bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agenda‐setting for VET policy in the Western Balkans: employability versus social inclusion
Authors: Bartlett Will , Pagliarello Marina Cino
Published: July 2016

For the last decade, the Western Balkan countries have sought to modernise their vocational education and training (VET) systems, adapting them to the needs of their emerging market economies. Within the framework of the EU accession process, the policy agenda for VET policies has been strongly influenced by a range of international and domestic policy entrepreneurs. This complex policy process has given rise to tension between policies that seek to frame the problem as one of employability and skill mismatch on the one hand and those that frame the problem as a challenge of social inclusion on the other. By examining the VET policy process in the Western Balkans, we show that national policies have been more strongly oriented towards the promotion of employability and the adaptation of VET systems to labour market needs, rather than to policies designed to overcome social exclusion and discrimination. Among the factors driving this economistic view of VET, we underscore the roles of various domestic and international policy entrepreneurs, including ministries in charge of education, employment and social policy, social partners, the European Commission, and bilateral and multilateral donors. We conclude that increased cooperation is needed between international and domestic policy entrepreneurs who favour inclusive education systems in order to place social inclusion higher up on the VET policy agenda.
How effective is bimodal soil hydraulic characterization? Functional evaluations for predictions of soil water balance
Authors: Romano N. , Nasta P.
Published: July 2016

To overcome some drawbacks of the unimodal relations commonly used to describe soil hydraulic properties (SHPs), previously we developed bimodal lognormal relations that have the following main features: (i) they are closed‐form expressions, (ii) they have a sound theoretical basis and provide a more general conceptualization of soil and (iii) they improve the description of both the water retention (WRF) and hydraulic conductivity (HCF) functions. Nevertheless, the reliability of soil hydraulic analytical relations is often tested only at the curve fitting level. Comparisons between unimodal and bimodal soil hydraulic relations are more effective and informative when performed within a functional evaluation approach. We use the HYDRUS‐1D package to quantify and compare soil moisture dynamics and storage regimes for hydrological processes at both the event and annual time‐scales when the soil domain is characterized by either unimodal or bimodal hydraulic properties. Seven soil samples taken from a previous study were used in numerical simulations of drainage or infiltration processes; there were large relative discrepancies in terms of simulated soil water storage. A subsequent test that involved simulations of soil water budget for the period 2000–2012 was implemented for a peach‐orchard field by a conventional scaling method. This test also enables soil spatial variation to be taken into consideration. Two different scenarios enable the epistemic uncertainty to be evaluated when different hydraulic models are considered for soil with weak or strong bimodality. With Willmott's refined index of agreement, discrepancies in soil water storage were about 15% (weak bimodality) or more than 30% (strong bimodality).

Highlights

Main aim of this study is the assessment of epistemic uncertainty in modelling soil water dynamics.

We make functional evaluations for both event‐based and long‐term hydrological processes.

Disregard of bimodal soil hydraulic behaviour can lead to large epistemic errors.

Better predictions of soil hydraulic properties should be sought in future research.
Controls on the storage of organic carbon in permafrost soil in northern Siberia
Authors: Palmtag J. , Ramage J. , Hugelius G. , Gentsch N. , Lashchinskiy N. , Richter A. , Kuhry P.
Published: July 2016

This research examined soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and aboveground phytomass carbon (PhC) stocks in two areas of the Taymyr Peninsula, northern Siberia. We combined field sampling, chemical and 14C radiocarbon dating analyses with land cover classifications for landscape‐level assessments. The estimated mean for the 0–100‐cm depth SOC stocks was 14.8 and 20.8 kg C m−2 in Ary‐Mas and Logata, respectively. The corresponding values for TN were 1.0 and 1.3 kg N m−2. On average, about 2% only (range 0–12%) of the total ecosystem C is stored in PhC. In both study areas about 34% of the SOC at 0–100 cm is stored in cryoturbated pockets, which have formed since at least the early Holocene. The larger carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of this cryoturbated material indicates that it consists of relatively undecomposed soil organic matter (SOM). There are substantial differences in SOC stocks and SOM properties within and between the two study areas, which emphasizes the need to consider both geomorphology and soil texture in the assessment of landscape‐level and regional SOC stocks.

Highlights

This research addresses landscape‐scale and regional variation in SOC stocks.

Landform and soil texture are taken into account in the analysis.

The contribution of phytomass to total ecosystem C stored is limited.

Large SOC stocks are susceptible to decomposition following permafrost thaw.
Chronic periodontitis is associated with lacunar infarct: a case–control study
Authors: Leira Y. , López‐Dequidt I. , Arias S. , Rodríguez‐Yáñez M. , Leira R. , Sobrino T. , Campos F. , Blanco M. , Blanco J. , Castillo J.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

Chronic periodontitis (ChP) and lacunar infarct (LI) are two common diseases amongst the elderly. Although several studies have shown an association between ischaemic stroke and ChP, little is known about the relationship between ChP and LI. The study aims to investigate whether ChP is associated with the presence of lacunar stroke.

Methods

An age‐ and gender‐matched case–control study of 62 cases (subjects diagnosed with LI) and 60 controls is reported. Clinical periodontal measures (probing pocket depth, recession, clinical attachment level, full mouth plaque score and full mouth gingival bleeding on probing score) were assessed, and associated risk factors for periodontitis and lacunar stroke were ascertained by means of a structured questionnaire.

Results

Chronic periodontitis showed a strong association with LI after adjusting for common vascular risk factors (odds ratio 4.20; 95% confidence interval 1.81–10.20; P = 0.001). Likewise, severe ChP and LI also tended to be significantly associated, independent of other vascular covariates (odds ratio 3.53; 95% confidence interval 1.07–12.77; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Chronic periodontitis was independently associated with the presence of LI after adjusting for well‐known vascular risk factors for lacunar stroke. Further observational studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms that can explain this relationship.
Seizure clusters in drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Asadi‐Pooya Ali A. , Nei Maromi , Sharan Ashwini , Sperling Michael R.
Published: July 2016

We investigated clinical factors associated with seizure clustering in patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy and any association between seizure clustering and outcome after surgery. We performed a retrospective study including patients with a diagnosis of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy who underwent epilepsy surgery. Patients were prospectively registered in a database from 1986 until 2015. Seizure cluster was defined as two or more seizures occurring within 2 days. Potential risk factors for seizure clustering were assessed. To investigate any potential association between seizure clusters and seizure outcome after surgery, time to event analysis was used to produce a Kaplan‐Meier estimate of seizure recurrence. We studied 764 patients. Seizure clusters were reported in 23.6% of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and 16.9% of extratemporal patients (p = 0.2). We could not identify any significant clinical factors associated with seizure clustering. Among patients with TLE, those who had history of seizure clusters fared better after surgery (p < 0.01). We found that seizure clusters relate to prognosis after temporal lobe surgery in drug‐resistant TLE. These data may provide added value for surgical prognostication when combined with other data types. A better understanding of the neurobiology underlying seizure clusters is needed.
Lake Name or Name Lake? The etymology of lake nomenclature in the United States
Authors: Beisner Beatrix E. , Carey Cayelan C.
Published: July 2016

The rationale for the naming of lakes has often puzzled limnologists. This problem is especially apparent in North America because the nomenclature of lakes across the continent appears to be variable, with ‘Name Lake’ occurring frequently, such as in Trout Lake, but also ‘Lake Name’, as in Lake Sunapee.

We examined the potential drivers of lake naming patterns using the U.S. EPA National Lakes Assessment database of c. 1000 lakes chosen in a randomised, stratified design. Potential drivers included major limnological characteristics and geographical position relative to European settlement patterns.

Of a list of 814 lakes with this binary nomenclature, almost 20% had a Lake Name, with the other 80% being a Name Lake. Across the U.S.A., lakes with larger surface areas were more likely to have a Lake Name, but there was no significant relationship between nomenclature and maximum depth.

Examining naming patterns by EPA ecoregion and by state revealed that Lake Names were more common in the southern states and along the eastern seaboard, regardless of their surface area.

Analysis of available databases of lake nomenclature in Europe and Canada suggests that these geographical shifts in lake names may be due to the main European colonist source countries that settled these regions, with Lake Name predominating in countries where Gaelic and Romance linguistic influences were strongest.
Chemodenitrification in the cryoecosystem of Lake Vida, Victoria Valley, Antarctica
Authors: Ostrom N. E. , Gandhi H. , Trubl G. , Murray A. E.
Published: July 2016

Lake Vida, in the Victoria Valley of East Antarctica, is frozen, yet harbors liquid brine (~20% salt, >6 times seawater) intercalated in the ice below 16 m. The brine has been isolated from the surface for several thousand years. The brine conditions (permanently dark, −13.4 °C, lack of O2, and pH of 6.2) and geochemistry are highly unusual. For example, nitrous oxide (N2O) is present at a concentration among the highest reported for an aquatic environment. Only a minor 17O anomaly was observed in N2O, indicating that this gas was predominantly formed in the lake. In contrast, the 17O anomaly in nitrate () in Lake Vida brine indicates that approximately half or more of the present is derived from atmospheric deposition. Lake Vida brine was incubated in the presence of 15N‐enriched substrates for 40 days. We did not detect microbial nitrification, dissimilatory reduction of to ammonium (), anaerobic ammonium oxidation, or denitrification of N2O under the conditions tested. In the presence of 15N‐enriched nitrite (), both N2 and N2O exhibited substantial 15N enrichments; however, isotopic enrichment declined with time, which is unexpected. Additions of 15N– alone and in the presence of HgCl2 and ZnCl2 to aged brine at −13 °C resulted in linear increases in the δ15N of N2O with time. As HgCl2 and ZnCl2 are effective biocides, we interpret N2O production in the aged brine to be the result of chemodenitrification. With this understanding, we interpret our results from the field incubations as the result of chemodenitrification stimulated by the addition of 15N‐enriched and ZnCl2 and determined rates of N2O and N2 production of 4.11–41.18 and 0.55–1.75 nmol L−1 day−1, respectively. If these rates are representative of natural production, the current concentration of N2O in Lake Vida could have been reached between 6 and 465 years. Thus, chemodenitrification alone is sufficient to explain the high levels of N2O present in Lake Vida.
Transformation of galena to pyromorphite produces bioavailable sulfur for neutrophilic chemoautotrophy
Authors: Walczak A. B. , Kafantaris F.‐C. A. , Druschel G. K. , Yee N. , Young L. Y.
Published: July 2016

The aqueous concentration of lead [Pb(II)] in geochemical environments is controlled by the solubility of Pb‐bearing minerals and their weathering products. In contaminated soils, a common method for in situ stabilization of Pb(II) is the addition of phosphate to convert more redox sensitive sulfide minerals into sparingly soluble pyromorphite [Pb5(PO4)3X]. In this study, we conducted experimental studies to investigate the fate of reduced sulfur during the conversion of galena [PbS] to chloropyromorphite [Pb5(PO4)3Cl]. Powder X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that the reaction of phosphate with galena under oxic conditions resulted in the oxidation of sulfide and formation of elemental sulfur [S8]. Under oxic abiotic conditions, the S8 was retained in the solid phase, and negligible concentrations of sulfur as sulfide and thiosulfate were detected in the aqueous phase and only a small amount of sulfate. When PbS reacted in the presence of the chemoautotrophic organism Bosea sp. WAO, the S8 in the secondary mineral was oxidized to sulfate. Strain WAO produced significantly more sulfate from the secondary S8 than from the primary galena. Microscopic analysis of mineral–microbe aggregates on mineral‐embedded slide cultures showed that the organism was colocalized and increased in biomass over time on the secondary mineral surface supporting a microbial role. The results of this study indicate that stimulation of sulfur‐oxidizing activity may be a direct consequence of phosphate amendments to Pb(II)‐contaminated soils.
Richer histories for more relevant policies: 42 years of tree cover loss and gain in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Kelley Lisa C. , Evans Samuel G. , Potts Matthew D.
Published: July 2016

Understandings of contemporary forest cover loss are critical for policy but have come at the expense of long‐term, multidirectional analyses of land cover change. This is a critical gap given (i) profound reconfigurations in land use and land control over the past several decades and (ii) evidence of widespread ‘woodland resurgence’ throughout the tropics. In this study, we argue that recent advancements within the field of land change science provide new opportunities to address this gap. In turn, we suggest that multidecadal and multidirectional analyses of land cover change can facilitate richer social analyses of land cover change and more relevant conservation policies and practice. Our argument is grounded in a case study from Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Using a novel analytical platform, Google Earth Engine, and open access to high‐quality Landsat data, we map land cover change in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, from 1972 to 2014. We find that tree cover loss constitutes the single largest net change over the period 1972–2014 but that gross rates of tree cover gain were three times higher than gross loss rates from 1972 to 1995 and equivalent to loss rates from 1995 to 2014. We suggest the smallholder tree crop economy likely produced both forest loss and Imperata grassland restoration in this region. This case points to the need to expand rather than collapse the baselines used to study carbon and biodiversity change in tropical regions. It also demonstrates the possible utility of applying such methods to other regions.
The October 2008 Nový Kostel earthquake swarm and its gas geochemical precursor
Authors: Weinlich F. H. , Gaždová R. , Teschner M. , Poggenburg J.
Published: July 2016

A gas geochemical precursor anomaly was identified prior to the October 2008 Nový Kostel (Czech Republic) earthquake swarm with a peak magnitude ML of 3.8. This anomaly was observed as a deviation of CO2 concentrations from the long‐term annual CO2 concentration trend in the gas extracted from the scree at the Nový Kostel and Oldřišská gas monitoring stations, which are directly above the Plesná valley‐Počátky and Mariánské Lázně fault systems. Both sites are located within the major focal zone of the NW Bohemian swarm earthquake region at the northern edge of the Cheb Basin. A decrease in CO2 concentration started at Nový Kostel in September 2008, 17 days before the swarm, opposite to the usually increasing annual trend in the autumn period, and ended with a nearly coseismic drop immediately prior to the onset of the first swarm. The CO2 concentrations at Oldřišská, deviating from the annual trend, did not further increase after August 2008. The calculated horizontal strain field, based on the data of two permanent Global Navigation Satellite Systems stations, proved there was horizontal compression in this period. The increasing compression along the Plesná valley‐Počátky and Mariánské Lázně fault systems during the stress build‐up reduced the fault permeability prior to this earthquake swarm as indicated by the decrease in CO2 concentration. The 17‐day duration of the earthquake precursor at Nový Kostel and about 65 days at Oldřišská lie within the range of the precursor times that are hypothesized worldwide for an ML = 3.8 earthquake. The nature of earthquake precursors and their origin are discussed, for example, as an indication of changed fault permeability by stress build‐up in the case of the Nový Kostel swarm earthquake precursor or as fault opening in other cases.
Devonshire marbles—the greatest British decorative stones?
Authors: Walkden Gordon M.
Published: July 2016

‘Devonshire marbles’ were once the pre‐eminent British decorative stones, installed in dozens of Victorian buildings in Britain and elsewhere. There are numerous varieties, none of which are true marbles for they retain the fossils and sedimentary textures of the original Devonian limestones. Quarried and manufactured across south Devon and used both internally and externally, the stones were part of a passing nineteenth century architectural fashion. There are 20 or so main varieties, mostly now unobtainable, but excellent examples are found in the panels, shafts and floors of some exceptionally fine buildings. These reveal much about the fossils, their depositional environments and the changes that affected them during the Variscan orogeny. Now rediscovered and distinguished for the first time using geological criteria, Devonshire marbles represent a valuable resource for geological, conservation, heritage and architectural research.
Digging deep for Portland Stone
Authors: Godden Mark
Published: July 2016

The Island of Portland has literally given its heart to London, and the heart of London comes mainly from Portland. Many of London's most recognizable buildings and monuments are constructed either wholly or partially from the white Upper Jurassic oolite quarried from Portland. St Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, The Bank of England and more recently the New London Stock Exchange in Paternoster Square and the Bomber Command Memorial and the tube station in Green Park, are all built using Portland Stone. London is not the island's only beneficiary, Portland stone has also been widely used throughout the rest of Great Britain as well as having been exported for use in many other countries.
Gravestone geology
Authors: Morgan Nina
Published: July 2016

Cemeteries and graveyards not only serve as a peaceful place to commemorate the dead. For geologists—whether amateur, student or professional—almost any urban cemetery provides a valuable opportunity to carry out scientific field work at leisure, right on the doorstep, and at no cost. Cemeteries offer an excellent opportunity to examine and study a wide range of stone types in a small space. They also serve as a useful field area for studying rock weathering.
Sensitization and cross‐reactions of dermatophyte and Candida albicans allergens in patients with chronic urticaria
Authors: Zhang Min , Liu Fang , Liu Haibo , Shen Yongnian , Kong Qingtao , Sang Hong
Published: July 2016

Background

Chronic fungal infections are known to exacerbate allergic symptoms, including those of asthma and chronic urticaria (CU). We applied four prepared fungal antigens of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Candida albicans to examine sensitization to each in subjects with CU and onychomycosis and in healthy subjects, and to evaluate the etiologic role of dermatophytic infection in CU and observe any cross‐reactions among these four antigens.

Methods

Participants were divided into four groups, including those with CU with onychomycosis (experiment group), those with onychomycosis without allergic diseases (control group 1), those with CU without fungal infections (control group 2), and a healthy group (control group 3). In all subjects, skin prick tests with the four fungal antigens were performed. Subjects in the experiment group and control group 1 were also submitted to mycologic investigations.

Results

The experiment group showed significantly higher rates of positivity than the three control groups to T. rubrum, E. floccosum, and T. mentagrophytes antigens. Control group 1 showed rates higher than those in control groups 2 and 3; no significant difference emerged between control groups 2 and 3. Positivity to the C. albicans antigen did not differ among the four groups. In control group 1, rates of positivity to the three dermatophytic antigens did not differ significantly but did for C. albicans.

Conclusions

Fungal infection seems to be an important determinant of trichophyton hypersensitivity. Cross‐reactions among T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and E. floccosum antigens were obvious, but none emerged between the antigens of the three dermatophytes and that of C. albicans.
Observational retrospective study evaluating the effects of oral isotretinoin in keloids and hypertrophic scars
Authors: Guadanhim Lilia R. S. , Gonçalves Rubens G. , Bagatin Ediléia
Published: July 2016

Background

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by non‐inflammatory and inflammatory lesions that can cause scarring. Oral isotretinoin is the current recommended treatment for moderate and severe cases; however, there are reports of possible influences on the healing process of the skin, leading to an increase in the risk for hypertrophic scars and keloids. This hypothesis, although unproven, represents a contraindication to the treatment of acne scars during the 6–12 months after the cessation of isotretinoin.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalences of hypertrophic scars and keloids in acne patients treated with oral isotretinoin.

Methods

Three data collection strategies were used: (i) clinical examination of patients with acne vulgaris, exposed or unexposed to oral isotretinoin, focusing on the occurrence of hypertrophic scars and/or keloids; (ii) telephone interviews of patients using oral isotretinoin to treat acne vulgaris on the occurrence or worsening of keloids; and (iii) clinical examination of patients with previous use of oral isotretinoin followed at a specific keloid treatment clinic.

Results

The resulting data showed no differences in wound healing.

Conclusions

These findings may indicate that the occurrence of hypertrophic scars or keloids in patients using oral isotretinoin is an undesirable event arising from an individual response and may be related to inflammatory acne evolution.
Clinical and pathologic parameters predicting recurrence of facial basal cell carcinoma: a retrospective audit in an advanced care center
Authors: Troeltzsch Matthias , Probst Florian A. , Knösel Thomas , Mast Gerson , Ehrenfeld Michael , Otto Sven
Published: July 2016

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the associations between clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic parameters of facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and recurrence rates in patients treated at an advanced care center.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients who presented to an advanced care center within a 6‐year period with facial BCC and who received surgical treatment were included for further review according to predefined inclusion criteria. The predictor variable was defined as “negative‐margin (R0) resection after the first surgery”. The primary outcome variable was defined as “BCC recurrence”. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

A total of 71 patients (29 female, 42 male; average age: 71.76 years) were found to meet all of the study inclusion criteria. All BCCs had been referred, and 50.7% had been submitted to previous surgery. The mean ± standard deviation tumor diameter was 2.3 ± 1.8 cm. Recurrence of BCC was observed in 11 patients (15.5%). Large tumor diameters, increased patient age, and failure to achieve R0 resection at the first surgical appointment significantly increased recurrence rates.

Conclusions

Complete facial BCC excision at the first surgical appointment is pivotal in reducing the likelihood of recurrence. The influence of the anatomic location of facial BCC on recurrence rates may be limited.
Accuracy and confidence in the clinical diagnosis of basal cell cancer using dermoscopy and reflex confocal microscopy
Authors: Nelson Steven A. , Scope Alon , Rishpon Ayelet , Rabinovitz Harold S. , Oliviero Margaret C. , Laman Susan D. , Cole Christine M. , Chang Yu‐Hui H. , Swanson David L.
Published: July 2016

Background

Diagnosis of suspected basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is typically confirmed with incisional biopsy before referral to final surgery.

Objective

To investigate the clinical confidence and accuracy of physicians making a diagnosis of BCC based on dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features.

Methods

This study was designed as a simulation to determine the certainty and willingness to refer to surgery without previous biopsy confirmation of BCC. Study subjects were identified with suspected BCC. Dermoscopic and RCM lesion images were obtained before biopsy. Eight clinicians with various expertise levels blindly interpreted these images and chose among four hypothetical treatment options: definite BCC, refer directly to surgery without biopsy; other malignancy, perform biopsy for diagnosis; uncertain diagnosis, perform biopsy; benign, do not biopsy. Decisions for treatment were based on dermoscopic images alone and, subsequently, on dermoscopic and RCM images combined.

Results

The sensitivity for referral to surgery without biopsy was 67.6% with the use of dermoscopy; the positive predictive value (PPV) was 97.0%. Adding RCM increased the sensitivity to 76.5% and the PPV to 98.6%.

Conclusions

Dermoscopy provides a high PPV for BCC. The addition of RCM to dermoscopy increases diagnostic sensitivity, particularly in less experienced dermoscopists. Physician behavior might be different if actual referrals were made for surgery without biopsy.
Psoriasis and obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Shalom Guy , Dreiher Jacob , Cohen Arnon
Published: July 2016

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is associated with the metabolic syndrome and its components. An association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the metabolic syndrome was previously observed.

Objectives

To investigate the association between psoriasis and OSA in a comprehensive community‐based database.

Materials and methods

The study was performed utilizing the medical database of Clalit Health Services. Patients with psoriasis were compared to controls regarding the prevalence of OSA in a case–control study. A logistic multivariate model was used to control for independent covariates.

Results

The study included 12,336 patients with psoriasis ≥21 years and 24,008 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The prevalence of OSA in patients with psoriasis was increased compared to the control group (2.7%, 1.5%, respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and peptic disease demonstrated a significant association between psoriasis and OSA (odds ratio = 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.49, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We found an association between psoriasis and OSA among a large cohort of patients with psoriasis. Clinicians should take into account that patients with psoriasis may have undiagnosed OSA.
Insignificant role of bacillus Calmette–Guérin maintenance therapy after complete transurethral resection of bladder tumor for intermediate‐ and high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: Results from a randomized trial
Authors: Nakai Yasushi , Anai Satoshi , Tanaka Nobumichi , Chihara Yoshitomo , Haramoto Masaki , Otani Takeshi , Nakagawa Yoshinori , Hirao Yoshihiko , Konishi Noboru , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To investigate the effect of bacillus Calmette–Guérin maintenance therapy on patients with intermediate‐ and high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer receiving aggressive complete transurethral resection of bladder tumors standardized by well‐trained surgeons.

Methods

A total of 95 patients were prospectively enrolled. Patients were diagnosed with multiple or recurrent non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (Ta and T1), or with carcinoma in situ after complete transurethral resection of bladder tumors. Patients with Ta or T1 tumors without carcinoma in situ received six bacillus Calmette–Guérin instillations as induction therapy. Those with carcinoma in situ underwent eight bacillus Calmette–Guérin instillations as induction therapy. The patients were randomized into maintenance and non‐maintenance groups. The maintenance group received intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin instillations once a week for 3 weeks at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after bacillus Calmette–Guérin instillation. The primary end‐point was recurrence‐free survival.

Results

A total of 88 patients were evaluated. The average follow‐up period was 48.3 ± 19.0 months. Five‐year recurrence‐free survival rates for the maintenance and non‐maintenance groups were 80.1% and 79.3%, respectively. Five‐year progression‐free survival rates of the maintenance and non‐maintenance groups were 92.4% and 85.3%, respectively. Recurrence‐ and progression‐free survival rates did not significantly increase in the maintenance group compared with that in the non‐maintenance group.

Conclusions

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin maintenance therapy did not improve recurrence‐ and progression‐free survival rates after the initial complete transurethral resection of bladder tumors compared with that after bacillus Calmette–Guérin induction therapy alone.
Caring presence in practice: facilitating an appreciative discourse in nursing
Authors: du Plessis E.
Published: July 2016

Aim

To report on an appreciation of caring presence practised by nurses in South Africa in order to facilitate an appreciative discourse in nursing and a return to caring values and attitudes.

Background

Appreciative reports on caring presence are often overlooked. Media may provide a platform for facilitating appreciation for caring presence practised by nurses. Such an appreciation may foster further practice of caring presence and re‐ignite a caring ethos in nursing.

Introduction

This article provides an appreciative discourse on caring presence in nursing in the form of examples of caring presence practised by nurses.

Method

An anecdotal approach was followed. Social media, namely narratives on caring presence shared by nurses on a Facebook page, and formal media, namely news reports in which nurses are appreciated for their efforts, were used. Deductive content analysis was applied to analyse the narratives and news reports in relation to a definition of caring presence and types of caring presence.

Findings

The analysis of the narratives and news reports resulted in an appreciative discourse in which examples of nurses practising caring presence could be provided.

Discussion

Examples of nurses practising caring presence could be found, and an appreciative discourse could be initiated.

Conclusion and implications for nursing policy

Appreciation ignites positive action and ownership of high‐quality health care. Leadership should thus cultivate a culture of appreciating nurses, through using media, and encourage nurses to share how caring presence impact on quality in health care.
Gut of goatfishes, a heterogeneous biotope for intestinal mesoparasites: variations in pyloric caeca number and growth models of colonizable digestive surface area
Authors: Pommelet E. Le , Silan P.
Published: July 2016

Fish organs constitute biotopes for various parasites. In the case of gills or digestive tracts, hosts of different ages and sizes lead to a heterogeneity in these biotopes at the fish population level. The digestive tracts of goatfishes Mullus surmuletus and M. barbatus harbour several species of helminths that colonize the pyloric caeca and intestine. The structural heterogeneity of this biotope is analysed by study of variations in caeca number and colonizable surface area. Caeca number varies between host species and among individuals of the same population. Colonizable intestinal surface area also varies between goatfish species and increases with fish size, but differently according to the intestinal parts considered. These variations were studied, using image‐processing techniques, and analysed quantitatively. Theoretical growth models are proposed and some consequences for parasite ecology discussed.
Regulatory mechanisms of TGF‐β1‐induced fibrogenesis of human alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Shi Lin , Dong Nian , Fang Xiaocong , Wang Xiangdong
Published: July 2016

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by an extensive activation of fibrogenic cells and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, probably through the epithelial‐ to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ECM production. The present study investigates potential mechanism by which TGF‐β1 induces EMT and ECM production in the fibrogenesis of human lung epithelial cells during pulmonary fibrosis. The expression of EMT phenotype and other proteins relevant to fibrogenesis were measured and the cell bio‐behaviours were assessed using Cell‐IQ Alive Image Monitoring System. We found that TGF‐β1‐induced EMT was accompanied with increased collagen I deposition, which may be involved in the regulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway. Treatment with PI3K inhibitors significantly attenuated the TGF‐β1‐ induced EMT, CTGF expression and collagen I synthesis in lung epithelial cells. The interference of CTGF expression impaired the basal and TGF‐β1‐stimulated collagen I deposition, but did not affect the process of EMT. Our data indicate that the signal pathway of TGF‐β1/PI3K/CTGF plays an important role in the fibrogenesis of human lung epithelial cells, which may be a novel therapeutic approach to prevent and treat pulmonary fibrosis.
The lncRNA MALAT1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate MCL‐1 expression by sponging miR‐363‐3p in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Wang Shou‐Hua , Zhang Wen‐Jie , Wu Xiao‐Cai , Weng Ming‐Zhe , Zhang Ming‐Di , Cai Qiang , Zhou Di , Wang Jian‐Dong , Quan Zhi‐Wei
Published: July 2016

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is an aggressive neoplasm, and the treatment options for advanced GBC are limited. Recently, long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as new gene regulators and prognostic markers in several cancers. In this study, we found that metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) expression was up‐regulated in GBC tissues (P < 0.05). Luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull down assays showed that MALAT1 is a target of miR‐363‐3p. Real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis indicated that MALAT1 regulated Myeloid cell leukaemia‐1 (MCL‐1) expression as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐363‐3p in GBC cells. Furthermore, MALAT1 silencing decreased GBC cell proliferation and the S phase cell population and induced apoptosis in vitro. In vivo, tumour volumes were significantly decreased in the MALAT1 silencing group compared with those in the control group. These data demonstrated that the MALAT1/miR‐363‐3p/MCL‐1 regulatory pathway controls the progression of GBC. Inhibition of MALAT1 expression may be to a novel therapeutic strategy for gallbladder cancer.
Suppressive effects of methylthiouracil on polyphosphate‐mediated vascular inflammatory responses
Authors: Min Gahee , Ku Sae‐Kwang , Jeong Seongdo , Baek Moon‐Chang , Bae Jong‐Sup
Published: July 2016

Drug repositioning is used to discover drug candidates to treat human diseases, through the application of drugs or compounds that are approved for the treatment of other diseases. This method can significantly reduce the time required and cost of discovering new drug candidates for human diseases. Previous studies have reported pro‐inflammatory responses of endothelial cells to the release of polyphosphate (PolyP). In this study, we examined the anti‐inflammatory responses and mechanisms of methylthiouracil (MTU), which is an antithyroid drug, and its effects on PolyP‐induced septic activities in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mice. The survival rates, septic biomarker levels, behaviour of human neutrophils and vascular permeability were determined in PolyP‐activated HUVECs and mice. MTU suppressed the PolyP‐mediated vascular barrier permeability, up‐regulation of inflammatory biomarkers, adhesion/migration of leucocytes, and activation and/or production of nuclear factor‐κB, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6. Furthermore, MTU demonstrated protective effects on PolyP‐mediated lethal death and the levels of the related septic biomarkers. Therefore, these results indicated the therapeutic potential of MTU on various systemic inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis or septic shock.
The expression of Lamin A mutant R321X leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress with aberrant Ca2+ handling
Authors: Carmosino Monica , Gerbino Andrea , Schena Giorgia , Procino Giuseppe , Miglionico Rocchina , Forleo Cinzia , Favale Stefano , Svelto Maria
Published: July 2016

Mutations in the Lamin A/C gene (LMNA), which encodes A‐type nuclear Lamins, represent the most frequent genetic cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study is focused on a LMNA nonsense mutation (R321X) identified in several members of an Italian family that produces a truncated protein isoform, which co‐segregates with a severe form of cardiomyopathy with poor prognosis. However, no molecular mechanisms other than nonsense mediated decay of the messenger and possible haploinsufficiency were proposed to explain DCM. Aim of this study was to gain more insights into the disease‐causing mechanisms induced by the expression of R321X at cellular level. We detected the expression of R321X by Western blotting from whole lysate of a mutation carrier heart biopsy. When expressed in HEK293 cells, GFP‐ (or mCherry)‐tagged R321X mislocalized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) inducing the PERK‐CHOP axis of the ER stress response. Of note, confocal microscopy showed phosphorylation of PERK in sections of the mutation carrier heart biopsy. ER mislocalization of mCherry‐R321X also induced impaired ER Ca2+ handling, reduced capacitative Ca2+ entry at the plasma membrane and abnormal nuclear Ca2+ dynamics. In addition, expression of R321X by itself increased the apoptosis rate. In conclusion, R321X is the first LMNA mutant identified to date, which mislocalizes into the ER affecting cellular homeostasis mechanisms not strictly related to nuclear functions.
A nurse‐led interdisciplinary approach to promote self‐management of type 2 diabetes: a process evaluation of post‐intervention experiences
Authors: Whitehead Lisa C. , Crowe Marie T. , Carter Janet D. , Maskill Virginia R. , Carlyle Dave , Bugge Carol , Frampton Chris M. A.
Published: July 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Self‐management of type 2 diabetes through diet, exercise and for many medications, are vital in achieving and maintaining glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. A number of interventions have been designed to improve self‐management, but the outcomes of these are rarely explored from a qualitative angle and even fewer through a process evaluation.

Method

A process evaluation was conducted using a qualitative design with participants randomized to an intervention. Seventy‐three people living with type 2 diabetes and hyperglycaemia for a minimum of 1 year, randomized to one of two interventions (n = 34 to an education intervention and n = 39 to an education and acceptance and commitment therapy intervention) completed stage one of the process evaluation, immediately following the intervention through written feedback guided by open‐ended questions. A purposive sample of 27 participants completed semi‐structured interviews at 3 and 6 months post intervention. Interview data were transcribed and data analysed using a thematic analysis.

Results

The majority of participants described an increase in knowledge around diabetes self‐management and an increased sense of personal responsibility. Participants also described changes in self‐management activities and reflected on the challenges in instigating and maintaining change to improve diabetes management.

Conclusion

The complexities of implementing change in daily life to improve glycaemic control indicate the need for ongoing support post intervention, which may increase and maintain the effectiveness of the intervention.
Emergence of a new rhabdovirus associated with mass mortalities in eelpout (Zoarces viviparous) in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Axén C , Hakhverdyan M , Boutrup T S , Blomkvist E , Ljunghager F , Alfjorden A , Hagström Å , Olesen N J , Juremalm M , Leijon M , Valarcher J‐F
Published: July 2016

We report the first description of a new Rhabdoviridae tentatively named eelpout rhabdovirus (EpRV genus Perhabdovirus). This virus was associated with mass mortalities in eelpout (Zoarces viviparous, Linnaeus) along the Swedish Baltic Sea coast line in 2014. Diseased fish showed signs of central nervous system infection, and brain lesions were confirmed by histology. A cytopathogenic effect was observed in cell culture, but ELISAs for the epizootic piscine viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV), infectious pancreas necrosis virus (IPNV), infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) were negative. Further investigations by chloroform inactivation, indirect fluorescence antibody test and electron microscopy indicated the presence of a rhabdovirus. By deep sequencing of original tissue suspension and infected cell culture supernatant, the full viral genome was assembled and we confirmed the presence of a rhabdovirus with 59.5% nucleotide similarity to the closest relative Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus. The full‐genome sequence of this new virus, eelpout rhabdovirus (EpRV), has been deposited in GenBank under accession number KR612230. An RT‐PCR based on the L‐gene sequence confirmed the presence of EpRV in sick/dead eelpout, but the virus was not found in control fish. Additional investigations to characterize the pathogenicity of EpRV are planned.
Prokinetic effects of a new 5‐HT4 agonist, YKP10811, on gastric motility in dogs
Authors: Yin Jieyun , Xu Xiaohong , Song Gengqing , Han Hyun Sil , Kim Hong Wook , Chen Jiande D Z
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

Prokinetics have been considered the first‐line medicine for treating delayed gastric emptying. The aim of this study was to explore the effects and mechanisms of a new 5‐HT4 receptor agonist, YKP10811, on gastric motility in dogs.

Methods

Four experiments were performed in dogs: (i) dose–response effects of YKP10811 on liquid gastric emptying; (ii) effects and mechanisms of YKP10811 on solid gastric emptying delayed by glucagon; (iii) effects of low‐dose YKP10811 on antral contractions; and (iv) effects of low‐dose YKP10811 on gastric accommodation.

Results

No adverse events or cardiac dysrhythmia was noted. (i) High‐dose YKP10811 (30 mg/kg) accelerated liquid gastric emptying from 15 to 90 min without inducing adverse events or cardiac dysrhythmia. YKP10811 at low doses (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg) accelerated gastric emptying in a dose‐dependent manner. (ii) YKP10811 (0.1 mg/kg), but not tegaserod (0.3 mg/kg), significantly accelerated glucagon‐induced delayed gastric emptying of solid, and the effect was completely blocked by GR113808. (iii) YKP10811 (0.3 mg/kg) enhanced antral contractions. (iv) YKP10811 did not alter gastric accommodation.

Conclusions

YKP10811 seems to improve antral contractions and accelerate gastric emptying without altering gastric accommodation in dogs via the 5‐HT4 mechanism and is substantially more potent than tegaserod. No adverse events were noted at a dose 300 times the lowest effective dose. YKP10811 may have a therapeutic potential for gastroparesis.
Nucleoside diphosphate‐linked moiety X‐type motif 15 C415T variant as a predictor for thiopurine‐induced toxicity in Indian patients
Authors: Shah Swarup A V , Paradkar Minal , Desai Devendra , Ashavaid Tester F
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

Interindividual variation seen in the thiopurine metabolism is attributed to the genetic variant in thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) gene leading to myelosuppression. In Asians, the thiopurine‐induced toxicity is not completely explained by TPMT variants. Literature indicates that a newer genetic variant in nucleoside diphosphate‐linked moiety X‐type motif 15 (NUDT15) gene is associated with thiopurine intolerance. We aimed to determine the risk allele frequency of NUDT15 genetic variant and its association with thiopurine‐induced toxicity in Indian patients.

Methods

In this pilot study, 69 patients on thiopurine therapy were analyzed. The frequencies of thiopurine‐induced leukopenia were recorded. NUDT15 (C415T) and TPMT (*2, *3A, *3B, and *3C) genotyping was performed using amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Results were validated by DNA sequencing.

Results

The NUDT15 CC, CT, and TT genotypes were found to be 86.9%, 11.5%, and 1.5%, respectively, whereas TPMT genetic variants were absent. Of 60 patients without NUDT15 variant, none developed leukopenia, whereas of nine patients with NUDT15 variant, six developed leukopenia (P‐value < 0.0001). The mean thiopurine dose of 1.01 and 0.73 mg/kg/day for patients with wild and mutant NUDT15 alleles, respectively, was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity for NUDT15 variant were 100% and 95.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

The NUDT15 risk allele frequency was 7.2%. There are 6/69 (8.7%) patients who developed leukopenia and harbored NUDT15 variant, thus showing a strong association for thiopurine‐induced toxicity. Hence, NUDT15 genotyping may be considered before thiopurine therapy in Indian patients.