bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an evidence‐based decision rule to patients with suspected pulmonary embolism
Authors: Zwaan Laura , Thijs Abel , Wagner Cordula , Timmermans Daniëlle R. M.
Published: December 2012

Rationale

To support doctors in diagnosing patients who are suspected to have pulmonary embolism, the Christopher evidence‐based decision rule was implemented in hospitals in the Netherlands. This study examines whether the Christopher evidence‐based decision rule is applied in clinical practice. In addition, doctors' considerations for not applying the decision rule are explored.

Method

Dyspnoea patients were included in the study prospectively. The diagnostic process of the patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, as judged by the treating doctor, was compared with the Christopher evidence‐based decision rule using patient record reviews. In addition, 14 interviews were conducted with doctors who did not follow the Christopher evidence‐based decision rule to obtain insights into their considerations.

Results

In 80 of 247 dyspnoea cases, the treating doctors suspected pulmonary embolism. The Christopher evidence‐based decision rule was applied in 17 out of 80 cases. In 22 cases, more tests were performed than was suggested by the decision rule [i.e. computer‐assisted tomographic angiography (CTa) or d‐dimer], while in 41 cases fewer tests were performed than suggested by the decision rule. Considerations for not following the decision rule included judging another diagnosis to be more likely and not wanting to expose the patient to CTa radiation.

Conclusions

The Christopher evidence‐based decision rule for diagnosing pulmonary embolism was not always followed in everyday clinical practice. Doctors seem to base their diagnostic strategy on their own estimate of the likelihood of pulmonary embolism, rather than the whole decision rule. Better adherence to the decision rule could be beneficial by making doctors aware that pulmonary embolism is more likely than they initially thought. However, in a substantial number of cases, it seemed justifiable that doctors deviated from the decision rule. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the value of the Christopher evidence‐based decision rule in clinical practice.
Low incidence of hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion in patients treated with oral nucleos(t)ides in routine practice
Authors: Lin Brian , Ha Nghiem B , Liu Anne , Trinh Huy N , Nguyen Huy A , Nguyen Khanh K , Ahmed Aijaz , Keeffe Emmet B , Garcia Ruel T , Garcia Gabriel , Nguyen Mindie H
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

Treatment end‐point of therapy for patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) includes HBeAg seroconversion, which ranges from 15% to 22% after 1 year of oral nucleos(t)ides according to clinical trials. Our goal was to determine the incidence and predictors of HBeAg seroconversion in such patients in routine clinical practice because they may differ than reported rates.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 333 consecutive treatment‐naïve HBeAg‐positive patients who were treated for CHB between 1/2000 and 6/2010 at three gastroenterology and liver clinics in the USA. Primary study end‐point was HBeAg seroconversion—loss of HBeAg and antibody to HBeAg (anti‐HBe) development.

Results

The majority of patients were Asian (96%). Median treatment duration prior to HBeAg seroconversion was 50 (range 26–52) weeks. Of the 333 study patients, 25% received lamivudine, 16% adefovir, 51% entecavir, and 8% tenofovir. HBeAg seroconversion at month 12 was 8.2%. On multivariate analysis inclusive of age, gender, and antiviral agents, independent predictors for HBeAg seroconversion at month 12 were hepatitis B virus DNA < 7.5 log10 IU/mL (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.59 [1.04–6.44]), P = 0.041) and alanine transaminase (ALT) > 1.5 × upper normal limit (HR = 2.86 [1.05–7.81], P = 0.040), but not the choice of nucleos(t)ides.

Conclusions

The HBeAg seroconversion rate seen in clinical settings for oral nucleos(t)ides appears much lower than those reported in pivotal trials, especially in patients with lower ALT and higher HBV DNA levels. HBeAg‐positive patients should be counseled about the high possibility of the long treatment duration required to achieve recommended treatment end‐points.
Public attitudes towards intellectual disability: a multidimensional perspective
Authors: Morin D. , Rivard M. , Crocker A. G. , Boursier C. P. , Caron J.
Published: December 2012

Background

Public attitudes towards persons with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have a significant effect on potential community integration. A better understanding of these can help target service provision and public awareness programmes.

Objective

The objective of the present study is threefold: (1) describe public attitudes towards persons with ID along affective, cognitive and behavioural dimensions; (2) compare and contrast attitudes according to sex, age, education and income, as well as frequency and quality of contacts with persons with ID; and (3) ascertain whether the level of functioning has an effect on attitudes.

Methods

The Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire (ATTID) was administered by phone to 1605 randomly selected adult men and women, stratified by region in the province of Québec, Canada. The ATTID uses a multidimensional perspective of attitudes that reflect affective, cognitive and behavioural dimensions.

Results

The results showed that public attitudes were generally positive regarding all three attitudinal dimensions. Public attitudes towards persons with ID are presented in terms of the five factors measured through the ATTID: (1) discomfort; (2) sensibility or tenderness; (3) knowledge of causes; (4) knowledge of capacity and rights; and (5) interaction. Attitude factor scores vary as a function of participant characteristics (sex, age, education and income) and the degree of knowledge about ID, the number of persons with ID known to the participants, as well as the frequency and quality of their contacts with these persons. Men had greater negative attitudes than women as regards the discomfort factor, while women had more negative attitudes regarding the knowledge of capacity and rights factor. More positive attitudes were revealed among younger and more educated participants. Attitudes were generally not associated with income. Public attitudes tended to be more negative towards people with lower functioning ID.

Conclusion

These results yield useful information to target public awareness and education.
Ly6C+Ly6G− Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells play a critical role in the resolution of acute inflammation and the subsequent tissue repair process after spinal cord injury
Authors: Saiwai Hirokazu , Kumamaru Hiromi , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Kubota Kensuke , Kobayakawa Kazu , Yamada Hisakata , Yokomizo Takehiko , Iwamoto Yukihide , Okada Seiji
Published: December 2012

Acute inflammation is a prominent feature of central nervous system (CNS) insult and is detrimental to the CNS tissue. Although this reaction spontaneously diminishes within a short period of time, the mechanism underlying this inflammatory resolution remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that an initial infiltration of Ly6C+Ly6G− immature monocyte fraction exhibited the same characteristics as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and played a critical role in the resolution of acute inflammation and in the subsequent tissue repair by using mice spinal cord injury (SCI) model. Complete depletion of Ly6C+Ly6G− fraction prior to injury by anti‐Gr‐1 antibody (clone: RB6‐8C5) treatment significantly exacerbated tissue edema, vessel permeability, and hemorrhage, causing impaired neurological outcomes. Functional recovery was barely impaired when infiltration was allowed for the initial 24 h after injury, suggesting that MDSC infiltration at an early phase is critical to improve the neurological outcome. Moreover, intraspinal transplantation of ex vivo‐generated MDSCs at sites of SCI significantly reduced inflammation and promoted tissue regeneration, resulting in better functional recovery. Our findings reveal the crucial role of an Ly6C+Ly6G− fraction as MDSCs in regulating inflammation and tissue repair after SCI, and also suggests an MDSC‐based strategy that can be applied to acute inflammatory diseases.
The comparison of dementia patient's quality of life and influencing factors in two cities
Authors: Li Xiao‐Jing , Suishu Chizuko , Hattori Sonomi , Liang Hu‐Die , Gao Hui , Feng Chen‐Qiu , Lou Feng‐Lan
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

To determine the current status of dementia patient's quality of life and compare influencing factors in China and Japan to inform nursing care and potentially improve the patient's quality of life.

Background

The prevalence of dementia is increasing related to lack of a cure, thus prompting some researchers and clinicians to focus on patient's quality of life.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A convenience sample of 200 mild‐to‐moderate dementia patients was obtained in Jinan city and 205 ones in Wakayama city. Then, we measured patient's quality of life and analysed the relation between general demographic information, cognitive function, activities of living, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and the patient's quality of life.

Results

The total score of Dementia Quality of Life in Jinan city was 89·82 ± 15·11; multiple linear regression showed that the influencing factors of quality of life were marital, economics, characteristics, activities of living, hypertension and irritability. And the total score in Wakayama city was 118·30 ± 14·56; the influencing factors were education, body mass index, activities of living and depression.

Conclusions

The total score of Dementia Quality of Life in Jinan city was significantly lower than Wakayama city. The same influencing factor between these two cities was activities of living.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses could implement interventions to focus on many of the patient's influencing factors, so that to improve their mental and physical health, which may slow the disease process and further improve the patient's quality of life. In addition, Chinese government could learn some experience from Japanese government, such as perfect the system of nursing insurance for elderly and introduce professional geriatric nursing talents to provide better service for the elderly.
The Driving Forces of Subsidiary Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Schleimer Stephanie C. , Pedersen Torben
Published: December 2012

The study investigates how a multinational corporation (MNC) can promote the absorptive capacity of its subsidiaries. The focus is on what drives the MNC subsidiary's ability to absorb marketing strategies that are initiated by the MNC parent, as well as how the subsidiary enacts on this absorptive capacity in order to compete in its focal market. The dual embeddedness of MNC subsidiaries plays a key role in this investigation, as subsidiaries belong to the MNC network and are simultaneously embedded in their host country environment. We argue that subsidiary absorptive capacity is formed as a purposeful response to this dual embeddedness. An analysis of marketing strategy absorptions undertaken by 213 subsidiaries reveals that MNCs can assist their subsidiaries to compete in competitive and dynamic focal markets by forming specific organizational mechanisms that are conducive to the development of subsidiary absorptive capacity. The findings hold important theoretical and practical implications.
‘We are being Pilloried for Something, We Did Not Even Know We Had Done Wrong!’ Quality Control and Orders of Worth in the British Audit Profession
Authors: Ramirez Carlos
Published: December 2012

This paper contributes to the analysis of institutional work by looking at situations of perceived injustice that institutional change can create. To this end, the paper mobilizes the work of Boltanski and Thévenot on orders of worth to analyse the consequences for a professional body of a shift in institutional logics towards more accountability. The feeling of injustice experienced – and voiced – by some members of the largest British institute of auditors, the ICAEW, after it set up and operated a quality monitoring unit, serves to illustrate how change can turn awry when equity in a community of peers is threatened, and how institutional work can remedy such a situation by restoring a sense of worth in the community.
What a Diverse Top Management Team Means: Testing an Integrated Model
Authors: Wei Li‐Qun , Wu Longzeng
Published: December 2012

Prior research has produced inconsistent results on the relationship between top management team (TMT) diversity and firm performance. Drawing on the information–social categorization framework, this study is designed to investigate both the mechanism and the contextual factors underlying the relationship between TMT cognitive diversity and firm performance by examining them in a unified model so as to better understand how a diverse TMT works. Based on a multi‐sourced survey of top managers from 118 Chinese firms, this study finds that team interdependence and team cohesion moderate in the linkage between TMT cognitive diversity and elaboration of task‐related information. In addition, TMT's elaboration of task‐related information mediates the interactive effects of TMT cognitive diversity and team interdependence on firm performance as well as the interactive effects of TMT cognitive diversity and team cohesion on firm performance.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis alters quality of life
Authors: Paris G. , Martinaud O. , Petit A. , Cuvelier A. , Hannequin D. , Roppeneck P. , Verin E.
Published: December 2012

Dysphagia is one of the most important complications encountered in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our aim was to determine whether oropharyngeal dysphagia impacted the quality of life (QoL) of patients with ALS. Thirty consecutive patients were recruited (31–82 years, 18 men). Swallowing function was evaluated using a standardised videofluoroscopic barium swallow. All the patients completed a specific questionnaire on quality of life in dysphagia (SWAL‐QoL) immediately after the videofluoroscopy. The results of dysphagia outcome severity scale separated 14 patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and 16 with normal swallowing function. There was no difference in the average age, weight and body mass index of the two groups (dysphagic patients: 68 ± 11 kg versus non‐dysphagic patients: 69 ± 14 kg). Most of the dysphagic patients had a bulbar affection based on their Norris scores which determine the importance of cranial nerves illness (20 ± 8), significantly lower than those of the non‐dysphagic patients (35 ± 5) (P < 0·0001). There was no difference in the neurological peripheral symptoms evaluated by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale scores (dysphagic patients: 26 ± 7 versus non‐dysphagic patients: 27 ± 8) (ns). The swallowing quality of life questionnaire revealed that the dysphagic patients had significant burden (P < 0·001). They were affected by the necessity to applied a food selection (P < 0·01), by the increase in eating duration (P < 0·05) and described a decrease in eating desire (P < 0·05). They complained of fear regarding the risk of dysphagia (P < 0·05). They also described difficulties with oral communication (P < 0·001). All of those complained about dysphagia which impacted directly mental health (P < 0·05) and social life (P < 0·05). In conclusion, oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common symptom accompanying ALS, which alters the patient's QoL, especially social health.
The relationship between resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and lateral displacement of dental implants: an in vitro study
Authors: Pagliani L. , Sennerby L. , Petersson A. , Verrocchi D. , Volpe S. , Andersson P.
Published: December 2012

This in vitro investigation was conducted to study the relationship between resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and lateral displacement measurements of dental implants. A total of 30 implant sites were prepared in nine fresh bovine bone specimens. The bone density around each preparation was determined by using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and imaging software. Dental implants were then inserted during continuous registration of insertion torque. RFA measurements were performed in perpendicular and parallel to the long axis of the specimens. The bone blocks were embedded in plaster and fixated in a specially designed rig for displacement measurements. A lateral force of 25 N was applied via an abutment perpendicular and parallel to each implant and the displacement measured in μm. In addition, a flex constant (μm N−1) was calculated for each measurement. There was a significant inverse correlation between RFA and lateral implant displacement (μm) measurements and between RFA measurements and the flex constant in both perpendicular and parallel directions in bone (P ≤ 0·001). Moreover, both RFA and displacement measurements correlated with bone density (P ≤ 0·001). It is concluded that RFA measurements reflect the micromobility of dental implants, which in turn is determined by the bone density at the implant site.
Transcriptome Analysis of a Progeny of Somatic Hybrids of Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Wild Rice (Oryza meyeriana L.) With High Resistance to Bacterial Blight
Authors: Wang Xu‐Ming , Zhou Jie , Yang Yong , Yu Fei‐Bo , Chen Juan , Yu Chu‐Lang , Wang Fang , Cheng Ye , Yan Cheng‐Qi , Chen Jian‐Ping
Published: December 2012

Previously, we successfully introduced the bacterial blight (BB) resistance trait from Oryza meyeriana into Oryza sativa using asymmetric somatic hybridization with O. meyeriana as the donor species. After years of breeding, a near‐isogenic line named Y73 was generated with recurrent parent O. sativa L. ssp. japonica cv. Dalixiang, and it shows high resistance to a broad‐spectrum BB pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. To provide insights into the high‐resistance phenotype of these plants, we examined the transcriptome response in leaves of Y73 to BB infection 24 h postinoculation using Affymetrix Rice GeneChip microarrays. Microarray analysis revealed that there was little impact on the transcriptome of inoculated leaves compared with controls, with only 0.22% of genes that were differentially regulated. However, several interesting genes, including a NAC domain–containing protein, an elicitor‐responsive protein, involved in ubiquitination, and a glycosyl transferase gene, two transcription factors (TFs) and two unknown genes were up‐regulated more than five‐fold. Genes for metabolic and cellular components, TFs and defence signalling, such as the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade, were also significantly induced after Xoo infection. This study provides a genome‐wide view of the initial reaction of rice (Y73) to Xoo infection and elucidates some of the genes that may play an important role in disease resistance.
Pharmacists' earnings determinants: differences by ethnic group
Authors: Carvajal Manuel J , Armayor Graciela M , Deziel Lisa
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The purpose of this paper was to explore the behaviour of wage-and-salary earnings of non-Hispanic white, black and Hispanic pharmacists.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the responses to a survey questionnaire. The survey was administered to licensed pharmacists in South Florida between September 2006 and March 2007. The main outcome measures of the study were the response of pharmacists' wage-and-salary earnings to the number of hours worked, human-capital stock and job-related preferences.

Key findings

The earnings responses of non-Hispanic white and Hispanic pharmacists largely conformed to patterns reported in the literature, but the earnings of black pharmacists did not. Significant ethnic differences in the effect of the explanatory variables were detected.

Conclusions

The earnings-determination model developed here was suitable for non-Hispanic white and Hispanic pharmacists, but not for black pharmacists. Pharmacists' earnings-determination processes must address ethnicity-related issues.
Effects of replacing dietary starch with neutral detergent–soluble fibre on ruminal fermentation, microbial synthesis and populations of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria using the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC)
Authors: Zhao X. H. , Liu C. J. , Liu Y. , Li C. Y. , Yao J. H.
Published: December 2012

A rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) apparatus with eight 800 ml fermenters was used to investigate the effects of replacing dietary starch with neutral detergent–soluble fibre (NDSF) by inclusion of sugar beet pulp in diets on ruminal fermentation, microbial synthesis and populations of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria. Experimental diets contained 12.7, 16.4, 20.1 or 23.8% NDSF substituted for starch on a dry matter basis. The experiment was conducted over two independent 15‐day incubation periods with the last 8 days used for data collection. There was a tendency that 16.4% NDSF in the diet increased the apparent disappearance of organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Increasing dietary NDSF level increased carboxymethylcellulase and xylanase activity in the solid fraction and apparent disappearance of acid detergent fibre (ADF) but reduced the 16S rDNA copy numbers of Ruminococcus albus in both liquid and solid fractions and R. flavefaciens in the solid fraction. The apparent disappearance of dietary nitrogen (N) was reduced by 29.6% with increased dietary NDSF. Substituting NDSF for starch appeared to increase the ratios of acetate/propionate and methane/volatile fatty acids (VFA) (mol/mol). Replacing dietary starch with NDSF reduced the daily production of ammonia‐N and increased the growth of the solid‐associated microbial pellets (SAM). Total microbial N flow and efficiency of microbial synthesis (EMS), expressed as g microbial N/kg OM fermented, tended to increase with increased dietary NDSF, but the numerical increase did not continue as dietary NDSF exceeded 20.1% of diet DM. Results suggested that substituting NDSF for starch up to 16.4% of diet DM increased digestion of nutrients (except for N) and microbial synthesis, and further increases (from 16.4% to 23.8%) in dietary NDSF did not repress microbial synthesis but did significantly reduce digestion of dietary N.
Using the Thoughts on Teen Parenting Survey to determine the impact of Wise Guys
Authors: Herrman Judith W. , Moore Christopher C. , Sims Regina
Published: December 2012

Purpose.

The purpose of this project was to determine if the Wise Guys program influences young men's perceptions of the impact a teen birth would have on their lives in the areas of relationships, vocation, and personal life.

Design and Methods.

The Wise Guys program was implemented with 70 adolescent males. The Thoughts on Teen Parenting Survey was used to determine participants' perceptions of the costs and rewards associated with teen parenting.

Results.

Data, analyzed using paired t‐tests, demonstrated that Wise Guys was effective in reinforcing less positive perceptions of teen parenting.

Practice Implications.

Wise Guys offers an important strategy to impact young men's perceptions about the teen parenting experience and provides one means to promote responsible sexual behavior in teen men.
Identification of HEV in symptom‐free migrants and environmental samples in Italy
Authors: Idolo A. , Serio F. , Lugoli F. , Grassi T. , Bagordo F. , Guido M. , Privitera G. , Lobreglio G. , De Donno A.
Published: December 2012

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emerging pathogen in industrialized countries. The occurrence of HEV genotypes in samples of faeces from asymptomatic migrants arriving on the coasts of South Italy and environmental samples was investigated. Analyses of sequences were used to compare human and environmental genotypes. A total of 40 stool specimens, 12 samples of untreated urban sewage, 12 samples of treated urban sewage and 12 samples of surface water were analysed. Viruses were concentrated from water samples by the tangential flow ultrafiltration technique. The presence of HEV RNA was detected by nested RT‐PCR. Viral isolates were sequenced and phylogenetically characterized. Two (5%) of the 40 faecal samples tested were found to be positive for HEV RNA (G1 and G3 genotypes). The virus was detected in 25% (3/12) of the untreated sewage samples and 25% (3/12) of the surface water samples: all isolates belonged to G3 genotype. None of the treated sewage samples were found to be HEV RNA positive. The virus was detected in the faeces of two asymptomatic subjects, suggesting a potential role for symptom‐free HEV carriers as a human reservoir. G3 HEV strains were detected in the untreated sewage, as observed in similar studies conducted in other European countries but differing from another study conducted in Italy recently. Moreover, our results show the first case of HEV isolated from fresh surface waters.
Suspected Limbic Encephalitis and Seizure in Cats Associated with Voltage‐Gated Potassium Channel (VGKC) Complex Antibody
Authors: Pakozdy A. , Halasz P. , Klang A. , Bauer J. , Leschnik M. , Tichy A. , Thalhammer J.G. , Lang B. , Vincent A.
Published: December 2012

Background

Treatment‐resistant complex partial seizures (CPS) with orofacial involvement recently were reported in cats in association with hippocampal pathology. The features had some similarity to those described in humans with limbic encephalitis and voltage‐gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibody.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate cats with CPS and orofacial involvement for the presence of VGKC‐complex antibody.

Animals

Client‐owned cats with acute orofacial CPS and control cats were investigated.

Methods

Prospective study. Serum was collected from 14 cats in the acute stage of the disease and compared with 19 controls. VGKC‐complex antibodies were determined by routine immunoprecipitation and by binding to leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) and contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CASPR2), the 2 main targets of VGKC‐complex antibodies in humans.

Results

Five of the 14 affected cats, but none of the 19 controls, had VGKC‐complex antibody concentrations above the cut‐off concentration (>100 pmol/L) based on control samples and similar to those found in humans. Antibodies in 4 cats were directed against LGI1, and none were directed against CASPR2. Follow‐up sera were available for 5 cats in remission and all antibody concentrations were within the reference range.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our study suggests that an autoimmune limbic encephalitis exists in cats and that VGKC‐complex/LGI1 antibodies may play a role in this disorder, as they are thought to in humans.
Efficacy of Mass Antimicrobial Treatment of Foals with Subclinical Pulmonary Abscesses Associated with Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Venner M. , Astheimer K. , Lämmer M. , Giguère S.
Published: December 2012

Background

Mass antimicrobial treatment of foals with small subclinical ultrasonographic pulmonary lesions is empirical practice on many farms with endemic disease caused by Rhodococcus equi.

Hypothesis

Mass antimicrobial treatment of foals with subclinical ultrasonographic pulmonary lesions is unnecessary.

Animals

One hundred and eight foals on a farm endemic for infections caused by R. equi.

Methods

Controlled, randomized, and double‐blinded prospective study. Foals with ultrasonographic evidence of pulmonary abscesses 5.0–10 cm in diameter (n = 108) were randomly allocated in 5 treatment groups: (1) tulathromycin IM; (2) doxycycline monotherapy PO; (3) doxycycline with rifampin PO; (4) azithromycin with rifampin PO, and (5) saline IM as a placebo. Physical examination and thoracic ultrasonography were performed by individuals unaware of treatment group assignment. Foals with evidence of disease progression were removed from the study and treated with azithromycin‐rifampin.

Results

Overall, 22/25 (88%) foals in the placebo group recovered without the need for treatment. The proportion of foals that had evidence of disease progression did not differ significantly between the treatment groups (P > .05). Although the median duration of treatment was significantly (P < .05) shorter in foals treated with azithromycin‐rifampin (46 days) compared with foals treated with the placebo (73 days), the time frame of ultrasonographic lesion resolution did not differ significantly between the treatment groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The majority of foals with subclinical pulmonary abscesses <10 cm in diameter recover without antimicrobial treatment and treatment of affected foals does not provide a clear benefit over administration of a placebo.
Medicago truncatula DNF2 is a PI‐PLC‐XD‐containing protein required for bacteroid persistence and prevention of nodule early senescence and defense‐like reactions
Authors: Bourcy Marie , Brocard Lysiane , Pislariu Catalina I. , Cosson Viviane , Mergaert Peter , Tadege Millon , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Udvardi Michael K. , Gourion Benjamin , Ratet Pascal
Published: December 2012

Medicago truncatula and Sinorhizobium meliloti form a symbiotic association resulting in the formation of nitrogen‐fixing nodules. Nodule cells contain large numbers of bacteroids which are differentiated, nitrogen‐fixing forms of the symbiotic bacteria. In the nodules, symbiotic plant cells home and maintain hundreds of viable bacteria. In order to better understand the molecular mechanism sustaining the phenomenon, we searched for new plant genes required for effective symbiosis.

We used a combination of forward and reverse genetics approaches to identify a gene required for nitrogen fixation, and we used cell and molecular biology to characterize the mutant phenotype and to gain an insight into gene function.

The symbiotic gene DNF2 encodes a putative phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C‐like protein. Nodules formed by the mutant contain a zone of infected cells reduced to a few cell layers. In this zone, bacteria do not differentiate properly into bacteroids. Furthermore, mutant nodules senesce rapidly and exhibit defense‐like reactions.

This atypical phenotype amongst Fix− mutants unravels dnf2 as a new actor of bacteroid persistence inside symbiotic plant cells.
Apoptotic effect of dibenzylideneacetone on oral cancer cells via modulation of specificity protein 1 and Bax
Authors: Yu H‐J , Shin J‐A , Nam J‐S , Kang B S , Cho S‐D
Published: December 2012

Objective

Dibenzylideneacetone (DBA), an analogue of curcumin, has been shown to have potential anticancer effects against several cancers. However, the molecular mechanism underlying anticancer activity of DBA has not been well established yet. In this study, we investigated the function and molecular mechanism of DBA in human oral cancer cells.

Materials and Methods

The growth‐inhibitory and apoptotic effects and related signaling pathways of DBA were evaluated using trypan blue exclusion assay, 4′‐6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, Western blot analysis, siRNA, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

DBA inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by PARP cleavage, activation of caspase‐3, and nuclear condensation. DBA also decreased specificity protein 1 (Sp1) expression through facilitating protein degradation. In addition, DBA enhanced the induction of pro‐apoptotic protein Bax, resulting in their conformational change, translocation into mitochondrial outer membrane, and its oligomerization. The down‐regulation of Sp1 by siRNA targeting Sp1 and mithramycin A increasingly activated Bax to trigger apoptosis. Moreover, DBA‐induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in various human oral cancer cell lines were associated with Sp1 down‐regulation and induction of Bax.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that DBA may be a potential anticancer drug candidate to induce apoptosis through down‐regulation of Sp1 in human oral cancer.
ZFN‐mediated gene targeting of the Arabidopsis protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene through Agrobacterium‐mediated floral dip transformation
Authors: de Pater Sylvia , Pinas Johan E. , Hooykaas Paul J. J. , van der Zaal Bert J.
Published: December 2012

Previously, we showed that ZFN‐mediated induction of double‐strand breaks (DSBs) at the intended recombination site enhanced the frequency of gene targeting (GT) at an artificial target locus using Agrobacterium‐mediated floral dip transformation. Here, we designed zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) for induction of DSBs in the natural protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) gene, which can be conveniently utilized for GT experiments. Wild‐type Arabidopsis plants and plants expressing the ZFNs were transformed via floral dip transformation with a repair T‐DNA with an incomplete PPO gene, missing the 5′ coding region but containing two mutations rendering the enzyme insensitive to the herbicide butafenacil as well as an extra KpnI site for molecular analysis of GT events. Selection on butafenacil yielded 2 GT events for the wild type with a frequency of 0.8 × 10−3 per transformation event and 8 GT events for the ZFNs expressing plant line with a frequency of 3.1 × 10−3 per transformation event. Molecular analysis using PCR and Southern blot analysis showed that 9 of the GT events were so‐called true GT events, repaired via homologous recombination (HR) at the 5′ and the 3′ end of the gene. One plant line contained a PPO gene repaired only at the 5′ end via HR. Most plant lines contained extra randomly integrated T‐DNA copies. Two plant lines did not contain extra T‐DNAs, and the repaired PPO genes in these lines were transmitted to the next generation in a Mendelian fashion.
Phylloid Hypermelanosis: A Cutaneous Marker of Several Different Disorders?
Authors: Happle Rudolf , Franco‐Guío Mario F. , Santacoloma‐Osorio Germán
Published: December 2012

Phylloid hypermelanosis is a less clearly defined pigmentary disturbance than its hypopigmented counterpart, phylloid hypomelanosis. We report the case of a 32‐month‐old boy who had multiple melanotic macules arranged in a typical phylloid pattern since birth. He also had an abnormal facial appearance, with macrocephaly, frontal bossing, hypertelorism, internal strabismus, and auricular deformities. Psychomotor delay, multiple cystic brain lesions, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were also found. A review of associated anomalies as described in this and five previously reported patients with phylloid hypermelanosis shows some vague and inconsistent similarities, such as unusual facial appearance, malformed ears, hearing loss, and mental deficiency, but it is likely that phylloid hypermelanosis represents a class of heterogeneous phenotypes. Future clinical and genetic research may show how many distinct entities can be placed in this group of disorders.
A Review of Next‐Generation Genetic Testing for the Dermatologist
Authors: Kwon Eun‐Kyung M. , Basel Donald , Siegel Dawn , Martin Kari L.
Published: December 2012

Dermatologists have been placed in a prime position to make new genetic discoveries. Tissue is easily obtained from the skin or mucosa for the study of germline and somatic mosaic disorders. This, along with the recent development of next‐generation sequencing, makes dermatology an exciting field with essentially endless possibilities for discovering genes responsible for disease, better understanding complex molecular pathways, and eventually developing targeted therapies. To take advantage of this great opportunity, a basic understanding of the advances in genetic testing is vital. Herein we give an overview of next‐generation sequencing, including some of the applications it may be used for. We also review various study designs for genetic discovery, each of their benefits and downfalls, and how they may be applied to the study of dermatologic disease.
Onychomycosis Does Not Always Require Systemic Treatment for Cure: A Trial Using Topical Therapy
Authors: Friedlander Shiela Fallon , Chan Yuin C. , Chan Yiong H. , Eichenfield Lawrence F.
Published: December 2012

Standard teaching dictates that systemic therapy is required for treatment of onychomycosis. It is unknown whether topical antifungal therapy is effective for pediatric nail infections. This prospective, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study was conducted in the Pediatric Dermatology Research Unit at Rady Children's Hospital to determine whether topical antifungal therapy is efficacious for pediatric onychomycosis. Forty patients ages 2 to 16 years with nonmatrix onychomycosis were randomized 1:3 to ciclopirox lacquer or vehicle lacquer. Ciclopirox lacquer or vehicle was applied daily for 32 weeks, with weekly removal of the lacquer and mechanical trimming. Those with poor response were crossed over to active drug at week 12. Thirty‐seven patients completed the 32‐week study, and follow‐up data were collected 1 year after completion of the study from 24 patients. Mycologic cure, effective treatment, and complete cure were assessed, as well as adverse events and effect on quality of life. Mycologic cure was 70% in the treated group and 20% in the vehicle arm (p = 0.03) at week 12. At end of the study (week 32), 77% of treated patients achieved mycologic cure and 71% effective treatment, compared with 22% of the control group. Ninety‐two percent of those who were cured and followed for 1 year remained clear. Topical antifungal lacquer (ciclopirox) can be an effective option for children with nonmatrix onychomycosis. Pediatric onychomycosis does not always require systemic therapy and responds better to topical therapy than does adult disease.
The protective effect of aDNAvaccine encoding theToxoplasma gondiicyclophilin gene inBALB/cmice
Authors: Gong P. , Huang X. , Yu Q. , Li Y. , Huang J. , Li J. , Yang J. , Li H. , Zhang G. , Ren W. , Zhang X.
Published: December 2012

Toxoplasmosis is a world‐wide zoonosis that causes significant public health and veterinary problems. The study of vaccines remains the most promising method for the future prevention and control of toxoplasmosis. RecombinantToxoplasma gondiicyclophilin has been shown to have potent PPIase andIL‐12‐inducing activities, thus promoting the stabilization ofT. gondii's life cycle and maintaining the survival of its host during evolution. In this study, theT. gondiicyclophilin gene was used to construct aDNAvaccine (pVAX1‐TgCyP). The immune response and protective efficacy of the vaccine againstT. gondiiinfection in BALB/c mice were evaluated. AllBALB/cmice that were vaccinated withpVAX1‐TgCyP developed a high response with TgCyP‐specific antibodies, and significant splenocyte proliferation (P < 0·05) compared withpVAX1vector and PBS groups.pVAX1‐TgCyP also induced a significant Th1 type immune response, indicated by the higher production ofIL‐2 andIFN‐γ (P < 0·05). The survival rate ofBALB/cmice increased significantly after vaccination withpVAX1‐TgCyP (37·5%) (P < 0·05). These results indicate that TgCyP is a highly efficacious vaccine candidate that can generate protective immunity againstT. gondiiinfection inBALB/cmice.
Objectively recorded physical activity in early pregnancy: A multiethnic population‐based study
Authors: Berntsen S. , Richardsen K. R. , Mørkrid K. , Sletner L. , Birkeland K. I. , Jenum A. K.
Published: December 2012

This study aimed to compare objectively recorded physical activity (PA) levels and walking steps among pregnant women. Cross‐sectional data from a multiethnic cohort (n = 823) of pregnant women consisting of 44% from Western countries, 24% from South Asia, 14% from Middle East, and 18% from other countries. PA and steps were recorded by the activity monitor SenseWear™ Pro3 Armband. A total of 678 women were included in the analysis. Western women walked significantly more steps and had higher moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity physical activity (MVPA) levels compared with South Asian women per weekday and weekend day. Interaction terms (P = 0.008) between ethnicity (Western vs South Asian) and parity, and education, respectively, were identified: having ≥1 children was positively associated with steps during weekends in South Asians in contrast to Western women. Having <12 years education was associated with more MVPA time among South Asians in contrast to Western women. South Asian women are prone to low levels of PA during pregnancy and South Asian women without children and with higher education may have an elevated risk for an inactive lifestyle during pregnancy.
Clinoform deposition across a boundary between orogenic front and foredeep – an example from the Lower Cretaceous in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Houseknecht David W. , Wartes Marwan A.
Published: December 2012

The Lower Cretaceous Fortress Mountain Formation occupies a spatial and temporal niche between syntectonic deposits at the Brooks Range orogenic front and post‐tectonic strata in the Colville foreland basin. The formation includes basin‐floor fan, marine‐slope and fan‐delta facies that define a clinoform depositional profile. Texture and composition of clasts in the formation suggest progressive burial of a tectonic wedge‐front that included older turbidites and mélange. These new interpretations, based entirely on outcrop study, suggest that the Fortress Mountain Formation spans the boundary between orogenic wedge and foredeep, with proximal strata onlapping the tectonic wedge‐front and distal strata downlapping the floor of the foreland basin. Our reconstruction suggests that clinoform amplitude reflects the structural relief generated by tectonic wedge development and load‐induced flexural subsidence of the foreland basin.
Effects of long‐term fertilization on the weed growth and community composition in a double‐rice ecosystem during the fallow period
Authors: Huang Shan , Pan Xiaohua , Sun Yanni , Zhang Yi , Hang Xiaoning , Yu Xichu , Zhang Weijian
Published: December 2012

The vegetation cover during the non‐cropping season could have important implications for the maintenance and recovery of soil fertility, as well as for biodiversity conservation in croplands. In this study, five fertilization regimes (control: non‐fertilization; N: inorganic N fertilization; P: inorganic P fertilization; NPK: balanced fertilization with inorganic N, P and K; NPKM: balanced NPK plus farmyard manure) were conducted from 1981 in a double‐rice (Oryza sativa L.)‐cropping system in subtropical China. The effects of long‐term fertilization were investigated on the weed growth, diversity and community structure during the fallow period. The results showed that, relative to the control, both inorganic fertilization alone (N, P and NPK) and NPKM in the rice‐growing season significantly increased the weed density and biomass during the fallow period in the paddy field. There was no significant difference in the weed species richness (the number of species) among the treatments. Compared with the control, fertilization tended to reduce the weed diversity (Shannon's H′) and evenness (Shannon's E), especially in the N treatment. Long‐term fertilization resulted in a significant shift in weed community's composition during the fallow period. The weed community's structure was affected by soil nutrients in the order P > N > K.
Discrimination ofAmbrosia artemisiifoliaandArtemisia vulgarisby hyperspectral image analysis during the growing season
Authors: Dammer K‐H , Intress J , Beuche H , Selbeck J , Dworak V
Published: December 2012

Ambrosia artemisiifolia(ragweed) is an invasive plant in Europe. An optical detection system for effective monitoring requires differences in the spectral reflectance properties compared with other plant species.A. artemisiifoliaoften occurs together withArtemisia vulgaris(mugwort). Both plant species are of theAsteraceaefamily and they are almost indistinguishable in appearance. With the help of hyperspectral image analysis, a method was developed to determine characteristic wavelengths for their classification. High‐resolution hyperspectral images (400–1000 nm) were generated indoors. The factors measured were two weed species, two tissue classes (leaf and stem) and three growth stages (rosette growth, inflorescence emergence and fruit development). Only the stems ofA. artemisiifoliain the fruit development stage showed different reflectance behaviour compared with its leaves and with the stems and leaves ofA. vulgaris. At wavelengths ranging from 550 to 650 nm, the reflectance increased, and then at wavelengths up to 680 nm, the reflectance decreased. The other tissue classes showed constantly decreasing spectral reflectance from 550 to 680 nm. In the two other early growth stages, the reflectance of all four tissue classes decreased similarly. Thus, using two wavelengths of 550 and 650 nm, classification betweenA. artemisiifoliaandA. vulgarisat fruit development was achieved. The findings could be a first step to develop an optical outdoor detection system to identify hot spots ofA. artemisiifolia.
Two Cases of Cutaneous Diphtheria Associated with Occupational Pig Contact in Germany
Authors: Berger A. , Boschert V. , Konrad R. , Schmidt‐Wieland T. , Hörmansdorfer S. , Eddicks M. , Sing A.
Published: December 2012

In 2010, two independent cases of cutaneous diphtheria caused by toxigenic C. ulcerans were identified in Germany. Both patients had intense occupational contact with pigs. Diagnostic work‐up comprising biochemical differentiation, rpoB sequencing, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF) analysis, real‐time tox PCR and Elek test as well as public health measures including an intensified source tracing involving 83 asymptomatic pigs of an associated pig farm are presented.
Survival of Pathogenic Escherichia Coli on Basil, Lettuce, and Spinach
Authors: Markland S. M. , Shortlidge K. L. , Hoover D. G. , Yaron S. , Patel J. , Singh A. , Sharma M. , Kniel K. E.
Published: December 2012

The contamination of lettuce, spinach and basil with pathogenic E. coli has caused numerous illnesses over the past decade. E. coli O157:H7, E. coli O104:H4 and avian pathogenic E. coli (APECstx‐ and APECstx+) were inoculated on basil plants and in promix substrate using drip and overhead irrigation. When overhead inoculated with 7 log CFU/ml of each strain, E. coli populations were significantly (P = 0.03) higher on overhead‐irrigated plants than on drip‐irrigated plants. APECstx‐, E. coli O104:H4 and APECstx+ populations were recovered on plants at 3.6, 2.3 and 3.1 log CFU/g at 10 dpi (days post‐inoculation), respectively. E. coli O157:H7 was not detected on basil after 4 dpi. The persistence of E. coli O157:H7 and APECstx‐ were similar when co‐inoculated on lettuce and spinach plants. On spinach and lettuce, E. coli O157:H7 and APEC populations declined from 5.7 to 6.1 log CFU/g and 4.5 log CFU/g, to undetectable at 3 dpi and 0.6–1.6 log CFU/g at 7 dpi, respectively. The detection of low populations of APEC and E. coli O104:H4 strains 10 dpi indicates these strains may be more adapted to environmental conditions than E. coli O157:H7. This is the first reported study of E. coli O104:H4 on a produce commodity.
Effect of Local Magnetic Fields on Electrically Conducting Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer
Authors: Zhang Xidong , Huang Hulin
Published: December 2012

The prediction of electrically conducting fluid past a localized zone of applied magnetic field is the key for many practical applications. In this paper, the characteristics of flow and heat transfer (HI) for a liquid metal in a rectangular duct under a local magnetic field are investigated numerically using a three-dimensional model and the impact of some parameters, such as constrainment factor, κ, interaction parameter, N, and Reynolds number, Re, is also discussed. It is found that, in the range of Reynolds number 100 ≤ Re ≤ 900, the flow structures can be classified into the following four typical categories: no vortices, one pair of magnetic vortices, three pairs of vortices and vortex shedding. The simulation results indicate that the local heterogeneous magnetic field can enhance the wall-heat transfer and the maximum value of the overall increment of HI is about 13.6%. Moreover, the pressure drop penalty (ΔPpenalty) does not increasingly depend on the N for constant κ and Re. Thus, the high overall increment of HI can be obtained when the vortex shedding occurs.