bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of genomic recursions and algorithm for proven and young animals for single‐step genomic BLUP analyses – a simulation study
Authors: Fragomeni B.O. , Lourenco D.A.L. , Tsuruta S. , Masuda Y. , Aguilar I. , Misztal I.
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine accuracy of genomic selection via single‐step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) when the direct inverse of the genomic relationship matrix (G) is replaced by an approximation of G−1 based on recursions for young genotyped animals conditioned on a subset of proven animals, termed algorithm for proven and young animals (APY). With the efficient implementation, this algorithm has a cubic cost with proven animals and linear with young animals. Ten duplicate data sets mimicking a dairy cattle population were simulated. In a first scenario, genomic information for 20k genotyped bulls, divided in 7k proven and 13k young bulls, was generated for each replicate. In a second scenario, 5k genotyped cows with phenotypes were included in the analysis as young animals. Accuracies (average for the 10 replicates) in regular EBV were 0.72 and 0.34 for proven and young animals, respectively. When genomic information was included, they increased to 0.75 and 0.50. No differences between genomic EBV (GEBV) obtained with the regular G−1 and the approximated G−1 via the recursive method were observed. In the second scenario, accuracies in GEBV (0.76, 0.51 and 0.59 for proven bulls, young males and young females, respectively) were also higher than those in EBV (0.72, 0.35 and 0.49). Again, no differences between GEBV with regular G−1 and with recursions were observed. With the recursive algorithm, the number of iterations to achieve convergence was reduced from 227 to 206 in the first scenario and from 232 to 209 in the second scenario. Cows can be treated as young animals in APY without reducing the accuracy. The proposed algorithm can be implemented to reduce computing costs and to overcome current limitations on the number of genotyped animals in the ssGBLUP method.
Does mothers’ postnatal depression influence the development of imitation?
Authors: Perra Oliver , Phillips Rebecca , Fyfield Rhiannon , Waters Cerith , Hay Dale F.
Published: April 2015

Background

Links between mothers’ postnatal depression (PND) and children's cognition have been identified in several samples, but the evidence is inconsistent. We hypothesized that PND may specifically interfere with infants’ imitation, an early learning ability that features in early mother–infant interaction and is linked to memory, causal understanding and joint attention.

Methods

A randomly controlled experiment on imitation was embedded into a longitudinal study of a representative sample of firstborn British infants, whose mothers were assessed for depression using the SCAN interview during pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum. At a mean of 12.8 months, 253 infants were presented with two imitation tasks that varied in difficulty, in counterbalanced order.

Results

The infants of mothers who experienced PND were significantly less likely than other infants in the sample to imitate the modelled actions, showing a 72% reduction in the likelihood of imitation. The association with PND was not explained by sociodemographic adversity, or a history of depression during pregnancy or prior to conception. Mothers’ references to infants’ internal states during mother–infant interaction at 6 months facilitated imitation at 12 months, but did not explain the link with PND.

Conclusions

The findings support the hypothesis that associations between PND and later cognitive outcomes may partly derive from effects of the mother's illness on infants’ early learning abilities. Support for infants’ learning should be considered as an age‐appropriate, child‐focused component of interventions designed to ameliorate the effects of PND.
The dermatology life quality index as a means to assess life quality in patients with different scar types
Authors: Reinholz M. , Poetschke J. , Schwaiger H. , Epple A. , Ruzicka T. , Gauglitz G. G.
Published: April 2015

Background

Measuring quality of life through questionnaires is a common method to evaluate the impact of different afflictions on the patient's well‐being, especially in the field of dermatology where appearance changing afflictions are common.

Objectives

A variety of questionnaires has been used to distinguish different skin conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and scars. Using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), we investigated different scar types regarding their impact on quality of life.

Methods

We assessed the quality of life in 130 patients presenting to our outpatient scar clinic for the first time using the DLQI. Scars were analysed according to their clinical appearance (physiological scars, keloids, hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars, self‐harm scars). Physiological scars were established as a baseline for further comparison between groups.

Results

Patients in the physiological scar group scored a mean DLQI score of 2.07 ± 3.56, patients in the keloid‐, hypertrophic scar‐, atrophic scar‐ and self‐harm scar group scored values of 6.06 ± 4.00, 2.53 ± 2.48, 7.26 ± 6.72 and 12.00 ± 3.85 respectively. When compared to the baseline group the difference in the overall score for keloids was +3.99 (P < 0.001), hypertrophic scars scored +0.45 (ns), atrophic scars +5.19 (P < 0.01) and self‐harm scars +9.93 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Using the DLQI, we could demonstrate that different subsets of pathological scars do affect patients in a different magnitude. The DLQI provides a promising adjunct for quantifying the quality of life in patients suffering from keloids, atrophic‐ and self‐harm scars and may constitute an interesting additional tool for monitoring the progress of scar treatments.
Boiling Point, Specific Heat and Density Measurements and Modeling of Soybean Molasses and Its Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Guedes Amanda R. , Corazza Marcos L. , Zanoelo Everton F.
Published: April 2015

This work reports a new set of experimental data of boiling point elevation (BPE), specific heat and density for soybean molasses and its aqueous solutions at different total solids concentration and temperatures. BPEs up to 8.2C were measured with an ebulliometer at pressure range of 7.6–86.9 kPa and mass fraction of total solids up to 0.6. The method of mixtures in a quasi‐adiabatic calorimeter was used to determine specific heats from 3,394 to 3,948 J/kg/C as a function of mass fraction of total solids between 0.1 and 0.4. Densities of the same product measured by applying the oscillating U‐tube method were close to 995–1,104 kg/m3 at 40–60C in the mass fraction range of total solids from 0.05 to 0.4. Different reliable empirical models (Capriste–Lozano, based on Dühring's and mixing rules) were suggested to estimate the examined properties in a temperature and a solid mass fraction range wider than those experimentally investigated. Transient data of mass fraction of total solids were also obtained in a single‐effect evaporator at two different pressure (32.5 and 85.2 kPa). In order to highlight the importance of the measured thermophysical properties, a valid model based on conservative equations of mass and energy was used to simulate the process of concentration of aqueous solution of soy molasses.

Practical Applications

Soybean molasses is a carbohydrate‐rich by‐product from soybean meal processing for production of protein concentrate. This product is normally concentrated by evaporation and further used as raw material for animal feed, industrial boiler fuel, production of isoflavones and as a substrate in fermentation processes, especially for the production of alcohols. Despite the large volume generation of this agro‐industrial residue and its growing commercial applications, its thermophysical properties, such as boiling point, specific heat and density, are not available in the literature. These properties are fundamental to design, simulate and optimize process operations involving such a by‐product. In this context, this study aims to cover this lack, providing the experimental determination and modeling of the properties mentioned earlier.
Daily lives of pre‐adolescents/adolescents and their parents after liver transplant
Authors: Fujita Ayaka
Published: April 2015

Aim

This mixed methods study describes the post‐transplantation daily life of pre‐adolescents and adolescents who had undergone living donor liver transplantation and their parents.

Methods

Nine parent–child dyads were enrolled and all children were living donor liver transplant recipients. Three participants were pre‐adolescents and the six were adolescents. Five of the parents surveyed in this study had been the donors. Members of the parent–child dyads completed the questionnaires and participated in semistructured interviews. An inductive qualitative analysis of the interview data was conducted.

Results

The post‐transplantation daily life of the parent–child dyads had four distinct patterns: (i) pre‐adolescents who had undergone transplantation during infancy, who had no understanding of the transplant procedure, and whose care was managed by their parent(s) without any problems; (ii) adolescents who were aware that their physical condition had improved after the transplant and who managed and dealt with the situation on their own; (iii) adolescents who were dissatisfied with the transplantation and associated immunosuppression because transplant procedures were perceived as negative or because they could not remember the transplant procedure; and (iv) one participant could not be categorized because their liver function deteriorated post‐transplantation and they were registered for re‐transplantation. Patterns were identified that characterized the post‐transplantation daily life of pre‐adolescents/adolescents who underwent liver transplantation, and that of their parents. Further research for post‐transplantation parent–child dyads is warranted.
Anatomical location of LPA1 activation and LPA phospholipid precursors in rodent and human brain
Authors: González de San Román Estibaliz , Manuel Iván , Giralt María Teresa , Chun Jerold , Estivill‐Torrús Guillermo , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Santín Luis Javier , Ferrer Isidro , Rodríguez‐Puertas Rafael
Published: April 2015

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a signaling molecule that binds to six known G protein‐coupled receptors: LPA1–LPA6. LPA evokes several responses in the CNS, including cortical development and folding, growth of the axonal cone and its retraction process. Those cell processes involve survival, migration, adhesion proliferation, differentiation, and myelination. The anatomical localization of LPA1 is incompletely understood, particularly with regard to LPA binding. Therefore, we have used functional [35S]GTPγS autoradiography to verify the anatomical distribution of LPA1 binding sites in adult rodent and human brain. The greatest activity was observed in myelinated areas of the white matter such as corpus callosum, internal capsule and cerebellum. MaLPA1‐null mice (a variant of LPA1‐null) lack [35S]GTPγS basal binding in white matter areas, where the LPA1 receptor is expressed at high levels, suggesting a relevant role of the activity of this receptor in the most myelinated brain areas. In addition, phospholipid precursors of LPA were localized by MALDI‐IMS in both rodent and human brain slices identifying numerous species of phosphatides and phosphatidylcholines. Both phosphatides and phosphatidylcholines species represent potential LPA precursors. The anatomical distribution of these precursors in rodent and human brain may indicate a metabolic relationship between LPA and LPA1 receptors.

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Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a signaling molecule that binds to six known G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR), LPA1 to LPA6. LPA evokes several responses in the central nervous system (CNS), including cortical development and folding, growth of the axonal cone and its retraction process. We used functional [35S]GTPγS autoradiography to verify the anatomical distribution of LPA1‐binding sites in adult rodent and human brain. The distribution of LPA1 receptors in rat, mouse and human brains show the highest activity in white matter myelinated areas. The basal and LPA‐evoked activities are abolished in MaLPA1‐null mice. The phospholipid precursors of LPA are localized by MALDI‐IMS. The anatomical distribution of LPA precursors in rodent and human brain suggests a relationship with functional LPA1 receptors.
Postnatal ethanol exposure alters levels of 2‐arachidonylglycerol‐metabolizing enzymes and pharmacological inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase does not cause neurodegeneration in neonatal mice
Authors: Subbanna Shivakumar , Psychoyos Delphine , Xie Shan , Basavarajappa Balapal S.
Published: April 2015

The consumption of ethanol by pregnant women may cause neurological abnormalities, affecting learning and memory processes in children, and are collectively described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes are still poorly understood. In our previous studies, we found that ethanol treatment of postnatal day 7 (P7) mice significantly enhances the anandamide levels but not the 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG) levels and induces widespread neurodegeneration, but the reason for the lack of significant effects of ethanol on the 2‐AG level is unknown. In this study, we examined developmental changes in diacylglycerol lipase‐α, β (DAGL‐α and β) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). We found that the levels of these proteins were significantly higher in adult brains compared to those detected early in brain development. Next, we examined the influence of P7 ethanol treatment on these enzymes, finding that it differentially altered the DAGL‐α protein and mRNA levels but consistently enhanced those of the DAGL‐β. Interestingly, the ethanol treatment enhanced MAGL protein and mRNA levels. Inhibition of MAGL with KML29 failed to induce neurodegeneration in P7 mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that ethanol significantly activates DAGL‐β and MAGL in the neonatal brain, resulting in no net change in 2‐AG levels.

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The consumption of ethanol by pregnant women may cause neurological abnormalities, affecting learning and memory processes in children, and are collectively described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). In our study, ethanol treatment of postnatal day 7 (P7) mice significantly enhanced the levels of the developmentally relevant endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) but not 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG), and induced widespread neurodegeneration, yet the reason for the lack of effects of ethanol on the 2‐AG level is unknown. Here, the ethanol treatment of P7 mice causes the specific up‐regulation of AEA‐CB1R signaling over the 2‐AG‐CB1R pathway by the specific reorganization of the enzymes that synthesize (DAGL‐α/β) and degrade (MAGL) 2‐AG. This study demonstrates the neuro‐regulatory role of 2‐AG metabolizing enzymes in ethanol‐induced neurodegeneration in neonatal mice.
Genetic determinants of chronic oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a genome‐wide study replication and meta‐analysis
Authors: Terrazzino Salvatore , Argyriou Andreas A. , Cargnin Sarah , Antonacopoulou Anna G. , Briani Chiara , Bruna Jordi , Velasco Roser , Alberti Paola , Campagnolo Marta , Lonardi Sara , Cortinovis Diego , Cazzaniga Marina , Santos Cristina , Kalofonos Haralabos P. , Canonico Pier Luigi , Genazzani Armando A. , Cavaletti Guido
Published: April 2015

We aimed at validating the role of genetic variants identified by a recent genome‐wide association study (GWAS) as determinants of chronic oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OXAIPN). Eight polymorphisms (rs10486003, rs2338, rs843748, rs797519, rs4936453, rs12023000, rs17140129, and rs6924717) were genotyped in a total of 150 colorectal cancer patients of Caucasian origin receiving oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy. The severity grade of chronic OXAIPN was assessed by NCI‐CTC criteria and the clinical version of the Total Neuropathy Score© (TNSc©). None of the polymorphisms investigated was found associated with grade ≥ 2 chronic OXAIPN (NCI‐CTC criteria), while a nominal association emerged for ACYP2 rs843748 when using the TNSc© scale (dominant model: odds ratio [OR]: 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.75, P = 0.008). In the combined analysis of this results with data of the two previously published studies which assessed chronic OXAIPN by NCI‐CTC criteria, evidence suggestive of association with chronic OXAIPN (NCI‐CTC criteria) was found for ACYP2 rs843748 (dominant model: OR: 2.40, 95%CI: 1.40–5.24, P = 0.027), which, however, did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing (threshold P‐value <0.00625). These findings suggest a minor role of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) investigated as genetic determinants of chronic OXAIPN. These results also highlight the importance of replication studies with meta‐analysis for validation of GWAS findings.
Payday Loan and Pawnshop Usage: The Impact of Allowing Payday Loan Rollovers
Authors: CARTER SUSAN PAYNE
Published: April 2015

Millions of US households rely on payday loans and pawnshops for short‐term credit. Payday loan interest rates are as high as 25% per 2‐ to 4‐week loans and individuals use a post‐dated check to secure the loan. Pawnshop usage is available for anyone with collateral. This article examines whether individuals using payday loans in states where rollovers are allowed are more likely to also use pawnshops together with payday loans. I find that this is true for individuals who make less than $30,000, but it does not hold for those with higher levels of income. There may be some complementary relationships between payday loan rollovers and pawnshops for these lower‐income individuals. These results are important when considering whether to allow payday loan rollovers.
TRIP: a pathological score for transarterial chemoembolization resistance individualized prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sciarra Amedeo , Ronot Maxime , Di Tommaso Luca , Raschioni Carlotta , Castera Laurent , Belghiti Jacques , Bedossa Pierre , Vilgrain Valérie , Roncalli Massimo , Paradis Valérie
Published: April 2015

Background & Aims

Although potentially very useful in optimizing patient selection and follow‐up, the individual response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally unpredictable. The aim of this study was to identify tissue predictors of tumour resistance to TACE for use in clinical practice on pretreatment biopsies.

Methods

We investigated the association of residual tumour in post‐TACE‐resected HCC with pathological and immunophenotypical features, mainly related to hypoxia and angiogenesis. Comparison of tumour phenotype between post‐TACE HCC and both paired pre‐TACE biopsies and control TACE‐untreated HCC was performed. Cases showing >50% residual tumour (RT) were defined as TACE‐resistant.

Results

A consecutive series of 108 HCC from 41 patients was studied. Overall, 45/108 (44%) HCC were classified as TACE‐resistant. Among these, 32 (71%) and 40 (89%) showed diffuse CD34 vascular staining and negative VEGF staining respectively (p<0.05). The association of these two parameters in a weighted score (TRIP) was able to predict TACE resistance with 81% accuracy, 89% sensitivity and 59% specificity. The effectiveness of TRIP was validated in an independent series of 28 HCC biopsies from patients subsequently treated with TACE and for whom radiological follow‐up was available.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential value of pretreatment tumour biopsy as predictors of TACE resistance in HCC.
Beyond Comorbidity: A Critical Perspective of Syndemic Depression and Diabetes in Cross‐cultural Contexts
Authors: Mendenhall Emily
Published: April 2015

This article examines the comorbidity concept in medical anthropology. I argue that the dearth of articles on comorbidity in medical anthropology may result from the rise of syndemic theory. Syndemics recognize how social realities shape individual illness experiences as well as distribution of diseases across populations. I discuss synergistic interactions foundational to the syndemics construct through my research of depression and diabetes comorbidity in vulnerable populations from urban United States, India, and South Africa. I argue that social and economic factors that cluster with depression and diabetes alone and together exemplify the biosocial processes that are at the heart of syndemics. In doing so, I illustrate how social, cultural, and economic factors shape individual‐level experiences of co‐occurring diseases despite similar population‐level trends. Finally, I discuss the relevance of syndemics for the fields of medicine and public health while cautioning what must not be lost in translation across disciplines.
Are Physicians Safely Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Noncancer Pain? A Systematic Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Tournebize Juliana , Gibaja Valérie , Muszczak Amandine , Kahn Jean‐Pierre
Published: April 2015

Background

With rising prescription of opioid medications for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) in the past years, opioid abuse and overdose deaths have increased in parallel. To ensure adequate treatment outcomes and reduce the risks linked with the chronic use of opioids, practitioner's adherence to treatment guidelines is essential. This study summarizes published recommendations about the strategies to reduce the risks associated with the chronic use of opioids and evaluates the adherence of physicians to these recommendations.

Method

A systematic literature search was undertaken in May 2014 using major databases. Studies were included if they examined the adherence of practitioners with at least one form of opioid risk reduction strategy. Benchmark guidelines cited in these studies were also reviewed.

Results

The search yielded 683 records, 14 of which were found to evaluate adherence of physicians to opioid risk reduction strategies. Nine benchmark guidelines were found. Almost all physicians consider opioid therapy only when other safer approaches have failed and do not prescribe opioids at doses greater than 200 mg/day of morphine equivalent. Unfortunately, less than 50% assess pain intensity using a pain scale; they often consider transdermal fentanyl safe for opioid‐naïve patients and fail to discontinue opioids if they were ineffective in relieving patients’ pain.

Conclusions

Substantial practice and knowledge gaps were identified, including the use of pain scales and prescription of transdermal fentanyl in opioid‐naïve patients, which have important implications for patient's safety. Guidelines more practical to physicians’ settings and further education of physicians are warranted.
Safety and Efficacy Study of the Cyclooxygenase‐2 Inhibitor Parecoxib Sodium Applied for Postoperative Analgesia After Endo‐Nasal Operation
Authors: Chen Hong , Luo Ailin
Published: April 2015

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor parecoxib sodium after endo‐nasal operation.

Methods

Patients aged 18 to 55 years with body mass index (BMI) ≤25 and ASAI~II who were undergoing endo‐nasal operation were randomly allocated to receive either IV parecoxib sodium 40 mg or IV placebo (saline) 2 mL 15 minutes before induction of anesthesia. The magnitude of pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and recorded on awakening, then at interval of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after operation. Safety evaluation including nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, drowsiness, urinary retention, respiratory depression, surgical site bleeding, and so on was assessed. The patients’ satisfaction of the postoperative analgesia was recorded and compared between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study, including 31 in parecoxib group and 33 in placebo group. The VAS scores at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 hours after operation were significantly lower in parecoxib group than in placebo group (P < 0.05). The P values were 0.002, <0.001, 0.001 at 2, 4, 6 hours after operation, respectively. The percentage of the patients who considered the postoperative analgesia “good” or “excellent” was 45.2% in parecoxib group and 9.1% in placebo group. There were no serious side effects in both groups.

Conclusions

Parecoxib sodium was effective and safe when used for postoperative analgesia in endo‐nasal operation.
The rat ErbB2 tyrosine kinase receptor produced in plants is immunogenic in mice and confers protective immunity against ErbB2+ mammary cancer
Authors: Matić Slavica , Quaglino Elena , Arata Lucia , Riccardo Federica , Pegoraro Mattia , Vallino Marta , Cavallo Federica , Noris Emanuela
Published: April 2015

The rat ErbB2 (rErbB2) protein is a 185‐kDa glycoprotein belonging to the epidermal growth factor‐related proteins (ErbB) of receptor tyrosine kinases. Overexpression and mutations of ErbB proteins lead to several malignancies including breast, lung, pancreatic, bladder and ovary carcinomas. ErbB2 is immunogenic and is an ideal candidate for cancer immunotherapy. We investigated the possibility of expressing the extracellular (EC) domain of rErbB2 (653 amino acids, aa) in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, testing the influence of the 23 aa transmembrane (TM) sequence on protein accumulation. Synthetic variants of the rErbB2 gene portion encoding the EC domain, optimized with a human codon usage and either linked to the full TM domain (rErbB2_TM, 676 aa), to a portion of it (rErbB2‐pTM, 662 aa), or deprived of it (rErbB2_noTM, 653 aa) were cloned in the pEAQ‐HT expression vector as 6X His tag fusions. All rErbB2 variants (72–74.5 kDa) were transiently expressed, but the TM was detrimental for rErbB2 EC accumulation. rERbB2_noTM was the most expressed protein; it was solubilized and purified with Nickel affinity resin. When crude soluble extracts expressing rErbB2_noTM were administered to BALB/c mice, specific rErbB2 immune responses were triggered. A potent antitumour activity was induced when vaccinated mice were challenged with syngeneic transplantable ErbB2+ mammary carcinoma cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report of expression of rErbB2 in plants and of its efficacy in inducing a protective antitumour immune response, opening interesting perspectives for further immunological testing.
Green leaf volatiles: biosynthesis, biological functions and their applications in biotechnology
Authors: ul Hassan Muhammad Naeem , Zainal Zamri , Ismail Ismanizan
Published: April 2015

Plants have evolved numerous constitutive and inducible defence mechanisms to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. These stresses induce the expression of various genes to activate defence‐related pathways that result in the release of defence chemicals. One of these defence mechanisms is the oxylipin pathway, which produces jasmonates, divinylethers and green leaf volatiles (GLVs) through the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).GLVs have recently emerged as key players in plant defence, plant–plant interactions and plant–insect interactions. SomeGLVs inhibit the growth and propagation of plant pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. In certain cases,GLVs released from plants under herbivore attack can serve as aerial messengers to neighbouring plants and to attract parasitic or parasitoid enemies of the herbivores. The plants that perceive these volatile signals are primed and can then adapt in preparation for the upcoming challenges. Due to their ‘green note’ odour,GLVs impart aromas and flavours to many natural foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and therefore, they can be exploited in industrial biotechnology. The aim of this study was to review the progress and recent developments in research on the oxylipin pathway, with a specific focus on the biosynthesis and biological functions ofGLVs and their applications in industrial biotechnology.
Patients’ decision‐making experiences in the acute healthcare setting – a case study
Authors: Kalaitzidis Evdokia
Published: April 2015

Background

The transition from being an ordinary citizen to a hospitalised patient can be a daunting experience particularly for the uninitiated and inexperienced. Patients are likely to have questions such as ‘where do I go?’, ‘what should I do?’, ‘when?’ and ‘who should I ask?’ The process for making practical moment‐to‐moment decisions is often complex and fraught with difficulties. Identifying critical points in the hospitalisation experience may provide insights into the quality of hospital management systems and professional practices from a patient perspective.

Objective

This study aimed to identify institutional practices and structures in the context of acute healthcare settings which impact on patient moment‐to‐moment decision‐making experiences.

Method

A case study approach was used as the exploratory methodology, and interviews were conducted with three former adult inpatients. In order to gain an understanding of each participant's experiences, data collecting strategies used in this research were a semistructured interview and document analysis of information documents, such as hospital supplied pamphlets, provided to the researcher by the participants.

Results

The study identified five major themes. Identified as being critical to the participants were information sharing by healthcare professionals, professional advice and professional role identification. Less so were environment and everyday life. Associated with these themes were the participant's common experience of being confined in unfamiliar surroundings, adjusting to institutional routines and of being heavily dependent on others.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that patient moment‐to‐moment decision‐making may be informed and enhanced in several areas: relevant and timely information sharing, varying the dress code between the different professions, reducing conflicting professional advice, clear signage around the hospital, and flexible visiting hours, telephones and clocks in patient rooms.
On an Irrelevant Regress
Authors: Avnur Yuval
Published: April 2015

In a recent article, Wilson argues that Cartesian Scepticism leads to a vicious regress that can only be stopped by rejecting Cartesian Scepticism. If she is right, Wilson has solved one of philosophy's enduring problems. However, her regress is irrelevant to Cartesian Scepticism. This is evident once the proposition that we should have doubts, the person who has doubts, and the person who thinks that we should have doubts are carefully distinguished.
The role of counselling in the management of patients with infertility
Authors: Joy Jolly , McCrystal Patricia
Published: April 2015

Key content

Infertility is a complex state. In addition to the medical causes and implications of involuntary childlessness, there is interplay between several psychosocial and emotional factors.

Along with advances in infertility treatment options, clinicians should also focus on patients’ changing psychosocial needs.

The counselling service plays a major complementary role in providing holistic patient‐centred care by multidisciplinary staff in fertility clinics.

This article provides a general introduction to the role of counselling in the UK, within the context of fertility treatment. Counselling aims to explore, understand, resolve and more effectively deal with the issues arising from infertility and related treatments.

Learning objectives

Role of the independent infertility counselling practitioner and the counselling service.

Counselling in relation to specific aspects of infertility/assisted reproductive technology.

Eligibility criteria for individuals carrying out infertility counselling.

The role of guidelines in addressing and promoting the use of specialist fertility counselling skills.

Ethical issues

Ensuring all legal implications for the patient, the practitioner and the fertility clinic are addressed.

Ensuring specialist, professional competence regarding the training and practice of the infertility counselling practitioner.

Development of counselling guidelines by professional bodies.
Karyotype evolution in apomictic Boechera and the origin of the aberrant chromosomes
Authors: Mandáková Terezie , Schranz M. Eric , Sharbel Timothy F. , de Jong Hans , Lysak Martin A.
Published: April 2015

Chromosome rearrangements may result in both decrease and increase of chromosome numbers. Here we have used comparative chromosome painting (CCP) to reconstruct the pathways of descending and ascending dysploidy in the genus Boechera (tribe Boechereae, Brassicaceae). We describe the origin and structure of three Boechera genomes and establish the origin of the previously described aberrant Het and Del chromosomes found in Boechera apomicts with euploid (2n = 14) and aneuploid (2n = 15) chromosome number. CCP analysis allowed us to reconstruct the origin of seven chromosomes in sexual B. stricta and apomictic B. divaricarpa from the ancestral karyotype (n = 8) of Brassicaceae lineage I. Whereas three chromosomes (BS4, BS6, and BS7) retained their ancestral structure, five chromosomes were reshuffled by reciprocal translocations to form chromosomes BS1‐BS3 and BS5. The reduction of the chromosome number (from x = 8 to x = 7) was accomplished through the inactivation of a paleocentromere on chromosome BS5. In apomictic 2n = 14 plants, CCP identifies the largely heterochromatic chromosome (Het) being one of the BS1 homologues with the expansion of pericentromeric heterochromatin. In apomictic B. polyantha (2n = 15), the Het has undergone a centric fission resulting in two smaller chromosomes – the submetacentric Het′ and telocentric Del. Here we show that new chromosomes can be formed by a centric fission and can be fixed in populations due to the apomictic mode of reproduction.
Hedgehog signaling is activated in canine transitional cell carcinoma and contributes to cell proliferation and survival
Authors: Gustafson T. L. , Kitchell B. E. , Biller B.
Published: April 2015

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most commonly diagnosed tumor of the canine urinary system. Hedgehog (HH) signaling represents one possible novel therapeutic target, based on its recently identified central role in human urothelial carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine if HH mediators are expressed in canine TCC and the effect of inhibition of this pathway on cell growth and survival. HH pathway mediators were found to be expressed in five canine TCC cell lines. Indian HH was expressed in tumor cells in five canine bladder tumor tissues, but not in normal canine bladder tissue. Inhibition of HH signaling with cyclopamine and GANT61 led to significantly decreased cell proliferation but had a smaller effect on apoptosis. These results support future investigation of inhibitors of HH signaling in the treatment of canine TCC.
Oxygen demand of perfused heart preparations: how electromechanical function and inadequate oxygenation affect physiology and optical measurements
Authors: Kuzmiak‐Glancy Sarah , Jaimes Rafael , Wengrowski Anastasia M. , Kay Matthew W.
Published: April 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review discusses how the function and electrophysiology of isolated perfused hearts are affected by oxygenation and energy utilization. The impact of oxygenation on fluorescence measurements in perfused hearts is also discussed.

What advances does it highlight?

Recent studies have illuminated the inherent differences in electromechanical function, energy utilization rate and oxygen requirements between the primary types of excised heart preparations. A summary and analysis of how these variables affect experimental results are necessary to elevate the physiological relevance of these approaches in order to advance the field of whole‐heart research.

The ex vivo perfused heart recreates important aspects of in vivo conditions to provide insight into whole‐organ function. In this review we discuss multiple types of ex vivo heart preparations, explain how closely each mimic in vivo function, and discuss how changes in electromechanical function and inadequate oxygenation of ex vivo perfused hearts may affect measurements of physiology. Hearts that perform physiological work have high oxygen demand and are likely to experience hypoxia when perfused with a crystalloid perfusate. Adequate myocardial oxygenation is critically important for obtaining physiologically relevant measurements, so when designing experiments the type of ex vivo preparation and the capacity of perfusate to deliver oxygen must be carefully considered. When workload is low, such as during interventions that inhibit contraction, oxygen demand is also low, which could dramatically alter a physiological response to experimental variables. Changes in oxygenation also alter the optical properties of cardiac tissue, an effect that may influence optical signals measured from both endogenous and exogenous fluorophores. Careful consideration of oxygen supply, working condition, and wavelengths used to acquire optical signals is critical for obtaining physiologically relevant measurements during ex vivo perfused heart studies.
Rethinking the Niche of Upper-Atmosphere Bacteria: Draft Genome Sequences of Bacillus aryabhattai C765 and Bacillus aerophilus C772, Isolated from Rice Fields
Authors: Ramos-Silva Paula , Brito Patrícia H. , Serrano Mónica , Henriques Adriano O. , Pereira-Leal José B.
Published: April 2015

Here, we report two genome sequences of endospore-forming bacteria isolated from the rice fields of Comporta, Portugal, identified as
Bacillus aryabhattai
C765 and
Bacillus aerophilus
C772. Both species were previously identified in air samples from the upper atmosphere, but our findings suggest their presence in a wider range of environmental niches.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Myophage Mushroom
Authors: Tolen Tamra N. , Xie Yicheng , Hernandez Adriana C. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: April 2015

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium (
S
. Typhimurium) is a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Over the past two decades, strains resistant to antibiotics have begun to emerge, highlighting the need for alternative treatment strategies such as bacteriophage therapy. Here, we present the complete genome of Mushroom, an
S
. Typhimurium myophage.
Genome Sequence of a Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci Strain, yuexi-1, Causing Wildfire Disease in Tobacco
Authors: Wang Tielin , Yang Yuwen , Zhao Tingchang
Published: April 2015

We determined the draft genome sequence of the
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. tabaci strain yuexi-1. It was isolated from tobacco sample of yuexi-1, Sichuan province, China, by our laboratory. The genome contains 6,232,497 bp and has a G+C content of 58.2 mol%.
Genome Sequence of EU-Unauthorized Genetically Modified Bacillus subtilis Strain 2014-3557 Overproducing Riboflavin, Isolated from a Vitamin B2 80% Feed Additive
Authors: Barbau-Piednoir Elodie , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Wuyts Véronique , Gau Céline , Pirovano Walter , Costessi Adalberto , Philipp Patrick , Roosens Nancy H.
Published: April 2015

This paper announces the genome sequence and annotation of the genetically modified (GM)
Bacillus subtilis
strain 2014-3557 overproducing riboflavin (vitamin B2). This GM-strain is unauthorized in the European Union. Nevertheless, it has been isolated from a lot of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 80% feed grade imported to Europe from China.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Bacterium within the Family
Rhodocyclaceae
That Degrades Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Singleton David R. , Dickey Allison N. , Scholl Elizabeth H. , Wright Fred A. , Aitken Michael D.
Published: April 2015

A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium designated strain Ca6, a member of the family
Rhodocyclaceae
and a representative of the uncharacterized pyrene group 1 (PG1), was isolated and its genome sequenced. The presence of several genes suspected to be associated with PG1 was confirmed, and additional genes for aromatic compound metabolism were detected.
Draft Genome Sequence of Shewanella sp. Strain CP20
Authors: Lutz Carla , Martin Tay Qi Xiang , Sun Shuyang , McDougald Diane
Published: April 2015

Shewanella sp. CP20 is a marine bacterium that survives ingestion by
Tetrahymena pyriformis
and is expelled from the protozoan within membrane-bound vacuoles, where the bacterial cells show long-term survival. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Shewanella sp. CP20 and discuss the potential mechanisms facilitating intraprotozoan survival.
Complete Genome Sequence of Methylobacterium aquaticum Strain 22A, Isolated from
Racomitrium japonicum
Moss
Authors: Tani Akio , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Kimbara Kazuhide
Published: April 2015

Methylobacterium
species colonize plant surfaces and utilize methanol emitted from plants.
Methylobacterium aquaticum
strain 22A was isolated from a hydroponic culture of a moss,
Racomitrium japonicum
, and is a potent plant growth promoter. The complete genome sequencing of the strain confirmed the presence of genes related to plant growth promotion and methylotrophy.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Piezotolerant and Crude Oil-Degrading Bacterium Rhodococcus qingshengii Strain TUHH-12
Authors: Lincoln Sara A. , Hamilton Trinity L. , Valladares Juárez Ana Gabriela , Schedler Martina , Macalady Jennifer L. , Müller Rudolf , Freeman Katherine H.
Published: April 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Rhodococcus qingshengii
strain TUHH-12. The ability of this piezotolerant bacterium to grow on crude oil and tetracosane as sole carbon sources at 150 × 10
5
Pa makes it useful in studies of hydrocarbon degradation under simulated deep-sea conditions.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Carbapenem-Resistant Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Belonging to the Sequence Type 131
H
30R Subclade
Authors: Johnson Timothy J. , Hargreaves Melissa , Shaw Kristin , Snippes Paula , Lynfield Ruth , Aziz Maliha , Price Lance B.
Published: April 2015

Here, we report the completed genome sequence of a carbapenem-resistant extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
sequence type 131 (ST131) isolate, MNCRE44. The isolate was obtained in 2012 in Minnesota, USA, from a sputum sample from a hospitalized patient with multiple comorbidities, and it belongs to the
H
30R sublineage.
Genome Resequencing of the Virulent and Multidrug-Resistant Reference Strain Clostridium difficile 630
Authors: Riedel Thomas , Bunk Boyke , Thürmer Andrea , Spröer Cathrin , Brzuszkiewicz Elzbieta , Abt Birte , Gronow Sabine , Liesegang Heiko , Daniel Rolf , Overmann Jörg
Published: April 2015

We resequenced the complete genome of the virulent and multidrug-resistant pathogen
Clostridium difficile
strain 630. A combination of single-molecule real-time and Illumina sequencing technology revealed the presence of an additional rRNA gene cluster, additional tRNAs, and the absence of a transposon in comparison to the published and reannotated genome sequence.
Draft Genome Sequence of the First Hypermucoviscous Klebsiella variicola Clinical Isolate
Authors: Garza-Ramos Ulises , Silva-Sanchez Jesus , Barrios Humberto , Rodriguez-Medina Nadia , Martínez-Barnetche Jesus , Andrade Veronica
Published: April 2015

An antibiotic-susceptible and hypermucoviscous clinical isolate of
Klebsiella variicola
(
K. variicola
8917) was obtained from the sputum of an adult patient. This work reports the complete draft genome sequence of
K. variicola
8917 with 103 contigs and an annotation that revealed a 5,686,491-bp circular chromosome containing a total of 5,621 coding DNA sequences, 65 tRNA genes, and an average G+C content of 56.98%.
Complete Genome Sequence of an American Avian Leukosis Virus Subgroup J Isolate That Causes Hemangiomas and Myeloid Leukosis
Authors: Malhotra Sanandan , Justice James , Lee Nathan , Li Yingying , Zavala Guillermo , Ruano Miguel , Morgan Robin , Beemon Karen
Published: April 2015

We report the complete genome sequence of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) isolate PDRC-59831, which causes myeloid leukosis and hemangiomas in chickens. This is an American ALV-J isolate, which was found in a 38-week-old broiler breeder chicken on a farm in Georgia in 2007.
Monitoring for proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liang Huifang , Kennedy Caroline , Manne Sudhakar , Lin Jennifer Hsiang-Ling , Dolin Paul
Published: April 2015

Objective

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on diabetes recommends at least annual monitoring of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for proteinuria. To date, little has been published on the frequency of proteinuria monitoring in T2DM, and its association with risk factors for renal complications. We aimed to describe proteinuria monitoring in patients with T2DM.

Design

This study identified patients with T2DM aged 40 years or older with the first antidiabetic drug use in 2007–2012 (cohort entry) in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. At least 1 year of registration before and after cohort entry was required. A test was considered undertaken if a medical or laboratory code indicated a urinary albumin or protein test. The percentage of patients with at least one test performed was obtained in 1 year after cohort entry and any time during follow-up. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the HRs of patients having the first screening test while adjusting for baseline covariates.

Results

65 790 patients (mean age 63.0 years, men 57.5%, mean follow-up 41.0 months) were included, of whom 49 707 (75.6%) patients had at least one test in 1 year after antidiabetic drug initiation and 59 400 (90.3%) had at least one test any time during follow-up. Proteinuria monitoring decreased with time since initiation of antidiabetic drug therapy and with number of treatment changes and was independently associated with age, sex, smoking status, and year of antidiabetic drug initiation. 12.3% of patients with T2DM tested had a positive proteinuria test for the first screening performed in 1 year after initiation of antidiabetic drug therapy.

Conclusions

The findings suggested suboptimal compliance with the NICE guideline on proteinuria monitoring in patients with T2DM and that level of monitoring appeared to depend on multiple clinical factors.
Republished: A straightforward guide to the basic science behind arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Dumotier Berengere M
Published: April 2015

The underlying mechanisms behind cardiac arrhythmias are described in this manuscript. In clinical practice, significant arrhythmias are unpredictable, and under some conditions, potentially life-threatening. How can basic science help improve our understanding of molecular entities and factors behind the arrhythmia to advance, develop, adapt or deliver available medications? Structural heart disease and remodelling (eg, heart failure, cardiomyopathy), the presence of modulating factors (ie, diabetes mellitus, autonomic nervous system), genetic predispositions (ie, channelopathies) are considerable preconditions, and influence the development of an arrhythmia. Cardiac arrhythmias may indeed share common basic mechanisms, while elements and substrates perpetuating these may be different and ultimately manifest as various ECG abnormalities. This article lists cellular and subcellular iatrogenic disorders responsible for abnormal impulse generation, or conduction disturbances, including the latest development in theories and biological research, for a better understanding of cellular disorders behind arrhythmogenesis.