bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the dorsal ramus of the spinal nerve in the mouse embryo: Involvement of semaphorin 3A in dorsal muscle innervation
Authors: Masuda Tomoyuki , Taniguchi Masahiko , Sakuma Chie , Yamagishi Toshiyuki , Ueda Shuichi , Kawaguchi Masahumi , Yaginuma Hiroyuki
Published: April 2013

The spinal nerve, which is composed of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory axons and spinal motor axons, forms the dorsal ramus projecting to the dorsal musculature. By using the free‐floating immunohistochemistry method, we closely examined the spatiotemporal pattern of the formation of the dorsal ramus and the relationship between its projection to the myotome/dorsal musculature and semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), which is an axonal guidance molecule. In embryonic day (E) 10.5–E11.5 wild‐type mouse embryos, we clearly showed the existence of a waiting period for the dorsal ramus projection to the myotome. In contrast, in E10.5–E11.5 Sema3A‐deficient embryos, the dorsal ramus fibers projected beyond the edge of the myotome without exhibiting the waiting period for projection. These results strongly suggest that the delayed innervation by dorsal ramus fibers may be caused by Sema3A‐induced axon repulsion derived from the myotome. Next, by performing culture experiments, we confirmed that E12.5 mouse axons responded to Sema3A‐induced repulsion. Together, our results imply that Sema3A may play a key role in the proper development of the dorsal ramus projection.
Abnormal continuation of umbilical vein into extra‐hepatic portal vein: Report of three cases
Authors: Jaiman Sunil , Nalluri Hima Bindu
Published: April 2013

Anomalies of the umbilical venous system are perplexing essentially due to dissection errors and vascular connection delineation failure. Continuation of umbilical vein into the extra‐hepatic portal vein is classified as group IV umbilical vein anomaly and involves the vitelline vein or its remnants. Despite this categorization most examiners ascribe fetal extra hepatic abdominal vascular abnormality as an umbilical vein anomaly. Since these anomalies involve vitelline vein, the term “umbilical vein anomaly” is inappropriate and should be referred to as “vitelline vein abnormalities”. Vitelline vein abnormalities are exceedingly rare and to the best of our knowledge only three cases have been reported prenatally. We report three cases presenting with intrauterine fetal demise and on perinatal autopsy demonstrating aneurysmally dilated group IV umbilical vein anomaly. Review of the literature, embryological basis and clinical implications of persistent vitelline vein and its varix are discussed.
Difference in weight loss based on ethnicity, age and comorbidity status in a publicly funded adult weight management centre: 1‐year results
Authors: Liu R. H. , Wharton S. , Sharma A. M. , Ardern C. I. , Kuk J. L.
Published: April 2013

Limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of publicly funded weight loss (WL) clinics. We examined the 1‐year WL outcomes and investigated predictors of WL and discontinuation of 1566 overweight and obese adults, who attended the Wharton Medical Clinic (WMC) weight management centre for at least 6 months. Overall, 42.7% (n = 669) of the entire sample achieved a ≥5%WL over the entire follow‐up period from July 2008 to February 2012. On average, patients lost 5.6 ± 7.2 kg (5.0 ± 6.3%) of initial body weight (BW), while a subsample of patients attending the clinic for at least 1 year had a mean weight reduction of 6.6 ± 7.9 kg (5.9 ± 7.2%) of BW. Older patients were more likely to achieve a greater WL in comparison with young patients while White patients and those without type 2 diabetes (T2D) lost almost twice as much weight and %BW in comparison with Asian patients and patients with T2D, respectively (P < 0.05). Discontinuing patients did not differ in terms of sex, body mass index, education and smoking status from those who continued treatment (P > 0.05). Results of this study demonstrate that the WMC provides a practical model for clinically effective lifestyle‐based treatment, accessible to a wide range of demographically diverse adults.
Competitive Processes in Cross‐Situational Word Learning
Authors: Yurovsky Daniel , Yu Chen , Smith Linda B.
Published: April 2013

Cross‐situational word learning, like any statistical learning problem, involves tracking the regularities in the environment. However, the information that learners pick up from these regularities is dependent on their learning mechanism. This article investigates the role of one type of mechanism in statistical word learning: competition. Competitive mechanisms would allow learners to find the signal in noisy input and would help to explain the speed with which learners succeed in statistical learning tasks. Because cross‐situational word learning provides information at multiple scales—both within and across trials/situations—learners could implement competition at either or both of these scales. A series of four experiments demonstrate that cross‐situational learning involves competition at both levels of scale, and that these mechanisms interact to support rapid learning. The impact of both of these mechanisms is considered from the perspective of a process‐level understanding of cross‐situational learning.
Socioeconomic and political trade‐offs in biodiversity conservation: a case study of theCerradoBiodiversityHotspot,Brazil
Authors: Faleiro Frederico V. , Loyola Rafael D.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To analyse spatial trade‐offs in conservation of mammals, considering benefits of biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic costs.

Location

CerradoBiodiversityHotspot,Brazil.

Methods

We built ecological niche models (ENMs) for 154 mammals inhabiting the cerrado. We combined model projections to produce consensus maps of species' distributions for three types of models (envelope, statistical and machine‐learning models). We used these range summaries as input data in spatial prioritization analyses. We compared six conservation scenarios, considering human population density, land cost, anthropogenic land use, political willingness to act and the distribution of species using trade‐off analyses. We complemented the current network of protected areas, aiming to achieve a target of 17% of land protection in the cerrado.

Results

Species‐rich sites coincide with regions with high human population, high land cost, high anthropogenic land use and diverse levels of political willingness to act. We found a significant change in spatial priorities when we included socioeconomic and political dimensions in analyses: top‐priority sites moved north, reduced by 68% potential conservation conflicts with human population, reduced by 72% the total monetary cost of actions and reduced by 68% conflict with other anthropogenic land uses. It also increased by 80% the beneficial effect of political willingness to act.

Main conclusions

Our results reinforce the idea that using only biological criteria for proposing spatial conservation priorities can undermine conservation plans given increases in socioeconomic and political conflicts.
Trees and shrubs as invasive alien species – 2013 update of the global database
Authors: Rejmánek Marcel , Richardson David M.
Published: April 2013

The global database of invasive trees and shrubs (Richardson & Rejmánek, 2011; Diversity Distrib. 17, 788‐809) has been updated, resulting in a total of 751 species (434 trees and 317 shrubs) from 90 families. Ten originally listed species were deleted (synonyms, inconclusive identification, etc.) and 139 additional invasive species (86 trees and 53 shrubs) are now included in the database. For many species, new records on their adventive distributions are added. The updated database also includes the native ranges for all listed species.
Developmental origins of a novel gut morphology in frogs
Authors: Bloom Stephanie , Ledon‐Rettig Cris , Infante Carlos , Everly Anne , Hanken James , Nascone‐Yoder Nanette
Published: April 2013

Phenotypic variation is a prerequisite for evolution by natural selection, yet the processes that give rise to the novel morphologies upon which selection acts are poorly understood. We employed a chemical genetic screen to identify developmental changes capable of generating ecologically relevant morphological variation as observed among extant species. Specifically, we assayed for exogenously applied small molecules capable of transforming the ancestral larval foregut of the herbivorous Xenopus laevis to resemble the derived larval foregut of the carnivorous Lepidobatrachus laevis. Appropriately, the small molecules that demonstrate this capacity modulate conserved morphogenetic pathways involved in gut development, including downregulation of retinoic acid (RA) signaling. Identical manipulation of RA signaling in a species that is more closely related to Lepidobatrachus, Ceratophrys cranwelli, yielded even more similar transformations, corroborating the relevance of RA signaling variation in interspecific morphological change. Finally, we were able to recover the ancestral gut phenotype in Lepidobatrachus by performing a reverse chemical manipulation to upregulate RA signaling, providing strong evidence that modifications to this specific pathway promoted the emergence of a lineage‐specific phenotypic novelty. Interestingly, our screen also revealed pathways that have not yet been implicated in early gut morphogenesis, such as thyroid hormone signaling. In general, the chemical genetic screen may be a valuable tool for identifying developmental mechanisms that underlie ecologically and evolutionarily relevant phenotypic variation.
Guidance for the core content of a Curriculum in Special Care Dentistry at the undergraduate level
Authors: Dougall A. , Thompson S. A. , Faulks D. , Ting G. , Nunn J.
Published: April 2013

Given the rapidly changing demography of populations worldwide, dental professionals of the future need to be able to meet the challenge posed by the evolving landscape in health care needs. Leading institutions are now embedding teaching and learning in special care dentistry (SCD) within their curricula, to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the oral health needs of vulnerable groups within their communities. The International Association for Disability and Oral Health (iADH) has initiated the development of undergraduate curriculum guidance in SCD through a consensus process. The curriculum in SCD is defined in statements of learning outcomes with many of the skills being transferable across the undergraduate course. This curriculum includes examples of teaching and assessment, designed to enhance critical thinking in relation to SCD and to promote positive attitudes towards disability and diversity. The learning outcomes are designed to be readily adapted to conform to the generic profiles and competencies, already identified in undergraduate frameworks by global educational associations, as well as meeting the requirements of professional regulatory bodies worldwide. Suggestions for teaching and learning are not intended to be prescriptive; rather, they act as a signpost to possible routes to student learning. Ideally, this will require that students have a sufficiently diverse patient case mix during their undergraduate studies, to achieve the required levels of confidence and competence by the time they graduate. Clinical care competencies in SCD emphasise the need for learners to broaden their theoretical knowledge and understanding through practical experience in providing care for people with special health care needs. It is crucial to the development of equitable dental services for all members of a community, that these learning outcomes are embedded into evolving curricula but most importantly, that they are evaluated and refined in a dynamic way with shared learning for all teachers.
Decorin is down‐regulated in multiple myeloma and MGUS bone marrow plasma and inhibits HGF‐induced myeloma plasma cell viability and migration
Authors: Kristensen Ida B. , Pedersen Lise , Rø Torstein B. , Christensen Jacob H. , Lyng Maria B. , Rasmussen Lars M. , Ditzel Henrik J. , Børset Magne , Abildgaard Niels
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Decorin is a stromal‐produced small leucine‐rich proteoglycan known to attenuate tumour pro‐survival, migration, proliferation and angiogenic signalling pathways. Recent studies have shown that decorin interacts with the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor c‐Met, a potential key pathway in multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

Decorin levels in paired peripheral blood and bone marrow plasma samples from healthy volunteers (HV) (n = 23), and patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (n = 41) and MM (n = 19) were determined by ELISA. Further, the ability of decorin to inhibit HGF‐induced effects on MM cell lines were analysed in vitro using cell viability and Transwell migration assays.

Results

We found that decorin concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in bone marrow (BM) plasma from HVs (median 35.2 ng/mL; range, 15.3–99.1) compared with MGUS (median 22.5 ng/mL; range, 11.1–59.5) and patients with MM (median 21.5 ng/mL; range, 10.6–35.9). Decorin levels were higher in BM plasma than in peripheral blood in all groups, with a BM/PB ratio of 3.9, 3.4 and 2.5 for HV, MGUS and MM, respectively. A positive correlation (Spearman's ρ = 0.51, P < 0.05) was found between simultaneously measured levels of HGF and decorin in BM plasma in HVs, but not in MGUS or MM samples. Functionally, decorin inhibited HGF‐induced migration and viability of INA‐6 and ANBL‐6 MM cell lines, independent of c‐Met down‐regulation.

Conclusion

Our results show that decorin is down‐regulated in MGUS and MM bone marrow plasma and that it inhibits HGF‐induced viability and migration of myeloma cell lines in vitro.
Social reward: interactions with social status, social communication, aggression, and associated neural activation in the ventral tegmental area
Authors: Gil Mario , Nguyen Ngoc‐Thao , McDonald Mark , Albers H. Elliott
Published: April 2013

Nearly all species engage in a variety of intraspecific social interactions, and there is evidence that these interactions are rewarding. Less is known, however, about the factors that influence social reward. Using the conditioned place preference paradigm, we tested whether social interactions are rewarding for male Syrian hamsters. We also tested whether social stimuli increase neural activation in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a component of the mesolimbic reward system, and how individual differences in social behavior and experience influence neural activation. In the present study, we found that hamsters developed a conditioned place preference for social interactions, but the effects were significantly stronger in dominant animals compared with subordinates. The number of Fos‐immunoreactive cells in the VTA was significantly higher in hamsters that had engaged in a direct social encounter compared with hamsters exposed to a caged stimulus hamster or controls. Interestingly, socially experienced males had more Fos‐immunoreactive cells in the VTA than socially naive males after exposure to a social stimulus. Surprisingly, the amount of Fos immunoreactivity in the VTA induced by a social stimulus was correlated with the amount of aggressive/dominance behaviors that had been observed during interactions that had occurred 2 months earlier. Our results indicate that social interactions between males are rewarding, and that social dominance increases the reward value. Social interactions stimulate the mesolimbic reward system, and social experience enhances its response to novel social stimuli and may produce long‐term changes in the neural mechanisms that mediate the maintenance of dominance over long periods of time.
Community development at the coal face: networks and sustainability among artisanal mining communities inIndwe,EasternCapeProvince,SouthAfrica
Authors: Nel Etienne , Binns Tony , Gibb Matthew
Published: April 2013

Artisanal, or small‐scale mining, is widely recognised as a key, but often controversial, survival strategy adopted by low‐income communities in the global South. This paper examines how members of one community inSouthAfrica, that of Indwe, in a desperate effort to create self‐employment, have initiated micro‐level coal‐mining enterprises, which have had the downstream effect of supporting local transportation and brick‐making operations. Government concerns over the legality of these activities overlie the recent depletion of the local resource and the involvement of a mining corporate in the region. In terms of the way forward, the paper explores the uneasy compromise which has emerged between the corporate's social responsibility initiatives and the suspicions of the artisanal miners.
Helicobacter pylori Infection – A Boon or a Bane: Lessons from Studies in a Low‐Prevalence Population
Authors: Lee Yeong Yeh , Mahendra Raj Sundramoorthy , Graham David Y.
Published: April 2013

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is etiologically associated with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer diseases which are both important public health burdens which could be largely eliminated by H. pylori eradication. However, some investigators urge caution based on the hypothesis that eradication of H. pylori may result in an increase in the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and childhood asthma. The ethnic Malays of northeastern Peninsular Malaysia have long had a low prevalence of H. pylori infection and, as expected, the incidence of gastric cancer and its precursor lesions is exceptionally low. The availability of a population with a low H. pylori prevalence and generally poor sanitation allows separation of H. pylori from the hygiene hypothesis and direct testing of whether absence of H. pylori is associated with untoward consequence. Contrary to predictions, in Malays, erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, distal esophageal cancers, and childhood asthma are all of low incidence. This suggests that H. pylori is not protective rather the presence of H. pylori infection is likely a surrogate for poor hygiene and not an important source of antigens involved in the hygiene hypothesis. Helicobacter pylori in Malays is related to transmission from H. pylori‐infected non‐Malay immigrants. The factors responsible for low H. pylori acquisition, transmission, and burden of H. pylori infection in Malays remain unclear and likely involves a combination of environmental, host (gene polymorphisms), and strain virulence factors. Based on evidence from this population, absence of H. pylori infection is more likely to be boon than a bane.
Comparison of hand and rotary instrumentation for removing gutta‐percha from previously treated curved root canals: a microcomputed tomography study
Authors: Rödig T. , Kupis J. , Konietschke F. , Dullin C. , Drebenstedt S. , Hülsmann M.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To compare the efficacy of hand and rotary nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments in removing filling material from curved root canals of root filled teeth with unknown preparation parameters.

Methodology

Ninety mandibular molars with root fillings in curved root canals and homogenous root canal filling extending to 0‐2 mm short of the radiographic apex were selected. Root canal curvatures and radii were measured in two directions and microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) scans were used to determine preoperative volumes of the filling material. Subsequently, the teeth were assigned to two identical groups (n = 14). The root fillings were removed with Hedström files or FlexMaster NiTi rotary instruments. Postoperative micro‐CT imaging was used to assess the percentage of residual filling material as well as the amount of dentine removal. Working time and procedural errors were recorded. Data were compared using analysis of covariance and analysis of variance procedures.

Results

Root canals retreated with Hedström files were associated with less remaining filling material compared with FlexMaster instruments (P < 0.05). Both retreatment techniques removed similar amounts of dentine with no significant differences (P > 0.05). FlexMaster instruments were significantly faster than Hedström files (P < 0.05). No procedural errors were detected in the Hedström group, whilst three instruments fractured in the FlexMaster group.

Conclusions

Hand instrumentation resulted in significantly less residual filling material than retreatment with rotary NiTi instruments. Dentine removal was not significantly different for both techniques. FlexMaster NiTi rotary files were significantly faster than Hedström files, but were associated with a higher risk of instrument fracture.
Texture, Microstructure, and Tribological Behavior in TiAlN/SiNx Multilayers
Authors: Chan Yu‐Chen , Chen Hsien‐Wei , Duh Jenq‐Gong , Lee Jyh‐Wei
Published: April 2013

TiAlN/SiNx multilayers were fabricated by RF reactive magnetron sputtering. Characterizations by TEM, dark‐field images, and SEM revealed the dependence for the thickness of SiNx (lSiNx) on the texture and microstructure evolution in multilayers. Epitaxial stabilization in multilayer ameliorated the hardness and H/E ratio. With increasing the lSiNx, the amorphous SiNx altered the coherent interfaces and the superlattice structure, leading to an appreciable decrease in hardness. Nevertheless, this fine‐grained coating exhibited superior resistance to plastic deformation. In the ball‐on‐disk wear tests, the observation of coefficient of friction, worn surfaces, and cross‐sectional worn scars verified that multilayers showed better tribological resistance than that of TiAlN monolayer. Two antiwear mechanisms on the basis of hardness variation and microstructure evolution were proposed to elucidate the favorable durability of TiAlN/SiNx multilayers with various lSiNx.
Reflexiones sobre el tratamiento de la crisis del empleo en Europa
Authors: Sarfati Hedva
Published: April 2013

Europa sufre desde el decenio de 1970 una crisis crónica del empleo que ha cobrado dimensiones sin precedentes con la crisis económica actual. Para comprenderla, la autora hace un balance del diálogo social y de los pactos sociales sobre reformas laborales y de los regímenes de pensiones, evalúa las políticas activas de mercado de trabajo y analiza las economías resilientes; concluye demostrando la necesidad de reinventar el diálogo social y la protección social teniendo en cuenta las transformaciones socioeconómicas actuales, reorientar el crédito hacia las PYME, activar la demanda de trabajadores y coordinar las políticas macroeconómicas a escala internacional.
Correlates of Emotional Distress in Out‐of‐Home Youth
Authors: Harpin Scott , Kenyon DenYelle B. , Kools Susan , Bearinger Linda H. , Ireland Marjorie
Published: April 2013

Problem

Adolescents in out‐of‐home placement have a high prevalence of mental health distress, and their vulnerability to poor mental health outcomes continues during placement. Risk and protective factors may influence mental health outcomes; however, little is known about their relationship to mental health distress in this population.

Methods

Using data from a population‐based survey conducted in schools, mental health distress, along with other risk and protective factors, was evaluated in young people who reported living in out‐of‐home placements (n = 5,516) and a comparison group (n = 5,500). Multivariate analysis was used to determine the strength of association between risk and protective factors and mental health distress in the youth reporting out‐of‐home placement.

Findings

Comparisons of risk and protective factors indicated that out‐of‐home youth had greater risks (suicidal risk, mental health distress) and fewer protective factors (feeling parents care about them, other adults care, and school connectedness) than those in the comparison group. Multivariate analyses showed significant associations (38% explained variance) between mental health distress and the risk and protective factors, with the exception of other adult connectedness.

Conclusions

Findings from this population‐based school survey of young people reiterate that youth in out‐of‐home placements have higher levels of mental health distress and lower levels of protective factors compared to other youth. These results offer insights for those working with out‐of‐home or precariously housed young people.
Retracted: Gastroprotective effects of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract against ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal hemorrhagic lesions in rats
Authors: Al Batran Rami , Al‐Bayaty Fouad , Ameen Abdulla Mahmood , Jamil Al‐Obaidi Mazen M , Hajrezaei Maryam , Hassandarvish Pouya , Fouad Mustafa , Golbabapour Shahram , Talaee Samaneh
Published: April 2013

Background and Aim

Corchorus olitorius is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized as an antifertility, anti‐convulsive, and purgative agent. This study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of C. olitorius against ethanol‐induced gastric ulcers in adult Sprague Dawley rats.

Methods

The rats were divided into seven groups according to their pretreatment: an untreated control group, an ulcer control group, a reference control group (20 mg/kg omeprazole), and four experimental groups (50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg of extract). Carboxymethyl cellulose was the vehicle for the agents. Prior to the induction of gastric ulcers with absolute ethanol, the rats in each group were pretreated orally. An hour later, the rats were sacrificed, and gastric tissues were collected to evaluate the ulcers and to measure enzymatic activity. The tissues were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical evaluations.

Results

Compared with the extensive mucosal damage in the ulcer control group, gross evaluation revealed a marked protection of the gastric mucosa in the experimental groups, with significantly preserved gastric wall mucus. In these groups, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05), respectively. In addition to the histologic analyses (HE and periodic acid‐Schiff staining), immunohistochemistry confirmed the protection through the upregulation of Hsp70 and the downregulation of Bax proteins. The gastroprotection of the experimental groups was comparable to that of the reference control medicine omeprazole.

Conclusions

Our study reports the gastroprotective property of an ethanolic extract of C. olitorius against ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal hemorrhagic lesions in rats.
Cigarette smoking and the risk of Barrett's esophagus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Andrici Juliana , Cox Michael R , Eslick Guy D
Published: April 2013

Background and Aim

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition to esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is currently not clear whether cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing BE, and no meta‐analysis has been performed on the topic. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis, providing a quantitative estimate of the increased risk of BE associated with cigarette smoking, to help clarify whether a relationship exists between smoking and BE.

Methods

Four electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect) were searched to May 17, 2013, for observational studies of BE patients. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model for the association of smoking with BE. BE patients were compared with non‐gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) controls as well as with population‐based and GERD controls.

Results

Thirty‐nine studies comprising 7069 BE patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Having ever‐smoked was associated with an increased risk of BE compared with non‐GERD controls (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.20–1.74), population‐based controls (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.15–1.76), but not GERD controls (OR 1.18; 95% CI 0.75–1.86). The meta‐analyses of the studies reporting the lowest and highest number of pack‐years smoked showed an increased risk of BE (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.22–1.63) and (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.27–1.84), respectively.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking was associated with an increased risk of BE. Being an ever‐smoker was associated with an increased risk of BE in all control groups. A greater number of pack‐years smoked was associated with a greater risk of BE.
Computed tomography enterography versus balloon‐assisted enteroscopy for evaluation of small bowel lesions in Crohn's disease
Authors: Tong Jin Lu , Feng Qi , Shen Jun , Qiao Yu Qi , Zheng Qing , Gu Yan , Chen Xiao Yu , Li Xiao Bo , Dai Jun , Hua Jia , Xu Jian Rong , Ran Zhi Hua
Published: April 2013

Background and Aim

We aimed to assess the correlation between computed tomography enterography (CTE) and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy on severity of small bowel lesions, and evaluated the accuracy of CTE parameters in assessing small intestine lesions in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

We performed an observational study of a single‐center cohort. Data were retrieved from our inpatient databases starting from October 2007. Correlations between computed tomography parameters (bowel wall thickness, mural enhancement, comb sign, extramural findings, and stricture), endoscopic and histological severity scores, CD Activity Index [CDAI], and C‐reactive protein were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation.

Results

Seventy patients were included in this study. One hundred fifty‐seven segments were examined. Bowel wall thickness (r = 0.6334, P < 0.0001), mural enhancement (r = 0.5477, P < 0.0001), comb sign (r = 0.5898, P < 0.0001), and extramural findings (r = 0.4754, P < 0.0001) were moderately correlated with the segmental Capsule Endoscopy CDAI. The segmental CTE score also moderately correlated with the segmental Capsule Endoscopy CDAI (r = 0.6714, P < 0.0001), while the total CTE score strongly correlated with the total Capsule Endoscopy CDAI (r = 0.7252, P < 0.0001). Both total CTE score (r = 0.5937, P < 0.0001) and total Capsule Endoscopy CDAI (r = 0.6364, P < 0.0001) correlated significantly with the Harvey–Bradshaw Index. Of five computed tomography parameters, bowel wall thickness have the best accuracy to detect small intestine lesions with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.811 (P < 0.0001), with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.82% and 74.14%, respectively.

Conclusion

CTE is a reliable technique for detecting small intestine lesions in patients with CD, also provides accurate information on small bowel CD severity and activity, with close agreement to inflammatory markers, CDAI, and histopathology.
Obliteration of gastric varices improves the arrival time of ultrasound contrast agents in hepatic artery and vein
Authors: Furuichi Yoshihiro , Moriyasu Fuminori , Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Taira Junichi , Sano Takatomo , Miyata Yuki , Sofuni Atsushi , Itoi Takao , Nakamura Ikuo , Imai Yasuharu
Published: April 2013

Background and Aim

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is accompanied by hepatic arterializations, intrahepatic shunts, and hyperdynamic circulations. These changes shorten the arrival time (AT) of ultrasound contrast agents to the hepatic vein (HV). Whether treatment of gastric fundal varices (GVs) by balloon‐occluded transvenous obliteration (B‐RTO) improves the AT in LC patients was prospectively investigated.

Methods

A total of 32 LC patients with GVs and 10 normal controls (NCs) were enrolled. This study was approved by the clinical research ethics committee. Images of hepatic artery (HA), portal vein (PV), and HV were monitored after an injection of a contrast agent using quantification software. The AT before and after B‐RTO in LC patients and that in NCs were compared.

Results

All GVs were treated effectively, and indocyanine green retention rate was improved (P < 0.0001). The mean values of the HA, PV, and HV ATs in the NCs were 21.9 ± 3.3, 28.2 ± 2.0, and 40.5 ± 2.1 s, respectively. Those in LC patients were 17.4 ± 4.4, 21.9 ± 5.6, and 26.3 ± 6.7, respectively, which were shorter than those in NCs (P < 0.01, P < 0.002, P < 0.0001, respectively). However, these ATs were significantly prolonged 1 week after B‐RTO, with mean values of 18.7 ± 4.8, 23.8 ± 6.0, and 30.0 ± 7.2 s (P = 0.043, P < 0.01, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Obliteration of GVs shifted the AT in LC patients to the normalization, raising the possibility of improvement of arterialization and intrahepatic shunt.
Impact of sleep disorders in Japanese patients with functional dyspepsia (FD): Nizatidine improves clinical symptoms, gastric emptying and sleep disorders in FD patients
Authors: Futagami Seiji , Yamawaki Hiroshi , Izumi Nikki , Shimpuku Mayumi , Kodaka Yasuhiro , Wakabayashi Taiga , Nagoya Hiroyuki , Shindo Tomotaka , Kawagoe Tetsuro , Gudis Katya , Itoh Takashi , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: April 2013

Background and Aims

The association between functional dyspepsia (FD) and sleep disorders has yet to be studied in detail. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors associated with sleep disorders and the clinical response to nizatidine therapy for sleep disorders in Rome III‐based FD patients.

Methods

We enrolled 94 FD patients and 52 healthy volunteers. We used Rome III criteria to evaluate upper abdominal symptoms, and the Self‐Rating Questionnaire for Depression scores to determine depression status. Sleep disorder was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, and degree of anxiety by the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Gastric motility was evaluated. Thirty‐four FD patients were treated with nizatidine (300 mg/day) or placebo for 4 weeks in a crossover trial. The primary end point of this study was to determine whether nizatidine could improve clinical symptoms and sleep disorders in FD patients.

Results

The global PSQI score for FD patients was significantly (P < 0.001) higher compared with healthy volunteers. There were significant correlations between global PSQI scores and total Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Self‐Rating Questionnaire for Depression scores (P < 0.001, P < 0.0001, respectively) in FD patients than in healthy volunteers. We found significant relationships between subjective sleep quality and both Tmax and T1/2 values in FD patients. Nizatidine significantly improved certain clinical symptoms, gastric emptying, and global PSQI score compared with placebo treatment.

Conclusion

Sleep disorders in FD patients correlated significantly with both clinical symptoms of dyspepsia and depression compared with healthy volunteers. Nizatidine significantly improved gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, gastric emptying, and sleep disorders in FD patients.
Postoperative hyperphosphatemia significantly associates with adverse survival in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Ye Zhong , Palazzo Juan P , Lin Liz , Lai Yinzhi , Guiles Fran , Myers Ronald E , Han Jin , Xing Jinliang , Yang Hushan
Published: April 2013

Background and Aim

Hyperphosphatemia has been implicated in the development and treatment of various cancers. However, whether it can be used as a direct prognostic marker of colorectal cancer (CRC) has remained unexplored. Given new insights into the importance of hyperphosphatemia in CRC, we sought to evaluate the association of hyperphosphatemia with the clinical outcomes of this disease.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of a well‐characterized clinic‐based cohort with 1241 CRC patients, we assessed the association of postoperative hyperphosphatemia with patient overall survival.

Results

Postoperative hyperphosphatemia measured within the first month after surgery was significantly associated with CRC survival. Compared to patients with a normal phosphate level, those with hyperphosphatemia exhibited a significant unfavorable overall survival with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49–2.29, P = 2.6 × 10−8 (log‐rank P = 1.2 × 10−7). Stratified analyses indicated the association was more pronounced in patients with colon (HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.57–2.56, P = 3.17 × 10−8) but not rectal cancer (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.58–1.59, P = 0.889) (P interaction = 0.023), as well as in those not receiving chemotherapy (HR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.59–2.90, P = 6.2 × 10−7) but not in those receiving chemotherapy (HR = 1.30, 95% CI 0.92–1.82, P = 0.136) (P interaction = 0.012). Flexible parametric survival model demonstrated that the increased risk for death conferred by postoperative hyperphosphatemia persisted over 150 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that postoperative hyperphosphatemia might be used as a prognostic marker of CRC patients after surgery. Since phosphate level is routinely tested in clinics, it may be incorporated into clinical models to predict CRC survival.
Nutrition claims inBritish women's magazines from 1940 to 1955
Authors: Barker M. E. , Burridge J. D.
Published: April 2013

Background

The present study examined dietary messages conveyed in articles and advertising in two popular British women's magazines,Woman and HomeandWoman's Own, between 1940 and 1954.

Methods

A qualitative analysis of written content was performed, focusing on regularities evident in content, and addressing the construction of the role of women in relation to food provision, as well as assertions for nutritional health. The setting comprised a desk‐based study. The study sample encompassed 37 magazines, and yielded a corpus of 569 articles concerned with food or dietary supplements, of which 80.1% were advertisements.

Results

Ministry of Food dietary advice featured prominently up to 1945 and advocated food consumption according to a simple nutrient classification. Advertising and article content also used this classification; advocating consumption of food and supplements on the grounds of energy, growth and protection of health was customary. Providing food to meet nutritional needs was depicted as fundamental to women's war effort and their role as dutiful housewives. Advertising in 1950s magazines also focused on nutritional claims, with a particular emphasis on energy provision.

Conclusions

These claims reflected the prevailing food policy and scientific understanding of nutritional health. This analysis of food messages in women's magazines provides lessons for contemporary nutrition policy.
Polyglucosan neurotoxicity caused by glycogen branching enzyme deficiency can be reversed by inhibition of glycogen synthase
Authors: Kakhlon Or , Glickstein Hava , Feinstein Naomi , Liu Yan , Baba Otto , Terashima Tatsuo , Akman Hasan Orhan , DiMauro Salvatore , Lossos Alexander
Published: April 2013

Uncontrolled elongation of glycogen chains, not adequately balanced by their branching, leads to the formation of an insoluble, presumably neurotoxic, form of glycogen called polyglucosan. To test the suspected pathogenicity of polyglucosans in neurological glycogenoses, we have modeled the typical glycogenosis Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease (APBD) by suppressing glycogen branching enzyme 1 (GBE1, EC 2.4.1.18) expression using lentiviruses harboring short hairpin RNA (shRNA). GBE1 suppression in embryonic cortical neurons led to polyglucosan accumulation and associated apoptosis, which were reversible by rapamycin or starvation treatments. Further analysis revealed that rapamycin and starvation led to phosphorylation and inactivation of glycogen synthase (GS, EC 2.4.1.11), dephosphorylated and activated in the GBE1‐suppressed neurons. These protective effects of rapamycin and starvation were reversed by overexpression of phosphorylation site mutant GS only if its glycogen binding site was intact. While rapamycin and starvation induce autophagy, autophagic maturation was not required for their corrective effects, which prevailed even if autophagic flux was inhibited by vinblastine. Furthermore, polyglucosans were not observed in any compartment along the autophagic pathway. Our data suggest that glycogen branching enzyme repression in glycogenoses can cause pathogenic polyglucosan buildup, which might be corrected by GS inhibition.

image

Knockdown of glycogen branching enzyme in neurons led to accumulation of an insoluble form of glycogen called polyglucosan, to apoptosis and to activation of glycogen synthase. These effects were reversed by glycogen synthase inhibition through starvation and rapamycin treatments, suggesting a potential therapeutic value of glycogen synthase inhibition for treating glycogen storage disorders.
High expression of p63 is correlated to poor prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue
Authors: Loljung Lotta , Coates Philip J. , Nekulova Marta , Laurell Göran , Wahlgren Magnus , Wilms Torben , Widlöf Mikael , Hansel Anna , Nylander Karin
Published: April 2013

Background

p63 proteins are important in formation of the oral mucosa. Normal oral mucosa shows a balance between the six protein isoforms, whereas an imbalance between them is seen in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). There is controversy over the clinical impact of p63 in SCC, which may relate to different expression in different areas. In addition, p63 isoforms can act as p53‐like molecules (TAp63) or can inhibit p53 functions (ΔNp63) and expression of these isoforms varies in different tumours. Here, we chose to concentrate on the most common intra‐oral sub‐site, SCC of the mobile tongue.

Methods

Total p63, ΔNp63 and TAp63 were analysed separately using immunohistochemistry. The percentage of cells and intensity of expression of different isoforms of p63 was evaluated using a quick score method and correlated with clinical data in a group of 87 patients with tongue SCC.

Results

All tumours expressed p63 in at least 60% of the cells when using two different antibodies detecting all 6 isoforms. p63 expression correlated significantly with 2‐year survival (P = 0.018), with fewer patients surviving 2 years if their tumours expressed p63 with strong intensity in at least 80% of the cells (quick score 18). Looking at 5‐year survival, this was even more emphasized. ΔNp63 was expressed in all tumours, whereas expression of TAp63 was seen only in 59/87 patients, usually at very low levels.

Conclusions

Based on the present data, we recommend using expression of p63 as an additional factor contributing prognostic information in analysis of SCC in the tongue.
Using Orem's self‐care model for asthmatic adolescents
Authors: Altay Naime , Çavuşoğlu Hicran
Published: April 2013

Purpose.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Orem's self‐care model on the self‐care of adolescents with asthma.

Design and Methods.

In this experimental design, adolescents with asthma (N = 80) received home visits and individualized care based on theory‐guided nursing diagnoses. Patients in the experimental group were visited in their homes eight times, and those in the control group were visited two times.

Results.

The five self‐care skills of medicine usage, peak expiratory flow meter usage, applying an asthma action plan, keeping a daily follow‐up schedule, and protecting against triggering factors differed significantly between the first and last visits in the experimental group, whereas the self‐care skills of adolescents in the control group did not change.

Practice Implications.

Applying Orem's self‐care model increased the self‐care skills of adolescents with asthma.
Mechanisms of abdominal distension in severe intestinal dysmotility: abdomino‐thoracic response to gut retention
Authors: Barba E. , Quiroga S. , Accarino A. , Lahoya E. M. , Malagelada C. , Burri E. , Navazo I. , Malagelada J. ‐R. , Azpiroz F.
Published: April 2013

Background

We previously showed that abdominal distension in patients with functional gut disorders is due to a paradoxical diaphragmatic contraction without major increment in intraabdominal volume. Our aim was to characterize the pattern of gas retention and the abdomino‐thoracic mechanics associated with abdominal distension in patients with intestinal dysmotility.

Methods

In 15 patients with manometrically proven intestinal dysmotility, two abdominal CT scans were performed: one during basal conditions and other during an episode of severe abdominal distension. In 15 gender‐ and age‐matched healthy controls, a basal scan was performed.

Key Results

In basal conditions, patients exhibited more abdominal gas than healthy subjects, particularly in the small bowel, and the volume significantly increased during an episode of distension. During episodes of abdominal distension, the increase in abdominal content was associated with increased girth and antero‐posterior abdominal diameter, as well as a cephalic displacement of the diaphragm, which reduced the height of the lung. The consequent reduction in the air volume of the lung was attenuated by an increase in the antero‐posterior diameter of the chest.

Conclusions & Inferences

Abdominal distension in patients with severe intestinal dysfunction is related to marked pooling of gut contents, particularly in the small bowel. This increase in content is accommodated within the abdominal cavity by a global and coordinated abdomino‐phreno‐thoracic response, involving an accommodative ascent of the diaphragm and a compensatory expansion of the chest wall.
New insights into the regulation of plant immunity by amino acid metabolic pathways
Authors: ZEIER JÜRGEN
Published: April 2013

Besides defence pathways regulated by classical stress hormones, distinct amino acid metabolic pathways constitute integral parts of the plant immune system. Mutations in several genes involved in Asp‐derived amino acid biosynthetic pathways can have profound impact on plant resistance to specific pathogen types. For instance, amino acid imbalances associated with homoserine or threonine accumulation elevate plant immunity to oomycete pathogens but not to pathogenic fungi or bacteria. The catabolism of Lys produces the immune signal pipecolic acid (Pip), a cyclic, non‐protein amino acid. Pip amplifies plant defence responses and acts as a critical regulator of plant systemic acquired resistance, defence priming and local resistance to bacterial pathogens. Asp‐derived pyridine nucleotides influence both pre‐ and post‐invasion immunity, and the catabolism of branched chain amino acids appears to affect plant resistance to distinct pathogen classes by modulating crosstalk of salicylic acid‐ and jasmonic acid‐regulated defence pathways. It also emerges that, besides polyamine oxidation and NADPH oxidase, Pro metabolism is involved in the oxidative burst and the hypersensitive response associated with avirulent pathogen recognition. Moreover, the acylation of amino acids can control plant resistance to pathogens and pests by the formation of protective plant metabolites or by the modulation of plant hormone activity.