bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological consequences of variation in precipitation: separating short‐ versus long‐term effects using satellite data
Authors: Jin Yufang , Goulden Michael L.
Published: November 2013

Aim

Precipitation controls the production of semi‐arid plants through various mechanisms that operate at a range of time‐scales. Short‐term variation in precipitation affects vegetation through adjustments in plant physiology and leaf phenology, whereas long‐term effects are mediated by plant establishment and mortality, community composition and disturbance regimes. Our goal is to use remote sensing observations to separate the short‐ and long‐term effects of variation in precipitation on ecosystem production.

Location

California, USA.

Methods

We used time series of gridded absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) to quantify the short‐ and long‐term responses of diverse ecosystems to variation in precipitation across large productivity and precipitation gradients. We investigated the relationships between temporal sensitivity of APAR to interannual variation in precipitation and mean annual precipitation (MAP), ecosystem properties and disturbance.

Results

APAR increased with precipitation both interannually within locations and across locations with MAP. The slope of the interannual relationship, which reflects the sensitivity of APAR to short‐term fluctuations in precipitation, varied with climate, vegetation type and structure, and time since disturbance. The interannual APAR sensitivity decreased from c. 0.5 MJ m−2 mm−1 at a MAP of 300 mm year−1 to less than 0.05 MJ m−2 mm−1 at 1000 mm year−1. The slope of the spatial relationship, which reflects the long‐term sensitivity of APAR to climate, decreased from c. 2.5 MJ m−2 mm−1 at 300 mm year−1 MAP to c. 0.6 MJ m−2 mm−1 at 1000 mm year−1. The initial physiological and leaf area effects of a precipitation shift were amplified five‐fold over time by gradual changes in population density and species composition.

Main conclusion

The impact of a hydroclimatic shift on the primary production, structure and function of California's terrestrial ecosystems depends heavily on time‐scale and how rapidly changes in plant population density and community composition can occur.
Quality of life in dialysis: A Malaysian perspective
Authors: Liu Wen J. , Musa Ramli , Chew Thian F. , Lim Christopher T. S. , Morad Zaki , Bujang Adam
Published: November 2013

There is a growing interest to use quality of life as one of the dialysis outcome measurement. Based on the Malaysian National Renal Registry data on 15 participating sites, 1569 adult subjects who were alive at December 31, 2012, aged 18 years old and above were screened. Demographic and medical data of 1332 eligible subjects were collected during the administration of the short form of World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL‐BREF) in Malay, English, and Chinese language, respectively. The primary objective is to evaluate the quality of life among dialysis patients using WHOQOL‐BREF. The secondary objective is to examine significant factors that affect quality of life score. Mean (SD) transformed quality of life scores were 56.2 (15.8), 59.8 (16.8), 58.2 (18.5), 59.5 (14.6), 61.0 (18.5) for (1) physical, (2) psychological, (3) social relations, (4) environment domains, and (5) combined overall quality of life and general health, respectively. Peritoneal dialysis group scored significantly higher than hemodialysis group in the mean combined overall quality of life and general health score (63.0 vs. 60.0, P < 0.001). Independent factors that were associated significantly with quality of life score in different domains include gender, body mass index, religion, education, marital status, occupation, income, mode of dialysis, hemoglobin, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular accident and leg amputation. Subjects on peritoneal dialysis modality achieved higher combined overall quality of life and general health score than those on hemodialysis. Religion and cerebral vascular accident were significantly associated with all domains and combined overall quality of life and general health.
Desmoid‐type fibromatosis of the head and neck region in the paediatric population: a clinicopathological and genetic study of seven cases
Authors: Flucke Uta , Tops Bastiaan B J , van Diest Paul J , Slootweg Pieter J
Published: November 2013

Aims

Desmoid‐type fibromatosis (desmoid) is a locally aggressive (myo)fibroblastic lesion. It represents one of the more common fibrous tumours in children and adolescents. The head and neck region is more often involved than in adults.

Methods and results

We investigated the clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of seven paediatric desmoids at this anatomical site, including two cases of desmoplastic fibroma located in the mandible. There were two females and five males with an age range of 1.5–8 years. The sites of the soft tissue lesions were sinonasal (n = 4) and paramandibular (n = 1). All cases showed typical morphology and nuclear β‐catenin expression. CTNNB1 gene sequencing, performed successfully in five cases, revealed mutations in three cases with one p.T41A (bone lesion), one p.S37A and one novel mutation, p.D32V (sinonasal soft tissue lesions). Six patients were treated by excision with positive margins in five cases. Follow‐up, available for six patients (median 4 years), showed no evidence of disease in four cases, slow progression in one case, and recurrence with stable disease in the last case.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence of genetic similarities in desmoid and desmoplastic fibroma. Additionally, we expanded the spectrum of mutations in CTNNB1 with one novel desmoid mutation.
Chemical Durability of Lanthanum‐Enriched Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Molières Estelle , Angeli Frédéric , Jollivet Patrick , Gin Stephane , Charpentier Thibault , Majérus Odile , Barboux Philippe , de Ligny Dominique , Spalla Olivier
Published: November 2013

The role of lanthanum in the alteration kinetics at different degrees of reaction progress was investigated at 90°C and pH 7 by complementary chemical (SIMS), morphological (SAXS), and structural (NMR, Raman, and EXAFS spectroscopy) approaches. In the first step of alteration, the forward dissolution rate diminishes with the addition of lanthanum, resembling to the behavior previously observed for zirconium. Over longer alteration time, the glasses with the highest lanthanum concentrations reach silicon saturation more slowly, but unlike zirconium, do not result in larger quantities of altered glass. Lanthanum is entirely retained in the alteration layer and is uniformly distributed; it undergoes hydrolysis and recondensation mechanisms, and its coordination number increases from 6 to 9 during leaching. Reconstruction of the alteration layer occurred more slowly at higher REE concentrations, with a slowdown in repolymerization of the silicate network and structuring of its porosity.
The Influence of Context on the Strategic Decision‐Making Process: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Shepherd Neil Gareth , Rudd John Maynard
Published: November 2013

This paper critically reviews the strategic decision‐making process literature, with a specific focus on the effects of context. Context refers to the top management team, strategic decision‐specific characteristics, the external environment and firm characteristics. This literature review also develops an illustrative framework that incorporates these four different categories of contextual variables that influence the strategic decision‐making process. As a result of the variety and pervasiveness of contextual variables featured within the literature, a comprehensive and up‐to‐date review is essential for organizing and synthesizing the extant literature to explicate an agenda for future research. The purpose of this literature review is threefold: first, to critically review the strategic decision‐making process literature to highlight the underlying themes, issues, tensions and debates in the field; second, to identify the opportunities for future theory development; and third, to state the methodological implications arising from this review.
Histopathological differences between prostate cancer foci that are detected and missed using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in Korean patients
Authors: Chung Jae Dong , Lee Jong Beum , Lee Tae‐Jin , Kwon Jong Kyou , Kim Jung Hoon , Chang In Ho , Kim Kyung Do
Published: November 2013

Objectives

We investigated whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is appropriate to localize prostate cancer foci in Koreans.

Methods

A total of 141 prostate cancer foci in 115 prostate specimens from patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy with preoperative 3 Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging including T2‐weighted imaging, diffusion weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Differences in the histopathological findings between detected and undetected prostate cancer foci on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging were investigated.

Results

The mean tumor size was 1.9 cm, and 31.9%, 48.9%, and 19.9% of the patients had Gleason scores of 6, 7, or ≥8, respectively. The detection rates of prostate cancer foci were 54.6%, 57.4%, 55.3%, and 45.4% on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, T2‐weighted imaging, diffusion weighted imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. On multivariate analysis, tumor size ≥1.5 cm (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.31–7.49), Gleason score >7 (4 + 3; odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.05–8.05), and a malignant epithelium/stroma ratio of ≥60% (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.14–7.20) were significant independent predictors of prostate cancer foci detection on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weighted imaging. In a multivariate linear model analysis, the apparent diffusion coefficient value was inversely associated with maximum tumor diameter (β = −0.242, P < 0.05), Gleason score (β = −0.234, P < 0.05) and high malignant epithelium/stroma ratio (β = −0.229, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Distinct histological differences between prostate cancer foci that were detected and missed by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging can be identified. Despite limitations, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging seems useful for determining prostate cancer in Korean patients, particularly with Gleason score >7 and tumor diameter >1.5 cm.
Pyrosequencing the salivary transcriptome of Haemadipsa interrupta (Annelida: Clitellata: Haemadipsidae): anticoagulant diversity and insight into the evolution of anticoagulation capabilities in leeches
Authors: Kvist Sebastian , Brugler Mercer R. , Goh Thary G. , Giribet Gonzalo , Siddall Mark E.
Published: November 2013

Freshwater, marine, and terrestrial leeches that depend on a diet of fresh blood have evolved salivary peptide components that inhibit normal thrombus formation by prey. Although bloodfeeding in leeches has long been of interest to biologists and medical practitioners alike, only a few studies have comprehensively examined the anticoagulant repertoires of hematophagous leeches, and these have largely been confined to representatives of Glossiphoniidae, Hirudinidae, and Macrobdellidae. Here, we present 454 pyrosequencing data from the salivary transcriptome of the hematophagous terrestrial leech Haemadipsa interrupta (Haemadipsidae). Assembled transcripts were annotated using both similarity scores (BLAST) and gene ontology (Blast2GO). Subsequently, transcripts were examined within alignments containing well‐characterized anticoagulants and other select bioactive (i.e., affecting the living cells of the prey) salivary proteins and phylogenies were reconstructed for each protein data set to verify orthology predictions. In total, transcripts significantly matching 20 salivary proteins of interest were found in the transcriptome, representing several different antagonistic pathways. After reviewing gene ontologies, alignments, and phylogenetic trees, sequences for 15 out of the 20 hits were deemed correctly annotated. Additionally, we recovered matches against several proteins that have previously been linked to anticoagulation (e.g., cathepsin and disintegrins), but the specific function of which in leeches needs further investigation. Finally, in light of these data as well as those previously published, we discuss our current understanding of the distribution and evolution of anticoagulants in leeches.
Evaluating the protective efficacy of antigen combinations against Photobacterium damselae ssp. piscicida infections in cobia, Rachycentron canadum L.
Authors: Ho L‐P , Chang C‐J , Liu H‐C , Yang H‐L , Lin J H‐Y
Published: November 2013

Cobia, Rachycentron canadum L., is a very important aquatic fish that faces the risk of infection with the bacterial pathogen Photobacterium damselae ssp. piscicida, and there are few protective approaches available that use multiple antigens. In the present study, potent bivalent antigens from P. damselae ssp. piscicida showed more efficient protection than did single antigens used in isolation. In preparations of three antigens that included recombinant heat shock protein 60 (rHSP60), recombinant α‐enolase (rENOLASE) and recombinant glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (rGAPDH), we analysed the doses that elicited the best immune responses and found that this occurred at a total of 30 μg of antigen per fish. Subsequently, vaccination of fish with rHSP60, rENOLASE and rGAPDH achieved 46.9, 52 and 25% relative per cent survival (RPS), respectively. In addition, bivalent subunit vaccines – combination I (rHSP60 + rENOLASE), combination II (rENOLASE + rGAPDH) and combination III (rHSP60 + rGAPDH) – were administered and the RPS in these groups (65.6, 64.0 and 48.4%, respectively), was higher than that achieved with single‐antigen administration. Finally, in combination IV, the trivalent vaccine rHSP60 + rENOLASE + rGAPDH, the RPS was 1.6%. Taken together, our results suggest that combinations of two antigens may achieve a better efficiency than monovalent or trivalent antigens, and this may provide new insights into pathogen prevention strategies.
Lowered Cancer Risk With ACE Inhibitors/ARBs: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chiang Yi‐Ying , Chen Kuen‐Bao , Tsai Tung‐Han , Tsai Wen‐Chen
Published: November 2013

There are conflicting reports on cancer risk associated with angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). This retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the risk of cancer development in patients who received ACE inhibitors/ARBs as treatment for essential hypertension. Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 297,688 eligible study patients with essential hypertension were identified. According to their antihypertensive prescriptions, the study patients were stratified into an ACE inhibitor group, an ARB group, or a control group. After matching, participants were observed for the occurrence of cancer. In the ACE inhibitor group compared with the control group, the hazard ratio was 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.68). In the ARB group compared with the control group, the hazard ratio was 0.8 (95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.97). Regular use of ACE inhibitors/ARBs was not associated with an increased risk of cancer development and was actually found to decrease overall cancer risk in this study.
Association between insulin resistance and periodontitis in Korean adults
Authors: Lim Sang Gyu , Han Kyungdo , Kim Hyun‐Ah , Pyo Sung Woon , Cho Young‐Sik , Kim Kyung‐Soo , Yim Hyeon Woo , Lee Won‐Chul , Park Yong Gyu , Park Yong‐Moon
Published: November 2013

Objective

Recent studies have proposed an association between periodontitis and metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the association between insulin resistance and periodontitis among Korean adults.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2010. A total of 16,720 non‐diabetic subjects over 18 years old were evaluated (7060 men and 9660 women). Periodontal status was assessed by the Community Periodontal Index. Insulin resistance was measured using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Participants in the highest and lowest quartile of HOMA‐IR were defined as insulin‐resistant and insulin‐sensitive respectively.

Results

The prevalence of periodontitis increased significantly with higher HOMA‐IR quartiles in post‐menopausal women (p for linear association = 0.019). Among post‐menopausal women, participants in the highest quartile of HOMA‐IR were significantly more likely to have periodontitis compared to those in the lowest quartile [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–2.01]. Moreover, obese post‐menopausal women showed an increased association between insulin resistance and periodontitis (adjusted OR, 1.92; 95% CI,1.29–2.87). However, this association was not found in men or pre‐menopausal women.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that insulin resistance may be associated with periodontitis, especially when combined with obesity, among post‐menopausal women in Korea.
Comparative study on cardiac autonomic modulation during deep breathing test and diaphragmatic breathing in type 2 diabetes and healthy subjects
Authors: Subbalakshmi Narsajjana Krishnadasa , Adhikari Prabha , Shanmugavel Jeganathan Punnaimuthu
Published: November 2013

Aims/Introduction

Diaphragmatic breathing is known to have a beneficial effect on the cardiopulmonary system, and enhances parasympathetic activation. We evaluated the influence of diaphragmatic breathing on time domain measures of heart rate variability in diabetics and healthy subjects.

Materials and Methods

A total of 122 type 2 diabetics and 94 healthy subjects (controls) were randomly allocated to a deep breathing test and diaphragmatic breathing (61 diabetics and 47 controls in each group). Heart rate variability parameters; namely, expiratory:inspiratory ratio (E:I ratio), root mean square of successive N–N interval difference (r‐MSSD) and standard deviation of all the N–N intervals (SDNN), were quantified from 1‐min supine electrocardiogram obtained while subjects carried out the deep breathing test/diaphragmatic breathing at six respiratory cycles per min. Data analysis was carried out by Student's unpaired t‐test. A P‐value <0.05 was taken as significant.

Results

E:I ratio, SDNN and r‐MSSD of type 2 diabetics was significantly lower compared with controls in the diaphragmatic group (P < 0.001). E:I ratio and SDNN were significantly lower in type 2 diabetics compared with controls in the deep breathing group (P < 0.0001, P < 0.019, respectively). In controls, E:I ratio, r‐MSSD and SDNN of the diaphragmatic breathing group were significantly higher compared with the deep breathing group (P < 0.01). In diabetics, none of the measured heart rate variability parameters varied between diaphragmatic breathing and deep breathing.

Conclusions

Subclinical cardiac autonomic neuropathy persists in type 2 diabetics. In type 2 diabetics, diaphragmatic breathing quantifies certain aspects of parasympathetic dysfunction, which is not shown by the deep breathing test. Diaphragmatic breathing induces greater cardiac autonomic modulation in healthy subjects.
Water Stratification Affects the Microeukaryotic Community in a Subtropical Deep Reservoir
Authors: Yu Zheng , Yang Jun , Zhou Jing , Yu Xiaoqing , Liu Lemian , Lv Hong
Published: November 2013

Producers, consumers, and decomposers are the three key functional groups that form the basis of all ecosystems. But, little is known about how these functional groups coexist with each other in aquatic environments, particularly in subtropical reservoirs. In this study, we describe the nature of microeukaryotic communities in a subtropical deep reservoir during the strongly stratified period. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis gel band sequencing, pyrosequencing, and light microscopy were used together to facilitate an in‐depth investigation of the community structure of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fungi. Our results showed that thermal and oxygen stratification shaped the composition of the phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fungi populations in the reservoir. Stratification was evident among ecological functional groups in autumn: producers and consumers were overwhelmingly dominant in the epilimnion characterized by high temperatures and oxygen levels, whereas decomposers were inclined to inhabit the hypolimnion. These results contribute to our understanding of the relationship of ecosystem functional groups in the man‐made aquatic systems and have important practical implications for reservoir management. Results suggest that the strategies for the control of eutrophication and harmful algal bloom prevention should focus on a fuller understanding of the consequences of both thermal stratification and vertical distribution of microplankton.
Dietetic treatment lowers body mass index in overweight patients: an observational study in primary health care
Authors: Tol J. , Swinkels I. C. , de Bakker D. H. , Seidell J. , Veenhof C.
Published: November 2013

Background

Greater insight into the effectiveness of usual dietetic care will contribute to the ongoing development of dietetic services. The present study examined the change in body mass index (BMI) in overweight patients after dietetic treatment in primary care, the sources of variability and factors associated with BMI change.

Methods

This population‐based observational study was based on data from a Dutch registration network of dietitians in primary health care. Data were derived from electronic medical records concerning 3960 overweight adult patients (BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2) who received usual care from 32 registered dietitians between 2006 and 2012. Multilevel linear regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Patients’ BMI significantly (P < 0.001) decreased by 0.94 kg m−2 on average during treatment. An additional reduction of 0.8 kg m−2 was observed in patients treated for longer than 6 months. BMI decreased by 0.06 kg m−2 for each additional unit in initial BMI above 31.6. Most (97%) variability in BMI change was attributed to patients and 3% to dietitians. Part of the variance between patients (11%) and dietitians (30%) was explained by patient sociodemographic characteristics, nutrition‐related health aspects, initial body weight and treatment duration.

Conclusions

Dietetic treatment in primary care lowers BMI in overweight patients. Patients’ change in BMI was rather similar between dietitians. Greater BMI reductions were observed in those with a high initial BMI and those treated for at least 6 months. Future research is necessary to study the long‐term effects of weight loss after treatment by primary healthcare dietitians, especially because many patients drop out of treatment prematurely.
Young Singaporean women's knowledge of cervical cancer and pap smear screening: a descriptive study
Authors: Shea Juanna , Klainin‐Yobas Piyanee , Mackey Sandra
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectives

To assess the knowledge of young female Singaporeans regarding cervical cancer and pap smear, the intention to participate in pap smear and whether there is any relationship between knowledge and intention to participate in pap smear screening.

Background

While cervical cancer has poor prognosis in the later stages, pap smear is effective in identifying precancerous lesions, which are more treatable. Pap smear screening is available to women in Singapore, but its uptake is opportunistic. Research has shown that knowledge about pap smear and cervical cancer is important determinant of screening behaviour in Singaporean women.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive correlational design was used.

Methods

Three hundred and ninety‐three young Singaporean undergraduates, aged 18–25 years, were recruited via convenience sampling from a local university over a four‐month period. Data were collected through self‐administered questionnaires.

Results

Majority of the participants knew the term ‘pap smear’ and its function. However, knowledge of the risk factors for cervical cancer was lacking among the young women. Knowledge of pap smear and cervical cancer had a weak correlation with the intention to go for the future uptake of pap smear.

Conclusions

Educational efforts among younger Singaporean women on the knowledge of pap smear and risk factors for cervical cancer are needed. Improving knowledge will enable them to understand the importance of reducing exposure to risk factors and regular pap smear screening.

Relevance to clinical practice

All health professionals working with young Asian women should be prepared to educate and counsel young women to participate in pap smear screening according to current guidelines. In particular, knowledge of the age to attend the first pap smear and the recommended frequency for screening need to be targeted for health education.
Woman's contraceptive needs and preferences in the postpartum period: an Italian study
Authors: Di Giacomo Patrizia , Sbarlati Alessia , Bagnasco Annamaria , Sasso Loredana
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe what puerperal women know about postpartum contraception and to identify their related needs and expectations.

Background

Puerperal women face the problem of beginning or resuming contraception, the choice of the right method of contraception and the right time to start it. This choice becomes particularly important in case they breastfeed since the contraceptive method should not interfere with breastfeeding. Different factors, such as the level of knowledge women have about various contraceptive methods, their individual preferences or their desire to have a baby, can strongly influence this choice.

Design

A cross‐sectional study had been carried out within the period of six months, from November 2011–February 2012.

Methods

Three hundred puerperal women were interviewed before their discharge from a Maternity Home. The women were asked for their personal characteristics, their maternity history, the information they had received, their knowledge and expectations about postpartum contraception and their intention to use contraception.

Results

During pregnancy and postpartum, 45·5% of the women reported that they had received adequate information about contraception. Of these ones, 64·3% reported their intention to use contraception either to avoid pregnancy or to space out future births, even if they did not always have appropriate knowledge about fertility and the use of contraceptive methods during postpartum. During this study, we also discovered that women's intention to use contraception was proportional to their level of education.

Conclusion

Women need more and appropriate information about postpartum contraception, to make a conscious choice in relation to their needs and without putting their health at risk.

Relevance to clinical practice

To promote awareness of the choices related to postpartum contraception, it is important to understand the personal characteristics that influence or hinder this choice. Midwives can play a very important role in informing women and in developing educational interventions to support a safe contraceptive choice.
Autoimmune disorders and quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination of young female subjects
Authors: Grimaldi‐Bensouda L. , Guillemot D. , Godeau B. , Bénichou J. , Lebrun‐Frenay C. , Papeix C. , Labauge P. , Berquin P. , Penfornis A. , Benhamou P.‐Y. , Nicolino M. , Simon A. , Viallard J.‐F. , Costedoat‐Chalumeau N. , Courcoux M.‐F. , Pondarré C. , Hilliquin P. , Chatelus E. , Foltz V. , Guillaume S. , Rossignol M. , Abenhaim L. ,   the PGRx‐AID Study Group
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil is associated with a change in the risk of autoimmune disorders (ADs) in young female subjects.

Design

Systematic case–control study of incident ADs associated with quadrivalent HPV vaccination in young women across France.

Participants and setting

A total of 113 specialised centres recruited (from December 2007 to April 2011) females aged 14–26 years with incident cases of six types of ADs: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), central demyelination/multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain–Barré syndrome, connective tissue disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis/juvenile arthritis), type 1 diabetes mellitus and autoimmune thyroiditis. Control subjects matched to cases were recruited from general practice.

Analysis

Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis; factors included age, geographical origin, smoking, alcohol consumption, use of oral contraceptive(s) or vaccine(s) other than Gardasil received within 24 months before the index date and personal/family history of ADs.

Results

Overall, 211 definite cases of ADs were matched to 875 controls. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for any quadrivalent HPV vaccine use was 0.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5–1.5]. The individual ORs were 1.0 (95% CI 0.4–2.6) for ITP, 0.3 (95% CI 0.1–0.9) for MS, 0.8 (95% CI 0.3–2.4) for connective disorders and 1.2 (95% CI 0.4–3.6) for type 1 diabetes. No exposure to HPV vaccine was observed in cases with either Guillain–Barré syndrome or thyroiditis.

Conclusions

No evidence of an increase in the risk of the studied ADs was observable following vaccination with Gardasil within the time periods studied. There was insufficient statistical power to allow conclusions to be drawn regarding individual ADs.
Changes in masticatory function after injection of botulinum toxin type A to masticatory muscles
Authors: Park H. U. , Kim B. I. , Kang S. M. , Kim S. T. , Choi J. H. , Ahn H. J.
Published: November 2013

This study examined changes in masticatory function after botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) injection using objective and subjective tests during 12 weeks. Also, we compared differences in masticatory function between group in which only masseter muscle (M group) was injected and group in which masseter and temporal muscle (M‐T group) were injected. Forty subjects were assigned into two groups; M group (n = 20) and the M‐T group (n = 20). The Meditoxin® was used as BTX‐A injection. The mixing ability index (MAI) was used as the objective indicator, and visual analogue scale (VAS) and food intake ability (FIA) index were used as subjective indicators. Overall, the masticatory function drastically declined after 4 weeks and gradually recovered with time. Compared with the pre‐injection state, the masticatory function decreased by 89·2% (MAI), 12·2% (FIA) and 32·2% (VAS) 4 weeks after the injection (P < 0·05). When the results between M group and M‐T group were compared, scores of VAS and FIA were significantly different 4 weeks after the injection (P < 0·05), but the MAI score showed no significant difference between two groups. In conclusion, this study showed that masticatory function was significantly decreased after BTX‐A injection into the masticatory muscle after 4 and 8 weeks from injection. However, masticatory efficiency measured using MAI could completely recover after 12 weeks. Furthermore, after 8 weeks from the injection, the masticatory function measured after injection into only the masseter muscle was similar to that measured after injection into both masseter and temporal muscle.
Using rumen probes to examine effects of conjugated linoleic acids and dietary concentrate proportion on rumen pH and rumen temperature of periparturient dairy cows
Authors: Petzold M. , Meyer U. , Spilke J. , Dänicke S.
Published: November 2013

The study aimed to examine the influence of supplemented conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) to periparturient cows receiving different concentrate proportions antepartum on rumen pH (RpH) and rumen temperature (RT). Twenty pregnant German Holstein cows were equipped with rumen probes for continuous RpH and RT measurement in a frequency of 15 min to investigate effects of dietary concentrate and CLA around parturition and the impact of parturition itself on RpH and RT. Cows had ad libitum access to partial mixed rations, 3 weeks prior to calving until day 7 post‐partum. Antepartum, cows received 100 g/day control fat (CON) or CLA supplement, either in low (20%; CON‐20, CLA‐20) or high concentrate diet (60%; CON‐60, CLA‐60). Post‐partum, concentrate proportion was adjusted to 50% while fat supplementation continued. Compared with adapted feeding, high concentrate proportions antepartum tended to increase DMI and reduced RpH. Groups CON‐60 and CLA‐60 spent more than 4 h per day below RpH 5.6 during late pregnancy, indicating the presence of subacute rumen acidosis (SARA). The RT remained unaffected antepartum. Before calving, cows spent less time below RpH 5.6 and SARA could be detected in each group post‐partum. Mean RpH increased slightly antepartum, whereas few hours before parturition a sharp decrease in RpH could be observed, accompanied with increased RT. Overall, it seems that CLA supplementation influences RpH and RT. Bearing in mind that rumen parameters fluctuate during day and herd level must be known, rumen probes for continuous RpH and RT measurement could be a useful management tool for animal health surveillance and may also help to predict parturition.
Mixotrophy and loss of phototrophy among geographic isolates of freshwater Esoptrodinium/Bernardinium sp. (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Fawcett Ryan C. , Parrow Matthew W.
Published: November 2013

The genus Esoptrodinium Javornický consists of freshwater, athecate dinoflagellates with an incomplete cingulum. Strains isolated thus far feed on microalgae and most possess obvious pigmented chloroplasts, suggesting mixotrophy. However, some geographic isolates lack obvious pigmented chloroplasts. The purpose of this study was to comparatively examine this difference and the associated potential for mixotrophy among different isolates of Esoptrodinium. All isolates phagocytized prey cells through an unusual hatch‐like peduncle located on the ventral episome, and were capable of ingesting various protist taxa. All Esoptrodinium isolates required both food and light to grow. However, only the tested strain with visible pigmented chloroplasts benefited from light in terms of increased biomass (phototrophy). Isolates lacking obvious chloroplasts received no biomass benefit from light, but nevertheless required light for sustained growth (i.e., photoobligate, but not phototrophic). Isolates with visible chloroplasts exhibited chlorophyll autofluorescence and formed a monophyletic psbA gene clade that suggested Esoptrodinium possesses inherited, peridinoid‐type plastids. One isolate with cryptic, barely visible plastids lacked detectable chlorophyll and exhibited an apparent loss‐of‐function mutation in psbA, indicating the presence of nonphotosynthetic plastids. The other isolate that lacked visible chloroplasts lacked both detectable chlorophyll and an amplifiable psbA sequence. The results demonstrate mixotrophy quantitatively for the first time in a freshwater dinoflagellate, as well as apparent within‐clade loss of phototrophy along with a correlated mutation sufficient to explain that phenotype. Phototrophy is a variable trait in Esoptrodinium; further study is required to determine if this represents an inter‐ or intraspecific (allelic) characteristic in this taxon.
Subinhibitory concentrations of tetracyclines induce lipopolysaccharide shedding by Porphyromonas gingivalis and modulate the host inflammatory response
Authors: Tanabe S. , Yoshioka M. , Hinode D. , Grenier D.
Published: November 2013

Background and Objective

Antibiotics at below minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) may induce various biological responses in bacteria. In this study, we hypothesized that subinhibitory concentrations (subICs) of tetracycline and doxycycline induce the shedding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by Porphyromonas gingivalis and, as a consequence, may contribute to enhancing the host inflammatory response associated with periodontitis.

Material and Methods

A polymyxin‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify LPS shedding by P. gingivalis grown in the presence of subICs of tetracycline and doxycycline. A macrophage model was used to show that tetracycline‐ and doxycycline‐mediated LPS shedding by P. gingivalis can induce cytokine secretion. The secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

LPS was shed spontaneously in a time‐dependent way by P. gingivalis during growth. LPS shedding was significantly increased by growth in the presence of subICs of tetracycline and doxycycline corresponding to 1/20 of their MICs (0.025 μg/mL for tetracycline and 0.0125 μg/mL for doxycycline). This shedding was not associated with an increased rate of bacterial cell lysis. Stimulating macrophages with a P. gingivalis culture supernatant induced the secretion of IL‐1β, IL‐8 and tumor necrosis factor‐α when the bacteria were grown in the presence of 1/20 MIC of the antibiotics.

Conclusion

Our study showed that growing P. gingivalis in the presence of subICs of either tetracycline or doxycycline induces LPS shedding. Shed LPS may in turn increase cytokine secretion in a macrophage model.
Comparing bedside methods of determining placement of gastric tubes in children
Authors: Ellett Marsha L. Cirgin , Cohen Mervyn D. , Croffie Joseph M. B. , Lane Kathleen A. , Austin Joan K. , Perkins Susan M.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and predictive validity of pH, bilirubin, and CO2 in identifying gastric tube placement errors in children.

Design and Methods

After the tube was inserted into 276 children, the CO2 monitor reading was obtained. Fluid was then aspirated to test pH and bilirubin.

Results

Lack of ability to obtain tube aspirate was the best predictor of NG/OG placement errors with a sensitivity of 34.9% and a positive predictive value of 66.7%. Measuring pH, bilirubin, and CO2 of tube aspirate was less helpful.

Practice Implications

Healthcare providers should suspect NG/OG tube misplacement when no fluid is aspirated.
Sleep duration and personality in Croatian twins
Authors: Butkovic Ana , Vukasovic Tena , Bratko Denis
Published: November 2013

The objective of this study was to examine which genetic and environmental influences contribute to individual differences in sleep duration in a sample of Croatian adolescent/early adult twins, as well as to investigate the relationship between personality and sleep duration. Participants included 339 twin pairs (105 monozygotic and 234 dizygotic) aged between 15 and 22 years. They reported on their average sleep duration and personality. The broad heritability estimate (additive and non‐additive genetic influences) for sleep duration was 0.63, while personality estimates ranged between 0.47 and 0.62. Significant negative phenotypic associations with neuroticism and openness were mainly genetically mediated 100 and 80%, respectively. Only 6% of the sleep duration variance was explained by genetic influences shared with neuroticism and openness. In regression analysis, age, gender and five personality traits explained 5% of sleep duration variance, with neuroticism and openness as significant predictors. Comparison of short, moderate and long sleepers showed that participants in the short sleepers group had significantly higher neuroticism scores than groups of moderate and long sleepers, as well as a significantly higher openness score than the group of long sleepers. This indicates that personality traits of neuroticism and openness contribute to the prediction of sleep duration due to overlapping genetic influences that contribute to both these personality traits and sleep duration. However, as phenotypic overlap of personality and sleep duration is relatively weak, heritability of sleep duration is not only related to individual differences in personality traits, so future research needs to examine other phenotypic correlates of sleep duration.
Science, Sentiment, and the State
Authors: Gibbon Sahra Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

Contributing to an emerging field of social science literature by examining the translation of genomic medicine across global and transnational fields of research and medicine, this article examines how genetics is allied to public health in Cuba. It examines the sociopolitical and cultural discourses and practices that constitute community genetics or challenge or impede the translation and expansion of genomics as public health. Focusing on the experience of health practitioners, the article explores how their work is circumscribed by cultural values and social ideologies that collectively reveal an unexpected heterogeneity in how genetics is being constituted and reproduced. Although the Western quest for genomics as “personal medicine” is revealed here as both ideologically and practically problematic, such challenges paradoxically work to reinforce a commitment to maintaining the distinctive field of Cuban community genetics in its orientation to collective public health.
Robust Bayesian Compressive Sensing for Signals in Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Huang Yong , Beck James L. , Wu Stephen , Li Hui
Published: November 2013

In structural health monitoring (SHM) systems for civil structures, massive amounts of data are often generated that need data compression techniques to reduce the cost of signal transfer and storage, meanwhile offering a simple sensing system. Compressive sensing (CS) is a novel data acquisition method whereby the compression is done in a sensor simultaneously with the sampling. If the original sensed signal is sufficiently sparse in terms of some orthogonal basis (e.g., a sufficient number of wavelet coefficients are zero or negligibly small), the decompression can be done essentially perfectly up to some critical compression ratio; otherwise there is a trade‐off between the reconstruction error and how much compression occurs. In this article, a Bayesian compressive sensing (BCS) method is investigated that uses sparse Bayesian learning to reconstruct signals from a compressive sensor. By explicitly quantifying the uncertainty in the reconstructed signal from compressed data, the BCS technique exhibits an obvious benefit over existing regularized norm‐minimization CS methods that provide a single signal estimate. However, current BCS algorithms suffer from a robustness problem: sometimes the reconstruction errors are very large when the number of measurements K are a lot less than the number of signal degrees of freedom N that are needed to capture the signal accurately in a directly sampled form. In this article, we present improvements to the BCS reconstruction method to enhance its robustness so that even higher compression ratios can be used and we examine the trade‐off between efficiently compressing data and accurately decompressing it. Synthetic data and actual acceleration data collected from a bridge SHM system are used as examples. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐art BCS reconstruction algorithms, the improved BCS algorithm demonstrates superior performance. With the same acceptable error rate based on a specified threshold of reconstruction error, the proposed BCS algorithm works with relatively large compression ratios and it can achieve perfect lossless compression performance with quite high compression ratios. Furthermore, the error bars for the signal reconstruction are also quantified effectively.
Managing allergens from a food retailer perspective including an update on allergen labelling regulation
Authors: Watson R.
Published: November 2013

Food allergy presents a unique food safety issue, as while allergy affects a relatively small proportion of the UK population, consuming foods containing even minute quantities of a food allergen can have very serious consequences. New European Union (EU) legislation [Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers], with which manufacturers and retailers have until December 2014 to comply, requires allergens to be highlighted in the ingredients list on all pre‐packed food, rather than within an allergy box or statement. Allergy boxes and statements may still be used to signpost consumers to the allergen information within the ingredients list and to highlight cross‐contamination risk. These changes in allergen labelling must be effectively and consistently communicated so that allergy information is not overlooked by consumers.

There is ongoing research to develop allergen thresholds or ‘no adverse effect levels’ for use in food safety risk assessment, with a view to reducing the number of ‘may contain’ allergen warnings on food packaging. This would be welcomed by UK consumers who have been found to find this type of allergen labelling frustrating, owing to its widespread use and ambiguity in meaning. However, more robust data are required before allergen thresholds can be widely implemented in food production.

Sainsbury's has a 20 × 20 sustainability commitment to be the number 1 retailer in the UK for customers with allergies and intolerances. One way in which Sainsbury's aims to deliver on this pledge is by removing unnecessary and unexpected allergens from own brand food and by removing unnecessary cross‐contamination warnings (i.e. unnecessary ‘may contain’ type labelling). Sainsbury's also recognises that retailers and manufacturers have a responsibility to reliably inform consumers of the nature and composition of their food, as well as having appropriate allergen management strategies and policies in place, as consumers rely heavily on retailers and manufacturers to provide safe, accurate labelling so that they can effectively manage the allergens in the foods they purchase.
Concentration of salivary protective proteins within the bound oral mucosal pellicle
Authors: Gibbins HL , Proctor GB , Yakubov GE , Wilson S , Carpenter GH
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To study which salivary proteins form the protective bound mucosal pellicle and to determine the role of transglutaminase in pellicle development.

Materials and Methods

Oral epithelial cells were collected and underwent washes of different strengths, followed by homogenisation. SDS‐PAGE, western blotting, IgA ELISAs and amylase activity assays were completed on cell homogenates and compared to saliva samples to confirm which salivary proteins were bound to cell surfaces.

Results

Salivary mucins, MUC5B and MUC7, were strongly retained on the oral epithelial cell surface. Other bound proteins including cystatin S, carbonic anhydrase VI, secretory component and IgA could be washed off. IgA was present in concentrated levels in the bound mucosal pellicle compared to amounts in saliva. Amylase, one of the most abundant proteins present in saliva, showed minimal levels of binding. Transglutaminase 3 presence was confirmed, but proteins that it catalyses cross‐links between, statherin and proline‐rich proteins, showed minimal presence.

Conclusion

Some protective salivary proteins including mucins and IgA become concentrated on oral surfaces in the bound mucosal pellicle, through specific interactions. Concentration of mucins would contribute to lubrication to prevent abrasion damage to soft tissues, whilst increased IgA could create an ‘immune reservoir’ against mucosal infection.