bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Diel Flux Balance Model Captures Interactions between Light and Dark Metabolism during Day-Night Cycles in C3 and Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Leaves
Authors: Cheung C.Y. Maurice , Poolman Mark G. , Fell David. A. , Ratcliffe R. George , Sweetlove Lee J.
Published: March 2014

Although leaves have to accommodate markedly different metabolic flux patterns in the light and the dark, models of leaf metabolism based on flux-balance analysis (FBA) have so far been confined to consideration of the network under continuous light. An FBA framework is presented that solves the two phases of the diel cycle as a single optimization problem and, thus, provides a more representative model of leaf metabolism. The requirement to support continued export of sugar and amino acids from the leaf during the night and to meet overnight cellular maintenance costs forces the model to set aside stores of both carbon and nitrogen during the day. With only minimal constraints, the model successfully captures many of the known features of C3 leaf metabolism, including the recently discovered role of citrate synthesis and accumulation in the night as a precursor for the provision of carbon skeletons for amino acid synthesis during the day. The diel FBA model can be applied to other temporal separations, such as that which occurs in Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, allowing a system-level analysis of the energetics of CAM. The diel model predicts that there is no overall energetic advantage to CAM, despite the potential for suppression of photorespiration through CO2 concentration. Moreover, any savings in enzyme machinery costs through suppression of photorespiration are likely to be offset by the higher flux demand of the CAM cycle. It is concluded that energetic or nitrogen use considerations are unlikely to be evolutionary drivers for CAM photosynthesis.
ATP Requirement for Chloroplast Protein Import Is Set by the K
m for ATP Hydrolysis of Stromal Hsp70 in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Liu Li , McNeilage Robert T. , Shi Lan-xin , Theg Steven M.
Published: March 2014

The 70-kD family of heat shock proteins (Hsp70s) is involved in a number of seemingly disparate cellular functions, including folding of nascent proteins, breakup of misfolded protein aggregates, and translocation of proteins across membranes. They act through the binding and release of substrate proteins, accompanied by hydrolysis of ATP. Chloroplast stromal Hsp70 plays a crucial role in the import of proteins into plastids. Mutations of an ATP binding domain Thr were previously reported to result in an increase in the K  m for ATP and a decrease in the enzyme's kcat. To ask which chloroplast stromal chaperone, Hsp70 or Hsp93, both of which are ATPases, dominates the energetics of the motor responsible for protein import, we made transgenic moss (Physcomitrella patens) harboring the K  m-altering mutation in the essential stromal Hsp70-2 and measured the effect on the amount of ATP required for protein import into chloroplasts. Here, we report that increasing the K  m for ATP hydrolysis of Hsp70 translated into an increased K  m for ATP usage by chloroplasts for protein import. This thus directly demonstrates that the ATP-derived energy long known to be required for chloroplast protein import is delivered via the Hsp70 chaperones and that the chaperone's ATPase activity dominates the energetics of the reaction.
Populist Radical Right Parties in the Nordic Region: A New and Distinct Party Family?
Authors: Jungar Ann‐Cathrine , Jupskås Anders Ravik
Published: March 2014

TheNordic countries are no longer characterized by a stable five‐party system. Not only have smallChristian parties andGreen parties emerged in most countries, so‐called ‘populist radical right parties’ have also been increasingly successful in recent decades. This article examines to what extent the populist radical right parties in theNordic countries represent a new party family. Based on various and original data, including archive material, interviews with key representatives, party manifestos and expert surveys, the processes of deciding party names, the development of transnational linkages and ideological transformation are analyzed. The article demonstrates that even though theDanishPeople'sParty, theTrueFinns and theSwedenDemocrats have different historical legacies, they have converged ideologically (i.e., socioeconomically centrist and socioculturally authoritarian), adopted similar names and are on the verge of becoming a more formalized transnational actor. TheProgressParty inNorway is better seen as a hybrid between a populist radical right party and a more traditional conservative party. The findings challenge several classifications in the extensive literature on populist radical right parties. Most importantly, theTrueFinns should be included as a populist radical right party, whereas theNorwegian party should be treated more carefully. Furthermore,Nordic populist radical right parties are no longer – if they have ever been – so‐called ‘neoliberal populists’. Finally, the findings suggest a re‐freezing of theNordic party systems in which a phase of divergence has been replaced by a phase of convergence.
Levator ani muscle avulsion during childbirth: a risk prediction model
Authors: van Delft K , Thakar R , Sultan AH , Schwertner‐Tiepelmann N , Kluivers K
Published: March 2014

Objective

To establish the incidence of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion in primiparous women and to develop a clinically applicable risk prediction model.

Design

Observational longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

District General University Hospital, United Kingdom.

Sample

Nulliparous women at 36 weeks of gestation and 3 months postpartum.

Methods

Four‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound was performed during both visits. Tomographic ultrasound imaging at maximum contraction was used to diagnose no, minor or major LAM avulsion. A risk model was developed using multivariable ordinal logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of LAM avulsion and its risk factors.

Results

Of 269 women with no antenatal LAM avulsion 71% (n = 191) returned postpartum. No LAM avulsion was found after caesarean section (n = 48). Following vaginal delivery the overall incidence of LAM avulsion was 21.0% (n = 30, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 15.1–28.4). Minor and major LAM avulsion were diagnosed in 4.9% (n = 7, 95% CI 2.2–9.9) and 16.1% (n = 23, 95% CI 10.9–23.0), respectively. Risk factors were obstetric anal sphincter injuries (odds ratio [OR] 4.4, 95% CI 1.6–12.1), prolonged active second stage of labour per hour (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.3) and forceps delivery (OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.5–17.2). A risk model and nomogram were developed to estimate a woman's individual risk: three risk factors combined revealed a 75% chance of LAM avulsion.

Conclusions

Twenty‐one percent of women sustain LAM avulsion during their first vaginal delivery. Our risk model and nomogram are novel tools to estimate individual chances of LAM avulsion. We can now target postnatal women at risk of sustaining a LAM avulsion.
Missed Opportunities for Diagnosis of Post‐traumatic Thrombosis: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Hosseini Marzieh , Hedjazi Arya , Bahrani Mohammadreza
Published: March 2014

Thrombosis is caused by abnormalities in the composition of the blood, the quality of the vessel wall, and the nature of the blood flow. Herein, we present four cases of fatal thrombus formation after a trauma, which were missed at clinical diagnosis as the symptoms were misinterpreted. We stress that a blunt trauma can be fatal because of its direct and indirect kinetic energy effects at the subacute phase. This report highlights the importance of considering thrombosis in the diagnosis of closed trauma, which is usually missed because of lack of awareness for early diagnosis and treatment or is detected too late for any therapeutic intervention, which can result in avoidable morbidity and mortality.
ROS1 mutation and treatment with crizotinib in a 30‐year old Caucasian woman with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer/adenocarcinoma and complete remission
Authors: Blaukovitsch Markus , Hofer Johann , Hutarew Georg , Müllauer Leonhard , Ingrid Simonitsch‐Klupp , Studnicka Michael
Published: March 2014

In this case report we describe a 30 year‐old Caucasian woman with a histopathological diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in both lungs with lipidic and micropapillary growth pattern and ROS1 (C‐ros oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase) rearrangement. There is evidence that crizotinib can be used for molecular target therapy in these patients. We enrolled the patient in an off‐label program for the treatment of ROS1 rearranged adenocarcinomas with the EML4/anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor crizotinib. After a follow‐up of eight weeks we saw a complete remission in both lungs without any signs of metabolic tumor activity. This report shows the importance of testing young patients with adenocarcinomas of the lung for rare oncogenic driver mutations, such as ROS1, with possible molecular treatment options.
Cutaneous protothecosis in a patient with previously undiagnosed HIV infection
Authors: Fong Kenneth , Tee Shang‐Ian , Ho Madeline S L , Pan Jiun Yit
Published: March 2014

Protothecosis is an uncommon condition resulting from infection by achlorophyllous algae of the Prototheca species. Immunocompromised individuals are generally most susceptible to protothecal infection and tend to develop severe and disseminated disease. However, the association between protothecosis and HIV‐induced immunosuppression is not clear, with only a handful of cases having been described to date. Here we report a case of cutaneous protothecosis in a Chinese man with previously undiagnosed HIV infection that responded well to oral itraconazole.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the incidence of advanced neoplasia after polypectomy in patients with and without low‐risk adenomas
Authors: Hassan C. , Gimeno‐García A. , Kalager M. , Spada C. , Zullo A. , Costamagna G. , Senore C. , Rex D. K. , Quintero E.
Published: March 2014

Background

Patients with one to two tubular adenomas <1 cm in size without high‐grade dysplasia (low‐risk group) are considered at low risk for colorectal cancer. However, it is uncertain whether they have the same risk of subsequent advanced neoplasia as those with no neoplasia at baseline colonoscopy.

Aim

To compare incidence of metachronous advanced neoplasia between patients in the low‐risk adenoma group and those without neoplasia at index colonoscopy.

Methods

Relevant publications were identified by MEDLINE/EMBASE and other databases for the period 1992–2013. Studies comparing the incidence of post‐polypectomy advanced neoplasia (adenomas ≥10 mm/high‐grade dysplasia/villous or cancer) between the low‐risk group and patients without colorectal neoplasia at the first colonoscopy were included. Detection rates for advanced neoplasia at endoscopic surveillance were extracted. Study quality was ascertained according to Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Forest plot was produced based on random‐effect models. Inter‐study heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.

Results

Seven studies provided data on 11 387 patients. Mean surveillance periods ranged between 2 and 5 years. Altogether, 267 patients with post‐polypectomy advanced neoplasia were detected in the two groups. The incidence of advanced neoplasia was 1.6% (119/7308) in those without neoplasia and 3.6% (148/4079) in those with low‐risk adenoma, respectively, corresponding to a relative risk of 1.8 (95% CI: 1.3–2.6). Inter‐study heterogeneity was only moderate (I2: 37%). No publication bias was present.

Conclusions

Patients with low‐risk adenomas at baseline had a higher risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia than the group with no adenomas at baseline, though the absolute risk was low in both groups.
Thiopurine monitoring in children with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review
Authors: Konidari Anastasia , Anagnostopoulos Antonios , Bonnett Laura J. , Pirmohamed Munir , El‐Matary Wael
Published: March 2014

Aims

The aim was to systematically review the evidence on the clinical usefulness of thiopurine metabolite and white blood count (WBC) monitoring in the assessment of clinical outcomes in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials and http://www.clinicaltrials.gov were screened in adherence to the PRISMA statement by two independent reviewers for identification of eligible studies. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies and large case series of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (<18 years) who underwent monitoring of thiopurine metabolites and/or WBC.

Results

Fifteen papers were identified (n = 1026). None of the eligible studies were RCTs. High 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (6TGN) concentrations were not consistently associated with leucopenia. Leucopenia was not associated with achievement of clinical remission. A positive but not consistent correlation between 6TGN and clinical remission was reported. Haematological toxicity could not be reliably assessed with 6TGN measurements only. A number of studies supported the use of high 6‐methylmercaptopurine ribonucleotides (6MMPR) as an indicator of hepatotoxicity. Low thiopurine metabolite concentration may be indicative of non‐compliance.

Conclusion

Thiopurine metabolite testing does not safely predict clinical outcome, but may facilitate toxicity surveillance and treatment optimization in poor responders. Current evidence favours the combination of thiopurine metabolite/WBC monitoring and clinic follow‐up for prompt identification of haematologic/hepatic toxicity safe dose adjustment, and treatment modification in cases of suboptimal clinical outcome or non‐compliance. Well designed RCTs for the identification of robust surrogate markers of thiopurine efficacy and toxicity are required.
Antithrombotic treatment for pregnancy complications: which path for the journey to precision medicine?
Authors: Greer Ian A. , Brenner Benjamin , Gris Jean‐Christophe
Published: March 2014

Haemostatic and vascular biology mechanisms appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of placenta‐mediated pregnancy complications. Although low‐dose aspirin (LDA) has a modest effect in preventing preeclampsia, antithrombotic interventions, LDA and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) have not definitively proven their effectiveness in women with placenta‐mediated pregnancy complications selected by previous pregnancy outcome alone. Given the heterogeneous aetiology of placenta‐mediated pregnancy complications, it is critical to stratify patients according to maternal and fetal characteristics and disease mechanisms rather than simply by pregnancy outcome, such as miscarriage. Such stratification could identify those who could benefit from antithrombotic interventions in pregnancy. We lack data on genome‐wide association studies, biomarkers and trials of interventions applied to specific homogeneous populations. Future studies should focus on elaborating different disease mechanisms and examining antithrombotic interventions in specific and more homogeneous groups, such as thrombophilic women with well‐characterized placenta‐mediated pregnancy complications, stratified by disease severity and pathological findings. Because of fetal safety concerns with new anticoagulants, the intervention should focus on heparins alone or in combination with LDA. Thus, placenta‐mediated pregnancy complications deserve precision medicine, defining disease by mechanism rather than outcome with interventions focused on a more personalized approach.
Endocrine profiles in 693 elite athletes in the postcompetition setting
Authors: Healy M. L. , Gibney J. , Pentecost C. , Wheeler M. J. , Sonksen P. H.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To measure a profile of hormones in a group of elite athletes. Increasing awareness of the widespread use of hormones as performance‐enhancing agents focusses attention on what may be considered as normal in this unusual group.

Design

Blood samples were obtained from 813 volunteer elite athletes from a cross‐section of 15 sporting categories. An endocrine profile was measured on a subset of 693.

Participants

Volunteer elite athletes. Samples were drawn within two hours of an event at a major national or international competition.

Measurements

Demographics and hormone profiles were obtained on 454 male and 239 female elite athletes.

Results

Hormone profiles showed significant differences in 19 of the 24 measured variables between sexes and between all of the 15 sporting disciplines in men and 11 out of 24 in women. 16·5% of men had low testosterone levels, whereas 13·7% of women had high levels with complete overlap between the sexes. Women had a lean body mass 85% that of men – sufficient to account for sex differences in performance. There were highly significant correlations between many of the measured hormones.

Conclusions

Hormone profiles from elite athletes differ from usual reference ranges. Individual results are dependent on a number of factors including age, gender and physique. Differences in profiles between sports suggest that an individual's profile may contribute to his/her proficiency in a particular sport. The IOC definition of a woman as one who has a ‘normal’ testosterone level is untenable.
Bone tissue modelling and remodelling following guided bone regeneration in combination with biphasic calcium phosphate materials presenting different microporosity
Authors: Dahlin Christer , Obrecht Marcel , Dard Michel , Donos Nikos
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate bone regeneration following application of a novel biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP I) composed of microstructured granules of 90% β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP)/10% hydroxyapatite (HA) compared to BCP non‐microstructured biphasic calcium phosphate with a composite of 60% hydroxyapatite/40% β‐TCP (BCP II) and a deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) at surgically created defects in the mandible of minipigs in a combined approach with guided bone regeneration (GBR).

Material and methods

Sixteen minipigs were used for the study. Lower premolars P2, P3, P4 and first molar M1 were extracted. Following 3 months of healing, two defects with a width and depth of 7 mm were created bilaterally in the mandible. The different grafting materials were randomly placed in the created defects and covered by means of a collagen membrane. After 3 and 8 weeks, biopsies were sampled. All specimens were evaluated with descriptive histology and histomorphometric evaluations complemented by micro‐CT scan analysis.

Results

All three biomaterials presented with higher bone volume at 8 weeks compared to 3 weeks (P < 0.0442). BCP I and DBBM demonstrated a significant higher amount of bone formation compared to BCP II at 8 weeks (P < 0.0328). BCP I also demonstrated a significant higher percentage of remaining graft volume compared to the other test groups both at 3 and 8 weeks (P < 0.0001 to P < 0.0003). Congruently, defects containing BCP I showed a significant higher amount of mineralized tissue compared to the other groups.

Conclusions

All the three test materials performed well with regard to bone formation at 8 weeks. BCP I showed significant higher amounts of newly formed bone despite a higher remaining graft volume compared to the other groups. With regard to the regenerative outcome, all the three materials can be recommended for clinical use.
Performance of formulas for estimating glomerular filtration rate in Indigenous Australians with and without Type 2 diabetes: the eGFR Study
Authors: Maple‐Brown L. J. , Ekinci E. I. , Hughes J. T. , Chatfield M. , Lawton P. D. , Jones G. R. D. , Ellis A. G. , Sinha A. , Cass A. , Hoy W. E. , O'Dea K. , Jerums G. , MacIsaac R. J. ,   investigators of the eGFR Study
Published: March 2014

Aims

It has been proposed that the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula estimates glomerular filtration rate more accurately than the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. With the very high incidence of diabetes and end‐stage kidney disease in Indigenous Australians, accurate estimation of glomerular filtration rate is vital in early detection of kidney disease. We aimed to assess the performance of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Cockcroft–Gault formulas in Indigenous Australians with and without diabetes.

Methods

Indigenous Australians with (n = 224) or without (n = 340) Type 2 diabetes had a reference glomerular filtration rate measure using plasma disappearance of iohexol (measured glomerular filtration rate) over 4 h. Serum creatinine was measured by an enzymatic method. Performance was assessed by bias (measured glomerular filtration rate – estimated glomerular filtration rate) and accuracy (percentage of estimated glomerular filtration rate within 30% of measured glomerular filtration rate).

Results

The median measured glomerular filtration rate (interquartile range) in participants with or without diabetes was 97 (68–119) and 108 (90–122) ml min−1 1.73 m−2, respectively. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula had smaller bias and greater accuracy than the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Cockcroft–Gault formulas overall, for participants both with and without diabetes. However, for estimated glomerular filtration rate > 90 ml min−1 1.73 m−2, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula had greater bias in participants with diabetes, underestimating measured glomerular filtration rate by 7.4 vs. 1.0 ml min−1 1.73 m−2 in those without diabetes. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula was less accurate across the whole range of estimated glomerular filtration rates in participants with vs. those without diabetes (87.1% vs. 93.3%).

Conclusions

The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula outperforms the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Cockcroft–Gault formulas overall in Indigenous Australians with and without diabetes. However, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula has greater bias in people with diabetes compared with those without diabetes, especially in those with normal renal function.
Resident spiders as predators of the recently introduced light brown apple moth,Epiphyas postvittana
Authors: Hogg Brian N. , Wang Xin‐Geng , Mills Nicholas J. , Daane Kent M.
Published: March 2014

The invasive light brown apple moth,Epiphyas postvittana(Walker) (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae), has not reached damaging levels on crops inCalifornia (USA), suggesting that its populations and impact are limited by generalist natural enemies. In a series of laboratory experiments, we examined resident spiders as predators ofE. postvittanalarvae on two host plants, the ornamentalAustralian tea tree,Leptospermum laevigatum(Gaertn.)F.Muell (Myrtaceae), and the weedFrench broom,Genista monspessulana(L.) L.A.S.Johnson (Fabaceae). Of three abundant spider species inAustralian tea tree, two hunting spiders measurably reduced the numbers ofE. postvittanalarvae and plant damage, whereas a web‐weaving spider had no detectable impact. The adult stage of the dominant hunting spiderAnyphaena apertaBanks (Anyphaenidae) consumedE. postvittanalarvae, but neither large nor small juveniles had statistically detectable effects on numbers of larvae. However, plant damage was reduced in the presence of large juvenileA. aperta, suggesting thatA. apertamay also have non‐consumptive effects on the feeding behavior ofE. postvittanalarvae.Anyphaena apertaconsumed larvae only when larval densities exceeded a low threshold in a functional response experiment, leading to a typeIIIfunctional response. AdultA. apertashowed no preference for differentE. postvittanainstars, whereasCheiracanthium mildeiL.Koch (Miturgidae), an abundant hunting spider onFrench broom, showed a partial preference for late‐instar larvae. The generalist feeding habits of the spiders may have precluded strong prey preferences. Results show that hunting spiders may help limitE. postvittanapopulations inCalifornia, and that they may in turn reduce the impact ofE. postvittanaon its host plants.
Divergent mechanisms for water conservation inDrosophilaspecies
Authors: Kalra Bhawna , Parkash Ravi , Aggarwal Dau Dayal
Published: March 2014

The role of melanization and cuticular lipids in water conservation has been studied in manyDrosophilaspecies (Diptera:Drosophilidae). Nevertheless, a comparative approach to larval and adult stages of ecologically diverse, wildDrosophilaspecies is still required. Based upon abdominal cuticular melanization patterns, wild‐caughtDrosophilaspecies were categorized as (1) melanic, (2) fixed‐melanic, or (3) non‐melanic. At the interspecific level, the ecological significance of melanization and cuticular lipids was determined by the inverse association of melanization and cuticular water loss in melanic species, and of cuticular lipids and cuticular water loss in fixed‐melanic and non‐melanic species. Interestingly, higher amounts of cuticular lipids were also evident in fixed as well as non‐melanic species, as compared to melanic species at larval stages, which is consistent with their differences in reduced water loss rates. Moreover, fixed‐melanic and non‐melanic species exhibited comparatively higher (ca. 1.8–2.0 fold) desiccation resistance. Thus, cuticular lipids provide a better waterproofing mechanism than melanization. Furthermore, acclimation to dehydration stress in adults improved desiccation resistance in melanic species, whereas such effects were lacking in fixed‐melanic and non‐melanic species. However, there were no changes in cuticular components as a consequence of desiccation acclimation. Thus, our results indicate that melanic, fixed‐melanic, and non‐melanicDrosophilaspecies differ in the evolved physiological mechanisms of water conservation to adapt to dry conditions.
Raspberry viruses affect the behavior and performance of Amphorophora agathonica in single and mixed infections
Authors: Lightle Danielle , Lee Jana
Published: March 2014

Pathogens may alter their hosts, which consequently increases transmission efficiency by vectors. We examined the effects of Raspberry leaf mottle virus [RLMV; Closterovirus (Closteroviridae)] and Raspberry latent virus [RpLV; Reovirus (Reoviridae)], alone and in a co‐infection in raspberry, Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae) cv. Meeker, on the behavior and performance of its vector, Amphorophora agathonica Hottes (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Longevity was increased in aphids feeding on all infected‐plant treatments compared with healthy plants, but aphid fecundity only increased in the co‐infection treatment. In a two‐way choice study between infected and healthy plants, aphids showed no difference in preference between plants after 30 min of exposure. After 24 h, aphids significantly preferred to settle on plants infected with RLMV over healthy, but healthy plants over plants infected with RpLV. There were no differences in settling preferences between healthy and co‐infected plants. An electrical penetration graph study showed no differences in aphid feeding behavior on plants infected with RLMV and RLMV+RpLV when compared with healthy controls. Our results are consistent with past findings that infected plant's impact vector performance and behavior, but also highlight the need to further investigate greater virus diversity and effects of mixed infections.
Using the Tenets of the Problem‐Centered Systems Therapy of the Family (PCSTF) to Teach the McMaster Approach to Family Therapists
Authors: Archambault Richard , Mansfield Abigail K. , Evans Doug , Keitner Gabor I.
Published: March 2014

This article describes the videoconferencing training of a group of family therapists in the McMaster Approach to evaluating and treating families. A discussion of the key tenets of the McMaster Approach lays the groundwork for how these tenets were applied to training in a residential treatment agency for adolescents. The article serves as an example of how videoconference technology can facilitate extended training, even from a distance.
Evaluation of the oral health status in Chinese hemodialysis patients
Authors: Xie Tian , Yang Ziliang , Dai Guanyu , Yan Kaixiao , Tian Yuan , Zhao Dan , Zou Huawei , Deng Fei , Chen Xiaolei , Yuan Quan
Published: March 2014

Chronic kidney disease has become a worldwide public health problem, and it negatively affects oral health. However, the data of the hemodialysis (HD) patients in Chinese population is unknown. This study was aimed to evaluate the dental health status and oral hygiene behavior of the HD patients in China. Patients undergoing HD therapy at two hospitals were asked to finish a questionnaire and receive dental examination (DMF‐T). A total of 306 patients, aged 24–88 (58.09 ± 14.06), took part in this study. Although majority of the patients (77.78%) brushed their teeth at least twice a day, few (less than 5%) had ever used dental floss or mouthwash. More than half of the patients have not visited a dentist since the commencement of HD therapy. The dental examination showed that DMF‐T was 9.63 ± 7.54, and the number of filled teeth (F‐T) was only 0.70 ± 1.48. Moreover, the average caries restoration ratio and replacement index were 17.57% and 32.59%, respectively. HD therapy seems to prevent patients from visiting a dentist, and there is a great need for dental treatment for Chinese HD patients.
Expression and clinical implications ofHAb18G/CD147 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Shaojun , Li Yanhong , Zhang Yang , Wang Xuxia , Gong Li , Han Xiujuan , Yao Li , Lan Miao , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2014

Aim

HAb18G/CD147 is an important factor in invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the clinical implications ofHAb18G/CD147 expression inHCCare still unclear. In this study, we clarify the clinical significance ofHAb18G/CD147. We characterize the association betweenHAb18G/CD147 expression and presentation of fibrosis or chronic hepatitisB, as well as its effect onHCCdevelopment.

Methods

The expression ofHAb18G/CD147 in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Tumor tissues were obtained fromHCCpatients who underwent surgical resection between 2002 and 2006. All patients who had received previous therapy were excluded.HCCtissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using anti‐HAb18G/CD147.

Results

HAb18G/CD147 was widely expressed inHep‐G2,SMCC‐7721 andBEL7402 cell lines, but not expressed inL‐02, a human normal hepatic cell line.HAb18G/CD147 was mainly localized to the membrane of tumor cells in 74.0% (37/50)HCCpatients. We found that higherHAb18G/CD147 expression and poor tumor differentiation were correlated with patient survival (P = 0.026 andP = 0.014, respectively). Furthermore, the distribution ofHAb18G/CD147 was similar to that of hepatitisBvirus (HBV) infection, but negatively related to hepatic cirrhosis.

Conclusion

HAb18G/CD147 has shown its potentials inHCCdevelopment and patient survival. Moreover, it may also cooperate with chronicHBVinfection and cirrhosis duringHCCdevelopment. Its functions in the two factors may be different. Therefore,HAb18G/CD147 may be a marker for poor prognosis inHCCpatients and could be a useful therapeutic target for interfering with or reversingHCCprogression.
Statin Treatment in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Al-Khaled Mohamed , Matthis Christine , Eggers Jürgen
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose

We aimed to investigate the association of statin treatment with outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

Over a 4.5-year period (starting November 2007), 12 781 patients (mean age, 72·8 ± 12·6 years; 48·6% women) with acute ischemic stroke from 15 hospitals in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, were enrolled in a population-based study and prospectively evaluated. The primary outcomes were the mortality during hospitalization and the disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥2) at discharge from hospital. The secondary outcomes were the mortality and disability at three-months after discharge.

Results

A total of 7535 patients (59%) with acute ischemic stroke were treated with statins. During hospitalization (mean, nine-days), the in-hospital mortality rate (4·7%; 95% confidence interval, 4·3–5·1%) was lower in patients treated with statins than in those without statins (2·3% vs. 7·9%, respectively; P < 0·001). At three-months after discharge, the mortality rate (6·9%; 95% confidence interval, 6·4–7·5%) was lower in patients treated with statins than in those without statins (5·0% vs. 10·6%, respectively; P < 0·001). Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that statin treatment was associated with reduced rates of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0·39; 95% confidence interval, 0·31–0·48; P < 0·001) and three-month mortality (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0·34–0·63; P < 0·001). A comparison of the patient groups revealed that patients on statins were likely to have lower disability rates at discharge (59% vs. 67%, respectively; P < 0·001) and after three-months (33% vs. 42%, respectively; P < 0·001) in patients who had survived the stroke.

Conclusion

Statin treatment may improve the outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further studies are necessary to confirm this finding.
Can We Measure Immigrants’ Legal Status? Lessons from Two U.S. Surveys
Authors: Bachmeier James D. , Van Hook Jennifer , Bean Frank D.
Published: March 2014

This research note examines response and allocation rates for legal status questions asked in publicly available U.S. surveys to address worries that the legal status of immigrants cannot be reliably measured. Contrary to such notions, we find that immigrants’ non-response rates to questions about legal status are typically not higher than non-response rates to other immigration-related questions, such as country of birth and year of immigration. Further exploration of two particular surveys – the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey (LAFANS) and the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) – reveals that these data sources produce profiles of the unauthorized immigrant population that compare favorably to independently estimated profiles. We also find in the case of the SIPP that the introduction of legal status questions does not appear to have an appreciable “chilling effect” on the subsequent survey participation of unauthorized immigrant respondents. Based on the results, we conclude that future data collection efforts should include questions about legal status to (1) improve models of immigrant incorporation; and (2) better position assimilation research to inform policy discussions.
Goodbye to all that?: Memory and meaning in the commemoration of the first world war
Authors: Jones Heather
Published: March 2014

Historian Heather Jones argues for commemorations of the Great War to advance beyond left‐right politics and simple nationalistic triumphalism, to take a broad international perspective of the social, cultural and political changes brought by the war and its lessons for modern diplomacy and institutions.
How the SNP could win the independence referendum
Authors: Curtice John
Published: March 2014

With just six months to go until polling day, John Curtice highlights the ‘soft underbelly’ of the pro‐union vote that could swing it for the Yes side: those Scots who want more devolution but aren't sure if they're going to get it from a post‐No unionist camp.
Are cyclones agents for connectivity between reefs?
Authors: Radford Ben , Babcock Russ , Van Niel Kimberly , Done Terry
Published: March 2014

Aim

Our aim was to determine whether cyclone‐modified currents and winds can enhance coral larval transport between geographically separate reefs and whether connectivity could occur within the competency period of coral larvae.

Location

The North West Shelf of Australia.

Methods

Larval connectivity was modelled between inshore and mid‐shelf reef zones in two years (1996 and 2001) when cyclones occurred around the time of coral spawning. This was contrasted with 2002, when cyclones were absent during the spawning. The effects of current and wind patterns on the dispersal of buoyant coral eggs was simulated usingGCOM3D, a three dimensional hydrodynamic current model, andOILMAP, a surface wind stress model.

Results

Modelling showed that larvae could disperse across the North West shelf and well beyond the parent reefs when influenced by cyclone‐modified wind and current patterns. The dispersal of larvae to reefs separated by 100 km is likely to be frequent, to involve a substantial proportion of the larval population (between 63% and 86%), and to occur within 6 days (the competency period of the larvae). Simulating larval behaviour by including a buoyant phase in the larval model, where larvae are subject to surface winds, reduces connection time between reef areas by 11% to 29%.

Main conclusions

Cyclones have the potential to increase the distance larvae travel and can act to rapidly connect widely separated inshore and mid‐shelf reefs within the competency period of coral larvae. The buoyant phase of the coral larvae, where larvae are subject to propulsion by surface winds and subsurface currents, may enhance rapid connectivity. Our results show that periodic and extreme climatic conditions could significantly impact connectivity. In combination with larval behaviour they have important implications for connectivity time between inshore and mid‐shelf reefs.
Predictors of Outcome After Catheter Ablation of Premature Ventricular Complexes
Authors: BASER KAZIM , BAS HATICE DUYGU , BELARDI DIEGO , YOKOKAWA MIKI , GOOD ERIC , LATCHAMSETTY RAKESH , MORADY FRED , BOGUN FRANK
Published: March 2014

Outcomes of Catheter Ablation of PVC

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess how well acute procedural outcomes predict the clinical outcome of catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs).

Methods

A consecutive series of 50 patients (28 women, age: 51 ± 13 years) with frequent PVCs was referred for PVC ablation. Acute failure was defined as inability to eliminate the predominant PVC or recurrence of the predominant PVC within 12 hours. The PVC burden was reassessed 3 months after the ablation procedure. A successful procedure was defined as reduction of the PVC burden at 3 months by ≥80% of the initial burden.

Results

The procedure was acutely effective in 37 patients (74%) and at 3 months in 40 patients (80%). The presence or absence of the predominant PVC in the 12 hours postablation had the highest accuracy for outcome at 3 months (accuracy: 90%). From among the 13/50 patients (26%) with evidence of acute failure, 4 had a PVC reduction of ≥80% at 3 months and 10 had a PVC reduction of >50% resulting in symptomatic improvement at 3 months.

Conclusion

The presence or absence of the predominant PVC within 12 hours postablation best correlated with the 3‐month‐efficacy data. Recurrence of the predominant PVC shortly after ablation did not indicate a procedural failure and the necessity for a repeat procedure. The majority of these patients had a significant, clinically meaningful reduction in their PVC burden. Acute predictors for procedural outcome at 3 months have a high positive but rather low negative predictive value.
Three cases of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) treated with intramuscular injection of autologous whole blood
Authors: Jeon I.K. , On H.R. , Oh S.H. , Hann S.K.
Published: March 2014

Background

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), also known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, is a common and benign but exceedingly uncomfortable dermatosis of pregnancy. Investigation of new treatment options has been limited by patient concerns about the negative fetal effects of medication.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of intramuscular injection of autologous whole blood (AWB) for treatment of PUPPP.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive case series of three patients with PUPPP, all of whom were treated with intramuscular injection of AWB.

Results

All patients showed good responses to intramuscular injection of AWB, tolerated the treatment, and there were no adverse effects to the patients or their babies.

Conclusion

AWB may be an alternative treatment option for patients with PUPPP who are worried about the risk of medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Whole blood collected from the patient's own body may be preferable to foreign medications. Future investigation into the exact mechanism with controlled clinical studies using a large number of patients will be necessary to provide supporting evidence for this potential treatment.
D‐Optimal Experimental Designs for Uniaxial Expression
Authors: Munson‐McGee Stuart H.
Published: March 2014

D‐optimal designs are developed for uniaxial expression of oil from seeds, nuts and other materials. Both simply supported pseudo‐exact and pseudo‐continuous designs are determined for three variations on the expression model: instantaneous pressure application, ramped pressure application and sine wave pressure application. The results show that the designs are dependent on the magnitude of the applied pressure and, to a much lesser extent, the rate at which it is applied and the manner in which it is applied. For most cases, the maximum standardized variance for the simply supported pseudo‐exact designs was 1.005 or less. The pseudo‐continuous designs were only significantly better when the maximum standardized variance of the simply supported pseudo‐exact designs was greater than 1.02.

Practical Applications

This work presents a series of new experimental designs for the expression modeling process that can aid researchers in developing more efficient designs. The designs developed in this work integrate two separate existing fields of study:D‐optimal design theory and theoretical expression modeling. Furthermore, the results show under what combinations of the model parameters the simply supported, pseudo‐exact designs can be used instead of the more complex pseudo‐continuous designs. For experiments that do not use the model parameters considered herein, the complete development of the numerical approach provides the framework for others to develop the appropriate designs to satisfy their needs.
The Effect of Cognitive Stimulation on Nursing Home Elders: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Apóstolo João Luís Alves , Cardoso Daniela Filipa Batista , Rosa Ana Isabel , Paúl Constança
Published: March 2014

Purpose

This paper describes the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) on cognition and depressive symptoms in older adults in nursing homes (NHs).

Design

A randomized controlled trial, carried out from 2012 to 2013, included 56 residents from four NHs, 36 women and 20 men (randomized into experimental and control groups). Eight participants dropped out.

Methods

Participants of the experimental group underwent 14 CST sessions (7 weeks) in groups of six to eight older adults, and participants of the control group received usual care. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Geriatric Depression Scale‐15, and the Barthel Index of activities of daily living (ADLs) were administered at baseline and postintervention.

Findings

Repeated measures revealed that CST increased cognition (F = 8.581; p = .005; partial η squared = 0.157; power = 0.82). There were no statistically significant differences in depressive symptoms (F = 1.090; p = .302). Baseline level of ADLs did not affect the outcomes.

Conclusions

CST had significantly improved cognition, explaining the 15.7% variability, but there was no statistical evidence of its effectiveness on depressive symptoms. This improvement was not affected by the baseline level of dependence‐independence in ADLs.

Clinical Relevance

CST offers a range of activities, providing general stimulation for thinking, concentration, and memory, usually in a social setting. These results will support implementation of CST in NHs. In addition to the impact on elderly independence and autonomy, CST may also have an economic impact by reducing the direct costs of the impact of elders’ cognitive frailty.
Evaluation of Printed Health Education Materials for Use by Low‐Education Families
Authors: Ryan Lesa , Logsdon M. Cynthia , McGill Sarah , Stikes Reetta , Senior Barbara , Helinger Bridget , Small Beth , Davis Deborah Winders
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Millions of adults lack adequate reading skills and many written patient education materials do not reflect national guidelines for readability and suitability of materials, resulting in barriers to patients being partners in their own health care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate commonly used printed health materials for readability and suitability for patients with limited general or health literacy skills, while providing easy recommendations to health care providers for how to improve the materials.

Methods

Materials (N = 97) from three clinical areas that represented excellence in nursing care in our organization (stroke, cancer, and maternal‐child) were reviewed for a composite reading grade level and a Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) score.

Results

Twenty‐eight percent of the materials were at a 9th grade or higher reading level, and only 23% were 5th grade or below. The SAM ratings for not suitable, adequate, and superior were 11%, 58%, and 31%, respectively. Few materials were superior on both scales. The SAM scale was easy to use and required little training of reviewers to achieve interrater reliability.

Conclusions

Improving outcomes and reducing health disparities are increasingly important, and patients must be partners in their care for this to occur. One step to increasing patient understanding of written instructions is improving the quality of the materials in the instruction for all patients and their families, especially those with limited literacy skills.

Clinical Relevance

Using materials that are written in a manner that facilitates the uptake and use of patient education content has great potential to improve the ability of patients and families to be partners in care and to improve outcomes, especially for those patients and families with limited general literacy or health literacy skills.
The Placeness of Sex Trafficking—Instilling Consciousness through Minnesota's Experience
Authors: Hadjiyanni Tasoulla , Povlitzki Melanie , Preble Hannah
Published: March 2014

Collaboration has long been lauded as an effective means of bringing about change. In the case of sex trafficking, one of the greatest social ills of our time, collaborations with designers can shed light on the ways that sex trafficking remains hidden from public consciousness thereby allowing it to proliferate. By joining forces with others working to end trafficking in Minnesota, we explore the types of places implicated in sex trafficking and the potential role of design solutions, adding new dimensions to dialogues that call for an end to modern–is a call to action. In these efforts, we immerse interior design scholarship, pedagogies, and practice in the placeness of trafficking. “Placeness” connotes the state of being tied to a place, a physical space with material and social/behavioral qualities. We use a Multi–Disciplinary, Multi–Sectoral, Collaborative Engagement approach to unravel the mysteries surrounding the placeness of sex trafficking. This required a synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration with other university units, as well as close work with local institutions, organizations, and community members. Our team visited places identified by our collaborators that allowed us to experience them firsthand and begin to narrow down the design parameters that might make these specific spaces amenable to trafficking. Findings point to sex trafficking of women and girls in Minnesota happening everywhere around us: from cyberspace to hotel rooms and bathrooms in transit spaces, from public to private places, from the obvious to the unexpected. Design parameters we identified as conducive to trafficking or not, include space planning, color choices, and code regulations. Attention to design opportunities that emerge through collaborative energies can build consciousness and position design as a medium for social justice.