bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐dose maintenance gemcitabine‐carboplatin chemotherapy could be an alternative to continuous standard chemotherapy for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Mitsuzuka Koji , Yamashita Shinichi , Namiki Shunichi , Yamada Shigeyuki , Sato Ko , Saito Hideo , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Ito Akihiro , Nakagawa Haruo , Arai Yoichi
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To examine whether low‐dose maintenance gemcitabine‐carboplatin chemotherapy is beneficial for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 36 patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who received first‐line chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin, gemcitabine/carboplatin, or methotrexate/vinblastine/adriamycin/cisplatin) between 2006 and 2012. Those who had responded, but were unable to tolerate ongoing first‐line chemotherapy, had been switched to low‐dose maintenance chemotherapy consisting of 1 g/m2 of gemcitabine and area under the curve 2–4 of carboplatin given on day 1 of a 6‐week cycle, and were continued unless disease progression was seen.

Results

After a median of three cycles of first‐line chemotherapy, 17 patients had been switched to low‐dose maintenance chemotherapy. The median age was 70 years (range 56–79 years), and 12 patients (70.6%) had renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance <60 mL/min). The median number of cycles of low‐dose maintenance chemotherapy was six (range 2–22), and the median survival time from initiation of first‐line chemotherapy was 12 months (range 4–32 months). Adverse events requiring hospitalization were seen in three patients, but all of them recovered within a few days with conservative treatment. Seven patients discontinued within 9 months, whereas 10 patients continued on low‐dose maintenance chemotherapy for ≥9 months. Patients with only lymph node metastases or who had a good response to previous first‐line chemotherapy were likely to be able to continue low‐dose maintenance chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Low‐dose maintenance gemcitabine‐carboplatin chemotherapy might represent an alternative for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma not tolerating continuous first‐line standard chemotherapy regimens.
Heuristics for the combined cut order planning two‐dimensional layout problem in the apparel industry
Authors: M'Hallah Rym , Bouziri Ahlem
Published: June 2014

Cut order planning (COP) is an NP‐hard nonlinear optimization problem. Managers of apparel manufacturing units face this problem during the planning of the first stage of the manufacturing process. It affects the fluidity of the work flow and use of fabric. It consists in dividing every garment's order into sections, assigning the sizes to them, and determining their lengths and numbers of layers such that the total fabric length is minimized. Current industrial practice assumes that the length of the layout of a section is known a priori, and it does not depend on its combination of sizes. That is, the industry solves COP independently of the two‐dimensional layout (TDL) that is the second stage of the manufacturing process. By relying on the length estimates in lieu of determining the actual length of a section, the industry is obtaining erroneous estimates of the true length used. Herein, COP and TDL are combined into a single problem CT (CT = COP + TDL) whose objective is to minimize fabric length. CT is solved using constructive heuristics, and three metaheuristics: a stochastic local improvement method, global improvement method, and hybrid approach. The approaches are tested on existing benchmark instances and new industrial cases. Their results provide computational proof of the benefits that industry can ripe by combining COP and TDL. The comparison of the performance of the approaches highlights their respective academic and practical utilities.
A novel role for interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) in regulation of bone metabolism
Authors: Salem Sandra , Gao Chan , Li Ailian , Wang Huifen , Nguyen‐Yamamoto Loan , Goltzman David , Henderson Janet E. , Gros Philippe
Published: June 2014

Increased risk of bone fractures is observed in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Members of the Interferon Response Factor family of transcriptional regulators, IRF1 and IRF8, have been identified as genetic risk factors for several chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We have investigated a potential role for the Irf1 gene in bone metabolism. Here, we report that Irf1−/−mutant mice show altered bone morphology in association with altered trabecular bone architecture and increased cortical thickness and cellularity. Ex vivo studies on cells derived from bone marrow stimulated with Rank ligand revealed an increase in size and resorptive activity of tartrate‐resistant acid‐positive cells from Irf1−/− mutant mice compared with wild‐type control mice. Irf1 deficiency was also associated with decreased proliferation of bone marrow‐derived osteoblast precursors ex vivo, concomitant with increased mineralization activity compared with control cells. We show that Irf1 plays a role in bone metabolism and suggest that Irf1 regulates the maturation and activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. The altered bone phenotype of Irf1−/− mutants is strikingly similar to that of Stat1−/− mice, suggesting that the two interacting proteins play a critical enabling role in the common regulation of these two cell lineages.
Oxidative Stress Is Related to Frailty, Not to Age or Sex, in a Geriatric Population: Lipid and Protein Oxidation as Biomarkers of Frailty
Authors: Inglés Marta , Gambini Juan , Carnicero Jose A. , García‐García Francisco J. , Rodríguez‐Mañas Leocadio , Olaso‐González Gloria , Dromant Mar , Borrás Consuelo , Viña Jose
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To ascertain whether indicators of oxidative damage to lipids (malondialdehyde (MDA)) and proteins (protein carbonylation) are biomarkers of frailty, after adjusting for age, sex, and other possible confounders.

Design

Cross‐sectional cohort study.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Toledo Study for Healthy Aging participants (N = 742, aged 65–95), classified as frail (n = 54), prefrail (n = 278) and nonfrail (n = 410) according to the Fried criteria.

Measurements

Blood plasma was obtained using centrifugation (1,500 G, 15 minutes) and immediately frozen at −80°C. Plasma lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring the MDA formed from lipoperoxides using high‐performance liquid chromatography and protein carbonylation was measured using Western blot.

Results

Age‐ and sex‐adjusted levels of lipoperoxides (measured as MDA) and protein carbonylation in plasma proved to be related to frailty, even after including possible independent confounders.

Conclusion

Circulating oxidative damage biomarkers, such as MDA and protein carbonylation, are related to frailty and not to age or sex. These parameters may be considered as potential biomarkers of frailty in the context of a multidisciplinary health‐promoting approach for older adults.
Enhancing Communication in End‐of‐Life Care: A Clinical Tool Translating Between the Clinical Frailty Scale and the Palliative Performance Scale
Authors: Grossman Daphna , Rootenberg Mark , Perri Giulia‐Anna , Yogaparan Thirumagal , DeLeon Maria , Calabrese Sue , Grief Cindy J. , Moore Jennifer , Gill Ashlinder , Stilos Kalli , Daines Patricia , Zimmermann Camilla , Mazzotta Paolo
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To create a clinical tool to translate between the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), which geriatrics teams use, and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), which palliative care teams use, to create a common language and help improve communication between geriatric and palliative care teams.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Settings

Two academic health centers: inpatient palliative care and chronic care units, an outpatient geriatric clinic, and inpatient referrals to a palliative care consultation service.

Participants

Older adults (≥65) aged 80.9 ± 8.0, with malignant (51%) and nonmalignant (49%) terminal diagnoses (N = 120).

Measurements

Each participant was assigned four scores: a CFS score each from a geriatric physician and nurse and a PPS score each from a palliative care physician and nurse. Interrater reliability of each measure was calculated using kappa coefficients. For each measure, the mean of physician and nurse scores was used to calculate every possible combination of CFS and PPS scores to determine the combination with maximum agreement.

Results

Interrater reliability of each measure was very high for the CFS (weighted κ = 0.92) and PPS (weighted κ = 0.80). The CFS–PPS score matching that achieved maximum agreement (weighted κ = 0.71) was used to create a conversion chart between the two measures.

Conclusion

This conversion chart is a reliable means of translating scores between the CFS and PPS and is useful for geriatric and palliative care teams collaborating in the care of elderly adults.
Evaluation of a Symptom‐Triggered Protocol Approach to the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Older Adults
Authors: Taheri Asal , Dahri Karen , Chan Peter , Shaw Maureen , Aulakh Amneet , Tashakkor Amir
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To evaluate whether implementation of symptom‐triggered administration of a benzodiazepine protocol reduces the severity (total cumulative dose), duration, and complications of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).

Design

Retrospective health record review.

Setting

Tertiary care center in Vancouver, Canada.

Participants

Individuals aged 70 and older admitted to the Acute Care for Elders and Acute Medicine Unit wards with diagnostic codes for AWS from 2008 to 2012.

Measurements

Median duration and cumulative dose of benzodiazepine treatment, number of severe AWS complications, severe benzodiazepine‐associated adverse effects, and need for adjunct therapy.

Results

Thirty‐three participants in the preprotocol group and 30 in the protocol‐implemented group met the inclusion criteria. Median duration of benzodiazepine treatment decreased from 96 hours (interquartile range (IQR) 72–120 hours) in the preprotocol period to 48 hours (IQR 0–108 hours; P = .04), and median cumulative benzodiazepine dose administered decreased from 9 mg (IQR 5–19.8 mg) to 3 mg (IQR 0–10 mg; P = .001). Statistically significantly lower incidence of severe AWS complications (P = .007) and adjunct therapy use (P = .02) was seen in the protocol‐implemented group.

Conclusion

A symptom‐triggered protocol for dosing of benzodiazepine therapy in the management of AWS in individuals aged 70 and older significantly reduced the total duration of benzodiazepine use, cumulative benzodiazepine dose, and use of adjunctive medications in the treatment of AWS.
Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale
Authors: Golbasi Zehra , Ucar Tuba , Tugut Nilufer
Published: June 2014

Aim

The objective of this study was to translate the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) into Turkish, to adapt it to Turkish cultural conditions, and to determine its validity and reliability.

Methods

This study was conducted in a state hospital in the Central Anatolia Region, Sivas, Turkey. A total of 190 pregnant women were included in the study. Data was collected by MAAS. The validity of language, content, and construct were examined to evaluate the validity of the MAAS. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency reliability.

Results

The consistency of specialist opinion on the scale, translated into Turkish and back‐translated, was determined (Kendall W = 0.11; P > 0.05). The factor loadings resulting from the factor analysis directed at the construct validity of the scale were in the 0.33–0.71 range, and the items were grouped under two factors. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient overall for the entire scale was 0.79; it was calculated as being 0.76 for the first sub‐dimension (11 items) and 0.65 for the second sub‐dimension (eight items).

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the MAAS is a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation of the maternal–fetal attachment level in the antenatal period
Randomized controlled trial on the relaxation effects of back massages for puerperants on the first post‐partum day
Authors: (Nakakita) Kenyon Michiko
Published: June 2014

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate relaxation effects of back massage for puerperants on the first post‐partum day using physiological and subjective indicators.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included both primiparous and multiparous groups, each of which was divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was given a back massage for 20 min, while the control group maintained a sitting position for 20 min. Physiological measurements included heart rate variability, parasympathetic nerve activity (high frequency, HF), sympathetic nerve activity (low frequency, LF/HF), and blood pressure. The subjective indicator was an assessment of the feeling of relaxation.

Results

The intervention group included 27 primiparous and 26 multiparous women, and the control group included 23 primiparous and 25 multiparous women. In both primiparous and multiparous women, there were significant differences in heart rate variability and sense of relaxation between the intervention and control groups, and a partial reduction of physical symptoms was found in the intervention groups. In the multiparous women, a significant difference in HF was also observed, and beneficial effects were found in the intervention group.

Conclusion

A back massage is considered to be one of the effective nursing care methods with which psychological relaxation can be given to puerperants in the early part of the puerperium. The multiparous group demonstrated the relaxation effects because a significant effect was observed in heart rate, HF, and diastolic blood pressure. However, no significant difference was seen in LF/HF; therefore, further investigation of this relaxation effect using physiological indicators is warranted.
Financial Protectionism? First Evidence
Authors: ROSE ANDREW K. , WIELADEK TOMASZ
Published: June 2014

We examine large public interventions in the financial sector, such as bank nationalizations and search for “financial protectionism,” a decrease in the quantity and/or an increase in the price of loans that banks from one country make to borrowers resident in another. We use a bank‐level panel data set spanning all U.K.‐resident banks between 1997Q3 and 2010Q1. After nationalization, foreign banks reduced their fraction of British loans by about 11% and increased their effective interest rates by about 70 basis points. In contrast, nationalized British banks did not significantly change either their loan mix or effective interest rates.
Rise of the Machines: Algorithmic Trading in the Foreign Exchange Market
Authors: CHABOUD ALAIN P. , CHIQUOINE BENJAMIN , HJALMARSSON ERIK , VEGA CLARA
Published: June 2014

We study the impact of algorithmic trading (AT) in the foreign exchange market using a long time series of high‐frequency data that identify computer‐generated trading activity. We find that AT causes an improvement in two measures of price efficiency: the frequency of triangular arbitrage opportunities and the autocorrelation of high‐frequency returns. We show that the reduction in arbitrage opportunities is associated primarily with computers taking liquidity. This result is consistent with the view that AT improves informational efficiency by speeding up price discovery, but that it may also impose higher adverse selection costs on slower traders. In contrast, the reduction in the autocorrelation of returns owes more to the algorithmic provision of liquidity. We also find evidence consistent with the strategies of algorithmic traders being highly correlated. This correlation, however, does not appear to cause a degradation in market quality, at least not on average.
The Quality of Written Instructions for Dental Prostheses in China
Authors: Sui Lei , Wu Xueying , Wu Shuhong , Gao Ping , Li Rui
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To investigate the quality of written instructions for dental prostheses in China, including metal‐ceramic fixed restorations and removable partial dentures (RPDs).

Materials and Methods

A total of 1600 prepiloted questionnaires were distributed to five major commercial dental laboratories in different regions in China. The opinions of dental technicians on the written instructions provided by dentists were investigated. In addition, this study also revealed the technicians’ responses to poorly written instructions.

Results

Seven percent of the written instructions clarified the disinfection status of the impressions or casts, while 32% of the instructions provided general patient information (e.g., gender and age). In cases of metal‐ceramic fixed restorations, percentages of written instructions specifying shade, ceramic veneering area, and margin design were 72%, 20%, and 9%, respectively. In fixed partial denture cases, 60% of written instructions provided the number of pontics, while 22% specified the pontic design. In the case of RPDs, 90% of instructions showed the type and position of clasps, 88% provided connector design, while 68% mentioned information regarding the artificial teeth. Dental technicians claimed that 78% of the written instructions involved were inadequately prescribed to some extent, but only about one‐third of them would contact dentists for clarification.

Conclusions

Written instructions are not well prescribed in many cases. This situation may jeopardize the quality of prosthodontic treatment. It is necessary to shape responsible policy and mandatory professional guidelines for prosthodontic treatment procedures including dental laboratory services.
The Importance of Perceived Care and Connectedness with Friends and Parents for Adolescent Social Anxiety
Authors: Van Zalk Nejra , Van Zalk Maarten
Published: June 2014

Nonclinical social anxiety in adolescence can be highly problematic, as it likely affects current and especially new social interactions. Relationships with significant others, such as close friends, mothers, and fathers, could aid socially anxious adolescents’ participation in social situations, thereby helping reduce feelings of social anxiety. We examined whether making friends as well as high friendship quality help reduce social anxiety over time, and whether friends’, mothers’, and fathers’ care interact in reducing social anxiety. Using longitudinal data from 2,194 participants in a social network (48% girls; Mage = 13.58) followed for 3 years, we estimated friendship selection and influence processes via a continuous time‐modeling approach using SIENA. We controlled for the effects of depressive symptoms, self‐esteem, gender, age, and family structure. Our findings suggest that perceived care by friends mediated the effect of making friends on social anxiety. Perceptions of mother and father, as well as friend care and connectedness, respectively, did not interact in decreasing social anxiety. Nonetheless, care and connectedness with mothers, fathers, and friends jointly predicted decreases in social anxiety. Caring relationships with friends and parents each play a role in mutually protecting early adolescents against increasing in social anxiety over time.
Reappraising Past and Future Transitional Events: The Effects of Mental Focus on Present Perceptions of Personal Impact and Self‐Relevance
Authors: Boucher Chantal M. , Scoboria Alan
Published: June 2014

This research examined how instructions to focus on the concrete details (experience focus) versus broader life significance (coherence focus) influence present perceptions of transitional impact and self‐relevance for past and future transitional events.

Participants (Study 1,N = 119; Study 2,N = 251) selected a past or future transition and wrote about it using either an experiential or coherence focus. Participants then rated the event on transitional impact, self‐relevance, and other phenomenological characteristics.

Individuals instructed to use a coherence focus on a past transition reported higher levels of material and psychological impact and rated the event as more self‐relevant, compared to those instructed to use an experiential focus. The manipulation did not influence ratings for future events. Controlling for temporal distance and emotional valence did not alter the findings. Future transitions were regarded as more personally important than past transitions.

Appraisals of the impact and self‐relevance of transformative past events (but not future events) are affected by the mental focus adopted at retrieval. The findings are considered in light of essential differences between remembering and forecasting and support the notion that a coherence focus promotes adaptive self‐reflection by affording people the cognitive means with which to reconcile transitional experiences.
Invasive group A streptococcal infection in the Northern Territory, Australia: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Middleton Bianca , Morris Peter , Carapetis Jonathan
Published: June 2014

The increasing incidence of invasive group A streptococcus has been well documented in the temperate climates of North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. Studies also suggest that there are high rates of invasive group A streptococcus infection within the indigenous population of Northern Australia. This review article presents the case of infant Aboriginal twins with invasive group A streptococcal infection complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, highlighting both the severity and high transmissibility of invasive group A streptococcal disease. We review the epidemiology of group A streptococcal infection and suggest a potential role for chemoprophylaxis of household contacts to reduce the burden of disease within the indigenous population of Northern Australia.
Effectiveness of nurse home visiting for families in rural South Australia
Authors: Sawyer Michael G , Pfeiffer Sara , Sawyer Alyssa , Bowering Kerrie , Jeffs Debra , Lynch John
Published: June 2014

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of a 2‐year post‐natal home‐visiting programme delivered by nurses to socially disadvantaged mothers in rural regions of South Australia.

Methods

The intervention group consisted of 225 mothers who lived in rural regions and enrolled in the programme between 2010 and 2012. The comparison group consisted of 239 mothers who lived in rural areas between 2008 and 2009 when the programme was not yet available. All participants were eligible for enrolment in the home‐visiting programme. Participants in both groups were assessed at baseline (mean child age = 15.2 weeks, SD = 2.4), prior to programme enrolment, and again when children were aged 9, 18 and 24 months. Outcomes were evaluated using the Parent Stress Index, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Child Behaviour Checklist, and MacArthur Communicative Developmental Inventory.

Results

During the follow‐up period, there was little difference in the pattern of scores across the two groups. Mixed models adjusting for baseline differences between the groups did not identify any significant Group × Time interactions. This suggests that the linear trajectories of scores on outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the home‐visiting programme did not have a measurable effect on maternal or child outcomes. However, the programme was relatively early in its rollout, and the greater challenges of recruitment, training and support, along with rural nurses’ broader responsibilities for delivering other maternal and child health services, may explain why effects seen in the metropolitan area were not evident in rural regions.
Ramularia coleosporii, a Hyperparasite on Coleosporium plumeriae in India
Authors: Baiswar Pankaj , Ngachan Shishomvanao , Chandra Satish
Published: June 2014

During a survey of fungal plant diseases, parasitized uredinial pustules of Coleosporium plumeriae were observed in Umiam, Meghalaya, India. Microscopic examination was conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy which revealed the occurrence of the hyperparasitic hyphomycete Ramularia coleosporii. Molecular characterization using the ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 region of nrDNA also confirmed our results. This is the first record of R. coleosporii on C. plumeriae from India.
Direct access to midlevel dental providers: an evidence synthesis
Authors: Brocklehurst Paul , Mertz Beth , Jerković‐Ćosić Katarina , Littlewood Anne , Tickle Martin
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Direct access is a term that describes the ability of patients to seek health care from midlevel dental providers (MLDPs) without first seeing a dentist. The objective of this study was to synthesize the evidence for the effects and costs of direct access to MLDPs in a primary dental care environment and assess the attitudes of various stakeholders to this method of care delivery.

Methods

The literature was examined for descriptive, observational, and experimental study designs to examine the evidence for direct access in dentistry. Electronic searches were undertaken of the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, bibliographic subscription databases, open access databases, and the gray literature.

Results

The search identified 371 records, although the extent of experimental evidence was limited. The majority of included studies were descriptive and recorded the subjective views of different stakeholders, following the introduction of the policy.

Conclusions

The limited extent of experimental evidence regarding direct access to MLDPs contrasts with their widespread use across Europe, the United States, and the southern hemisphere. Suggestions are made for a research program to improve the evidence base for direct access.
Da-Chaihu-Tang alters the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine in rats and a treatment regimen to avoid this
Authors: He Ju-Xiu , Ohno Kenji , Tang Jun , Hattori Masao , Tani Tadato , Akao Teruaki
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To investigate the influence of co-administrated Da-Chaihu-Tang (DCT; a traditional Chinese formulation) on the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine, as well as the safe optimal dosing interval to avoid the adverse interactions.

Methods

A single dose of DCT was administered with nifedipine simultaneously, 2 h before, 30 min before or 30 min after nifedipine administration. Pharmacokinetics of nifedipine with or without DCT were compared. The influences of DCT on nifedipine intestinal mucosal and hepatic metabolism were studied by using rat in-vitro everted jejunal sac model and hepatic microsomes.

Key findings

A simultaneous co-administration of DCT significantly increased the area under concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0-inf) of nifedipine. In-vitro mechanism investigations revealed that DCT inhibited both the intestinal and the hepatic metabolism of nifedipine. Further study on the optimal dosing interval for nifedipine and DCT revealed that administration of DCT 30 min before or after nifedipine did not significantly change the AUC of nifedipine.

Conclusions

The bioavailability of nifedipine is significantly increased by a simultaneous oral co-administration of DCT. This increase is caused by the inhibitory effect of DCT on both the intestinal mucosal and the hepatic metabolism of nifedipine. The dose interval between DCT and nifedipine needs to be set for over 30 min to avoid such drug–drug interactions.
In vitro and in vivo evaluations of the performance of an indirubin derivative, formulated in four different self-emulsifying drug delivery systems
Authors: Heshmati Nasim , Cheng Xinlai , Dapat Else , Sassene Philip , Eisenbrand Gerhard , Fricker Gert , Müllertz Anette
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Anticancer indirubins are poorly soluble in water. Here, digestion of four self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) containing E804 (indirubin-3′-oxime 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ether) was compared by dynamic lipolysis and bioavailability studies. Used lipids were either medium-chain or long-chain glycerides.

Methods

SEDDS E804 were developed. In-vitro lipolysis was carried out at pH 6.5 (37°C) by adding pancreatic lipase (800 U/ml) and controlling by CaCl2 and NaOH addition. E804 content was quantified in the aqueous micellar phase and precipitate using HPLC. Oral bioavailability was determined in rats. Plasma drug content was determined by liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry.

Key findings

All formulations reserved E804 in the aqueous micellar phase up to 60 min. Precipitation proceeded towards the end of lipolysis up to 45%. Lowest level of precipitation (21%) occurred with long-chain lipids (LC-SEDDS). However, lipolysis was not really discriminative between formulations as the drug mainly stayed in solution. Oral administration of formulations resulted in similar bioavailability of E804 with no significantly different area under the concentration curve. Only medium-chain self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems revealed shorter Tmax compared with the other formulations.

Conclusion

E804 had a similar performance in four lipid/surfactant systems. All formulations increased the bioavailability of E804 with no significant difference.
Different speciation for bromine in brown and red algae, revealed by in vivo X‐ray absorption spectroscopic studies
Authors: Küpper Frithjof C. , Leblanc Catherine , Meyer‐Klaucke Wolfram , Potin Philippe , Feiters Martin C.
Published: June 2014

Members of various algal lineages are known to be strong producers of atmospherically relevant halogen emissions, that is a consequence of their capability to store and metabolize halogens. This study uses a noninvasive, synchrotron‐based technique, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, for addressing in vivo bromine speciation in the brown algae Ectocarpus siliculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, and Fucus serratus, the red algae Gracilaria dura, G. gracilis, Chondrus crispus, Osmundea pinnatifida, Asparagopsis armata, Polysiphonia elongata, and Corallina officinalis, the diatom Thalassiosira rotula, the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum and a natural phytoplankton sample. The results highlight a diversity of fundamentally different bromine storage modes: while most of the stramenopile representatives and the dinoflagellate store mostly bromide, there is evidence for Br incorporated in nonaromatic hydrocarbons in Thalassiosira. Red algae operate various organic bromine stores – including a possible precursor (by the haloform reaction) for bromoform in Asparagopsis and aromatically bound Br in Polysiphonia and Corallina. Large fractions of the bromine in the red algae G. dura and C. crispus and the brown alga F. serratus are present as Br− defects in solid KCl, similar to what was reported earlier for Laminaria parts. These results are discussed according to different defensive strategies that are used within algal taxa to cope with biotic or abiotic stresses.
Residential Construction Activity inOECDEconomies
Authors: Arestis Philip , González‐Martínez Ana Rosa
Published: June 2014

Six years after the burst of the housing bubble in some of the main world economies, the recovery does not follow a homogeneous pattern among them. In this context, it is necessary to pay attention to the evolution of residential investment, which traditionally has played an important role in the revival of the economy after previous episodes of bubbles in the housing market. In the second stage of our study, we test our conceptual framework by means of a sample of 17OECDcountries which spans the period 1970 to 2013.
The rich and the sensitive: diverse fungal communities change functionally with the warming Arctic
Authors: Jumpponen Ari , Brown Shawn P.
Published: June 2014

Fungi are very abundant and functionally pivotal in Arctic terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, our understanding of their community composition, diversity and particularly their environmental drivers is superficial at the very best. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Timling et al. () describe perhaps one of the most comprehensive and geographically ambitious molecular studies on Arctic fungal communities to date. The results highlight the potential sensitivity of the fungal communities to plant communities, environmental conditions and therefore to environmental change. Thus, these studies lay a foundation to educated speculation on the fungal community migration northwards as a result of predicted climate change.
CarD integrates three functional modules to promote efficient transcription, antibiotic tolerance, and pathogenesis in mycobacteria
Authors: Garner Ashley L. , Weiss Leslie A. , Manzano Ana Ruiz , Galburt Eric A. , Stallings Christina L.
Published: June 2014

Although the basic mechanisms of prokaryotic transcription are conserved, it has become evident that some bacteria require additional factors to allow for efficient gene transcription. CarD is an RNA polymerase (RNAP)‐binding protein conserved in numerous bacterial species and essential in mycobacteria. Despite the importance of CarD, its function at transcription complexes remains unclear. We have generated a panel of mutations that individually target three independent functional modules of CarD: the RNAP interaction domain, the DNA‐binding domain, and a conserved tryptophan residue. We have dissected the roles of each functional module in CarD activity and built a model where each module contributes to stabilizing RNAP–promoter complexes. Our work highlights the requirement of all three modules of CarD in the obligate pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but not in Mycobacterium smegmatis. We also report divergent use of the CarD functional modules in resisting oxidative stress and pigmentation. These studies provide new information regarding the functional domains involved in transcriptional regulation by CarD while also improving understanding of the physiology of M. tuberculosis.
Evolution of hypervirulence by a MRSA clone through acquisition of a transposable element
Authors: Benson Meredith A. , Ohneck Elizabeth A. , Ryan Chanelle , Alonzo Francis , Smith Hannah , Narechania Apurva , Kolokotronis Sergios‐Orestis , Satola Sarah W. , Uhlemann Anne‐Catrin , Sebra Robert , Deikus Gintaras , Shopsin Bo , Planet Paul J. , Torres Victor J.
Published: June 2014

Staphylococcus aureus has evolved as a pathogen that causes a range of diseases in humans. There are two dominant modes of evolution thought to explain most of the virulence differences between strains. First, virulence genes may be acquired from other organisms. Second, mutations may cause changes in the regulation and expression of genes. Here we describe an evolutionary event in which transposition of an IS element has a direct impact on virulence gene regulation resulting in hypervirulence. Whole‐genome analysis of a methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain USA500 revealed acquisition of a transposable element (IS256) that is absent from close relatives of this strain. Of the multiple copies of IS256 found in the USA500 genome, one was inserted in the promoter sequence of repressor of toxins (Rot), a master transcriptional regulator responsible for the expression of virulence factors in S. aureus. We show that insertion into the rot promoter by IS256 results in the derepression of cytotoxin expression and increased virulence. Taken together, this work provides new insight into evolutionary strategies by which S. aureus is able to modify its virulence properties and demonstrates a novel mechanism by which horizontal gene transfer directly impacts virulence through altering toxin regulation.
Co‐ordinated functions ofMmsproteins define the surface structure of cubo‐octahedral magnetite crystals in magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Arakaki Atsushi , Yamagishi Ayana , Fukuyo Ayumi , Tanaka Masayoshi , Matsunaga Tadashi
Published: June 2014

Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize magnetosomes comprised of membrane‐enveloped single crystalline magnetite (Fe3O4). The size and morphology of the nano‐sized magnetite crystals (< 100 nm) are highly regulated and bacterial species dependent. However, the control mechanisms of magnetite crystal morphology remain largely unknown. The group of proteins, calledMms(Mms5,Mms6,Mms7, andMms13), was previously isolated from the surface of cubo‐octahedral magnetite crystals inMagnetospirillum magneticumstrainAMB‐1. Analysis of anmms6gene deletion mutant suggested that theMms6protein plays a major role in the regulation of magnetite crystal size and morphology. In this study, we constructed variousmmsgene deletion mutants and characterized the magnetite crystals formed by the mutant strains. Comparative analysis showed that allmmsgenes were involved in the promotion of crystal growth in different manners. The phenotypic characterization of magnetites also suggested that these proteins are involved in controlling the geometries of the crystal surface structures. Thus, the co‐ordinated functions ofMmsproteins regulate the morphology of the cubo‐octahedral magnetite crystals in magnetotactic bacteria.
The squeeze cell hypothesis for the activation of jasmonate synthesis in response to wounding
Authors: Farmer Edward E. , Gasperini Debora , Acosta Iván F.
Published: June 2014

Jasmonates are lipid mediators that control defence gene expression in response to wounding and other environmental stresses. These small molecules can accumulate at distances up to several cm from sites of damage and this is likely to involve cell‐to‐cell jasmonate transport. Also, and independently of jasmonate synthesis, transport and perception, different long‐distance wound signals that stimulate distal jasmonate synthesis are propagated at apparent speeds of several cm min–1 to tissues distal to wounds in a mechanism that involves clade 3 GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR‐LIKE (GLR) genes. A search for jasmonate synthesis enzymes that might decode these signals revealed LOX6, a lipoxygenase that is necessary for much of the rapid accumulation of jasmonic acid at sites distal to wounds. Intriguingly, the LOX6 promoter is expressed in a distinct niche of cells that are adjacent to mature xylem vessels, a location that would make these contact cells sensitive to the release of xylem water column tension upon wounding. We propose a model in which rapid axial changes in xylem hydrostatic pressure caused by wounding travel through the vasculature and lead to slower, radially dispersed pressure changes that act in a clade 3 GLR‐dependent mechanism to promote distal jasmonate synthesis.
Maintaining distances with the engineer: patterns of coexistence in plant communities beyond the patch‐bare dichotomy
Authors: Pescador David S. , Chacón‐Labella Julia , de la Cruz Marcelino , Escudero Adrian
Published: June 2014

Two‐phase plant communities with an engineer conforming conspicuous patches and affecting the performance and patterns of coexisting species are the norm under stressful conditions.

To unveil the mechanisms governing coexistence in these communities at multiple spatial scales, we have developed a new point‐raster approach of spatial pattern analysis, which was applied to a Mediterranean high mountain grassland to show how Festuca curvifolia patches affect the local distribution of coexisting species.

We recorded 22 111 individuals of 17 plant perennial species. Most coexisting species were negatively associated with F. curvifolia clumps. Nevertheless, bivariate nearest‐neighbor analyses revealed that the majority of coexisting species were confined at relatively short distances from F. curvifolia borders (between 0–2 cm and up to 8 cm in some cases).

Our study suggests the existence of a fine‐scale effect of F. curvifolia for most species promoting coexistence through a mechanism we call ‘facilitation in the halo’. Most coexisting species are displaced to an interphase area between patches, where two opposite forces reach equilibrium: attenuated severe conditions by proximity to the F. curvifolia canopy (nutrient‐rich islands) and competitive exclusion mitigated by avoiding direct contact with F. curvifolia.
Finding alternatives to antibiotics
Authors: Allen Heather K. , Trachsel Julian , Looft Torey , Casey Thomas A.
Published: June 2014

The spread of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens requires new treatments. As the rate of development of new antibiotics has severely declined, alternatives to antibiotics must be considered in both animal agriculture and human medicine. Products for disease prevention are different from those for disease treatment, and examples of both are discussed here. For example, modulating the gut microbial community, either through feed additives or fecal transplantation, could be a promising way to prevent certain diseases; for disease treatment, non‐antibiotic approaches include phage therapy, phage lysins, bacteriocins, and predatory bacteria. Interestingly, several of these methods augment antibiotic efficacy by improving bacterial killing and decreasing antibiotic resistance selection. Because bacteria can ultimately evolve resistance to almost any therapeutic agent, it is important to continue to use both antibiotics and their alternatives judiciously.
Immunology of Taenia solium taeniasis and human cysticercosis
Authors: Garcia H. H. , Rodriguez S. , Friedland J. S. ,   for The Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru
Published: June 2014

The life cycle of Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm, is continuously closed in many rural settings in developing countries when free roaming pigs ingest human stools containing T. solium eggs and develop cysticercosis, and humans ingest pork infected with cystic larvae and develop intestinal taeniasis, or may also accidentally acquire cysticercosis by faecal‐oral contamination. Cysticercosis of the human nervous system, neurocysticercosis, is a major cause of seizures and other neurological morbidity in most of the world. The dynamics of exposure, infection and disease as well as the location of parasites result in a complex interaction which involves immune evasion mechanisms and involutive or progressive disease along time. Moreover, existing data are limited by the relative lack of animal models. This manuscript revises the available information on the immunology of human taeniasis and cysticercosis.
Enhanced chloroplastic generation of H2O2 in stress‐resistant Thellungiella salsuginea in comparison to Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wiciarz Monika , Gubernator Beata , Kruk Jerzy , Niewiadomska Ewa
Published: June 2014

In order to find some basis of salinity resistance in the chloroplastic metabolism, a halophytic Thellungiella salsuginea was compared with glycophytic Arabidopsis thaliana. In control T.s. plants the increased ratios of chlorophyll a/b and of fluorescence emission at 77 K (F730/F685) were documented, in comparison to A.t.. This was accompanied by a higher YII and lower NPQ (non‐photochemical quenching) values, and by a more active PSI (photosystem I). Another prominent feature of the photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in T.s. was the intensive production of H2O2 from PQ (plastoquinone) pool. Salinity treatment (0.15 and 0.30 M NaCl for A.t. and T.s., respectively) led to a decrease in ratios of chl a/b and F730/F685. In A.t., a salinity‐driven enhancement of YII and NPQ was found, in association with the stimulation of H2O2 production from PQ pool. In contrast, in salinity‐treated T.s., these variables were similar as in controls. The intensive H2O2 generation was accompanied by a high activity of PTOX (plastid terminal oxidase), whilst inhibition of this enzyme led to an increased H2O2 formation. It is hypothesized, that the intensive H2O2 generation from PQ pool might be an important element of stress preparedness in Thellungiella plants. In control T.s. plants, a higher activation state of carboxylase ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) was also documented in concert with the attachment of Rubisco activase (RCA) to the thylakoid membranes. It is supposed, that a closer contact of RCA with PSI in T.s. enables a more efficient Rubisco activation than in A.t.
Medical Treatment for Pyometra in Dogs
Authors: Fieni F , Topie E , Gogny A
Published: June 2014

Contents

Pyometra is a reproductive disorder very common in bitches over 8 years of age in which physiological effects of progesterone on the uterus play a major role. The traditional therapy for pyometra is ovariohysterectomy. The main advantage of ovariohysterectomy over medical management is that it is both curative and preventive for recurrence of pyometra. However, surgery is associated with the risk of anaesthesia and renders the bitch sterile. During the last 10 years, numerous medical treatments have been proposed to treat both open and closed cervix pyometra. The most effective medical treatment with minor side effects seems to be the repeated administration of aglepristone with or without the additional treatment with low doses of prostaglandins.
Suppression of Fertility in Adult Dogs
Authors: Maenhoudt C , Santos NR , Fontbonne A
Published: June 2014

Contents

Unfortunately, the overpopulation of dogs is still a problem in the majority of countries and even though surgical methods of sterilization, the most traditional and commonly used technique, have been intensively performed, the impact on the dog population is negligible. The neutering of companion animals as ovariohysterectomy (spaying) or orchidectomy (castration) has its limitations because of the cost, the need of a surgical environment and the risk of surgical and/or anaesthetical complications (ACCD 2009). In fact, surgical castration has been banished in some northern European countries and has limited acceptance in other countries. In a survey performed in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 56.5% of the owners of adopted shelter dogs were against the surgical procedure for different reasons (Soto et al. 2005). Currently, the options for contraception, defined as suppression of fertility are based on hormonal treatment. The treatments can be divided into analogues of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), progestins and androgens. Other possibilities of contraception are via the immunological system with vaccinations against GnRH, the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and the zona pellucida proteins. Finally, there is also the intra‐epididymal or intratesticular injection of sclerosing substances in dogs. Mechanical devices to disrupt fertility are not used anymore due to the side effects. Suppression of fertility in adult dogs will be reviewed in order of use and possible impact on the dog population.
Suicide on Railroad Rights‐of‐Way: A Psychological Autopsy Study
Authors: Berman Alan L. , Sundararaman Ramya , Price Andrea , Au Josephine S.
Published: June 2014

Findings from 55 psychological autopsies of decedents who perished on U.S. railroad rights‐of‐way between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2010 are reported. Described are distal, proximal, and contextual factors of risk; understandings of why these suicides occurred on railroad rights‐of‐way; and opportunities for prevention of similar suicides. International comparisons of suicides on railroad rights‐of‐way are made to highlight distinct findings regarding U.S. cases. Decedents studied exhibited considerable predisposing risk for suicide, with a high prevalence of severe mental disorders and substance abuse. In addition, a number of acute risk factors were commonly observed, notably suicide ideation, hopelessness, anxiety, and anger. In the context of that acute risk, associated situational variables and a relative absence of protective factors are described.
Raising to object inwager/assure‐class verbs: a pf account of the defective paradigm
Authors: Ito Yuki
Published: June 2014

Wager‐class andassure‐class verbs exhibit a peculiarly defective paradigm where they allowECMif the element undergoingECMis an A′‐trace but not if the element is fully lexical. This article offers new data that reveal parallelism of these verbs with regularECMverbs. Specifically, it is shown (i) that inwager‐class verbs theECMsubject can remain in the embedded subject position and optionally raises to the Agreement projection of the embedding verb and (ii) that this raising to object is not possible withassure‐class verbs due to Minimality. Based on these observations, it is suggested that the defective paradigm exhibited bywager/assure‐class verbs stems from aPFconstraint rather than a syntactic Case‐theoretic mechanism.