bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of body mass index to identify obesity as defined by body adiposity in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Javed A. , Jumean M. , Murad M. H. , Okorodudu D. , Kumar S. , Somers V. K. , Sochor O. , Lopez‐Jimenez F.
Published: June 2014

Background

The ideal means of identifying obesity in children and adolescents has not been determined although body mass index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool.

Objective

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies assessing the diagnostic performance of BMI to detect adiposity in children up to 18 years.

Methods

Data sources were EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science and SCOPUS up to March 2013. Studies providing measures of diagnostic performance of BMI and using body composition technique for body fat percentage measurement were included.

Results

Thirty‐seven eligible studies that evaluated 53 521 patients, with mean age ranging from 4 to 18 years were included in the meta‐analysis. Commonly used BMI cut‐offs for obesity showed pooled sensitivity to detect high adiposity of 0.73 (confidence interval [CI] 0.67–0.79), specificity of 0.93 (CI 0.88–0.96) and diagnostic odds ratio of 36.93 (CI 20.75–65.71). Males had lower sensitivity. Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 48%) explained in meta‐regression by differences across studies in race, BMI cut‐off, BMI reference criteria (Center for Disease Control vs. International Obesity Task Force) and reference standard method assessing adiposity.

Conclusion

BMI has high specificity but low sensitivity to detect excess adiposity and fails to identify over a quarter of children with excess body fat percentage.
Contemporary minimally‐invasive extended pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate cancer before curative radiotherapy: Prospective standardized analysis of complications
Authors: Van Praet Charles , Decaestecker Karel , Fonteyne Valérie , Ost Piet , De Visschere Pieter , Verschuere Stephanie , Rottey Sylvie , Lumen Nicolaas
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To prospectively assess contemporary complication rates of minimally‐invasive staging pelvic lymph node dissection before curative radiotherapy for prostate cancer using a standardized classification.

Methods

A total of 100 prostate cancer patients underwent laparoscopic or robot‐assisted pelvic lymph node dissection (95% extended). Surgical outcomes were compared with those of 43 patients undergoing open pelvic lymph node dissection (33% extended). Complications were recorded prospectively during hospitalization and follow‐up visits, and graded using Clavien–Dindo classification. Lymphocele size was measured on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography.

Results

Of the complications recorded, 10% were grade 1, 3% were grade 2 and 6% were grade 3. No grade 4–5 complications occurred. Compared with open pelvic lymph node dissection, minimally‐invasive pelvic lymph node dissection was associated with less blood loss (P = 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (median 3 vs 6 days; P < 0.001), but longer operation time (130 vs 98 min; P < 0.001). The complication rate was similar in both groups. For the entire cohort, overall and symptomatic lymphoceles were seen in 91 (64%) and 18 patients (13%), respectively. On multivariate logistic regression, minimally‐invasive surgery was the only independent predictor for lymphocele development (odds ratio 3.99; P = 0.015).

Conclusions

Minimally‐invasive extended pelvic lymph node dissection before curative radiotherapy is associated with low morbidity. Asymptomatic lymphocele development rate is higher compared with open pelvic lymph node dissection.
Effect of hospital‐based telephone coaching on glycaemic control and adherence to management guidelines in type 2 diabetes, a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Varney J. E. , Weiland T. J. , Inder W. J. , Jelinek G. A.
Published: June 2014

Background

Failure to achieve treatment targets is common among people with type 2 diabetes. Cost‐effective treatments are required to delay the onset and slow the progression of diabetes‐related complications.

Aims

This study aimed to measure the effect of a 6‐month telephone coaching intervention on glycaemic control, risk factor status and adherence to diabetes management practices at the intervention's conclusion (6 months) and at 12 months.

Method

This randomised controlled trial recruited 94 adults with type 2 diabetes and an HbA1C > 7% from the Diabetes Clinic of St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. People who were non‐English speaking, cognitively impaired, severely hearing impaired or without telephone access were excluded. Participants were randomised to receive usual care plus 6 months of telephone coaching focusing on achieving treatment targets and complication screening, or usual care only. The primary outcome was HbA1C at 6 months; secondary outcomes included other physiological and monitoring measures.

Results

Significant interaction effects were observed between group and time at 6 months, demonstrating improvement in HbA1C, fasting glucose, diastolic blood pressure and physical activity. The intervention's effect on these parameters was not sustained at 12 months. Intervention group participants also improved compliance with foot examinations and pneumococcal vaccination by 6 months and retinal screening by 12 months.

Conclusions

Telephone coaching improved glycaemic control and adherence to complication screening in people with type 2 diabetes, for the duration of its delivery, but these effects were not maintained on withdrawal of the intervention. Strategies that assist patients to sustain these benefits are required.
Role of A20 in interferon‐α‐mediated functional restoration of myeloid dendritic cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ma Li , Zhou Yun , Zhang Ying , Li Yuan , Guo Yonghong , He Yu , Wang Jiuping , Lian Jianqi , Hao Chunqiu , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q. , Zhou Yongxing , Jia Zhansheng
Published: June 2014

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem characterized by a high rate of chronic infection, which may in part be due to a defect in myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs). This defect appears to be remedied by treatment with interferon‐α (IFN‐α) ‐based antiviral therapies; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying mDC dysfunction in HCV infection and restoration by IFN‐α treatment are unclear. The ubiquitin‐editing protein A20 plays a crucial role in controlling the maturation, cytokine production and immunostimulatory function of mDCs. We propose that the expression of A20 correlates with the function of mDCs during HCV infection and IFN‐α therapy. In this study, we observed that A20 expression in mDCs isolated from chronically HCV‐infected subjects was significantly higher than healthy subjects or subjects achieving sustained virological responses (SVR) following antiviral treatment. Notably, A20 expression in mDCs from HCV patients during IFN‐α treatment was significantly lower than for untreated patients, SVR patients, or healthy subjects. Besides, A20 expression in mDCs stimulated by polyI:C differed between HCV patients and healthy subjects, and this difference could be abrogated by the treatment with IFN‐α in vitro. Additionally, A20 expression by polyI:C‐activated mDCs, with or without IFN‐α treatment, negatively correlated with the expression of HLA‐DR, CD86 and CCR7, and the secretion of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), but positively associated with the production of IL‐10. Importantly, silencing A20 expression using small interfering RNAs increased the production of IL‐12 in mDCs of chronically HCV‐infected individuals. These findings suggest that A20 plays a crucial role in negative regulation of innate immune responses during chronic viral infection.
Methodological integrative review of the work sampling technique used in nursing workload research
Authors: Blay Nicole , Duffield Christine M. , Gallagher Robyn , Roche Michael
Published: June 2014

Aim

To critically review the work sampling technique used in nursing workload research.

Background

Work sampling is a technique frequently used by researchers and managers to explore and measure nursing activities. However, work sampling methods used are diverse making comparisons of results between studies difficult.

Design

Methodological integrative review.

Data Sources

Four electronic databases were systematically searched for peer‐reviewed articles published between 2002–2012. Manual scanning of reference lists and Rich Site Summary feeds from contemporary nursing journals were other sources of data.

Review Methods

Articles published in the English language between 2002–2012 reporting on research which used work sampling to examine nursing workload.

Results

Eighteen articles were reviewed. The review identified that the work sampling technique lacks a standardized approach, which may have an impact on the sharing or comparison of results. Specific areas needing a shared understanding included the training of observers and subjects who self‐report, standardization of the techniques used to assess observer inter‐rater reliability, sampling methods and reporting of outcomes.

Conclusion

Work sampling is a technique that can be used to explore the many facets of nursing work. Standardized reporting measures would enable greater comparison between studies and contribute to knowledge more effectively. Author suggestions for the reporting of results may act as guidelines for researchers considering work sampling as a research method.
Do nurses wish to continue working for theUKNational Health Service? A comparative study of three generations of nurses
Authors: Robson Andrew , Robson Fiona
Published: June 2014

Aim

To identify the combination of variables that explain nurses’ continuation intention in theUKNational Health Service. This alternative arena has permitted the replication of a private sector Australian study.

Background

This study provides understanding about the issues that affect nurse retention in a sector where employee attrition is a key challenge, further exacerbated by an ageing workforce.

Design

A quantitative study based on a self‐completion survey questionnaire completed in 2010.

Methods

Nurses employed in twoUKNational Health Service Foundation Trusts were surveyed and assessed using seven work‐related constructs and various demographics including age generation. Through correlation, multiple regression and stepwise regression analysis, the potential combined effect of various explanatory variables on continuation intention was assessed, across the entire nursing cohort and in three age‐generation groups.

Results

Three variables act in combination to explain continuation intention: work–family conflict, work attachment and importance of work to the individual. This combination of significant explanatory variables was consistent across the three generations of nursing employee. Work attachment was identified as the strongest marginal predictor of continuation intention.

Conclusion

Work orientation has a greater impact on continuation intention compared with employer‐directed interventions such as leader–member exchange, teamwork and autonomy.UKnurses are homogeneous across the three age‐generations regarding explanation of continuation intention, with the significant explanatory measures being recognizably narrower in their focus and more greatly concentrated on the individual. This suggests that differentiated approaches to retention should perhaps not be pursued in this sectoral context.
DNA barcoding of freshwater fishes and the development of a quantitative qPCR assay for the species‐specific detection and quantification of fish larvae from plankton samples
Authors: Loh W. K. W. , Bond P. , Ashton K. J. , Roberts D. T. , Tibbetts I. R.
Published: June 2014

The barcoding of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (coI) gene was amplified and sequenced from 16 species of freshwater fishes found in Lake Wivenhoe (south‐eastern Queensland, Australia) to support monitoring of reservoir fish populations, ecosystem function and water health. In this study, 630–650 bp sequences of the coI barcoding gene from 100 specimens representing 15 genera, 13 families and two subclasses of fishes allowed 14 of the 16 species to be identified and differentiated. The mean ± s.e. Kimura 2 parameter divergence within and between species was 0·52 ± 0·10 and 23·8 ± 2·20% respectively, indicating that barcodes can be used to discriminate most of the fish species accurately. The two terapontids, Amniataba percoides and Leiopotherapon unicolor, however, shared coI DNA sequences and could not be differentiated using this gene. A barcoding database was established and a qPCR assay was developed using coI sequences to identify and quantify proportional abundances of fish species in ichthyoplankton samples from Lake Wivenhoe. These methods provide a viable alternative to the time‐consuming process of manually enumerating and identifying ichthyoplankton samples.
Evaluation of the suitability of root cause analysis frameworks for the investigation of community‐acquired pressure ulcers: a systematic review and documentary analysis
Authors: McGraw Caroline , Drennan Vari M
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the suitability of root cause analysis frameworks for the investigation of community‐acquired pressure ulcers. The objective was to identify the extent to which these frameworks take account of the setting where the ulcer originated as being the person's home rather than a hospital setting.

Background

Pressure ulcers involving full‐thickness skin loss are increasingly being regarded as indicators of nursing patient safety failure, requiring investigation using root cause analysis frameworks. Evidence suggests that root cause analysis frameworks developed in hospital settings ignore the unique dimensions of risk in home healthcare settings.

Design and methods

A systematic literature review and documentary analysis of frameworks used to investigate community‐acquired grade three and four pressure ulcers by home nursing services in England.

Results

No published papers were identified for inclusion in the review. Fifteen patient safety investigative frameworks were collected and analysed. Twelve of the retrieved frameworks were intended for the investigation of community‐acquired pressure ulcers; seven of which took account of the setting where the ulcer originated as being the patient's home.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence to suggest that many of the root cause analysis frameworks used to investigate community‐acquired pressure ulcers in England are unsuitable for this purpose.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides researchers and practitioners with evidence of the need to develop appropriate home nursing root cause analysis frameworks to investigate community‐acquired pressure ulcers.
Health promotion interventions to prevent early childhood human influenza at the household level: a realist review to identify implications for programmes inHongKong
Authors: Lam Winsome , Dawson Angela , Fowler Cathrine
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectives

To identify factors affecting the delivery of health promotion interventions to prevent early childhood human influenza at the household level.

Background

Yearly, influenza epidemics seriously affect all age groups, particularly those with weakened immune systems, including children. Influenza is transmitted easily from person to person through droplet and direct contact. Maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding close contact with the infected person and proper hand washing are recommended as the most effective means of preventing the transmission of influenza. However, it is not clear what programme‐related mechanisms and contexts are crucial to the successful delivery of interventions in the home. This study systematically reviewed published research studies to identify factors influencing the effective delivery of health promotion programmes targeting influenza in a household.

Design

Realist review.

Methods

A realist review methodology was selected to examine what interventions are effective in preventing and managing influenza at the household level and in what circumstances. A structured search of the peer‐reviewed primary research literature was undertaken using a defined search protocol.

Results

Eight studies were retrieved for the analysis. Mechanisms impacting on intervention delivery were identified, including timing of implementation, programme reach, organisational and healthcare worker involvement, mode and place of delivery, contact with infected person, health practice compliance and sustainability at home.

Conclusion

These findings suggest contextual factors that could be identified through ecological approaches to health promotion that are crucial for policymakers to consider when designing interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

The active involvement of community nurses through an integrated household visiting programme may help to better deliver family‐based health promotion interventions to prevent illnesses such as influenza in children.
Co‐Constructing Colonial Dichotomies in Female Former Colonizers' Narratives of theBelgianCongo
Authors: Van De Mieroop Dorien , Pagnaer Mathias
Published: June 2014

Focusing on interviews with female former colonials in theBelgianCongo, we analyze the ways in which the interviewees co‐construct and negotiate their identities in relation to master narratives of colonization in their interactions with the interviewer, who is also a former colonial. We focus mainly on stories of the household and family life, since the colonial household is typically a locus of encounters between the white female colonizers and black household staff. The findings demonstrate a polarization between blacks and whites that is in line with colonial ideological views in which indigenous people are infantilized, thus legitimizing colonization as an endeavor of civilization. These interview narratives thus seem frozen in time, even though they were told more than four decades afterCongolese independence. We propose that this frozen‐in‐time quality is partly attributable to features of the interactions, in which the interlocutors set up a local in‐group of white former colonizers; but it is also a reflection of contemporaryBelgian society, in which a broad and critical debate concerning colonial history, one in which the voices of the former colonizers and the formerly colonized can both be heard, is largely absent.
TREATMENT RESISTANT GASTRIC ANTRAL VASCULAR ECTASIA IN A PATIENT UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Ahn Yeri , Wang Tom Kai Ming , Dunlop Joanna
Published: June 2014

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and has a high prevalence in patients with renal insufficiency. We report the first documented case of a 52‐year‐old patient on haemodialysis with GAVE refractory to repeated endoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) therapy and highlight the difficulties in its management. We recognise the need for further studies to investigate the optimal management of this condition and suggest alternative treatment strategies to be considered in patients with APC refractory GAVE, such as endoscopic band ligation and changing dialysis modality.
Synbiotic in the management of infantile colic: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kianifar Hamidreza , Ahanchian Hamid , Grover Zubin , Jafari Seyedali , Noorbakhsh Zeinab , Khakshour Ali , Sedaghat Majid , Kiani Mohammadali
Published: June 2014

Aim

Infant colic is a frequent problem affecting up to 10–30% of infants in first 3 months of life. Results from previous trials have shown that manipulation of gut microbiota can lead to symptomatic improvements. In a randomised clinical trial, we aimed to determine efficacy of synbiotic in reducing average infant crying time at day 7 and day 30 after starting intervention.

Methods

Fifty breastfed infants aged 15–120 days with infantile colic randomly assigned to receive either the synbiotic sachet containing 1 billion CFU of: Lactobacillus casei, L. rhamnosus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, L. acidophilus, B. infantis, L. bulgaricus and fructooligosacharide (Protexin Healthcare, Somerset, UK), or placebo daily for 30 days. Parents were asked to record details of crying times in a symptoms diary. The primary outcome measure was the treatment success (reduction in the daily crying time >50%) and the secondary outcome measure was symptom resolution (reduction in the daily crying time >90%).

Results

The treatment success was significantly higher in synbiotic group (82.6%) compared with placebo (35.7%) at day 7 (P < 0.005). At day30, treatment success was 87% and 46% in synbiotic and placebo group, respectively (P < 0.01). Symptom resolution was also higher in synbiotic group (39%) compared with placebo (7%) at day 7 (P < 0.03) but not at day 30 (56% vs.36%, P = 0.24). We encountered no complication related to synbiotic use.

Conclusion

This synbiotic (a mixture of seven probiotic strains plus FOS) significantly improved colic symptoms in comparison with placebo.
FLOW UNIT CHARACTERISATION IN THE PERMIAN‐TRIASSIC CARBONATE RESERVOIR SUCCESSION AT SOUTH PARS GASFIELD, OFFSHORE IRAN
Authors: Enayati‐Bidgoli A.H. , Rahimpour‐Bonab H. , Mehrabi H.
Published: June 2014

The South Pars gasfield (offshore southern Iran) has been investigated in detail in recent studies in terms of depositional, diagenetic and reservoir properties of the Permian‐Triassic carbonate succession. In the present paper, a variety of flow unit approaches were applied to identify reservoir (flow) and non‐reservoir (baffle or barrier) units within the Permian‐Triassic carbonates. The zonation scheme was based on three approaches; (i) flow units were identified using the stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot (SMLP) method; (ii) hydraulic flow units were identified using a parameter known as the flow zone indicator (FZI); and (iii) petrophysical flow units (PFUs) were determined using the pore throat radius (R35) and water saturation (Sw) parameters. Studies of flow units at both macro‐ and micro‐scales showed that flow properties were controlled by both depositional and diagenetic features. In order to construct a reservoir flow model, the flow units and PFUs were correlated between the four wells studied within a sequence stratigraphic framework. SMLP‐derived flow units appeared to be distributed homogenously within the reservoir succession resulting in a layer‐cake architecture. By contrast, the FZI‐derived hydraulic flow units drew attention to the presence of small‐scale heterogeneities within the reservoir. A comparison between these methods showed that the flow model derived from PFUs included greater vertical and horizontal heterogeneities, especially in the Upper Dalan Member (upper K4 reservoir unit). This was due to depositional/diagenetic heterogeneities in both lateral and vertical directions, and the parameters applied in the PFU method. The PFU‐derived flow model showed a closer relationship to the actual reservoir performance than the flow units derived by the other methods and can therefore be used as the basis for future dynamic flow simulation.
Histological Evidence for Different Spread of Fusarium crown rot in Barley Genotypes with Different Heights
Authors: Bai Zhiying , Liu Chunji
Published: June 2014

Based on visual assessment of disease severity, previous studies reported that tall genotypes tend to be more severely affected by Fusarium crown rot (FCR) in wheat and barley. To clarify whether tall and dwarf genotypes have different susceptibility to FCR or whether it takes longer for Fusarium pathogens to infect dwarf genotypes, histological analyses were conducted with two pairs of near isogenic lines (NILs) for a semi‐dwarfing gene in barley. This analysis showed that F. pseudograminearum hyphae were detected earlier and proliferated more rapidly during the time‐course of FCR development in the tall isolines. Histological analysis showed that cell densities of the dwarf isolines were significantly higher than those of the tall isolines due to reduced lengths and widths of cells, and FCR severity was strongly correlated with cell density. An analysis with real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction detected a higher amount of F. pseudograminearum in the tall isolines at each of the time points assessed during FCR development. These results support the hypothesis that the increased cell density associated with dwarf genes could act as a physical barrier to the spread of FCR in cereals.
Quantitative determination of unbound levofloxacin by simultaneous microdialysis in rat pancreas after intravenous and oral doses
Authors: Liu Deding , Xu Shuogui , Xiao Heping , Wang Zhuo , Mao Ningfang , Zhou Jia , Liu Rui , Huang Yi
Published: June 2014

Objective

We compared the pharmacokinetic profile of unbound levofloxacin in rat pancreas after an oral dose with that after an intravenous dose to determine if oral administration of levofloxacin could potentially be used.

Method

Levofloxacin was administered either intravenously or orally into male Sprague-Dawley rats at the concentration of 42 mg/kg per day, mimicking the human dose of 400 mg/day. The concentrations of levofloxacin in extracellular fluid (ECF) of rat pancreatic tissues were determined using microdialysis coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Levofloxacin was equally distributed into ECF of rat pancreatic tissues with either intravenous route (AUCpancreas/AUCblood, 0.97 ± 0.02) or oral route (AUCpancreas/AUCblood, 0.96 ± 0.03).

Key findings

The penetration rates (PR) of pancreas-to-blood on the same target site between the two routes were the same. The intravenous antibiotic AUC/MIC ratios of common Gram-positive pancreatic bacteria ranged from 83.43 to 667.44; meanwhile, the ratio of common Gram-negative pancreatic bacteria ranged from 41.71 to 2669.74. The oral antibiotic AUC/MIC ratios for common gram-positive and Gram-negative pancreatic bacteria were from 78.54 to 628.31, and 39.27 to 2513.22, respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Intravenous administration had similar penetration efficacy to oral administration at an equivalent dose. Furthermore, levofloxacin had a good penetration through the blood–pancreas barrier.
Pollination biology of Rhododendron cyanocarpum (Ericaceae): An alpine species endemic to NW Yunnan, China
Authors: MA Yong‐Peng , WU Zhi‐Kun , DONG Kun , SUN Wei‐Bang , MARCZEWSKI Tobias
Published: June 2014

The pollination biology of Rhododendron cyanocarpum (Franch.) W. W. Smith, an alpine species endemic to NW Yunnan, China, was investigated between 2007 and 2008. Floral traits including flowering time, floral morphology, petal color, and floral scents were assessed, and the associated pollinator assemblage and their foraging behavior were recorded. The flowering period of R. cyanocarpum ranges from late March to middle May and a single flower can last 8–10 days in its natural habitat. Flowers generally show marked herkogamy and the protruding style encourages pollinator foraging behavior that counteracts self‐pollination. Floral scents comprise mostly aliphatics (64.37%) and terpenoids (29.88%), which make the flowers attractive for several insect groups, but a peak at 430 nm in the reflectance spectrum of petals suggest selection for the attraction of bumblebees. The two Bombus species, B. festivus and B. richardsiellus, representing 90% of total recorded visits, were the only insect species that can be considered to effectively pollinate R. cyanocarpum. Pollination treatments indicated the general self‐compatibility of R. cyanocarpum; however, outcrossing seemed to be the dominant strategy, with low rates of self‐fertilization providing a certain level of reproductive assurance in its alpine habitat.
The Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT): Linguistic Validity of the Chinese Version
Authors: Huang Yan-Ping , Chen Bin , Ping Ping , Wang Hong-Xiang , Hu Kai , Zhang Tao , Yang Hao , Jin Yan , Yang Qi , Huang Yi-Ran
Published: June 2014

Introduction

The premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) was developed to standardize the diagnosis of PE and has been applied in many countries. However, a linguistic validation of the Chinese version of PEDT does not exist.

Aims

This study aims to undertake the Chinese validation of the PEDT and to evaluate its association with self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and clinical expert diagnosis of PE.

Methods

A Chinese version of PEDT was confirmed by andrologist and bilingual linguist. Participants were recruited among seven different communities of Shanghai from 2011 to 2012, and their information regarding self-reported PE, self-estimated IELT, expert diagnosis of PE, and PEDT scores were collected.

Main Outcome Measures

Validity of the PEDT and its association with clinical expert diagnosis of PE and self-estimated IELT were analyzed.

Results

A total of 143 patients without PE (mean age 55.11 ± 7.65 years) and 100 men with PE (mean age 53.07 ± 8.08 years) were enrolled for validation. Of the patients in PE group, the number of men reporting self-estimated IELTs of ≤1, 1–2, and >2 minutes were 34 (34.0%), 22 (22.0%), and 44 (44.0%), respectively. The Cronbach's alpha score (α = 0.77) showed adequate internal consistency, and the test–retest correlation coefficients of each item (r ≥ 0.70, P < 0.001) indicated excellent stability over time. The frequency of agreement showed that there was excellent concordance between PEDT diagnosis and clinician diagnosis when the PEDT scores ≥11. An adequate correlation was found between total PEDT score and self-estimated IELT (ρ = −0.396, P < 0.001), and sensitivity and specificity analyses suggested a score of ≤8 indicated no time-defined PE (self-estimated IELT ≤1 minute).

Conclusions

The Chinese version of PEDT is valid in screening the presence of PE among Chinese men. The PEDT showed an adequate negative correlation with self-estimated IELT and an excellent concordance with clinician diagnosis of PE.
Retributive Whisper: Communicative Elements in Parole
Authors: Dagan Netanel , Segev Dana
Published: June 2014

The aims of retributive or nonutilitarian sentencing are said to conflict with parole as part of a determinate sentencing framework. In this article, we claim that a nonutilitarian approach to punishment does not necessarily conflict with parole. In particular, by adopting core elements of Duff's framework of communicative sentencing, we argue that parole inherently holds a communicative meaning in the form of retributive whisper and can thus be reconciled with a nonutilitarian approach to punishment. In addition, we explore a way to enhance the communicative potential in the parole process and suggest that by recognizing and further incorporating the inherent communicative message in parole we can increase or maximize the board's communicative potential. Finally, we discuss some benefits that can emerge from adapting a communicative sentencing framework to the parole process.
Our 2014 approach to breakthrough invasive fungal infections
Authors: Maschmeyer Georg , Patterson Thomas F.
Published: June 2014

Evidence‐based clinical pathways to direct antifungal treatment options in patients with breakthrough fungal infections during current systemic antifungal therapy are not available. Nonetheless, for defined settings of such breakthrough infections approaches to management can be recommended based on clinical, epidemiological, pharmacological and in vitro susceptibility data.
Cut‐off values of serum IgE (total and A. fumigatus ‐specific) and eosinophil count in differentiating allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis from asthma
Authors: Agarwal Ritesh , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Garg Mandeep , Saikia Biman , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: June 2014

The cut‐off values of immunological tests employed in diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) have never been validated. Herein, we compare the immunological findings in patients with ABPA and asthma using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Consecutive asthmatic subjects underwent all the following investigations: Aspergillus skin test, IgE levels (total and A. fumigatus‐specific), Aspergillus precipitins, eosinophil count, chest radiograph and CT chest. There were 372 subjects (179 men, mean age 35.9 years) with a mean asthma duration of 8 years. ABPA was diagnosed in 76 patients (64 bronchiectasis, 12 without bronchiectasis). ABPA was separated from asthma using the best cut‐off values of total IgE, A. fumigatus IgE and total eosinophil count of 2347 IU ml−1, 1.91 kUA l−1 and 507 cells per μl respectively. The sensitivity/specificity of these parameters were 87/81%; 99/87%; and, 79/76% respectively. The corresponding AUC values were 0.95, 0.90 and 0.82 respectively. The combination of these three tests at the aforementioned cut‐offs provided 100% specificity. Our study provides evidence‐based cut‐off values of IgE (total and A. fumigatus‐specific) and eosinophil counts in differentiating ABPA from asthma. As this is a single centre retrospective study, further studies from different centres are required, as these values could vary by ethnicity and environmental exposure.
First case of disseminated cryptococcosis in aGorilla gorilla
Authors: Mischnik Alexander , Stockklausner Julia , Hohneder Nicole , Jensen Henrik E. , Zimmermann Stefan , Reuss David E. , Rickerts Volker , Tintelnot Kathrin , Stockklausner Clemens
Published: June 2014

In humans,Cryptococcusmainly infects individuals withHIVinfection or other types of immunosuppression. Here, we report the first case of disseminated cryptococcosis in a simian immunodeficiency virus‐negative 27‐year‐old femaleGorilla gorillapresenting with lethargy, progressive weight loss and productive cough. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive lung biopsy culture, serum cryptococcal antigen, and cerebral histopathology demonstrating encapsulated yeasts. Molecular characterisation of lung culture isolate yieldedCryptococcus neoformansvar.grubii. An immune‐deficiency could not be demonstrated.
The influence of HLA‐DRB1*15 on motor cortical pathology in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yates Richard L. , Esiri Margaret M. , Palace Jacqueline , Mittal Arunesh , DeLuca Gabriele C.
Published: June 2014

Aim

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and heterogeneous CNS inflammatory demyelinating disease. The HLA‐DRB1 locus may influence clinical outcome. MS cortical pathology is frequent and correlates with measures of clinical disability, including motoric dysfunction that is a predominant feature of disease progression. The influence of HLA‐DRB1*15 on motor cortical pathology is unknown.

Methods

A pathologically confirmed age‐ and sex‐matched HLA‐DRB1*15+ (n = 21) and HLA‐DRB1*15− (n = 26) MS post‐mortem cohort was used for detailed pathologic analyses. For each case, adjacent sections of motor cortex were stained for myelin and inflammation, to evaluate the extent and distribution of motor cortical pathology. A subset of MS cases (n = 42) had spinal cord (SC) pathologic outcome data available for comparison.

Results

Motor cortical demyelination was more pronounced in younger cases (r = −0.337, P < 0.05), with MS cases carrying the HLA‐DRB1*15 allele driving this effect (r = −0.612, P < 0.01). HLA‐DRB1*15+ MS cases had more severe motor cortical parenchymal (P < 0.05), perivascular (P < 0.05) and meningeal (P < 0.05) T‐cell inflammation compared to HLA‐DRB1*15− cases. HLA‐DRB1*15 status significantly influenced the extent of motor cortical microglial burden in both NAGM (P < 0.0001) and lesions (P < 0.01) in MS cases. Relationships between the extent of motor cortical and SC pathology were limited, but when present were primarily driven by HLA‐DRB1*15+ cases.

Conclusion

HLA‐DRB1*15 status has a significant association with the extent of inflammation in the MS motor cortex, the extent of demyelination in younger MS cases, and influences relationships between motor cortical and SC pathology.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cell heterogeneity in human cancers
Authors: Solito Samantha , Marigo Ilaria , Pinton Laura , Damuzzo Vera , Mandruzzato Susanna , Bronte Vincenzo
Published: June 2014

The dynamic interplay between cancer and host immune system often affects the process of myelopoiesis. As a consequence, tumor‐derived factors sustain the accumulation and functional differentiation of myeloid cells, including myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which can interfere with T cell–mediated responses. Since both the phenotype and mechanisms of action of MDSCs appear to be tumor‐dependent, it is important not only to determine the presence of all MDSC subsets in each cancer patient, but also which MDSC subsets have clinical relevance in each tumor environment. In this review, we describe the differences between MDSC populations expanded within different tumor contexts and evaluate the prognostic significance of MDSC expansion in peripheral blood and within tumor masses of neoplastic patients.
Methodology for creating alloplasmic soybean lines by using Glycine tomentella as a maternal parent
Authors: Singh R. J. , Nelson R. L.
Published: June 2014

Soybean breeders have not exploited the diversity of the 26 wild perennial species of the subgenus Glycine Willd. that are distantly related to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and harbour useful genes. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology for introgressing cytoplasmic and genetic diversity from Glycine tomentella PI 441001 (2n = 78) into cultivated soybean using ‘Dwight’ (2n = 40) as the male parent. Immature seeds (19–21 days post‐pollination) were cultured in vitro to produce F1 plants (2n = 59). Amphidiploid (2n = 118) plants, induced by colchicine treatment, were vigorous and produced mature pods and seeds after backcrossing with ‘Dwight’. The BC1 plants (2n = 79) produced mature seeds in crosses with ‘Dwight’. Chromosome numbers in BC2F1 plants ranged from 2n = 41–50. From BC2F2 to BC3F1, the number of plants in parentheses with 2n = 40 (275), 2n = 41 (208), 2n = 42 (80), 2n = 43 (27), 2n = 44 (12) and 2n = 45 (3) were identified. Fertile lines were grown in the field during 2012 and 2013. This is the first report of the successful development of new alloplasmic soybean lines with cytoplasm from G. tomentella.
Therapeutic Effect of Irradiation of Magnetic Infrared Laser on Osteoarthritis Rat Model
Authors: Moon Chul‐Hwan , Kwon Ogon , Woo Chang‐Hoon , Ahn Hee‐Duk , Kwon Young‐Sam , Park Soo‐Jin , Song Chang‐Hyun , Ku Sae‐Kwang
Published: June 2014

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease caused by articular cartilage loss. Many complementary and alternative medicines for OA have been reported so far, but the effectiveness is controversial. Previously, we have shown anti‐inflammatory effects of low level laser therapy with static magnetic field, magnetic infrared laser (MIL), in various animal models. Therefore, the beneficial effects were examined in OA rat model. Rats were divided by six groups; no treatment controls of sham and OA model, three MIL treatment groups of OA model at 6.65, 2.66 and 1.33 J cm−2, and Diclofenac group of OA model with 2 mg kg−1 diclofenac sodium. The OA control exhibited typical symptoms of OA, but 4‐week MIL treatment improved the functional movement of knee joint with reduced edematous changes. In addition, cartilage GAGs were detected more in all MIL treatment groups than OA control. It suggests that 4‐week MIL irradiation has dose‐dependent anti‐inflammatory and chondroprotective effects on OA. Histopathological analyses revealed that MIL treatment inhibits the cartilage degradation and enhances chondrocyte proliferation. The fact that MIL has an additional potential for the cartilage formation and no adverse effects can be regarded as great advantages for OA treatment. These suggest that MIL can be useful for OA treatment.
Diversity and characterization of polymorphic 5′ promoter haplotypes of MICA and MICB genes
Authors: Cox S. T. , Madrigal J. A. , Saudemont A.
Published: June 2014

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐related chain A (MICA) and B (MICB) are ligands for the natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) activating receptor expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells. Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligand expression is stress‐related and upregulated by infected or oncogenic cells leading to cytolysis. MICA and MICB genes display considerable polymorphism among individuals and studies have investigated allelic association with disease and relevance of MICA in transplantation, with variable success. It is now known that promoters of MICA and MICB are polymorphic with some polymorphisms associating with reduced expression. We sequenced International Histocompatibility Workshop (IHW) cell line DNA to determine promoter types and alleles encoded by exons 2–6. We found 8 of 12 known MICA promoter polymorphisms and although promoter P7 dominated, other promoters associated with the same allele. For example, MICA*002:01 had promoters P3, P4 or P7 and the common MICA*008:01/04 type had P1, P6 or P7. Similarly, we sequenced 8 of 12 known MICB promoter haplotypes. Some coding region defined MICB alleles had a single promoter, for example, MICB*002:01 and promoter P9, whereas the promiscuous MICB*005 allele had promoters P1, P2, P5, P6, P10 or P12. The results indicate potential for variation in expression of MICA and MICB ligands between individuals with the same allelic types. If differential expression by polymorphic MICA and MICB promoters is confirmed by functional studies, involvement of these genes in disease susceptibility or adverse transplantation outcomes may require knowledge of both promoter and allelic types to make meaningful conclusions.
Infection with Devriesea agamarum and Chrysosporium guarroi in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
Authors: Schmidt‐Ukaj Silvana , Loncaric Igor , Klang Andrea , Spergser Joachim , Häbich Annett‐Carolin , Knotek Zdenek
Published: June 2014

Objective

Description of clinical, microbiological and histopathological findings in a case of deep dermatitis in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) caused by Devriesea agamarum and Chrysosporium guarroi.

Case report

A 4‐year‐old male inland bearded dragon, weighing 497 g, was presented at the clinic because the animal was suffering from dysecdysis and chronic skin lesions. Large numbers of bacilli, cocci and hyphal elements were diagnosed during the microscopic examination of the wound exudate. Microbiological analysis of a skin specimen revealed a moderate growth of Enterococcus sp. and D. agamarum. The condition of the bearded dragon improved with combined therapy consisting of ceftiofur hydrochloride, voriconazole and meloxicam. However, 3 months later recrudescence was observed. This time, Clostridium sp. and Chrysosporium sp. were isolated in large numbers. The bearded dragon was euthanized. Histopathology confirmed a severe granulomatous dermatitis with associated fungal hyphae and a severe granulomatous hepatitis with intralesional hyphae. Chrysosporium guarroi was identified by PCR and sequencing in two organs (skin and liver).

Conclusions and clinical importance

This is the first case of an infection with D. agamarum and C. guarroi in an inland bearded dragon (P. vitticeps). It emphasizes the importance of mycological cultures and specific treatment. Samples of suspected Chrysosporium sp. should be cultured at 30°C for 10–14 days. Early antifungal treatment is necessary to prevent systemic and potentially fatal infection with C. guarroi.
Morphisms between Cremona groups, and characterization of rational varieties
Authors: Cantat Serge
Published: June 2014

We classify all (abstract) homomorphisms from the group$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}{\sf PGL}_{r+1}(\mathbf{C})$to the group${\sf Bir}(M)$of birational transformations of a complex projective variety$M$, provided that$r\geq \dim _\mathbf{C}(M)$. As a byproduct, we show that: (i)${\sf Bir}(\mathbb{P}^n_\mathbf{C})$is isomorphic, as an abstract group, to${\sf Bir}(\mathbb{P}^m_\mathbf{C})$if and only if$n=m$; and (ii)$M$is rational if and only if${\sf PGL}_{\dim (M)+1}(\mathbf{C})$embeds as a subgroup of${\sf Bir}(M)$.
COX-2 Inhibition Potentiates Antiangiogenic Cancer Therapy and Prevents Metastasis in Preclinical Models
Authors: Xu Lihong , Stevens Janine , Hilton Mary Beth , Seaman Steven , Conrads Thomas P. , Veenstra Timothy D. , Logsdon Daniel , Morris Holly , Swing Deborah A. , Patel Nimit L. , Kalen Joseph , Haines Diana C. , Zudaire Enrique , St. Croix Brad
Published: June 2014

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibits angiogenesis, suppresses tumor growth, and augments the effects of traditional angiogenesis inhibitors.
HCV-Induced Immune Responses Influence the Development of Operational Tolerance After Liver Transplantation in Humans
Authors: Bohne Felix , Londoño María-Carlota , Benítez Carlos , Miquel Rosa , Martínez-Llordella Marc , Russo Carolina , Ortiz Cecilia , Bonaccorsi-Riani Eliano , Brander Christian , Bauer Tanja , Protzer Ulrike , Jaeckel Elmar , Taubert Richard , Forns Xavier , Navasa Miquel , Berenguer Marina , Rimola Antoni , Lozano Juan-José , Sánchez-Fueyo Alberto
Published: June 2014

Persistent HCV infection does not preclude the establishment of liver allograft tolerance in humans.
Activity of Broad-Spectrum T Cells as Treatment for AdV, EBV, CMV, BKV, and HHV6 Infections after HSCT
Authors: Papadopoulou Anastasia , Gerdemann Ulrike , Katari Usha L. , Tzannou Ifigenia , Liu Hao , Martinez Caridad , Leung Kathryn , Carrum George , Gee Adrian P. , Vera Juan F. , Krance Robert A. , Brenner Malcolm K. , Rooney Cliona M. , Heslop Helen E. , Leen Ann M.
Published: June 2014

Rapidly generated broad-spectrum T cells can simultaneously treat multiple viral infections after hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Comment on “CD4
+
T Cell Autoimmunity to Hypocretin/Orexin and Cross-Reactivity to a 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Epitope in Narcolepsy”
Authors: van der Most Robbert , Wettendorff Martine , Innis Bruce , Hanon Emmanuel
Published: June 2014

Scientists from the maker of the Pandemrix vaccine for influenza present their views on results linking epitopes in influenza and narcolepsy.
Therapeutic Treatment of Nipah Virus Infection in Nonhuman Primates with a Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Geisbert Thomas W. , Mire Chad E. , Geisbert Joan B. , Chan Yee-Peng , Agans Krystle N. , Feldmann Friederike , Fenton Karla A. , Zhu Zhongyu , Dimitrov Dimiter S. , Scott Dana P. , Bossart Katharine N. , Feldmann Heinz , Broder Christopher C.
Published: June 2014

A monoclonal antibody against Nipah virus has in vivo efficacy in a nonhuman primate.
Consortium Sandbox: Building and Sharing Resources
Authors: Lim Mark D.
Published: June 2014

The research-by-consortium model benefits biomedicine but needs optimizing before we integrate it into biomedical research translation.