bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the affective load in the narratives of women suffering from fibromyalgia: the clinicians' appraisal
Authors: Cedraschi Christine , Girard Elodie , Piguet Valérie , Desmeules Jules , Allaz Anne‐Françoise
Published: December 2014

Objective

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain and various associated symptoms, including psychological distress. This study presents a secondary analysis of the interviews of patients with fibromyalgia to appraise the affective load of the patient narratives as assessed by independent clinicians.

Setting and participants

Three clinicians, an internist, a psychiatrist and a psychologist, who were experienced in chronic pain reviewed the interview transcripts of 56 women eliciting their views regarding fibromyalgia onset. A Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale was used (0 = no affective load to 5 = maximum affective load) to provide a subjective appraisal of the intensity of the affective impact, as suggested in the transcripts and from the clinician perspectives.

Results

The mean affective load was 3.6 (SD = ±1), indicating the perception of a high affective load in the clinicians. Values indicating a high or very high affective load (≥4 points on the CGI scale) were more frequent than those in the lower range [23 narratives (41%) vs. 3 (5%)]. The inter‐rater agreement of the affective load of the narratives was high (K > 0.85). These results of the clinician perspectives parallel those of the patient narratives, emphasizing disruptive circumstances, psychological distress and hopelessness surrounding symptom onset.

Conclusion

The affective load in the narratives of these patients with fibromyalgia was high and had a negative undertone when considered from the clinicians' perspective. This study highlights the importance of considering the affective resonance in the context of therapeutic relationships that are often emotionally laden and highly challenging for the clinician.
Minute lesions of alveolar damage in lungs of patients with stable idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Emura Iwao , Usuda Hiroyuki , Togashi Kenichi , Satou Kazuhiro
Published: December 2014

Aims

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and in particular the role of minute lesions of alveolar damage.

Methods and results

We examined surgical lung biopsy samples from 38 patients with stable idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and evaluated the association between the foci and development of acute exacerbation. Mild extravasation, probably resulting from lung injury and intra‐alveolar oedema fluid, were observed in narrow areas of architecturally intact lung tissue. Minute lesions of alveolar damage were detected in these areas. Alveolar epithelial cells in these lesions were injured. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α‐positive macrophages, tumour necrosis factor‐α‐positive macrophages and neutrophils had accumulated in alveolar spaces in and around these lesions. Cases were classified into patients without (17) and with (21) minute lesions of alveolar damage. Development to acute exacerbation (five cases) occurred only in patients with minute lesions of alveolar damage (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The formation of minute lesions of alveolar damage may be initiated by hypoxia, and such lesions play important roles in the development of acute exacerbation.
Fallibility: A New Perspective on the Ethics of Clinical Trial Enrollment
Authors: Shamy Michel C. F. , Stahnisch Frank W. , Hill Michael D.
Published: December 2014

The ethical principle of ‘equipoise’, introduced in 1974, represents the most widely influential justification for the enrollment of patients into randomized clinical trials. However, definitions of equipoise vary, and its terms are not universally accepted. In this paper, we suggest a new way of approaching the ethics of clinical trial enrollment, which we call fallibility. The principle of fallibility argues that all physician opinions are sufficiently uncertain to warrant investigation, and that the ethical justification for any trial becomes a question of its epistemic validity, by which we mean the strength of its hypotheses and methods. The principle of fallibility can be translated into practice through the virtues of humility, skepticism and caring. While we cite recent examples from stroke medicine to demonstrate the limitations of equipoise, we propose that fallibility may offer a more general means of addressing the controversies that arise surrounding randomized controlled trials in many disciplines of medicine.
Coexisting principles and logics of elder care: Help to self‐help and consumer‐oriented service?
Authors: Dahl Hanne Marlene , Eskelinen Leena , Hansen Eigil Boll
Published: December 2014

Healthy and active ageing has become an ideal in Western societies. In the Nordic countries, this ideal has been supported through a policy of help to self‐help in elder care since the 1980s. However, reforms inspired by New Public Management (NPM) have introduced a new policy principle of consumer‐oriented service that stresses the wishes and priorities of older people. We have studied how these two principles are applied by care workers in Denmark. Is one principle or logic replacing the other, or do they coexist? Do they create tensions between professional knowledge and the autonomy of older people? Using neo‐institutional theory and feminist care theory, we analysed the articulation of the two policy principles in interviews and their logics in observations in four local authorities. We conclude that help to self‐help is the dominant principle, that it is deeply entrenched in the identity of the professional care worker and that it coexists with consumer‐oriented service and without major tensions in the logics identified in their practices.
The Charge Release and Its Mechanism for Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)–PbTiO3 Ferroelectric Crystals Under One‐Dimensional Shock Wave Compression
Authors: Gao Junjie , Xie Long , Zhang Hao , Yu Jidong , Liu Gaomin , Wang Ganghua , Bai Jingsong , Gu Yanqin , He Hongliang
Published: December 2014

The charge release and related mechanisms for Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)–PbTiO3 (PIN–PMN–PT) ferroelectric crystals under one‐dimensional shock wave compression were investigated using discharge current profile measurement, by which the piezoelectric stress coefficient e31 and the phase transition (from tetragonal to orthorhombic phase) pressure were obtained, being −2.9 C/m2 and 2.3 GPa, respectively. Based on experiment results and thermodynamics analysis, it was found that the one‐dimensional shock compression favored ferroelectric phase, being different from the effect of hydrostatic pressure, which favored paraelectric phase. This phenomenon can be attributed to the crystal anisotropy and electromechanical coupling effects as one‐dimensional shock compression is applied to PIN–PMN–PT ferroelectric crystals.
Mn‐Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposite: A Highly Efficient Humidity Sensor
Authors: Tomer Vijay K. , Duhan Surender , Adhyapak Parag V. , Mulla Imtiaz S.
Published: December 2014

We report a relative humidity sensor based on manganese‐nanoparticle‐loaded mesoporous silica SBA‐15 using a facile hydrothermal route. The as‐developed nanocomposite material (Mn/SBA‐15) possesses a high surface area and a high pore volume. The obtained samples were characterized by using low‐angle X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 adsorption–desorption, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy techniques. The Mn/SBA‐15 exhibited, improved humidity response and recovery time as compared to pure SBA‐15 in the 11%–92% RH range. Optimal results were obtained for the 5 wt% Mn‐loaded SBA‐15 sample, which displayed excellent linearity, low hysteresis, and high humidity response. A change in ~5 orders of magnitude in resistance was observed over 11%–92% RH range. The investigation of humidity sensing properties of Mn/SBA‐15 nanocomposite shows that this material has good prospects as humidity sensor.
The Effect of Mandatory IFRS Adoption on Conditional Conservatism in Europe
Authors: André Paul , Filip Andrei , Paugam Luc
Published: December 2014

We study the effect of mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Europe in 2005 on conditional conservatism. We capture conditional conservatism with a modified version of the Khan and Watts measure (C_Score) that also controls for potential shifts in unconditional conservatism and cost of capital. From a sample of 13,711 firm‐year observations drawn from 16 European countries spanning the 2000–2010 period, we document an overall decline in the degree of conditional conservatism after the adoption of IFRS. We show that the decline in conditional conservatism is less pronounced for countries with high quality audit environments and strong enforcement of compliance with accounting standards using the Brown et al. audit and enforcement index. As asset impairment tests are a key mechanism ensuring conditional conservatism in the IFRS framework, we further examine these. We show that firms booking an asset impairment present a smaller decline in the degree of conditional conservatism relative to firms that do not. We also demonstrate that firms that do not book an asset impairment when evidence suggests the probable need to do so experience a more pronounced reduction in conditional conservatism. We argue that IFRS are conceptually conditionally conservative but that inappropriate application of conditional conservatism principles is likely to prevent financial reporting from reaching the level of conservatism targeted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
Sensitization to aeroallergens in atopic dermatitis patients: association with concomitant allergic diseases
Authors: Čelakovská J. , Ettlerová K. , Ettler K. , Vaněčková J. , Bukač J.
Published: December 2014

Background

A few reports demonstrate the relationship between IgE sensitization to aeroallergens in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and other allergic diseases and parameters.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate, if there is a significant relationship between the sensitization to common aeroallergens in AD patients and the occurrence of asthma bronchiale, rhinitis and other atopic parameters.

Methods

Sensitization to dust, mites, animal dander and bird feather was examined (skin prick test, specific IgE) and the relationship with the occurrence of asthma bronchiale, rhinitis, duration of AD, family history and onset of AD was evaluated.

Results

Two hundred and eighty‐eight patients were examined – 90 men and 198 women. According to our results, IgE sensitization to animal dander, dust and mites may increase the risk of developing asthma or rhinitis. Persistent lesions of AD occur more often in patients with sensitization to animal dander, mites and dust. Patients with the sensitization to bird feather have the onset of AD more often above 5 years of age and in these patients, there is no relationship with the positive data about atopy in the family history.

Conclusion

There is a greater likelihood of developing other allergic diseases in atopic dermatitis patients who suffer from sensitisation to animal dander, mites, and dust. Thus, prompt management of atopic dermatitis and allergy to inhallant allergens that develop in early infancy may be a successful method for preventing of atopic march.
Tinea capitis and tinea faciei in the Zurich area – an 8‐year survey of trends in the epidemiology and treatment patterns
Authors: Kieliger S. , Glatz M. , Cozzio A. , Bosshard P.P.
Published: December 2014

Background

Tinea capitis and tinea faciei are dermatophyte infections of the scalp and glabrous skin of the face affecting mainly prepubertal children. During the past 30 years, a significant increase and a change in the pattern of infectious agents has been noted for tinea capitis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine trends in the current epidemiological situation of tinea capitis and tinea faciei in the Zurich area, Switzerland and adjacent Central and Eastern Switzerland.

Methods

Consecutive cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2013 were studied retrospectively.

Results

A total of 90 tinea capitis and 40 tinea faciei cases were observed. Anthropophilic isolates (primarily Trichophyton violaceum and Microsporum audouinii) accounted for 76% of tinea capitis cases. In contrast, zoophilic isolates (primarily T. interdigitale) were responsible for 73% of tinea faciei cases. The peak incidence in both conditions was in 4–8 year‐old children. While the annual number of tinea faciei cases remained stable over the past 8 years, a trend for an increase in T. violaceum‐positive tinea capitis has been observed. This was mainly due to patients of African ethnicity.

Conclusions

Anthropophilic isolates accounted for three quarters of tinea capitis and one quarter of tinea faciei cases. T. violaceum‐positive tinea capitis was primarily linked to patients of African ethnicity. Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum spp. was more refractory to therapy and needed longer treatment than Trichophyton spp.‐induced infection.
An update of fixed drug eruptions in Singapore
Authors: Heng Y.K. , Yew Y.W. , Lim D.S.Y. , Lim Y.L.
Published: December 2014

Background

Fixed drug eruptions (FDE) are most commonly caused by antibiotics and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The list of causative drugs changes with time and prescribing patterns but there has been no recent data on FDE seen in an outpatient setting in Singapore.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features and causative drugs in patients with FDE in Singapore.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients seen with suspected FDE in the National Skin Centre, Singapore between 2008 and 2012. Using criteria adapted from the WHO‐UMC causality assessment criteria, patients were classified into categories of definite (confirmed with patch test or drug provocation test), probable (causative drug identified based on patient's history), possible (clinically consistent but unable to identify causative drug) or unlikely FDE.

Results

We reviewed the charts of 126 patients who were seen for suspected FDE. Ten patients (7.0%) were classified as having definite FDE, 52 patients (41.3%) probable FDE, 61 patients (48.4%) possible FDE and three patients (2.4%) unlikely FDE. Clinical features were similar to those described in previous studies. Among the 62 patients with definite or probable FDE, etoricoxib was the most common cause (24 patients, 38.7%). Other common causes included paracetamol, other NSAIDs and doxycycline. Antihistamines caused FDE in three patients.

Conclusion

Etoricoxib was the most frequent cause of FDE in our study. Other NSAIDs, paracetamol and doxycycline remain common causes of FDE but we caution that antihistamines, such as cetirizine, should also be considered.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a spontaneous pregnancy with invasive mole
Authors: Wu Xia , Zhu Jie , Zhao Aimin
Published: December 2014

Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (sOHSS) is an extremely rare event. Herein, we report a case of severe sOHSS with invasive mole in a 29‐year‐old woman. In this case the full‐blown OHSS developed after evacuation when the serum β‐hCG value was declining. Also noticeable was a very high level of cancer antigen‐125. Molecular biology study of the follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSHR) gene did not detect exonic mutations, but revealed the presence of c.‐29G>A (rs1394205) in the 5′‐non‐coding region of exon 1. The A307T and S680N polymorphisms of exon 10 of FSHR was Thr307 Asn680. Although sOHSS is a rare entity, clinicians must bear the differential diagnosis of sOHSS in mind if a patient presents with gross ascites and other symptoms of ovarian cancer, which also may be signs of OHSS. Whether the single nucleotide polymorphism rs1394205 affects the level of transcriptional activity of the FSHR gene needs to be studied in the future.
Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided local methotrexate administration as the first‐line treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy: Follow‐up of 18 cases
Authors: Cok Tayfun , Kalayci Hakan , Ozdemir Halis , Haydardedeoglu Bulent , Parlakgumus Ayse H. , Tarim Ebru
Published: December 2014

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy, which occurs in previous cesarean section scar tissue, with an incidence of 1 in 1800–3000 pregnancies. Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided local methotrexate (MTX) administration presents as a non‐systemic option with possible better penetration to the pregnancy site. We present the management of 18 patients with CSP solely by transvaginal ultrasound‐guided local MTX administration. All patients were treated with local MTX with a dose of 50 mg/m2. Eleven (61.1%) of the patients did not need any further intervention. Four patients (22.2%) were treated with additional single‐dose systemic MTX due to inadequate alteration in blood β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin levels. Three patients (16.7%) required hysteroscopy and/or laparotomy. We suggest that transvaginal ultrasound‐guided local MTX treatment may be considered as a first‐line treatment for CSP.
OCT‐4 and DAZL expression in precancerous lesions of the human uterine cervix
Authors: Stefanidis Konstantinos , Pergialiotis Vasileios , Christakis Dimitrios , Patta Jessica , Stefanidi Diamanto , Loutradis Dimitrios
Published: December 2014

Aim

To determine whether octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT‐4) and deleted in azoospermia like (DAZL) are expressed among cells with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions and quantify their relative expression when compared with normal cervical cultures.

Methods

Cervical cells derived from normal cell cultures, HPV lesions and CIN lesions were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 20% amniotic fluid and 5 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor at 37°C and humidified 10% CO2 in air. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out using G6PD as a reference. We used REST for statistical analysis of real‐time PCR.

Results

Whereas DAZL was not expressed either in normal cultures or HPV and CIN lesions, OCT‐4 was expressed in all examined cell lines. Moreover its relative expression was significantly upregulated among cultures of HPV‐infected cells (RE, 11.003; 95%CI: 0.054–36 704.527, P = 0.042), an observation that was also close to statistical significance among cultures of CIN lesions (P = 0.066).

Conclusion

The relative expression of OCT‐4 is upregulated during the early, preinvasive stages of cervical carcinogenesis. Future studies should investigate its potential as a screening marker and as a possible target of therapy.
Hysteroscopic septal resection using unipolar resectoscope versus bipolar resectoscope: Prospective, randomized study
Authors: Roy Kallol Kumar , Kansal Yamini , Subbaiah Murali , Kumar Sunesh , Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Singh Neeta
Published: December 2014

Aim

To compare the operation and reproductive outcome of hysteroscopic septal resection using unipolar resectoscope verses bipolar resectoscope.

Methods

In this prospective randomized study, 70 women underwent hysteroscopic septal resection using either unipolar resectoscope or bipolar resectoscope. Intraoperative parameters (operation time, fluid deficit and complications) and pre‐ and postoperative serum sodium levels were compared between the two groups. A second‐look hysteroscopy was performed after 6 weeks. All pregnancies occurring during the follow‐up period were recorded.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of operation parameters and second‐look hysteroscopy findings. Six patients in the unipolar group were found to have hyponatremia in the postoperative period compared to none in the bipolar group (P = 0.025). Regarding reproductive outcome, the difference between the two groups was not significant.

Conclusion

The use of bipolar resectoscope is associated with lesser risk of hyponatremia compared to unipolar resectoscope. Bipolar resectoscopy is a safe alternative to unipolar resectoscopy with similar reproductive outcome.
Percutaneous Device Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Pulmonary Artery Hypertension: Long‐Term Results
Authors: VIJAYALAKSHMI ISHWARAPPA BALEKUNDRI , SETTY NATRAJ , NARASIMHAN CHITRA , SINGLA VIVEK , MANJUNATH CHOLENAHALLI NANJAPPA
Published: December 2014

Device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is treatment of choice. But device closure in presence of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) remains a challenge. Data on patient selection, technical considerations, and complications are limited.

Aim

To know the challenges and efficacy of device closure of PDA with PAH.

Materials and Results

Out of 1,325 cases of device closure of PDA, 246 (18.6%) with PAH formed the study material. To test the feasibility, chosen device is used to occlude PDA for ten minutes without oxygen inhalation. The device is released only if PAH reduced. PAH decreased in all except in 1 patient after closure with muscular ventricular septal occluder (MVSDO), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) transiently increased (became supra‐systemic), without significant reduction in aortic pressure. Device embolized in 8 patients (3.3%). Percutaneous retrieval was done in 4 (by snare in 2 and by fixing the cable to device in 2) and replaced with bigger devices. The surgical removal of the embolized MVSDO and ligation was done in 4 cases. All patients were on oral sildenafil and bosentan until PAP regressed to normal. Follow up was from 6 months to 9 years. No residual shunt in any patient on follow‐up. The PAP regressed to normal in all except 5 cases (2.03%) of Down's syndrome with systemic PAP.

Conclusions

Device closure of PDA with PAH is feasible, safe in all age groups. Temporary PDA occlusion with device is effective and time saving for evaluating pulmonary vascular reactivity. Device embolization in aorta is higher with severe PAH. Novel method of retrieval is effective.
‘MY KIDNEYS, MY CHOICE, DECISION AID’: SUPPORTING SHARED DECISION MAKING
Authors: Fortnum Debbie , Smolonogov Tatiana , Walker Rachael , Kairaitis Luke , Pugh Debbie
Published: December 2014

Background

For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are progressing to end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) a decision of whether to undertake dialysis or conservative care is a critical component of the patient journey. Shared decision making for complex decisions such as this could be enhanced by a decision aid, a practice which is well utilised in other disciplines but limited for nephrology.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) utilised current decision‐making theory and best practice to develop the ‘My Kidneys, My Choice’, a decision aid for the treatment of kidney disease.

Results

A patient‐centred, five‐sectioned tool is now complete and freely available to all ANZ units to support the ESKD education and shared decision‐making process. Distribution and education have occurred across ANZ and evaluation of the decision aid in practice is in the first phase.

Conclusions

Development of a new tool such as an ESKD decision aid requires vision, multidisciplinary input and ongoing implementation resources. This tool is being integrated into ANZ, ESKD education practice and is promoting the philosophy of shared decision making.
Tablets compressed with gastric floating pellets coated with acrylic resin for gastro retention and sustained release of famotidine: in-vitro and in-vivo study
Authors: Qi Xiaole , Jiang Yingchun , Zhang Huiting , Wu Zhenghong
Published: December 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to prepare a disintegrating gastric floating tablet composed of floating pellets coated with acrylic resin to prolong the gastric residence time and increase the oral bioavailability of famotidine.

Methods

The gastric floating pellets containing famotidine, stearyl alcohol and microcrystalline cellulose (1 : 10 : 1) were prepared by extrusion–spheronization process and coated with acrylic resin, then compressed into tablets with Avicel PH 301 pellets and cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone. The coating weight, volume ratio of Eudragit RL30 D and RS30 D and solid content of coating fluid were optimized by Box–Behnken design.

Key findings

In 0.1 M HCl, tablets can immediately disintegrate into pellets which can remain floating and sustained drug releasing over 12 h. The AUC0-∞ of famotidine gastric floating pellets (7776.52 ± 1065.93 h ng/ml) administered into rats was significantly higher than that of marketed rapid release tablets Xingfading® (Xingyi, Shanghai, China) (4166.23 ± 312.43 h ng/ml), while the relative bioavailability was 187.01 ± 22.81%.

Conclusions

The experimental results indicated that the optimized formulation did offer a new gastro retention and sustained release approach to enhance the oral absorption of famotidine.
The effect of organic anion transporter 3 inhibitor probenecid on bumetanide levels in the brain: an integrated in vivo microdialysis study in the rat
Authors: Donovan Maria D , O'Brien Fionn E , Boylan Geraldine B , Cryan John F , Griffin Brendan T
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Recent data highlight the potential of bumetanide as a treatment for neonatal seizures and autism, as it facilitates the excitatory to inhibitory switch in gamma-aminobutyric acid signalling. This study examines the extent of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation of bumetanide, a key determinant of the efficacy of centrally acting drugs. Furthermore, the impact of efflux transporter organic anion transporter 3 (oat3) inhibition on bumetanide pharmacokinetics was investigated.

Methods

Bumetanide levels in extracellular fluid (ECF) and plasma in the presence and absence of oat3 inhibitor probenecid were monitored using integrated microdialysis.

Key findings

Following a bumetanide bolus/continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg/h, bumetanide was detected in hippocampal ECF at the estimated concentration of 131 ± 55 ng/ml. Plasma bumetanide levels were ∼20 mg/l at steady state. Coadministration of probenecid resulted in an increase in bumetanide levels in both ECF and plasma, indicating that oat3 inhibition influences the pharmacokinetics of bumetanide primarily in the periphery.

Conclusion

Although bumetanide reached detectable levels in hippocampal ECF, bumetanide concentration in ECF was low relative to systemic concentration. Oat3 inhibition by probenecid resulted in increased bumetanide concentrations in brain and plasma. As an acute treatment in neonatal seizures, the bumetanide/probenecid combination may hold therapeutic potential.
The role of density and relatedness in wild juvenile Atlantic salmon growth
Authors: Fernandes W. P. A. , Griffiths S. W. , Ibbotson A. T. , Bruford M. W. , Riley W. D.
Published: December 2014

Growth is a key life‐history trait in fish that is influenced by both abiotic (such as temperature and water chemistry) and biotic factors (such as density and food availability). Investigating how growth performance is influenced by such factors in the wild is important for understanding how population processes influence animals in natural environments and for predicting the response to conservation and management strategies that manipulate these conditions. The theory of kin selection predicts that significant growth and survival benefits are conferred upon animals associating with close relatives. However, resource competition may be more intense among close relatives, and little is known about the trade‐off between these two processes under different ecological conditions. Here, we examine the correlation between naturally occurring densities and kin‐biased growth rate using a species where kin recognition has a strong impact on behaviour in laboratory studies, but where, paradoxically, field investigations have failed to document predicted kin‐biased growth or survival. Intra‐ and inter‐family differences in growth rate of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were studied to examine how relatedness (groups of full‐sibling fish and groups of mixed‐sibling fish) and sibling group (family/genotype) affect salmon parr growth, and the correlation of growth rate under a range of naturally occurring densities. Parentage and relatedness of neighbouring fish were assigned using microsatellite and passive integrated transponder tags, which allowed the growth estimation of individual fish. The results show that growth rate was significantly influenced by both sibling group (family of origin) and also by an interaction between relatedness and density. The latter finding indicates that at higher densities, full‐sibling groups achieved higher growth rates in comparison to mixed‐sibling groups. Thus, the growth benefits of associating with relatives are not conferred under all ecological conditions, but it becomes most apparent at high density when resource competition is greatest.
CRP‐dependent Positive Autoregulation and Proteolytic Degradation Regulate Competence Activator Sxy of Escherichia coli
Authors: Jaskólska Milena , Gerdes Kenn
Published: December 2014

Natural competence, the ability of bacteria to take up exogenous DNA and incorporate it into their chromosomes, is in most bacteria a transient phenomenon under complex genetic and environmental control. In the Gram‐negative bacteria Haemophilus influenzae and Vibrio cholerae, the master regulator Sxy/TfoX controls competence development. Although not known to be naturally competent, Escherichia coli possesses a Sxy homologue and a competence regulon containing the genes required for DNA uptake. Here, we show that in contrast to other characterised Gamma‐proteobacteria, E. coli Sxy is positively autoregulated at the level of transcription by a mechanism that requires cAMP receptor protein (CRP), cyclic AMP (cAMP) and a CRP‐S site in the sxy promoter. Similarly, we found no evidence that Sxy expression in E. coli was regulated at the translational level. However, our analysis revealed that Sxy is an unstable protein and that its cellular level is negatively regulated at the post‐translational level via degradation by Lon protease. Interestingly, in the Gram‐positive model organism Bacillus subtilis, the competence master regulator ComK is also positively autoregulated at the level of transcription and negatively regulated by proteolysis. Together, these findings reveal striking similarities between the competence regulons of a Gram‐positive and a Gram‐negative bacterium.
Forms of Self‐Criticising/Attacking & Self‐Reassuring Scale: Psychometric properties and normative study
Authors: Baião Rita , Gilbert Paul , McEwan Kirsten , Carvalho Sérgio
Published: December 2014

Background

The Forms of Self‐Criticising/Attacking & Self‐Reassuring Scale (FSCRS, Gilbert, Clarke, Hempel, Miles, & Irons, 2004, Br. J. Clin. Psychology, 43, 31) is a self‐report instrument that measures self‐criticism and self‐reassurance. It has shown good reliability and has been used in several different studies and in a range of different populations. The aim of this study was to explore its psychometric proprieties in a large clinical and non‐clinical sample, to establish its reliability. In addition, to our knowledge, this is the first study to provide normative data to FSCRS. Differences in population scores will also be addressed.

Method

Data were collated from 12 different studies, resulting in 887 non‐clinical participants and 167 mixed diagnosis patients who completed the FSCRS.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis shows that both in non‐clinical and clinical samples, the three‐factor model of FSCRS is a well‐adjusted measure for assessing the two forms of self‐criticism and a form of self‐reassurance. Normative data for the scale are presented. Comparing the two populations, the non‐clinical was more self‐reassuring and less self‐critical than the clinical one. Comparing genders, in the non‐clinical population men were more self‐reassuring and less self‐critical than women. No significant gender differences were found in the clinical population.

Conclusions

Taken together, results corroborate previous findings about the link between self‐criticism and clinical population, which stresses the need to both assess and address it in therapy. Results also confirm that FSCRS is a robust and reliable instrument, which now can aid clinicians and researchers to have a better understanding of the results, taking into account the norms presented.

Practitioner points

Practical implications

The normative study of the FSCRS facilitates a better understanding of clinical and research results;

The paper accounts for large clinical and non‐clinical populations, which contribute to robust findings;

Cautions

Cultural and age differences should be carefully addressed;

Generalizations to different psychopathologies deserve attention, as the clinical population considered here derived mainly from depressed participants.
Genome‐wide analysis of gene expression profiles during early ear development of sweet corn under heat stress
Authors: Li Yuliang , Hu Jianguang , Liu Jianhua , Suo Haicui , Yu Yongtao , Han Fuguang
Published: December 2014

Heat stress is one of the limiting factors for the production of sweet corn in southern China, influencing ear formation and reducing yield. Identification of relationships between heat responses and genetic regulatory mechanisms is of great significance to breeding for heat tolerance and production of summer planted sweet corn. In this study, DGE (digital gene expression) was used to investigate the global gene expression profiles for early ear development of the sweet corn cultivar ‘Yuetian 13’ under heat stress. Results indicated that, in the distribution of total clean tags, high‐expression tags with copy numbers larger than 100 were in absolute dominance, whereas low‐expression tags with copy numbers smaller than five occupy the majority of distinct tag distributions. Further functional annotation of differentially expressed genes showed that 17 893 genes could be categorized into three main groups. Of them, 13.7% were distributed in cell parts, intracellular, organelle, cytoplasm and membrane in cellular component category, 26.6% possessed catalytic, binding, hydrolase, and transferase and oxidoreductase activities in the molecular function category, and 59.7% were involved in metabolic processes, cellular processes, responses to stimuli, and transport and biological regulation in the biological process. A total of 949 significantly differential expression genes were detected, including 705 upregulated and 244 downregulated. Among them, 108 and 40 genes were upregulated and downregulated at least 10‐fold. Under heat stress, the genes related to maintenance of cell structure, photosynthesis, signal transduction, transcription factors and response to stress with higher expression levels in the ear might be valuable for understanding early kernel and ear development. Deep research on characterizing differentially expressed genes with unknown functions will lay the foundation for further identification of genetic regulatory mechanisms under heat stress.
PLCγ1 Participates in Protein Transport and Diacylglycerol Production Triggered by cargo Arrival at the Golgi
Authors: Sicart Adrià , Katan Matilda , Egea Gustavo , Sarri Elisabet
Published: December 2014

Diacylglycerol (DAG) is required for membrane traffic and structural organization at the Golgi. DAG is a lipid metabolite of several enzymatic reactions present at this organelle, but the mechanisms by which they are regulated are still unknown. Here, we show that cargo arrival at the Golgi increases the recruitment of the DAG‐sensing constructs C1‐PKCθ‐GFP and the PKD‐wt‐GFP. The recruitment of both constructs was reduced by PLCγ1 silencing. Post‐Golgi trafficking of transmembrane and soluble proteins was impaired in PLCγ1‐silenced cells. Under basal conditions, PLCγ1 contributed to the maintenance of the pool of DAG associated with the Golgi and to the structural organization of the organelle. Finally, we show that cytosolic phospholipase C (PLC) can hydrolyse phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate in isolated Golgi membranes. Our results indicate that PLCγ1 is part of the molecular mechanism that couples cargo arrival at the Golgi with DAG production to co‐ordinate the formation of transport carriers for post‐Golgi traffic.
Human limbal biopsy–derived stromal stem cells prevent corneal scarring
Authors: Basu Sayan , Hertsenberg Andrew J. , Funderburgh Martha L. , Burrow Michael K. , Mann Mary M. , Du Yiqin , Lathrop Kira L. , Syed-Picard Fatima N. , Adams Sheila M. , Birk David E. , Funderburgh James L.
Published: December 2014

Human stromal stem cells isolated from limbal biopsies prevented corneal scarring in a murine model of corneal wounding.
An Armored CAR for Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Gerber David E.
Published: December 2014

Chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells show promise for leukemia treatment.
Time to Get Personal with CPR
Authors: White Nathan J.
Published: December 2014

Real-time physiological guidance of CPR improves outcomes from experimental cardiac arrest.
Linking System-Wide Impacts of RNA Polymerase Mutations to the Fitness Cost of Rifampin Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Qi Qin , Preston Gail M. , MacLean R. Craig
Published: December 2014

Fitness costs play a key role in the evolutionary dynamics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria by generating selection against resistance in the absence of antibiotics. Although the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance is well understood, the precise molecular mechanisms linking the genetic basis of resistance to its fitness cost remain poorly characterized. Here, we examine how the system-wide impacts of mutations in the RNA polymerase (RNAP) generpoBshape the fitness cost of rifampin resistance inPseudomonas aeruginosa. Rifampin resistance mutations reduce transcriptional efficiency, and this explains 76% of the variation in fitness amongrpoBmutants. The pleiotropic consequence ofrpoBmutations is that mutants show altered relative transcript levels of essential genes. We find no evidence that global transcriptional responses have an impact on the fitness cost of rifampin resistance as revealed by transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Global changes in the transcriptional profiles ofrpoBmutants compared to the transcriptional profile of the rifampin-sensitive ancestral strain are subtle, demonstrating that the transcriptional regulatory network ofP. aeruginosais robust to the decreased transcriptional efficiency associated withrpoBmutations. On a smaller scale, we find that rifampin resistance mutations increase the expression of RNAP due to decreased termination at an attenuator upstream fromrpoB, and we argue that this helps to minimize the cost of rifampin resistance by buffering against reduced RNAP activity. In summary, our study shows that it is possible to dissect the molecular mechanisms underpinning variation in the cost of rifampin resistance and highlights the importance of genome-wide buffering of relative transcript levels in providing robustness against resistance mutations.

IMPORTANCEAntibiotic resistance mutations carry fitness costs. Relative to the characteristics of their antibiotic-sensitive ancestors, resistant mutants show reduced growth rates and competitive abilities. Fitness cost plays an important role in the evolution of antibiotic resistance in the absence of antibiotics; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these fitness costs is not well understood. We applied a systems-level approach to dissect the molecular underpinnings of the fitness costs associated with rifampin resistance inP. aeruginosaand showed that most of the variation in fitness cost can be explained by the direct effect of resistance mutations on the enzymatic activity of the mutated gene. Pleiotropic changes in transcriptional profiles are subtle at a genome-wide scale, suggesting that the gene regulatory network ofP. aeruginosais robust in the face of the direct effects of resistance mutations.
Do exercises used in injury prevention programmes modify cutting task biomechanics? A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Pappas Evangelos , Nightingale Elizabeth J , Simic Milena , Ford Kevin R , Hewett Timothy E , Myer Gregory D
Published: December 2014

Objective

Some injury prevention programmes aim to reduce the risk of ACL rupture. Although the most common athletic task leading to ACL rupture is cutting, there is currently no consensus on how injury prevention programmes influence cutting task biomechanics. To systematically review and synthesise the scientific literature regarding the influence of injury prevention programme exercises on cutting task biomechanics.

Design

The three largest databases (Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL) were searched for studies that investigated the effect of injury prevention programmes on cutting task biomechanics. When possible meta-analyses were performed.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Across all studies, a total of 100 participants received exercises that are part of ACL injury prevention programmes and 76 participants served in control groups. Most studies evaluated variables associated with the quadriceps dominance theory. The meta-analysis revealed decreased lateral hamstrings electromyography activity (p≤0.05) while single studies revealed decreased quadriceps and increased medial hamstrings activity and decreased peak knee flexion moment. Findings from single studies reported that ACL injury prevention exercises reduce neuromuscular deficits (knee valgus moment, lateral trunk leaning) associated with the ligament and trunk dominance theories, respectively. The programmes we analysed appear most effective when they emphasise individualised biomechanical technique correction and target postpubertal women.

Conclusions

The exercises used in injury prevention programmes have the potential to improve cutting task biomechanics by ameliorating neuromuscular deficits linked to ACL rupture, especially when they emphasise individualised biomechanical technique correction and target postpubertal female athletes.
A cross-sectional examination of the mental health of homeless mothers: does the relationship between mothering and mental health vary by duration of homelessness?
Authors: Zabkiewicz Denise M , Patterson Michelle , Wright Alexandra
Published: December 2014

Objectives

This study draws on baseline data from the At Home/Chez Soi demonstration project to examine the association between parenting status and mental health among homeless women and whether the association varies by duration of homelessness.

Setting

Structured interviews were conducted with participants in five cities across Canada including Moncton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg.

Participants

Eligibility criteria included those with legal adult status, with a mental illness, and who lacked a regular, fixed shelter. All 713 women who participated in the larger project were selected for inclusion in this analysis.

Measures

The mental health conditions of interest include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol dependence and substance dependence.

Results

The relationship between parenting status and depression, as well as PTSD, varied by duration of homelessness. Among women who had been homeless for less than 2 years, no relationship was found between parenting status and depression, or PTSD. However, among women who had been homeless for 2 or more years, the odds of depression was twice as high among parenting women compared with others (aOR=2.05, p≤0.05). A similar relationship was found between parenting status and PTSD (aOR=2.03, p≤0.05). The odds of substance dependence was found to be 2.62 times greater among parenting women compared with others and this relationship did not vary by duration of homelessness (aOR=2.62; 95% CI 1.86 to 3.69). No relationship was found between parenting and alcohol dependence.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings from this study suggest that there is a relationship between long-term homelessness and mothers’ risk of poor mental health. Given the multiple demands mothers face, a failure to recognise their unique needs is likely to contribute to intergenerational legacies of homelessness and mental health problems.

Trial registration number

World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ISRCTN66721740andISRCTN57595077).
Characteristics, determinants and perspectives of experienced medical humanitarians: a qualitative approach
Authors: Asgary Ramin , Lawrence Katharine
Published: December 2014

Objective

To explore the characteristics, motivations, ideologies, experience and perspectives of experienced medical humanitarian workers.

Design

We applied a qualitative descriptive approach and conducted in-depth semistructured interviews, containing open-ended questions with directing probes, with 44 experienced international medical aid workers from a wide range of humanitarian organisations. Interviews were coded and analysed, and themes were developed.

Setting

International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and United Nations (UN).

Results

61% of participants were female; mean age was 41.8 years with an average of 11.8 years of humanitarian work experience with diverse major INGOs. Significant core themes included: population's rights to assistance, altruism and solidarity as motives; self-identification with the mission and directives of INGOs; shared personal and professional morals fostering collegiality; accountability towards beneficiaries in areas of programme planning and funding; burnout and emotional burdens; uncertainties in job safety and security; and uneasiness over changing humanitarian principles with increasing professionalisation of aid and shrinking humanitarian access. While dissatisfied with overall aid operations, participants were generally satisfied with their work and believed that they were well-received by, and had strong relationships with, intended beneficiaries.

Conclusions

Despite regular use of language and ideology of rights, solidarity and concepts of accountability, tension exists between the philosophy and practical incorporation of accountability into operations. To maintain a humanitarian corps and improve aid worker retention, strategies are needed regarding management of psychosocial stresses, proactively addressing militarisation and neo-humanitarianism, and nurturing individuals’ and organisations’ growth with emphasis on humanitarian principles and ethical practices, and a culture of internal debate, reflection and reform.