bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public health in Australasian emergency departments: Attitudes, barriers and current practices
Authors: Egerton‐Warburton Diana , Gosbell Andrew , Moore Katie , Jelinek George A
Published: September 2015

Objective

To understand the attitudes of consultant emergency medicine physicians and advanced trainees and the perceived barriers to public health interventions in Australasian EDs.

Methods

This was a voluntary cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods online survey of consultant emergency physicians and advanced trainees of the ACEM, conducted between December 2011 and March 2012.

Results

Eight hundred and fifty‐six ACEM members responded to the survey – a response rate of 33%. A similar number of consultants (70%) and trainees (75%) believed public health initiatives should be provided in the ED. Barriers identified by a similar majority of consultants and trainees to the implementation of public health interventions in EDs included dedicated time available for staff to be involved; available public health resources; available funding; clinical staff skills and expertise in public health; and the availability of staff training.

Conclusions

Public health and health promotion are perceived by the majority of emergency medicine physicians as important in emergency medicine; however, substantial barriers exists to their implementation. Development of an evidence‐based approach to public health interventions, which are effective and feasible in the ED environment, will facilitate a more comprehensive approach to public health initiatives in emergency medicine.
A novel bacteriophage cocktail reduces and disperses Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms under static and flow conditions
Authors: Alves Diana R. , Perez‐Esteban P. , Kot W. , Bean J.E. , Arnot T. , Hansen L.H. , Enright Mark C. , Jenkins A. Tobias A.
Published: September 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that forms highly stable communities – biofilms, which contribute to the establishment and maintenance of infections. The biofilm state and intrinsic/acquired bacterial resistance mechanisms contribute to resistance/tolerance to antibiotics that is frequently observed in P. aeruginosa isolates. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of six novel lytic bacteriophages: viruses that infect bacteria, which together efficiently infect and kill a wide range of P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. The phages were used to formulate a cocktail with the potential to eliminate P. aeruginosa PAO1 planktonic cultures. Two biofilm models were studied, one static and one dynamic, and the phage cocktail was assessed for its ability to reduce and disperse the biofilm biomass. For the static model, after 4 h of contact with the phage suspension (MOI 10) more than 95% of biofilm biomass was eliminated. In the flow biofilm model, a slower rate of activity by the phage was observed, but 48 h after addition of the phage cocktail the biofilm was dispersed, with most cells eliminated (> 4 logs) comparing with the control. This cocktail has the potential for development as a therapeutic to control P. aeruginosa infections, which are predominantly biofilm centred.
High‐fidelity of non‐small cell lung cancer xenograft models derived from bronchoscopy‐guided biopsies
Authors: Fu Shuai , Zhao Jun , Bai Hua , Duan Jianchun , Wang Zhijie , An Tongtong , Wang Jie
Published: September 2015

Background

At present, there are two main types of lung cancer xenograft models: those derived from stable cell lines, and patient‐derived xenograft models established by surgically resected tissues. However, these animal models may not reflect the biological and genetic characteristics of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We utilized bronchoscopy‐guided biopsy tissues of NSCLC patients to establish xenograft models and analyzed their histopathologic and genotypic fidelity with parental tumors.

Methods

Tumor tissues of NSCLC patients taken via bronchoscope were subcutaneously implanted into mice with non‐obese diabetic‐severe combined immunodeficiency disease for model establishment and serial passage. The histopathology and genotype of the samples from bronchoscopy‐guided biopsy‐derived xenograft (BDX) models and their parental tumors were detected.

Results

Thirty BDXs out of 114 NSCLC patients (26.32%) were successfully established. Smoking status significantly affected the success rate of NSCLC BDX establishment (P = 0.010). The BDX establishment success rate in squamous cell cancer was higher than in adenocarcinoma, with no significant difference (32.00% vs. 16.21%, P = 0.112). However, the growth rate of passage 1 BDX was slower than that of passages 2 and 3. Almost all NSCLC BDXs maintained similarity to their parental tumor tissues in regard to histologic characteristics, pathological markers, and driver‐gene mutations. Only one BDX model lost the epidermal growth factor receptor mutation contained in tumor parental tissue, as a result of heterogeneity.

Conclusions

NSCLC BDXs maintained high fidelity of histopathology and genotype with their original tumors. NSCLC BDXs that possess the actual status of advanced lung carcinoma should be used in preclinical research.
Comparison of 19‐gauge eXcelon and WANG MW‐319 transbronchial aspiration needles
Authors: Hsu Li‐Han , Liu Chia‐Chuan , Ko Jen‐Sheng , Feng An‐Chen , Chu Nei‐Min
Published: September 2015

Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) using 19‐gauge needles can obtain larger histological specimens for hilar‐mediastinal diagnosis. A new 19‐gauge eXcelon needle was introduced in Taiwan in July 2012. We prospectively enrolled patients with hilar‐mediastinal lesions and pathology results of suspected benign origin or lymphoproliferative processes, to perform TBNA using a 19‐gauge eXcelon needle, between July 2012 and December 2012. The results were compared with historical control of TBNA using a WANG MW‐319 needle between January 2011 and June 2012. The procedure was performed by the same pulmonologist, and rapid on‐site cytologic evaluation was used. The 19‐gauge eXcelon needle was used in nine patients with 15 lymph nodes aspirated, with a mean diameter of 23.3 ± 10.7 mm. The mean number of needle passes was 2.7 ± 1.4, with a diagnostic accuracy of 77.8%. The MW‐319 needle was used in 12 patients with 18 lymph nodes aspirated, with a mean diameter of 21.3 ± 5.7 mm. The mean number of needle passes was 2.2 ± 0.4, with a diagnostic accuracy of 75.0%. Neither technical nor major clinical complications were noted in either group. We concluded that the 19‐gauge eXcelon needle was as safe and effective as the MW‐319 needle. A more adequate specimen could be obtained and fewer needle passes were required with the MW‐319 needle, although the difference did not reach significance.
Asphyxia causes ultrasonographic D‐shaping of the left ventricle – an experimental porcine study
Authors: Sørensen A. H. , Wemmelund K. B. , Møller‐Helgestad O. K. , Sloth E. , Juhl‐Olsen P.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

In critical care, early diagnosis and correct treatment are of the utmost importance. Focused ultrasonography has gained acceptance as a pivotal tool for this by elucidating the underlying pathology. For example, massive pulmonary embolism is characterised by right ventricular dilatation. However, theoretically these characteristics might also be generated by asphyxia and the consequent hypoxia. We aimed to evaluate the ultrasonographic characteristics of asphyxia in a porcine model.

Methods

Nineteen (13 intervention, 6 control) piglets were subjected to asphyxia until cardiac arrest, by disconnecting the ventilator tube. Ultrasonographic short‐axis cine loops of the left ventricle were obtained every 30 seconds. The left ventricular (LV) eccentricity index (index of LV D‐shaping) was quantified along with LV end‐diastolic/end‐systolic areas. Invasive pressures were measured throughout.

Results

The LV eccentricity index increased from 1.14 (1.10–1.31) to 1.86 (1.48–2.38), (P = 0.002), after 1.5 min, receded thereafter to baseline levels followed by a second increase after 5.5 min. LV end‐diastolic area decreased from 11.6 cm2 (11.1–13.2) to 6.3 cm2 (3.3 –11.0) after 2.0 min (P = 0.009). Subsequently, values returned to the baseline level.

Discussion

The early and transient acute dilatation of the RV, coinciding with D‐shaping of the LV and decrease in LV end‐diastolic area seen in our study represent a combination of ultrasonographic characteristics normally attributed to pulmonary embolism. Early changes in ventricular chamber sizes and shape with septal flattening related to asphyxia can occur, but appear to be transient and disappear as circulatory collapse progresses, in an animal model. Despite this, asphyxia may represent a cause of ultrasonographic misinterpretation.
The Logic of Collective Inaction: Senatorial Delay in Executive Nominations
Authors: Ostrander Ian
Published: September 2015

While most executive nominees are successfully confirmed, this success masks wide variation in how long it takes the Senate to decide. Delay of critical nominees influences the character and effectiveness of agencies while hampering the policy ambitions of presidents. The exact logic of which nominees are targeted for delay and why, however, remains difficult to uncover. Building on prior literature, this project suggests that delay can be used to protect allied agencies from presidential politicization. Using a data set of several thousand executive nominations from 1987 to 2012, the ideological predisposition of an agency relative to the president is demonstrated to influence senatorial delay. Ultimately, these findings help explain why some nominees are delayed while other, seemingly similar, nominees are not.
Clinical use of progesterone in infertility and assisted reproduction
Authors: Ciampaglia Walter , Cognigni Graciela E
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Progesterone is essential in establishing and maintaining early pregnancy. This article discusses the clinical applications of progesterone in reproductive medicine and in the management of infertile patients, focusing on the different available formulations of this drug.

Material and methods

The literature of the last 20 years was reviewed and the most rilevant studies were critically analyzed. Conclusions. Intramuscular or vaginal progesterone administration is critical to support the luteal phase following in‐vitro fertilization and is widely employed in intrauterine insemination cycles as well. Furthermore, this hormone is usually administered in many disorders of the first trimester of pregnancy, including threatened abortion and recurrent miscarriage, but the evidence supporting its clinical efficiency is inconsistent.
Prevalence of aggression in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia in China: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Jian‐Song , Zhong Bao‐Liang , Xiang Yu‐Tao , Chen Qiongni , Cao Xiao‐Lan , Correll Christoph U. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Chiu Helen F.K. , Lai Kelly Y.C. , Wang Xiao‐Ping
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Aggression is a major concern in psychiatric inpatient care. Variations in study designs, settings, populations and data collection methods render comparisons of the prevalence of aggressive behavior in high‐risk settings difficult. We proposed to estimate the pooled prevalence of aggression among inpatients with schizophrenia in China.

Methods

Reports on aggressive behaviour involving physical contact or risks of interpersonal violence, in schizophrenia in Chinese general psychiatric wards were retrieved by using computer‐assisted searches and manual searches of the reference lists of the relevant literature. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis V2 software. Potential sources of heterogeneity were analyzed with Cochrane's Q analysis.

Results

The search yielded 19 eligible studies involving a total of 3,941 schizophrenia patients. The prevalence of aggressive behavior in psychiatric wards ranged between 15.3% and 53.2%. The pooled prevalence of aggression was 35.4% (95% CI: 29.7%, 41.4%). The most commonly reported significant risk factors for aggression were positive psychotic symptoms: hostility or suspiciousness, 78.9% (15 studies); delusions, 63.2% (12 studies); disorganized behavior, 26.3% (5 studies); and auditory hallucinations, 10.5% (2 studies); together with: past history of aggression, 42.1% (8 studies); and involuntary admission, 10.5% (2 studies).

Conclusions

Aggressive behaviour is common in Chinese inpatients with schizophrenia. The prevalence figures indicate the need to identify reliable clinical and illness predictors for aggression in inpatient psychiatric wards and to test investigations aimed at reducing aggressive episodes and their adverse outcomes.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1(GLP‐1) receptor agonists: potential to reduce fracture risk in diabetic patients?
Authors: Luo Guojing , Liu Hong , Lu Hongyun
Published: September 2015

This review summarizes current knowledge about glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) and their effects on bone metabolism and fracture risk. Recent in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that GLP‐1 RA could improve bone metabolism. GLP‐1 could affect the fat‐bone axis by promoting osteogenic differentiation and inhibiting adipogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal precursor cells (BMSCs), which express the GLP‐1 receptor. GLP‐1 RA may also influence the balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, thus leading to more bone formation and less bone resorption. Wnt/β‐catenin signalling is involved in this process. Mature osteocytes, which also express the GLP‐1 receptor, produce sclerostin which inhibits Wnt/β‐catenin signalling by binding to low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP) 5 and preventing the binding of Wnt. GLP‐1 RA also decreases the expression of sclerostin (SOST) and circulating levels of SOST. In addition, GLP‐1 receptors are expressed in thyroid C cells, where GLP‐1 induces calcitonin release and thus indirectly inhibits bone resorption. Furthermore, GLP‐1 RA influences the osteoprotegerin(OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (RANK) system by increasing OPG gene expression, and thus reverses the decreased bone mass in rats models. However, a recent meta‐analysis and a cohort study did not show a significant relationship between GLP‐RA use and fracture risk. Future clinical trials will be necessary to investigate thoroughly the relationship between GLP‐1 RA use and fracture risk in diabetic patients.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Healthy Men Treated with St. John's Wort
Authors: Stage Tore Bjerregaard , Damkier Per , Christensen Mette Marie Hougaard , Nielsen Lene Buch‐Krogh , Højlund Kurt , Brøsen Kim
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the over‐the‐counter herbal medicinal plant St. John's wort affects glucose tolerance in healthy men. To do this, we included 10 healthy men who were examined by a 2‐hr oral glucose tolerance test on three occasions: A: baseline; B: after 21 days of treatment with St. John's wort; and C: at least 6 weeks after the last capsule of St. John's wort was ingested. Plasma glucose, serum insulin and C‐peptide levels were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test and used for estimation of area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) as well as indices of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. We found that treatment with St. John's wort increased total and incremental glucose AUC and 2‐hr plasma glucose levels. Surprisingly, this effect was sustained and even further increased 6 weeks after the last capsule of St. John's wort was taken. No effect on indices of insulin sensitivity was seen, but indices of insulin secretion were reduced even after adjustment for insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, this study indicates that long‐term treatment with St. John's wort may impair glucose tolerance by reducing insulin secretion in young, healthy men. The unregulated use of this over‐the‐counter drug might be a risk factor for impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.
Antitumour Activity of the Microencapsulation of Annona vepretorum Essential Oil
Authors: Bomfim Larissa M. , Menezes Leociley R. A. , Rodrigues Ana Carolina B. C. , Dias Rosane B. , Gurgel Rocha Clarissa A. , Soares Milena B. P. , Neto Albertino F. S. , Nascimento Magaly P. , Campos Adriana F. , Silva Lidércia C. R. C. e. , Costa Emmanoel V. , Bezerra Daniel P.
Published: September 2015

Annona vepretorum Mart. (Annonaceae), popularly known as ‘bruteira’, has nutritional and medicinal uses. This study investigated the chemical composition and antitumour potential of the essential oil of A. vepretorum leaf alone and complexed with β‐cyclodextrin in a microencapsulation. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger‐type apparatus and analysed using GC‐MS and GC‐FID. In vitro cytotoxicity of the essential oil and some of its major constituents in tumour cell lines from different histotypes was evaluated using the alamar blue assay. Furthermore, the in vivo efficacy of essential oil was demonstrated in mice inoculated with B16‐F10 mouse melanoma. The essential oil included bicyclogermacrene (35.71%), spathulenol (18.89%), (E)‐β‐ocimene (12.46%), α‐phellandrene (8.08%), o‐cymene (6.24%), germacrene D (3.27%) and α‐pinene (2.18%) as major constituents. The essential oil and spathulenol exhibited promising cytotoxicity. In vivo tumour growth was inhibited by the treatment with the essential oil (inhibition of 34.46%). Importantly, microencapsulation of the essential oil increased in vivo tumour growth inhibition (inhibition of 62.66%).
Population Size and Stopover Duration Estimation Using Mark–Resight Data and Bayesian Analysis of a Superpopulation Model
Authors: Lyons James E. , Kendall William L. , Royle J. Andrew , Converse Sarah J. , Andres Brad A. , Buchanan Joseph B.
Published: September 2015

We present a novel formulation of a mark–recapture–resight model that allows estimation of population size, stopover duration, and arrival and departure schedules at migration areas. Estimation is based on encounter histories of uniquely marked individuals and relative counts of marked and unmarked animals. We use a Bayesian analysis of a state–space formulation of the Jolly–Seber mark–recapture model, integrated with a binomial model for counts of unmarked animals, to derive estimates of population size and arrival and departure probabilities. We also provide a novel estimator for stopover duration that is derived from the latent state variable representing the interim between arrival and departure in the state–space model. We conduct a simulation study of field sampling protocols to understand the impact of superpopulation size, proportion marked, and number of animals sampled on bias and precision of estimates. Simulation results indicate that relative bias of estimates of the proportion of the population with marks was low for all sampling scenarios and never exceeded 2%. Our approach does not require enumeration of all unmarked animals detected or direct knowledge of the number of marked animals in the population at the time of the study. This provides flexibility and potential application in a variety of sampling situations (e.g., migratory birds, breeding seabirds, sea turtles, fish, pinnipeds, etc.). Application of the methods is demonstrated with data from a study of migratory sandpipers.
Teacher motivations for digital and media literacy: An examination of Turkish educators
Authors: Hobbs Renee , Tuzel Sait
Published: September 2015

Educators have a variety of beliefs and attitudes about the best ways to support students' critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills by connecting the classroom to contemporary society, mass media and popular culture. Teachers who advance digital and media literacy may have a complex set of attitudes and habits of mind that influence their motivations to use digital media for learning. We conducted a survey research with a sample of 2820 Turkish educators to examine teachers' motivations for digital learning, using a 48‐item Likert scale instrument that assesses teachers' perception of the value and relevance of six conceptual themes, namely: attitudes toward technology tools, genres and formats; message content and quality; community connectedness; texts and audiences; media systems; and learner‐centered focus. Digital learning motivation profiles reveal distinctive identity positions of social science, language arts and information and communication technology (ICT) teachers in Turkey. The most common profiles include the identity positions of “Techie,” “Demystifier” and “Tastemaker.” Statistically significant associations were found between teachers' subject‐area specialization and their digital learning motivation profiles. Professional development programs should assess teachers' digital learning motivation profiles and build learning experiences that expand upon the strengths of teachers' beliefs and the conceptual themes of most importance to them.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKVjJfL64ek
The co‐dependent relationship of technology and communities
Authors: Surry Daniel W. , Baker Fredrick W.
Published: September 2015

Technology is one the defining features of humanity. It is ubiquitous in modern society and plays an important role in nearly everything that humans do. New technologies frequently spur our imagination, can evoke powerful emotions and often serve as the topic of heated debate. Many people are in awe of the power and potential of new technologies while others fear its increasing importance in human life. New technologies can create new employment opportunities, spawn new businesses and even revitalize entire economies. Conversely, they can cause unemployment, destroy long‐standing organizations and lead to global economic upheaval. While technology undoubtedly impacts people and societies in profound ways, people and societies also impact the development and use of technologies. The intelligence, dedication and support of numerous people, businesses and social groups are needed to develop even relatively simple technologies. Once developed, new technologies rely on a myriad of economic, social, human and political forces for their continued use and expansion. The field of learning technologies serves as an important and interesting case in which to explore the complex relationship between technology and society. In this paper, we will provide an overview of some of the most important philosophical and theoretical views of the relationship between technology and social systems, describe key issues related to the topic that are important for Learning Technologists to consider, and provide a series of recommendations for research and practice.
Review: Effectiveness of mindfulness in improving mental health symptoms of children and adolescents: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kallapiran Kannan , Koo Siew , Kirubakaran Richard , Hancock Karen
Published: September 2015

Background

Mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly used in the management of various mental health disorders in children and adolescents. However, there is limited evidence about the efficacy of various interventions used.

Method

A systematic review was performed to examine the effects of different MBIs on mental health symptoms and quality of life in both clinical and nonclinical samples of children and adolescents using data from only randomized control trials. The studies were also assessed for quality. Based on the type of MBI, study population, and control arm we had three comparisons for meta‐analyses.

Results

Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis but only 11 trials with comparable interventions and controls were included for meta‐analyses. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction/mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy arm was more effective than nonactive control in the nonclinical populations. Acceptance commitment therapy was comparable to active treatments in patients in the clinical range. Other MBIs were also effective improving anxiety and stress but not depression in nonclinical populations compared to nonactive control.

Conclusions

Mindfulness‐based interventions can be effective in children and adolescents with mental health symptoms. As there were significant limitations these results must be interpreted with caution.
Moderators of intensive cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescent panic disorder: the roles of fear and avoidance
Authors: Elkins R. Meredith , Gallo Kaitlin P. , Pincus Donna B. , Comer Jonathan S.
Published: September 2015

Background

Research supports the efficacy of intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of adolescent panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PDA). However, little is known about the conditions under which intensive treatment is most effective. The current investigation examined the moderating roles of baseline fear and avoidance in the intensive treatment of adolescent PDA.

Methods

Adolescents with PDA (ages 11–17; N = 54) were randomized to either an intensive CBT treatment (n = 37) or a waitlist control condition (n = 17). PDA diagnosis, symptom severity, and number of feared and avoided situations were assessed at baseline and 6‐week posttreatment/postwaitlist. Hierarchical regression analyses examined the relative contributions of treatment condition, number of baseline feared or avoided situations, and their interactions in the prediction of posttreatment/waitlist PDA symptoms.

Results

The main effect of intensive CBT on posttreatment PDA symptoms was not uniform across participants, with larger treatment effects found among participants with lower, relative to higher, baseline levels of fear and avoidance.

Conclusions

Findings help clarify which adolescents suffering with PDA may benefit most from an intensive treatment format.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel 2‐(Pyridin‐3‐yloxy)acetamide Derivatives as Potential Anti‐HIV‐1 Agents
Authors: Huang Boshi , Li Xiao , Zhan Peng , De Clercq Erik , Daelemans Dirk , Pannecouque Christophe , Liu Xinyong
Published: September 2015

Through a structure‐based molecular hybridization and bioisosterism approach, a series of novel 2‐(pyridin‐3‐yloxy)acetamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti‐HIV activities in MT‐4 cell cultures. Biological results showed that three compounds (Ia, Ih, and Ij) exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against wild‐type (wt) HIV‐1 strain (IIIB) with EC50 values ranging from 8.18 μm to 41.52 μm. Among them, Ij was the most active analogue possessing an EC50 value of 8.18 μm. To further confirm the binding target, four compounds were selected to implement an HIV‐1 RT inhibitory assay. In addition, preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis and some predicted physicochemical properties of three active compounds Ia, Ih, and Ij were discussed in detail. Molecular docking studies were also carried out to investigate the binding modes of Ij and the lead compound GW678248 in the binding pocket of RT, which provided beneficial information for further rational design of non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel FtsZ‐targeted 3‐arylalkoxy‐2,6‐difluorobenzamides as Potential Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Qiang Shengsheng , Wang Changde , Venter Henrietta , Li Xin , Wang Yi , Guo Liwei , Ma Ruixin , Ma Shutao
Published: September 2015

Novel series of 3‐O‐arylalkylbenzamide and 3‐O‐arylalkyl‐2,6‐difluorobenzamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their on‐target activity and antibacterial activity. The results indicated that the 3‐O‐arylalkyl‐2,6‐difluorobenzamide derivatives possessed much better on‐target activity and antibacterial activity than the 3‐O‐arylalkylbenzamide derivatives. Among them, 3‐O‐chlorobenzyl derivative 36 was the most effective in antibacterial activity (0.5, 4, and 8 μg/mL) against Bacillus subtilis ATCC9372, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213, and penicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus PR, while 3‐O‐methylbenzyl derivative 41 only exhibited the most potent activity (2 μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923.
Identification of Spermidine Binding Site in T‐box Riboswitch Antiterminator RNA
Authors: Liu Jia , Zeng Chunxi , Hogan Vivian , Zhou Shu , Monwar Md Masud , Hines Jennifer V.
Published: September 2015

The T‐box transcription antitermination riboswitch controls bacterial gene expression by structurally responding to uncharged, cognate tRNA. Previous studies indicated that cofactors, such as the polyamine spermidine, might serve a specific functional role in enhancing riboswitch efficacy. As riboswitch function depends on key RNA structural changes involving the antiterminator element, the interaction of spermidine with the T‐box riboswitch antiterminator element was investigated. Spermidine binds antiterminator model RNA with high affinity (micromolar Kd) based on isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence‐monitored binding assays. NMR titration studies, molecular modeling, and inline and enzymatic probing studies indicate that spermidine binds at the 3′ portion of the highly conserved seven‐nucleotide bulge in the antiterminator. Together, these results support the conclusion that spermidine binds the T‐box antiterminator RNA preferentially in a location important for antiterminator function. The implications of these findings are significant both for better understanding of the T‐box riboswitch mechanism and for antiterminator‐targeted drug discovery efforts.
IRF6 mutation screening in non‐syndromic orofacial clefting: analysis of 1521 families
Authors: Leslie E.J. , Koboldt D.C. , Kang C.J. , Ma L. , Hecht J.T. , Wehby G.L. , Christensen K. , Czeizel A.E. , Deleyiannis F.W.‐B. , Fulton R.S. , Wilson R.K. , Beaty T.H. , Schutte B.C. , Murray J.C. , Marazita M.L.
Published: September 2015

Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is an autosomal dominant malformation syndrome characterized by orofacial clefting (OFC) and lower lip pits. The clinical presentation of VWS is variable and can present as an isolated OFC, making it difficult to distinguish VWS cases from individuals with non‐syndromic OFCs. About 70% of causal VWS mutations occur in IRF6, a gene that is also associated with non‐syndromic OFCs. Screening for IRF6 mutations in apparently non‐syndromic cases has been performed in several modestly sized cohorts with mixed results. In this study, we screened 1521 trios with presumed non‐syndromic OFCs to determine the frequency of causal IRF6 mutations. We identified seven likely causal IRF6 mutations, although a posteriori review identified two misdiagnosed VWS families based on the presence of lip pits. We found no evidence for association between rare IRF6 polymorphisms and non‐syndromic OFCs. We combined our results with other similar studies (totaling 2472 families) and conclude that causal IRF6 mutations are found in 0.24–0.44% of apparently non‐syndromic OFC families. We suggest that clinical mutation screening for IRF6 be considered for certain family patterns such as families with mixed types of OFCs and/or autosomal dominant transmission.
A Mayan founder mutation is a common cause of deafness in Guatemala
Authors: Carranza C. , Menendez I. , Herrera M. , Castellanos P. , Amado C. , Maldonado F. , Rosales L. , Escobar N. , Guerra M. , Alvarez D. , Foster J. , Guo S. , Blanton S.H. , Bademci G. , Tekin M.
Published: September 2015

Over 5% of the world's population has varying degrees of hearing loss. Mutations in GJB2 are the most common cause of autosomal recessive non‐syndromic hearing loss (ARNHL) in many populations. The frequency and type of mutations are influenced by ethnicity. Guatemala is a multi‐ethnic country with four major populations: Maya, Ladino, Xinca, and Garifuna. To determine the mutation profile of GJB2 in a ARNHL population from Guatemala, we sequenced both exons of GJB2 in 133 unrelated families. A total of six pathogenic variants were detected. The most frequent pathogenic variant is c.131G>A (p.Trp44*) detected in 21 of 266 alleles. We show that c.131G>A is associated with a conserved haplotype in Guatemala suggesting a single founder. The majority of Mayan population lives in the west region of the country from where all c.131G>A carriers originated. Further analysis of genome‐wide variation of individuals carrying the c.131G>A mutation compared with those of Native American, European, and African populations shows a close match with the Mayan population.
Comprehensive genetic testing with ethnic‐specific filtering by allele frequency in a Japanese hearing‐loss population
Authors: Moteki H. , Azaiez H. , Booth K.T. , Shearer A.E. , Sloan C. M. , Kolbe D.L. , Nishio S. , Hattori M. , Usami S. , Smith R.J.H.
Published: September 2015

Recent advances in targeted genomic enrichment with massively parallel sequencing (TGE+MPS) have made comprehensive genetic testing for non‐syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) possible. After excluding NSHL subjects with causative mutations in GJB2 and the MT‐RNR1 (1555A>G) variant by Sanger sequencing, we completed TGE+MPS on 194 probands with presumed NSHL identified across Japan. We used both publicly available minor allele frequency (MAF) datasets and ethnic‐specific MAF filtering against an in‐house database of 200 normal‐hearing Japanese controls. Ethnic‐specific MAF filtering allowed us to re‐categorize as common 203 variants otherwise annotated as rare or novel in non‐Japanese ethnicities. This step minimizes false‐positive results and improves the annotation of identified variants. Causative variants were identified in 27% of probands with solve rates of 35%, 35% and 19% for dominant, recessive and sporadic NSHL, respectively. Mutations in MYO15A and CDH23 follow GJB2 as the frequent causes of recessive NSHL; copy number variations in STRC are a major cause of mild‐to‐moderate NSHL. Ethnic‐specific filtering by allele frequency is essential to optimize the interpretation of genetic data.
Classification of cysts with follicular germinative differentiation
Authors: López‐Takegami Juan C. H. , Wolter Manfred , Löser Christoph , Maiweg Corinna , Jones Meriem , Metze Dieter , Böer‐Auer Almut
Published: September 2015

Background

Cysts are very common in the routine of dermatopathology but follicular germinative (trichoblastic) differentiation in cysts is seen rarely. The presence of follicular germinative differentiation in a cyst alerts to consider the possibility of a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arising in a cyst.

Methods

Five cystic lesions with zones of follicular germinative differentiation were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin sections were reassessed for architecture, types of follicular differentiation and stromal characteristics; immunohistochemical studies with Ber‐EP4 were analyzed. Articles about follicular germinative differentiation in cystic lesions were reviewed.

Results

Cystic lesions with follicular germinative differentiation have been described in the literature under various names including trichoblastic infundibular cyst, cystic trichoblastoma, cystic panfolliculoma (CPF), dermoid cyst with basaloid proliferations, folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma and BCC occurring in infundibular cysts. The lesions presented by us could be classified as three cystic trichoblastomas, one CPF and one cystic hamartoma with follicular germinative differentiation.

Conclusions

Histopathologically, cystic trichoblastomas can be separated from CPFs. Some lesions defy classification and may be regarded as cystic follicular hamartomas. The presence of follicular papillae and bulb‐like structures, advanced follicular differentiation like that of inner and outer root sheath exclude the differential diagnosis of BCC arising in a cyst.
RECONCILING MICRO AND MACRO ESTIMATES OF THE FRISCH LABOR SUPPLY ELASTICITY
Authors: Peterman William B.
Published: September 2015

This paper explores the large gap between the microeconometric estimates of the Frisch labor supply elasticity (0–.5) and the values used by macroeconomists to calibrate general equilibrium models (2–4). These two ranges identify two fundamentally different notions, the micro and macro Frisch elasticity, respectively. Due to the different definitions, there are two restrictions in the micro Frisch elasticity that are relaxed in the macro Frisch elasticity. First, the micro Frisch elasticity focuses only on prime‐aged married males who are the head of their household, while the macro Frisch elasticity represents the whole population. Second, the micro Frisch elasticity only incorporates intensive margin fluctuations in hours, while the macro Frisch elasticity includes both intensive and extensive margin fluctuations. This paper finds that relaxing these two restrictions causes estimates of the Frisch elasticity to increase from 0.2 to between 2.9 and 3.1, indicating that these two restrictions can explain the gap between the microeconometric estimates and the calibration values. However, this paper demonstrates that these estimates of the macro Frisch elasticity are sensitive to the estimation procedure and also the exclusion of older individuals, implying that calibration values used for macroeconomic models should be selected carefully. (JEL E24, J22)
Corrigendum to Streicker et al. (2013) Differential sources of host species heterogeneity influence the transmission and control of multi‐host parasites
Authors: Streicker Daniel G. , Fenton Andy , Pedersen Amy B.
Published: September 2015

In a recent article, we described a conceptual and analytical model to identify the key host species for parasite transmission in multi‐host communities and used data from 11 gastro‐intestinal parasites infecting up to five small mammal host species as an illustrative example of how the framework could be applied. A limitation of these empirical data was uncertainty in the identification of parasite species using egg/oocyst morphology, which could overestimate parasite sharing between host species. Here, we show that the key results of the original analysis, namely that (1) parasites naturally infect multiple host species, but typically rely on a small subset of infected host species for long‐term maintenance, (2) that different mechanisms underlie how particular host species dominate transmission and (3) that these different mechanisms influence the predicted efficiency of disease control measures, are robust to analysis of a smaller subset of host–parasite combinations that we have greatest confidence in identifying. We further comment briefly on the need for accurate parasite identification, ideally using molecular techniques to quantify cross‐species transmission and differentiate covert host specificity from true host generalism.
Accuracy of arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion in detecting the epileptogenic zone in patients with drug‐resistant neocortical epilepsy: comparison with electrophysiological data, structural MRI, SISCOM and FDG‐PET
Authors: Sierra‐Marcos A. , Carreño M. , Setoain X. , López‐Rueda A. , Aparicio J. , Donaire A. , Bargalló N.
Published: September 2015

Background and purpose

Locating the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in patients with neocortical epilepsy presents major challenges. Our aim was to assess the accuracy of arterial spin labeling (ASL), an emerging non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion technique, to locate the EZ in patients with drug‐resistant neocortical epilepsy.

Methods

Twenty‐five consecutive patients with neocortical epilepsy referred to our epilepsy unit for pre‐surgical evaluation underwent a standardized assessment including video‐electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, structural MRI, subtraction ictal single‐photon emission computed tomography co‐registered to MRI (SISCOM) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) studies. An ASL sequence was included in the MRI studies. Areas of hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion on ASL were classified into 15 anatomic‐functional cortical regions; these regional cerebral blood flow maps were compared with the EZ determined by the other tests and the strength of concordance was assessed with the kappa coefficient.

Results

Of the 25 patients [16 (64%) women; mean age 32.4 (±13.8) years], 18 (72%) had lesions on structural MRI. ASL abnormalities were seen in 15 (60%) patients (nine hypoperfusion, six hyperperfusion). ASL had a very good concordance with FDG‐PET (k = 0.84), a good concordance with structural MRI (k = 0.76), a moderate concordance with video‐EEG monitoring (k = 0.53) and a fair concordance with SISCOM (k = 0.28).

Conclusion

Arterial spin labeling might help to confirm the location and extent of the EZ in the pre‐surgical workup of patients with drug‐resistant neocortical epilepsy.
Obtaining genetic testing in pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Ream Margie A. , Patel Anup D.
Published: September 2015

The steps from patient evaluation to genetic diagnosis remain complicated. We discuss some of the genetic testing methods available along with their general advantages and disadvantages. We briefly review common pediatric epilepsy syndromes with strong genetic association and provide a potentially useful algorithm for genetic testing in drug‐resistant epilepsy. We performed an extensive literature review of available information as it pertains to genetic testing and genetics in pediatric epilepsy. If a genetic disorder is suspected as the cause of epilepsy, based on drug resistance, family history, or clinical phenotype, timely diagnosis may reduce overall cost, limit the diagnostic odyssey that can bring much anxiety to families, improve prognostic accuracy, and lead to targeted therapy. Interpretation of complicated results should be performed only in collaboration with geneticists and genetic counselors, unless the ordering neurologist has a strong background in and understanding of genetics. Genetic testing can play an important role in the care provided to patients with epilepsy.
Surgical repair of a mandibular degloving injury in a 5‐month‐old colt
Authors: Prange T. , Partlow J. L. , Parks J.
Published: September 2015

A 5‐month‐old colt sustained a mandibular degloving injury and penetrating cheek wound after catching his cheek on a metal hook. Avulsion of the lower left lip and cheek exposed parts of the underlying labial surface, interalveolar margin and body of the mandible. The injury prevented the colt from closing his mouth completely and food accumulated between the degloved mandible and avulsed soft tissues. Surgical repair included 7 stented, transmandibular mattress sutures placed over the length of the interalveolar margin, closing the dead space and repositioning the avulsed soft tissues. The horse recovered without complications and functional as well as cosmetic outcome were excellent.
A perspective on the importance of oceanic fronts in promoting aggregation of visitors to seamounts
Authors: Morato Telmo , Miller Peter I , Dunn Daniel C , Nicol Simon J , Bowcott James , Halpin Patrick N
Published: September 2015

Recent evidence has demonstrated that not all seamounts are areas where productivity, biomass and biodiversity of marine life thrive. Therefore, understanding the drivers and mechanisms underlying seamount productivity is a major challenge in today's seamount research. Incorporating oceanographic data in future analyses has been suggested to be of paramount importance to unveil many of the seamount ecology paradigms. Persistent hydrographic features, such as oceanic fronts, have been recognized to enhance biological activity and to drive marine animal distributions and migration patterns. However, the importance of oceanic fronts in driving aggregations of visiting animals on seamounts has not been understood yet. Here, we analysed a data set of seamounts in the Pacific Ocean alongside satellite‐derived maps of strong, persistent and frequently occurring oceanographic features, to evaluate if oceanic fronts promote aggregation of visitors on seamounts. Our analyses suggest that seamounts with a higher front frequency were more likely to aggregate tuna catch than average seamounts. However, it appears that fronts may be driving factors for aggregation only if present above a certain threshold. These results highlight the importance of environmental conditions in general, and oceanic fronts in particular, in promoting seamount productivity. We therefore argue that a thorough examination of the oceanographic conditions promoting seamount productivity at various temporal and spatial scales is warranted in future seamount research agendas.
Drivers of density for the exploited giant clam Tridacna maxima: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Van Wynsberge Simon , Andréfouët Serge , Gaertner‐Mazouni Nabila , Wabnitz Colette C C , Gilbert Antoine , Remoissenet Georges , Payri Claude , Fauvelot Cécile
Published: September 2015

Giant clam populations have been over‐exploited throughout their range over the past decades for their meat and shells. Tridacna maxima, commonly known as the ‘small giant clam’, has remained relatively untargeted by fishers in areas where larger species occur (e.g. Tridacna squamosa), and high densities of the species are still observed on some isolated and enclosed reefs of the Central Pacific. However, it is unclear whether reported discrepancies in densities worldwide reflect differences in fishing pressure only or a combination of differences in exploitation levels and environmental forcing. We reviewed T. maxima surveys throughout its range to (i) identify patterns of density at global scale, site scale (e.g. island) and intrasite scale; (ii) discuss the influence of sampling method on density estimates; and (iii) identify the primary drivers of giant clam density along gradients of human pressure and natural forcing. We found 59 studies that reported density estimates for 172 sites across 26 countries in the Indo‐Pacific and Red Sea. At intrasite scale, densities were strongly dependent on sampling protocols and surveyed habitats. At site scale, we found close links between T. maxima density and human population per reef area, suggesting that isolated reefs where exploitation only recently started may be more vulnerable to stock collapse in the future. Density patterns were also found to vary significantly depending on reef type (e.g. atoll, island, continental coastline). We discuss how natural processes and fishing pressure may control population dynamics and densities among sites, and make recommendations for future research.
Trash, Charity, and Secondhand Stores: An Empirical Analysis of Clothing Disposition
Authors: Norum Pamela S.
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this research was to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and reasons for disposal using trash, charity, and (nonprofit) secondhand stores as clothing disposal methods. An online survey was used to collect data for the study in July 2012 from a panel of U.S. consumers (N = 423). Logistic regression equations were estimated. The results indicated that respondents who were aged 55 and over, were employed, and had higher income levels were more likely to donate to charity. Use of trash as a disposal method was associated with consumers aged 55 and over, as was the dislike of, and need to replace, a garment. Consumers aged 18 to 34 were more likely to donate to secondhand stores than consumers aged 55 and over. The desire to donate was positively associated with giving to both charity and secondhand stores. The results have implications for consumer education and secondhand clothing markets as well as the impact on landfills.
Financial Literacy: The Relationship to Saving Behavior in Low‐ to Moderate‐income Households
Authors: Henager Robin , Mauldin Teresa
Published: September 2015

This study was designed to explore financial literacy in low‐ to moderate‐income households with regard to saving behavior. The study examined the low‐ to moderate‐income household's decision to save regularly and their responses to three questions related to financial literacy and a self‐reported perception of financial knowledge. Perceived financial knowledge and planning (usually or most of the time) were good indicators of the decision to save regularly.