasma amino acid profiles in young healthy men
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Nakamura Koichi , Matsumoto Hideki , Sakai Ryosei , Kuwahara Tomomi , Kadota Yoshihiro , Kitaura Yasuyuki , Sato Juichi , Shimomura Yoshiharu
Published: January 2014

Physiological conditions in humans affect plasma amino acid profiles that might have potential for medical use. Because the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine are used as medicines and supplements, we investigated the acute effects of individual BCAAs (10–90 mg/kg body weight) or mixed BCAAs ingested as a bolus on plasma amino acid profiles in young healthy men. Plasma leucine levels rapidly increased and peaked around 30 min after leucine ingestion. Concentrations of plasma isoleucine, valine and phenylalanine subsequently decreased after ingestion, and those of methionine and tyrosine tended to decrease. The effects of ingested leucine on other plasma amino acids were biphasic, being higher at lower doses (10–20 mg/kg body weight). Isoleucine or valine intake also caused corresponding plasma amino acid concentrations to rapidly elevate, and peaks at 30–40 min after ingestion were much higher than that of plasma leucine after leucine ingestion. However, the increase in plasma isoleucine and valine concentrations essentially did not affect those of other plasma amino acids. The rate of decline among peak plasma BCAA concentrations was the highest for leucine, followed by isoleucine and valine. Oral mixed BCAAs promoted the decline in plasma isoleucine and valine concentrations. These results suggest that plasma leucine is a regulator of the plasma concentrations of BCAAs, methionine and aromatic amino acids.
A simulation-optimization approach for assessing optimal wastewater load allocation schemes in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Wang Zheng , Cheng Shuiyuan , Liu Lei , Guo Xiurui , Chen Yuan , Qin Cuihong , Hao Ruixia , Lu Jin , Gao Jijun
Published: January 2014

Background

The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) has been facing deteriorated water quality issues since the construction of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) in 1994. However, no previous studies have used a simulation-optimization assessment framework to examine the waste-load allocation patterns in the TGR area for alleviating its water pollution problem. In this study, a simulation-optimization modeling approach was developed for addressing this issue, through combining an environmental fluid dynamic code (EFDC)-based water quality simulation model and a waste-load allocation optimization model into a general framework.

Results

The approach was applied to a TGR section (Changshou-Fuling section) for identifying the optimal waste-load allocation schemes among its 11 wastewater discharge outlets. Firstly, the EFDC model was run to simulate the water quality response in the receiving water body under a single discharge load scenario, and the simulated COD and NH4
+-N concentrations were used to calculate the pollution mixing zone (PMZ), the pollution mixing zone per unit load (PMZPL), and sensitivity index (SI) pertaining to that outlet. These values were then used in the formulation of the waste-load allocation optimization model, with its objective being to maximize the environmental performance under constraints that existing waste discharge loads in terms of total wastewater amount, total pollutant mass, and existing PMZ size can’t be exceeded.

Conclusions

Modeling results give an optimal waste-load allocation ratio for each discharge outlet within the study section, and its implications to the reservoir water quality management were analyzed. It is anticipated that the develop approach can be extended to the entire TGR area for better water quality management studies and practices.
Review of pharmacological therapies in fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Häuser Winfried , Walitt Brian , Fitzcharles Mary-Ann , Sommer Claudia
Published: January 2014

This review addresses the current status of drug therapy for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and is based on interdisciplinary FMS management guidelines, meta-analyses of drug trial data, and observational studies. In the absence of a single gold-standard medication, patients are treated with a variety of drugs from different categories, often with limited evidence. Drug therapy is not mandatory for the management of FMS. Pregabalin, duloxetine, milnacipran, and amitriptyline are the current first-line prescribed agents but have had a mostly modest effect. With only a minority of patients expected to experience substantial benefit, most will discontinue therapy because of either a lack of efficacy or tolerability problems. Many drug treatments have undergone limited study and have had negative results. It is unlikely that these failed pilot trials will undergo future study. However, medications, though imperfect, will continue to be a component of treatment strategy for these patients. Both the potential for medication therapy to relieve symptoms and the potential to cause harm should be carefully considered in their administration.