bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stick and Tell A Survey of Emergency Medicine Residents and Needlestick Exposures
Authors: Zuraw Jessica , Sanford Gretchen , Winston Lori , Chan Shu
Published: August 2013

An estimated 400,000–800,000 sharps-related injuries occur among healthcare workers (HCWs) annually in the United States. The risk of needlestick exposure may be particularly high among emergency medicine (EM) residents, who are learning new procedures in a relatively uncontrolled environment. Despite the potentially serious consequences of percutaneous injuries (PCIs), practitioners in training often down-play the occurrence of PCIs and do not report exposures.

Current literature implies that underreporting of needlestick injuries is multifactorial. By not seeking care after needlesticks occur and thereby delaying treatment, residents incur more risk from exposures. We sought to elucidate the underlying issues that might contribute to this lack of reporting needlestick injuries. Using an anonymous survey, we collected information regarding factors that contributed to sustaining a PCI as well as perceived barriers that prevented residents from reporting these exposures. This information is desirable for both residency programs and employee health departments to reduce the occurrence of unreported exposures.

The survey contained 19 questions, and all subjects were EM residents from the 8 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited programs in the state of Illinois during the period January–February 2011. The voluntary survey was distributed via e-mail and through a paper version distributed at a regional EM residency conference.
Ste20-like protein kinase SLK (LOSK) regulates microtubule organization by targeting dynactin to the centrosome
Authors: Zhapparova Olga N. , Fokin Artem I. , Vorobyeva Nadezhda E. , Bryantseva Sofia A. , Nadezhdina Elena S.
Published: August 2013

The microtubule- and centrosome-associated Ste20-like kinase (SLK; long Ste20-like kinase [LOSK]) regulates cytoskeleton organization and cell polarization and spreading. Its inhibition causes microtubule disorganization and release of centrosomal dynactin. The major function of dynactin is minus end–directed transport along microtubules in a complex with dynein motor. In addition, dynactin is required for maintenance of the microtubule radial array in interphase cells, and depletion of its centrosomal pool entails microtubule disorganization. Here we demonstrate that SLK (LOSK) phosphorylates the p150Gluedsubunit of dynactin and thus targets it to the centrosome, where it maintains microtubule radial organization. We show that phosphorylation is required only for centrosomal localization of p150Gluedand does not affect its microtubule-organizing properties: artificial targeting of nonphosphorylatable p150Gluedto the centrosome restores microtubule radial array in cells with inhibited SLK (LOSK). The phosphorylation site is located in a microtubule-binding region that is variable for two isoforms (1A and 1B) of p150Gluedexpressed in cultured fibroblast-like cells (isoform 1B lacks 20 amino acids in the basic microtubule-binding domain). The fact that SLK (LOSK) phosphorylates only a minor isoform 1A of p150Gluedsuggests that transport and microtubule-organizing functions of dynactin are distinctly divided between the two isoforms. We also show that dynactin phosphorylation is involved in Golgi reorientation in polarized cells.
Integrins on eggs: focal adhesion kinase is activated at fertilization, forms a complex with integrins, and is necessary for cortex formation and cell cycle initiation
Authors: Chan D. , Thomas C. J. , Taylor V. J. , Burke R. D.
Published: August 2013

We investigate the proposal that integrins and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) form a complex that has structural and signaling functions in eggs. FAK protein is present in eggs and is phosphorylated at fertilization. pY397FAK localizes to the membrane 30 min after fertilization, which correlates with the expression of βC integrins and egg cortex development. The βC integrin and pY397FAK coimmunoprecipitate from egg cortex lysates. PF573 228 and Y11, inhibitors of FAK, interfere with pronuclear fusion and reduce the abundance of pY397FAK and cortical actin without affecting microvillar actin. Cyclin E normally accumulates in the nucleus 15 min after fertilization, then returns to background levels. PF573 228– or Y11-treated eggs accumulate cyclin E in the nucleus; however, levels remain high. In addition, PF573 228 interferes with the accumulation of pERK1/2 in the nucleus and in eggs initiating mitosis. Injection of eggs with a fusion protein consisting of the focal adhesion–targeting domain of FAK fused to green fluorescent protein interferes with cortex formation and produces abnormal nuclei. These data indicate that an integrin–FAK adhesion complex forms at the egg surface that functions in formation of actin arrays in the egg cortex and provides signaling inputs for cell cycle initiation.
Chromosome replication and segregation govern the biogenesis and inheritance of inorganic polyphosphate granules
Authors: Henry Jonathan T. , Crosson Sean
Published: August 2013

Prokaryotes and eukaryotes synthesize long chains of orthophosphate, known as polyphosphate (polyP), which form dense granules within the cell. PolyP regulates myriad cellular functions and is often localized to specific subcellular addresses through mechanisms that remain undefined. In this study, we present a molecular-level analysis of polyP subcellular localization in the model bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. We demonstrate that biogenesis and localization of polyP is controlled as a function of the cell cycle, which ensures regular partitioning of granules between mother and daughter. The enzyme polyphosphate kinase 1 (Ppk1) is required for granule production, colocalizes with granules, and dynamically localizes to the sites of new granule synthesis in nascent daughter cells. Localization of Ppk1 within the cell requires an intact catalytic active site and a short, positively charged tail at the C-terminus of the protein. The processes of chromosome replication and segregation govern both the number and position of Ppk1/polyP complexes within the cell. We propose a multistep model in which the chromosome establishes sites of polyP coalescence, which recruit Ppk1 to promote the in situ synthesis of large granules. These findings underscore the importance of both chromosome dynamics and discrete protein localization as organizing factors in bacterial cell biology.
Wounded cells drive rapid epidermal repair in the earlyDrosophilaembryo
Authors: Fernandez-Gonzalez Rodrigo , Zallen Jennifer A.
Published: August 2013

Epithelial tissues are protective barriers that display a remarkable ability to repair wounds. Wound repair is often associated with an accumulation of actin and nonmuscle myosin II around the wound, forming a purse string. The role of actomyosin networks in generating mechanical force during wound repair is not well understood. Here we investigate the mechanisms of force generation during wound repair in the epidermis of early and late Drosophila embryos. We find that wound closure is faster in early embryos, where, in addition to a purse string around the wound, actomyosin networks at the medial cortex of the wounded cells contribute to rapid wound repair. Laser ablation demonstrates that both medial and purse-string actomyosin networks generate contractile force. Quantitative analysis of protein localization dynamics during wound closure indicates that the rapid contraction of medial actomyosin structures during wound repair in early embryos involves disassembly of the actomyosin network. By contrast, actomyosin purse strings in late embryos contract more slowly in a mechanism that involves network condensation. We propose that the combined action of two force-generating structures—a medial actomyosin network and an actomyosin purse string—contributes to the increased efficiency of wound repair in the early embryo.
The tails of apical scaffolding proteins EBP50 and E3KARP regulate their localization and dynamics
Authors: Garbett Damien , Sauvanet Cécile , Viswanatha Raghuvir , Bretscher Anthony
Published: August 2013

The closely related apical scaffolding proteins ERM-binding phosphoprotein of 50 kDa (EBP50) and NHE3 kinase A regulatory protein (E3KARP) both consist of two postsynaptic density 95/disks large/zona occludens-1 (PDZ) domains and a tail ending in an ezrin-binding domain. Scaffolding proteins are thought to provide stable linkages between components of multiprotein complexes, yet in several types of epithelial cells, EBP50, but not E3KARP, shows rapid exchange from microvilli compared with its binding partners. The difference in dynamics is determined by the proteins’ tail regions. Exchange rates of EBP50 and E3KARP correlated strongly with their abilities to precipitate ezrin in vivo. The EBP50 tail alone is highly dynamic, but in the context of the full-length protein, the dynamics is lost when the PDZ domains are unable to bind ligand. Proteomic analysis of the effects of EBP50 dynamics on binding-partner preferences identified a novel PDZ1 binding partner, the I-BAR protein insulin receptor substrate p53 (IRSp53). Additionally, the tails promote different microvillar localizations for EBP50 and E3KARP, which localized along the full length and to the base of microvilli, respectively. Thus the tails define the localization and dynamics of these scaffolding proteins, and the high dynamics of EBP50 is regulated by the occupancy of its PDZ domains.
lDDT: a local superposition-free score for comparing protein structures and models using distance difference tests
Authors: Mariani Valerio , Biasini Marco , Barbato Alessandro , Schwede Torsten
Published: August 2013

Motivation: The assessment of protein structure prediction techniques requires objective criteria to measure the similarity between a computational model and the experimentally determined reference structure. Conventional similarity measures based on a global superposition of carbon α atoms are strongly influenced by domain motions and do not assess the accuracy of local atomic details in the model.

Results: The Local Distance Difference Test (lDDT) is a superposition-free score that evaluates local distance differences of all atoms in a model, including validation of stereochemical plausibility. The reference can be a single structure, or an ensemble of equivalent structures. We demonstrate that lDDT is well suited to assess local model quality, even in the presence of domain movements, while maintaining good correlation with global measures. These properties make lDDT a robust tool for the automated assessment of structure prediction servers without manual intervention.

Availability and implementation: Source code, binaries for Linux and MacOSX, and an interactive web server are available at http://swissmodel.expasy.org/lddt

Contact:  torsten.schwede@unibas.ch

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A general species delimitation method with applications to phylogenetic placements
Authors: Zhang Jiajie , Kapli Paschalia , Pavlidis Pavlos , Stamatakis Alexandros
Published: August 2013

Motivation: Sequence-based methods to delimit species are central to DNA taxonomy, microbial community surveys and DNA metabarcoding studies. Current approaches either rely on simple sequence similarity thresholds (OTU-picking) or on complex and compute-intensive evolutionary models. The OTU-picking methods scale well on large datasets, but the results are highly sensitive to the similarity threshold. Coalescent-based species delimitation approaches often rely on Bayesian statistics and Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling, and can therefore only be applied to small datasets.

Results: We introduce the Poisson tree processes (PTP) model to infer putative species boundaries on a given phylogenetic input tree. We also integrate PTP with our evolutionary placement algorithm (EPA-PTP) to count the number of species in phylogenetic placements. We compare our approaches with popular OTU-picking methods and the General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) model. For de novo species delimitation, the stand-alone PTP model generally outperforms GYMC as well as OTU-picking methods when evolutionary distances between species are small. PTP neither requires an ultrametric input tree nor a sequence similarity threshold as input. In the open reference species delimitation approach, EPA-PTP yields more accurate results than de novo species delimitation methods. Finally, EPA-PTP scales on large datasets because it relies on the parallel implementations of the EPA and RAxML, thereby allowing to delimit species in high-throughput sequencing data.

Availability and implementation: The code is freely available at www.exelixis-lab.org/software.html.

Contact:  Alexandros.Stamatakis@h-its.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Eating Ready-to-Eat Cereal for Breakfast is Positively Associated With Daily Nutrient Intake, but Not Weight, in Mexican-American Children and Adolescents
Authors: Pineda Vargas Solange S. , O’Neil Carol E. , Keast Debra R. , Cho Susan S. , Nicklas Theresa A.
Published: August 2013

Ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) has been associated with improved nutrient intake and weight status, but intake has not been studied in Mexican-American (MA) children. The objective of this study was to assess whether nutrient intake, mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and weight were associated with classification of 3 breakfast consumption groups: breakfast skippers, RTEC breakfast consumers, and other breakfast (OB) consumers. Data on MA children (6–12 years; n = 1060) and adolescents (13–18 years; n = 1395) who participated in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. One 24-hour diet recall was used to calculate nutrient intakes and MAR for micronutrients. Weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were evaluated. For statistical analyses, between-group differences in mean covariate-adjusted nutrient intake, unadjusted MAR, and unadjusted weights were examined. Nine percent of children and 28% of adolescents skipped breakfast; 34% and 22% of those age groups consumed RTEC breakfasts, respectively. Children who consumed an RTEC breakfast had higher intakes of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, and zinc than did children in the OB consumption group and breakfast skippers. Ready-to-eat cereal breakfast consumers also had a higher MAR and higher intakes of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium than did breakfast skippers but not than OB consumers. Ready-to-eat cereal breakfast consumers had lower intakes of total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and cholesterol than did OB consumers. In adolescents, compared with breakfast skippers or OB consumers, RTEC breakfast consumers had a higher MAR and higher intakes of vitamins A, B6, and B12; thiamin; riboflavin; niacin; folate; phosphorus; iron; and zinc. Carbohydrate intake was higher in RTEC breakfast consumers than in skippers or OB consumers. Children who consumed OB had lower mean body mass index and waist circumference than did those children who skipped breakfast. In MA children and adolescents, RTEC breakfast consumers had improved nutrient intake compared with breakfast skippers and OB consumers, and RTEC should be encouraged as a convenient, low-fat, nutrient-dense breakfast option.
Determination of fretting parameters of hoisting rope in coalmine and fretting-fatigue behavior of steel wires
Authors: Wang Dagang , Zhang Dekun , Ge Shirong
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The objective of this paper is to determine fretting parameters of hoisting rope according to the hoisting parameters in coalmine and to explore the effect of contact load on fretting-fatigue behavior of steel wires.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the mechanical model of hoisting rope in coalmine, the dynamic tension simulation of hoisting rope was performed. Static equations of hoisting rope under tension and torsion and theories of contact mechanics were applied to obtain fretting parameters. Fretting-fatigue tests of steel wires at different contact loads were conducted using a fretting-fatigue test rig. The fretting regime, normalized tangential force and fretting-fatigue life were studied. The morphologies of fretting contact scars and fracture surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy to examine wear and failure mechanisms.

Findings

– Dynamic tension changes from 0 to 30,900 N. In outer strand layer, contact loads between steel wires in certain wire layers are 60.5 and 38.3 N compared with 378 and 102.7 N between wire layers; relative displacements between wires are 62.5 and 113.2 μm, respectively. Mixed fretting regimes develop in all cases. Increasing contact load decreases the stabilized relative slip and normalized tangential force, reduces the fretting fatigue life, induces accelerated adhesive wear and fatigue wear and results in rougher fracture surface topographies. In all cases, fretting zone induces crack initiation; crack propagation and rupture zones present brittle cleavage and longitudinal splitting, respectively.

Practical implications

– This paper presents the systemic study on determination of fretting parameters of hoisting rope according to the hoisting parameters in coalmine and the fretting-fatigue behavior of its internal steel wires. The results of fretting-fatigue tests show that the increase of contact load decreases the stabilized relative slip in mixed fretting regime and normalized tangential force, reduces the fretting fatigue life, induces accelerated adhesive wear and fatigue wear and results in rougher fracture surface topographies.

Originality/value

– The authors warrant that the paper is original submission and is not being submitted to any other journal. And the research does not involve confidentiality, copyright infringement, leaks and other issues, all the responsibilities that the authors will take.
Tribological properties of AlSi10Mg/fly ash/graphite hybrid metal matrix composites
Authors: Venkat Prasat S. , Subramanian R.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of fly ash and graphite particles as low cost reinforcing materials for improved wear resistance, enhanced mechanical properties and reduction in density of hybrid composites.

Design/methodology/approach

– The AlSi10Mg/fly ash/graphite (Al/FA/Gr) hybrid composite was synthesised by stir casting method. The dry sliding wear and friction behaviour of hybrid composites were studied using pin-on-disc machine by varying parameters like load and weight fraction of fly ash, and compared with the base metal alloy and aluminium-graphite composite. The tests were conducted with a constant sliding speed of 2 m/s and sliding distance of 2,400 m.

Findings

– The hybrid composites exhibit higher hardness, higher tensile strength and lower density when compared to unreinforced alloy and aluminium-graphite composite. The incorporation of fly ash and graphite particles as reinforcements caused a reduction in the wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) of the hybrid composites. The improvement in the tribological characteristics occured due to the load carrying capacity of hard fly ash particles and the formation of a lubricating film of graphite between the sliding interfaces. The wear rates and COF of unreinforced aluminium alloy and composites increase with an increase in the applied normal load. The wear rates and COF of hybrid composites decrease with an increase in the fly ash content. 9 wt.% fly ash and 3 wt.% graphite reinforced hybrid composite exhibited the highest wear resistance and lowest COF at all applied loads. Abrasive wear and delamination were dominant in the mild wear regime of aluminium alloy and composites. Due to subsurface deformation and crack propagation, plate-like wear debris were generated during delamination wear. In the severe wear regime, the dominant wear mechanism was adhesive wear with formation of transfer layers.

Practical implications

– It is expected that these findings will contribute towards the development of lightweight and low cost aluminium products with improved tribological and mechanical properties.

Originality/value

– The wear and friction data have been made available in this article for the use of Al/FA/Gr hybrid composites in tribological applications.
Friction and wear behavior of the polyurethane composites modified by bishydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Wang Tingmei , Zhao Gai , Wang Qihua
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– A series of polyurethane/bishydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane composites (PU/BTPDMS) were prepared. The effect of BTPDMS content on the tribological properties of the PU/BTPDMS composites was studied. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The composites were prepared by a pre-polymer method. The properties were measured with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The friction and wear characteristic of the composites were examined with MRH-3 friction-abrasion testing machine. The worn surfaces of the composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings

– Experimental results indicated that the polyurethane modified with 7 percent BTPDMS had better tribological property than pure PU and other PU/BTPDMS composites in the present study. It exhibits lower coefficient of friction (COF) and lower wear rate value, especially under water lubrication.

Originality/value

– The polyurethane was synthesized by a pre-polymer method combination with chemical modification.
Brain development, mental health and addiction: a podcast series for undergraduate medical education
Authors: J. MacDonald Colla , Kellam Hugh , Peirce Catherine
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of developing the early brain and biological development and addictions podcast series for first and second year medical students. This paper also presents the findings from an evaluation of the introductory podcast in this series of 13 podcasts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three focus groups were held with a total of 19 participants representing ten universities across Canada as well as one college and one foundation. Each focus group was audiotaped and then transcribed verbatim. The coding process consisted of grouping the common codes together to form themes based on the W(e)Learn framework.

Findings

– Findings suggested that most participants were enthusiastic regarding the potential of the podcast project not only for the intended audience but also for all medical students and residents as well as continuous healthcare education. However, findings also suggest that other participants were not as fervent about the potential of the program. Many participants provided suggestions for how to further improve the podcast. These suggestions have already been implemented into the program design in an attempt to meet end-users' needs and expectations.

Originality/value

– This research shares an innovative approach to supporting healthcare education in undergraduate education. Podcasting has become a cost-effective and convenient pedagogical tool for distributing educational information. Podcasts are effective teaching tools since listening is an active, engaging and creative process on interpreting content and creating meaning from auditory cues.
Game-based evacuation drill using real world edutainment
Authors: Mitsuhara Hiroyuki , Sumikawa Takahide , Miyashita Jun , Iwaka Kazuhisa , Kozuki Yasunori
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– Traditional evacuation drill is monotonous. Therefore, evacuation drill should be diversified to get more people interested in disaster prevention. Our idea is game-based evacuation drill using real world edutainment (RWE). This paper aims at clarifying how RWE-based evacuation drill is realized.

Design/methodology/approach

– RWE provides experiential learning as the integration of edutainment and the real world. An RWE system works on a tablet PC and presents digital contents associated with learning scenes (e.g. real world locations) according to a branched storyline.

Findings

– Story (branched storyline), indirect/direct competition, and augmented reality content provide multi-ending and flexible instructional support and are helpful for diversifying evacuation drill.

Research limitations/implications

– RWE-based evacuation drill could be accepted by more people, but a branched storyline should be carefully refined to achieve maximum effect.

Social implications

– RWE-based evacuation drill could open up diversification of disaster prevention education.

Originality/value

– The originality of this study is to integrate edutainment, the real world, and evacuation drill. In the long run, this study could be helpful to save lives when a natural catastrophe (e.g. large earthquake) occurs.
Targeted vs universal provision of support in high-risk communities: comparison of characteristics in two populations recruited to parenting interventions
Authors: Hutchings Judy , Griffith Nia , Bywater Tracey , Elen Williams Margiad , Baker-Henningham Helen
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– To compare the characteristics of parents and children recruited for two randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) of parenting support in disadvantaged communities in Wales in order to explore the effects of community-based vs individual-based targeting in early prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

– Parents from high-risk disadvantaged communities in Wales, where additional early intervention services were targeted as part of a Welsh Government early intervention strategy, were recruited to two RCTs of parenting interventions. In the first study parents of targeted three- and four-year-old children, who were screened, and deemed at risk of long-term problems, were recruited from Sure Start (SS) areas in Wales. In the second study parents of one- and two-year-old children living in disadvantaged Flying Start (FS) areas were recruited, with residence within the FS area being the only recruitment criterion.

Findings

– FS areas are more strategically targeted as communities with a greater percentage of families with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage and associated risk than SS areas. Families in the toddler parenting trial based in FS areas, recruited without any additional screening, were experiencing higher levels of socio-economic deprivation, mental health problems and parenting stress as well as other known risks to child outcomes than the general population. However, when compared with the individually targeted population recruited for the SS study, they were shown to be experiencing significantly lower levels of these and other risks factors for poor child outcomes than the sample recruited for the SS trial where recruitment was based on known child risk factors. The paper discusses these findings and explores the implications of targeting by geographical area (community level targeting) alone vs targeting individual families by known risk factors. The findings suggest that screening measures would identify children at greatest risk of poor outcomes and whose families might benefit from additional targeted services. Suggestions for possible screening measures are also made.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to discussion about effective ways of allocating limited resources to best effect.
Parenting programmes: identification and referral
Authors: Khan Lorraine , Parsonage Michael , Rosa Brown Elena
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– Behavioural problems in childhood often lead to poor long-term outcomes, including increased risk of adult mental illness, unemployment, criminality and shorter life expectancy. Most parents of affected children ask for help, usually from teachers or general practitioners, but only a small minority go on to access well implemented evidence-based programmes of early intervention. A strong body of research demonstrates the effectiveness of these programmes, but much less is known about the practicalities of identification and referral which are among the key ingredients of good implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper adds to existing knowledge on these topics, drawing on a wider empirical study of the delivery of parenting programmes in this country, based on detailed case studies in four local areas and a national survey of parenting leads.

Findings

– Identification and referral is a complex process, requiring parents to acknowledge challenges in the management of a child's behaviour, overcome feelings of failure or stigma risking disclosure to professionals. It relies on professionals understanding the significance of what they see or hear, knowing where to refer families and having effective motivational skills to promote the willingness of parents to engage with programmes. Different perceptions of poor childhood behaviour delay access to appropriate help, particularly for those with severe problems. Referral pathways are often complex and not well understood by professionals in routine contact with families or working with high-risk groups.

Originality/value

– Although there is a strong body of research outlining what works to promote better outcomes for children with early behavioural difficulties, there is less detailed understanding of identification, help seeking and “real world” barriers preventing parents and children benefitting from effective parenting support.
Comparison of innate immune activation after prolonged feeding of milk fermented with three species of Lactobacilli
Authors: Kapila Rajeev , Sebastian Renjith , Varma D Vivek Phani , Sharma Rohit , Kapasiya Meena , Salingati Vamshi , Kapila Suman , Dang Ajay K.
Published: August 2013

The present investigation aimed at identifying the abilities of three different species of probiotic lactobacilli to modulate cellular immune responses in mouse neutrophils and macrophages in vivo over a study period of 60 days. Neutrophil respiratory burst enzymes (cytochrome c reductase and MPO) showed remarkable increased activity (P ≤ 0.01) after consumption of milks fermented by different species of probiotics over 30 and 60 days of feeding trials. Enzyme activities (β‐galactosidase and β‐glucuronidase) and nitric oxide production also increased considerably (P ≤ 0.01) in macrophages, both in peritoneal fluid and in enriched cell cultures. The effects of enhanced enzyme activities were corroborated by simultaneous increases in the phagocytic activities of neutrophils and macrophages. The increases in cellular functions were invariably maximal during the first 30 days of study and were maintained, but did not increase, over the next 30 days. Further, Lactobacillus helveticus‐fed groups were most effective at modulating neutrophil functions whereas Lactobacillus paracasei‐fed groups were more potent at enhancing macrophage functions. Together, our results indicate that probiotics have strain specific effects on stimulating cellular functions while not causing excessive stimulation of the immune system over longer feeding periods, thereby resulting in maximum and stable health benefits.
Accuracy of a scoring system for the differential diagnosis of common gastric subepithelial tumors based on endoscopic ultrasonography
Authors: Seo Sung Woo , Hong Su Jin , Han Jae Pil , Choi Moon Han , Song Jeong‐Yeop , Kim Hee Kyung , Lee Tae Hee , Ko Bong Min , Cho Joo Young , Lee Joon Seong , Lee Moon Sung
Published: August 2013

Objective

We aimed to validate a new scoring system for the differential diagnosis of gastric subepithelial tumors (SET) based on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) findings, and to determine its diagnostic yield for different gastric SET.

Methods

Data of patients with gastric SET treated with endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical resection from April 2001 to October 2012 at the Soonchunhyang University Hospital (Bucheon, Korea) were retrospectively reviewed. Four variables, including location, shape, layer of origin and echogenicity of the tumor on EUS were used to validate the new scoring system.

Results

Among the 226 patients with gastric SET, 69 (30.5%) had gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), 68 (30.1%) had ectopic pancreas and 35 (15.5%) had leiomyoma. Most GIST were located at the fundus and body (79.7%), whereas most leiomyomas were found at the cardia (80.0%). Ectopic pancreas was mostly found at the antrum (88.2%). GIST were mainly irregular and round in shape, while ectopic pancreas and lipoma were oval and leiomyomas were irregularly shaped on EUS. With a score range of 0–1 for leiomyoma, 2–3 for GIST, 4–6 for ectopic pancreas and 7–8 for lipoma, the sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system were 75.8% and 85.4% for GIST, 84.6% and 73.1% for ectopic pancreas, 75.9% and 99.5% for leiomyoma and 91.7% and 96.7% for lipoma, respectively.

Conclusions

The new scoring system was simple and relatively useful for predicting the histology of gastric SET without acquiring tissues. Prospective studies with large sample sizes are needed in the future.
Optimisation of RNA interference‐mediated gene silencing in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Yang Jing , Han Zhao‐jun
Published: August 2013

RNA interference (RNAi) holds great potential as a new measure for pest management. However, RNAi effectiveness varies greatly in insects from species to species. Insects in the order Lepidoptera are among the most difficult species for utilisation of RNAi‐based methods. In this study, we chose the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera as a target for optimising conditions for RNAi‐based gene silencing. We used the gene chitinase as the target since its effectiveness has been demonstrated in many other species previously. We found that the target location has little effect on the efficiency of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐induced gene silencing as long as it is located within the coding region. The size of the dsRNA must be above 25 bp. The most important factor for higher RNAi efficiency was the dosage of dsRNAs. No silencing effect was observed if dsRNA was less than 0.425 μg/day. A linear increase was observed when dsRNA concentrations increased from 0.425 μg to 10.625 μg/day. Saturation reached at 53.125 μg/day. It was the first report on the optimisation of RNAi conditions in terms of dsRNA target locations, target sizes and dsRNA dosages on the cotton bollworm, and we believe these results should provide a foundation for further research towards utilisation of RNAi‐based technologies for the management of this important insect pest.
S‐100 Protein‐Positive Mast Cells in Canine Paranal Sinus (Sinus paranalis)
Authors: Stefanov I. , Vodenicharov A.
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to establish the immunocytochemical expression of S‐100 protein in mast cells, localized in the wall of dog's paranal sinus. Control serial sections were used for immunocytochemical detection of tryptase‐positive mast cells. It was observed that S‐100‐positive cells have the same morphology and localization as the tryptase‐positive mast cells, which indicated that S‐100‐positive cells are most probably mast cells with abilities as dendritic cells. In conclusion, for the first time, the current study gave evidence that mast cells in this organ possess one more function, such as dendritic cells.
Inpatient dermatology: Pattern of admissions and patients’ characteristics in an Australian hospital
Authors: Bale Jessica , Chee Paul
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To report the pattern of dermatology admissions and inpatient characteristics at a tertiary Australian hospital and compare the data with international studies.

Methods

The study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Clinical databases were searched retrospectively to include all inpatient admissions under dermatology from 1 January to 31 December 2011. The medical records were reviewed to gather data on age, sex, ethnicity, length of stay, referral and follow‐up source, diagnosis and other consultations obtained during the admission.

Results

In all, 97 patients were admitted during the 12‐month period, of whom 44% were female and 56% male. The most frequent reasons for admission were dermatitis or eczema and ulcers. The average length of stay was 10 days, with a median of 5 days. A total of 80% of patients had a stay duration of 10 days or less, and 6% were in hospital for more than 30 days. The diagnosis that accounted for the longest length of stay was ulcers. A large proportion of patients required consultation from another medical specialty during their admission with 91 specialist consultations taking place for the study group.

Conclusions

Inpatient treatment plays a fundamental role in the management of complex and severe dermatological disease and comparison of these results to future studies in other dermatology units around Australia and internationally may be a valuable area of further work.
Treg Cells Are Negatively Correlated with Increased Memory B Cells in Pre‐eclampsia While Maintaining Suppressive Function on Autologous B‐Cell Proliferation
Authors: Zeng Bin , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Liu Ying , Liao Ai‐Hua
Published: August 2013

Problem

The objective of this study was to determine the simultaneous changes and the correlation between circulating regulatory T (Tregs) and B‐cell subsets in normal pregnancy (NP) and pre‐eclampsia (PE). Meanwhile, the regulatory function of Tregs on B‐cell proliferation was evaluated in vitro.

Method of study

A total of 32 PE and 40 NP women matched for age, gestational age, and parity were included. Using flow cytometry, the percentages of peripheral blood Tregs and B‐cell subsets were determined. Moreover, the regulatory function of Tregs on autologous B‐cell proliferation in PE and NP was investigated in vitro by flow cytometry and analyzed by modfit software.

Results

The proportions (%) of CD4+ Foxp3+ (P < 0.001) and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ (P < 0.01) cells within total CD4+ T cells were significantly decreased in PE as compared to those of NP. However, no difference was found in CD4+ CD25+ cells in CD4+ T cell population. CD19+ CD27+ (P < 0.05) and CD19+ CD27+ IgD+ (P < 0.01) B cells within CD19+ B cells (%) in PE were higher than those of NP. Negative correlations between the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ in CD4+ T cells and that of CD19+ CD27+ (r = −0.384, P < 0.05) and CD19+ CD27+ IgD+ (r = −0.402, P < 0.05) in CD19+ B cells were present in PE but not in NP. Furthermore, the in vitro study demonstrated a significant increase in B‐cell proliferation in PE as compared to NP. Tregs in PE were able to suppress the proliferation and precursor frequency of autologous B cells (P < 0.05 each).

Conclusion

The study indicates that a negative correlation between Tregs and memory B cells is present in women with PE, characterized by a systemic decrease in Tregs and an increase in memory B cells. Although the quantitative deficit of Tregs is present in PE, the Tregs still have a suppressive role in autologous B‐cell proliferation.
Molecular alterations of Ras‐Raf‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐Akt signaling pathways in colorectal cancers from a tertiary hospital at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Yip Wai Kien , Choo Chee Wei , Leong Vincent Ching‐Shian , Leong Pooi Pooi , Jabar Mohd Faisal , Seow Heng Fong
Published: August 2013

Molecular alterations in KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and PTEN have been implicated in designing targeted therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to determine the status of these molecular alterations in Malaysian CRCs as such data are not available in the literature. We investigated the mutations of KRAS, BRAF, and PTEN, the gene amplification of PIK3CA, and the protein expression of PTEN and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit (p110α) by direct DNA sequencing, quantitative real‐time PCR, and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in 49 CRC samples. The frequency of KRAS (codons 12, 13, and 61), BRAF (V600E), and PTEN mutations, and PIK3CA amplification was 25.0% (11/44), 2.3% (1/43), 0.0% (0/43), and 76.7% (33/43), respectively. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated loss of PTEN protein in 54.5% (24/44) of CRCs and no significant difference in PI3K p110α expression between CRCs and the adjacent normal colonic mucosa (p = 0.380). PIK3CA amplification was not associated with PI3K p110α expression level, but associated with male cases (100% of male cases vs 56% of female cases harbored amplified PIK3CA, p = 0.002). PI3K p110α expression was significantly higher (p = 0.041) in poorly/moderately differentiated carcinoma compared with well‐differentiated carcinoma. KRAS mutation, PIK3CA amplification, PTEN loss, and PI3K p110α expression did not correlate with Akt phosphorylation or Ki‐67 expression. KRAS mutation, PIK3CA amplification, and PTEN loss were not mutually exclusive. This is the first report on CRC in Malaysia showing comparable frequency of KRAS mutation and PTEN loss, lower BRAF mutation rate, higher PIK3CA amplification frequency, and rare PTEN mutation, as compared with published reports.
School labelling as technology of governance: Problematizing ascribed labels to school spaces
Authors: Klaf Suzanna
Published: August 2013

Central to contemporary educational reform in the United States are the procedures and techniques that hold schools accountable to the public and render them more visible. Labelling public school performance by ascribing identifiers which deem spaces of education either a success or a failure at educating its students is one way of identifying schools for consumers of education. This yields powerful representations of school quality; what is a “good” school and what is a “bad” school. These labels are problematic given the implications of labelling practices on identities, places, and the public's perception of school spaces. This article focuses upon the technique of labelling, and explores its implications through a critical analysis of the meaning and consequences of the politics of labelling with respect to contemporary education reform. I draw on insights from social theorists and consider primary findings from a survey of inner city public school teachers. These teachers provide views from the inside, a counter‐narrative of the labels ascribed to the schools in which they teach. The teacher perceptions of the label's impact on attitudes and behaviours highlight the need to contest and demystify hegemonic labels of contemporary reform.
Critical pedagogies in the neoliberal university: What happens when they go digital?
Authors: Smith Kristin M. , Jeffery Donna I.
Published: August 2013

Universities everywhere have been transformed as a result of expectations of labour flexibility and the implementation of market‐oriented policies and practices including cost containment measures and efficiency‐driven management models. Online teaching can be seen as a reform to education constituted by a “common sense” vision for post‐secondary education survival. Critical pedagogical approaches in social work education, geared towards fostering critical thinking skills and an insistence on students taking into account the social and historical positioning and identities of professionals and service recipients, must function within this context. This article explores how digitalized learning spaces in online social work education programs shape critical pedagogies and create different knowledge, power, and spatialized relations as universities are being restructured along neoliberal lines. Our central question is: What gets produced in the neoliberal university when critical pedagogies go online? We situate our discussion at the intersection of four areas of literature: critical pedagogies; geographies of education; neoliberalism; and distance education. Online education is analyzed as a technology of governance that effectively restructures the workplaces of university educators while constituting and disciplining willing subjects who can respond successfully to the demands of the neoliberal university.
Differential expression of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa and regulation of their expression by Th2 cytokines
Authors: Jun Y. J. , Park S. J. , Hwang J. W. , Kim T. H. , Jung K. J. , Jung J. Y. , Hwang G. H. , Lee S. H. , Lee S. H.
Published: August 2013

Background

Glucocorticoids are used to treat allergic rhinitis, but the mechanisms by which they induce disease remission are unclear. 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) is a tissue‐specific regulator of glucocorticoid responses, inducing the interconversion of inactive and active glucocorticoids.

Objective

We analysed the expression and distribution patterns of 11β‐HSD1, 11β‐HSD2, and steroidogenic enzymes in normal and allergic nasal mucosa, and cytokine‐driven regulation of their expression. The production levels of cortisol in normal, allergic nasal mucosa and in cultured epithelial cells stimulated with cytokines were also determined.

Methods

The expression levels of 11β‐HSD1, 11β‐HSD2, steroidogenic enzymes (CYP11B1, CYP11A1), and cortisol in normal, mild, and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa were assessed by real‐time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. The expression levels of 11β‐HSD1, 11β‐HSD2, CYP11B1, CYP11A1, and cortisol were also determined in cultured nasal epithelial cell treated with IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ. Conversion ratio of cortisone to cortisol was evaluated using siRNA technique, 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor, and the measurement of 11β‐HSD1 activity.

Results

The expression levels of 11β‐HSD1, CYP11B1, and cortisol were up‐regulated in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa. By contrast, 11β‐HSD2 expression was decreased in allergic nasal mucosa. In cultured epithelial cells treated with IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐17A, 11β‐HSD1 expression and activity increased in parallel with the expression levels of CYP11B1 and cortisol, but the production of 11β‐HSD2 decreased. CYP11A1 expression level was not changed in allergic nasal mucosa or in response to stimulation with cytokines. SiRNA technique or the measurement of 11β‐HSD1 activity showed that nasal epithelium activates cortisone to cortisol in a 11β‐HSD‐dependent manner.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results indicate that the localized anti‐inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids are regulated by inflammatory cytokines, which can modulate the expression of 11β‐HSD1, 11β‐HSD2, and CYP11B1, and by the intracellular concentrations of bioactive glucocorticoids.
Comprehensive analysis of dural ectasia in 150 patients with a causative FBN1 mutation
Authors: Sheikhzadeh S. , Sondermann C. , Rybczynski M. , Habermann C.R. , Brockstaedt L. , Keyser B. , Kaemmerer H. , Mir T. , Staebler A. , Robinson P.N. , Kutsche K. , Berger J. , Blankenberg S. , von Kodolitsch Y.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive study of dural ectasia (DE) related to FBN1 mutations. We performed a database analysis of two German metropolitan regions of 150 patients (68 men, 82 women; mean age 35 ± 16 years). All patients had a FBN1 mutation and underwent dural magnetic resonance imaging. Age was <16 years in 20, 16–25 in 27, 26–35 in 67, and >35 in 36 patients. Prevalence of dural ectasia was 89% with criteria of Oosterhof and Habermann, 83% with Fattori, 78% with Lundby, and 59% with Ahn. DE was less frequent in patients <16 years with Ahn and Fattori. DE related to skeletal manifestations with all criteria, to aortic Z‐scores and mitral valve prolapse with criteria of Habermann and Lundby, and to age with criteria of Fattori. The Fattori‐grade of DE increased with age, aortic Z‐scores, and skeletal score points. There was no consistent relationship of DE with any type of FBN1 mutation. DE is frequent in patients with FBN1 mutations irrespective of age and its severity increases during life. Criteria of Oosterhof and Habermann yielded most consistent diagnostic results. DE relates to skeletal involvement, aortic Z‐scores, and mitral valve prolapse.