bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight Reduction Is Associated With Increased Plasma Fibrin Clot Lysis
Authors: Brzezińska-Kolarz Beata , Kolarz Marek , Wałach Angelika , Undas Anetta
Published: April 2013

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of vascular thrombotic events. We sought to investigate how obesity and weight loss affect plasma fibrin clot properties. A total of 29 obese patients were studied before and after 3-month low-fat diet. Plasma fibrin clot parameters, including fibrin clot permeation coefficient ( Ks), the lag phase of the turbidity curve, clot lysis time ( t50%), maximum rate of increase in D-dimer levels, and maximum D-dimer concentrations, were determined. Low-fat diet resulted in the reduction of body weight ( P < .0001), body mass index ( P < .0001), fat mass ( P < .0001), total cholesterol ( P < .0001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P = .0005), triglycerides ( P = .008), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 ( P = .02), but not in fibrinogen or C-reactive protein. The only change in fibrin clot variables was shorter t50% ( P = .02). Baseline t50%, but not posttreatment, correlated with waist circumference ( r = .44, p = .02). This study demonstrates that weight loss in obese people can increase the efficiency of fibrin clot lysis.
Exploring the Role of Victim Sex, Victim Conduct, and Victim–Defendant Relationship in Capital Punishment Sentencing
Authors: Gillespie Lane Kirkland , Loughran Thomas A. , Smith M. Dwayne , Fogel Sondra J. , Bjerregaard Beth
Published: April 2013

Disparities in the administration of capital punishment are a prominent social and political issue. Recent studies indicate that victim characteristics of sex and race produce interactive effects on capital-sentencing outcomes. Extending this line of research, the current analysis explores the intersection of victim sex with victim conduct and victim–defendant relationship, utilizing a population of North Carolina capital cases spanning the years 1977 to 2009 ( N = 1,285). Findings indicate that cases with a female victim who was not involved in illegal activity at the time of the murder and acquaintance female victim cases are most likely to result in a death recommendation. Potential reasons for these findings are discussed.
Corticosteroid Production in H295R Cells During Exposure to 3 Endocrine Disrupters Analyzed With LC-MS/MS
Authors: Winther Christina S. , Nielsen Frederik K. , Hansen Martin , Styrishave Bjarne
Published: April 2013

The adrenocortical human cell line H295R is a valuable tool for screening endocrine disrupting compounds. In general, previous research focus has been on the production of the 2 sex steroids, 17β-estradiol and testosterone, and less attention has been paid to other important steroid end points in the steroidogenesis with a wide range of physiological functions, such as the glucocorticoids (corticosterone and cortisol). A newly developed and validated solid phase extraction (SPE) liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) method was used to measure the production of cortisol and corticosterone in the H295R cell line. The method was applied by studying the effects of 2 model endocrine disrupters, ketoconazole and prochloraz, the pharmaceutical budesonide, and the inducer forskolin on the steroid production in this cell line. Dose–response curves were obtained for the correlation between hormone concentrations and the concentration of the individual disruptors. Exposing cells to ketoconazole resulted in a decrease in cortisol and corticosterone concentrations in a dose-dependent manner with EC50 values of 0.24 and 0.40 μmol/L, respectively. The same applied for cells exposed to prochloraz with EC50 values of 0.06 and 0.09 μmol/L for cortisol and corticosterone, respectively. Budesonide also inhibited glucocorticoid secretion. The EC50 value for cortisol was 19.50 μmol/L, whereas the EC50 value for corticosterone was 71.42 μmol/L. Forskolin induced the secretion of both cortisol (EC50 = 4.09 μmol/L) and corticosterone (EC50 = 0.28 μmol/L). The results obtained demonstrated the validity of the method. Based on these findings, quality criteria for the production of these steroids in this cell line were suggested.
A cusp catastrophe model for the friction catastrophe of mine brake material in continuous repeated brakings
Authors: Bao Jiusheng , Yin Yan , Lu Yuhao , Hu Dongyang , Lu Lijian
Published: April 2013

The frictional performance of the brake material used in mine hoisters varies abnormally under some extreme braking conditions. Its friction coefficient runs the danger of falling suddenly in such a braking. Based on the catastrophe theories and the energy transforming ideas, this article established a cusp catastrophe model to describe and predict the friction catastrophe behaviors of the brake material in some continuous repeated brakings of mine hoisters. The predictive capability of the model was verified by some braking experiments. It is shown that the catastrophe phenomena of the friction catastrophe in braking can be described by the catastrophe theories as a cusp catastrophe. The friction coefficient can be taken as its state variable. The initial braking velocity and braking frequency can be taken into account for one control variable while another control variable may contain the braking pressure and braking time. Moreover, the friction catastrophe of the brake material has a critical braking state. The cusp model built in this article can properly predict its critical braking frequency. However, in the present state, the exact time that the friction catastrophe occurs in a critical braking cannot be accurately located.
An Analysis of the Culture in Ireland on Open Disclosure following Adverse Events in Healthcare
Authors: Duffy Ann
Published: April 2013

The aim of the paper is to assess open disclosure in Ireland following clinical adverse events in healthcare. A number of areas were examined from the patient's and healthcare team's perspectives. The barriers/constraints to open disclosure, the extent of policies, procedures or guidelines that are available for staff to consult with, inclusive of how they are implemented, harvested valuable insight. The supports available for healthcare staff following an adverse event and patients’ expectations after such an event are also encompassed to include the relationship open disclosure has on concerns regarding litigious intent. The questionnaire was disseminated to a multidisciplinary healthcare group. The questions were numbered 1–9, with a mixture of open and closed questions. A five-point Likert format was used with three questions in attitudinal/ opinion statements, regarding supports available for staff following an adverse event. A Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to assist with the interpretation of data. This study was directed at the multidisciplinary healthcare team and senior management within the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Voluntary sectors. The oldest hospitals in Ireland are voluntary public hospitals some of them originating from the 18th century, having been established by charities and religious orders. Voluntary hospitals are partly funded by the HSE, specifically having their own governance structure. There was a response rate of 67% ( n = 192). A total 56.5% of respondents stated their organization did not have an open disclosure policy, procedure or guideline in place however, 16% of the attendees stated there was one in place. A total of 54.4% (104) acknowledged barriers/concerns surrounding open disclosure, with fear of litigious intent noted by 24% of respondents. A total of 52.3% (101) identified support availability to staff following an adverse event, 38.9% (10) felt there was little/no follow-up support, with 11.1.% (2) stating they were made to feel guilty, and associated it with being “on trial”. Findings demonstrate an unstructured approach to disclosure of adverse events in Ireland, with fear of litigation a major concern for healthcare professionals. Error awareness among the general public, the introduction of protective legislation and implementation of a national standard on open disclosure in conjunction with practical training and education will all positively and practically influence open disclosure of adverse events in Ireland.
“Rabone, Misinterpreted”
Authors: Edwards Gill
Published: April 2013

This article provides a response to “A Bad Decision for Patients”, an article by Bertie Leigh, Partner at defence firm Hempsons, which appeared in Clinical Risk 2012;18 157 commenting upon the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court in Rabone v Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (2012); a decision which Mr Leigh deemed to be “profoundly wrong” and “bad for patients”. This article seeks to explain that his conclusions are based on a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court's decision.
Bringing the ZPD into the equation: Capturing L2 development during Computerized Dynamic Assessment (C-DA)
Authors: Poehner Matthew E , Lantolf James P
Published: April 2013

Dynamic Assessment (DA) derives from Vygotsky’s (1987) insight that the use of mediation, attuned to learner needs, enables learners to perform beyond their current level of functioning, thereby providing insights into emerging capabilities. The instructional quality of mediation means that this process simultaneously creates possibilities for development, even over the course of a single session, a phenomenon referred to as ‘microgenesis’ (Wertsch, 1985). An important feature of DA is transfer, or transcendence: the process of tracking learner development as it unfolds not only with regard to control of tasks included in an assessment but also more complex and difficult tasks that build on those included in the original instrument (Campione, Brown, Ferrera, & Bryant, 1984; Feuerstein, Rand, & Hoffman, 1979; Poehner, 2007). The present study reports on the use of DA principles in tests of second language (L2) listening and reading comprehension delivered through an online format. The tests, which incorporate mediation, include transfer items to determine the extent to which learner development is supported during the test. This process generates three scores: actual (to capture unmediated performance); mediated (reflecting responsiveness to assistance provided on each test item); and a learning potential score (based on gain between actual and mediated performance) that indicates how much investment in future instructional activity is likely required for development to move forward.
Modelling house prices using multilevel structured additive regression
Authors: Brunauer Wolfgang , Lang Stefan , Umlauf Nikolaus
Published: April 2013

This paper analyzes house price data belonging to three hierarchical levels of spatial units. House selling prices with associated individual attributes (the elementary level-1) are grouped within municipalities (level-2), which form districts (level-3), which are themselves nested in counties (level-4). Additionally to individual attributes, explanatory covariates with possibly nonlinear effects are available on two of these spatial resolutions. We apply a multilevel version of structured additive regression (STAR) models to regress house prices on individual attributes and locational neighbourhood characteristics in a four-level hierarchical model. In multilevel STAR models the regression coefficients of a particular nonlinear term may themselves obey a regression model with structured additive predictor. The framework thus allows to incorporate nonlinear covariate effects and time trends, smooth spatial effects and complex interactions at every level of the hierarchy of the multilevel model. Moreover, we are able to decompose the spatial heterogeneity effect and investigate its magnitude at different spatial resolutions allowing for improved predictive quality even in the case of unobserved spatial units. Statistical inference is fully Bayesian and based on highly efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation techniques that take advantage of the hierarchical structure in the data.
A regression model for special proportions
Authors: Pereira Gustavo HA , Botter Denise A , Sandoval Mônica C
Published: April 2013

Credit cards are a financial product with special characteristics. Dividing the amount paid by the customer in a given month by the total bill results in a variable that is partly discrete and partly continuous, which we call the relative payment amount (RPA). This variable is discrete at 0, c and 1, and it is continuous in the open interval ( c, 1). The 0< c<1 value is known and is given by the ratio between the value of the minimum payment and the full amount, and this value is not fixed for all customers. Thus, in practice, the RPA is a variable whose support of its distribution is non-constant across population units. In this work, we propose a regression model for the RPA. The model allows all of the unknown parameters of the conditional distribution of the response variable to be modelled as a function of the explanatory variables, and it also accounts for the non-constant known parameter c. The estimation of the parameters of this model is discussed, diagnostic analysis is addressed and closed-form expressions for the score function and for the Fisher’s information matrix are provided. Moreover, some results related to the non-constant nature of c are obtained, simulation studies are performed and an application using real credit card data is presented.
Forecasting asthma-related hospital admissions in London using negative binomial models
Authors: Soyiri Ireneous N , Reidpath Daniel D , Sarran Christophe
Published: April 2013

Health forecasting can improve health service provision and individual patient outcomes. Environmental factors are known to impact chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, but little is known about the extent to which these factors can be used for forecasting. Using weather, air quality and hospital asthma admissions, in London (2005–2006), two related negative binomial models were developed and compared with a naive seasonal model. In the first approach, predictive forecasting models were fitted with 7-day averages of each potential predictor, and then a subsequent multivariable model is constructed. In the second strategy, an exhaustive search of the best fitting models between possible combinations of lags (0–14 days) of all the environmental effects on asthma admission was conducted. Three models were considered: a base model (seasonal effects), contrasted with a 7-day average model and a selected lags model (weather and air quality effects). Season is the best predictor of asthma admissions. The 7-day average and seasonal models were trivial to implement. The selected lags model was computationally intensive, but of no real value over much more easily implemented models. Seasonal factors can predict daily hospital asthma admissions in London, and there is a little evidence that additional weather and air quality information would add to forecast accuracy.
Planning a Sustainable City
Authors: Macedo Joseli
Published: April 2013

Curitiba, Brazil, is recognized as a model of urban planning. The city’s innovative practices have been internationally praised for the past twenty years, although the first plans that enabled the urban form that Curitiba has today are rarely acknowledged. Sustainable initiatives were implemented in Curitiba before sustainability became the preferred alternative for development; however, the people behind Curitiba’s innovations have not been properly recognized. This article provides a historical overview of all the urban plans that have made the Curitiba paradigm possible. It also recounts Curitiba’s urban development and planning history through the voices of some of the people who contributed to making it the city that it is today. In addition to archival research, a series of interviews reveals their stories and memories of the experience of planning a city to be the best it can be. Their commentary on Curitiba’s future suggests the work is not done. The article concludes with an appraisal of sustainability within the Curitiba context.
Common Dental Injury Management in Athletes
Authors: Young Eliot J. , Macias C. Roger , Stephens Lindsay
Published: April 2013

Context:

Orofacial and dental trauma continues to be a commonly encountered issue for the sports medicine team. All sports have some risk for dental injury, but “contact sports” presumably incur more risk. Immediate evaluation and proper management of the most common injuries to dentition can result in saving or restoration of tooth structure. Despite the growing body of evidence, mouth guard use and dental protection have not paralleled the increase in sports participation.

Evidence Acquisition:

A PubMed search from 1960 through April 2012 was conducted, as well as a review of peer-reviewed online publications.

Results:

Common dental injuries in sports include tooth (crown) fractures; tooth intrusion, extrusion, and avulsion; and temporomandibular joint dislocation. Mouth guards help prevent most injuries and do not significantly affect ventilation or speech if fitted properly.

Conclusion:

A working knowledge of the presentation as well as management of commonly encountered dental trauma in sports is essential to the immediate care of an athlete and returning to play. Mouth guard use should be encouraged for athletes of all ages in those sports that incur significant risk.
Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Murawski Christopher D. , Wolf Megan R. , Araki Daisuke , Muller Bart , Tashman Scott , Fu Freddie H.
Published: April 2013

Anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is common procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons, particularly in association with sports-related injuries. Whereas traditional reconstruction techniques used a single bundle graft that was typically placed in a non-anatomic position, a renewed interest in anatomy has facilitated the popularization of anatomic reconstruction techniques. Recently, a focus has been placed on individualizing ACL surgery based on each patient’s native anatomical characteristics (e.g., insertion site size, notch size, and shape), thereby dictating the ultimate procedure of choice. As subjective outcome measurements have demonstrated varying outcomes with respect to single- versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction, investigators have turned to more objective techniques, such as in vivo kinematics, as a means of evaluating joint motion and cartilage contact mechanics. Further investigation in this area may yield important information with regard to the potential progression to osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction, including factors affecting or preventing it.
Increased levels of urinary phenylacetylglycine associated with mitochondrial toxicity in a model of drug-induced phospholipidosis
Authors: Doessegger Lucette , Schmitt Georg , Lenz Barbara , Fischer Holger , Schlotterbeck Götz , Atzpodien Elke-Astrid , Senn Hans , Suter Laura , Csato Miklos , Evers Stefan , Singer Thomas
Published: April 2013

Background:

Phospholipidosis (PLD) is a lysosomal storage disorder induced by a class of cationic amphiphilic drugs. However, drug-induced PLD is reversible. Evidence of PLD from animal studies with some compounds has led to discontinuation of development. Regulatory authorities are likely to request additional studies when PLD is linked to toxicity.

Objective:

We conducted a trial to investigate urinary phenylacetylglycine (uPAG) as a biomarker for PLD.

Materials and methods:

Five groups of 12 male Wistar rats were dosed once with vehicle, 300 mg/kg or 1500 mg/kg of compound A (known to induce PLD), or 300 mg/kg or 1000 mg/kg of compound B (similar structure, but does not induce PLD) to achieve similar plasma exposures. Following dosing, urine and blood samples underwent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), proteomic, and biochemical analyses. Necropsies were performed at 48 and 168 h, organ histopathology evaluated, and gene expression in liver analyzed by microarray. Electron microscopic examination of peripheral lymphocytes was performed.

Results:

For compound A, uPAG increased with dose, correlating with lamellar inclusion bodies formation in peripheral lymphocytes. NMR analysis showed decreased tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, inferring mitochondrial toxicity. Mitochondrial dysfunction was suggested by uPAG increase, resulting from a switch to anaerobic metabolism or disruption of the urea cycle.

Discussion and conclusion:

uPAG shows utility as a noninvasive biomarker for mitochondrial toxicity associated with drug-induced PLD, providing a mechanistic hypothesis for toxicity associated with PLD likely resulting from combined direct and indirect mitochondrial toxicity via impairment of the proton motor force and alteration of fatty acid catabolism.
Isolated Wormian Bone Detected during Second Trimester Scan by Means of 3D Sonography
Authors: Rosignoli Lucia , Tonni Gabriele
Published: April 2013

Wormian bones are accessory bones that occur within the cranial suture and fontanelles, most commonly within the posterior sutures. The incidental 3D sonographic detection of isolated wormian bone during a second trimester sonographic examination is reported, together with the counseling and clinical management strategies that followed. We have demonstrated that supernumerary bone can be seen as an isolated sonographic finding in a healthy fetus or can be associated with multiple congenital anomalies. The sonographic detection of a fetus with wormian bone indicates the need for a very thorough examination and genetic counseling for the parents regarding prognosis and risk of recurrence.
Stretching for Sonographers
Authors: Alaniz Jeremy , Veale Beth L.
Published: April 2013

With increasing patient loads, many sonographers have found themselves scanning in pain; up to 90% of sonographers have experienced pain while scanning. In this literature review, the question is asked, Are there any methods, such as stretching exercises, that a sonographer could personally implement to reduce or alleviate musculoskeletal injury? The literature of interest was located using online databases including CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and SAGE Publications. Themes included sonographer, injury, musculoskeletal, stretching, and exercise. The literature shows a clear pattern of work-related musculoskeletal injury for actively scanning sonographers, but it is clear that more research is needed in the area of musculoskeletal injury prevention and alleviation. Research reports and case studies were explored for benefits of stretching across a spectrum of disciplines; specifically absent are large-scale studies looking at the benefits of a stretching and exercise program, preferably one integrated into the daily work schedule.
Lineage-inappropriate PAX5 expression in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia requires signaling-mediated abrogation of polycomb repression
Authors: Ray Debleena , Kwon So Yeon , Tagoh Hiromi , Heidenreich Olaf , Ptasinska Anetta , Bonifer Constanze
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Lineage-inappropriate expression of the B-cell master regulator PAX5 in t(8;21) AML depends on aberrant MAP kinase signaling. MAP kinase signaling by a mutated growth factor receptor leads to the dissociation of polycomb-repressive complexes from PAX5 chromatin.
The price of drugs for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a reflection of the unsustainable prices of cancer drugs: from the perspective of a large group of CML experts
Authors:   Experts in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Published: April 2013

As a group of more than 100 experts in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), we draw attention to the high prices of cancer drugs, with the particular focus on the prices of approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of CML. This editorial addresses the multiple factors involved in cancer drug pricing and their impact on individual patients and health care policies, and argues for the need to (1) lower the prices of cancer drugs to allow more patients to afford them and (2) maintain sound long-term health care policies.
Childhood respiratory cohort studies: do they generate useful outcomes?
Authors: Turner S.
Published: April 2013

Educational aims

To describe the strengths and limitations of cohort studies.

To give insight into the likely magnitude of effect of exposures on asthma causation.

To summarise the relative weight of predictors of asthma prognosis.

To describe results from cohort studies where interventions were made.

Cohort studies give insight into the evolution of respiratory disease over time and provide a low level of evidence for causation. The initial pioneering cohort studies in which symptoms and/or exposures were captured in early life and related to respiratory outcome in later life are now part of a large family which is diverse in age and exposures; however, asthma remains a fairly constant outcome.

This article aims to first describe the strengths and weaknesses of the various asthma cohort studies. Thereafter, the article aims to describe the insight that cohort studies have given into asthma causation, with a focus on relative magnitude of effect, and also to describe the relative weight of factors identified in cohort studies as predictors of persisting asthma symptoms. It is clear that many factors are implicated in asthma causation; in isolation, each exerts a rather modest positive of negative effect on causation, but are likely to be acting in combination and modifying each other's relative risk. There is no single “good” predictor of asthma outcome, but the coexistence of parental asthma/atopy in a child with at least three episodes of wheeze by their third birthday indicates a high relative risk for asthma at 11–13 years of age. There remains no cure for asthma and the next step needs to apply what cohort studies have taught us to intervention studies where several exposures are modified in at risk individuals during the first year of life.
Measurement of exhaled breath temperature in science and clinical practice
Authors: Popov T.A. , Kralimarkova T.Z. , Dimitrov V.D.
Published: April 2013

Educational aims

To review the link between inflammation and increased vascularity and blood flow of the airways, and exhaled breath temperature.

To position exhaled breath temperature (EBT) as a physiological characteristic differing from core temperature measured at other body sites.

To review the existing experience about measuring EBT in different disease states of the respiratory system.

To emphasise the influence of airway remodeling/destruction in modulating EBT.

Evaluation of the exhaled breath temperature (EBT) has been suggested as a new method to detect and monitor pathological processes in the respiratory system. The putative mechanism of this approach is based upon changes in the blood flow in the conducting airways that are characteristic of different disease states, which influence the temperature of the exhaled gases. The first attempts to prove this concept were made in conjunction with measurement of exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) about a decade ago. They made use of an open-circuit, single-breath method in a closed indoor environment, and demonstrated associations between EBT on the one hand, and bronchial blood flow,FeNOand sputum cellular content on the other.

These findings have been further extended to practical applicability with the introduction of multiple-breath, portable hand-held devices. Measurement of EBT using these is less dependent on the ambient environment and easier to perform. Studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between EBT and different physiological characteristics, and to assess possible confounding influences in the process of measurement. The value of the method has been explored in the diagnosis and monitoring of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory diseases. While initially, emphasis focused on airway inflammation as the primary process to be captured by this method, it was subsequently realised that destructive and other remodelling processes reducing the integral contact surface of the conducting airways and/or damaging their vasculature would also affect the end result by shifting EBT downwards. As obstructive airway disease is, in most cases, a combination of airway inflammation and remodelling/destruction, EBT should be viewed as an individual characteristic indicating fluctuating changes in the balance of these processes. Hence, an important potential application of the method is in monitoring airway diseases.

EBT measurement has emerged as an attractive noninvasive new approach in respiratory and, possibly, other diseases. Systematic research will determine its place in clinical practice.
S-iteration process for quasi-contractive mappings
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Latif Abdul , Rafiq Arif , Hussain Nawab
Published: April 2013

In this note, we show that the S-iteration process due to Sahu and Petrusel (Nonlinear Anal. TMA 74(17):6012-6023, 2011) is faster than the Picard, Mann, Ishikawa and Noor iteration processes for Zamfirescu operators. Also, using computer programs in

C
+
+

, we present some examples to compare the convergence rate of iterative processes due to Picard, Mann, Ishikawa, Noor, Agarwal et al. and Sahu and Petrusel.
Transcriptional regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in nectarine (Prunus persica) by a set of R2R3 MYB transcription factors
Authors: Ravaglia Daniela , Espley Richard V , Henry-Kirk Rebecca A , Andreotti Carlo , Ziosi Vanina , Hellens Roger P , Costa Guglielmo , Allan Andrew C
Published: April 2013

Background

Flavonoids such as anthocyanins, flavonols and proanthocyanidins, play a central role in fruit colour, flavour and health attributes. In peach and nectarine (Prunus persica) these compounds vary during fruit growth and ripening. Flavonoids are produced by a well studied pathway which is transcriptionally regulated by members of the MYB and bHLH transcription factor families. We have isolated nectarine flavonoid regulating genes and examined their expression patterns, which suggests a critical role in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis.

Results

In nectarine, expression of the genes encoding enzymes of the flavonoid pathway correlated with the concentration of proanthocyanidins, which strongly increases at mid-development. In contrast, the only gene which showed a similar pattern to anthocyanin concentration was UDP-glucose-flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT), which was high at the beginning and end of fruit growth, remaining low during the other developmental stages. Expression of flavonol synthase (FLS1) correlated with flavonol levels, both temporally and in a tissue specific manner. The pattern of UFGT gene expression may be explained by the involvement of different transcription factors, which up-regulate flavonoid biosynthesis (MYB10, MYB123, and bHLH3), or repress (MYB111 and MYB16) the transcription of the biosynthetic genes. The expression of a potential proanthocyanidin-regulating transcription factor, MYBPA1, corresponded with proanthocyanidin levels. Functional assays of these transcription factors were used to test the specificity for flavonoid regulation.

Conclusions

MYB10 positively regulates the promoters of UFGT and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) but not leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR). In contrast, MYBPA1 trans-activates the promoters of DFR and LAR, but not UFGT. This suggests exclusive roles of anthocyanin regulation by MYB10 and proanthocyanidin regulation by MYBPA1. Further, these transcription factors appeared to be responsive to both developmental and environmental stimuli.
Social determinants of health and seasonal influenza vaccination in adults ≥65 years: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative data
Authors: Nagata Jason M , Hernández-Ramos Isabel , Kurup Anand Sivasankara , Albrecht Daniel , Vivas-Torrealba Claudia , Franco-Paredes Carlos
Published: April 2013

Background

Vaccination against influenza is considered the most important public health intervention to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and premature deaths related to influenza in the elderly, though there are significant inequities among global influenza vaccine resources, capacities, and policies. The objective of this study was to assess the social determinants of health preventing adults ≥65 years old from accessing and accepting seasonal influenza vaccination.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in January 2011 using MEDLINE, ISI – Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL (1980–2011). Reference lists of articles were also examined. Selection criteria included qualitative and quantitative studies written in English that examined social determinants of and barriers against seasonal influenza vaccination among adults≥65 years. Two authors performed the quality assessment and data extraction. Thematic analysis was the main approach for joint synthesis, using identification and juxtaposition of themes associated with vaccination.

Results

Overall, 58 studies were analyzed. Structural social determinants such as age, gender, marital status, education, ethnicity, socio-economic status, social and cultural values, as well as intermediary determinants including housing-place of residence, behavioral beliefs, social influences, previous vaccine experiences, perceived susceptibility, sources of information, and perceived health status influenced seasonal influenza vaccination. Healthcare system related factors including accessibility, affordability, knowledge and attitudes about vaccination, and physicians’ advice were also important determinants of vaccination.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the ability of adults ≥65 years to receive seasonal influenza vaccine is influenced by structural, intermediate, and healthcare-related social determinants which have an impact at the health system, provider, and individual levels.
BMI mediates the association between low educational level and higher blood pressure during pregnancy in Japan
Authors: Jwa Seung Chik , Fujiwara Takeo , Hata Akira , Arata Naoko , Sago Haruhiko , Ohya Yukihiro
Published: April 2013

Background

Research investigating the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy is limited and its underlying pathway is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediators of the association between educational level as an indicator of the SES and BP in early and mid-pregnancy among Japanese women.

Methods

Nine hundred and twenty-three pregnant women in whom BP was measured before 16 weeks and at 20 weeks of gestation were enrolled in this study. Maternal educational levels were categorized into three groups: high (university or higher), mid (junior college), and low (junior high school, high school, or vocational training school).

Results

The low educational group had higher systolic (low vs. high, difference = 2.39 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 4.19) and diastolic BP levels (low vs. high, difference = 0.74 mmHg, 95% CI: –0.52 to 1.99) in early pregnancy. However, the same associations were not found after adjustment for pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). BP reduction was observed in mid-pregnancy in all three educational groups and there was no association between educational level and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Conclusion

In Japanese women, the low educational group showed higher BP during pregnancy than the mid or high educational groups. Pre-pregnancy BMI mediates the association between educational level and BP.
A prospective comparative study to assess the contribution of radioisotope tracer method to dye-only method in the detection of sentinel lymph node in breast cancer
Authors: Eser Mehmet , Kement Metin , Kaptanoglu Levent , Gecer Melin , Abamor Evrim , Tutal Firat , Balin Salim , Kurt Necmi , Uzun Huseyin
Published: April 2013

Background

Metastasis in the axillary lymph nodes is the most important known prognostic factor for breast cancer. We aimed to investigate the contribution of the radioisotope tracer method to the dye-only method by performing sentinel lymph node biopsy on the same patient group during a single surgical session.

Methods

Forty-two patients who underwent operations in our clinic from February 2010 to October 2011 and with masses of <5 cm and clinically and radiologicallly negative axilla (T1-2 N0) were prospectively included in this study. After paraffin examination results were obtained, the numbers and metastatic states of the lymph nodes that were unidentifiable during surgery (although they were stained) but were detected by a gamma probe, lymph nodes that were only stained, lymph nodes that were only radioactive (hot), and lymph nodes that were both stained and radioactive (stained-hot) were determined in all patients. In patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection, the total numbers of lymph nodes removed and their metastatic states were determined separately.

Results

At least one blue-stained sentinel lymph node was identified in all patients during the blue-stained lymph node detection stage. The average number of sentinel nodes removed at this stage was 2.1 ± 1.1. In the second surgical stage (the stage in which nodes with axillary counts were investigated with the gamma probe) in these 41 patients, at least one additional hot node was removed, or at least one of the nodes that was removed because it was blue was also hot. In addition to the lymph nodes removed in the dye stage, 34 hot lymph nodes were excised from 21 patients. Overall, the average number of hot lymph nodes removed was 2.9 ± 1.5. In all patients, subsequent frozen sections and histopathological examinations were 100% concordant with the sentinel lymph nodes that were removed; the stained sentinel lymph nodes that were removed first did not affect the decision to perform axillary dissection.

Conclusion

The results of our study indicate that performing sentinel lymph node biopsy with dye only is sufficient and as effective as the combined method.
Structural and functional studies of S-adenosyl-L-methionine binding proteins: a ligand-centric approach
Authors: Gana Rajaram , Rao Shruti , Huang Hongzhan , Wu Cathy , Vasudevan Sona
Published: April 2013

Background

The post-genomic era poses several challenges. The biggest is the identification of biochemical function for protein sequences and structures resulting from genomic initiatives. Most sequences lack a characterized function and are annotated as hypothetical or uncharacterized. While homology-based methods are useful, and work well for sequences with sequence identities above 50%, they fail for sequences in the twilight zone (<30%) of sequence identity. For cases where sequence methods fail, structural approaches are often used, based on the premise that structure preserves function for longer evolutionary time-frames than sequence alone. It is now clear that no single method can be used successfully for functional inference. Given the growing need for functional assignments, we describe here a systematic new approach, designated ligand-centric, which is primarily based on analysis of ligand-bound/unbound structures in the PDB. Results of applying our approach to S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) binding proteins are presented.

Results

Our analysis included 1,224 structures that belong to 172 unique families of the Protein Information Resource Superfamily system. Our ligand-centric approach was divided into four levels: residue, protein/domain, ligand, and family levels. The residue level included the identification of conserved binding site residues based on structure-guided sequence alignments of representative members of a family, and the identification of conserved structural motifs. The protein/domain level included structural classification of proteins, Pfam domains, domain architectures, and protein topologies. The ligand level included ligand conformations, ribose sugar puckering, and the identification of conserved ligand-atom interactions. The family level included phylogenetic analysis.

Conclusion

We found that SAM bound to a total of 18 different fold types (I-XVIII). We identified 4 new fold types and 11 additional topological arrangements of strands within the well-studied Rossmann fold Methyltransferases (MTases). This extends the existing structural classification of SAM binding proteins. A striking correlation between fold type and the conformation of the bound SAM (classified as types) was found across the 18 fold types. Several site-specific rules were created for the assignment of functional residues to families and proteins that do not have a bound SAM or a solved structure.
Efficient surface functionalization of wound dressings by a phytoactive nanocoating refractory to Candida albicans biofilm development
Authors: Anghel Ion , Holban Alina Maria , Andronescu Ecaterina , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen
Published: April 2013

The present study reports the fabrication and characterization of a novel nanostructured phyto-bioactive coated rayon/polyester wound dressing (WD) surface refractory to Candida albicans adhesion, colonization and biofilm formation, based on functionalized magnetite nanoparticles and Anethum graveolens (AG) and Salvia officinalis (SO) essential oils (EOs). TEM, XRD, TGA, FT-IR were used for the characterization of the fabricated nanobiocoated WDs. Using magnetic nanoparticles for the stabilization and controlled release of EOs, the activity of natural volatile compounds is significantly enhanced and their effect is stable during time. For this reason the nanobiocoated surfaces exhibited a longer term anti-biofilm effect, maintained for at least 72 h. Besides their excellent anti- adherence properties, the proposed solutions exhibit the advantage of using vegetal natural compounds, which are less toxic and easily biodegradable in comparison with synthetic antifungal drugs, representing thus promising approaches for the development of successful ways to control and prevent fungal biofilms associated infections.
Genetic connectivity between land and sea: the case of the beachflea Orchestia montagui (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Pavesi Laura , Tiedemann Ralph , De Matthaeis Elvira , Ketmaier Valerio
Published: April 2013

Introduction

We examined patterns of genetic divergence in 26 Mediterranean populations of the semi-terrestrial beachflea Orchestia montagui using mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I), microsatellite (eight loci) and allozymic data. The species typically forms large populations within heaps of dead seagrass leaves stranded on beaches at the waterfront. We adopted a hierarchical geographic sampling to unravel population structure in a species living at the sea-land transition and, hence, likely subjected to dramatically contrasting forces.

Results

Mitochondrial DNA showed historical phylogeographic breaks among Adriatic, Ionian and the remaining basins (Tyrrhenian, Western and Eastern Mediterranean Sea) likely caused by the geological and climatic changes of the Pleistocene. Microsatellites (and to a lesser extent allozymes) detected a further subdivision between and within the Western Mediterranean and the Tyrrhenian Sea due to present-day processes. A pattern of isolation by distance was not detected in any of the analyzed data set.

Conclusions

We conclude that the population structure of O. montagui is the result of the interplay of two contrasting forces that act on the species population genetic structure. On one hand, the species semi-terrestrial life style would tend to determine the onset of local differences. On the other hand, these differences are partially counter-balanced by passive movements of migrants via rafting on heaps of dead seagrass leaves across sites by sea surface currents. Approximate Bayesian Computations support dispersal at sea as prevalent over terrestrial regionalism.
Use of immuno-dominant epitope derived from genotype 4 as a diagnostic reagent for detecting the antibodies against Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Bing-shui Xiu , Xiao-yan Feng , Jing He , Kun Chen , Jing Liu , Zhen-hua Dai , Xi-Qin Yang , Guo-hua Wang , You-chun Wang , He-qiu Zhang , Xiao-guo Song , Cui-xia Zhu
Published: April 2013

Background

Despite the genotype 4 has become the dominant cause of hepatitis E disease in China, none antigen derived from genotype 4 of hepatitis E virus (HEV) was used in current commercial anti-HEV immunoassay, and the serological reactivity of antigen derive from genotype 4 is not well-charactered.

Methods

We expressed and purified the 4 main immuno-dominant epitopes derived from genotype 1 and 4 including ORF2 (410-621aa) of genotype 4, ORF3 (47-114aa) of genotype 4, ORF2 (396-606aa) of genotype 1 and ORF3 (56-123aa) of genotype 4.

Results

The ORF2 of genotype 4 displayed good diagnostics performance according to ROC analysis using in-house panel, and the immunoassays based the ORF2 of genotype 4 was then developed to detect the anti-HEV IgG antibodies and evaluated further in 530 anti-HEV IgG positive specimens and 380 negative specimens. The sensitivity and the specificity is 98.1% (520/530) and 94.7% (360/380) for immunoassay based on ORF2 of genotype 4, 96.6% (512/530) and 92.6% (352/380) for commercial immunoassay based on genotype 1. It is noted that all of the positive samples will be detected by combing two assays together. The anti-HEV immunoassays based on genotype 4 are in accordance with Chinese anti-HEV national standard,and show an good agreement of 95.8% with commercial assay (kappa=0.913, P=0.014).

Conclusions

The immunoassay based on ORF2G4 displays good performance, and combining assay based on genotype 1 together with genotype 4 will benefit the HEV diagnosis in large scale samples.
Concurrent bevacizumab and temozolomide alter the patterns of failure in radiation treatment of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Shields Lisa BE , Kadner Robert , Vitaz Todd W , Spalding Aaron C
Published: April 2013

Background

We investigated the pattern of failure in glioblastoma multiforma (GBM) patients treated with concurrent radiation, bevacizumab (BEV), and temozolomide (TMZ). Previous studies demonstrated a predominantly in-field pattern of failure for GBM patients not treated with concurrent BEV.

Methods

We reviewed the treatment of 23 patients with GBM who received 30 fractions of simultaneous integrated boost IMRT. PTV60 received 2 Gy daily to the tumor bed or residual tumor while PTV54 received 1.8 Gy daily to the surrounding edema. Concurrent TMZ (75 mg/m^2) daily and BEV (10 mg/kg every 2 weeks) were given during radiation therapy. One month after RT completion, adjuvant TMZ (150 mg/m^2 × 5 days) and BEV were delivered monthly until progression or 12 months total.

Results

With a median follow-up of 12 months, the median disease-free and overall survival were not reached. Four patients discontinued therapy due to toxicity for the following reasons: bone marrow suppression (2), craniotomy wound infection (1), and pulmonary embolus (1). Five patients had grade 2 or 3 hypertension managed by oral medications. Of the 12 patients with tumor recurrence, 7 suffered distant failure with either subependymal (5/12; 41%) or deep white matter (2/12; 17%) spread detected on T2 FLAIR sequences. Five of 12 patients (41%) with a recurrence demonstrated evidence of GAD enhancement. The patterns of failure did not correlate with extent of resection or number of adjuvant cycles.

Conclusions

Treatment of GBM patients with concurrent radiation, BEV, and TMZ was well tolerated in the current study. The majority of patients experienced an out-of-field pattern of failure with radiation, BEV, and TMZ which has not been previously reported. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether BEV alters the underlying tumor biology to improve survival. These data may indicate that the currently used clinical target volume thought to represent microscopic disease for radiation may not be appropriate in combination with TMZ and BEV.